Adult Review: Cavendon Hall

The Inghams call Cavendon Hall home as do the Swann family who serve them. The Swann family motto, Loyalty Binds Me, makes the Swanns protect the family in any way possible. They're not about to start breaking that oath now.

As World War One nears, life changes for the family. First comes the startling news of what happened to Lady Daphne in the woods. She hesitates to tell her family the truth, but realizes it's not a secret to be ignored.  Gossip becomes reality as the country declares war on other European nations. The house much change to keep up wit the times, but will change mean the loss of traditions?

My Thoughts: Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, this book sweeps through the years leading up to the war and the aftermath of the war, centering around two families. Both the upstairs and the downstairs family deal so much during the season and throughout the war.  I confess, my heart belongs to the Swann family, although I like the Inghams too, especially the daughters. The youngest daughter is my favorite - she's so cheeky. I loved Cecily and her fashion design. I wouldn't mind a book about her and her shop. A great novel about a large estate with family drama, secrets, betrayals, jealously, love, and coming of age.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: Sent for Review

Nonfiction Review: Upstairs and Downstairs

I've been trying to read more nonfiction and at the beginning of the Downton Abbey season, I checked this book out of the library. I confess that I stopped watching Downton after what happened to Anna. But the time period is still fascinating. 

My Thoughts: This book describes life as a servant or a resident in one of these great houses beautifully. The pictures were fantastic and numerous making the book that much more enjoyable. I liked how the book took place throughout the entire day starting with the lowest maid before dawn and ending with the same maid at night.  A brilliant overview of the manor houses and the people who live there.

Cover Thoughts: Great - love the bells
Source: My library

Review: Manor of Secrets

Lady Charlotte knows she's destined for marriage, but she longs to marry for love and not duty. Her mother's trying to match her with a Lord, but he seems as dull as dish soap.

Lady Charlotte longs for adventure. During a garden party, she and a friend discover a servant girl sneaking towards the lake. They follow her and are shocked to discover her wading. After Janie leaves, Charlotte decides to follow her example. She wants to be brave and to feel freedom.

This desire for adventure leads her to seek out the kitchen maid and strike up a friendship with her. As they begin to share confidences, trouble starts brewing. Can a friendship between upstairs and downstairs really last? 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in the Downton Abbey era. I felt bad for both girls - each stuck in their respective rolls and each wanting something more from life. I like how they came together and made each other stronger and different. Scandal, intrigue, betrayals, judgmental friends, family secrets, and romantic plots kept me turning the pages fast to find out what happened next. 

Cover Thoughts: I really like it, although I wish Janie was in the background
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Rutherford Park

Rutherford Park is home to the Cavendish family - but it's about to be ruined.

Lady Octavia feels trapped in her house - even more so when she spies her husband kissing another woman.

A servant girl has a secret growing inside her and hopes for a better future - if not for herself then for her baby.

Harry lives the life of an heir - wandering, gambling, and pursing women.

On the eve of war, secrets come to light that could change everything.

My Thoughts: Stated as perfect for Downton Abbey fans, I found this book a little hard to get into. I had a hard time respecting the characters and caring about them, but in the end I needed to know how everything turned out. I do wish there had been more from the downstairs perspective. Overall, a good book for those looking for a historical read filled with family secrets and and drama.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for review