Current giveaway: “Flight of the Goose” by Lesley Thomas
Title: Mistress of Mellyn
Author: Victoria Holt
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0312384159
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Date of Publication: December 23, 2008
4 stars: There’s a reason for all those good reviews!
Though many other reviewers mention this, I really do agree with the fact that this book is a cross between Rebecca and Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics). In any case, it is hard to think of a story where a governess works for a widower without thinking of “Jane Eyre”, and that is exactly what happens in this story. And it is hard to think of a story with the ghostly presence of the former wife, without thinking of “Rebecca”. But if you like both of those, like me, you’ll like this too!
Though this story echoed of both of those older books, I still found myself drawn into the story, and enjoying it. The main character, Marty aka Martha aka Miss Leigh, was interesting enough and had a bit more of a spine than Bronte’s Jane Eyre. I thought the twist about the little girl explained events very well, though I felt that the girl warmed to Marty a little quickly.
If I had any criticism about this book, it would be that the romance also developed a little quickly. I felt like it came out of nowhere, or just that there weren’t enough clues pointing to the fact that it was developing. Overall though, I really do recommend this book, and I am not surprised at all the glowing reviews it has received.
Also, many might not know, but Victoria Holt is also known under quite a few different names. The most popular- or at least the one I’d heard of- is Jean Plaidy! She was a busy, busy lady.
(Currently at ‘bargain price’ at Amazon for $6.00
Missed my last post? It was: BOOKS IN YOUR CAR
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