It’s obvious from the word go, or rather the word “Ah,” which is the first word in this story, that the author is in her element writing about the Regency period. Her enthusiasm for and knowledge of it shine in every word. Natalie Kleinman uses language, manners and situations to the time and creates a convincing atmosphere.
She has created for us a gentle, civilised setting in Glendale, but like with our heroine Phoebe Marcham, there are some hidden punches. In the novel this comes with the paranormal mystery that lurks at the centre of the story, and alongside it is a very real one – how to reunite the two sides of the divided family, torn apart by the Civil War.
Phoebe is the perfect heroine. She’s interesting, not perfect i.e. she’s a bit rebellious and subject to the odd grump now and again. Tall and lively, no wonder Duncan Armstrong is soon wowed by her. Our hero is an intriguing man too. No empty stereotypes in this story.
What I particularly like is how the author depicts the genteel side of life, since Phoebe is from a moderately wealthy family, but also the harsher side. For example, when Aunt Sophia breaks her ankle, much as we don’t want to feel sorry for this bossy, unsympathetic woman, it’s quite tough to realise is that all she can do is wait for it to heal on its own without effective painkillers. Times were hard then and this peeps through now and again and adds to the realism.
Throughout this engaging and charming novel, there’s wonderful attention to detail that makes the background really sparkle. Add in our cast of interesting characters, dead and alive, and it’s a recipe for total enjoyment.
Synopsis: The Ghost of Glendale
At twenty-four years old, Phoebe Marcham is resigned to spinsterhood, unwilling to settle for anything less than the deep love her parents had shared. That is, until adventurer Duncan Armstrong rides into her home wood, larger than life and with laughter in his eyes and more charm in his little finger than anyone she’s ever met before. Far from ridiculing her family ghost, Duncan resolves to help solve the mystery which has left Simon Marcham a spirit in torment for two hundred years.
Purchase from Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/2DKo8yB
Author Bio – Natalie is a published novelist and short story writer whose addiction to the books of Georgette Heyer and love of The Regency have been the inspiration for her latest book, The Ghost of Glendale.
Working on the premise that you never stop learning, she goes to any and every writing event and workshop she can. In addition she attends The Write Place Creative Writing School in Hextable in Kent, one of the rewards for which is an abundant supply of cream cakes to celebrate the frequent successes of its students.
Natalie is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, The Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. She lives with her husband in southeast London.
Social Media Links –
Blog: https://nataliekleinman.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieKleinmanAuthor/
Twitter: @NatKleinman
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I’m really glad you enjoyed the book, Stephanie, and so grateful for such a wonderful review. Thank you
Natalie
You’re welcome. I spent a very happy couple of hours travelling back in time with your companionable heroine.
What a great review. Anyone reading this would want to buy it at once.
It’s a very enjoyable book.