Monday, July 14, 2014

Review: Trapped At The Altar by Jane Feather

18144170Title: Trapped At The Altar
Author: Jane Feather
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication Date: 22nd July 2014
Pages: 400
Book Source: Pocket Books & NetGalley 

Synopsis: Jane Feather introduces a sizzling new series that moves from the remote wilds of southwest England to the turbulent royal court, when a lovely young woman is forced into marriage in order to unite two families—and discovers a most unexpected passion. . .

Ariadne Carfax has vowed to be with the man she loves, Gabriel Fawcett. There’s just one obstacle. On his deathbed, Ari’s grandfather decrees that she marry her childhood friend Ivor Chalfont, thus forging a powerful alliance between the two warring families. Giving Ari no time to protest, the elders plan her wedding the next day, forcing her to follow through on the nuptials. Though she is fond of Ivor, Ari has no intention of consummating their marriage—until he kindles an intoxicating desire that she can’t ignore. Ivor has loved Ari for years, but he doesn’t want an unwilling wife. He wants Ari to ache with the same irresistible longing he feels. And if that’s the way to woo her into his bed and into their new life, he won’t rest until his new bride surrenders to true love.

Karen's Thoughts:
It seems the majority of my reading these days is contemporary romance or the YA/NA genres but historical romance is still my first love and I’m always on the lookout for new historical romance releases.

I’ve previously read only one novel by this author, but Jane Feather has been an author on my wish-list for a while now. When the opportunity came up to review this one for The Eclectic Reader I jumped at the chance.

I admit to a feeling of uncertainty when I read the synopsis, I’m not a fan of love triangles and I was concerned that Ari would spend her marriage pining for another. Without giving away spoilers I was pleased with the way the plot developed.

I found myself engrossed in the story and really enjoying the characters and the pace. I wouldn't say I'm well versed in terms or dialogue for a particular time period but I have a general idea. The characters and the setting had an authentic feel ... however the heroine did use the term ‘pregnant’ during the course of the novel and I wouldn't have thought this was a term used in 17th century England.

I was happily enjoying the setting, the characters and their story only to be surprised when the book came to an abrupt ending. I felt like I was left hanging. It was almost like the author realized she had reached her word count and had to type ‘the end’. I was craving at least an Epilogue.  Thankfully this book is being promoted as the start of a new series, so I hope that Ivor and Ari’s story will continue?

Jane Feather is certainly an author I will keep on my ‘to-read’ pile.

Guest review by Karen




15 comments:

  1. I didn't think I was into love triangles until the Twilight series ... sooooooooo :)

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    1. lol...I know what you mean Julie!
      I always struggle in a love triangle when you are reading along and the leading lady is in a relationship and you just know he isn't the one she's going to get her HEA with...I hate to think of the number of great reads I've passed by because of this.

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  2. I have one by her on my shelf, I should read it

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    1. Even though I've only give this one 3.5 stars Blodeuedd I would still recommend giving Jane Feather a read. Can't wait to hear what you think.

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  3. Karen, enjoyed your review, you give a great idea of what the book is like. Yeah I doubt they used the word pregnant in that time - probably didn't even mention 'the condition'!

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    1. Thank you Kathryn T, pleased you liked my review.

      Yes, I was thinking 'confinement' or 'with child' might be more appropriate. I am thinking I'd like to broaden my historical terminology skills!

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  4. I seem to recall seeing the term "increasing" for pregnant in HR novels. I haven't read this author before but I'll look for the book - always nice to get in with the first in a series.

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    1. I agree Mary, I've come across 'increasing' before too. Funny how something sticks out as odd when you are reading and I always intend to do a little research to see if I am right or not. I hope you get the opportunity to read one of Jane's novels, I would recommend her as an author even though I've only given this book 3.5 stars. I am personally looking forward to further books in this series.

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  5. nice review Karen! Glad the potential 'love triangle' was handled well but I find it annoying when modern terms are used in historical fiction.

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    1. Thanks for having me again Teddyree....I certainly enjoyed being back in an historical setting. I'm no expert but some terminology just really stands out as being no quite right.

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    2. hmmm I meant to say 'not quite right' but maybe I just took on a little Scottish burr saying 'no quite right' lol. Must be all the Outlander buzz getting to me!

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  6. Love that cover! Yeah, I've always been fond of historical romance as well :) Not sure about the word pregnant either, I've always heard "with child" during that time. Glad you liked this one!

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    1. The cover really caught my eye too Alisa! Hope you get a chance to read this one some time.

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  7. I am almost finished with this one and I must say I am not really liking it all that well. It's okay but just not what I am use to when I read historical romances. Not a huge fan of love triangles either, though I don't really consider this like those other types of love triangles. First time reading this author and would give her another try.

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  8. I don't mind love triangles. I read one by this author years ago and thought it was okay, but she never moved to my must read list. Maybe I'll have to give her another chance.

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