November/December 2010: Mariana by Susanna Kearsley

boswellbaxter · Post by **boswellbaxter** » Mon November 1st, 2010, 2:42 am

Discuss Mariana by Susanna Kearsley here.

CindyInOz · Post by **CindyInOz** » Mon November 1st, 2010, 4:48 am

I absolutely loved Mariana. I adore Susanna Kearsley's easy, flowing style, it makes for such an enjoyable read.

I enjoyed reading Mariana's story a little more than I did Julia's, but on the whole, I find this a difficult book to fault. Some may find the beginning a little slow, but Susanna more than makes up for that as the story progresses.

I have to admit, I did shed a tear or two at the end - a bittersweet but perfect ending.

Madeleine · Post by **Madeleine** » Mon November 1st, 2010, 12:28 pm

Finding this a nice easy read. I also like Mariana's story better than Julia's, but then I usually prefer the historical story in dual time-frames anyway.

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Thu November 11th, 2010, 9:34 pm

I've just finished this and thought it was a lovely story. I enjoyed both stories equally. It has some quite moving moments and the ending is somewhat poignant. I did wonder if Iain was going to turn out to be Richard rather than Geoff, so I guessed this bit. I love tales that have a house as a sort of character!

I got a little confused when Aunt Freda said that Julia had got her memories mixed up when she went to visit Navarre in the stables. I couldn't quite work that bit out.

That's two books I've read by Susanna Kearsley now, the other being The Winter Sea/Sophia's Secret, and I thoroughly enjoyed both of them.

CindyInOz · Post by **CindyInOz** » Fri November 12th, 2010, 12:53 am

[quote=""Vanessa""]I've just finished this and thought it was a lovely story. I enjoyed both stories equally. It has some quite moving moments and the ending is somewhat poignant. I did wonder if Iain was going to turn out to be Richard rather than Geoff, so I guessed this bit. I love tales that have a house as a sort of character![/quote]

I never guessed that Iain was Richard whilst reading the book but I did often wonder why there wasn't more 'spark' between Julia and Geoff. After finishing the book, I thought it was quite obvious that it was Iain all along... Loved, loved, loved this book

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Fri November 12th, 2010, 8:36 am

The story of reincarnation reminded me a little of Barbara Erskine's books. And it also reminded me slightly of a book called Ferney by James Long, which has a reincarnation theme and there is a twist at the end. So these books prompted me to rethink.

Madeleine · Post by **Madeleine** » Fri November 12th, 2010, 12:20 pm

I didn't guess about Iain either! Although looking back, I suppose that Geoff was a bit too obvious. I certainly didn't see the bit about Vivienne and Tom coming either!

Yes it did remind me of Barbara Erskine's books all the way along, with a lighter touch, and now that Vanessa mentions it, it is a little similar to "Ferney" too.

I enjoyed it and found it a nice, light read. I have her other books and look forward to reading them.

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Fri November 12th, 2010, 1:45 pm

I can recommend The Winter Sea/Sophia's Secret, Madeleine, if you haven't read it yet. Good book.

Madeleine · Post by **Madeleine** » Fri November 12th, 2010, 5:41 pm

[quote=""Vanessa""]I can recommend The Winter Sea/Sophia's Secret, Madeleine, if you haven't read it yet. Good book.[/quote]

Thanks Vanessa

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Wed December 22nd, 2010, 6:28 pm

Welcome, Grace. I hope you enjoy it here.