Review | Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson [Blog Tour]

Despite her meddlesome mother’s plans for her, Kate Worthington has made the decision that she will never marry. Instead, she plans to travel to India with a beloved aunt. But Kate’s mother is persistent and has forbidden Kate from being able to go on her adventure to India, unless… Kate makes a risky bargain with her: Kate must secure—and reject—three marriage proposals before she’ll be allowed to go to India.

Kate journeys to Blackmoore, a stately manor that she has dreamed about visiting her whole life. She is determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. Things become quite complicated though when Kate is forced to face a truth her heart has been hiding for a long time.

Blackmoore is Julianne Donaldson’s second book. Her first, Edenbrooke, was a fun read that made Goodread’s 2012 top ten list for best romance novels. I enjoyed Edenbrooke very much, but hands down, Donaldson has developed as a writer since her first novel. The characters in Blackmoore have more depth and there was a maturity to them that made them more likable. I couldn’t put Blackmoore down and read it in a couple of sittings.

My only critique is that I wished it had been a bit longer. The resolution happens rather quickly and the epilogue jumps forward a number of years, leaving some big gaps for readers to fill in on their own.

I had the opportunity to attend a reception for Blackmoore‘s release; the line of anxious women waiting to meet Donaldson and get their books signed, stretched around the corner. Many attendees (including Donaldson) were spiffed up in 19th century attire. If you go to Donaldson’s blog, she has a music playlist for Blackmoore and as you scroll through older posts you’ll find links to pictures that inspired her when writing the book.

I can’t wait to see what Donaldson comes up with next. I am always looking for a captivating, clean romance and Donaldson is establishing herself as an author who can produce just that.

Overall Rating: 1/2

Parent’s guide:

• Sex: some kissing
• Violence: none
• Language: none

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