Release Date: July 1st 2012
Author: Abby Grahame
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
More Info: Goodreads
Cover:Summary from Goodreads:It’s 1912 and the Darlingtons of Wentworth Hall have more than just their extensive grounds to maintain. They need to keep up appearances that things are as they have always been for one of England’s most elite families... even as whispers of secret romances and bitter betrayals threaten their façade of perfection.
Maggie Darlington has a secret. And she’s not the only one: The handsome groom, Michael, the beautiful new French nanny, Therese, even Maggie’s youngest sister, Lila, are all hiding something. And when scandalous satires start appearing in the newspaper with details that closely mirror the lives of the Darlingtons, they are soon looking over their shoulders, worrying about whose scandal will be next - because at Wentworth Hall, nothing stays secret forever.
Really reflects the book! I'm pretty sure the girls on the cover represent Maggie, Therese and Lila while the guy might be Michael! Either way, I like the historical feeling of the cover!
Story:
Meet scandal, your new best friend...
What's life without any scandals? Especially when you're the Darlingtons? Well, let me introduce you to the Darlingtons. We have Maggie, the oldest daughter and Lila, the younger sister. Might I remind you that I'm not writing a satire. We also have James, a newborn baby who Maggie seems highly attached to. Oh, and not to forget Therese, a French nanny, Michael, a handsome groom and scandals! Welcome to the life of the Darlingtons.
When I read about Wentworth Hall for the first time, I really wanted to read it. It's pitched as Downton Abbey meets Gossip Girl so I was intrigued. I love Gossip Girl although I haven't watched Downton Abbey. I do agree that there are some aspects of Gossip Girl in the book, particularly since it revolves around 'rich' people and scandals surrounding their lives. But, the scandal itself is not very shocking or surprising. The scandals are exposed when an anonymous author starts writing satires of the Darlingtons by using different names, calling them the 'Worthless'. Since the author must be living with the Darlingtons, I knew who it was immediately. The scandal itself wasn't very new. It's quite obvious and common. However, I do like reading the satires inserted in the book. It's quite funny actually, since the characters' names are hilarious! I did enjoy the book overall and Abby's writing.
Characters:
The Darlingtons are quite interesting to read about although I ended up becoming more interested in Michael and Therese, the groom and the nanny rather than Maggie and Lila themselves. After Maggie's return from France, she changed. But of course, there is a reason behind the change and when I discovered it, I felt sad for Maggie. Meanwhile, Lila's behaviour is quite typical for a younger sister. She feels overshadowed by Maggie, her beauty and how many suitors tend to fall head over heels for her. However, towards the end of the book, Lila did something brilliant and I must applaud her for doing that and fixing her relationship with Maggie. Lord Darlington is an annoying man who is in a hurry to marry her daughter with a rich lord to save the Darlington's wealth and fortune. But overall, the characters are actually enjoyable to read about since they have different stories and characteristics!
Overall:
So, you like your new best friend; scandal? Wentworth Hall is an enjoyable historical fiction revolving the lives of the Darlingtons. Discover Maggie, Lila, Michael and Therese's secrets while enjoying a great setting, topped with satires of the 'Worthless'! If you enjoy Gossip Girl, definitely give this book a try since it's quite similar to the show but set in the 1910s!
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| 3 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Wentworth Hall! |
Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia for the review copy!
