For anyone looking for a truly refreshing romance, this beautifully written story is just that and more! Before the Season Ends is about 19 year old Ariana and her quest to find the husband that she is certain God has chosen for her. The problem is that young Ariana believes Gods choice for her is Mr. Hathaway, the sixty year old town rector. The story is unique because this historical romance takes place in 1813 at Regency England. To my surprise, this enhanced the whole story and made it even more enjoyable! I found everything about this book to be entertaining and enjoyable, but also educational. Linore Rose Burkard obviously did her research on the Regency England, because she describes the time period in great detail throughout the story, and it is very interesting! I also learned many new words that were spoken by those of that time period, but again, it was fun and easy to grasp the meaning in the context of the story. When Ariana hesitates to return the advances of the rich and dashing Mr. Phillip Mornay, Aunt Bentley tells Ariana, You must be mad to cavil at such a match! What fustian! I loved the characters created by Burkard. Each main character has such a vibrant personality with a real passion for what each believes in. What makes it all so exciting is that each character is so unique and in such contrast to the others. Ariana is described as vibrant, smart, spunky, a friend to the poor, and she knows and obeys God with a passion. She has been brought up to behave with proper manners and etiquette. She has tan eyes that mesmerize because when she looks at you, they sparkle like gold. In contrast, Mr. Mornay is a rogue of the first order with eyes that blaze with reproof, and his eyes rarely make contact with any of the available, young debutantes. He is said to be feared by many because of his standoffish ways. He has an acid-tongue, ignores those he is bored with, refuses invitations for no reason, and he cannot be depended upon to show up when he says he will. Most importantly, he does not know the Lord. Still, Mornay is an object of admiration and affection and has a winsome charm and thoughtfulness that make all else forgivable. Burkhard was quite successful at giving the reader such a real and complete mental picture of the time period. Burkard described the beautiful and ornate clothing worn by the female fashionables, the sparkling jewelry, fancy hairdos, exquisite homes, unique items of mens clothing, and their modes of transportation (carriage, gondola). Their manners of speaking were usually polite and proper, and everyone was treated with respect, something so often missing these days unfortunately. So complete and inviting were the descriptions that I could just see the story as it unfolded, and I could imagine being right there in England with Ariana. Burkard had a Christian message to share with us in this well-written romance, but it was not overly done or at all preachy. The story was a reminder to us that God is in control of everything, and He has a plan for all of us. But, we need to listen carefully to what He tells us, and obey. Do not worry! Everything will work out if we just trust in Him! This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. It is fast-paced and exciting from cover to cover. Before the Season Ends is one of the best stories I have read, and in my opinion, Linore Rose Burkard is an excellent and intelligent writer. I will definitely be looking forward to more work by this talented lady. She tells us a sequel is almost ready for us to read, and Linore is promising a series of five books in this Regency Inspirational Romance. I cannot wait! "Before the Season Ends A Regency Inspirational Romance"
By Linore Rose Burkard
Xulon Press (2005)
Reviewed By Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (1/06) |
