Not Your Average Beauty

Michelle Helliwell

Jun 2015 · Enchanted Tales Book 1 · Michelle Helliwell

About this ebook

A Beauty and the Beast inspired historical romance...

Stephen Pembroke, the Marquess of Barronsfield, believes that where his love of beauty goes, death follows. Cursed to loveless existence, and with his legacy at stake, Stephen makes a desperate proposal of marriage to Rosalind Schofield, his steward’s new ward - and the plainest girl he has ever met. Rosalind has spent a lifetime being overlooked for prettier faces, when she is singled out for her lack of beauty by the Marquess, she begins to doubt if she is deserving of the love she inwardly craves.

 

When unusual things start happening around her, Rosalind can’t help but wonder if Lord Barronsfield or his curse are who and what they appear to be. When she openly challenges Stephen about the curse, he begins to doubt everything – and comes to realize that this apparently plain, ordinary woman is not as unremarkable as he believed. Strange things are happening in Barronsfield. As they move closer to the truth, Rosalind unwittingly finds herself in the sights of the real beast in Barronsfield, and Stephen must decide if his growing love for Rosalind will be his salvation or her doom. 

Ratings and reviews

I was captivated by this book at the beginning, it was well written and seemed so full of promise, due to the unusual storyline and strong female lead. Sadly, it deteriorated about two thirds of the way through - the contrivances used to drive the plot, became more and more unconvincing as they went along, including the self doubts of both main characters, which were tediously repeated in order to prevent them from finally coming together. The writing became lazy and the story went on too long.

WOW! Literally couldn't put this one down! A few minor grammatical errors an editor should have caught. Not enough to pull you out of the story though, the author is just too good at her craft for that. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel, an excellent retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but at times I was reminded of other classics, like Jane Eyre. Overall though this was so well written it stands on it's own. I enjoyed reading the development of the central characters. The author's depiction of the characters, the environment, the events taking place are so well done I was feeling emotions alongside the protagonists, even Edmond at times too. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical romance, fairy tales and even contemporary romance. Rosalind's character is easy to relate to for modern readers as she is an unusual woman for the time period she lives in, but has enough modesty and manners to fit in polite society. Excellent book enjoyed every moment

I am currently on the middle part and taking a quick break to write this. So far, i like the plot and the speed. I think I know who the main villain is. I will not spoil it for anyone though so don't worry.

About the author

I am a firm believer that magic is everywhere if you care to look, and that a ripped bodice never goes out of fashion.

The swish of heavy skirts, guys in linen shirts, and moody weather is my happy place. Throw in a pinch of fairy tale inspiration, and you’ve got the mix for my fairy tale inspired historical romances.

I live, work and enjoy life with my husband and two sons in Nova Scotia, Canada where moody weather and bagpipes are plentiful, but alas, guys in puffy shirts are too few.