Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #172380 in Books
• Published on: 1996-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 448 pages

Synopsis
Accepting a governess position in San Francisco after her father's death, Rosalind Hawkins is disturbed when her only contact with her new employer is through a speaking tube, but finds joy in her assignment--to read wonderful literature to him.

Customer Reviews

Entertaining
I found this book an enjoyable escape. It didn't make you think, but then it wasn't supposed to. I found Rosalind an strong character with whom I could relate. She wasn't stunningly attractive (and how many of us mere mortals are), but she was intelligent, creative and caring. She learns Jason Camerons terrible secret and still stands by him. A strong thread from Beauty and the Beast runs throughout this story, but then again it was always one of my favourite fairy tales.

extremely readable, though predictable
Misty's descriptions and details of life in the 1900s, as well as her vivid portrayal of the protagonists, are extremely detailed and makes this book an enjoyable read. This is a typical "beauty and the beast" type of book, mixed with Gothic romance and a touch of fantasy. Rosalind Hawkins charms us with her incredible strength of character and spunk - a sterotypical Misty female protagonist. However, the villians, Du Mond and Beltaire, are a bit too blantantly portrayed. I would prefer a bit more subtlety, and maybe endow them with a few redeeming qualities so they would not be just some other "cardboard" villians. The ideas of magicks, the salamanders and the elements were rather innovative and original. This book, despite its smooth plot and well-defined characters, does not make you think, and thus is rather shallow. It's readability, the moving tribute it is to the qualities of love, and the characters whom you can sympathize with, though, make it well worth your read.

I LOVE IT!
This is my all time favourite book. ive read it about 3 or 4 times (and im gonna again). i like it cause its not that far fetched but its not totally down to earth either....its kind of a balance between the two.....i really have no complaints about this book..but good scenes..very good description..characters had flaws which is VERY good...overall VERY good book.