The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor: An Anthology

Well, I didn't want to like the family in theses tories because I like my Regency ladies prim and proper, but I couldn't help it. I was won over and can't wait to read more about the Fitzmannings.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Diamonds truly are a girl's best friend, especially when said diamonds are specially made for her wedding day! In The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor, we have stories about three sisters who are as different as night and day, and the legacies bequeathed to them by their mother in the form of three one-of-a-kind diamond necklaces, to be worn on their wedding days. Justine, eldest daughter of the Duke of Manning, is the rock that holds her family together and keeps her younger siblings in line, relatively speaking anyhow. However, her world is upended the day Gerald Brenner shows up at their door with the devastating news that the Duke and Duchess died on their wedding trip to Italy. Now trying to get affairs in order after the death, Brenner and Justine find they are unable to resist each other's allure. But can there ever be marriage between Justine and the Noble Viscount? Brenner is put in a very awkward position when he is expected to settle the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Manning, and break the news to their family of their deaths. Things are made even more uncomfortable for him when he meets Justine, his stepsister. She is the practical one in the family, which makes her the ideal candidate to help Brenner with his duties. These two are thrown together so much that is was a guarantee tender emotions would develop between them. They have their own struggles to overcome though, not the least of which that technically, they are related, if not by blood. This causes them to fight the relationship brewing as long as possible. I loved seeing them get past their differences and preconceived notions to find happiness and love together. Ned Milford is the infamous caricaturist for the broadsheets who has found fame through his cartoons cutting down the beau monde, most especially the "Fitzmanning Miscellany." Now he has developed a friendship with the new Duke and his brothers in the hopes of finding enough gossip to cement his position in the papers through one of the exclusive house parties of this scandalous family. However, upon arrival, he finds himself quite distracted by Annalise, one of the Fitzmanning sisters. Now Annalise and the Scandalous Rake find romance brewing. All three stories in this collection were very good but I'd probably have to say this one was my favorite were I told to choose one. Annabelle is the artist of the family and has always felt a little bit outside of the circle of her family, never quite fitting in. When she meets Ned, she finds in him a kindred soul. Deceit gets in the way, but seeing how Annabelle and Ned overcome the obstacles to their happiness makes for a wonderful story. Charlotte has been attracted to Lord Andrew "Drew" Bassington for a few years. Yet she fears she is following in the footsteps of her mother by putting her physical desires first in her life, as no proper young woman would do. Now, Drew is back for another visit and is not the same man she once k

I loved the anthology. The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor was a perfect escape from everyday life. I look forward to more from these talented authors.

Just finished Diane Gaston's wonderful novelette, called Justine and the Noble Viscount. It's the first story in "The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor." Justine and Lord Brenner, the heroine and hero, are as close to flesh-and-blood human beings as you'll ever find in print, and the romance simmers and builds to a fantastic conclusion, with enough twists and turns in the way to keep us guessing. Gaston's background in social psychiatry shines through, not in a clinical or sterile way, but in the warmth, richness, and REALNESS of her characters. I can relate to them so well, because they are so very much like real people. I've read enough crummy romances (sadly) to know that a 1- or 2-dimensional character just won't cut it. Ironically, it is the reality of Gaston's characters which helps pull you into their world, and away from our own. Masterful writing. Brava! Now on to the other 2 stories in the book!!

The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor is an anthology set around the notorious Fitzmanning Miscellany - the various children of the current Duke and Duchess of Manning. To society they are a scandalous brood - his legitimate children with his previous wife, his illegitimate daughter with an unknown mistress, and their illegitimate children together - born before they were both free to wed. Add her legitimate son with her first husband and you have the stuff of a society gossip's dreams. The reality is far more heart-warming, quarrelsome, loving and fun! With cheeky servants, a gorgeous home, squabbling siblings, entertaining guests and two dogs that steal the show and anything else that isn't nailed down it's a wonderful read for a Sunday afternoon. The heart of this anthology is the Fitzmanning family. They are rowdy, independent and they adore each other. Not the done thing in 1818 English society. I loved every minute I spent with them. While each novella is a separate love story, the thread that runs through each of them is the genuine affection these young people have for each other. A close knit family, when they have every reason not to be, they give the reader someone to root for at every turn, someone to conspire with, to laugh with, to cry with and to fall in love with. In Justine and the Noble Viscount, the ever sensible Justine teaches the British lord with the stiffest upper lip I've ever seen how to smile and how to love and that love and understanding - not to mention patience! - is what makes a family. In Annalise and the Scandalous Rake, the artistic Annalise learns to accept the woman she really is, she must be that woman outside of the four walls of her studio. In the process she and Ned, her scandalous rake, learn that love is about acceptance, the very thing this family is built on. In Charlotte and the Wicked Lord, Charlotte (owner of two of the most scene-stealing pugs that will ever melt your heart and make you laugh until you cry!) learns that love is a gift given freely with no thought as to the consequences. Only a fool would turn it down, especially when it is delivered by the man of her dreams who has always longed to be a part of a real family like the Fitzmannings. This anthology was a sheer delight to read and very much in the tradition of the Bridgertons and the Cynsters. I fell in love with the Fitzmannings and I know the reader looking for a heart-warming escape into a chaotic brood with a talent for trouble will love it too. I hope the authors intend to keep us posted on the scandalous, riotous doings at Welbourne Manor. I had such a good time, I can't wait to visit again!