The Pride of the Peacock

The ever-talented Victoria Holt takes what could have been a tired plot device - marriage of convenience with secret desire turning to real love - and gives it new life with hidden family secrets, the search for a fabulous lost - and cursed - priceless opal, and the adventure of the rugged Australian Outback. Jessica Clavering grows up in her staid, rigid, loveless English family but longs for a life of adventure. She finds it in an arranged marriage with the son of her secret friend and they had off to unimaginable adventure...what more could a reader ask for? This is my favorite Holt novel, and I also recommend "Mistress of Mellyn."

Jessica only realizes how little she knows her "family" when she starts a relationship with the forbidden elderly gentleman that reportedly "stole" her family's estate. They become friends, and he puts her in his will. There is one condition: she must marry his son, Joss. She and Joss agree, but they decide to keep it "in name only". Her now father-in-law dies, and Jessica and Joss travel to their joint estate and opal mine in Australia. Here, Jessica becomes fonder of Joss and wonders if the "in name only" part of their marriage will last. There is only one problem: someone is trying to kill Jessica! Will they succeed?Not only is this book entertaining to read, but it is also educational. I learned a lot about opals, and I am planning on adding some to my jewelry collection!

This is a great book. It's fascinating, and I couldn't put it down. The story takes place in late 19th century England and Australia. The twist at the end is surprising and reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style. This is a book meant to be read on one of those nasty gray wet days with a cup of hot tea. It keeps you guessing right up to the end, and is definitely a classic.

i loved this book. i have read it over and over again---along with every novel ever written by victoria holt! there is something about victoria holt's style of writing that totally captivates you and you cannot put the book down. you cannot help falling in love with the leading man and really feel as if you're the leading lady. just when you think you know who did what, the story takes another twist and the ending is always not what you think it will be