The Season

One of the few books I have not been able to finish. Barely recognizable as Ms Maclean's work. The characters are rather shallow and one dimensional and the narrative very stilted, almost juvenile. Perhaps this is an early work - if so she is to be congratulated on her development as a writer.

The Season was one of those rare books that grabs you from the beginning and only gets better. The characters are strong and lovable. I found myself laughing out loud at the quick wit of the heroines Alex, Vivi, and Ella. The mystery kept me guessing and second guessing myself. The romance left me eagerly awaiting the next time that Alex and Gavin would meet up. This book was exceptional, and I can't wait until Sarah MacLean writes more.

As a fan of Jane Austen, mysteries, and strong female characters, this book was the perfect thing for me to read curled up on a snowy day with a cup of tea. All too often I find romances in novels don't move me as I would wish, but I was completely enthralled by the complicated and conflicted relationships in The Season. It was also a very fun read-- I particularly enjoyed the scenes of Alex and her two best friends Vivi and Emma discussing all manner of subjects. I am very much looking forward to visiting with them again!

Sarah MacLean's THE SEASON has everything a reader could want--a strong, smart heroine who sticks to her guns and saves the day, a romance that will make even the most skeptical heart giddy, a suspenseful mystery that will keep you turning pages right to the end, and a vividly realized historical setting. The writing is a delight, full of humor and tension. I had so much fun with Alex and her friends, and I eagerly look forward to to rejoining them in the sequel (because there had better be one!). Highly recommended to all fans of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and fine stories in general!

Unlike most young ladies from titled families in Regency England, seventeen-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford, daughter of the Duke of Worthington, is not looking forward to her debut in London Society. Neither are Alex's two friends, Ella and Vivi. Alex dreads the thought of marriage, as she is an independent thinker and feels most men just want a pretty wife with no thoughts of her own. Gavin Sewell, their neighbor, is a close friend of Alex's three older brothers and Alex's childhood protector. Gavin's father, the Earl of Blackmoor, recently died under mysterious circumstances, and now Gavin has inherited his title. Gavin has many doubts that his father's death was truly an accident, especially after his home is robbed. Alex has her suspicions too, and wants to help Gavin. But in the process, despite her opposition to marriage, Alex finds herself losing her heart and falling for Gavin, but she is unsure what his feelings for her are. Even though I am a few years older then the target audience, I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of the historical romances I enjoyed as a teenager, such as the Sunfire and Avon True Romance series. I'd highly recommend this book to teen girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who still enjoy young adult fiction. It's a light, enjoyable read with a good blend of romance, history, and mystery.