Allure

by Jo-Ann Power

Book Overview

Award-winning, bestselling author Jo-Ann Power is the Daphne du Maurier of the '90s. She last captivated readers with Never Say Never, the enchanting third installment of her American Beauties... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416503161
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Sonnet Books
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Romance, betrayal and mystery set against the backdrop of Victorian society.

Cerise Lindsay, the new Countess of Rossborough, is on a mission. A promising sculptress, Cerise is called home from her training in Italy upon learning of the tragic drowning of her older sister, Madelaine. What she discovers is an estate in debt and a mystery surrounding Maddie's death at the estate of the Earl of Sandown. Blake Hargrove, the Earl of Sandown, is on a mission. He's determined to find out the truth behind the last days of his brother's fiancee, Madelaine Lindsay. An artist who's lost faith in his own abilities, Blake has turned his passion to collecting art. What happens when these two passionate people meet? An instant meeting of the souls. All this before they even know each other's identities! Once Cerise finds out who Blake really is, she is wary but soon agrees to join him in uncovering the truth. As the pair seek to recreate the events surrounding Maddie's death, danger begins to stalk them. Jo-Ann Power has created an unforgettable story which perfectly blends mystery, romance and history, giving ALLURE a Gothic-like feel. The book is saturated with visual images: Queen Victoria's Debut Drawing Room -- described so vividly, a reader almost feels like she's next to make that curtsy; the description of marble statues are so evocative one feels like they've actually touched it. The book is also peppered throughout with names and anecdotes of the brilliant artists of the age, breathing new life into these historical figures. At the heart of the matter, however, it is the interaction between Cerise and Blake that is the most poignant. Both are emotionally injured, and in each other, find comfort and redemption. Ms. Power's ALLURE is the perfect showcase for her enormous talent. TheSchemer

Another Gift to Readers by a Talented Author!

ALLURE is another scrumptious delight for readers by an author who researches her period minutely, peoples it with strong, believable characters, then serves up a dish not to be missed! Ms. Power remains one of the very few in the romance genre who takes finite care with her historical accuracy and who offers her readers those rare tidbits which make for the finest experience. As usual from Power's novels, one gets not only a meant-to-be love story between intelligent people, but also an excellent education, this time in impressionist art. Flavor that with an intricate mystery and you have, once more, the very best in historical romantic entertainment. Bravo, Ms. Power!

Reader from Newton, Massachusetts needs an education! FAST.

Dear Reader, Your knowledge of British history, including art history needs a big injection of accuracy. First, in Britain, the ability for a title to pass to a woman has been legal since the Norman period. This is not frequent and therefore, not generally known among those like you who have not taken more than a preliminary history course, perhaps since...elementary school? Whereas, I have an M.A. in 18-19th century British history and Chinese and Japanese history. Secondly, women did study art in this period. English women studied it. AND they did it in Italy and France, etc., where a primary requirement was to draw live models who posed nude. No exceptions for delicate ladies. Third, you take my sentence structure out of context and make light of it, for no other reason than to make a cutting remark. Sad to say, this forum permits any cretin with any grudge to try to show off his/her primary education in the humanities...as well as her lack of viable credentials to critique a professional writer who must tolerate the slings and arrows of arrogant egotists like you. Go read about 400 scholarly histories of 18-19th century issues and biographies of those who shaped those events, as I have. And do not comment on these pages until you have such an enlightened education. Also, know that I realize your cowardice, typical of self-centered blatherers, in not listing your email address. Readers like you need to gain humility along with a healthy respect for those of us who have more knowledge, better credentials--and more manners.

A Wonderful Love Story

Like all Jo-Ann Power books this is a must read. Her stories are always so rich, and interesting. Well crafted, nice mystery, and great details. Blake and Cerise are a lovely couple. Sensitive to eachothers needs. I love the way they grow and blossomed into the ideal partner for one another. And you have got to love a man who tries to keep her virtue for the woman he loves (albeit an arduous task), but oh so lovable. This story deals with art, so it is great if you know a little bit about it, but if you don't Jo-Ann always writes a very informative end letter.

Excellent romance

In 1880 on the Isle of Wight, the Earl of Sandown Blake Hargrove intercepts Madelaine Lindsay as she hurries to meet his brother John. Blake makes it clear that John will not be at the rendezvous point. Not listening, Madelaine takes out a sailboat. Later she is officially pronounced dead from drowning.One year later at an art gallery, Cerise Lindsay admires a statue of Adonis when Blake joins her. Blake nor Cerise knows the identity of the other, but both share a love of sculpturing. Their attraction to one another grows immediate and powerful until they make introductions. Madelaine's death haunts both of them. Cerise has returned from studying sculpturing in Italy to learn what happened to her sister Madelaine. Blake has returned from France where he sought clues as to who would want Madelaine dead. They agree to work as a team undercover the mystery of Madelaine. They fall in love, but an unknown assailant will kill both of them if they get one any closer to the truth.Jo-Ann Power's ALLURE resides in her descriptive Victorian romances that bring full visibility to a bygone era. Her latest novel paints an intriguing picture of late Victorian England that shows an aristocratic world in flux. The lead characters are warm and intelligent. As with the "American Beauty" trilogy, the support cast augments the story line with a depth that enables readers to feel the time frame without slowing down the fast-paced plot. The mystery adds an element of intrigue that blends well with the main story line. Ms. Power writes a powerful historical romance that leads the audience to conclude NEVER SAY NEVER to any future tales from this awesome author.Harriet Klausner