On Winding Hill Road

by Diane Tyrrel

Book Overview

Sarah Logan is the new governess to a widower's daughter. Although dark rumors surround him, her master arouses her. And soon she'll risk not only her heart, but also her life. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0739452681
• ISBN13: 9780739452684
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Berkley Sensation
• Length: 393 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Fabulous!

In the spirit of Victoria Holt, Tyrrel is a modern day Gothic Romance writer, with more oomph in the "romantic action"

Originally Posted on Romance Junkies in 2005

Sarah Logan has traveled to San Francisco to take the job of caregiver to teenage May DeFalle. Wise beyond her years since the tragic-and mysterious-death of her mother the year before, May needs more than just looking after. Her elusive father, Gatien, is a Grand Prix driver who spends more time away than actually at home, and she needs the love and protection that her mother once provided. For Sarah, May is a teenage mystery-but even more so is Gatien DeFalle, an enigmatic man who seems to be hiding secrets around every turn. Closemouthed about the death of his wife-was it murder? An accident? Suicide?-Sarah is determined to learn the truth. But every day brings a stronger attraction to this man who is virtually a stranger to her. As tensions mount-May's aunt wants Sarah to be May's surrogate mother; Gatien quite possibly could be the main suspect in his immoral wife's death; the isolated and mysterious DeFalle estate seems to come alive-Sarah isn't sure whether to turn over her heart to Gatien or not. Ms. Tyrrel has written another keeper in this gothic romance. Dark and gloomy at times, with engaging, mysterious characters and backdrops for a story rich in dialogue and description, fans of the genre won't be disappointed.

Modern Gothic

To help young May Defalle become less of a hellion, Sarah Logan accepts the role of governess in the home. Immediately, she's plunged into a world of secrets and intrigue. May's mother drowned mysteriously, and hints of crimes worse than murder are tantalizingly whispered, compelling Sarah to learn the truth for the sake of the child she's come to love. What is hidden in the family library and the late Mrs. Defalle's journals? Why is the handsome, brooding, and enigmatic Gatien so secretive? Yet, even knowing Gatien could be a killer or something more evil, Sarah is drawn to him and he to her. **** Although written in a style much akin to Jane Eyre or Rebecca, this book is planted firmly in the present. The story will hook you almost immediately, making you want to know how it ends. Gatien is the classic brooding hero, with a heart of gold hidden under his darkness. Though May seems far older than her years, that is quite understandable and logical in the scheme of things. Sarah's voice dominates the book, and you will feel all she does, whether it is fear or love. This book shows that the author is growing in skill, actualizing the talent her earlier work began to reveal. **** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer.

TALENTED WRITER - THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE!

I LOVE DIANE TYRREL'S STYLE. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Finished the book in one sitting - couldn't put it down! Can't wait for her next book. If you enjoy a romance where you can actually relate to the main character then this if for you!

entertaining modern day gothic romantic suspense

Sarah Logan flies from Santa Barbara to San Francisco to serve as a companion to thirteen years old May DeFalle. May's mom Lisa died last year in what was either an accident or suicide; her father Gatien is a Grand Prix driver away from home a lot. If Sarah thinks about the assignment, she would realize that the family starting with Lisa's sister Helene Browning wants her to be a surrogate mother to May. Sarah accepted the job because of the exorbitant salary and the incredible bonus if she stays a year. May is unhappy with the babysitter, but Sarah does her best to help the despondent teen who only perks up when her dad is in town. Sarah also begins looking into what happened to Lisa not because she suspects anything diabolical, but only to gain a better understanding of May's needs. As her inquiries begin to gel, Sarah wonders if murder occurred and could a cuckolded Gatien have killed his wife for cheating on him. She needs to know because she is falling in love with her prime suspect her employer. This entertaining gothic romance contains all the classic elements, but places them in modern day California with soccer playing teens and auto racing to counter an innocent heroine, a dark mansion, a brooding hero, and the suspicious death of his first wife. The story line is character driven as Sarah slowly falls in love with her employer who she believes killed his spouse. Fans of modern day gothic romantic suspense will enjoy the drive in, around, and ON WINDING HILL ROAD. Harriet Klausner