Customer Reviews
As advertised - By: MeMyself, 21 Nov 2008 
A non-demanding book, an easy read. This book hasin it every thing bad that other reviewers have mentioned; simplisticin plot, heavily contrived events & clichéd characters but thoroughly enjoyable for all that.
Grace, the narrator is a mixed up character;in her younger persona she fancies herself as a lady detective but questions nothing. The people around her act strangely & have confusing conversation about & to her but she investigates nothing. Later, outside the book, she must find her brain & becomes a professor of archaeology unearthing secrets of history. For the main part of the novel she is a little mouse accepting her positionin life & the chaos going on around her with equal helplessness. Other characters are also strange, why did we need to know about the dust phobic Danish grandmother?
The fact of the writer not being British showsin places where the plot swerves even further from reality. The characters also become more clichéd but this did not distract too much & this reader, at least, did not guess the poet's nemesis.
As the blurb points out this is a summer read & is a page-turner exactly as described on the cover. Do not expect more than that & enjoy this book.
Best book I've read in a long time - By: A. Bradley, 16 Nov 2008 
I brought this book when it was first published, due to a recommendation by Richard & Judy's Book club. Which I find always chooses great books to read.I finally got around to reading the book last week, & was unable to put it down. The story is is brilliant, it keeping you on your toes, & wanting more after ever chapter. I think the story touched me, due to my grandmother beingin service her selfin the 1920's. So the book gave me a glimpse of what lifein service would have been like for her. The charactersin the book are truly lovable both upstairs & downstairs. After reading this book I found myself wondering if they would make it into a film, I hope they do it would be a great one.
A fantastic read! - By: C. Edney, 16 Nov 2008 A friend recommended this book to me & I was thoroughly impressed! The story & characters are captivating - I couldn't put it down!
Historic - By: Carol, 03 Nov 2008 I found this book a bit slow to start with, & struggled a bit to get into it. However, I eventually began to enjoy Grace's memories at Riverton. The lavish partys, the central characters, Hannah & Emmeline, & a secret Grace could never forget. Hannah & Emmy being close, & playing 'The Game' as young girls, with their brother. Things change as the sisters get older, & secrets & mysteries begin to unfold. I am glad I read this book, but did not find it as good as The Secret Garden.
A magical read - By: Leslie MacDonald, 02 Nov 2008 One of the most beautifully written books I have encounteredin years. The descriptions are so intricate & superb that it quickly absorbs you into the life of its characters. Rarely does one come across an author this young with so much talentin telling a tale that absorbs you from the first chapter. For those who want a good story that reaches deep within you, this is it.
