4.5/5 stars

I came very close to abandoning The Land of Summer by Charlotte Bingham but felt that I should see it through as I have read this author before and usually enjoy her work. Unfortunately, I should have listened to my inner voice that was saying “Give up!”. This gothic style romance never really rang true to me, and I ended up quite disappointed with the book.

Emmaline was quite taken with Julius when she met him at a dance and he saved her from being a wallflower. They met one more time before he left to return to England. Soon Emmaline was following him as her father announced that Julius Aubrey had requested her hand in marriage.

From the minute of her arrival things were off in the Aubrey’s marriage. I found the whole premise rather over done and silly. Too many secrets being kept that made no sense other than to create drama in the book. A poorly written, weak plot peopled with unbelievable characters. Honestly the best thing about this book is the cover, which really has no connection to the story at all. I’m giving this one a one star rating for the cover and adding another half a star because there were a couple of servants that I didn’t mind. My advice, admire the cover but pass on this book. ( )

Review em Português: http://cuidadocomodalmata.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/a-paixao-de-emma/ ( )