[XJM]∎ PDF Gratis Love Lessons Elizabeth Mansfield 9780515092103 Books

Love Lessons Elizabeth Mansfield 9780515092103 Books

Download As PDF : Love Lessons Elizabeth Mansfield 9780515092103 Books

Love Lessons Elizabeth Mansfield 9780515092103 Books

"All of us, whoever our parents may be, have to forge our own characters in the end, or what's the meaning of human will?" -- pg 186

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel, and its characters have touched my heart. There is an essence of humanness to Anne and Oliver, to their characters, that explains all of their actions completely. In a way, this is a Bildungsroman and an acknowledgement of a maturing young woman that she is finally able to step out of the shadows of her mother (for fear of becoming like her) to forge her own character.

Throughout the book, Anne is referred to as a unique sort, a rara avis and it was wonderful to see her recognize that quality within herself which others have long gleamed. It is more her story than anything else, told in a first-person narrative style hat captures her impetuosity, intelligence, growth, and emotional burdens. I came away with a sense of celebration for the human spirit.

At this time of my life, I fear that I am more concerned with rapidly devouring books with my limited time than writing reviews for them, so I won't go into more details of this work...but I do feel that this is a work, once read, will bear a re-reading every so often.


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Love Lessons Elizabeth Mansfield 9780515092103 Books Reviews

This is one of my "keeper" books--the few regency romances that I have read (and I have probably read close to 500 by now) and I have saved and reread on a regular basis. No matter how many times I have gone through the story, it still moves me to tears every time.

The book starts off with 13-year old Anne Saunders recounting her experience with "amour." Or rather, her mother's experiences with it. Her mother was a mistress to many a men and was ruled by passion--"amour" she called it.

When her mother dies, Anne goes to live with an older cousin named Oliver, a confirmed bachelor. Here Anne is shaped into the woman she will grow into.

The book is told in Anne's point of view, first person narrative. It is not only a very easy read (I can never put it down), but it is emotional and touching. I don't think I will ever get sick of rereading it. I've read a few of other Elizabeth Mansfield's other books and none have been as wonderful, most are not even close, to this one. Indeed, I think this is one of the best Regency books from any author.
I have only read two other regency romances by this author The Counterfeit Husband and A Grand Deception (both 3 stars). So when I started LOVE LESSONS I wasn't sure how much I was going to like it. It contained three areas that are hard for many romance readers to enjoy. The first person tense, the May/December age span and the guardian/ward literary device. But Ms. Mansfield seems to make it work.

Anne Saunders begins her tale at the age of twelve. Her father died when she was very young and her mother passed away at the onset of the story. She is living temporarily with her paternal grandmother when Oliver Fleming, the young Earl of Pentargon, is called to her home. A confirmed bachelor, botanist and horseman, he wants nothing to upset his comforting lifestyle. So when he is approached to accept the guardianship of Anne he first responds with a firm 'No'. Little is he aware that Anne is in the background listening to their conversation. Words are exchanged between the two adults and Oliver finally agrees to take custody of her.

Over the next four years Oliver and Anne, as they agree to call each other, settle into a new life. He teaches her about botany and riding horses if she leaves him alone when he is busy with other duties. She is content with his dusty house, the few live-in servants he has, and her own quiet-time. In turn, he allows her within reason, to speak to him with honesty if he answers her the same. They get along.

By the time she is sixteen her feelings have changed for this man. One day she confesses to him that she is in love and will wait for him to marry her in a couple more years. Shocked, he sends her away to learn the ways of becoming a lady so she will someday attract a man closer to her own age.

Be aware that this traditional romance is clean. There is kissing at the most but don't delude yourself into thinking there is not sexual tension. There is. The best thing about this story is that everyone acts as if the book is taking place in the early 1800's. The dialog and attitudes are, for the most part, what might have happened on a country estate with a cast of unusual characters. You won't find any twenty-first century influences here.

There is a look at puppy love with another young man, a minor villain and the pursuit of a rake among those that influence Anne. This story was believable; it was a pleasure to read a romance that seemed true to the times.
I am so glad that this was not my first pick to read from this author! If it had been, I would have missed some truly delightful stories. I almost can not believe this is an Elizabeth Mansfield book! To be fair, I HATE FIRST PERSON BOOKS. To be honest, this is one of the worst ones I have ever read. Not her forte and certainly some of the worst characters ever. A snotty, spoiled miss and a blockhead male. Pass this up if this will be your first Elizabeth Mansfield and pick another title. I tossed this on the giveaway pile before even finishing it.
"All of us, whoever our parents may be, have to forge our own characters in the end, or what's the meaning of human will?" -- pg 186

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel, and its characters have touched my heart. There is an essence of humanness to Anne and Oliver, to their characters, that explains all of their actions completely. In a way, this is a Bildungsroman and an acknowledgement of a maturing young woman that she is finally able to step out of the shadows of her mother (for fear of becoming like her) to forge her own character.

Throughout the book, Anne is referred to as a unique sort, a rara avis and it was wonderful to see her recognize that quality within herself which others have long gleamed. It is more her story than anything else, told in a first-person narrative style hat captures her impetuosity, intelligence, growth, and emotional burdens. I came away with a sense of celebration for the human spirit.

At this time of my life, I fear that I am more concerned with rapidly devouring books with my limited time than writing reviews for them, so I won't go into more details of this work...but I do feel that this is a work, once read, will bear a re-reading every so often.