Sibelle Stone

Plot: Heiress masquerades as governess for hero’s two plot moppet children and finds intrigue, romance and a touch of the uncanny and supernatural in early 20th century Iceland.
Review: I had a difficult time deciding how to rate this book. It started out very, very well but I had issues with the ending. Many issues.
First – what I liked. There were many appealing aspects to this book. I loved that it takes place in Iceland and in the very early twentieth century –not a period overly represented in Romance. I adored the work Grayson (our hero) was doing investigating the generation of electricity using of geothermal energy. I loved, loved the heroine, Lucinda. She was practical, well-grounded and just pleasant, someone you would love having as a friend. And she studied Biology at Bryn Mawr. Squee here!! I really liked the author’s voice. Her writing is simply a pleasure to read. Plus there were only a very few editing-type errors. Yay! Nothing kills the mood faster for me than constant errors in word choice, grammar and punctuation. It also was wonderful to see secondary characters and even off-stage characters that actually had some complexity rather than being simply caricatures. One prominent example is Lucinda’s stepmother. The ‘stepmother’ usually falls into one of two categories: the grasping, greedy social climber who married the biological parent for money and is indifferent or actively antagonistic toward her stepchildren; or the adored stepparent who cares nothing about the money and brings love and stability into the lives of her stepchildren. Lucinda’s stepmother, Kitty, is not written to either stereotype. She is much more realistically portrayed. She is not indifferent to the money or social standing her marriage has bestowed and she pushes Lucinda to marry a man who will further her (Kitty’s) social aspirations. Yet she also cares about Lucinda and they have a lovely relationship. Ultimately she puts Lucinda’s happiness before her own desires. I adored this portrayal – it felt so much truer than these characters often do.
And then – what didn’t work for me. Throughout the first part of the novel there are hints of the possibility of supernatural activity. Lucinda learns of the Huldufolk or Stone Folk or Gray Ones, who are explained as ghosts/spirits haunting their still-living loved ones. I really liked the way the author inserted hints of the supernatural and local superstition. Unfortunately the way it played out in the ending didn’t work for me at all. No spoilers; suffice it to say that the final confrontation made my eyes sore from all the rolling and my head ache with all the “Wait – what?? But, … what???” bouncing around inside it. There was a sort of deus ex machina object that came out of nowhere and left just as precipitately and mysteriously. This is a plot device I personally do not enjoy. And the Stone Folk – victim or villain? Still not sure. The final resolution of the romantic element was also unsatisfying for me, especially given how much I liked both characters for most of the novel. There was some hand-waving, ‘time passed’, and suddenly the pair came together again and everything was roses. It felt a bit too abrupt.
Overall this was a very pleasant, enjoyable read let down by its ending: a confrontation that could have been better presented and explained and the overuse of serendipity to further the plot and position all the actors correctly for the denouement. The ending drags what would have been a 4 star rating down to 3 stars.
Note: I received a free copy of this book exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Grayson needs a Governess as another one has quit. He has two small children and is trying to complete his Geothermal project and cannot have them interrupting. Lucinda is trying to show that she can be independent and make her own way in the world, without her inheritance so the job of a Governess (even though she has never worked with children) is perfect.

I enjoyed this story very much, right up until the end. The characters are engaging and the storyline is a twist of a classic tale. The end felt rushed and unoriginal. Overall worth the read.… (plus d'informations)

HEART OF ICE by Sibelle Stone is a unique Victorian Gothic Historical romance with a variety of other genres included. Such as Steampunk, Paranormal, and Supernatural elements.
Meet, Lucinda Stafford, a a strong, determined, independent, Governess, in need of a job and Grayson Throne,a revolutionary inventor, geothermal (he is trying to use steam to make electricity) and he is in need of a Governess for his two young children, Mair and Niels.
While, Grayson is trying to improve his Geothermal Plant, some is out to stop him.
Well written with engaging,interesting characters and a unique, intriguing storyline. It is a steady paced tale filled with a uniqueness, and a bit of suspense. Not just another Governess and Gentleman.
With danger lurking, passionate embraces, an inventor, a huge, dark secret, two adorable young children, a Governess, an apparition, a legend, and romance, a reader will be filled with wonder and lost in a vortex of discovery. Impressionable, intriguing, inspiring and compelling. Fans of Suspense, Steampunk, Paranormal, and Historical Romance are sure to enjoy this unique tale. If you enjoy a wide miss of genres in one powerful story then, look no further, you will find it in “Heart of Ice”.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher through Net Galley*
**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot q**
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More… (plus d'informations)