Before the Season Ends (A Regency Inspirational Romance)

Jane Austen fans beware. You will not be able to put this book down. Before the Season Ends is one of those books with a permanent place on my bookshelf that I intend to read over again.

Ms. Burkard is a talented author. Her writing style is that which pulls you in and doesn't let go until you've reached the end. And even then you wish there to be more. Thank goodness there's a sequel. Indeed, I was quite astounded at the aptitude of the author not that I discounted Ms. Burkard before reading, but that she is just so very good at writing Regency. You might even believe you're reading a period novel. Her writing stays in tune with the time period to the extent as to even match the spelling of certain words like-connexion- for connection. The same way Jane Austen spelled it.

The writing does resemble that of Jane Austen if not in style than in technicalities. Just like Jane the POV (point of view) does switch from head to head in certain places within a scene while primarily staying with the heroine. There is even a hint of the narrator just like Jane at times. For those certain comments could not come from the heroine but an all-knowing narrator.

The author's description of Regency England and especially London is so detailed that you would have thought she slipped back in time to take down notes. There are also such stunning descriptions of places and homes and the things within the home. Being a historian myself, I appreciated this side of her book as well. Very well researched. As one who loves classic literature of the Regency and Victorian era, I thought her book fit right in with the likes of Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens.

The heroine, Ariana Forsythe, starts out seeming quite young and naive at the onset of the book. As we aren't allowed into her POV much in the 1st 3 chapters, I wasn't quite sure of want kind of character she would turn out to be. She is a young woman of great moral fiber who loves God and in following His commandments receives the desires of her heart. Ariana is such an endearing character. I enjoyed her very much. What an example she is to all young women even today in their Christian walks. The reasons that the unattainable Mr. Mornay falls in love with her are the very same reasons you will find her delightful.

Mr. Philip Mornay is called the Paragon. Every lady wishes to attract him and every man tends to emulate him. From fashion, wealth, and society he is at the peak of the swell. He's very proud and at times seems angry. He can be brusque and rude and everyone allows it because he is the Paragon. Then he meets Arianna and his heart and behavior begin to change. For every action there is a reaction and Ariana soon learns the reasons for the behaviors in the man she has come to love.

My one qualm with the book is that I wish there had been more time spent in the POV of the hero, Mornay. Of course, the same could be said of Jane Austen which of course has resulted in all those modern written spin off novels.

Before the Season Ends was simply enchanting from the first page to the last. It is very romantic and yes even passionate at times. Such a sweet romance and one that got my heart to pounding to see these characters get together. The Christian message is quite transparent from the very first chapter. No watered down Christianity here. It was wonderful to see the plan God had in the lives of these two people. I look forward to reading the sequel.

I have been in a Jane Austen sort of mood lately. I'm currently listening to Pride and Prejudice in my car, have been watching several of the movies on DVD and the soundtrack to P&P (2005) is going to be played in the prelude at my wedding. So this book fits perfectly with the way my mood has been. This book is written perfectly in the Regency tone of voice and style. I loved Ariana's character. It was fun to read about her stepping into high society at the benefit of a rich old aunt. The chemistry she had with Phillip was wonderful and very believable. It's very easy to swoon while reading this book. You wish you could live like this all the time! All the details in the book are wonderful, the description of the places and the clothes really make the story come to life. I enjoyed reading about the fashion and all the little customs of the time period. I even like the part where it's explained how Ariana could not be called by her first name in society because her older sister had not been married yet. I wish that happened today! The scene involving Ariana being stuck in a tree was my favorite. It was like something really out of a Jane Austen novel and I could picture it in a movie coming to life. Very funny and great way to make the characters interact with each other. Since this is a Regency Inspirational Romance, there is talk about religion and Christianity in the book but it's not preachy. Yes they are key elements to the story but even if they are not something that you agree with, honestly the setting and tone of writing are the main focus of the book.

My only qualm is that there is a nice guy who gets hurt and gets no condolence. I always feel bad when the nice guy loses! However this book was a gem to read. I could practically see myself wearing the empire dresses and listening to classical music during the book. I have expected Darcy or Edward Ferras to pop up and make cameos! This is a wonderful time in British history and one I wish I could go back in time to visit. I am looking forward to reading the rest of Ariana and Phillip's adventures. If you are a Regency fan, you will adore this book!

Young Ariana Forsythe is sent to her wealthy aunt's home in London when she forms an undesirable attachment at home. Ariana is a young woman of strong faith in God and one who isn't afraid of stating her mind and opinion. As Ariana makes a triumphant entry into London society, she meets handsome Phillip Mornay, the current, most wealthy and admired man in London. Phillip is notorious for not marrying, nor for singling out any one woman. When Ariana inadvertently offends a high society matron, rumors are started which could ruin her chances for a successful London season. Phillip then steps in with a ruse that could certainly put all the rumors to rest.

Phillip isn't a practicing Christian like Ariana, and she fears losing her heart to him. Will she be able to reconcile her feelings and faith?

This was a charming story. Light Christian, with some detailed descriptions of how one accepts Christ into their life, but the story isn't preachy at all. A delightful look into the Regency period of London when society's opinions mattered and propriety reigned.

i loved this book! it has everything. period details, wonderful romance, humour, real love, and most of all a very serious attitude towards God. i especially liked the way the heroine stood firm in her faith, despite the fear of losing a great romance. i can't say i know any "christian" girls now that would have done the same. i confess i was curious to see how believable the hero's conversion would be and of all the things i had thought of, the simple prayer he said from his heart, was the greatest surprise for me. it was so honest, so genuine, so childlike in its nearness to God, that i even cried a little. i also like the fact that he didn't hide it from Ariana that he wanted to follow Christ because he wanted to marry her, as i have seen many many men come to church for similar reasons, but with a total lack of sincerity about it.
finally, i want to say that the author compares herself (or puts herself in a similar position) to Jane Austen, or maybe even other successful regency authors. what i wanted to say is that although it does her credit to have been influenced by authors such as Austen and Heyer, she has developped a style entirely her own, on top of which, her book is filled with God. and, although i have read Austen's and Heyer's books to shreds, i would any day prefer to read a so well written regency that also says about my Saviour, than any of those famous authors, who, however good they are, they do not have Him on every page (or indeed on any page).
of course, it takes time for people to get to know a new auhtor, but i really think mrs Burkard has an original style and very original ideas for the plot and best of all, a very personal faith in God. i am so glad i found this author!

I found myself neglecting other things because I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I am relatively new to inspirational romance, and I liked hearing her concerns and how she would pray. However, the last quarter or so of the book I found that it got unnecessarily long in explaining her theology. I also thought the solution to her dilemma was not very realistic. Nonetheless, because I enjoyed the author's style so much, I will likely purchase the sequel.

loved the story, I recommend this book

Oh what a ride! At the start of this book, I was thinking "How could she want to do that?" Do what? Well, you have to read the book to find out. As my reading progressed, I was grateful for the turn of events in Ariana's life. I mean, her life wasn't all roses and candy, but it was better than the alternative waiting for her back home. Importance of birth order, secrets, traps, mystery, intrigue, love and undying faith....this book has it all.
From the very first encounter between Ariana and Mr. Mornay, I knew that those two would have my emotions going back and forth. (and I knew they would have me laughing at times) Two head-strong, set in their ways and beliefs people, thrown together in the midst of high society.....hmmm...but can this young girl from a modest upbringing truly be a part of the life that Mr. Mornay is accustomed? Or will she change him? I guess you will have to READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT. In all seriousness, this is a great read and I highly recommend it. It is part of a series, so I will be reading Book 2 very soon.

(I really LOVE the convictions of Ariana and her unwillingness to go against God; truly inspirational)

i red it in Russian,wasn,t able to leave it alone until finished with my busy sceduale in a few days,its like a magnet ,very touching,affeting romantic book for girls and older...

A wonderful, elegant story that will shock and surprise you up until the end! Linore writes, especially well, about what true Faith and Salvation means, in such a heartwarming and honest way. She captures the style of Jane Austin's time and style so elegantly and beautifully! Writing in such an intelligent and exquisite way. Before the Season ends is a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the sequel. This book is filled with situations that you wouldn't really want to find yourself in unless you have a Mr. Mornay yourself! I know that he would have made being in some of the scenes Linore paints worth it to me! LOL! This book is a must read and I suspect that the whole series is as well!

My songs for this book is: "Find You On My Knees" by Kari Jobe and "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" by Alan Jackson

John 3:15-16

~ASC

Written well, nice story and characters, good portrayal of human shortcomings and emotions, appreciate the bible quotes, can't put it down and I'll be looking for another one by this author. I am adding to this review that there is a sequel, The House in Grosvener Square. Can't wait to get it.