Rating: 
Summary: not a bad read at all
Review: Weighing in on the whole issue of whether or not it is worth reading Christina Dodd's latest romance novel in the Governess series, "In My Wildest Dreams," and without sounding incredibly wishy-washy about it, I'd have to say that everything is going to boil down to whether or not you are a fan of Ms Dodd's. Because, barring the few glaring instances where she suddenly reverts to modern day colloquialisms, this novel is rather well written, and is a quite interesting take on the original "Sabrina" movie. Here again, whether or not you enjoy this book, is going to depend on how sacrosanct the Audrey Hepburn/Humphrey Bogart movie is to you. However, there are enough differences between the two, to make reading this book rather enjoyable. To begin with the Sabrina-like character in "In My Wildest Dreams" (Celeste) is not the sweetly single-minded and rather naive and romantic waif that we remember from the movie, but rather, is a very single-minded and feisty young woman, who butts heads with Linus-like character, Garrick Throckmorton (who turned out to be the FIRST hero in the entire Governess series that I actually liked), from the very beginning of the novel. Another difference, and one that I liked, was that the role of the 'other woman,' Celeste's rival for Ellery Throckmorton's affections, Lady Hyacinth, was greatly enlarged. And Lady Hyacinth wasn't portrayed as colourless wet blanket!! I liked that Christina Dodd allowed for a friendship to develop between Celeste and Lady Hyacinth. It made the novel a lot more interesting. Only a few things detracted a little from my overall enjoyment of the novel: 1) here and there, Ms Dodd reverted to modern day language. Why, oh why aren't these mistakes caught before the novel gets published? 2) the character of Ellery Throckmorton is for nearly three quarters of the novel portrayed as a very handsome but rather dim, frivious and careless man, suddenly in the last quarter, he becomes very intelligent and observant. Garrick Throckmorton was not the only person thrown by the depths his younger brother suddenly displayed. I was rather flabbergasted too. And 3) the entire espionage motif is a muted strain that weaves itself in and out of the entire novel. And I for one do wish that more had been made of this subplot. Eventhough the movie "Sabrina" is one of my all time favourites, I found myself enjoying "In My Wildest Dreams," and thought that this novel is the most successful of the entire Governess series. The novel is not a bad read, and I would recommend reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: Arrest this Author for Plagarism
Review: This is the most blantant plagarism - this story completely retells the story of "Sabrina" and doesn't even do it in a remarkble way. I was astounded to discover just how closely this book followed the Sabrina story/movies, and I just couldn't believe what I was reading. Obviously this author lacks for talent and original material. The most amazing thing is that she didn't even take the time to change those small details that make Sabrina such a wonderful, timeless story. I would NEVER ever recommend this author to anyone and certainly hope that people can see her for what she is, a plagarist. This is the type of thing that can ruin a writing career - did the author not see that??!!
Rating: 
Summary: Better than Sabrina
Review: This highly entertaining and [exciting] romp is impossible to put down! With lovable characters, witty dialogue, sizzling sensual scenes and a riveting plot--as well as some very tender and moving moments with children--In My Wildest Dreams is a terrific novel that you won't want to miss.
Rating:
Summary: A delighful Sabrina like tale
Review: By 1843 all seventeen years old Celeste wanted was the love of Ellery Throckmorton, but the handsome noble never noticed the gardener's daughter. However his older brother Garrick sends Celeste to the highly respected Distinguished Academy of Governesses and after that to Paris.
Four years later, Ellery is betrothed to marry Hyacinth though he prefers to remain a bachelor, but sees Celeste and wants her. Garrick intercedes to insure that Celeste does not remain a distraction and thwart the wedding plans he has for his younger brother. However, he soon finds himself falling in love with the full of life Celeste, but she apparently loves his sibling.
IN MY WILDEST DREAMS, this reviewer never expected anyone to rewrite the classic Sabrina especially when the movie remake so paled in comparison to Hepburn-Bogart. However, the incomparable Christina Dodd provides her audience with a pleasant Victorian era rendition of Sabrina that sub-genre fans will enjoy. The story line is fun when Garrick's plan backfires and he falls in love with his target. Though a subplot involving espionage adds suspense, some readers will find it unnecessarily takes the reader away from a lovely historical romance that shows why Ms. Dodd is so highly regarded by fans. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Great rendition, but ripped-off storyline.
Review: I liked this book, but my gosh...it was the EXACT story of "Sabrina." Besides the addition of the hero's daughter, it was almost identical. Of course, in "Sabrina," there are no sex scenes and the story takes place in the 20th century... I liked this book, but I do think it was sort of smarmy to steal a storyline from a movie. This was my first Christina Dodd book...I might try another one and see if it gets any more original.
Rating:
Summary: not a bad read at all
Review: Weighing in on the whole issue of whether or not it is worth reading Christina Dodd's latest romance novel in the Governess series, "In My Wildest Dreams," and without sounding incredibly wishy-washy about it, I'd have to say that everything is going to boil down to whether or not you are a fan of Ms Dodd's. Because, barring the few glaring instances where she suddenly reverts to modern day colloquialisms, this novel is rather well written, and is a quite interesting take on the original "Sabrina" movie. Here again, whether or not you enjoy this book, is going to depend on how sacrosanct the Audrey Hepburn/Humphrey Bogart movie is to you. However, there are enough differences between the two, to make reading this book rather enjoyable. To begin with the Sabrina-like character in "In My Wildest Dreams" (Celeste) is not the sweetly single-minded and rather naive and romantic waif that we remember from the movie, but rather, is a very single-minded and feisty young woman, who butts heads with Linus-like character, Garrick Throckmorton (who turned out to be the FIRST hero in the entire Governess series that I actually liked), from the very beginning of the novel. Another difference, and one that I liked, was that the role of the 'other woman,' Celeste's rival for Ellery Throckmorton's affections, Lady Hyacinth, was greatly enlarged. And Lady Hyacinth wasn't portrayed as colourless wet blanket!! I liked that Christina Dodd allowed for a friendship to develop between Celeste and Lady Hyacinth. It made the novel a lot more interesting. Only a few things detracted a little from my overall enjoyment of the novel: 1) here and there, Ms Dodd reverted to modern day language. Why, oh why aren't these mistakes caught before the novel gets published? 2) the character of Ellery Throckmorton is for nearly three quarters of the novel portrayed as a very handsome but rather dim, frivious and careless man, suddenly in the last quarter, he becomes very intelligent and observant. Garrick Throckmorton was not the only person thrown by the depths his younger brother suddenly displayed. I was rather flabbergasted too. And 3) the entire espionage motif is a muted strain that weaves itself in and out of the entire novel. And I for one do wish that more had been made of this subplot. Eventhough the movie "Sabrina" is one of my all time favourites, I found myself enjoying "In My Wildest Dreams," and thought that this novel is the most successful of the entire Governess series. The novel is not a bad read, and I would recommend reading it.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Nice Dream
Review: This was my first read in Dodd's Governess Series and I was not disappointed. The SABRINA-esque storyline is apparent from the first few chapters yet the characters themselves and the regency setting kept my interest. The author also adds an underlying spy intrigue for some suspense in between the sizzling love scenes. All of the characters in this novel make up an excellent ensemble and the writing has them interacting and behaving in very believable ways. This was an enjoyable read which got me hooked to learn more about Dodd's other governesses!
Rating:
Summary: Sabrina could only Dream of being this Wild!
Review: Up until four years ago, Celeste Milford had been living at Blythe Hall with her gardener father, and dreaming of the day she would marry Ellery Throckmorton. She was a teenager at the time, and Ellery, who didn't really know she was alive, was the rich, handsome, and wild younger son of the estate. Then it was suggested that she attend the Distinguished Academy of Governesses, and since she wasn't given much choice, she complied. During her time away, she has traveled to many places in the world, become poised and self-assured, and even gained knowledge of political affairs, while filling a position as governess for the children of a Russian ambassador. Now she has returned to Blythe Hall at the request of Ellery's eldest brother, Garrick Throckmorton, to care for the widower's child and his niece. Upon arrival, Ellery is enthralled with the beautiful Celeste, whom he doesn't recognize. But he is betrothed to Lady Hyacinth, and people are arriving presently for the engagement festivities. Celeste's feelings for Ellery have not changed, and she sees this as her opportunity to win the man she's always wanted. Alas, Garrick is determined the wild and unpredictable Ellery settle down with the heiress he's engaged to, and he'll do whatever it takes to insure that happens. Therefore, Garrick plans to monopolize Celeste's time and her affections. What he doesn't count on is the overwhelming passion he ends up feeling for her, which threatens the strict self-control he has adopted for years. Celeste is confused by Garrick's attentions, because she has always viewed him as Ellery's levelheaded, boring older brother. Now her heart races in his presence, and she can't stop thinking about him. Garrick knows he must maintain composure, if he is to discover whom in his organization is leaking information to the spies they are trying to infiltrate. This was one of the first books I read by Ms. Dodd, and I immediately recognized the vast similarities to "Sabrina", one of my favorite movies (the original). Even though so much is the same, Ms. Dodd did make it her own, and with writing this excellent, who really cares? I greatly enjoyed reading it to the point I could hardly put in down, and that's why I read in the first place. This was a much more lighthearted story than some of the previous Governess Bride entries, and I welcomed that change. Ms. Dodd's trademark humor was also present here in spades, and the love scenes were page-burners. This book remains on my keeper shelf, where it's most likely to stay. A definite must read!
Rating:
Summary: Arrest this Author for Plagarism
Review: This is the most blantant plagarism - this story completely retells the story of "Sabrina" and doesn't even do it in a remarkble way. I was astounded to discover just how closely this book followed the Sabrina story/movies, and I just couldn't believe what I was reading. Obviously this author lacks for talent and original material. The most amazing thing is that she didn't even take the time to change those small details that make Sabrina such a wonderful, timeless story. I would NEVER ever recommend this author to anyone and certainly hope that people can see her for what she is, a plagarist. This is the type of thing that can ruin a writing career - did the author not see that??!!
Rating:
Summary: If you can make it past the first half of the book...
Review: Before I bought this book, I read some of the reviews. I was expecting it to have the same plot as Sabrina...but I wasn't expecting it to be an EXACT replica of Sabrina. I'm serious, I don't know how she got past the copyright lawyers. The scenes, conversations, characters, etc are exactly the same. She wasn't "re-telling" an old favorite, she just copied the old favorite and changed the names. I almost put the book down and stopped reading. But about halfway through, she decided that she had to put a little more plot into it, so she changed things up a bit. It got better for a while, but in the end, things wrapped up just like the original. Save yourself the time and money and just rent Sabrina.
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