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Rating: 
Summary: Lavender has many lives --
Review: Classical mythology, from the days of Ancient Greece, traditionally tells a story in one of three styles. First, are imaginative tales of the gods and other supernatural beings; second is the saga or legend, and third are the folktales or popular fiction, if you will. Many of the characters of these stories derived from different countries in different eras of history, and it would take a more scholarly person than I am to de-bunk the entire concept. I prefer to believe there is at least a smidgeon of reality to even the most fantastical story, which may be one reason why I so adore-and admire-the writing of Sandra Heath. No matter which bit of ancient lore she chooses to embellish her fiction, it is after all, just that. Fiction. But, in my estimation, it is fiction of the very highest caliber; well-written, witty, clever, endearing, and with just enough of the fantastical to prompt one to think, 'it could have happened that way!' Certainly, stranger things happen nearly every day in our world, so why couldn't such strange things have happened nearly two hundred years ago? It's all illusion, all fiction, all entertaining. 'Lavender Blue, dilly dilly, Lavender Green. If I were king, dilly dilly, you'd be my queen' has been a popular folksong for several hundred years. It didn't just appear for the first time on the hit parade of 1949 or 1959 (both years saw high sales for various renditions, following an appearance in a movie of 1949), and obviously, it had some meaning at the time of its birth. Lavender (in blue or various other shades) dates to Biblical times and has been used for a multitude of purposes: food (Elizabeth I, for example), laundry (laundry/lavender=logical?), medicine, air freshener and last but not least, aphrodisiac. In "Lavender Blue", the latest book from Ms. Heath, a sprig of lavender (out of season) serves as a charm against witchcraft. It may also serve as a love charm when presented by Jovian Cathness, Duke of Chavanage, to his love, Lady Anthea Wintour, daughter of the Earl of Daneway. Although ideally matched, the course of true love has not run smoothly for this pair. For unknown reasons, Jovian has apparently taken to the bottle, seriously disturbing Anthea, who, in spite of her inner self advising against such things, believes the next-to-impossible stories of Jovian's behavior while in a state of intoxication. Why-wasn't he observed, flying to the upper windows of his townhouse? Or making a wine bottle slide across the table to him? And doesn't it seem as though she can hear him speak to her, when he isn't even there? Not to mention those occasions when he can absolutely read her mind! The summer of 1814 saw numerous celebrations and an influx of visitors to London, the result of Napoleon's apparent defeat. For Anthea, however, and her aunt Letty, the news is of a different sort. In short order, the Earl has married for the second time, and been suddenly widowed again. In the process, he has acquired a step-daughter, Corinna Pranton, just a year or two younger than Anthea, and he asks Anthea to welcome Corinna into her heart as well as their home, Daneway House. Corinna, being much less sophisticated than Anthea, falls under the charm of Sir Erebus Lethe, a handsome stranger who presents the young girl with a sprig of mistletoe while telling her it's really narcissus. Aunt Letty, unaware of this event, decides that the Viscount Heversham would make the perfect husband for her new charge. Alas. 'Twas not to be. Or was it? Not having known any family previously, Corinna is entranced to meet an aunt, the twin of her mother, who goes by the name of Abigail Wheatley. But Abigail appears at the strangest times, usually following several claps of thunder, and frequently leaving tracks behind herself. Hare tracks. Throughout recorded history, there has always been a mysticism associated with harvest. Every ethnic group has celebrations to thank whatever Deity they believe in for the abundant crops, or to beseech for forgiveness in case of a less than wonderful yield. Demeter is the goddess of the harvest and it is around her (not to mention Zeus and Persephone and Hades-- and even Cerberus) that this story is woven-including the mysterious nineteen year cycle, when the lavender blooms out of season, the harvest is ready, and there are two full moons in August. All these events take place in the first half of the book. But you shouldn't quit reading just yet! Persist, and the rewards will be great, as the various and seemingly unconnected threads of this story are interwoven into one sumptuous entity. Only one word of advice -- things are never quite what they seem to be for any of the characters in this book, whether hero or villain, young or old, silly or sensible. There is a reason for everything for everything that happens, and the author makes even the most improbable seem logical. It all ends happily for nearly everyone, including Aunt Letty and her long-lost love! Purely marvelous!
Rating:
Summary: a master stroke of writing
Review: Lavender Blue by Sandra Heath is not so much a Regency Romance as a true Gothic. And wow what a read! It's totally amazing how the writer wove such an intricate tale in so few pages. I simply could NOT put this one down. I love history and lore, and this one is so steeped with ancient myths of paganism, so perfectly portrayed. I am utterly delighted to discover a writer with such love for the ways of Auld, who depicts them without the cheap sensationalism.
Althea has always loved Jovian, the Duke of Chavanage, and all believed they would marry and Althea would be his next Duchess. They considered them the perfect couple. But then, suddenly, the year before the book takes up, something
distressing began to occur, shattering Althea's hopes. The Duke was on one drunken binge after another and never seems to stop drinking. Althea's heart is bruised by his often-callous treatment of her, still she is pained and worried to
hear tales about Jovian - not just about his public drunkenness, but how he can fly over rooftops, and summon objects to his hand by will. She would like to dismiss
these tales, but one cold January morn, she is woke from a strange dream. She could swear Jovian was looking into her bedroom window! From the second floor! She rushes out into the cold winter morn and finds him. He presents Althea with a posy of fresh Lavender, a summer blooming flower, and warns her not to trust anyone or believe everything see sees. Althea is puzzle; he is so like the old Jovian she loved and loved her, does not seem drunk at all. It warms her heart when he says he still loves her, but when she presses for answers that make sense, she
gets riddles.
Her life soon undergoes changes. At first, she receives a missive from her father, saying he has married again. Then later, another letter arrives and says she has a new stepsister coming to stay with her, that her stepmother has mysteriously died. Althea and her aunt welcome the girl. After her arrival, they are suddenly seeing a lot of Jovian and his new neighbor, Erebus Lethe. As events grown more sinister, Jovian's warning back in the winter comes to Althea's mind. Something very bizarre is circling Althea and her stepsister, something old and ancient, something very deadly and only Jovian can stop it. There are layers upon layers, riddles and more riddles. Ones steeped in knowledge of ancient lore will see some of the mystery coming, but it still is a master crafting of fiction and myth. For those unfamiliar with the Maid-Crone Cycle, they will be in for a super introduction to such lore.
The pace keeps the reader hooked. This is my first book by Heath, but NOT my last!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome book
Review: Set mainly in the year 1814. Lady Anthea Wintour had been in love with Jovian Cathness, twelfth Duke of Chavanage, until he hurt her deeply one Christmas. Everyone watched as Jovian appeared to become an alcoholic. Anthea was unable to stop loving him, but stayed away as much as possible. Lady Anthea received a letter from her father, who was in Ireland, and was amazed to learn he had remarried! Only a short time later, his bride died. In his grief, he went on an expedition to Brazil. He sent his new stepdaughter, and eighteen year old named Corinna, to live with Anthea and his sister. Anthea and Aunt Letty quickly came to care for Corinna. Jovian Cathness was seen often with Sir Erebus Lethe. Lethe had eyes for Corinna. However, nothing and no one were as they seemed. Danger would come to a head on Lammas Eve, July 31st, when Corinna became nineteen! * Author Sandra Heath has written a wonderful tale based on Greek gods, goddesses, and myths. Quite a few magical happenings add luster to the story and I could not stop reading! This is a story that can be read over and over. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Rating:
Summary: Magical and delightful
Review: Setting - Regency England 1813 --- Lady Anthea Wintour was once deeply in love with the Duke of Chavanage, Jovian Cathness and they both happily planned to be married. Then out of the blue, Jovian turned to drink for no apparent reason and it was a rarity to ever find him sober. Rumors abounded of his drunken displays and even stranger behavior with even sightings of him flying up to second story windows. At about the same time, Anthea's father remarried, then his bride died, and in his grief he left the country sending his newly acquired step-daughter Corrine to live with Anthea. After Corrine's arrival, Jovian and his new neighbor, Erebus Lethe, seem to continually cross their paths. Strange occurrences start to happen beginning with a posy of fresh lavender given to Anthea in the middle of winter by an unusually sober Jovian along with a strange warning. Jovian, the man whose very kiss sends her sailing over the rooftops, makes Anthea realize that he is the only man she will ever love even if he has broken her heart with his terrible behaviour. As the strange happenings begin to take on sinister overtones danger takes on new meaning. Anthea realizes Jovian is the only person who will be able to stop the insanity and save her step-sister's life. There are more and more twists and turns in this short and delightful little regency than one can shake a stick at! It is my first Sandra Heath novel but definitely not the last, as she mixes in romance, magic, and ancient myths into this one brilliant little book. Talk about original! Jovian is total mystery and divine hero and in addition, you are treated to a non-stop action page-turner that will have you panting for more and rushing to the bookstore to discover more gems penned by this outstanding talent. Do yourself a favor and put a little bit of magic in your life and this novel in your beach bag! --- Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
Rating:
Summary: Magical and delightful
Review: Setting - Regency England 1813 --- Lady Anthea Wintour was once deeply in love with the Duke of Chavanage, Jovian Cathness and they both happily planned to be married. Then out of the blue, Jovian turned to drink for no apparent reason and it was a rarity to ever find him sober. Rumors abounded of his drunken displays and even stranger behavior with even sightings of him flying up to second story windows. At about the same time, Anthea's father remarried, then his bride died, and in his grief he left the country sending his newly acquired step-daughter Corrine to live with Anthea. After Corrine's arrival, Jovian and his new neighbor, Erebus Lethe, seem to continually cross their paths. Strange occurrences start to happen beginning with a posy of fresh lavender given to Anthea in the middle of winter by an unusually sober Jovian along with a strange warning. Jovian, the man whose very kiss sends her sailing over the rooftops, makes Anthea realize that he is the only man she will ever love even if he has broken her heart with his terrible behaviour. As the strange happenings begin to take on sinister overtones danger takes on new meaning. Anthea realizes Jovian is the only person who will be able to stop the insanity and save her step-sister's life. There are more and more twists and turns in this short and delightful little regency than one can shake a stick at! It is my first Sandra Heath novel but definitely not the last, as she mixes in romance, magic, and ancient myths into this one brilliant little book. Talk about original! Jovian is total mystery and divine hero and in addition, you are treated to a non-stop action page-turner that will have you panting for more and rushing to the bookstore to discover more gems penned by this outstanding talent. Do yourself a favor and put a little bit of magic in your life and this novel in your beach bag! --- Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
Rating:
Summary: brilliant, masterful storytelling!!
Review: This is not so much a Regency as a true Gothic. And what a read! It's totally amazing the writer wove such an intricate tale in so few pages. I simply could NOT put this one down. I love history and lore, write essays on Scottish lore, and this one is so steeped with an ancient myth, so perfectly portrayed, that I am utterly delighted to see another with such love for the ways of Auld. Althea has always loved Jovian, the Duke of Chavanage, and all believed they would marriage and Althea would be his next Duchess. But then, suddenly, a year before the book takes up, we learn the Duke went on a drunken binge and never seems to stop. It caused Althea to turn away from him. She is troubled because there are tales about the Duke - not about his drunkenness - but how he can fly over rooftops and summon objects to his hand by will. Then one cold January morn, he presents Althea with a posy of fresh Lavender, a summer blooming flower, and warns for her not to trust everything she sees. Althea is quite puzzled because Jovian declares he still loves her and appears quite sober. When she presses for answers, she gets riddles that make no sense to her. Soon, her life changes, as she receives a missive from her father, saying he is sending her new stepsister to live with Althea and her aunt. After the girl's arrival, they are frequently in the company of Jovian and his new neighbor, Erebus Lethe. Jovian's warning comes to mind, as things grow more and more odd. Something sinister is circling Althea and her stepsister, something old and ancient and deadly, and only Jovian can stop it. There are layers upon layers, riddles and more riddles. Ones stepped in knowledge of ancient lore will see some of the mystery coming, but it still is a master crafting of fiction and myth. For those unfamiliar with the Maid-Crone cycle, they will be in for a super introduction to such lore. The pace keeps the reader hooked. This is my first book by Heath, but NOT my last!
Rating:
Summary: brilliant, masterful storytelling!!
Review: This is not so much a Regency as a true Gothic. And what a read! It's totally amazing the writer wove such an intricate tale in so few pages. I simply could NOT put this one down. I love history and lore, write essays on Scottish lore, and this one is so steeped with an ancient myth, so perfectly portrayed, that I am utterly delighted to see another with such love for the ways of Auld. Althea has always loved Jovian, the Duke of Chavanage, and all believed they would marriage and Althea would be his next Duchess. But then, suddenly, a year before the book takes up, we learn the Duke went on a drunken binge and never seems to stop. It caused Althea to turn away from him. She is troubled because there are tales about the Duke - not about his drunkenness - but how he can fly over rooftops and summon objects to his hand by will. Then one cold January morn, he presents Althea with a posy of fresh Lavender, a summer blooming flower, and warns for her not to trust everything she sees. Althea is quite puzzled because Jovian declares he still loves her and appears quite sober. When she presses for answers, she gets riddles that make no sense to her. Soon, her life changes, as she receives a missive from her father, saying he is sending her new stepsister to live with Althea and her aunt. After the girl's arrival, they are frequently in the company of Jovian and his new neighbor, Erebus Lethe. Jovian's warning comes to mind, as things grow more and more odd. Something sinister is circling Althea and her stepsister, something old and ancient and deadly, and only Jovian can stop it. There are layers upon layers, riddles and more riddles. Ones stepped in knowledge of ancient lore will see some of the mystery coming, but it still is a master crafting of fiction and myth. For those unfamiliar with the Maid-Crone cycle, they will be in for a super introduction to such lore. The pace keeps the reader hooked. This is my first book by Heath, but NOT my last!
Rating: 
Summary: More myth than romance
Review: This tale of an ancient myth entwined with country harvest celebrations is again Heath working the supernatural into the historical regency world.
We are thrust straight into the badly ended romance of Lady Anthea Wintour and Jovian Cathness, Duke of Chavanage. Something went wrong and gradually we begin to realize that there is more to the sad tale than meets the eye, rather it relates to what can only just be seen out of the corner of our eyes. There are dark doings related to both Jovian and a mysterious Sir Erebus Lethe. Anthea's new step-sister Corinna fresh from Ireland is also a large, innocent part in a sinister web of evil-tinged magic.
The tale jumps and starts quite a bit and eventually jolts into the country very unconvincingly for more dastardly deeds of a supernatural nature.
I enjoyed the tale, it has far more of the Persphone spring myth than romance between Anthea and Jovian. The only real fault, was that too much time was spent in complicated explanations of just how and why this Greek myth tranported itself over time into the English countryside.
Heath's supernatural tales are always an interesting read, and sometimes the mix just does not work. This one, however, did to good effect
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