At Somerton: Cinders & Sapphires

My ThoughtsCinders & Sapphires is an English Estate drama following the family and staff of the Somerton Estate set in 1910 England. Within the pages you will find yourself whisked away to another time and place, wrapped up in the intricacies and lives of both the “upstairs” (high society) and “downstairs” world. Find yourself entangled in their dreams, schemes, scandals, and dramas.This was a very fun, easy, and light read. This would be a perfect fit for fans of Downton Abbey, and YA historical dramas and romances. The story had allusions to Cinderella, and was definitely reminiscent of Downton Abbey. Personally, I am a huge fan of period dramas (and of Downton Abbey!), so when I saw a Young Adult historical drama that sounded Downton Abbey-esque I was in! I definitely enjoyed this one very much, I read it in a day, and I found it to be a quick, refreshing, and easy read. I also found that it helped with my Downton withdrawals. I loved the whole premise of the upstairs/downstairs, the estate politics, the manners, etiquette and values of the time, and the looming threat of the ever-changing modern world infringing on all they know.For me, feeling as though I’m being transported to another time and place always makes a book more enjoyable. I found myself, wrapped up in the drama and intrigue of the book. I loved that you got to meet so many characters, and that you were able to get some depth and fleshing out of a fair few. I enjoyed that the main heroines had forward-thinking, unusual dreams (for the time). I also enjoyed the references to actual issues of the time: the Indian Independence Movement, British Imperial Rule in India, Women’s Suffrage, Women’s Education, etc. These kinds of things always keep me interested and add some nice historical tension and authenticity. They also make me want to go read more about the events so I better understand the history.I did get a hint of insta-love (which is not something I like to see in a read), although on further reflection it did kind of fit with the time and courtship/romance beliefs. I will also say that at the beginning it did jump around a bit and seemed to switch viewpoints suddenly, but as I got to understand the characters this wasn’t an issue any more.Overall, I found this a truly enjoyable read, and I honestly cannot wait to start the second one. I would definitely recommend this one as a fun, light period piece romance – or to help fill the Downton void for you Downton fans.Recommendations:If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more Historical Drama-esque reads try:The American Heiress – Daisy GoodwinRuby Red – Kerstin GierKeeping the Castle – Patrice KindlThe Hawk and the Jewel – Lori WickRating: 4 out of 5 Doxies* – Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!*I debated my rating on this one for a bit, going back and forth between a 3 or 4 Doxie rating. However, after weighing it out, for the genre, age, and type of read it was – it really made me happy overall. Also, I went and bought the second one as soon as I finished, which made me decide I’d give it a 4. ☺Jenn Tale of Two Doxies[...]

This is a wonderful mix between the wonderful world of Bridgerton and Downton Abbey with so much intrigue and scandal and love mixed into one! Such a fun novel and I will be picking up the next novel right away. I cannot wait to finish this series and am excited to see what all my wonderful characters will continue to have happen in their lives!

What to say about this one? Hm. It hit all the Downton Abbey hallmarks for good and bad. It felt a bit like Luxe too with a bit of the tone of Gossip Girl. Are these good or bad things to me? I'll say this, it didn't make for the most surprising read but there were things that kept me turning the pages, so it couldn't have been all bad. I did like the historical nods to British Colonialism with regard to India. I think I'd have liked more emphasis on that aspect but this isn't a historical novel in the strictest sense or at least it didn't feel like it to me.As to the characters, I wanted more of Ada but she was a bit secondary to Rose (who came with a story arc end that was telegraphed in the first few pages of meeting her so it was difficult to feel much suspense by the reveal). Ada had a case of insta-love with Ravi based on one shipboard kiss and I tried my best to ignore that because I thought her trajectory was really going to be about her figuring out how to get to Oxford. Sebastian was interesting enough but his "scandalous secret" was an "of course" moment for me. Fiona & Charlotte were our stock annoying evil stepmother & sister and I really couldn't much care about them as there wasn't much given to flesh them out.All in all, I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a comfortable read, not one looking to be surprised or for anything very complex. These characters are wearing it all on the surface & there's no deep drama but there's plenty of melodrama. Sometimes, that makes for a fun read, so go into this one for that. I don't know if I'll continue with the series.

I don't think any one who has watched Downton Abbey will fail to recognize how much of this book is taken from the Downton Abbey... That was a bit of a turn off... The story was good enough for what it is... I do like some of the descriptive details and it does leave you kind of wanting to know what happens next... I absolutely do not think its worth $9.99 to find out... I am rather unreasonable I guess... This book was free and perhaps that is not fair of me. I know its designed to encourage us to buy future books. I would too if the prices were more reasonable, but the book simply isn't that good. Frankly before I pay that kind of money its going to be a lot better than this book. John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, and the like.

This book seemed to fly by. It hooked me and keep pulling me back to keep reading more. I wish that some of the characters were a bit more memorable, but they may have been written like that for a reason. I am hoping that the second book is a good as the next.

If you're a Dowtown Abbey fan, this might be for you. The book is a part one of an aristocratic family falling on hard times, with the need to marry rich in order to save the family estate. Scheming maids, loveless marriages, jealous step-siblings are just part of the story. While in some ways it was an easier time because everything and everyone had their place, it was also harder if you didn't quite fit in like the housemaid who became pregnant, those tormented by being gay and knowing it must remain a secret life. I love Ada and Rose, feel for Sebastian, dislike Charlotte and her mother Fiona for starters. But the book ends with much left unresolved clearly meant for a second part.A good read for a rainy or snowy day.

This is a very well written story that keeps leading the reader onward. My only problem with the story was keeping the cast of characters sorted out between the wife's family, the husband's family, the servants from both sides, and various factions within the servant population. The love interests and past love interests kept me guessing.