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Rating: 
Summary: If only all gothic romances were so compelling
Review: If all gothic romances had been as compelling as THE HOUSE OF HAUNTED DREAMS, then this subcategory of the genre might still be thriving. Granted, this novel follows the old formula readers devoured before Rosemary Rogers revolutionized the romance category in the 70s, but Author Jane Peart handles it well.Twenty-year-old Blessing McCall attends the reading of her mother's will in Fenwich, Massachusetts, and discovers that she was adopted. After assessing the situation with her aunt and poring over old documents that had been saved, she learns her real name is Solange Souvraine and her biological parents were a part of a wealthy family in New Orleans. They had been living on an island in the Atlantic while her father oversaw a plantation her family had there. Her parents had perished in the eruption of Mt. Pelé and destruction of St. Pierre in May 1902 after barely sending Solange to New Orleans. Sara McCall, wife of the Captain of the ship, had wanted a child of her own and had helped herself when Solange's nurse died. With a natural curiosity, Blessing goes to New Orleans to find the family she never knew. Despite her uncle's poor luck locating Solange, she finds out he never gave up hope. However, not all of the remaining Souvraines appreciate her appearance. This 1992 novel has most of the elements readers look for in a gothic romance. The young heroine unravels an old mystery, not knowing which fellow she can trust. A big, old mansion usually plays a huge part in the story, but Blessing walks through three of them and none dominate. On the other hand, a city like New Orleans has so much character, it can easily replace the atmosphere of a large, antiquating residence. Between its humidity, voodoo, paranormal activity, Mardi Gras, and its formerly corrupt police department, walking its streets can set an incredible mood. Peart has an engrossing style. The narrative clearly puts the reader in Blessing's viewpoint, which is as it should be since it's in the first person. The style is crisp, clear, and has the "sensuous detail" that makes fiction sparkle, not to mention a growing sense of menace. Blessing has convincing motivation, innocence, naiveté, and a lack of guile that makes the protagonist come off effectively. She could probably use an "overwhelming passion," but for those who have little exposure to or had a long vacation from this genre, she can be interesting to follow regardless. Besides, people in their early 20s go through so many changes. Many people have a complete change in the direction of their lives between 20 and 25. All in all, THE HOUSE OF HAUNTED DREAMS is a worthy effort. It doesn't have a ghost, but for those who enjoy the intrigue of the old-fashioned gothic romance genre this is highly recommended.
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