Rating: 
Summary: A great book for anyone who likes gothic romances.
Review: I read "Mistress of Mellyn" about four years ago and was charmed by it's tale of gothic romance. I think that it is a great romance book for young teenagers to read, because it isn't sugar coated with inappropriated scenes yet it still gives you the light romance that you want. Frankly the trashy bodice rippers that you see in the grocerey stores aren't appealing to my sense of a "good" read and would probably leave a bitter taste of dissappointment in my mouth. It gets stale after a while when an author writes a book that is sprinkled with so many sexual scenes that you can't flip a page without finding one. Plus books like that are so predictable that you feel like the moment that you pick one up you are going to know the plot. It doesn't leave you something to think about at all like some books will . . . the only thing that comes into your brain afterwards is how could the heroine be so naive and trusting, That is why I believe that "Mistress of Mellyn" is such a pleasurable read, because it gives you a sense of warmth toward the love between the characters, not disgust. The only thing that I would find fault with "Mistress of Mellyn" is that it seems to be almost identical to the plot in "Jane Erye." But all in all I really enjoyed reading it . . .
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Book Ever
Review: I'm 15 and had to read this book for a book report. I thought it wouldn't be very fun to read, but I was soon surprised.I read it and now I can't wait to read it again. EVERYONE should read it!
Rating:
Summary: ** Well Worth Reading **
Review: Martha Leigh is the central female character of this delightful story. The tale is told, mainly in the first person, with added dialogue.
After the death of their father, 20 year old Martha and her 18 year old sister Phillida, are taken to London by their aunt Adelaide, for 'a season'. At the end of that season Phillida had married, but after four years of living with her aunt, Martha still had not found a husband.
"There are two courses open to a gentlewoman when she finds herself in penurious circumstances ...." aunt Adelaide had said. "One is to marry, and the other to find a post in keeping with her gentility."
Thus, one of aunt Adelaide's friends suggests that Martha should become governess to Connan TreMellyn's daughter, Alvean.
Martha arrives at the house, Mount Mellyn, to find her employer is a cold imposing man, and his daughter is resentful towards her. The house itself is a 'cold brooding house on the Cornish cliffs'.
It was only Martha's growing love for Alvean and an unwilling attraction to Alvean's father that made her stay on and try to solve the mysteries which shrouded their lives.
What eventuates between Martha and Connan TreMellyn is a little predictable, however the journey towards the outcome is a delightful read; and, there is a wickedly surprising 'twist' at the end of the book (which I'm not going to spoil for you).
The book is very well written, and I found the characters very interesting.
The author of my copy of this title was Victoria Holt. This was one of the pseudonyms of Eleanor Alice Burford. After marrying she became Eleanor Alice Hibbert. Others she wrote under included Jean Plaidy, Ellalice Tate, Kathleen Kellow, Elbur Ford, Philippa Carr. She wrote almost 200 books under these names!
Her books are VERY addictive!
Sadly, most of her books are out of print at the date of this review. Some can be purchased on the Internet or from second-hand bookshops.
Rating:
Summary: This is one of my all time favorite books.
Review: My first reading of this book was when I was 14 years old. I am now approaching 45. Over the years, I have read this book over and over again. Ms. Holt is one my favorite authors and this is at the top of my favorite book list. It was the beginning of my interest in this place called Cornwall, that I never knew exsited, and all things Gothic, Cornish and English. One day I hope to be able to see this place called Cornwall that I have been reading about all this time.
Rating:
Summary: My First Victoria Holt Book & Still My Favorite
Review: Set during the 1800s in Cornwall, England, "Mistress of Mellyn" follows a 24-year-old woman's (Martha Leigh) adventure as a governess in a haunted mansion owned by the widowered Connan TreMellyn and his young daughter, Alvean. While struggling with her emotions over Connan and his just-as-difficult daughter, Martha must also try and uncover the mysterious death of his wife before she, too, faces the same fate Alice did."Mistress of Mellyn" was the first book I ever read by Victoria Holt, and it also happens to be the first book Eleanor Alice Burford Hibbert wrote under this pseudonym over 40 years ago. It was given to me by one of my aunts when I was about 11 and is still one of my favorites, even though I'm not necessarily a romance fan. But if you are--or even if you're just a reluctant gothic romance reader like I am--, then you'll more than likely enjoy this one. There's nothing offensive or racy in it, so it's appropriate for all ages, yet it's still very suspenseful. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Mystery of Mistress of Mellyn
Review: There is no count on the number of times I had read this book. It IS still intriguing. The description of the house and the mystery weaved around the house and the personification of the characters are especially good. This is a timeless piece. Maratha could be any next door girl. I loved this book and would like many others to read this book. But one thing while reading this book, especially the part where Martha dances for the first time unaware of Connan reminded me of Maria of Sound of Music. Lovely book . Great reading
Rating:
Summary: My First Romance Novel
Review: This book has been around for a LONG time and age has not dimmed it, only made it more appealing. There is no graphic sex only wonderful Romance! The protagonists are completely sympathtic and you have to fall in love with the hero right along with the heroine. I have to consider this book like a fine wine, that age only enhances. If you are considering reading it for the first time, congratulations, you will have a wonderful time
Rating:
Summary: I'm hooked!
Review: This book is perfect brain candy. It's easy to read, yet it has an enjoyable plot. I read it over one weekended, trying to squease in one more book before I had to break down to study for finals, and now I can't wait till my finals are over so that I can read more!
Rating:
Summary: One of Miss Holt's Best
Review: This is one of my favorite novels by Victoria Holt. Set in a rich countryside....and imbued with a cast of intrigueing characters. A must for all romantic suspense readers.
Rating:
Summary: A GREAT ROMANCE
Review: This is probably my favorite Victoria Holt book. I've read it over and over. I really hope they make it a movie. I can't believe that her books still haven't gottan on screen. They would make great films!
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