Born to Scandal is my homage to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. It's the story of a governess and a lord complete with secrets and betrayal.
From the back cover:
"People talk as if there is something wrong about Lord Brentmore. Something about his past."Lord Brentmore--half Irish peasant, half English aristocrat--grew up under a cloud of scandal. Even money and a title aren't enough to stay the wagging tongues of the Ton. But he's vowed that his children will never experience the same stigma.
After the death of their infamous mother they need a reputable governess. Anna Hill is too passionate, too alluring, but she fills Brentmore Hall with light and laughter again--and its master with feelings he'd forgotten.
But a lord marrying a governess would be the biggest scandal of all!
I've received some reviews!
5 Stars! "Beautifully written, with a delicious romance, Born to Scandal by Diane Gaston was written to be savored and enjoyed as we do with all fine wines." — Debby, Cataromance
4 Stars! "Like the original, Gaston's homage to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre is a story about lies and betrayal with a governess at the center. This one is well written, brimming with emotion and populated with characters readers will come to care about and root for. And, best of all, the governess gets her happy ending!" — Maria Ferrer, RT Book Reviews
We often ask our guests where the idea for their books came from. I am not sure where the idea for Born to Scandal came from. In fact, I can't remember writing the first chapter. My friend Julie brought back a full manuscript of mine that she had in her possession. Loose inside it was this first chapter. I didn't even remember it. After reading it, I did remember my idea for the story, my desire to tell a governess story, like Jane Eyre.
So when I needed a new story idea, I went with this one.
Another thing I liked about it was the challenge of writing a story where not much happens except the hero and heroine working out their relationship. There's no villain, no battle scenes (sigh!), no road trip--except a short one.
To celebrate the release of Born to Scandal, I'm giving away one signed copy to one lucky commenter.
What do you remember about the first time you read Jane Eyre?
Actually (I'm ashamed of myself right now) I haven't read Jane Eyre so I can't say what I think about the book. I am curious to read how the others found it though.
ReplyDeleteI have read Jane Eyre, but I can say I have read stories where you have a Lord looking for a governess and I really enjoy those types of stories.
ReplyDeleteI was a teenager when I read Jane Eyre & I remember loving the story though little else I'm afraid. It's been, oh uhmm, some years since then...
ReplyDeleteMuch later I saw a movie about Jane Eyre & this I remember more clearly. The wedding that does not take place, the dashing Mr Rochester. The first meeting between them :D The beautiful clothes and scene's, all very nice.
I forgot to say that your story sounds great & I love love love the cover! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a pre-order on my nook. Do you know if I can but a digital epub edition somewhere now? Love your books.
ReplyDeleteHi! !! This book looks great! !!
ReplyDeleteJane Eyre is such a wonderful story. I remember first reading it and wanting to see the movie version. I wanted to see it come to life. Of course, I found the book better :)
ReplyDeleteI'd seen a movie version first and what I remember about reading the book was how much I loved the sections before and after Jane's stay at Thornyfield Hall, which were barely shown in the movie. She is such a complete person even in the earliest scenes; I loved how she demanded respect, even when it seems the world is conspiring to demean her.
ReplyDeleteKat, as far as I know the digital editions are all coming December 1.
ReplyDeleteTo those who haven't read Jane Eyre, for a quick version, there are several movies out there, including the Orson Welles/Joan Fontaine one (with a young Elizabeth Taylor)
Jo, what I remember most about Jane Eyre were the coincidences in the story, and the part of her as a child. So I'm kinda like you, Susan/DC
Congrats on the new book, Diane. It sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI first read Jane Eyre as a teenager and fell in love with it. My favorite film version is the miniseries with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.
My brand new copy of Born to Scandal is sitting on my desk waiting for me to hit my NaNo word count so I can read it as my reward!! I have so been looking forward to reading this one!!
ReplyDeleteI first read Jane Eyre when I was ten or eleven years old. It was the first Bronte novel the two little old ladies who lived next door to us in England gave me after I finished all of Jane Austen's novels. I LOVED Jane Eyre from the very first page. It is still one of my all time favorite reads.
My favorite film version is the BBC mini-series with Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester.
I hope that you who have Born to Scandal already will like it!!
ReplyDeleteI remember that I was pretty young when I read Jane Eyre and I don't think I really understood all of the nuances of the story at the time.
ReplyDeleteBarbara E, I KNOW I didn't understand all the nuances of Jane Eyre when I first read it!!
ReplyDeleteI actually read Jane Eyre because I saw a great adaptation of it (Toby Stephens as Mr. Rochester - wowza!)and I like reading books that become movies. Once I got used to the language of the book, I became enthralled and just really loved it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have read it yet. One of these days I'll get to it. The pile of books I want to read grows everyday.
ReplyDeletekristinaleigh1(at)hotmail.com