“A mesmerizing story.”
—Library Journal
From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a supernatural Victorian gothic retelling of Charlotte Brontë's timeless classic.
Yorkshire, 1843. When disgraced former schoolmaster John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take up a position as tutor to two peculiar young boys, he enters a world unlike any he's ever known. Darkness abounds, punctuated by odd bumps in the night, strange creatures on the moor, and a sinister silver mist that never seems to dissipate. And at the center of it all, John's new employer—a widow as alluring as she is mysterious.
Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn't on her itinerary, but on meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester, she's powerless to resist his preternatural charm. In letters and journal entries, she records the story of their rapidly-disintegrating life together, and of her gradual realization that Mr. Rochester isn't quite the man he appears to be. In fact, he may not be a man at all.
From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea coast to an isolated estate in rural England, John and Bertha contend with secrets, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Can they help each other vanquish the demons of the past? Or are some evils simply too powerful to conquer?
More Reviews:
“An entertaining spin on a classic with thrilling twists and turns.” —Kirkus
“The plot is fast-paced and spellbinding, making this a book you will have a hard time putting down. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend John Eyre to fans of retellings of classic novels, and those looking for an original and modern take on a tale that’s so well known.” —Readers’ Favorite
“Bertha Mason Rochester shines, dominating her scenes with vitality and strength. The style, too, is spot-on, reprising the spirit of 19th-century Gothic prose without descending into mimicry.” —Publishers Weekly
“In bestselling author Matthews' hands, John Eyre offers new twists and turns...a stellar addition to the Eyre family of fan fiction.” —Historical Novel Society (Editor's Choice)
“Reader, I loved it.” —Austenprose
“A fast-paced and riveting read, not to mention a great subversion of the gothic trope where the innocent young governess falls for the brooding anti-hero with the dark secret.” —All About Romance
“Matthews' writing style is flawless.… A thrilling, spooky ride filled with heart-stopping suspense—I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended!” —Syrie James, USA Today bestselling author of The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë and Dracula, My Love
“Episodes from the original novel are recalled, but with more than enough difference to alarm and even shock the reader. Most cleverly, issues with the captive's background and treatment are neatly avoided by drawing on another Victorian novel altogether...” —The Victorian Web
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Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.
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