Book Review and Giveaway: "Belgravia," by Julian Fellowes

About the book:
On the evening of 15 June 1815, the great and the good of British Society have gathered in Brussels at what is to become one of the most tragic parties in history -- the duchess of Richmond's ball. For this is the eve of the Battle of Waterloo, and many of the handsome young men attending the ball will find themselves, the very next day, on the battlefield.

For Sophia Trenchard, the young and beautiful daughter of Wellington's chief supplier, this night will change everything. But it is only twenty-five years later, when the upwardly mobile Trenchards move into the fashionable new area of Belgravia, that the true repercussions of that moment will be felt. For in this new world, where the aristocracy rub shoulders with the emerging nouveau riche, there are those who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried...

My thoughts:
If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, as I am, you won't be disappointed by this book. Like Downton Abbey, many difficulties arise thanks to the rigid class system in the 1800s. Whether one is a member of the aristocracy, the merchant class or the servants class, it is important to know one's place and not cross any lines. Needless to say, this breeds resentment for many who wish to advance. True love is not allowed to prosper, and troubles must be kept behind closed doors. In Belgravia, we meet people from all walks of life, but the main storyline here centers around Sophia's family in the twenty-five years after Waterloo. I won't give away any big secrets, but suffice it to say that her parents and others will continue to struggle in England with a pivotal choice that Sophia made while living in Brussels. This story kept me in suspense, and I was sad to see it come to an end.

About the author:
Educated at Ampleforth and Magdalene College, Cambridge, Julian Fellowes is a multi-award-winning actor, writer, director and producer. As creator, sole writer, and executive producer of the hit television series DOWNTON ABBEY, Fellowes has won three Emmy awards.

Fellowes received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for GOSFORD PARK (2002). His work was also honored by the Writer's Guild of America, The New York Film Critics' Circle and the National Society of Film Critics for Best Screenplay. Other writing credits for film include PICCADILLY JIM (2004), VANITY FAIR (2004), YOUNG VICTORIA (2009), THE TOURIST (2010), ROMEO & JULIET (2013), and the three-part drama DOCTOR THORNE for ITV. Fellowes also directed the award-winning films SEPARATE LIES and FROM TIME TO TIME. Fellowes wrote the books for the Tony-nominated stage production of MARY POPPINS and SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL, which opened on Broadway in December 2015, and is written and produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Fellowes has authored two novels: the international bestsellers SNOBS (2005) and PAST IMPERFECT (2008/2009).

Julian Fellowes became a life peer in 2010. He lives in Dorset and London with his wife, Emma.

Facebook: JulianFellowesBelgravia
Twitter: @JFBelgravia
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GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive my hardcover copy of Belgravia, by Julian Fellowes! Enter through the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, August 21, 2016.

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Disclosure: I won this book and am donating it for this giveaway. This post contains my Amazon affiliate link.