The Present (Malory Novels)
by Johanna Lindsey
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Book Summary Information
Author: Johanna LindseyEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1999-11-09
ISBN: 0380804387
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Avon
Book Reviews of The Present (Malory Novels)
Book Review: Not as exciting as the first five books (Malory# 6)
Summary: 3 Stars
It's Christmas time and once again the whole Malory clan are gathered at Haverston as per family tradition. And as they start to pour into the parlor, a mysterious present catches everyone's attention, including the baby Malory's. Unmarked and beautifully wrapped, everyone in the family wonders whom the present is for. Unable to contain their curiosity, they soon unwrap the package and were surprised to find out that it is a diary, which tells the love story of their ancestors, Christopher and Anastasia Malory.
As they read the diary, they learn about how those two got together, how Anastasia was a gypsy (although of noble birth), whose beauty so captivated the Marquis that he wanted her the moment he laid eyes on her. I won't waste my time expounding on their story because I would rather share my thoughts on the whole novel.
Although Christopher and Anastasia's story was interesting, I didn't really find it captivating. I can appreciate that the author's main point in telling us their story is to highlight the problems that Jason and Molly are having - the fact that Molly isn't part of the gentry and therefore continually turns down Jason's marriage proposal for fear of bringing more scandal to the family name. Basically, the diary is supposed to open up Molly's eyes and to tell her that once upon a time, a Malory also married a commoner and came to live happily ever after. Sorry but I just didn't buy the whole thing. I mean we're talking about a family who has been laden with scandal for so long that what's another one? And also, if they only told Regina about their love affair ages ago then she would have come up with a brilliant idea already to cover up the whole thing and make sure that Molly is accepted by the ton. As noble as Molly's reasons were, it didn't really endear her to me. Quite the opposite actually, for it left me thinking that she was quite weak in comparison to Amy, Regina and Georgina.
If you haven't read the first five Malory novels (Love Only Once, Tender Rebel, Gentle Rogue, The Magic of You, Say You Love Me), you would still be able to follow up on the story as the relationships of the main characters in those books are recounted in The Present. Now if you have read those books, you would probably share my sentiment in that you will think that half the book is wasted on such repetitions. I mean, how many more times do we need to read about how the hero and heroine came together? I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but in comparison to the other Malory novels, I found this one quite dull. I did enjoy catching up with every one of them and it was good to meet the new additions to the family and, as with all Malory novels, it always delights me to read about James and Anthony. And in this book, the confrontation between the two was hilarious. Uncle Tony's in trouble because Georgina heard little Jack swear and she thinks it was all James' fault when in truth Anthony was indirectly responsible. When you read about it you can't help but laugh. Got to love James and Tony!
Overall, this book isn't all that bad, just not as exciting as its predecessors. The Present is my least favorite of the first six Malory books. I'm yet to read A Loving Scoundrel, which features Jeremy, but looking forward to it.
Summary of The Present (Malory Novels)
As the entire Malory family gathers at Haverston to celebrate the season, a mysterious present arrives anonymously. The gift is an old journal -- a tender and tempestuous account of the love affair between the second Marquis, Christopher Malory, and a dark gypsy beauty named Anastasia, who seeks a love match with a non-gypsy in order to save herself from a prearranged marriage to a brute. Though the dashing English lord Anastasia sets her sight upon burns for the exquisite, exotic miss, Christopher could never consent to wed such a lowborn lady. But miracles have been known to happen in this season of peace and giving and love, as two extraordinary people seperated by cicumstance of birth begin a passionate dance of will and wiles. And in the miraculous blossoming of a glorious romance at a long ago Christmastime, there are wise and well-learned lessons that will enrich the hearts of the Malory descendants -- and, indeed, of everyone who has ever dreamed.The Present finds the Malory clan gathered at their ancestral estate to celebrate the holidays. To add to the excitement, a beautifully wrapped gift has mysteriously appeared in the parlor. No one knows who placed it there and Jason Malory, the eldest and only permanent resident of Haverston, has no inkling that the intriguing package is about to change his life forever. What connection does the gaily wrapped gift have with the unmarked grave in the meadow? Was the great-great-grandmother of this generation of Malory's a Gypsy or a Russian Princess? Or both? How will the Malory clan accept the secrets revealed by this wonderful Christmas gift? The Present is a charming, warm, and amusing visit with the much-loved members of the fascinating Malory family. --Lois Faye Dyer
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