GUEST REVIEW: Wrenfield Hall by Wannabe Charlotte

REVIEWER: MoltenChocCake

Summary from ff.net: In 1870s England, Bella finds herself without home or family when her father dies. She secures a position as a housemaid in a country manor belonging to Lord Edward Masen. The two form a bond that is threatened by class differences and Edward's past.

My goal isn't to provide spoilers to the story, but certainly it can be difficult to review a story without revealing something. You have been warned. 

Before we go any further, let's learn a bit more about the author: Wannabe Charlotte (WC). WC is a  former reporter making her first foray into creative writing. Right away, I like her perspective. She realizes that having a Bella and Edward story makes it much more attractive to TwiFanFic readers. She clearly states that she doesn't see Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart as the Edward and Bella in this story. I'm not as prolific a TwiFanFic reader as my wife, but I have contended that using Edward and Bella is an easy way to get readers who will read anything, good or bad, that's stamped with Twilight; and that using them also allows people to be sloppy and/or cut corners in character development. That being said, Wrenfield Hall is expertly written and compelling. WannabeCharlotte started the fic, intending to keep it secret from her husband. That didn't last long and, to her surprise, her husband has helped her significantly in the later stages of the fic. As a husband myself, I applaud their teamwork. I hope that more husbands and wives are able to share their passions with each other, whether NASCAR or TwiFanFic!

As with most TwiFanFic stories I read, this is an Edward and Bella story. Thus, you have a pretty good idea ahead of time that they'll end up together. So, the question usually isn't who ends up together, but how. That's how this story feels right from the start. It seems that it will be just a matter of time before Edward and Bella end up together. The crux of Wrenfield Hall is how to these two people, from opposite social classes, find each other and build their relationship into something  meaningful. Who will support this relationship? Who will try to damage it? The usual cast of characters exist, as in most TwiFanFic's that I have read: the lovable Mrs. Cope, Mike Newton (albeit indirectly), James, Tanya, etc.


Wrenfield Hall is rated 'T' and therefore, no real lemons. That's not to say there isn't sexual tension.

Wrenfield Hall is a period TwiFic, based in the 1870's. Bella is a down-on-her-luck servant at the Wrenfield Hall. The master of the estate is, of course, Lord Edward Mason. If you have ever read or watched Pride and Prejudice, you'll sense the similarities at once.  It's a great read with a lot of drama and character development. If you're looking for salacious lemons, look elsewhere. If you want a story with a great plot, fantastic character development, and some angst, then you come to the right story.

Bella's father has died leaving her with little choice but marriage to someone she doesn't love or taking a job as a servant at manor. She chose the latter because she would rather not marry if it doesn't include love. She realizes and accepts that forgoing the marriage means a lower station in life with hard work. WC has created a character that you can rally behind. You want Bella to find love, to succeed, to increase her lot in life. Being a Twilight story, it seems obvious that the solution is Lord Edward Masen. The question is, how can Bella and Lord Masen find love across the class barrier that exists.

On day one at the manor, Bella happens upon Lord Masen in the library. They do notice each other, but Bella is quickly put in her place when she is told that in the future she should use the servant's entrance. Bella gets to meet her fellow workers: the lovely Mrs. Cope, her new friend Lizzie, and the irritable Mrs. Mallory. It's clear that the work will be tough for Bella. And though we expect Lord Masen and Bella to start having contact, it occurs infrequently during that first week or so at the manor.

Meanwhile, we get some glimpses into Lord Masen. The readers now understand that Edward has his own demons to contend with. His brother James has describe the solution -- to what problem, we don't know yet. But, that solution is not acceptable to Edward. But, certainly, this problem will be one that Edward must contend with and probably will affect Bella and Edward's chance at a relationship.


A Visit To The Library For A Good Book

Bella and Edward's relationship does develop and does so very slowly. It centers around books and the library. The library represents what Bella gave up on her father's death and marriage proposal refusal. It gives opportunity for the pair to have a connection that is not shared with any others; it reveals how well a match they are. The library and books also are a barometer of their relationship.

With the books, Bella can live in whatever world she wishes--travelling around the world and in time. Edward gets a window into her soul when discussing them with her. The readers get invested in the relationship as it develops around this intimate book club. WC has crafted a wonderful story where the readers are rooting for the relationship to grow and develop into something wonderful.

But, life is not all rosey and neither is this story. The troubles that afflicted both Bella and Edward in the opening chapter come to light and wreak havoc on the relationship. There seems to be a path for them to walk through these troubles and arrive safely on the other side.  But will they succeed?

The rest of the story is to be discovered by the reader and not from this reviewer. It's a worthwhile ride but one I'm not willing to give away.


There's Love In The Air...or is that a Balloon?

He stood, uncertainly, inches from her, looking down at her. It would be so easy to reach out, put his hand on her waist, pull her close to him, to knot his fingers in her damp hair and angle her face up to his…
...

Touch me…please touch me…

There certainly is sexual tension in this story but we are spared lemons. [Yes, I said 'spared.' A personal preference, I know.] The anticipation for Bella and Edward to express their love for each other is palpable. But Bella is not in the position to ask Edward to 'stoop' to her class. Edward has other issues with which to contend. They both want each other and the reader knows it. What the reader doesn't know...well, you'll just have to read and find out. I will say that it has to do with balloons.


My Two Cents...worth less than a penny, I know

By this point, you should realize that this reviewer is thoroughly enjoying Wrenfield Hall. I have recommended it to many. However, there are some aspects of the story that give me pause.

Since this is an all-human story, I would be happy to not have the electrical charge between a touching Bella and Edward. It doesn't fit and seems awkward. My suggestion is for most stories: don't do it. I realize that it is canon, but this is something that does not need to be repeated. [At this point, I must confess that I have not read any of the Twilight books! I have seen the movies, however.]

Secondly, for all the great development of the relationship and trials that come, the resolution of the story seems too quick and convenient. It almost feels as if WC wanted to get the story finished and rushed through the ending. At the time of this review, the final chapter or two had not been published, so it's possible that my opinion will change.

The grand story line is somewhat predictable but so what? Lots of twiFics tell you whether the story is HEA (happily ever after) or angsty or "Bella and Edward." Frankly, I'd prefer to not know; that's what makes the various stories exciting. Wrenfield Hall, although somewhat predictable, has enough twists and turns to make it absolutely delightful.

In summary, this is a wonderful story. The development of the relationship between Edward and Bella satisfies the romantic side of me because it's tender and believable. The character development seems natural and deep. The plot keeps my attention. The writing grabs you from chapter one and tugs at your emotions throughout. If you haven't started Wrenfield Hall yet, what are you waiting for? 

REVIEW: Starry Eyed Inside by Rochelle Allison

Summary from ff.net: “High School Fictional. No one sends Bella into a tailspin quite like Edward Cullen... but can she make make him hers? The ups and downs and all arounds.”

Do you remember your first crush? That cute boy or girl who had you French kissing your hand for practice? Set in sunny Florida, Starry Eyed Inside by Rochelle Allison brings back those nostalgic feelings of first love. Bella, 14, falls for Edward at first sight.

 I … saw his face and that was it.

Squashed like a bug on the highway of love.

Just seeing him made my mouth go dry… my heart pound… my stomach clamp up.

Edward is a grade older. He drives. He’s gorgeous, “Sometimes he was just… in his own world, beautifully – and terribly –untouchable, my very own Jake Ryan or Jordan Catalano.” Bella thinks he’ll never notice her. She’s wrong. He attempts to fix her up with his friend Jake. Urgh! Also, it seems there’s always a girl hanging on Edward while Bella watches on wistfully. Fortunately, it’s not long before Edward catches on that Bella has a crush on him and he makes his move.

His lips were so soft and warm, and he tasted good, sweet and smoky. His tongue filled my mouth and I tightened up deep inside, my body wanting him in ways my brain wasn't even aware of just yet.

I love this Bella. She’s sweet and innocent without being immature or naïve. As told in first person, BPOV, we are privy to her dreamy thoughts. I assure you, Starry Eyed Inside is the perfect title for this story. I appreciate how Ms. Allison captures the shyness of being an underclassman tossed into the world of partying with the older crowd, you know, the cool juniors and seniors. I remember those times in my life.

Being a Twi-fanfic, the usual characters are present, however, Ms. Allison has given the characters her own twist, and it's an enjoyable change of pace. Alice, for example, is Maria Alice Pena. She has an older brother, Eleazar. She isn’t the pixie shopaholic characterized so often in fanfiction. Instead of being the talker, Alice is the listener. Bella states in chapter 1, “I'd talk and she'd listen.” Rose is Bella’s other close friend and is a “spoiled brat” as well as being the “prettiest girl I knew.” Early in the story the canon pairings begin to form as Rose takes notice of Edward’s older brother Emmett. Jessica and Lauren round out Bella’s girlfriends, but they aren’t major players.

I love Ms. Allison’s use of minor characters and how a simple sentence can describe their essence. For example, Eric Yorkie, who is “…both dorky and cool, the kind of kid who was on honor society but also knew how to fashion pot paraphernalia out of produce.” And Jake, he’s not the bad guy, he’s one of Edward’s best friends and has, “…an amazingly sharp, witty sense of humor.”

The story is angsty but not overwhelmingly so. The scene a few days after Bella and Edward’s first kiss is so well written. Poor Bella is certain that she was just another one in a long line of girls he kisses while drunk at a party. She also witnesses firsthand the jealousy of a catty bitch. It’s a month before they kiss again.

Edward is a mysterious character in the beginning. He is quiet and guarded with his feelings. Bella never quite knows where she stands with him. Then, just as their relationship heats up and she’s totally enamored with him, his partying ways catch up to him, threatening their relationship.

The plot spans a few year's time and I love how Bella matures over the course of this story. It is wonderful to see her blossom and develop confidence in herself, and especially how she conducts herself in terms of her relationships with others.

Currently at 24 chapters, Starry Eyed Inside is a must read for all the romantics in the fandom.

REVIEW: The Art Teacher by spanglemaker9

 FF.net summary: He gave me art and words and passion and life, but all I wanted was him.

Isabella Dwyer is a high school senior at the elite Spencer Academy, a private school for the Upper East Siders in NYC. Her mother Renee, "...a little nobody from the sticks..." has married well, giving Isabella a rich step-daddy and all the goodies his life has to offer. Renee enrolls Isabella in an Art Appreciation class as another way for Renee to fit in with her snooty upper crust friends. These women define the word 'cougar.' The instructor is fuckhawt artistward Edward Cullen:

The poser rich boys at Spencer can't hold a candle to this guy, and it's obvious. Even with all their money, they can't touch what he has; this natural magnetism that radiates off his skin ... He is, without a doubt, the most amazing man I've ever laid eyes on in real life.

Isabella has everything in life and nothing at the same time. Her mother's social climbing disgusts her and she feels trapped living life as a Dwyer. After meeting a few times outside of class, Bella and Edward's attraction for each other sends the UST meter all the way to the right. Of course their relationship appears doomed from the start. There's the student/teacher thing, there's the she's rich/he's not thing, and then there's the Edward lives in wealthy women's apartment buildings and gets a break on the rent IYKWIM thing.

I was sucked into this story right away. It moves along quickly yet is never rushed. I get all tingly when I read good fanfiction and this is a 9/10 on my tingly scale. The Art Teacher is more about Bella's search for her independence and ultimate happiness with herself than it is about her relationship with Edward. Though their initial contact is brief, his influence on her life is profound.

If there's someone that you carry a torch for or never 'got over' you must read this.

A WIP at 11 chapters, The Art Teacher is a quick read. Spanglemaker9 states in an A/N that there are 14 chapters total thus its nearing completion. I encourage all you romance/hurt/angst lovers to read this amazing fic, you won't be disappointed.