A Heart for Milton: A Tale from North and South

I love this book, it satisfied my heart in wanting more of the two main characters of North and South. It fits properly to the original story. With every page I wanted more, and the end just left me satisfied.

I read the original North and South and thought it was wonderful. I can't say enough about it except that it left me wanting for so much more. Well, I found A Heart for Milton the very same day I finished the original. I started reading it Friday night and could not put it down sans sleep (very little) until I finished on Sunday. I must tell you that at first I had reservations because it's a little "racier" than I usually like--but it was really worth the effort. I will never forget this book. It was just that good. Enjoy this fabulous new author! I can't wait for her next book.

I just finished reading this book and was way disappointed!!!!! After reading people's reviews on it, I thought I'd give it a chance knowing the author Elizabeth Gaskell of North and South did not like the ending and wished she had done it differently. So I chose this book to read and I was utterly disappointed.

First off, Spoiler, you have probably read that this book starts after the death of Margaret's father. I did not much care for it starting there as I enjoyed Margaret's stay with her cousin where she finds out more about Mr. Thornton. I think that part is important to the development of Margaret and her fondness for John Thornton. I think had it started after this visit it would have been better.

Second, there is too much modernization of both people and events. The number one example of this is Margaret. She is very open in this book and quite adventurous. I understand that gaining a closeness to someone changes your comfort level with them, but not usually your whole personality. Especially when you first caught the eye of your husband because you were such a lady! Margaret is not herself in this book, she's not Glaskell's Margaret, she's Brasure's 2011 Margaret. I expected a little change but not a whole character makeover.

Thirdly, the first 55 pages or so are just Margaret and John pining for one another through thoughts or letters. Then there is a bunch of short bedroom scenes and a little bit of story. So think more like the romanctic dime novel your mother keeps next to her bed. It just does not do North and South justice.

I conclude that as a new ending of North and South, I would not recommend it. As a romantic novel lacking thought provoking content, I say go ahead and read it.

Too much smut! The beginning started out well enough- transition from the original book into this one. Then it just got way too fluffy with no real conflict. Save for Slickenson's nephew and the mill shutting almost shutting down- nothing really there.

I was excited to read something related to North and South, which is my favorite book. I did not have high expectations and did not want to compare it to Elizabeth Gaskell's work, however the reviews said that the characters were consistent, so I gave it a try. I was disappointed to find that the characters were in fact very bland. The book lacked descriptive language (outside of the bedroom), deep characters and a deep plot.
The author wrote a good romance novel if that is what you are looking for. One of the things I like about classics is that I don't have to read that stuff. This is definitely an adult book.

At first this novel was what I expected, a pleasing redo on the original novels rushed ending. About 40 pages in however,(I read it on my kindle so I'm not exactly sure) the alternate ending took a mind of its own. I was shocked by Thornton's sudden change into a relaxed man. It didn't seem true to the original novel's characterization of Thornton. I was also displeased with the excess of romance scenes and what took place within them. Yes, the laws of propriety prevented Gaskell's ability to write more freely with Mr. Thornton and Margaret's relationship but this novel's version of them is all to overdone. At times I found myself skipping over several pages of the novel at a time because it all seemed much of the same and I wanted a reprieve form just having to hear about the same two characters. All in all, I would not recommend this novel to anyone who wants a continuation or alternate ending of the original novel.

Lots of romance as expected of those that loved the book or tv series. However every page dripped of adoring love which is so unrealistic. No real plot, intrigue or suspense. Too perfect and John Thornton would never be that enchanted. He was too much of a realist. I skipped thru pages of dribble waiting for some real life to enter the story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved North & South (the book + tv series) almost as much as I love Pride & Prejudice. I also love a good sequel or variation. It’s a guilty pleasure. There are a million and one variations for P&P but not a lot for N&S and this one was recommended on many forums and what not so I thought I’d give it a whirl. I honestly think if you are a purist and love Austen or Gaskell so much that you can’t read anything else that you shouldn’t read variations or sequels. They aren’t written by the original authors so there is no way – absolutely no way – for it to be the same. But if you love them and all you want is to know a little bit more, all you want is for the story not to end, then sequels and variations are for you.

This book was good, laughed, cried, goosebumps, sometimes I couldn’t put it down and other times I could. I will say the honeymoon week did get a bit boring to me and I am not averse to ‘romantic’ scenes in books. I just wanted things to speed up a bit. I thought the romantic scenes were the right mix of tasteful and sexy, though like I said I see nothing wrong with a good sex scene. If you do, this isn’t for you.

The thing I loved most about this book was the epilogue. You know that feeling when you finish a book and want to know every single thing about the characters after the book finishes? I feel like Trudy gets this feeling as well because she delivered beautifully. On top of that, I never once thought ‘oh so and so wouldn’t do that’ like I have in other sequels or variations. I loved the sappy stuff, I loved the bad times and the good times. I loved it all. Definitely will read this again!

I watched the North and South BBC series (Richard Armitage!) and read the book several times. Now what? I searched the internet for the best fanfic sequel, and this was it. The kindle price was well worth it.

This story takes over when Margaret says goodbye to Mr. Thornton after her father's death.

The rest of the story is similar to a historical romance. She's the loving, blushing bride. He's the loving, able husband. At most opportunities, they are loving and sweet to each other.

There are mild troubles, including the imminent closing of the Mill. Margaret gets introduced to Milton society, Thornton gets to punch someone, and there's a criminal trial.

The greatest weakness in the story is the characterization. Margaret is more biddable and blushing than in the original book. Thornton is more extensively tormented by love and lust for Margaret than in the book. The original book, of course, delved more on matters of religion, working conditions, and other characters.

The best part of the book is the multi-year epilogue that shows the evolution of the characters over the years. Really, really wonderful.

Anyway, this is a good read, especially once you adjust to the more historical romance type characterization.

I was pleasantly surprised at this 'what if' continuation of the love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton from the book North and South. I am usually quite wary of continuation stories because of the tendency to skew the integrity of the original work. However, in this case, I think the author kept the integrity of the characters intact and had a very similar style of writing as the original work. It was probably based a little more on the BBC mini-series than the book itself, but still it felt pretty seamless with the previous plot. The love story was very sweet and passionate, but it still felt true to the time period. There are a few detailed intimate scenes, namely the honeymoon period, but they're well written without any vulgarity, which I appreciate. All in all, a recommended read for any true North and South fans!

Original review: The formatting is off and the first few letters of every line is cut off on my kindle. I literally could not read the story. I tried deleting it and downloading it again but it's still wrong. I tried changing every setting I could find on my kindle, it's still wrong.

Edited review: I finally realised that tho the actual kindle had messed up formatting, the kindle app on my iPhone and ipad formatted it fine, and was finally able to read the story. Boy oh boy was I glad I took the time to figure it out, because this is one heck of a good read. It starts off fantastic, slows a little bit in the middle, then it's a race to the finish. Anyone who put down the original book and said to themselves, "What happened then?" will love this story. Picking up where Margaret leaves Milton to go to London following her father's passing, and continuing thru several generations of Thorntons, this story more than answers the question. I highly recommend it.

I also have to give kudos to the author for replying to my original review promptly and politely. I was EXTREMELY impressed that she took the time to do so.

If you value your time and money - DO NOT purchase. It started out with promise (the first 10 pages) and I have no idea how it ended because I couldn't finish it. I got about 30% of the way through and my mind finally couldn't take it anymore. I was left shocked that this book could possibly continue on for several hundred more pages in the same meandering, plotless, purposeless manner. Don't even get me started on how a book written in the 21st century gave the characters more antiquated gender roles and perspectives than the original novel! How is that possible???

There was a dearth of conflict and character development. The characters were either fully occupied being amazed at how perfect the other was, or they were in the throes of passion. Margaret and John were not recognizable, really. I stopped reading a little more than halfway through the book. I wanted to preserve my memory of them as intelligent, compassionate, interesting people.

The author's writing had an irritating tendency to pull me out of the story as well. Phrases and adjectives repeated ad nauseum, e.g. his passionate "ministrations" or her "luminescent" something or other. The author insists on tagging ALL of the dialogue. She does an awful lot of telling, instead of showing too.

I only read the first two chapters before giving up on this ridiculous novel. I laughed so hard at some parts that unfortunately we're supposed to be serious insights from the characters point of view because both main characters seem to have been taken over by 15 year olds. The characters are so altered from the original novel with J.T. completely changing into a person with no real depth or character and M.H. becoming a lovesick shadow of who she used to be. I would not recommend this if you have any appreciation for the orginal novel or characters.

What a disappointment! Extremely repetitive, ridiculously romanticized and way too much detail about their constant, and I mean constant sex. That's all Margret was to him in this version. Skip it, seriously, I rolled my eyes so many times! The author does not know how to make character development or be accurate...in any form. I just felt like these were not the same people at all! They just had the same names & circumstances. Very one-dimensional. No real trials or conflicts because she doesn't want anyone to experience pain. Even Mrs. Thornton is blase! You can tell the author has a huge crush on Richard Armitage and is crazy about Thornton. But it's all lust. It doesn't make for a good story, she doesn't understand how to make readers love the characters. Mr. Bell shows up a few times to be the fairy godfather & drop $ at Mr. T, which then, he will only take a portion of it. What a hero! :P There's more to Mr. Bell than being a Mr. moneybags and adding a "my dear" to the end of his sentence. Then, because of Margret's great ability to constantly please her husband sexually, he's suddenly able to be a great leader in society. That's just ludicrous and an insult to these great characters.

I loved watching North and South and reading Elizabeth Gaskell's book, and since then I have searched for something just as enjoyable to carry on the story of John and Margaret.

A Heart For Milton does just that, it is sweet, engaging, and I loved it!

If you are looking for a romance novel that portrays Gaskell's characters as she wrote them, whilst telling an equally lovable story, this is for you.

I had just finished reading North and South, but found the ending rushed and disappointing. I heard about this book via Facebook and decided to check it out. All I can say is Ms. Brasure should have written this story, gotten it out of her system and then stuck it in a drawer somewhere. It's amateurish and poorly edited.

The major rule in writing fiction is show don't tell. Another rule is to use adverbs sparingly as they tell instead of show. She uses adverbs to beat the band. This is a common mistake newbies make.

The way the dialogue is written had me itching to grab a red pen and start editing the book myself. She tags every line of dialogue, in many instances, several times. It was like she had a Theasaurus next to her to help her avoid continually using "he said" and "she said".

For example:

"Thornton!" Mr. Bell announced his approach. "I see you have managed to escape from the city. How do you find Helstone?" he inquired curiously as the couple moved to stand side by side, Margaret fondly clinging to her fiance's arm.

"From what I have seen thus far, it is truly beautiful," he answered respectfully. "But I expected no less," he added, glancing with a smile at Margaret.

"Where were you headed?" Mr. Thornton suddenly thought to ask, directing his question to Mr. Bell.

"We were just walking, really. Would you like to join us?" Margaret responded.

"I believe my mother wishes to speak to you," her fiance' replied, recalling something his mother had said before he had departed the inn.

"Oh," Margaret answered. "Shall we go to the village, then?" she asked him.

"I believe she wishes you visit you at the cottage," he clarified.

"Then I should return," she said promptly. "Will you accompany her?" she asked hopefully, not wishing to leave him.

"I will," he promised with an affectionate smile.

"Until later then, Thornton," Mr. Bell said, bidding him a temporary farewell. "I will see your bride back to her home away from home," he assured him.

I was mentally editing every page. If you're doing that, you're not really enjoying the book.

Lastly, I don't feel the author captured the true essence of either John or Margaret. Especially Margaret. Margaret's father had just died when this book starts. Margaret was devstated in N&S when her father died. It just didn't ring true to me that she would be so giddy with happiness and love so soon afterwards. It wasn't just sappy, John and Margaret are SO besotted with each other I felt like the author was hitting me over the head with a two by four with their love. Margaret and John marvel over the fact that they're getting married through several chapters. I was almost grateful when their wedding day finally arrived.

I have thought several days before giving this review. This is an author's point of view and I respect it. BUT. Characters have been changed totally. Those strong personalities , pride, social rules, their values have disappeared in this candy-marshmallow description, This is not Margaret, this is not John Thornton. It's very hard to beat a masterpiece. I have barely read 6 chapters.. It's very twilight-ish. There was such a brilliant conflict throughout Gaskell's book, it was not that easy as write a note, put it into Cotton industry book and here is a wedding. It was such a drama between two opposite social classes. So I believe I'd better enjoy the end of Gaskell's book, where only 3 pages are so affectionate and strong, than I read 300 pages of kisses, lovey-dovey and some strangers I can't recognize. The author has a great potential to write novels about her own characters, because one can't win in comparison with the original book.