I had seen the movie version of this book years ago and it was one of my favorites for a while. I really enjoyed the book. The author did such a fantastic job of capturing the voice of the narrator, 17 year old Cassandra, who tells the story through a journal she keeps. 
 Cassandra Mortmain lives in a run-down castle with her older beautiful sister Rose, younger brother Thomas, step-mother and former painting muse Topaz, her reclusive author father and hired-helper Stephen. Their worlds are changed when the young new owners of the castle come to take a look at their inheritance and find the family living there. Romance, inspiration and even betrayal follow. 
 I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.