I'm leaving this book wondering(view spoiler)[ but what about Geoff? last I heard you two were still together (hide spoiler)] 
 I like Susanna Kearsley books, they're nice flowing stories and just what I need when I don't want to deal with too much drama or conflict. Sometimes I want action, adventure, pulse pounding scenes; sometimes I just want smooth sailing. This was one of those books for me. Not a lot of conflict no overly dramatic scenes. I feel like these books are equivalent to easy listening. Except for Shadowy Horses, that one just wasn't my thing. By far the weakest of Kearsley's books that I've read. 
 However Mariana is nice. It has a good plot and nice flow just don't except high emotional triggers. (view spoiler)[ except for the brushed upon abuse Mariana's Uncle heaps upon her and her Aunt. (hide spoiler)] I was pretty even keeled for the entire story. 
 Recommended? Yes 
 Buy /Borrow? Probably borrow. I bought it because I want all of Susanna's books, but you may not so preview first before making a decision.