Nothing will keep Louisa from her great-aunt’s fortune. Except perhaps a phantom who turns out to be a most eligible bachelor.
Although Louisa Banner insists she is not the least bit superstitious, she cannot help her misgivings when her family announces she must spend October with her great aunt in a rundown Welsh castle riddled with tales of ghosts. The family hopes Louisa will endear … ghosts. The family hopes Louisa will endear herself to her aunt enough to win a grand inheritance. Louisa’s only wish is to avoid a run-in with any of the phantoms spoken of by the local villagers. When Louisa stumbles upon a forgotten graveyard, and a man whose name comes directly from a tombstone, she isn’t certain whether to run away in terror or stay and get to know the handsome spirit.
Erasmus Grey is cursed, and not only because he sometimes hears the voices of his dead grandparents. While most men would count it a blessing to be a wealthy, eligible bachelor, Ras is absolutely panic-stricken at the idea of finding a bride. Rather than succumb to the matchmaking mothers of London, he retreats to an old family cottage with no plans to return to Society. Though he manages to keep his presence in the country a secret, coming upon a lovely young woman during one of his rambles nearly undoes all his careful work. But when he realizes Miss Banner thinks him a ghost, Ras wonders if he might have found a way to cure his own fears.
The sixth book in the Seasons of Change series, A Haunting at Havenwood is a stand-alone novel. Check out the other books in the multi-author series to discover stories about change and love.
Book One: The Road Through Rushbury by Martha Keyes
Book Two: The Last Eligible Bachelor by Ashtyn Newbold
Book Three: A Forgiving Heart by Kasey Stockton
Book Four: A Well-Trained Lady by Jess Heileman
Book Five: coming soon from Deborah M. Hathaway
Book Six: A Haunting at Havenwood by Sally Britton
Book Seven: coming soon from Jennie Goutet
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Haunting at Havenwood by Sally Britton is a charming, romantic story. It’s a quick yet satisfying read.
The witty dialogue between Ras and Louisa keeps the romance light and fun. When you add in lost treasure, two entertaining ghosts, and many minor characters to cheer or boo, you have a winning book.
The author explained that several of the homes, ruins, and areas used in the book are real. I would love to visit them all. The descriptive language places you in the woods, cemetery, and homes right along with the characters.
If you tend to look for deeper meaning in your stories, you will find plenty to ponder, such as the plight of females in the regency era. They lack independence, freedom, and opportunity. The story touches on the difficulty ordinary people face in an area where a harsh winter can put families in danger of starvation and ruin. None of this is in your face, but it’s nice to see it acknowledged, and our main characters strive to help the unfortunate.
I devoured the book in one sitting. It’s a wonderful escape from everyday life. I enjoyed every character in the book, the scheming arrogant neighbors, warm and loving Aunt Penrith, Bert and Sarah, and of course, Erasmus and Elizabeth. Even Louisa’s cold-hearted mother was well-written.
This page-turning romantic mystery is part of a stand-alone series titled Seasons of Change. I hope they are all as delightful as this book.
Oh! How I hated this book to end!
The characters and settings are so real you can almost “see” what is happening.
Ras and Louise are warm and sweet characters that draw you into their world.
There is humor and romance mixed with mystery and ghosts.
This is one I will enjoy reading over many times!
Britton’s story of Louisa and Ras pulled me in and would not let me go until the mystery was solved and the ghosts were content! I immediately felt a connection with Louisa and I wanted her to be loved and cherished since her mom just sent her away! Then her new found freedom brought her chance encounter with Ras who happened to pretend he was a ghost. If this book doesn’t put you in the fall mood, I don’t know if anything will. From fall leaves to ghosts and legends, this sweet regency romance is just the ticket to get you ready for the upcoming season! This is a wonderfully written story you will not want to put down. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars rounded up
This book was just sweet and lovely. I loved that it was slightly slower paced, not rushed about or filled over much with adventures and mishaps. It was simply a tender romance story. With ghosts and hidden treasure.
Not to worry, the ghosts were not cruel or creepy. But it definitely lent the book an air of otherworldliness. It was the perfect fall read, one I see myself returning to each October.
I loved Ras right from the beginning. His exasperation with his phantom ghosts, who show up at any random time, his desire to write a perfect gothic novel, even under the guise of a pseudonym, and pretending to be a ghost himself. And his stutter. Everything just endeared him to me.
Louisa was no less lovable. And her character development was so perfect. She does a lot of growing in this book and learning about herself. Thank heavens for Aunt Penrith and Louisa’s getting away from her devious, scheming mother. Her mother is a piece of work, in fact. What is up with these parents who only view their children as a means of bettering their own lives through advantageous marriages? I just can’t with these people. Anyway, Louisa is still a wonderful person even for it all. Also, the scene with the Cunninghams and Ras at the dinner party was splendid. Bravo, Louisa!
Sally has crafted a beautifully simple book that still has depth and development. The setting and characters are wonderful. I loved that this book didn’t feature ballrooms and social calls and scheming for husbands. I loved that it wasn’t set in London but a far removed, almost forgotten corner of the English countryside. I loved the simplicity of it. The story was vastly more about the people and their growth than the settings. It was really just lovely.
I really enjoyed this book by Sally Britton! I loved how she included some friendly ghost to help Ras on his journey to love. I loved how the main characters came together while trying to find a lost local treasure. I also loved that Louisa didn’t seem to notice Ras’ stutter and that they were able to feel comfortable with each other. I think this is a perfect story to read during the fall.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I have high expectations from Sally Britton, but I was really putting her to the test with this story. This is not a story line that I would normally read but I trusted the author. That trust was not misplaced. I found I wanted to keep reading and it is definitely one of those just one more chapter books. I don’t want to tell you too much of Louisa and Ras’s story, you need to read that for yourself. Read and enjoy.
It’s not actually a ghost story in the Halloween sense. However, it does have spirits, buried treasure, and of course romance. The book was incredibly delightful. It’s moments of the fanciful can’t be taken too seriously, but were endearingly perfect for the story.
However, Sally told not only a treasure hunt/ ghost story; but a story about struggles and inadequacies and family legacies. With a touch of the supernatural and a lot of heart and soul it was absolutely beautiful storytelling.
Haunting at Havenwood is the sixth in the Seasons of Change multi-author series. They are all standalone and can be read in any order.
The interactions between Ras and Louisa were so sweet. Their instantaneous chemistry and the desire to continue Ras’s ruse in order to spend time together gave me all of the romantic sighs of appreciation.
I thought that Erasmus the Elder and Lady Elizabeth’s sections were incongruous to the storyline. I personally would have loved a little bit more from the ghosts for a good spooky feel, reminiscent of Catherine Moreland and Northanger Abbey. I wanted more of them and their importance seems to fall of in the last half of the book.
Sally is a go-to regency author for me. While this one isn’t my favorite, there is quite a bit to enjoy. The supporting cast features characters I would love to see more of in the future!
Louisa Banner is sent by her mother into the wilds of Northumberland to ingratiate herself with a great aunt she’s never met. While there, she meets Erasmus Grey, whom she mistakes for a ghost upon their first meeting. But she’s not too far off, for the ancestor for whom Erasmus is named keeps on showing up with his wife to given unhelpfully vague instructions to his descendent. Somewhat reluctantly, Erasmus and Louisa begin investigating the lost treasure of the area, putting together more helpful physical clues that the ghostly pair left behind before they died. As their friendship grows, they grow closer to each other and to the answers they seek, but will her mother’s plans for her ruin their chances?
My favorite part of the entire book was the ghostly Erasmus Grey, whom I found I had to read aloud in my (poor imitation) Scottish accent because it was so enjoyable. The obvious affection between the ghosts was beautiful and the wife was quick to push her great-grandson into Louisa’s arms. The romance between the neglected daughter and secretly-published author was cute and clean with no real surprises, but much sighing and contentment. The book could have used a little more information in the conclusion, but overall it was a great read and I look forward to finally reading the rest of the series.
This was such a fun book! At times the writing seemed a bit juvenile, but overall I really enjoyed it!
At the beginning I didn’t think I was going to like Louisa very much, but she quickly grew on me! And Ras is such an endearing character. Plus his grandparents were a really fun part of the book. The story was cute and I really liked it! Plus the historical aspect was so interesting!
I received this book as an ARC from the author. This review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions.
This book is another great example of the awesome talents of Sally Britton – and just so enjoyable!
Clean romance, no bad language, or questionable content at all.
All the characters were really well written, and the setting of the small village, forest, and even the cemetery are all very romantic and charming. The (friendly) ghosts of Erasmus’s (Ras) ancestors are so amusing!
Nothing scary or creepy at all! They give him good advice and help him understand what’s really important in life.
Ras and Louisa have a sweet romantic chemistry that builds. They compliment and understand each other in a beautiful way. They become wonderful friends and their dialogue is fun.
Ras suffers from stuttering speech, especially when he is nervous. I particularly liked Louisa’s defense of him, and the set down she gives someone who makes unkind fun of Ras’s stuttering.
The legend of the buried treasure is exciting! The way Ras and Louisa found new clues about the treasure was unique and Awesome!
I also very much enjoyed the bits of historical facts that the author wove in that gives a great foundation for the story overall.
This book is just enjoyable in every way and I highly recommend it!
October is the perfect month to read this book. There are spirits and superstitions, castle ruins, and a missing treasure to look for.
Ras had a very rough childhood being teased for his stutter. He seems to have withdrawn from a lot of the world but finds his voice in his writings. Louisa has keenly felt the loss of her father. Even more so when her mother sends away her governess and raises her with the sole goal of making a good match.
The main characters had a very interesting first meeting. It was strange but cute. I also liked the descriptions of the little town. The hidden away houses lent themselves to a mystery, and the town had a lot of history and passed down legends.
A Haunting at Havenwood is a fun addition to the Seasons of Change series that I have been enjoying.
“There are all sorts of people in this world, child. Those who love noise and distraction, and those who yearn for quiet and solitude. I think both have a place, and neither is wrong. If you take anything from our little gossip, I hope it is that there are many paths to happiness.”
I very much enjoyed this story. It was especially fun that Louisa mistook Ras as a ghost when they first met when Ras himself was seeing ghosts and had a hard time accepting that fact. Their love story was sweet. Louisa was in a hard position being in reduced circumstances and Ras had his own struggles with his stammer. I had a stutter for years growing up and had to be in speech therapy for years. Kids can be cruel. I can’t imagine how my life would have been different back in these days without speech therapy and the modern treatments that are available. Anyway, I was endeared to the characters, especially the sweet Aunt Penrith.
I’m a huge fan of this author so it’s not hard to guess I would like this story. However, I had to stumble through the first couple of chapters trying to get everyone in their proper places. The effort was worth it. A lovely read about a bit of help from ancestors and finding the treasure of love.
I really enjoyed this book! This is the perfect fall/Halloween read. A Haunting at Havenwood has some unique and fun twists such as ghosts and buried treasures (the ghosts are friendly and this is not a scary story). I loved Louisa, Ras, and Aunt Penrith. I really enjoyed how Louisa flourished in Havenwood and how her relationships grew with her Aunt and Ras. Ras was a wonderful character as well and he made me laugh at the lengths he went through at first to remain undiscovered in Havenwood. I loved the ending and how everything panned out. I highly recommend it to fans of regency romance!
What an adorable book! This was so cute, I flew through it! A Haunting at Havenwood is the sixth book in the Seasons of Love series, which is a collection of stand-alone regency era books that can be read in any order. This is the first book I have read from it and now I am definitely going to read the others.
In A Haunting at Havenwood, Lousia Banner has been sent to live in the small town of Havenwood with her aunt, after her mother declares them poor. Eramaus Grey, a wealthy and eligible bachelor, who nonetheless has problems of his own, also comes to Havenwood looking for peace and quiet. Lousia is determined to find the missing treasure told of throughout the town, though she is shocked to run into a handsome man whose name matches the tombstone before her. Erasmus is equally surprised to run into Lousia, especially as he is already dealing with the voices of those who claim to be his dead grandparents, his stammer, and the gothic novels he secretly writes. Through keeping his stay at Havenwood, his childhood home, a secret, he has achieved solitude. However, their meeting proves to be more than a passing acquaintance, as Lousia and Eramaus discover their connection and maybe a treasure…
I loved this book! Lousia grew so much throughout the story. She had come from a society background, but had constantly felt stifled and awkward. Her mother was very focused on her marrying well. When she is sent to live with her aunt, she is apprehensive, however she soon finds that the quiet town and the country surrounding appeals to her. She is very curious about the legends that she hears about treasure and is determined to get to the bottom of it. I love how she grows in her understanding of herself and her comfort in who she is. She and Ras (Eramaus) complemented each other, making each other feel more comfortable and confident. Ras was so sweet! He was a little shy and not completely comfortable in himself. However, he was also thoughtful and polite. He cared about his family, but did not feel similar to them. Ras was very startled by the ghosts that seem to haunt him, though it was not scary at all. It was very sweet actually, as his grandparents tried to guide him along. I loved how you could really see how he and Lousia connected. They could talk to each other, as well as understand and appreciate the other.
The story was also really sweet! It was a journey for both of the characters as people and in their relationship. I loved how relaxing it was. While there was definitely plot and problems to overcome, it was not so stressful that I had to stop reading to breathe. They dealt with the problems without being rash or carefless. I also loved Lousia’s aunt Penrith! She is so caring! And of course there is a HEA! Of all Ms. Britton’s books, this has become one of my favorites! It is clean, sweet, and feels perfect for fall! It felt like a lovely book to curl up with tea or coffee!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
A fun ghost story. Erasmus does the bidding of his great great grandparents ghosts. Not quite sure what they want, but it appears to be a treasure. Louisa runs into Erasmus at a graveyard of all places. She is interested in the rumors of treasure. But the real treasure will be their growing feelings for each other as they go on a treasure hunt. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I love this book! Great characters that interact well. Although it is titled “A Haunting in Havenwood” it is not a ghost story or scary. It’s a delightful love story of finding where and with whom they belong.
I absolutely loved this story. It has elements of mystery, paranormal, and sweet romance.
The book opens with Louisa learning that she’s penniless and is being sent away to a great aunt that she didn’t even know existed. However, she’s smart enough to make the best of her situation. What she doesn’t expect is to be encouraged to be outside taking walks and enjoying the outdoors.
Ras thinks he’s losing his mind with the voices talking and telling him to return to his family home near the Scottish border. Yet, he doesn’t mind because he likes the quiet solitude of the property which will allow him to get some work done on his next book. But, what he’ll soon learn is that those voices are connected to the ghosts of his ancestors / many times grandparents.
It’s on one of her walks that Louisa stumbles upon Ras and thinks he’s a ghost. This gives her the supposed freedom to talk to him and enjoy his company. Both Louisa and Ras are flawed – she is struggling from feelings of abandonment from her mother and he is struggling with a speech impediment. Yet, I loved how the author developed first the friendship and then the romance between them.
In addition to the romance is a mystery surrounding a treasure that dates back to the time of Ras’s ghostly grandparents. Is the treasure real? If so, why has no one found it? And, if found, what would he do with it?
All in all, this book checks a lot of boxes for me.
Romance – PG / kissing
Language – PG / clean
Violence – PG / some verbal ridicule
My rating – 5 stars
Miss Louisa Banner has been sent by her uncaring mother to live with her aunt (her father’s sister).
She lives in Northumbria. She is very frightened, her mother has kept her isolated, so she would marry who she was told to. Poor Louisa felt like she was not loved.
Erasmus Grey was handsome and wealth in his own right. He is a writer and has come to the hunting lodge to write he needed peace and quiet. He was also hearing voices and thought he might be crazy.
He also had a stammer which really bothered him but he only had it around young women. He met Louisa at a cemetery. He was there trying to work and his aunt sent her for a walk. She wondered where the graves are and he appeared in the shadows. They have a brief conversation and she turns away for a moment and he is gone when she turns back. He starts to go and see her often, he likes her and she is easy to talk to. He is still haunted. The ghosts are very humorous and listening to them banter back and forth is a treasure. It has something to do with the treasure that was hidden somewhere around the lodge.
The characters are cute, sweet and they want to help him but they can’t. There were some surprises but it was smooth and the reading was easy. It was truly a joy to read. I highly recommend this lovely book. Especially if a book is needed.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.