For Abigail Blakeslee, foregoing her first Season brings an undesired invitation to Timpton House. Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had sought to postpone. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir, Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can … never solve but can never quite put away. But then, Abigail has her own secret to hide; her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.
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From the first sentence I was enthralled. A tale beginning with the death of a monarch is always hard, but the way Abigail had to say goodbye is utterly heartbreaking. It is this sequence that gripped me from the start, and the story never let go from there. There is incredible depth within this tale and several key players, and their secrets, leave you breathless.
The mysteries sprinkled throughout have you turning page after page, craving to know the answers, and hoping against hope that everything will work itself out in the end.
For a debut novel I am a little more than impressed. The flow is that of a seasoned writer, and the author has an impeccable way of putting you in these characters hearts, feeling what they’re feeling. I read Abigail in mere hours and it’s left me wanting more. I see a bright, beautiful future for Jess Heileman and cannot recommend this book enough!
Sigh. My heart is soooo happy. This is an instant favorite and it comes from a strong voice that is unexpected in a debut novel. I am excited to see what Jess comes up with in the future. I’m disappointed in myself for waiting so long to read it when I’ve had it in my TBR for months. I will happily re-read this lovely story.
Abigail is introduced as her mother is on her deathbed. Her sorrow is palpable and she justifiably does not want to leave the comforts of home. Her brother and father encourage her to join her cousins at a house party to ease back in to society. She meets Mr. Stanton, who gives us some good, short-term Mr. Darcy vibes initially, and I couldn’t help but love him. Jess did a great job developing their characters and giving me a “nooooooooo” moment. A moment that lasted a few chapters. How’s that for no spoilers? It ends beautifully and I hope Jess gives us more from this little world she has dreamed up.
Basically, I loved it.
A replica of pride and prejudice. As I listen to the story unfold I was constantly replacing the heroin and hero names with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. This is not a bad thing. I really enjoyed the story! It is a clean regency romance. There were some interesting twists and turns and I grew to really love the way the author wrote the story. I will be looking forward to reading more from Jess Heileman!
Another book with the Darcy and Elizabeth feel. Loved this one. Read it so fast I forgot to review it:} I will be following this author closely. Really liked how it was written and how it all was resolved. Well done plot and story and highly entertaining:} I could not believe this was a new author, I was so impressed. If this is her first book I can’t wait to see what else she does.
I truly enjoyed the story of Ms. Abigail Blakeslee while she visits Timpton House, home of a certain Mr. Edwin Stanton and his family after she receives an invitation from his mother to spend a few weeks with them, and her father accepts on her behalf. If this seems rather confusing, it’s actually aptly explained during the first chapter of this book.
While Abigail visits there, and after a much uncomfortable welcome, she will encounter a variety of characters that will pull at the readers’ emotions in every which way: from her own family, the vexing cousin Helena and aunt Marianne, to the charming Uncle Stanton, to the scheming Mrs. Diana Ellis, to the intriguing Lady Eliza Stanton. Among many others, each character will add something to Abigail’s experience during her stay.
Granted, this book wouldn’t be complete without a sweet romance, though it’s also full of adventures, self-discovery (or one could say, rediscovering oneself?), kind gestures, compassionate moments, and a couple of major plot twists that tie up perfectly by the end of the story (I only saw the first one coming).
Now, can I take a minute to gush about that cover? *Dreamy sigh* I actually find it so perfect for the story, since it not only portrays Abigail, but she’s wearing this beautiful white dress, with her hair down and her bonnet in hand, walking through the grass (maybe by the pond?) *Sigh* yes, that’s one of my favorite scenes 😉
5 (awesomely, brilliant) stars, and completely recommended to anyone who loves a brilliantly told story set in the Regency era.
I think the book rates a 3 1/2.
Abigail Blakeslee has put off her debut into society after the death of her mother, so her father sends her to a house party with her aunt and cousins, Helena and Hannah. Helena is determined to receive a proposal of marriage from Edwin Stanton. Abigail doesn’t care for Edwin much and thinks he’s too stuffy, but she tries to do her best to be a good guest. And of course, her feelings for Edwin eventually change.
At first I had a hard time with the book. It’s written in first person, and the language felt stilted at first. It seemed too fancy, too stilted, for a young debutante, even if she’s a reluctant one. Once the story went on, though, I didn’t notice it any more. In some ways it’s the classic, hate grows to love story; however, it also has some twists I didn’t expect. Heileman’s writing is good. Abigail is a likable character, as is Edwin. The twist requires you to suspend your disbelief over coincidence a little, but it’s not over the top. I liked the ending, and I like that the book is clean. Overall, it’s a quick, enjoyable read and a good start for a new author.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy in return for a review, but my opinions are my own.
I LOVED this book. This is the first time I’ve read this author, but she definitely proceed herself BRILLIANT!! This story was beautifully written! It’s not very often that an author can create such an unless twist in a story. At first, it seemed reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. At another point in the story it put me in mind of Cinderella, and, later, it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Jane Austen OR a lover of fairytale retellings.
*I received this book free as an advanced reader copy. This is my honest, voluntary opinion.*
Abigail; a Novel by Jess Heileman
The book opens with Abigail and Lawrence his mother dying from an illness. Abigail refused to go to London for the season and now her father Lord Blakeslee is going to make her go to a house party with her unselect and cousins Lawrence found her eavesdropping at the door and told her it was a vexing habit. She promised not to get caught anymore. Her father tells her that she’s going to the statins her house party and shall meet her aunt and cousins there she doesn’t want to go that he does not give her a choice they think that she needs to go so that she can have a season next year and he tells her to let the past stay in the past when asked was leaving he said tomorrow and so she did. Her maid has everything packed and Abby is hoping that her visit to Timpton House. When she gets there she is introduced to Lady Eliza and Mr. Stanton her husband. She goes up to rest in her chamber and will meet the rest of the guests at dinner time. You need to find out who she loves and whether she marries him. And what her secret is and why her father didn’t want her to say it. You will discover that her Aunt Marianne spills the beans. You have to read the book. It’s a very good book…
Abigail Blakeslee is young and naive. Having lost her mother 2 years ago, she knows she’s unprepared for society, but her father and brother know that she has to learn sometime. So, they decide that a house party at Timpton House, where her aunt and cousins will also be, is the right solution.
However, Abigail finds herself in a situation that she’s not quite prepared for. Her cousin has set her sights on marrying the Timpton House heir, Mr Edwin Stanton, and sees Abigail as a threat to that goal. At the same time, Edwin swings from rude to pleasant. A puzzle she struggles to understand. But, with her own secret to protect, she tries to keep her distance – until she can’t.
Will she learn to navigate the nuances of society? And, when secrets are exposed, who will be a friend or a foe?
At first, I questioned if I would like the book since it is written in entirely first person. The only perspective given is that of Abigail. But, as I continued, I settled into the story. I became engaged in the development of Abigail’s character as she grew as person and learned when to adhere to society and when to hold to her convictions.
The other characters are a mixed bunch. Some of them are sweet and kind, some are calculating and manipulative, and others are downright nasty. I think the author wanted to portray a cross section of society at large. If that’s the case, she succeeded. Edwin shifts between the various categories as he struggles to overcome his own past hurts and learns to be true to himself. By the end, we see his character grow and develop as well.
I applaud the author for tackling such complicated topics of class structure, what is real love, and much more!
Romance – PG / kisses
Language – PG / clean
Violence – verbal attacks, illness
POV – Abigail only
My rating – 4.5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Jess Heileman and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This will not be the last book I read from this author. The characters in this story ranged from the heroine and hero to the possible fiance’ and a blind uncle.
Abigail Blakeslee is sent to the home of Edwin Stanton and his family’s at the request of her aunt. There she meets the man her cousin Helena wishes to marry and is expecting a proposal any day. Edwin is courting Helena, but dragging his heels on a proposal. When he first meets Abigail, sparks fly and not the good kind.
Abigail has a secret she is hiding and is afraid it will be revealed while she is at Timpton House. What could that secret be? When will Edwin propose to Helena, or will he? Abigail and her temper get the best of her quite a few times when it comes to Edwin. Misunderstandings abound.
If you enjoy clean, historical romance, you will love this one. Pick up your copy and see. Enjoy!
Jess Heileman is a new author for me. I will definitely be looking for any future releases. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was difficult to imagine that it was her first release. My hope is that there will be an upcoming story for Laurence and Lydia to come in which we will also get updates on Edwin and Abigail. Highly recommended!