Captain Robert Wilkins has never aspired to grandeur. So when the returned war hero unexpectedly inherits the vast estate of Cattersley from his great-aunt, he feels woefully inadequate in his new role. Out of place in his lavish surroundings, his first glimmer of hope comes when he happens upon a lovely trespasser in his gardens.Words have never come easily for Abigail Rutherford, and she … she prefers the solitude of exploring the gardens at the neighboring country estate to engaging in uncomfortable conversation. But when she unexpectedly encounters Captain Robert Wilkins in her place of solace, she is surprised at the immediate ease she feels in his presence. Soon her brightest moments are those spent with the captain. But even as their friendship grows into something more, outside forces have other plans for the two. Mr. Mead, the handsome vicar, has also taken a liking to the quiet and timid Abigail—and he will stop at nothing to ensure she becomes his wife.
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This novel receives a high recommendation from me. In it I found lush descriptions, nuanced characters with real life struggles to overcome, a gracefully flowing plotline, and clear and concise writing. In addition to external challenges, Abigail and Robert’s individual internal struggles were tactfully dealt with. This book was a pleasure to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book. I particularly loved how Robert was written and that he saw past Abigail’s insecurities to the true woman beneath.
I just finished reading an advanced copy and really enjoyed this book. There were times I had to put the book down and walk away only to come back a couple minutes later to read again. I loved how it was a very unique regency romance focusing on a speech impediment and the people around the character.
Abigail is a bright young woman who has been judged, her whole life, as dumb because of a speech impediment.
Robert just inherited his great aunt’s home and money and he doesn’t understand why. He is also having a hard time adjusting to the civilian life after being a Capitan in the English army.
Mr. Mead is the vicar and has set his sights on Abigail. At first Abigail likes him and he acts like a nice guy but as you read this book his true character comes out.
There were times the plot moved slowly and I just wanted Abigail and Robert to declare their love for each other so they could get to their happily ever after. There were exceptional characters that you loved and other characters you hated. And Abigail’s grandmother that you didn’t quite hate but you didn’t love either.
I loved how this story was unlike many of the romances out there where the author created a character with a noticable flaw that was widely misunderstood. And a love interest who not only overlooked the impediment but embraced it.
The story is told from both Abigail’s and Robert’s perspective and if you aren’t paying attention to who is speaking a reader may get lost ( I did and had to remind myself who was speaking.) I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute romance that can be easily read.
I was given access to an advanced copy but all opinions are my own.
Adoring Abigail is a quality Regency romance featuring a gentle relationship between Robert and Abigail that blossoms from genuine friendship into something even more special. The settings were easy to envision, from the vast estate Robert inherited, to the meadow and woods, to the cottage where Abigail lives with her grandmother. I enjoy characters that have realistic flaws and struggles, and Abigail having not only a speech impediment, but also a highly critical guardian, made me feel so much empathy for her. Through her circumstances she develops admirable attributes such as compassion and kindness, but it is Robert’s encouraging approval that helps her overcome her timidity and strengthen her courage when faced with her most difficult trial of all.
Robert is at an important transition point in his life, and while he doesn’t always handle the change gracefully, he is quick to apologize and make things right. I love how he and Abigail bring out the best in each other because they feel safe and accepted for who they really are. The story is well-rounded with the supporting cast of various community members and especially Robert’s sister Hazel, all of whom brought the distinct feeling of country society. The author is skilled at drawing forth emotion while exploring a variety of themes such as gossip, loneliness, hypocrisy, prejudice, friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. There is a nice balance of character development, tension, sweetness, and satisfaction. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Wow! From the opening paragraph to the very end this story thoroughly pulls you in. I loved the well-written characters! Their fears, weaknesses, strengths, and goodness. And the antagonist in the story was so subtle and devious. The ending was so lovely, the love story so sweet and clean. Truly a wonderful book! I will look for and read more of Chalon Linton’s books.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
Adoring Abigail Chalon Linton
The beginning of the book kind of dragged a-bit, in my opinion. But about the time of “the picnic”, I couldn’t put it down! The characters were well defined and Abigail’s speech impediment was endearing.
The scene while Abigail played the pianoforte…was the most beautiful description of their feelings. I truly felt it jump off the page! The story soared to the end! I loved the fear of what might befall Abigail, to the hope of the truth and happiness that might prevail !! Beautiful ending! Well worth it for the HEA!
I have loved all of Chalon Linton’s books that I have read and this was no exception! I loved how we finally got to see Captain Wilkin’s love story since we are introduced to him in an earlier book and I always liked him. I also loved that the characters loved each other for who they were even with their imperfections. This was a wonderful, sweet read!
I hadn’t even finished the first page before I rediscovered why I adore Chalon Linton’s novels. Linton has one of the most graceful and refined voices in literature. Her words are purposeful and elegant. No word is an accident or any less than exactly what she intended. And I could not possibly enjoy it more.
Abigail and Robert are delightful, both individually and as a couple. Abigail had my whole heart within moments of meeting her. She is kind and intriguing yet entirely relatable. Robert is the hero we crave so often but seldom get to experience. He is strong and intelligent but in a reserved and pensive manner. However, as much as I loved these two people on their own, it was the relationship Linton cultivated between them that truly made the novel what it was. Rarely do we get to experience a romance and relationship built on this level of understanding and respect. It is refreshing to read a love this honest.
Finally, one of the best parts of literature is seeing how society has grown, changed, or remained the same over time. In Adoring Abigail, Linton tackles difficult topics with dignity while still expressing their importance. Without being overpowering, Abigail’s story demonstrates the issues women often face in the form of unwanted attention. Abigail’s struggle is one women and men have faced for a long time but continue to face today. I thank Linton for bringing attention to this problem in such a well-written and respectful way.
Adoring Abigail was beautifully written and endearing from beginning to end. 4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. Wonderfully developed characters and a storyline that pulls you in from the first page. A fantastic regency romance!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Captain Robert Wilkins has, surprisingly, inherited a large estate from his great-aunt. Knowing that he isn’t made for this type of endeavor he can’t help but feel like he is destined to fail. While walking around his new gardens, after a particularly bad moment, Robert is surprised to meet his enchanting new neighbor.
Abigail Rutherford lives in a world where she is expected to hold her tongue despite her keen mind. Born with a speech impediment, her family scorns her and makes her believe she is worth less than everyone else. When she meets Captain Robert Wilkins, she is thrust into a life and into friendships where she is appreciated for herself and her flaws are overlooked.
Abigail and Robert complement each other in their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the story, you are pleased to watch them bring out the best in each other, each growing into a better person who understands their value.
Chalon Linton has crafted a sweet regency romance that throws you back into a time where not everyone was appreciated for their unique traits or for being different from what society expects of you. It was truly a joy to read from both character’s perspectives as their story wove together. With delightful secondary characters, you won’t want to miss this novel!
Never since Mr. Collins in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice have I hated a vicar so bad. If only Mr. Mead were as amiable as Mr. Collins, he might have been tolerable. On the other hand I adored Abigail and Mr. Wilkins. He overlooked the challenge that others hadn’t and saw the woman that she was. This story was difficult to read in all the best ways. The hypocrisy and judgment from the community regarding both Robert and Abigail and Robert’s family by extension, was difficult because I felt for them. I felt the hurt and the slights. I wanted to fix it for them.
To be pulled so fully into the story that I am feeling distress for the characters is the true testament to the talent of Chalon Linton in writing this story. I will definitely come back for more.
Author Chalon Linton opens a door into the past as she creates realistic characters with real life problems in her sweet Regency romance Adoring Abigail. What I enjoyed most in this story was that each chapter is told from either Abigail or Robert’s perspectives which allowed me as a reader to really understand their personalities and depth. Abigail was born with a speech impediment. During this point in time there was not the knowledge and understanding we have today so she was viewed as being dumb or slow even though she was very intelligent. I love that Robert always saw past her difficulty and embraced (or should I say adored) her for the incredible person she was. The villain in this novel is probably one of the worst villains and I was so frustrated with him! Glad he got some just desserts in the end.
This was a sweet romance. Regency fans will appreciate the clean and tender relationship between Abigail and Robert. I recommend this novel.
What a wonderful historical romance. Captain now Mr. Robert Wilkins has inherited a grand estate from his great-aunt, something he never saw in his future. How is he to go about learning to care for such a vast estate with its gardens, orchards, and such? As a second son who spent many years in the military he isn’t prepared for such a responsibility. Arriving before his household expects him, he finds a young woman in the garden of Cattersley, and he’s intrigued.
Abigail Rutherford misses her brother and sister. Before her mother died she sent Abigail’s brother to America to live with a relative and her sister was placed as a governess in another town several hours away. Because of a mild speech issue with the letter ‘r’ Abigail is unable to be placed as a governess and is sent to live with her grandmother as her companion. Together they live at Fern Cottage where Abigail is treated as simple-minded and ignorant because of her speech impediment. Her one pleasure is a daily walk in the beautiful garden at Cattersley that her grandmother doesn’t know of, and must never find out about. It’s on one of these walks that Abigail unexpectedly meets the new owner of the neighboring estate.
What a wonderful story of two people falling in love. Abigail has been misjudged by most everyone because of a mild speech impediment. She’s labeled dim-witted and stupid and those who should have loved and protected her from such mistreatment did nothing to stop it. In fact, they too treated her as if she had no intellect at all, when in fact, she’s very intelligent and quick-witted. Every time her grandmother made a big deal out of a dropped ‘r’, especially when she’d “flick her on the cheek” I wanted to scream. Grandmothers are supposed to be loving and kind, not so imposing you get nervous and mispronounce words, then berate you for it. The way Abigail was treated broke my heart.
On the other hand, Robert, his mother and his sister Hazel don’t seem to notice Abigail’s speech issue. If they do, they don’t acknowledge or address it, which I loved. I don’t know who I loved more Robert or his adorable sister Hazel. She’s a godsend to Abigail and the perfect friend for this lonely young woman. I adored their friendship. The Wilkins are the kind of family Abigail deserved and eventually gets.
I really liked that the chapters alternated between Robert and Abigail’s point of view. I love when we get to see what each character is thinking and feeling. Every romance has to have a villain, and to me, this came from an expected character but was definitely a villian. Of course he gets his due so the hero can get the girl. Some may say that the book’s pacing is too slow, but I think the pacing is what makes it a believable romance. I loved this story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Abigail has had a speech impediment her entire life and is written off by almost everyone around her, including her mother and grandmother, as dumb. Abigail even has to fight off the unwanted advances of a truly awful man who tries to take advantage of her (I seriously wanted to reach into the book and slap him!) and searches for the courage to tell others what is going on.
The thing I loved most about the relationship between her and Robert was that her speech impediment was not the first thing he noticed about her, as most people did, or even the second. He adored her so much that he hardly noticed it and when he did, thought it a cute little quirk. He grew to love her not in spite of her speech challenge or even because of it, but loves her for her kindness and wit.
This was a tender love story that is real and relatable for so many of us. I loved reading Abigail’s journey not only to find love but to discover that her self worth is not defined by what others think of her. This will be one I re-read for years to come.
I had access to an advanced copy of this book but I am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinions.
Abigail Rutherford has a speech impediment and her entire life has been defined by it by first her mother and then her grandmother.
“Silence was demanded by my mother, so when I was told or expected to speak, my mouth could not immediately form the words. But once they came, they came in a deluge, a tidal wave of nonsense pouring out.”
Her grandmother calls her dumb because of it and separates her from society. Trying not to be an embarrassment, those few times she was allowed to be amoung them she struggled. Having difficulties and going through challenges in life makes the characters more real and I immediately feel more protective of them.
“Grandmother thought only of the benefit to herself, not the joy I felt to be wanted as a friend. Such feelings of inclusion were entirely new to me.”
Robert Wilkins still acts as if he is Captain in the army. He views every situation as needing to have a strategy and getting ready for battle. With his new inheritance he is thrown in to situations he has problems dealing with.
“I turned around to admire Cattersley from afar. There was an enormity to the place that I could not measure and, with it, a new front. I’d chosen to be a soldier so I could defend my family, my freedom. I had no direction in this new battle, no orders from a superior commander.”
From the beginning, the vicar Mr. Mead stands out as being a good Christian example while some others in the congregation outwardly shun Abigail or say rude comments about her. People shame Abigail for her speech imperfections but then say that at least she is beautiful as if they are complimenting her. The vicar appears to be a fine upstanding Christian but he is just better at hiding his hypocrisy. His only reason for helping Abigail when she was being taunted was because he was interested in her. Then he mocks her himself. Mr. Mead is super creepy. He is hypocritical, possessive, and he gets even worse throughout the story.
“Mr. Mead, with his authoritarian posture and presumptuous expectations, had inserted himself and chased the sun away, demeaning me at every turn”
While I liked the characters and themes, I would have liked a little more of a connection between Abigail and Robert.
Adoring Abigail is told from the first person point of view and the chapters switch between Abigail and Robert’s perspectives.
This book tells of the difficulties of being a woman during this time. Abigail has someone try to force them-self on her and Hazel is expected to do whatever her brother John requests of her.
This was also a thought provoking look at people who prey on others who are considered less than normal due to physical or developmental conditions and they are often deemed weaker, less intelligent, and undeserving. This is especially bad when the person is supposed to be an example and above reproach.
“The hypocrisy of the treatment I received from those who sat within the walls of the chapel was especially brutal. How could one spew offenses while claiming to worship a deity who forbids mockery? Hypocrisy had surrounded me for as long as I could remember. It was a companion to judgment, another of the very things the Lord warned against.”
One of my favorite scenes was the beginning of the picnic. I would have loved to have seen it, and it sounded very unique.
Robert was originally in the book An Inconvenient Romance but that book does not need to be read to enjoy this one.
Some other favorite quotes:
“I had learned that some battles needed to be fought with weapons while other campaigns could be won with a little ingenuity.”
“Hope is a blessing. It provides strength in the darkest of times.”
“Truth proved to be a funny thing; it could be altered and manipulated to fit a scheme.”
“With him I had the freedom to say the things I held back. Permission to smile and laugh and live. It was all there in the oasis of his eyes. The oasis that was him.”
And who wouldn’t want two libraries?
“The west library? Does it stand to reason there is an east library as well?” I asked. “Yes, sir. However, the west library is brighter”
Captain Robert Wilkins has finished his military service and is presented an estate by his aunt and instantly comes into wealth. He doesn’t understand why he was chosen as her heir but he is determined to do right by her and continue to do good with the wealth he has received. It is time for him to settle down and find a companion.
Abigail Rutherford lives with her grandmother and is the neighbor to Mr. Wilkin’s estate. She is a beautiful woman who has ridiculed all of her life for a speech impediment that she cannot seem to control. She is told repeatedly that no one will ever want her because her beauty can’t hid her defects. While out on a morning walk at Mr. Wilkin’s estate, she meets the new owner and is immediately put at ease by their interaction. She is told that she can walk on the estate grounds any time she wishes. The connection that Abigail and Robert feel is palpable and real but can Abigail trust her feelings.
Mr. Mead is the handsome vicar who is supported by Mr. Wilkin’s estate but Mr. Mead is rather caustic in his interactions with Mr. Wilkins. Mr. Mead has set his eyes on Abigail Rutherford and is determined to make her his wife, at any cost. Is it too late for Robert and Abigail to find happiness with one another.
I loved how protective Robert was with Abigail. He is such a wonderful man with good values and intentions to all. I felt the heartbreak and disappointment every time Abigail was ridiculed or made to feel that she was defective in some way by others, even by those who should have loved her and supported her and I hated the controlling nature of Mr. Mead. These elements all combined to tell a wonderful story of salvation and freedom and love. Robert’s mother and sister, Hazel, were wonderful characters, too, who supported Abigail and included her in their circle and didn’t listen to the gossipmongers of their small town.
This was a clean romance that told a wonderful story. This is my first experience with this author but I look forward to more from her.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
I waited too long before I wrote the review, so I’m not able to give details. Oops! I just remember having this thought after I finished in a good mood: ‘Well, I’ll definitely have to look her up and add her to my favorite authors list!’ I look forward to reading more. Simply delightful. It inspires me to hope for the best and to be authentically beautiful, as well as to seek for that authentic beauty in everyone I come across. Very rich.
Adoring Abigail by Chalon Linton is a delightful tale of romance and finding where you belong. Each book by Chalon Linton gets better and better. I thought I love the last book she wrote, but this one is even better in my opinion. Mr. Robert Wilkins is the definition of a hero. Not only in battle on the field, but battle in securing the heart of the woman he loves. I for one recommend this book to all romance lovers. You don’t want to miss this one. You’ll thank me later, I’m sure.
This sweet Regency romance set in 1818 England kept my interest from the intriguing beginning to the satisfying ending! The characters are well-developed, endearing, and memorable. The emotionally rich story flows at a fitting pace as the romance between Robert, the master of Cattersley estate, and Abigail, a lovely young girl with a speech impairment, delightfully unfolds despite a duplicitous Vicar and a critical, domineering grandmother. The story is told in first person alternating dialogues by Robert and Abigail. Although I usually prefer a third person narrative, the first person style works perfectly for this story giving deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and feelings. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy-to-read book and look forward to reading other works by Ms. Linton.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This sweet and satisfying Regency romance is sure to warm your heart! Definitely recommend!