An illustrious marriage, a fortune, a position of wealth and influence. These are the dreams and ambitions of any Victorian woman of sense. Or are they?
Perhaps not for Arabella Gray.
The death of Abbie’s father, the overseer of a large country estate, leaves her without means or resources, without, even, a place to live. Her landlords, in an extraordinary display of charity, invite her to live … invite her to live at Holdaway Hall. But the invitation is as puzzling as it is generous. Why are the Crawfords, who have never paid her any notice before, so concerned with her wellbeing now?
It’s a question the younger Crawford brothers would like to have answered as well. Certainly Miss Gray is a mercenary upstart. Certainly their brother is mad for fancying himself in love with her. Such a union would make them a laughing stock. They mean to put a stop to it, but when they learn that her past is closely — even disturbingly — connected with their own, they are brought up short, forced to ask themselves some very hard questions.
As Abbie herself soon learns, there is a great mystery at the heart of her landlords’ extraordinary offer. Everything she has ever dreamt of might be hers for the taking, but is the price worth it? More than her happiness alone rests upon her decision. If she refuses Ruskin Crawford’s offer of marriage, will she be able to live with the consequences? If she does, will she be able to live with herself?
In the end, all must ask themselves some very hard questions. What does it mean to be a man or woman of honor and integrity? What does it mean, after all, to be a gentleman? And what, exactly, is the price of a woman’s heart?
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Loved this book, hope next one is available soon.
The unlikely premise of this book is that a young woman, Abbie, stands to inherit two estates based on a will written by her mother’s almost-former father-in-law. Sound confusing? Well the beginning of the book was confusing but the characters kept me reading. In order for Abbie to marry, she had to make a suitable marriage, but no pressure, …
A great read
Loved it!
If you like Downton Abby you will love this book. A young woman living in the Edwardian times finds herself suddenly being fostered by wealthy family friends to become the wife of the eldest son. Why? is her persisting question that nobody seems to know. Or do they?
I love this author’s writings. The characters are very real and the author makes me care what happens.
Fun read. Some character development. There was also a some real history thrown in. I enjoyed reading it. The ending was a little too predictable
This reminded me so much of Jane Austen, witty, slowly building , complex romance, with fascinating twists. Thoroughly, enjoyed the depth of writing and the fascinating plot.
THis book was good..
Excellent reading
i think your books are very well written and it really took me back to that time line I could see what the character sees and I think it was really a tear-jerker.
I started this book and just couldn’t get into it. Quit after less than 50 pages as it couldn’t keep my interest.
Slow read. Not very exciting
Enjoyed the message of compassion….the suitable ending of the book
Good book – enjoyed it. A little slow but generally a good read.
I thought of these characters should speak their thoughts. It was to much him thinking this and her thinking that and nobody spoke their feelings or thoughts. I was a long read but I finished it !
Sorry, I just didn’t care for the book. It seemed very slow reading and the plot dragged along. The writing itself was pleasant enough but I like something a bit more fast paced.
Lovely, inspirational story.
Enjoying the storyline.
A bit repetitive, but an enjoyable read. Not a stand alone book, as there are several sequels. I’m trying to decide if I want to complete it.