When American Lexi Maxwell buys a derelict mansion in a quaint English village and sets about turning it into a manor-house hotel, it’s a dream come true. But, events take a turn for the bizarre, as a heartbroken ghost makes a nightly appearance and kneels beneath a tree next to a centuries-old ruin, and people in the village keep commenting on Lexi’s resemblance to a woman who’s been dead for a … for a quarter of a century.
As Lexi tries to find out more about the man in the ruin, she unexpectedly stumbles upon secrets from her own past – secrets that threaten to destroy everything she’s come to believe and hold dear. As Lexi struggles to put the pieces of the puzzle together she’s drawn deeper into the mystery, and can only rely on the man she’s come to have deep feelings for – a man who’s battling his own demons.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this very artistically woven historical novel written alternatively four hundred centuries apart and was quickly drawn into the mystery of how Brendan Carr from the times of Lord Cromwell fit into the ruin behind the manor home that Lexi Maxwell has just purchased to turn into a quaint 17th century bed and breakfast in the present day. Our author, however, is a master at blending the stories and does a remarkable job doing so as she weaves the clues throughout the story and the characters peopling her novel. Her writing starkly delivers how perilous those times were in the 1600’s when few knew who to trust and how neighbors sold out neighbors for food to feed their families. Treachery was rampant, soldiers and mercernaries often treated women without respect, and the author presented realistic treatment given to many farmers, their wives, and children during this horrible time.
The mysteries contained within the manor and the ruin across the stream and behind the manor, as well as the lack of information Lexi was able to find out about her new home or the people who lived there before her made her wonder what had happened to keep everyone in the village so quiet about it. Why didn’t they seem to want to talk with her about it?
This novel is very well written and comes together excellently. All the many threads from the tapestry are woven in so expertly at the end that I had no questions remaining, only wishes, but the ending is a good one, and I look forward to reading many more of this author’s works and recommend that you start her works by reading this sweet and tremendously beautiful novel.
This author always seems to-amaze me with her stories. She mingles the past with the present, adds twists turns, intrigue and holds your attention from beginning to end. With two beautiful love stories.
Joanne Long did a nice job bringing all the characters to life.
A melding of the past and present. The inexplicable draw of a home in England for an American women who purchases the home. Falling in love with her Scottish handyman, finding out why a man is haunting the grounds and her own realization of her heritage. This story will evoke your emotions, it has me crying at some points. Well written, full length novel. I received a complimentary audio and this review is voluntary.
Such an intriguing, heart wrenching story. Fairly well edited, although it contained one of my pet peeves – inconsistency in names. Throughout the book Stephen’s last name was alternately ‘Aldridge’ and ‘Aldrich’. Please, pick one and stay with it!
This book has two intertwined stories running simultaneously. One is present day – Lexi dreams of owning her own B & B in England. And, not just any place, but a specific place that she sees in her mind’s eye. After her father dies, she sells his business and has enough money to pursue her dream. Her search eventually turns up the very house she has dreamed of, which she buys and begins renovating. One night, she sees a man in the ruins of a house on her property. Who is they man? Why is he at the house?
The second story takes place in 1650, and tells the heartbreaking story of Brendan Carr. He has deserted Oliver Cromwell’s army, sick of the senseless killing of men, women, and children. He arrives home to find himself disinherited, his father dead, his sister widowed, and his brother unwelcoming. Brendan is sent on his way, and injured in an attempt on his life. He is sheltered by a priest and nursed back to health by his aunt’s niece, Rowan. What follows is a Romeo and Juliet style love. What happens to the star-crossed lovers? How does Brendan’s story relate to Lexi?
I really loved this. My heart just broke for Brendan and the rotten hand he was dealt. I was so happy to see at least one villain get his. What a lovely, beautifully heartbreaking, satisfying story. Enjoy!