With murderers, smugglers, and spies on the loose, nothing–and no one–at Croft Towers is what they claim. Can one woman even trust what she knows about herself in this Gothic Regency romance?When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. … Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?
When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.
Croft Towers holds more than its share of secrets . . . and Sybil is determined to uncover them all.
Praise for In the Shadow of Croft Towers
“In the Shadow of Croft Towers is everything I love in a novel: a classic gothic feel, a regency setting, a mysterious hero . . . and secrets abounding ” –Dawn Crandall, award-winning author of the Everstone Chronicles series
“Enough jaw-dropping plot twists to give readers whiplash.” —Hope by the Book, Bookmarked review
“Shades of Gothic romance in a portrait of Regency England . . . if Jane Austen ever met Jane Eyre, it would be at Croft Towers ” –Kristy Cambron, author of Castle on the Rise
“Blending the unputdownable Regency flair of Georgette Heyer with the intricate plotting of Julie Klassen, Wilson not only places herself competently amidst beloved authors but carves out a unique place of her own.” –Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries
“Beautifully written, suspenseful, and satisfyingly romantic.” –Jennifer Beckstrand, author of Home on Huckleberry Hill
This sweet Regency romance is a standalone novel. Book length: approximately 90,000 words. Includes a reading group guide.
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The setting has a cold, damp, and dreary atmosphere and I was completely lost within the pages of this story. The majority of the plot is shrouded in mystery and various characters wear that particular figurative cloak with intelligence and subtlety. Readers who enjoy an underdog hero or heroine to encourage on his or her way will be completely smitten with Sybil as she seeks to unravel the tangled web and discern who is worthy of her trust and perhaps affection.
Books which captivate me despite being outside of my comfort zone deserve a standing ovation and I say BRAVO to Abigail Wilson for this stirring and intriguing debut! I look forward to reading her future stories and highly recommend this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this book which drew me in and held my interest. Almost gothic in nature. The story was rags to riches and the heroine found family.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a wonderful historical mystery. It is written in the Regency period and as usual having a women being interested in the good and bad is something that sometimes be thought of as bad. But this well written and draws you into each of the character and on the who did and what. Thank you Abigail for another wonderful read. Keep it up.
This book has more twists and turns than a backcountry road and I loved that I couldn’t quite figure it out. Abigail Wilson has stepped onto the scene with her debut Historical that will have you waiting for her next one. It has everything from mystery, intrigue, romance, deception, murder, etc all rolled into one. Regency England has never been so flabbergasting. Sybil Delafield is an amazing character full of strength, resilience, and loyalty. This book has a lyrical quality to it. I definitely would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Zondervan Fiction Guild. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This was an excellent story!
It totally surpassed my expectations for a debut author and I’m already looking forward to reading her next book!
Sybil Delafield is on her way to Croft Towers, expectant of her new job as a comparion to Mrs. Chalcroft. Searching for her own identity, related to this family, she will encounter so many mysteries surrounding this estate and the people that live/d in it. Starting by her coach being ransacked by masked highway men and the later murder of the passenger of this coach. And Mrs. Chalcroft makes her visit town with mysterious errands and messages to deliver.
Her only ally is Mr. Sinclair, but he seems to lead a double life too… Who can she trust?
This was a sweet romance full of suspense. intrigue and humor. I felt it had a very “Jane Eyre” kind of style. The mystery, the intensity of the character’s feelings and the drama of it all.
I really loved it and was totally captivated from page one, guessing the character’s true intentions, hidden clues left throughout the story, etc.
The characters felt realistic and relatable, yet endearing. I loved their dialogues and interactions. The secondary characters were interesting too! And an unexpected and great HEA.
I vividly recommend this novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.
This is a delightful debut novel from Ms. Abigail Wilson. The story has murder, suspense, evil, intrigue, thieves, and secrets galore; but it also has love, family, truth, honor, and integrity. The only thing I felt was missing, and it’s a big one in Christian Fiction, was spiritual content. Although I feel that this book is very well written, held my attention, and I enjoyed it, I’m saddened by the fact that I believe there was no spiritual content. Yes, there was talk of right and wrong and being true to yourself. I was just missing that part of where our moral compass comes from.
Sybil Delafield is an orphaned young lady, who is sent to Croft Towers to work as a companion to the lady of the manor, Mrs. Chalcroft. She forms a bond with Mrs. Chalcroft, but is wary of everyone in the house because it’s abundantly clear everyone is hiding something. She’s a likeable character, who is strong, courageous, and determined to figure out her connection to the family.
Mr. Curtis Sinclair is a perfect hero. He is strong, mysterious, shadowy, and every bit the gentleman. You want to put your full trust in him, but you’re just not sure he’s deserving. It’s fun to see each part of his character come to light.
All in all, I enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing what Ms. Wilson has next for us!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In the Shadow of Croft Towers is a mysterious and satisfying debut. Intrigue abounds in this story. From the mystery of Sybil Delafield’s past to the cast of characters who are not quite as they first appear, Croft Towers is shrouded in secrets. Sybil’s auspicious journey to The Towers, in which her coach is robbed by highwaymen, is only a foreshadowing of the twists to come.
Croft Towers has a personality all its own. Both a danger and a sanctuary for Sybil, it contains an unexplained connection to her past. As a companion for Mrs. Chalcroft, Sybil holds the precarious position that is not part of the family but still above a servant. Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, Curtis Sinclair, arrives very early into this story, and his reappearance is shocking indeed, but as you may imagine, is just another deception that entangles Sybil. There is something so atmospheric in Wilson’s descriptions. Whether the setting is the house, the woods, or the town, a delicious spookiness and a lovely hint of romance permeate these pages. I must say, I thought I knew the culprit, and though in a way I was right, a twist in the plot still caught me by surprise.
Wilson’s writing style is engaging, and Sybil’s character has a clear, compelling voice. I adored the first-person narration, and I hope that she writes more of that in the future. Though Sybil is a bit naïve at first, I applauded the bravery she develops over time, as she decides that doing the right thing may mean sacrificing solving the mystery of her past. The ending is exciting and oh-so romantic. I am so glad that we only have to wait until July for Wilson’s next release – it’s definitely on my list!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
3.5 stars
“Everyone at the Towers had a secret. Every. Single. Person. And I could do nothing but claw my through their web of lies.”
Arriving at Croft Towers had been a harrowing experience for Sybil Delafield; her coach having been ransacked by masked highwaymen along the way. Her new position as a companion to the elderly matron of the estate was a bit curious to begin with, for her own heritage was somehow tied into the history of the Towers. But how can she possibly find the answers to her own questions when her employer continually sends her on clandestine deliveries and the woman’s godson, who implores Sybil to trust him, has already proven his duplicity? Meanwhile people are dying, and no one seems inclined to speak the truth.
What an intriguing debut! Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, readers are led along numerous pathways; some of which are simply dead ends, while others point to the truth if it was only clear enough to see.
I am not keen on romance novels unless they are loaded with suspense or historical intrigue—this book has both! Wilson’s debut is remarkably well-crafted and her imagery rapidly transported me into the dark and drafty corridors of Croft Towers. The promise of discovering the contents of Mrs. Chalcroft’s secret missives along with her odd fascination with Sybil would have been enough to compel me to keep reading. Toss in highwaymen, murder, and rumors of espionage, and this was a book I couldn’t put down for long. If Abigail writes more faith-filled fiction in the future, I’ll be sure to read it posthaste.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
Abigail Wilson is a debut author with her Regency novel In the Shadow of Croft Towers. I have read a number of Regency novels, so I had a pretty good idea of what the genre consists of. First, there is going to be romance and a world I haven’t lived in. Majority of Regency novels are in honor of Jane Austen’s novels, but I can’t stand Jane Austen, so I believe the authors today write more captivating stories than Austen ever have. Wilson does a better job than Austen.
Her writing is clear and concise. I had no problem visualizing the setting of Croft Towers. Wilson dives in and allows me to see the surroundings for the first time just like the heroine does. She takes me on a journey just like the first person heroine. I explore the world and wonder about Mrs. Chalcroft and the death surrounding Anne.
Wilson does write the story in the first person point of view. I only knew the main character’s name because she mentions it to others, but the story is told completely in her point of view. This is a difficult to write in. I have only read one other author, that I can think of right now, who did the first person point of view justice. Dawn Crandall writes Regency novels in the same fashion. Wilson does a wonderful job at staying in the heroine’s perspective and not jumping into others.
The plot is interesting. I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Anne’s death and the reality of the heroine’s connections to the family of the Chalcrofts. The plot moved pretty quickly, capturing my imagination as the story dealt with the mysterious death and the idea of spies for the opposite side. It really kept my mystery-loving imagination.
Overall, In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson is a thrill of a Regency novel that I haven’t seen written before. It had a couple of mysteries thrown in to capture my imagination, but it also had a number of Regency items to keep the regency fans happy. I believe fans of Julie Klassen, Jane Austen, and Dawn Crandall would adore this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Abigail Wilson is an author to watch. Her debut novel In the Shadows of Croft Towers grabbed my attention from the first page and held it to the last. Wilson’s Regency story is chock full of mystery and intriguing characters. Kept me guessing under the very end!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
What a wonderful debut! I need to clear some room on my bookshelves for a new author. It did not take long to draw me into the story filled with enough intrigue and romance to please this reader’s heart. With an unexpected twist at the end, this story filled with highwaymen, spies, and family secrets will appeal to fans of Gothic romance. Wilson’s original voice, attention to historical detail and vivid setting draw her reader’s into a story that deserves to be placed on a keeper shelf. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through NetGalley and I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoy discovering new authors. This is Abigail Wilson’s debut novel and I certainly enjoyed it very much. When Miss Delafiekd comes to Croft Towers as a companion, she never expected to find a spy ring, murder, blackmail and loads of general mayhem. Written in first person POV, this is a tight Regency with a great plot and the characters well fleshed out. I finished it in one day. Recommended.
*My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I am always on the lookout for new (or new to me) Regency authors. As soon as In the Shadow of Croft Towers became available for review, I eagerly snapped it up. I was not disappointed because I found a fantastic novel with an excellent mix of romance and mystery, and one that kept me guessing until the end of the story.
The opening scenes immediately drew me into Sybil Delafield’s world. A hired companion, her travels to Croft Towers are far too eventful, and the mystery was already beginning. Since the novel is written in first person, it lends itself nicely to the layered storytelling, keeping the reader in the dark along with Sybil, allowing us make discoveries and assumptions ourselves.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel; the people and motivations are revealed slowly, and some characters become more likable while others less. The great part about it is that most of them have the depth to be layered personalities, even the secondary ones. Then there are characters we aren’t quite sure of, those who may be unreliable in their perceptions simply because of their position or even mental clarity.
As with any good historical novel, I learned something while appreciating the storytelling. Reading about priest holes, robberies of the mail coach, and how options were severely limited for women added to my enjoyment because it helped to place me within the setting.
This is a well-crafted debut novel with enough twists in the plot to make me question anything I believed settled before the final page. I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction, mystery/suspense genres, and those who enjoy the Regency period. Abigail Wilson is an author to watch, and I eagerly await her next book!
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit, but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Abigail Wilson is another debut author I plan to keep my eyes on. Her first novel In the Shadow of Croft Towers is an excellent and promising start to a possible long career as author.
Vivid imagery, intriguing characters, and ample mystery and plot twists kept me turning the pages until the end. The brooding atmosphere is the perfect setting for this novel filled with secrets, spies, smugglers, and murder where no one is quite whom they seem. A touch of romance is welcome but even that is wrought with mystery. Surprising revelations and a dramatic climax brought the book to a satisfying conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its Gothic tone and look forward to more offerings from this talented new author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
In the Shadow of Croft Towers is a good debut for Abigail Wilson. This Regency era historical involves mystery, suspense, spice, secrets, and adventure. Sybil Delafield has endured some hardships in her life, including being an orphan. When she is offered a position at Croft Towers, she jumped at the chance. She was to be a caretaker for a terminal resident. However, other events occur, making her rethink why she was hired in the first place. How will these events impact Sybil’s life?
I enjoyed In the Shadow of Croft Towers. It is what I would expect from a Gothic era novel. It has action, danger, secrets, ghosts, and mystery. I love Sybil from the start and I admired her courage and bravery. I never knew what would happen with her each time I turned a page. This is not a book that I could have predicted. It is quite spooky.
I’m giving In the Shadow of Croft Towers 4 and a half stars. I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Filled with suspense and page-turning mystery this story is sure to keep you guessing. With plenty of surprises and secrets to uncover you are sure to enjoy time spent reading this debut novel from Abigail Wilson.
Sybil Delafield is a little too trusting, and often blindly goes along with others when I wished she’d push for answers and ask more questions. Of course, this kept me guessing, which after all is the point!
About the time I’d decide who could be trusted, something would happen and my tower of cards would tumble down, only for another character to emerge as the one to believe. This story has a colorful cast of eccentric characters that are sure to keep you on your toes! I enjoyed reading this page-turning story!
While this book is published by a Christian publisher, and listed as Christian Fiction there is no mention of God, and lacking in Christian content. I would label this a clean, Regency, Gothic romance.
(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.)
When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?
When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.
I found this book to be intriguing. Sybil doesn’t know who she can trust. Her coach is stopped and robbed on her way to Croft Towers. Then when she gets there she discovers one of the house guests is one of the highwaymen. What is she supposed to do? He asks her to trust him. Then there’s Mrs.Chalcroft. She seems to have totally lost it. But she creeps into her room in the middle of the night to ask special favors. Is she sane or not?
A great read that I would recommend to every one. This isn’t an edge of your seat suspense. But is has lots of mystery.
I was given this book by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.