In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life.When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose … is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.
Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.
Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.
more
In Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, Abigail Wilson takes us back to the region of her first two books. This one is set in 1815 in Southeast England. The cover is just beautiful with a pretty heroine in period dress and an imposing residence. The story, too, has a gothic feel to it.
Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son, Isaac, are in a carriage accident on their way to Dover. As a result, she meets Adrian, Lord Torrington, and is thrust into a marriage of convenience, not to mention danger and intrigue. While out on a stealthy mission, she describes the night: “Far above, the stars were tucked neatly behind the thick blanket of clouds, yet the lonely white light of the moon wound its way through the insidious darkness.” Very gothic indeed.
This was a refreshingly unique story with many mysterious goings on and several secrets to keep or reveal. Masquerading may be too much for Elizabeth and Adrian because “ trust is personal and dangerous and terrifying.”and Elizabeth says: “ but that is the funny thing about truth-it set me free.”
I have enjoyed all these books set in the same area and like that we see recurring characters. The theme of spying runs through them all. In Masquerade, we glimpse a bit of the background of repentance that Adrian and Elizabeth have gone through. This is a wonderful book to add to my keeper shelf.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
It is so easy just to sink into one of Abigail Wilson’s books as one would a favorite chair and got lost in the story for hours. Once started, it is difficult to put down. She has hit another home-run with Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey.
Wilson has combined all kinds of favorite elements in this suspenseful Regency tale. While the romantic thread was not unexpected, it was sweet to see how it would unfold, balanced perfectly with the mystery and unexpected plot twists that kept me captivated until the last page was read. Thrown together in an unexpected marriage of convenience, Adrian and Elizabeth find they must set aside their respective pasts filled with betrayal to join forces in unearthing the identity of a murderer and possible spy.
Wilson’s beautiful atmospheric prose and witty dialogue will continue to place her books on my favorites shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
This is the first book I have read by Abigail Wilson and it was phenomenal! From the first page I could barely put it down. The writing flows beautifully, so that at no point did I have to stop and reread something because it was unclear or confusing. There were no misunderstandings or miscommunication to prolong the story unnecessarily. Ms. Wilson is a wordsmith.
From the very first paragraph I liked and cared about the main characters, Adrian and Elizabeth. They drew me in and I wanted to keep reading to find out what their story was. I am very happy they got their HEA. I loved that both the main characters had faced a lot of adversity in their past, but refused to be bitter and angry. They both loved their families and sought to make a happy home with them.
I enjoyed that the chapters were short and invariably at the end of each one, there was an exciting turn of events or an unexpected surprise.
The mystery was exciting and held my attention to the last page, and even though it is a regency historical romance/mystery, the plot was fresh and didn’t resort to the usual tropes of this genre.
I read this in about a day and will read the rest of Ms. Wilson’s books, especially since some of the characters from this book are also featured in them.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.” #TheViscountBesieged #NetGalley
‘When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity, as well as his dangerous mission.
Trapped by not only the duty to her country but her limited options, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her illegitimate son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. She is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Afraid of what Lord Torrington might do if he learns of her son’s true identity, Elizabeth must remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless mystery person bent on her new family’s ruin.’
____________________________________
Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson is a mystery and regency romance and is the first book by this author that I have read.
I really loved Elizabeth’s character, every obstacle that comes into her path, every disappointment or shock, she handles with such grace and poise. I was a bit disappionted by how long she held onto er secret, but I also uncerstood her trepidation. Overall she was such a great character and I enjoyed following her throughout the book. I found Adrian amusing and charming from the start, but at the same time wasn’t quite sure of him considering the connection. But as the story progressed some, he won me over.
The very first chapter opens up with quite and intruiging and fast-pace scene and the following chapters detail the fall out from this scene, which really hooked me into the story. Things do slow down a bit though and it takes a little bit to get the momentum going again, despite the fact that some big things happen during this time. Once the big plot points begin to come together things become more quick-paced again and drag you back into the mystery.
I really love decoded messages and was happy to see them used here. It would have been even cooler had the decoded meassged been shared with us in a way that we could see the decoding happen more clearly, making the readers feel more involved. I must be entiely fair here and say that one of the coded messaged is typed out for readers, and we see some of the transition during the uncoding. But for the most part, it was more of reading how the character counted down different letters to solve it. I would have loved more of the process, but I really love a puzzle so I could be in the minority here.
I really enjoyed how the mystery tied in with our main character. I did not see the mystery panning out in quite this way and I really loved the turn that it took. I was able to guess at half of it before it was revealed, but the other part I hadn’t considered. (That was remarkably vague of me, but I’d rather sound nonsensical than give it away.)
If you enjoy regency mysteries that run alongside a clean romance, then I recommend Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey. This was the first work by this author that I have read and I will be looking into more mysteries by Abigail Wilson to read.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for sharing an eARC of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson. This is my honest review.
3.5/5
This was third in a series, and while I was able to suss out most of the backstory, it probably would have helped to read the prior two.
While the mystery, which involved a murder and traitors/espionage, was a bit too convoluted and slow, I did enjoy the main characters of Adrian and Elizabeth. I felt their marriage of convenience story as well as their slow growth, both as individuals and as spouses, was more absorbing than the mystery element.
I would probably rate this more between a pick and a so-so. And while yes, I would go back to read the previous books, I’m in no hurry to do so right now.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was exciting right from the start and kept me interested right up to the end. I loved the mystery and the romance. I was considering everyone as the suspect and loved how the author wrapped everything up.- I almost wish it was another 100 pages long. The characters were great and the storyline was thrilling. I can’t wait to tell all my friends about this book. Definitely worth buying.
This book was completely engrossing for me. I couldn’t put it down. Wonderful characters, including a swoon worthy hero, a great plot (which I never figured out the culprit), and it just totally captivated me. Loved every minute.
*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Marrying Adrian Radcliff, a man she barely knows, to protect his identity as a British spy and provide a better life for her son seems right to Elizabeth Cantrell at the time; but circumstances arise that put her, her son, and others in danger leading her to doubt the wisdom of her decision. Dealing with a “masquerade” marriage, a complicated past, betrayal, secrets, French spies, murder, threatening notes, missing items, wayward gunshots, duplicitous behavior, and cryptic codes, Elizabeth and Adrian must (in the author’s words) “link the slew of seemingly unrelated events and finally uncover the truth” as their romantic relationship grows, and they learn to trust their hearts and each other.
Mystery, danger, suspense, intrigue, and romance make this easy-to-read story a page-turner with an entertaining plot that flows at a fitting pace. A bit of humor sprinkled here and there intermittently relieves the tension. Crisp descriptive language and figurative imagery add to the enjoyment of this read. I especially like the imagery in this quote: “The drum of fear pounded its way through every inch of my body.” Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is the first book I have read from Ms. Wilson. Although some of the characters are present in her first two books, this one works fine as a stand-alone. My enjoyment of this book compels me to go back and read those first two books and leaves me looking forward to her future works. I highly recommend this book.
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.
Right from the start this has a very Gothic flavor to it and enticed me to keep reading. It’s always nice to find a new author who can set a mood with words.
But the mystery was a bit convoluted; even Torrington points out to Elizabeth there is a hole in her assumptions in her attempt at detective work. Keeping in mind the publication date is months away, I did wonder if this ARC was offered too soon.
I’ll also admit to being a bit confused in the timeline (timelines are always being followed in the back of my mind while reading) with respect to Brook and his absence(s?) and Elizabeth’s relationship with him, especially without more information regarding Elizabeth and her family. She met Brook during her second season, she’s now 26, Isaac is only 11 months. Elizabeth did not want Torrington to know of her relationship with Brook, so the readers are also kept in the dark.
I read a free ARC I received from NetGalley; the thoughts expressed are my own.
This is the second book I have read from this author and I believe her third published; she captured me with Midnight on the River Gray, and solidified her place on my favorites list with this story.
Regency romances are fun to read for me because they are plot based and character driven. This is the perfect example of that. It has mystery, angst, tension, passion and real life issues that are all mixed together to make an entertaining and fun read.
The characters are unique and fierce, determined and real. I love the character’s personalities and their willingness to go to extra lengths to protect what was theirs. I also like that they were multi layered so that they really jump off the page.
The mystery is fun and I would have never guessed the culprit! The author as a way with weaving her stories so no clue is left undiscovered or any offhanded comment unimportant. This story is like playing a game of Regency English Clue!!
I also liked that the romance aspect of the story, while not dominate was perfectly balanced and true to the era. I would classify this as a regency mystery with a bit of romance. I LOVE it. I need this in paperback to add to my collection!! I received an ARC via NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.
#NetGalley #MasqueradeAtMiddleCrestAbby #AbigilWilson #ThomasNelson #RegenceRomance #Mystery
Wow! does not begin to do this book justice! This is an incredible book. It starts off with a bang and builds from there. The story is told by Elizabeth Cantrell who finds herself suddenly married to a highwayman/spy, Adrian Torrington. Elizabeth is taken back to Adrian’s home, Middlecrest Abby, where she meets his family preparing for his daughter’s wedding. When things start to happen, Elizabeth needs to protect her son and her new family. This is such an incredible story, Not only from the mystery and intrigue of the story but also the dynamics of Elizabeth and Adrian’s relationship. This book will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what happens next. I could not put it down until I had finished it. I loved this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
I really enjoyed Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. And y’all, it was worth the wait. This story included mystery, danger, and what I loved the most was a marriage of convenience. Wonderful characters and great plot. I recommend to all history loving romance readers.
4.5 stars
*I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.