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.
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First-person perspectives are NOT my favorite. An author really has to engage me and make me forget I am in the first-person in order for me to really get through the story. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, enough so, that I am considering going back and listening to and/or reading the first two books in the series. Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is a standalone book, although it is connected to other stories. I am sure there are little antidotes I missed by reading out of order, but I still found the story engaging and believable. While not always able to suspend the thought of being in first-person, I loved the unusual marriage of convenience story. Elizabeth and Lord Torrington proved to be unique characters who drew me in. Lord Torrington especially was an unexpected kind of man. I struggled to make him out just as Elizabeth did, but found him a hero whose company I enjoyed.
If you like the first-person point of view, marriage-of-convenience stories, mysterious heroes, danger, and mystery, I highly recommend this Regency story.
Although defined as an historical romance, Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey reads more like a gothic novel without the moldy, old castle and the heroine running through the underground crypts on a dark and stormy night. Like most gothics, it is told in the first person, a page turner with a lot of action. The action starts right away when Adrian Radcliff, Lord Torrington mistakenly runs the wrong carriage off the road.. But why? The carriage contains our heroine, Elizabeth Cantrell and her son, Isaac. With Elizabeth sustaining a head injury, Adrian takes over getting her to an inn. Unfortunately, his actions necessitates a hasty marriage.. However, they both are keeping secrets from each other. Will their secrets get in the way of a successful marriage and happiness. The story is fast paced, filled with spies, murder, French traitors and some British ones as well. This is the first Abigail Wilson book i have read. It will not be the last. I need to read In the Shadow of Croft Towers since the Towers and its inhabitants are mentioned frequently throughout this book. I am always happy to find a new author to enjoy. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
OH EM GEE, what an exciting and fascinating complex and complicated story and romance. There are so many twists and turns that surprised me. The main characters and secondary characters were outstanding. The author, Abigail Wilson, was able to bring them to life. They were so realistic. When Ms. Wilson described their facial expressions, emotions and feeling it was so easy to image what they would look like. The story is very descriptive. Each scene in the book smoothly went from one topic and location seamlessly. There was never any hiccups nor confusion as to who was talking or what they were talking about. Ms. Wilson kept me on the hook till the very end. I must say at the end I was totally shocked by the reveal. It never crossed my mind not once. I have never read a more intriguing beguiling enigma of a story. A must read. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I am not usually someone that gravitates toward historical fiction, but this one was recommended to me because the mystery was so good and it definitely was. I was quickly drawn into the storyline and it held my interest, I enjoyed the banter between the characters, and the mystery truly kept me guessing. I totally did not see the ending coming at all.
I was given a copy of this story by Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, Elizabeth Cantrell finds herself in the middle of a scandal, a marriage of convenience, and a murder investigation. When Adrian Radcliff holds up her coach causing an accident in the process, she can hardly believe that the brother of her illegitimate son’s father, a man with a questionable reputation, is now claiming to be a spy working for Britain. And now to maintain his cover and for her protection, she must marry him. But the marriage of convenience quickly becomes a partnership in an investigation, and as the situation becomes more dangerous and more complicated, feelings begin to develop as they work closely with each other. But can Adrian keep Elizabeth and her son safe? And will he still feel the same if she reveals the truth about her son’s father?
I was pleasantly surprised by Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey. I hadn’t read this author before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thought this book was great. The story was exciting and intense, always adding new and unexpected twists. The characters were easy to like and relate to. And the chemistry between Elizabeth and Adrian was palpable. And while it was a well-written romance, it was also clean which I appreciate. Overall, I think this is a book I would go back and read again. I really thoroughly enjoyed it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Abigail Wilson outdoes herself with each new book release. Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is marriage of convenience wrapped in mystery wrapped in romance. With all of that going on, it might be easy to drop the ball on one of the story threads, but Wilson balances them all and kept me guessing until the end of the book.
While their first meeting is rather unconventional and throws them right into their charade, a friendship develops between Elizabeth and Torrington. Some of my favorite parts of this book were the quiet moments when these two talk—both about themselves and about their investigation. Torrington doesn’t dismiss Elizabeth because she’s a woman. He listens to and leans on her. And through those conversations, that building friendship and trust, romances sparks.
Each book Wilson writes is my new favorite, and I look forward to reading many more fantastic stories of this caliber from her.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve heard quite a bit about this book and had to give this new-to-me author a go. I’m so pleased with this recommendation and look forward to reading Abigail’s other books.
“That’s the funny thing about the truth. It set me free.”
The tone of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is page-turning different. The vivid imagery and plot is like watching a theater production. When Elizabeth, an unwed mother, is held up by a highwayman, she gets far more than she bargains for. A marriage of convenience, a mysterious death, and threatening letters give this regency a unique beginning. The characters have great back stories and their strengths shine through in their individual and collaborative growths over past hurts and mistakes.
This was a FANTASTIC mystery! I could not read it fast enough to see how everything fit together and who the bad guys were. I really enjoyed the characters of Elizabeth and Lord Torrington and the ways they worked together to solve the mystery. I loved the way Torrington included Elizabeth in everything rather than shutting her out simply because she was a woman. This was such a fun read and I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson is the second book by this author that I have read, and loved. I can honestly say that this literally is one of my favorite books this year. It is an excellent historical fiction and romance that has it all: excellent plot, well-thought out murder/mystery with surprise elements included, suspense, a slow-burning romance that warmed my heart, and a perfect ending to boot. This book is entertaining, endearing, suspenseful, and classy.
I loved Elizabeth and Adrian. Both main characters were imperfect, yet honorable, loyal, realistic, personable, and seemed to bring out the best in one another. And did I mention their chemistry? Oh it was definitely there. Both came to each other through creative and unique circumstances, but both helped heal and strengthen one another through support, love, and forgiveness.
This is a most excellent book and I cannot wait to read every book Ms. Wilson writes!
5/5 stars. I cannot recommend this book enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey
By Abigail Wilson
Elizabeth Cantrell is on her way to an obscure life as a housekeeper, due to her disgrace as the unwed mother of an infant son. But when her carriage is waylaid by a highwayman her life takes a most unexpected turn when Lord Torrington proposes marriage to her. He needs to protect his identity and offer Elizabeth the protection of his name.
Elizabeth never expected to marry, considering her abandonment and shame she never thought any man would offer her his name. But for her son Elizabeth accepts Adrian’s proposal. There is just one catch she has to convince Lord Torrington’s daughters and his mother-in-law that she is in love with him. Can they pull off this masquerade and find the traitor in their midst?
When a guest at Middlecrest is murdered Adrian and Elizabeth know that danger has followed them. Worse someone has taken a personal interest in Elizabeth? Was bringing Issac to Middlecrest a mistake? Or can her new husband indeed keep him safe? And can Elizabeth keep the secret of Issac’s identity? Or will she admit the truth to the man who is threatening to win her heart?
Now this book is not listed as being part of a series, but several of the characters in this book made appearances in Abigail Wilson’s previous books In the Shadow of Croft Towers and Midnight on the River Grey. So you can read this book as a standalone title or enjoy them in the order they were written. As this book is set within the Regency Period of English history there is plenty of cloak-and-dagger action. And is often the case there is a French threat to English interests so plenty of secrets abound. Altogether a delightful read to while away a few hours of downtime. If you have not yet read Abigail Wilson’s work give it a try with this newest offering you won’t regret it.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
3.5 stars
“All I ask is for you to feign affection in pubic, my dear, and we shall get on quite well with one another. Think of our marriage as a rather pleasant masquerade.”
Actually, Elizabeth Cantrell’s masqurade marriage was turning out to be a rather dangerous one, for her new husband was a British spy; his foiled disguise as a highwayman having been compromised following an horrendous coach accident which literally threw them together under comprimising circumstances. And so it was, that a young unwed mother laid claim to the title of Lady Torrington. If it were only that simple.
First of all, it becomes apparent that Lord Torrington’s deeds have followed him home. On the eve of his oldest daughter’s wedding, unspeakable tragedy strikes his household and everyone on the vast estate falls under suspicion. Furthermore, as Adrian and Elizabeth join forces to expose the traitor in their midst, what began as a convenient relationship builds momentum, to the point that Elizabeth must honestly remind herself, “love had never been part of our arrangement, and I’d best remember that”.
What perfect momentum! This intriguing example of historical supsense hosted a curious beginning while maneuvering its way past tragedy, family secrets, and a tremulous romance; moving intentionally forward towards an heroic ending and a full fledged love story. Agibail Wilson has just staked her claim in Regency mystery.
Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, by Abigail Wilson is a master piece. Her writing is on point. The way Abigail chose her words to draw me in as the reader was superior. The details of the landscape helped my imagination get lost into the world of Adrian and Elizabeth romance story. Abigail’s words are smooth and they flowed with ease from page to page.
From the first page, Abigail is able to draw you into the story with action and excitement. With true talent, she was able maintain this throughout the book. This I found very fascinating as a reader. Along with the action and the excitement, the book had a quick pace about it that leaves you with no time to think, have I missed something.
I believe how Abigail chooses her words, brings cause to this conclusion. They are simple, not to complicated and they have great meaning behind them. The romance that grows between Adrian and Elizabeth is sweet, heartwarming and very romantic. You can read in the words, how Adrian truly cares for Elizabeth and loves her. He maintained himself as a gentleman while waiting for Elizabeth to give over her heart to him.
Elizabeth, she was smitten with Adrian from the moment that she sat in the carriage with him. Adrian made her feel so comfortable with him, allowing her to drop the walls and be the wife that she wanted to be for him. Let’s talk a little about the story. First this: Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive. Woohoo!
This is one of the best crime mysteries that I have read in a longtime. Adrian and Elizabeth proved to be one of the best spy operative couples outside of London. Adrian had the brawn and muscle and Elizabeth had the wit and compassion. From the first moment these two laid eyes on each other their romance shot off like a rocket. There was a stage coach accident, brought on by a supposedly highwayman.
Women fainting, a long lost brother, twice over. An impromptu wedding, then another wedding. How can one forget the fun parts. Then there’s death threats, fist fights. Shots being fired and poker sticks, which are not only used for stoking fires in the fireplace I might add.
As you read on, someone’s being poisoned. There’s a murder, a funeral and two spy operatives smacked dab in the middle of it all. And that’s not all people. No no, not by a long shot. At the end of the story, there is a twist that will leave you with a mouth drop.
Believe me when I read this chapter I was speechless and shocked. I didn’t feel guilty for staying up past my bedtime to read that, “just one more chapter”. I didn’t and I don’t feel guilty at all. As I say this with my sleepy eyes drooping, while writing this review. My fellow readers… I recommend this book.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Wow! I loved this story!! I read the first book, which I loved, and then I don’t know why I missed the second, now I have to go back and get it soon! This is a wonderful series, although it can be perfectly read as a standalone.
Baron Adrian Torrington has been widowed for two decades, and has been as a spy of the crown for as long. His latest mission is to stop a carriage that carries spy with a message for the french, but he never expects to get the wrong carriage which ends un derailed. Worse, in the carriage there’s an unconscious woman with her baby, and the way to save her reputation and his mission is to claim she is his wife as he takes her to the nearest inn to recover.
Elizabeth Cantrell was on his way to getting a housekeeper job, when the accident happened. She’s a headstrong woman, with an almost one year old child, that needs to support herself since the father of her baby left her and never acknowledged him. After the accident, she finds herself at the inn with nonetheless Adrian Torrington, her child’s uncle, who has told everyone he’s her husband. After some begging, Elizabeth accepts a marriage of convenience, for the sake of the Crown, and to give her child a name and a family. But she keeps to herself the real identity of Isaac’s father? What would Adrian do if he new his new son is his nephew?
But things turn dark as she arrives to her new home, Middlecrest Abbey. Her new daughters are genteel women, yet there’s something mysterious going on. Then a guest of the Manor unexpectedly dies and it seems it was not accidental at all… Threatening notes arrive in Elizabeth’s bed, claiming she has something they need… As Adrian and Elizabeth start working together to unravel the crime and the mystery, they start to get closer together, and maybe, just maybe, this marriage of convenience can be turned into a real one, can it? Or will the criminal get to them first?
I loved this story!! I was totally engaged and captivated between the dark mystery, the danger on their lives, the growing feelings between them, and so many “if”s that had to be resolved in order to arrive to a happy ending. It definitely had a feel of Daphne Du Maurier “Rebecca”‘s and I loved that! I loved that movie!
The mystery was truly intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess who the murderer was. Everyone is suspicious in this house… The plot was fast paced, it never dragged. And the romance was slow but very satisfying! I loved how it starts showing that Adrian is already in love with his wife, before she sorts her feelings. The romance was sweet and clean.
I definitely recommend this story! If you are a fan of good mysteries, with a touch of romance, this is surely for you! I certainly want to keep reading more of Abigail Wilsons books! They won’t disappoint!
A Regency era gothic romance, the story follows Elizabeth Cantrell as she attempts to travel to take up a new position as a housekeeper, her baby son Isaac in tow. When her carriage crashes after an encounter with a highwayman she’s caught up in a plot involving secret messages and French spies, and somewhat to her own bewilderment ends up married to Adrian, Lord Torrington… the older brother of her erstwhile lover. Arriving at Adrian’s estate, Middlecrest Abbey, Elizabeth soon discovers the house party gathered to celebrate the wedding of Adrian’s eldest daughter conceals dangerous secrets – secrets which turn deadly for one of the guests.
Alone in a house full of strangers, Elizabeth has no idea who she can trust, but as it quickly becomes obvious both she and her son are in danger, she’s determined not to sit back and passively wait for things to happen. Her growing feelings for Adrian complicate things, as do the secrets they’re both keeping, all of which are slowly revealed over the course of the story.
I had my suspicions about the murderer from early on – there were a few clues which didn’t quite add up – but the reveal still had a few surprises, including some sad ones (trigger warnings for stillbirth of a child apply). I did feel annoyed by Elizabeth’s failure to come clean with Adrian about her son’s parentage earlier; she literally sat on her hands about it until the truth ambushed both of them, something any sensible person should have seen coming a mile away. It’s frustrating when the author makes otherwise intelligent and sensible characters make such an obviously dumb decision for the sake of the plot.
Historical accuracy wise, this was pretty good; I do wish authors would check out when special licenses were actually appropriate and how difficult they were to get, because you don’t just ‘nip out’ of an inn one morning to get one and get married before lunchtime. You had to go to Doctor’s Commons in London and apply to the Archbishop of Canterbury, a busy man who didn’t hand the licenses out to just anyone; it was a tricky and expensive endeavour. Especially considering that Adrian resided in a nearby parish and could just get a vastly cheaper and simpler common license.
Overall, these were pretty minor niggles. The pace of the story was a bit on the slow side for much of the book before picking up to breakneck right at the end, making it feel a little uneven, but it was still a good read and I did enjoy Adrian and Elizabeth’s romance. I’ll give it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is a clever play on words — this marriage of convenience (one of my favorite tropes!) comes with many secrets, some hidden identities, and concealed truths that all come to light with an enthralling mystery. It is a Regency romance that will have you turning the pages late into the night to figure out its secrets. I was rooting for the hero and heroine through all their action-filled escapades (that were also, somehow, SUPER romantic) to embrace their newfound friendship and solve quite the twisting puzzle.
The first person POV of Elizabeth creates empathy and understanding for the reader while it conveys the likability of Lord Torrington (Adrian) and an almost-tangible sense of the doubts, secrets, and questions about the well-plotted mystery.
The marriage of convenience trope is done wonderfully by Abigail Wilson in this instance. Time for a list (!!!) of things I love about Adrian: his humorous, personable nature; his trust and confidence in Elizabeth; the way he cares for his family. Elizabeth, too, is a very likable heroine whose revelations enlighten the mystery thread and inform her own character of the freedom to trust others and offer forgiveness freely.
I really appreciated that Elizabeth and Adrian are older than your average Regency romance couple– him moreso with his almost-grown daughters. This sets up a deeper romance plot because they are in a position to have grasped life lessons and experience already, allowing for moments of intention and emphasis of choice in their love story.
Thank you to HFVBT and the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
I’m so happy to have found a new author to binge-read! I loved how this had the same kind of Gothic suspense that the Lady Darby Mysteries by Anna Lee Huber have (another binge-worthy series). It’s not quite as gritty, but still a wonderfully satisfying read. The characters really came to life and the suspense kept me glued to the pages. The mystery kept me guessing which is always fun, and I felt like I was part of the investigation. It must have been so frustrating back then to not have the kind of advances in technology that we have now for helping solve crimes… but it’s not like they knew what they were missing. I guess it’s just frustrating for the reader 😉
Elizabeth is a character that I don’t think I’ve ever read in the genre- a lady who has a child out of wedlock but is still able to keep him and move on with her life, however different it may be. She is traveling to take a position as a housekeeper when the story begins, and Lord Torrington throws her life into a spin. I liked how Elizabeth has a maturity about her, and is neither young nor old. She’s a perfect partner for Torrington as she supports him and helps the investigation by thinking and seeing things in different ways than him. The more she gets to know him, the more she realizes that he is so much more than his reputation. I really liked how he is open with Elizabeth and finds in her a confidante and friend. It was sweet watching their friendship develop into romance… although at a most inconvenient time. A strong secondary cast of characters gave the story a variety of potential suspects, and the author skillfully brought out their personalities, revealing layer by layer as Elizabeth interacts with them. There are twists and surprises, an exciting climax, and a satisfying wrapping up of all the details. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)
This was a great book! I loved how the romance between the main characters was very gradual and that they had to learn to overcome their past in order to trust each other. I loved the mystery aspect of this book. I had no idea who was behind the murder and other mishaps until she revealed it so that was great. I also loved her writing style. She kept my attention engaged the whole time I was reading. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next and if Elizabeth and Adrian would make their marriage work and fall in love. Also I love how Elizabeth and Adrian worked together to solve the mystery. I always love books where a couple are the sleuths. Great book and look forward to reading more by her!
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
This was such an exciting and delightful read! First off, I love that it is written in first-person. I really feel like I get to be apart of the book more when it is written in this manner. Secondly, all of the characters were so life-like, and I loved seeing them all grow and flourish throughout the course of the novel. Elizabeth was so real and I understood her desire to be guarded and careful. And Adrian was more than meets the eye, so seeing them both grow together was fantastic. I love marriage-of-convenience stories, and this one was definitely a good one! They were thrown together so suddenly, and watching as they tried to keep up the act was amusing to say the least. And seeing how it all blossomed was really sweet too. And the mystery! My goodness, it is one to keep you on the edge of your seat. Especially towards the end when the action really picks up. The plot was really well done, and there was never a dull moment.
There was a very subtle faith strand throughout – it was very gentle but I appreciated its presence.All in all, this was a very good book, and I always eagerly await the author’s next work!
I’m pretty sure that every book Abigail Wilson writes gets better and better! I absolutely loved this book! It’s intrigue, romance, mystery, characters, etc were all spot on. I think my favorite part was that the hero and heroine, Adrian and Elizabeth had a marriage of convenience and throughout the entire story the two worked together to solve the mystery! I loved their late night rendezvous to keep each other informed. Their relationship was such a fun and pivotal part of the story that I just loved! I am very much looking forward to what comes next from Abigail Wilson!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Another wonderful regency suspense from Abigail Wilson! I love marriage of convenience stories, and this one didn’t disappoint. The plot is done so well with a lot to keep the reader busy…but not so overwhelming that it is hard to follow.
This book, for me, was definitely character driven. I was in it to follow them. The characters were so well written, with some surprises along the way. Even once I figured out who was the unknown “bad guy” there was plenty left in the story to enjoy right to the end.
I think this book is my favorite by her because though no strong faith theme, it had a theme of love and forgiveness that was absent in her other reads. This book shows character growth in the essentials. I really enjoyed watching as the two main characters in this book grow in their view, in how they treat others, and their overall view on life itself.
Once again, this author has penned another wonderful read to enjoy with the bonus of more depth of character!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.