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Virginia Country Roads #4
A Stranger in Wynnedower
Love and suspense with a dash of Southern Gothic...
Rachel Sevier, a lonely thirty-two year old inventory specialist, travels to Wynnedower Mansion in Virginia to find her brother who has stopped returning her calls. Instead, she finds Jack Wynne, the mansion’s bad-tempered owner. He isn’t happy to meet her. When her brother took off without notice, he left Jack in a lurch.
Jack has his own plans. He’s tired of being responsible for everyone and everything. He wants to shake those obligations, including the old mansion. The last thing he needs is another complication, but he allows Rachel to stay while she waits for her brother to return.
At Wynnedower, Rachel becomes curious about the house and its owner. If rumors are true, the means to save Wynnedower Mansion from demolition are hidden within its walls, but the other inhabitants of Wynnedower have agendas, too. Not only may Wynnedower’s treasure be stolen, but also the life of its arrogant master, unless Rachel can save them all.
Rachel Sevier, a lonely thirty-two year old inventory specialist, travels to Wynnedower Mansion in Virginia to find her brother who has stopped returning her calls. Instead, she finds Jack Wynne, the mansion’s bad-tempered owner. He isn’t happy to meet her. When her brother took off without notice, he left Jack in a lurch.
Jack has his own plans. He’s tired of being responsible for everyone and everything. He wants to shake those obligations, including the old mansion. The last thing he needs is another complication, but he allows Rachel to stay while she waits for her brother to return.
At Wynnedower, Rachel becomes curious about the house and its owner. If rumors are true, the means to save Wynnedower Mansion from demolition are hidden within its walls, but the other inhabitants of Wynnedower have agendas, too. Not only may Wynnedower’s treasure be stolen, but also the life of its arrogant master, unless Rachel can save them all.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2012
1382 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Grace Greene
76 books953 followersGrace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration ~ The Emerald Isle, NC Stories Series includes Beach Rental, Beach Winds, Beach Wedding, along with the Christmas novellas, Beach Christmas and Beach Walk. Her Virginia books are Women's Fiction with romance, suspense and mystery. Most are set in rural Cub Creek and include her bestselling The Memory of Butterflies and The Happiness In Between which were released in 2017. Three new Cub Creek books were released in 2019 - The Wildflower House Series: Wildflower Heart, Wildflower Hope and Wildflower Christmas, and Wildflower Wedding, A Light Last Seen was released in Feb. 2020. A Barefoot Tide and A Dancing Tide brought a new character from Cub Creek to the beach at Emerald Isle with beloved crossover characters from both settings. Beach Heart and Emerald Heart are single titles set in Emerald Isle, NC. Grace's newest, A HEART BEYOND, will be released on September 3rd, 2024.
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
November 3, 2013
Romance. Mystery with Gothic Overtones
Rachel Sevier seeks her brother, Jeremy, who is caretaker of Wynnedower Mansion in Virginia and although she can’t get a return phone call from him, she takes off for there, hoping to find him and also a new job in Richmond about forty miles away. The Mansion is at the end of a dirt road and looks like a huge old mansion transported from England. It appears to be abandoned, but she goes up to the door, knocks and when there is no response, she enters. There are several floor with many large and small rooms, which are locked so she can’t get into them, but she goes to the second floor and luckily finds the room unlocked, and recognizes a few of Jeremy’s things. She is totally startled when a man’s voice loudly and crossly demands why she is trespassing. She explains she is looking for her brother and the man, Jack Wynne and owner of this badly deteriorated real estate, is very unfriendly and says Jeremy left without saying a word and she is to get out immediately or he will call the police.
When Rachel goes to her car, it won’t start and so she is stuck there. Her cellphone is totally discharged and there is no phone on the premises. She asks Jack to call her a cab, which he says would cost too much and eventually he relents and says she can stay the night while her phone is charging and he will have a mechanic come out the next day to fix the car. The mechanic finds that the battery wires have been disconnected and he fixes that. With her cellphone charged, Rachel calls a prospective employer in Richmond, but finds that he is away for several days and she can’t afford a hotel room. Consequently, she discusses this with Jack who in turn says that he either must renovate this huge building or try to sell it as is and that he doesn’t have the finances to do so. Rachel is attracted to Jack, who although is quite cross, nevertheless draws her. She discusses working for her room and board until the prospective employer returns. That she professionally inventories estates, businesses and that she will inventory an attic full of stored antique furniture plus drawing diagrams of the best way to renovate the premises and gardens. Jack is a painter, it runs in his family and there are rumors that there are hidden paintings worth money, although Jack thinks his grandfather already sold them. Jack is busy painting for a showing in New York and so he agrees that she can work for her board and room.
This beginning plot encompasses mysterious locked rooms, a hidden sister, people attempting to break in and steal whatever might be valuable, noises coming from hidden areas, various men who hang around and frighten Rachel. But Rachel is still determined to find her brother and she digs up the original blueprints for the building and finds secret rooms. There is a mysterious, sullen cook who has been with the house forever and she wants Rachel out. Jack’s temperament can be angry and violent and then gentle and loving. At times Rachel wonders if the place is haunted. It is a most entertaining novel and I enjoyed it very much.
Rachel Sevier seeks her brother, Jeremy, who is caretaker of Wynnedower Mansion in Virginia and although she can’t get a return phone call from him, she takes off for there, hoping to find him and also a new job in Richmond about forty miles away. The Mansion is at the end of a dirt road and looks like a huge old mansion transported from England. It appears to be abandoned, but she goes up to the door, knocks and when there is no response, she enters. There are several floor with many large and small rooms, which are locked so she can’t get into them, but she goes to the second floor and luckily finds the room unlocked, and recognizes a few of Jeremy’s things. She is totally startled when a man’s voice loudly and crossly demands why she is trespassing. She explains she is looking for her brother and the man, Jack Wynne and owner of this badly deteriorated real estate, is very unfriendly and says Jeremy left without saying a word and she is to get out immediately or he will call the police.
When Rachel goes to her car, it won’t start and so she is stuck there. Her cellphone is totally discharged and there is no phone on the premises. She asks Jack to call her a cab, which he says would cost too much and eventually he relents and says she can stay the night while her phone is charging and he will have a mechanic come out the next day to fix the car. The mechanic finds that the battery wires have been disconnected and he fixes that. With her cellphone charged, Rachel calls a prospective employer in Richmond, but finds that he is away for several days and she can’t afford a hotel room. Consequently, she discusses this with Jack who in turn says that he either must renovate this huge building or try to sell it as is and that he doesn’t have the finances to do so. Rachel is attracted to Jack, who although is quite cross, nevertheless draws her. She discusses working for her room and board until the prospective employer returns. That she professionally inventories estates, businesses and that she will inventory an attic full of stored antique furniture plus drawing diagrams of the best way to renovate the premises and gardens. Jack is a painter, it runs in his family and there are rumors that there are hidden paintings worth money, although Jack thinks his grandfather already sold them. Jack is busy painting for a showing in New York and so he agrees that she can work for her board and room.
This beginning plot encompasses mysterious locked rooms, a hidden sister, people attempting to break in and steal whatever might be valuable, noises coming from hidden areas, various men who hang around and frighten Rachel. But Rachel is still determined to find her brother and she digs up the original blueprints for the building and finds secret rooms. There is a mysterious, sullen cook who has been with the house forever and she wants Rachel out. Jack’s temperament can be angry and violent and then gentle and loving. At times Rachel wonders if the place is haunted. It is a most entertaining novel and I enjoyed it very much.
March 29, 2013
I didn't want this book to end! I wanted to stay at Wynnedower and continue to be a part of Rachel and Jack's lives!
This story completely hooked me from the beginning when Rachel is staring at "the monstrous stone house," Wynnedower, after following her brother's directions to "drive until the trees crowd in close and the road looks like it's about to end, then keep driving."
Wynnedower is a rambling, rundown old mansion with locked doors, forbidden rooms, mysterious people who come and go, and a sexy, enigmatic owner who advises Rachel to, "Lock the door and keep it locked. If you hear noises in the night, ignore them."
The story has the gothic allure of a Daphne du Maurier novel but with twenty-first century characters. Rachel is a modern heroine, a strong, complex woman who can take care of herself. Jack is inscrutable but a real person, and the attraction between the two of them is powerful and compelling. The description of that attraction is subtle and understated...and completely believable. I felt Rachel's emotions, her growing attraction to a man she doesn't completely understand and doesn't always like, felt those emotions and her happiness, confusion, pain...
I won't give away any of the secrets...and there are plenty of them...but suffice to say, once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down.
This story completely hooked me from the beginning when Rachel is staring at "the monstrous stone house," Wynnedower, after following her brother's directions to "drive until the trees crowd in close and the road looks like it's about to end, then keep driving."
Wynnedower is a rambling, rundown old mansion with locked doors, forbidden rooms, mysterious people who come and go, and a sexy, enigmatic owner who advises Rachel to, "Lock the door and keep it locked. If you hear noises in the night, ignore them."
The story has the gothic allure of a Daphne du Maurier novel but with twenty-first century characters. Rachel is a modern heroine, a strong, complex woman who can take care of herself. Jack is inscrutable but a real person, and the attraction between the two of them is powerful and compelling. The description of that attraction is subtle and understated...and completely believable. I felt Rachel's emotions, her growing attraction to a man she doesn't completely understand and doesn't always like, felt those emotions and her happiness, confusion, pain...
I won't give away any of the secrets...and there are plenty of them...but suffice to say, once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down.
October 28, 2013
Wynnedower, an old scary decaying mansion in Virginia, overlooking the wooded banks of a river; a moody mysterious darkly handsome owner, and a young woman looking for her missing brother collide in this novel by Grace Greene. Rachel and Jack only have one thing in common and that is because they both have had too much responsibility placed on them since childhood: Rachel’s is because she, and her brother, were orphaned, and Jack’s is his family legacy and the decaying mansion. Wynnedower has all the right ingredients for a mystery romance with a touch of Gothic flavor. Personally, I especially liked the family connection to the art world. This is the first book I’ve read by Grace Greene. I’ve noticed that she has other enticing novels in this genre, which I’ll need to check out. I’m rating it 4 stars because the writing could have been a tiny bit more polished: but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next to the characters…I’m already casting their parts in my mental movie. I read this on my kindle, and heard about it on FB through other authors.
August 4, 2017
The Wynnedower estate holds mystery, intrigue and possible danger. From priceless paintings to unknown whereabouts of certain people and the back story of the characters, this is a story that kept me reading and not wanting to put the book down. I enjoyed this one very much.
August 16, 2016
A Stranger in Wynnedower is a novel by Grace Greene. It is a suspense and a romance. It was a lot of fun to read.
Rachel Sevier took her vacation early and traveled to Wynnedower in Virginia where her brother had a job as caretaker for a place called Wynnedower. She was making it a stop when she went to a nearby town for a job interview. When she arrives at Wynnedower, she finds Jeremy has disappeared. He simply left giving no notice and telling no one where he was going. After meeting, Jack Wynne, the owner, Rachel is not impressed by either the owner or the rundown house. However, when her car will not start, she is forced to spend the night at Wynnedower.
What does Jack Wynne do that he doesn’t want her moving about the house at night? Who or what locks her in Jeremy’s room? Is the house haunted or is someone trying to steal something? What would make her stay here and why?
Rachel Sevier took her vacation early and traveled to Wynnedower in Virginia where her brother had a job as caretaker for a place called Wynnedower. She was making it a stop when she went to a nearby town for a job interview. When she arrives at Wynnedower, she finds Jeremy has disappeared. He simply left giving no notice and telling no one where he was going. After meeting, Jack Wynne, the owner, Rachel is not impressed by either the owner or the rundown house. However, when her car will not start, she is forced to spend the night at Wynnedower.
What does Jack Wynne do that he doesn’t want her moving about the house at night? Who or what locks her in Jeremy’s room? Is the house haunted or is someone trying to steal something? What would make her stay here and why?
October 21, 2013
Between 4 and 4 1/2 stars.
This is a book that I really enjoyed. It has subtle influences of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, but the story stands on its own.
The descriptions of Wynnedower were real to me. In fact, I found the setting extremely attractive and a compelling point in the relationship between Jack and Rachel. In a way, everything revolves around Wynnedower, not only for the protagonists, but also for the secondary characters (Helene, May, Brandon, and even Jeremy). This is a place I'd love to visit, if it existed.
The mystery of the story (which is really the mystery of the house) kept me turning the pages, and so did the romance between Jack and Rachel. Their relationship is volatile at first, but I like the way it progressed as each one of them changed.
So, who is the stranger in Wynnedower? ;) That is a question for each reader to find out.
This is a book that I really enjoyed. It has subtle influences of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, but the story stands on its own.
The descriptions of Wynnedower were real to me. In fact, I found the setting extremely attractive and a compelling point in the relationship between Jack and Rachel. In a way, everything revolves around Wynnedower, not only for the protagonists, but also for the secondary characters (Helene, May, Brandon, and even Jeremy). This is a place I'd love to visit, if it existed.
The mystery of the story (which is really the mystery of the house) kept me turning the pages, and so did the romance between Jack and Rachel. Their relationship is volatile at first, but I like the way it progressed as each one of them changed.
So, who is the stranger in Wynnedower? ;) That is a question for each reader to find out.
November 15, 2013
This novel contains elements of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Unfortunately, it has a bit of Harlequin Romance thrown in for good measure. That's the only thing that keeps me from giving it five stars. It's well written, so if you like that sort of thing, you'll enjoy it. There was enough action and suspense to keep me satisfied. If the edition I had read had had the cover shown on this site, I probably wouldn't have read it. I thought it was more a "creepy old house" story. It is that, and more.
October 17, 2013
This story finds Rachel between jobs so she sets out to find her brother a few weeks early. She finds Jack. And she finds a new purpose for her life.
Jack mysteriously lives in an old mansion while deciding to renovate or sell. I read the other reviews. Yes, there are similarities with Jane Eyre, not as dark. Still mysterious. Not tragic.
The gem in this story is the heroine. Rachel gets to blossom. She sheds her stuffy exterior and learns to embrace life again. I loved watching her grow.
Jack mysteriously lives in an old mansion while deciding to renovate or sell. I read the other reviews. Yes, there are similarities with Jane Eyre, not as dark. Still mysterious. Not tragic.
The gem in this story is the heroine. Rachel gets to blossom. She sheds her stuffy exterior and learns to embrace life again. I loved watching her grow.
November 2, 2013
I found this book satisfying from beginning to end. It was paced nicely and had just enough intrigue and interpersonal relationships to keep me truly engaged. And I found the ending just perfect. Nicely done!
October 16, 2013
A good, clean, and somewhat suspenseful romance. I would definitely read more from this author.
October 17, 2013
I truly enjoyed the mystery and energy of this book. Had me wondering the entire time. I love the house and mystery of it. I would love to here another story with house renovated.
October 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, a page turner!
October 21, 2013
A delightful romantic mystery. Old mansion, hidden treasure, secretive people, all woven together in an intriguing, well developed plot. An enjoyable read.
Read
October 28, 2013I liked this book, but it ended far before I wanted it to.
October 23, 2013
Loved it! Its been a while since I've read a mysterey book and this one didn't disappoint me at all!
October 25, 2013
I was completely drawn into this book from the very beginning....I was so glad when Jack acted upon his feelings for Rachel....the intensity was driving her crazy!
November 2, 2013
Good mystery along with romance. The only weakness was sometimes hard to believe people would not talk to each other and assume too much.
February 22, 2018
Rachel goes looking for her younger brother who hasn't been returning her calls. She finds a derelict mansion out in the middle of nowhere inhabited by a cranky man but no brother. As she is between jobs at the moment and doesn't feel comfortable with the "wait and see" approach, she decides to stay at the mansion until she gets a lead on her missing sibling. I enjoyed the writing and the setting of the book. It wasn't hard to see where it was going. My only complaint is that I couldn't think of one person of my acquaintance who would behave in the way these characters behave...it just didn't ring true. However, if you can put that aside, this is an enjoyable evening read and available in large print if you are looking for something in that line.
October 28, 2018
Starts well, then dissapoints
I was enjoying this novel until the last 3rd or so, when the writing and plot both got very sloppy. It felt like the author was in a hurry to finish writing the book and was doing the bare minimum to wrap things up, with no attempt at a truly decent ending. This happens a lot with books that aren't top-level, but I'm always dissapointed when it does. Writing a satisfying ending is a true art and a lot of writers can't do it. This is one of those books that really fails to satisfy, except on the most superficial level. The author may as well have written, "And then it all worked out and the bad guys were punished and the lovers instantly got over their issues and were happy together." So - be warned.
I was enjoying this novel until the last 3rd or so, when the writing and plot both got very sloppy. It felt like the author was in a hurry to finish writing the book and was doing the bare minimum to wrap things up, with no attempt at a truly decent ending. This happens a lot with books that aren't top-level, but I'm always dissapointed when it does. Writing a satisfying ending is a true art and a lot of writers can't do it. This is one of those books that really fails to satisfy, except on the most superficial level. The author may as well have written, "And then it all worked out and the bad guys were punished and the lovers instantly got over their issues and were happy together." So - be warned.
April 27, 2019
Lots of intrigue and a fine tale
As others have said, this is Beauty and the Beast retold. Ms. Greene is very clever in her tale and weaves a good mystery. Rachel goes in search of her missing brother. He was supposed to be a part time caretaker at Wynnedower. The owner, Jack is rude and has no interest in helping her. When she has car trouble and is forced to spend the night, Jack grudgingly realizes she maybe of help to him. Mysterious shadows, strange noises, trespassers and looters are all a part of the going ons. A fine web is woven with different side stories mixed in. A very satisfying read.
As others have said, this is Beauty and the Beast retold. Ms. Greene is very clever in her tale and weaves a good mystery. Rachel goes in search of her missing brother. He was supposed to be a part time caretaker at Wynnedower. The owner, Jack is rude and has no interest in helping her. When she has car trouble and is forced to spend the night, Jack grudgingly realizes she maybe of help to him. Mysterious shadows, strange noises, trespassers and looters are all a part of the going ons. A fine web is woven with different side stories mixed in. A very satisfying read.
January 7, 2024
An older sister goes searching for her baby brother when she cannot get in touch with him.
She goes to his last known job at Wynndower home where she meets the surly homeowner. He allows her to stay at his home to wait for her brother’s return.
She uses her organizational skills to help the man take inventory of his possessions which are stored in the house's attic. He has to decide if the house is worth renovating or if he should sell it to developers.
Mysterious noises and people come and go. Rumors have circulated that a treasure is hidden in the home.
Secrets are revealed and changes are coming.
.
She goes to his last known job at Wynndower home where she meets the surly homeowner. He allows her to stay at his home to wait for her brother’s return.
She uses her organizational skills to help the man take inventory of his possessions which are stored in the house's attic. He has to decide if the house is worth renovating or if he should sell it to developers.
Mysterious noises and people come and go. Rumors have circulated that a treasure is hidden in the home.
Secrets are revealed and changes are coming.
.
April 5, 2018
Flat
So I really like Rachel as a character and the trials she experienced. I like the mysterious characters in this book. However, I never liked Jack. At all. I found myself asking why she liked him. With his agoraphobic sister he failed to explain. I mean, why not? His strange double life. An ex-wife/agent that I wouldn’t have felt comfortable with even after an explanation. Why hide it? The best part of this book is who are all these strange characters and what role do they plan. Yet, in the end even that fell flat. No Agatha Christie that’s for sure.
So I really like Rachel as a character and the trials she experienced. I like the mysterious characters in this book. However, I never liked Jack. At all. I found myself asking why she liked him. With his agoraphobic sister he failed to explain. I mean, why not? His strange double life. An ex-wife/agent that I wouldn’t have felt comfortable with even after an explanation. Why hide it? The best part of this book is who are all these strange characters and what role do they plan. Yet, in the end even that fell flat. No Agatha Christie that’s for sure.
December 30, 2017
Great Read!
This book had enough mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat! The foreshadowing was not so much as to reveal the climax. The characters and their development was interesting and begged the reader to follow along as their story developed. I’m new to Grace Greene and started with her Beach series this past summer because who doesn’t read beach books at the beach? Then Kincaid’s Hope lead me to this book. I’ll begin her Cub Creek series immediately!
This book had enough mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat! The foreshadowing was not so much as to reveal the climax. The characters and their development was interesting and begged the reader to follow along as their story developed. I’m new to Grace Greene and started with her Beach series this past summer because who doesn’t read beach books at the beach? Then Kincaid’s Hope lead me to this book. I’ll begin her Cub Creek series immediately!
April 4, 2020
Wynnedower
This is another good book by Grace! I did not want to put this book down. I was drawn in from page one. I love romance and a good mystery. This book was both. The characters are interesting and engaging. Rachel comes looking for her brother who seems to vanished. He is supposed to be the caretaker at Wynnedower. Rachel encounters Jack, who is rude and tells her to leave. She becomes locked in her brother's room and then her car won't start.
This is another good book by Grace! I did not want to put this book down. I was drawn in from page one. I love romance and a good mystery. This book was both. The characters are interesting and engaging. Rachel comes looking for her brother who seems to vanished. He is supposed to be the caretaker at Wynnedower. Rachel encounters Jack, who is rude and tells her to leave. She becomes locked in her brother's room and then her car won't start.
August 5, 2020
This is a story taking place in an old mansion in Virginia. Rachel is looking for her brother as he is working at this mansion. Turns out he is gone and no one knows where. The owner is gruff and doesn't want any strangers in his house. Rachel has no where to stay but convinces owner to ley her stay until she hears from brother. Thus begins asearch in the mansion by Rachel and the owner needs to decide if to sell or redo. Many secrets are uncovered as evil is afoot. Great writer.
December 17, 2022
Rachel Sevier, inventory specialist goes to Wynnedower Mansion to find her brother and meets a surly home owner, Jack Wynne, with lots of responsibilities and people he'd like to be rid of. There are rumors of hidden treasure that would solve some of the problems and Rachel uses her knowledge and skills to help in searching. But there are others also looking with more sinister agendas. Sort of a gothic romance feel but otherwise pretty average.
March 15, 2020
4 Stars
4 stars for A Stranger in Wynnedower which is the story of Rachel who happens upon the old Maison in search of her missing brother. The house while having been neglected in recent years is still fascinating to Rachel who has a brain that retains an amazing memory of things she has heard or read about.
4 stars for A Stranger in Wynnedower which is the story of Rachel who happens upon the old Maison in search of her missing brother. The house while having been neglected in recent years is still fascinating to Rachel who has a brain that retains an amazing memory of things she has heard or read about.
May 26, 2021
A single book
Once you start one of Grace Greens books be prepared for time to buy by, plus there are almost impossible to put down. Characters are strong and I feel right at home. Try one has several twists to the story to keep you on your feet. I'm sure you will enjoy this book too.
Once you start one of Grace Greens books be prepared for time to buy by, plus there are almost impossible to put down. Characters are strong and I feel right at home. Try one has several twists to the story to keep you on your feet. I'm sure you will enjoy this book too.
January 6, 2018
A Stranger in Wynnedower: A Virginia Country Roads Novel
Oh what a strange turn of events! A girl suppose to meet her brother & finds he left without leaving a reachable phone number! Stay with it, you'll be glad!
Oh what a strange turn of events! A girl suppose to meet her brother & finds he left without leaving a reachable phone number! Stay with it, you'll be glad!
February 9, 2018
Never Disappointed
This is my fifth book by this author and I have yet to be disappointed. The books could go on and on without stopping as she draws you so completely into their life. I look forward to the next book.
This is my fifth book by this author and I have yet to be disappointed. The books could go on and on without stopping as she draws you so completely into their life. I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews