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Allen Abbey Romances #3
The Vicar and the Village Scandal
Following the demise of the old rector, newly reformed Thomas Allen receives a position as vicar near Allen Abbey, his boyhood home. But memories of Thomas’ wild youth cause both the gentry and the country folk to doubt his sanctity and sincerity. Only Mary Bates, the daughter of the Abbey’s steward, seems willing to believe that the leopard has truly changed his spots. When the appearance of a mysterious child threatens to completely blacken Thomas’ chequered reputation, he must decide whether doing the honourable thing is worth losing both his living and his chance at love....
This clean and wholesome Regency romance is third in the Allen Abbey Romance series, and although it could be read alone, it is best enjoyed in sequence.
This clean and wholesome Regency romance is third in the Allen Abbey Romance series, and although it could be read alone, it is best enjoyed in sequence.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
25 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne E. Lortz
28 books216 followersRosanne E. Lortz (“Rose”) is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for eighteen years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently an administrator at a classical Christian school.
Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.
Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.
Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.
Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 15, 2025
It’s always interesting to revisit the bad guy from an earlier book and see him reformed and finding his own happiness. It’s a hard act to pull off, and I think the author cheats a little here - we don’t actually see Thomas reform himself, he just appears at the start of the book, several years later, so far reformed that he’s a curate in an impoverished rural parish, now living a blameless life. He’s then given the living at his old home, where everyone remembers him from his wild former existence, and he has an uphill task to convince everyone that yes, he really has changed. And it doesn’t help that a mysterious woman appears and deposits a boy of eight on his doorstep, before disappearing again. Is the boy Thomas’s?
It’s not surprising that everyone is suspicious. Mary Bates, eldest daughter of the smith and Abbey steward, is willing to believe in him, but her father isn’t and forbids her to have anything to do with him, thus providing basically the only obstacle to what would otherwise be a perfectly smooth romance. There’s a lovely moment when Thomas first sees Mary again, with one of her younger brothers in tow. He remembers her very well as the prettiest of the village girls, but he assumes she must be married, especially as he sees her with a young child in tow (her brother, as it happens). “Mrs… er?” he says, and it comes across as though he doesn’t remember her at all.
From then onwards, things unfold pretty much as expected, with both Mary and Thomas trying very hard to abide by her father’s strictures (which is completely in line with Regency mores, so no problem there), and Thomas trying both to do his best for the boy left in his care, while also convince the locals that he really has become an upright citizen. My only quibble is a legal one: no, you can’t legitimise an illegitimate child by marrying, not in England, at any rate.
A nice read, a suitably romantic ending and a good four stars.
It’s not surprising that everyone is suspicious. Mary Bates, eldest daughter of the smith and Abbey steward, is willing to believe in him, but her father isn’t and forbids her to have anything to do with him, thus providing basically the only obstacle to what would otherwise be a perfectly smooth romance. There’s a lovely moment when Thomas first sees Mary again, with one of her younger brothers in tow. He remembers her very well as the prettiest of the village girls, but he assumes she must be married, especially as he sees her with a young child in tow (her brother, as it happens). “Mrs… er?” he says, and it comes across as though he doesn’t remember her at all.
From then onwards, things unfold pretty much as expected, with both Mary and Thomas trying very hard to abide by her father’s strictures (which is completely in line with Regency mores, so no problem there), and Thomas trying both to do his best for the boy left in his care, while also convince the locals that he really has become an upright citizen. My only quibble is a legal one: no, you can’t legitimise an illegitimate child by marrying, not in England, at any rate.
A nice read, a suitably romantic ending and a good four stars.
November 18, 2023
I had received an ARC of this book and noted it was the third in a series. I’m not one to start in the middle of a series, no matter how loosely connected the characters and plot points are, so I’d went to my Kindle and found the first two books on KU. I wanted to know what I was getting into before starting an ARC book. Also, I’d just come out of several disappointing reads, one of which I didn’t finish (and I hate not finishing a book but sometimes for the sake of your health you need to walk away).
Anyway, rambling aside, I really enjoyed the first two books and polished them off each within a day as I could not put them down. This third installment was no exception. Note: DO NOT START THIS SERIES AT BOOK 3! The characters and their stories are so interwoven, it would be really difficult to pick up this third book especially if you did not read at least the first novel.
Pros - Likable main characters, a surprise villain, and a fun little mystery make this a delightful page turner. It was written in a similar style as the first two so it felt very cohesive and you knew exactly what you were getting into as you started. I was not disappointed. It was a very cozy read and a great way to unwind after a rough week.
Cons - There was a particular phrase that was very overused to describe the FMC. I’m hoping someone catches this before the official release, because I almost took off a star in my rating as I found it very distracting. I can see how something like this would have slipped past in the beta release.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Anyway, rambling aside, I really enjoyed the first two books and polished them off each within a day as I could not put them down. This third installment was no exception. Note: DO NOT START THIS SERIES AT BOOK 3! The characters and their stories are so interwoven, it would be really difficult to pick up this third book especially if you did not read at least the first novel.
Pros - Likable main characters, a surprise villain, and a fun little mystery make this a delightful page turner. It was written in a similar style as the first two so it felt very cohesive and you knew exactly what you were getting into as you started. I was not disappointed. It was a very cozy read and a great way to unwind after a rough week.
Cons - There was a particular phrase that was very overused to describe the FMC. I’m hoping someone catches this before the official release, because I almost took off a star in my rating as I found it very distracting. I can see how something like this would have slipped past in the beta release.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2025
Charming and Satisfying
I have become quite a fan of Lortz and love how she redeems flawed characters— which are often male. If you like romance with depth and excellent character arcs this is a story you’ll definitely enjoy.
I have become quite a fan of Lortz and love how she redeems flawed characters— which are often male. If you like romance with depth and excellent character arcs this is a story you’ll definitely enjoy.
November 9, 2023
“Is nobility some great act done once and for all in the eyes of the world? Or is it the day-to-day sacrifices we make to serve those around us?”
The phrase “heart warming” is overused, but it sure fits this wonderful book! I absolutely love this eloquent tale of redemption and perseverance. Former rake and ne’er-do-well Thomas returns to the village of Allenham as a humble vicar… and who is behind his second chance but the women he offended years ago?! It is so satisfying to see familiar characters from books 1 and 2 of this fetching series (Confession: I no more finished this treasure than I reread Crispin’s and Eloise’s romance, and am well into William’s and Margaret’s tale!). He finds numerous obstacles as he earnestly attempts to demonstrate his changed heart. I ached with every setback and delay, but of course, it wouldn’t be five-stars without a happy ending! I received an early peek at this gem via Book Sirens, and was not required to post a review.
The phrase “heart warming” is overused, but it sure fits this wonderful book! I absolutely love this eloquent tale of redemption and perseverance. Former rake and ne’er-do-well Thomas returns to the village of Allenham as a humble vicar… and who is behind his second chance but the women he offended years ago?! It is so satisfying to see familiar characters from books 1 and 2 of this fetching series (Confession: I no more finished this treasure than I reread Crispin’s and Eloise’s romance, and am well into William’s and Margaret’s tale!). He finds numerous obstacles as he earnestly attempts to demonstrate his changed heart. I ached with every setback and delay, but of course, it wouldn’t be five-stars without a happy ending! I received an early peek at this gem via Book Sirens, and was not required to post a review.
November 10, 2023
This is another beautiful story in the Allen Abbey series.
It is very well written, and the plot kept me up reading into the night.
Thomas Allen, a reformed man, having put his misguided youth behind him, and taken up the position of Curate in his home village, faces the scorn of the members of the congregation who remember his wild ways.
He works hard to integrate himself back into village life, whilst also trying to restore the dilapidated Vicarage that is now his home.
Mary Bates lives at Allen Abbey, with her parents and 6 brothers. Her father is now Steward of the Abbey in the absence of the owner, and which is where Thomas grew up,
Both Mary & Thomas remember each other from their younger days, but Mary’s father forbids her from speaking to Thomas, as he is not convinced that the Curate has put his past behind him, especially when a young Italian boy is dropped off at the Vicarage by his mother on her way to London.
The presence of the boy stirs up a lot of gossip and lies, mainly started by Mary’s so called “friend”, who also accuses the boy of stealing.
Thomas and Mary both realise that the boy is not a thief, and come to the same conclusion as each other as to who the thief is, which brings them closer together, despite all the gossip, lies, and innuendos of some of the villagers.
I really enjoyed this story, and having read the first two in the series, felt I knew everyone involved.
Don’t be put off if you haven’t read the earlier books, as this can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
It is very well written, and the plot kept me up reading into the night.
Thomas Allen, a reformed man, having put his misguided youth behind him, and taken up the position of Curate in his home village, faces the scorn of the members of the congregation who remember his wild ways.
He works hard to integrate himself back into village life, whilst also trying to restore the dilapidated Vicarage that is now his home.
Mary Bates lives at Allen Abbey, with her parents and 6 brothers. Her father is now Steward of the Abbey in the absence of the owner, and which is where Thomas grew up,
Both Mary & Thomas remember each other from their younger days, but Mary’s father forbids her from speaking to Thomas, as he is not convinced that the Curate has put his past behind him, especially when a young Italian boy is dropped off at the Vicarage by his mother on her way to London.
The presence of the boy stirs up a lot of gossip and lies, mainly started by Mary’s so called “friend”, who also accuses the boy of stealing.
Thomas and Mary both realise that the boy is not a thief, and come to the same conclusion as each other as to who the thief is, which brings them closer together, despite all the gossip, lies, and innuendos of some of the villagers.
I really enjoyed this story, and having read the first two in the series, felt I knew everyone involved.
Don’t be put off if you haven’t read the earlier books, as this can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 26, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Book Sirens, this review is voluntary.
This is the third story in the Allen Abbey series of books following The Gentleman in the Ash Tree and The Lady in the Moneylenders Parlour.
We first met Thomas Allen in the first book when he was still the spoilt, self-indulgent expected heir of the Abbey, in the years since then he has undergone a personal conversion, going from repentance to reformation and finding a renewal of purpose in the Church as a clergyman. When offered the living near his old home it's not long before the memories of his old life begin to emerge to imperil the happiness of the new.
The longer length of this book in the series really helped develop and flesh out the characters of Thomas and Mary, we get more of an insight into their inner selves and the dynamic of village life. I really liked the shaping of Thomas as a character, his reformation feeling sincere and believable, ,and Mary's dilemma of being educated out of village life but not quite being gentry offering an interesting touch.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it, the best of the series in my opinion.
This is the third story in the Allen Abbey series of books following The Gentleman in the Ash Tree and The Lady in the Moneylenders Parlour.
We first met Thomas Allen in the first book when he was still the spoilt, self-indulgent expected heir of the Abbey, in the years since then he has undergone a personal conversion, going from repentance to reformation and finding a renewal of purpose in the Church as a clergyman. When offered the living near his old home it's not long before the memories of his old life begin to emerge to imperil the happiness of the new.
The longer length of this book in the series really helped develop and flesh out the characters of Thomas and Mary, we get more of an insight into their inner selves and the dynamic of village life. I really liked the shaping of Thomas as a character, his reformation feeling sincere and believable, ,and Mary's dilemma of being educated out of village life but not quite being gentry offering an interesting touch.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it, the best of the series in my opinion.
November 9, 2023
I hadn't read The Man in the Ash Tree, which tells Crispin and Eloise's story; reading it might have been helpful for background information. Here there is some mention of the Allen Abbey estate inheritance being incorrectly assigned.
This story displays the shallowness and small mindedness of some of the villagers. It also has a few unpleasant characters the reader is to dislike, which I did.
The writing is smooth with a good balance of dialogue and description, making it a very enjoyable read for me. Although a vicar is a main character, there is thankfully no preaching or praying.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story displays the shallowness and small mindedness of some of the villagers. It also has a few unpleasant characters the reader is to dislike, which I did.
The writing is smooth with a good balance of dialogue and description, making it a very enjoyable read for me. Although a vicar is a main character, there is thankfully no preaching or praying.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2023
Thomas Allen was the son of the village squire and a rake growing up. Now he’s had a tough lesson in humility and reformed his ways, becoming an humble curate. After his cousin, the current Lord of the Manor, Crispin Allen, asks Thomas to become the local Vicar, the townspeople are skeptical that he’s really reformed, so he has a lot of convincing to do. This is a heartwarming sweet and clean romance. I found both the skepticism and the gradual acceptance believable. This is the third book in a series but can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 8, 2023
I loved this book! The characters are charming and there is just something so satisfying about a reformed rake. The story was interesting and I found myself cheering for the main characters and also for the sneaky little secondary romance happening in the background. I liked it a lot, although having read the previous book, The Lady in the Moneylenders Parlour, I had high expectations of enjoying it. I'm also delighted to know that there is more to this author's backlist. Woohoo! I received an advanced copy and have chosen to submit a review.
December 6, 2023
I am so glad that I requested this book closing the series featuring the Allen family. Because this is the third book by the author, I simply had to get the first two books. What a fun series and in The Vicar and the Village Scandal we hear Thomas' story, once a rakehell but now reformed and Allenhams new Vicar.
Mary Bates is a character we have met before and it was a lovely to meet her again and learn her own story. I highly recommend this book and urge the reader to read the other two books in this series.
Mary Bates is a character we have met before and it was a lovely to meet her again and learn her own story. I highly recommend this book and urge the reader to read the other two books in this series.
November 15, 2023
The Vicar and the Village Scandal is book 3 in the Allen Abby Romances by Rosanne E Lortz. I believe that this romance is excellent and the story has so much drama. Thomas is returning to Allen Abby and his childhood misdeeds are fresh in the village minds. I think that the characters are so good and the story is outstanding. I think that the author has written a fantastic story. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 26, 2024
A rocky romance for Thomas and Mary but a happy ending. Great world building and character development. Was an easy read which created emotions whilst reading. I was quite angry at the small mindedness of some of the villagers and how they treated both Thomas and Luca., but I felt joy in how others were prepared to let the past stay in the past.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2023
I haven’t read the second book in the series but I felt this book could be read as a stand-alone. I think you’d really miss out on some of the character growth though if you don’t read the first book. This story is a sweet romance that also gets at not judging others based on appearance as well as being forgiving and letting people change. It was a great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2023
He is a Vicar who some considered ruined
As a young man, he made mistakes, But he is reformed. Her father REALLY dislikes him . . . . But he has a young man staying with him and being tutored, And he is willing to tutor her brother as well. . . . Seriously a great love story full of twists and turns. Loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a young man, he made mistakes, But he is reformed. Her father REALLY dislikes him . . . . But he has a young man staying with him and being tutored, And he is willing to tutor her brother as well. . . . Seriously a great love story full of twists and turns. Loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2023
I read this in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
February 2, 2025
Crispin Allen offers his reformed cousin, Thomas Allen a position as vicar near Allen Abbey. Unfortunately, Thomas's debauched past comes with him, in spite of his years of resetting his life and attempting to be a better person. The parishioners of Allenham are quick to judge and slow to accept him, especially when an old mistress drops a child on his doorstep.
Mary Bates, the daughter of a blacksmith, is Crispin's cousin on his mother's side. Her family has been living in Allen Abbey since Crispin returned to Barbados. Thomas must find a way to be accepted by the local residents, but also by Mary's father, who forbids her from associating with the rector. Plus, the real thief must be caught when the young child is accused of a crime.
I thought Thomas missed his chance to preach some subtle sermons on redemption and forgiveness to the judgmental parishioners.
Cute and low-angst. 4.5 stars
Mary Bates, the daughter of a blacksmith, is Crispin's cousin on his mother's side. Her family has been living in Allen Abbey since Crispin returned to Barbados. Thomas must find a way to be accepted by the local residents, but also by Mary's father, who forbids her from associating with the rector. Plus, the real thief must be caught when the young child is accused of a crime.
I thought Thomas missed his chance to preach some subtle sermons on redemption and forgiveness to the judgmental parishioners.
Cute and low-angst. 4.5 stars
June 27, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this title and was given a free copy to review.
I don’t know if this is the end of the series, the two sisters and 2 brothers of the Allen Abbey are all now accounted for and for Thomas, he has come full circle from the villain to the vicar. The Author’s note at the conclusion seems to indicate that this is it.
Once again, this is an interesting narrative full of great characters, however it is more sedate than the previous two (which, given how we were initially introduced to Thomas in book one, is ironic).
I do like this author’s style of Regency writing and will definitely look for more titles by her. I’m a Georgette Heyer fan and would definitely recommend this series to other Heyerites. I can’t say better than that!
The narrator, Maria Johnson, has a remarkable range (male and female) and did this series justice.
I don’t know if this is the end of the series, the two sisters and 2 brothers of the Allen Abbey are all now accounted for and for Thomas, he has come full circle from the villain to the vicar. The Author’s note at the conclusion seems to indicate that this is it.
Once again, this is an interesting narrative full of great characters, however it is more sedate than the previous two (which, given how we were initially introduced to Thomas in book one, is ironic).
I do like this author’s style of Regency writing and will definitely look for more titles by her. I’m a Georgette Heyer fan and would definitely recommend this series to other Heyerites. I can’t say better than that!
The narrator, Maria Johnson, has a remarkable range (male and female) and did this series justice.
February 26, 2025
This is a good story
I did not know what to expect when I started this story- as it unfolded the direction of the story became more apparent. Two of my friends in high school were PK- preachers kids. Their fine conduct was what was gratifying to me about them, they were brothers. My best friend ever achieved his dream and became a protestant minister. My brother in law had a career as a minister. Lots of familiar in this story. I liked the story, I recommend it.
I did not know what to expect when I started this story- as it unfolded the direction of the story became more apparent. Two of my friends in high school were PK- preachers kids. Their fine conduct was what was gratifying to me about them, they were brothers. My best friend ever achieved his dream and became a protestant minister. My brother in law had a career as a minister. Lots of familiar in this story. I liked the story, I recommend it.
March 8, 2024
Redemption and Reward
Can a reformed rake win the heart of a beautiful young woman and the approval of her father? All the characters from previous books are back along with some not so savory newcomers. There's plenty of drama, suspense, betrayal and sweet romance in this story. Enjoy!
Can a reformed rake win the heart of a beautiful young woman and the approval of her father? All the characters from previous books are back along with some not so savory newcomers. There's plenty of drama, suspense, betrayal and sweet romance in this story. Enjoy!
September 21, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, where Thomas Allen turns his life around and has to fight the rumors of the people in Allenham, his former home. It's a beautiful tale of hearts and families healing and the coming together of people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
Thomas has turned his life around from a few years ago and is now a vicar serving where he grew up as a wild young man. It takes time for all to see he isn’t the wild one of many years ago. In the end he and Mary find their hea after overcoming serious obstacles
March 30, 2024
A charming, engaging story with characters you have to love, hate, laugh at, or rejoice with right through to the end. I find this volume vying for favorite status among my Roseanne E. Lortz reads.
February 1, 2025
I liked the main story. I did not like how the author choose to demean the secondary characters but constantly referring to their "horsey teeth" or spelling out their lisp in the dialogue.
March 13, 2025
What a lovely story! It's the kind of story you'd like to continue on.
May 2, 2025
4.5 - one of her best
February 12, 2025
I think this is my favorite thus far of Lortz's books, rounding out the Allen Abby trilogy nicely. I have almost no experience with "romance" books so I have a little to compare it to but I think LORTZ's books are great fun, and plan to read them all.
February 22, 2025
held my interest, enjoyed reading
A really nice story. Some very frustrating characters, events, & attitudes to be overcome in a satisfying way! Definitely Best read in correct order
A really nice story. Some very frustrating characters, events, & attitudes to be overcome in a satisfying way! Definitely Best read in correct order
November 21, 2023
Roseanne Lortz has deftly written a delightful Regency comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between former bad boy turned Vicar Thomas Allen and the forthright, heading for spinster-hood Mary Bates. Thomas it appears had lived a questionable life before turning his life over to God and becoming a Vicar. His brother takes pity on him and offers him a living at the Allen estate. The town remembers Tom’s wild ways and is uncertain about his change of character and they become even more suspicious when a former flame drops off a young boy, claiming he is the father. Tom takes the child in as a boarding student, firmly believing he is not the father, and defends the boy against the outraged villagers.
Mary Bates who arranges the flowers for the church, lives with her larger family and her very stern and judgmental father. She finds herself attracted to the handsome vicar as he seems to be attracted to her. And she quickly sees what a kind and good man Tom is. Nevertheless, her father objects strenuously to any kind of fraternizing because Tom had been wild years ago.
Happily, various occasions throw Tom and Mary together and soon after interesting twists and turns including mysterious thefts throughout the town, a HEA is in store for the couple.
Roseanne has written the novel with a lovely eye for detail and the manners of the day without the story feeling plodding or overly contrived. The various other characters in the book also are delightfully drawn from the lisping Thomasina Beddowes to the horse-toothed and unscrupulous Miss Pathmore. I enjoyed how Thomas continually struggles to maintain his newfound Christian charity even in the face of seemingly insurmountable criticism from the townspeople. It was a fun and compelling read.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mary Bates who arranges the flowers for the church, lives with her larger family and her very stern and judgmental father. She finds herself attracted to the handsome vicar as he seems to be attracted to her. And she quickly sees what a kind and good man Tom is. Nevertheless, her father objects strenuously to any kind of fraternizing because Tom had been wild years ago.
Happily, various occasions throw Tom and Mary together and soon after interesting twists and turns including mysterious thefts throughout the town, a HEA is in store for the couple.
Roseanne has written the novel with a lovely eye for detail and the manners of the day without the story feeling plodding or overly contrived. The various other characters in the book also are delightfully drawn from the lisping Thomasina Beddowes to the horse-toothed and unscrupulous Miss Pathmore. I enjoyed how Thomas continually struggles to maintain his newfound Christian charity even in the face of seemingly insurmountable criticism from the townspeople. It was a fun and compelling read.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2023
Thomas Allen has made mistakes in his past but has done his best to change and become a better person - including becoming a parson. When the cousin he injured offers him a living back in his hometown, it's time to face the past and try to make things right. But his parishioners have long memories and many are reluctant to forgive. One exception is Mary Bates, and very little time spent with her shows Thomas that she's something special. Unfortunately, her father is one of Thomas' strongest enemies, and he's not slow to order Thomas to keep away from her. And when Thomas' past comes back to haunt him, can he overcome the scandal?
I haven't read previous books in the series (yet...), but though there were mentions of previous events, enough information is provided that I never felt lost. And that left me free to enjoy a delightful story of overcoming and redemption. It held my attention from the very start and left me both satisfied at the ending and sorry to say goodbye to Thomas and Mary. I appreciated the minor background thread of mystery, and particularly the way that some people were willing to stand up for the innocent even when it was unpopular - but the romance was the star of the show, and deservedly so. I loved watching Thomas repair his reputation and overcome resistance, and appreciated that Mary wasn't portrayed as a modern feminist rebelling against her family, as it would most definitely not have been in character. All in all, a satisfying and delightful clean read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I haven't read previous books in the series (yet...), but though there were mentions of previous events, enough information is provided that I never felt lost. And that left me free to enjoy a delightful story of overcoming and redemption. It held my attention from the very start and left me both satisfied at the ending and sorry to say goodbye to Thomas and Mary. I appreciated the minor background thread of mystery, and particularly the way that some people were willing to stand up for the innocent even when it was unpopular - but the romance was the star of the show, and deservedly so. I loved watching Thomas repair his reputation and overcome resistance, and appreciated that Mary wasn't portrayed as a modern feminist rebelling against her family, as it would most definitely not have been in character. All in all, a satisfying and delightful clean read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2023
As a vicar, Thomas Allen is to be a man who lives as an example to his parish. Should he, therefore, not be above reproach? Thomas Allen is a changed man. He once lived a wild life in his youth in the same village he is now the vicar. Will the village people remember him from his previous youthful escapades, or will they believe he's a reformed man? The whispers that spread through the church only escalate when a strange woman with an accent leaves her son with Thomas while she travels on to London to pursue a husband. We are told the she and Thomas were lovers years ago, and the woman insists that the child she leaves with Thomas is his. Thomas tutors the young boy while his mother is away.
Mary Bates remembers Thomas from their youth. She believes Thomas has changed and has seen his kind ways, but her father refuses to allow her to so much as speak to Thomas, especially as feelings begin to develop between the two. Can Thomas and Mary withstand the destructive gossip and lies of the villagers? As a great mystery with accusations begins to arise--will the young boy in Thomas' care be found guilty and sent to the work camp?
I thoroughly enjoyed this tender-hearted, clean romance. I also appreciated the author's historical research of this regency romance. I have not read Book 1 in this series, "The Gentleman in the Ash Tree", which would probably help me understand more of the background. However, this is a sweet standalone story that I recommend.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Mary Bates remembers Thomas from their youth. She believes Thomas has changed and has seen his kind ways, but her father refuses to allow her to so much as speak to Thomas, especially as feelings begin to develop between the two. Can Thomas and Mary withstand the destructive gossip and lies of the villagers? As a great mystery with accusations begins to arise--will the young boy in Thomas' care be found guilty and sent to the work camp?
I thoroughly enjoyed this tender-hearted, clean romance. I also appreciated the author's historical research of this regency romance. I have not read Book 1 in this series, "The Gentleman in the Ash Tree", which would probably help me understand more of the background. However, this is a sweet standalone story that I recommend.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
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