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Windsong Manor
A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?
The London Countryside, 1820
Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-six, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.
She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley Ellis, the young stable master, and a favorite among the staff at Windsong Manor. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.
Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.
In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?
The London Countryside, 1820
Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-six, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.
She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley Ellis, the young stable master, and a favorite among the staff at Windsong Manor. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.
Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.
In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
22 people are currently reading
3509 people want to read
About the author
Julie Wright
62 books728 followersJulie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her books Cross My Heart and Lies Jane Austen Told Me, The American Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances.
She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
She hates mayonnaise.
She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
She hates mayonnaise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
April 30, 2023
I'm not someone who regularly cries about historical accuracy when there are little errors in books with an historical setting, but it was very hard to read this because of a preponderance of errors. If writing a book where inherited titles are the main factor in two of the storylines, you have to get the titles and language right, but there are constant mistakes in this book. For example, the son and daughter of the main character, a widowed Baroness, are repeatedly said to be a Baron and Baroness. While the daughter could inherit that title if her brother was dead, she wouldn't have the Baroness title if her brother was still alive. Another example is in how a Duke is addressed, but that’s minor compared to the repetitive incorrect use of “Baroness.”
The son, the new Baron, is ten years old. His dialogue is that of an arrogant adult. His character truly tested the bounds of belief.
The premise was great. The writing was simple, which is perhaps what the audience for the book will want, but I wish there was some charm or wit here. With five months until publication, perhaps there is a chance to do some editing to smooth out the many rough points.
I was provided a free advanced copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
The son, the new Baron, is ten years old. His dialogue is that of an arrogant adult. His character truly tested the bounds of belief.
The premise was great. The writing was simple, which is perhaps what the audience for the book will want, but I wish there was some charm or wit here. With five months until publication, perhaps there is a chance to do some editing to smooth out the many rough points.
I was provided a free advanced copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
May 26, 2023
I hate leaving a bad reviews, but I’m struggling to find a single thing I enjoyed within this book. The issue for me is that it’s historically inaccurate- beyond just far-fetched. And as someone who has read lots of regency era romance, one flaw in particular really irked me. Our MC’s old dying husband, who is a Baron, decides on his death bed that he needs a spare heir, and so has legitimized his out-of-wedlock daughter, which apparently in this book makes the girl a Baroness once the old man died. Nope. That’s simply not how it worked. Aside from the fact that he wouldn’t need a spare because he has a male heir, the illegitimate daughter would never be legitimized legally-she maybe would have been a ward, and would be educated and respected as a member of the household but it’s unlikely she would be adopted into the family as such. Further, they are living in London at this time and need to establish this faux mother-daughter relationship prior to going to their country estate. What?! They would have immediately removed to the country and then set the girl up where they would be less seen and scrutinized by the peerage. Bizarre bizarre choices, But the girl simply would not have the title of Baroness.
The romance was weakened by how much attention is put on the children, mostly fighting. I felt exhausted for the MC. Ridley is a good broody character- and his twist was pretty dang obvious from page 1, but overall he added some redemption to the book.
Around the 20% mark I had to stop reading and I picked up another book by Julie Wright, A Captain for Caroline Gray, just to read and have as a point of reference to writing style. Both felt easy, yet clunky and much too modern for the era in which the story takes place. It’s something that definitely wouldn’t have bothered me if there weren’t so many other errors that took me out of the book. This needs so major editing. The story idea is sweet, and could be really lovely.
2 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my unbiased review!
The romance was weakened by how much attention is put on the children, mostly fighting. I felt exhausted for the MC. Ridley is a good broody character- and his twist was pretty dang obvious from page 1, but overall he added some redemption to the book.
Around the 20% mark I had to stop reading and I picked up another book by Julie Wright, A Captain for Caroline Gray, just to read and have as a point of reference to writing style. Both felt easy, yet clunky and much too modern for the era in which the story takes place. It’s something that definitely wouldn’t have bothered me if there weren’t so many other errors that took me out of the book. This needs so major editing. The story idea is sweet, and could be really lovely.
2 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my unbiased review!
April 28, 2023
Oh my goodness I seriously loved this book so much! Everything from the plot, to the characters, to the perfectly swoony romance was absolute perfection.
Nora’s struggles were believable and made me like her more. She tries her hardest and makes the best of the circumstances she finds herself in. I also greatly admire her fierce love for her children, she’s a mom and I thought that was portrayed beautifully.
Ridley is the absolute perfect book boyfriend and his quiet, gentle manner just made him more endearing. Hiding from a hard past he makes the most of working and being a gentleman in his position. Plus he is absolutely adorable and so wise with the children.
These two characters were some of my favorite main characters I’ve ever read. The way they grow individually and together was endearing and probably my favorite part(s) of the whole book. They both come to find an inner strength and power from being true to themselves. Their love only makes them stronger as they become each other’s sounding board and friends.
I truly did love this book from beginning to end. A beautiful regency romance that sweeps you away into an engaging plot and heartwarming love story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. A positive review was not required but happily given.
Nora’s struggles were believable and made me like her more. She tries her hardest and makes the best of the circumstances she finds herself in. I also greatly admire her fierce love for her children, she’s a mom and I thought that was portrayed beautifully.
Ridley is the absolute perfect book boyfriend and his quiet, gentle manner just made him more endearing. Hiding from a hard past he makes the most of working and being a gentleman in his position. Plus he is absolutely adorable and so wise with the children.
These two characters were some of my favorite main characters I’ve ever read. The way they grow individually and together was endearing and probably my favorite part(s) of the whole book. They both come to find an inner strength and power from being true to themselves. Their love only makes them stronger as they become each other’s sounding board and friends.
I truly did love this book from beginning to end. A beautiful regency romance that sweeps you away into an engaging plot and heartwarming love story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. A positive review was not required but happily given.
October 3, 2023
I thought this story was lovely. There was plenty of heartache and sorrow from the past that weighs heavily on both of the main characters. I loved watching the healing come through kindness, gentle nudges, great words of wisdom and love. I'll even admit that I cried near the end of the book at a couple scenes. They just touched me.
Eleanor was a character that I just felt for so much. She was not allowed to care for her son and truly be a mother though the longing was there. Her deceased husband was very controlling and she being a woman in this time period really didn't have much say in her life and that of her son. Then she's blindsided by being told on his deathbed that she would be raising his illegitimate daughter. Talk about another shock. But she takes it all in stride and was so amazing persevering through the challenges and hard moments that came. I loved her finding her strength and her identity as herself and not all of her other roles.
This sweet family struggled so much at the onset of their story. Hang in there readers. This little duke is a lot but if you just hang in there, he's going to surprise you and have you absolutely cheering and loving his character!
And that little girl, she's going to melt your heart!
And Ridley, the stable master...yeah he'll melt your heart as well. He's truly the epitome of the perfect gentleman and he lives up to that very well! I loved his character! I loved so much about him. But I especially loved when he wasn't going to hide his feelings for Eleanor any longer. Oh, be still my heart! What a great scene!
If you're a fan of Regency Romance, sweet and clean, then you're going to absolutely love this one!!!
Content: Clean. Some talk about controlling and emotionally abusive relationship as well as a child born out of wedlock (nothing graphic, just the mention of the child's origin). Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Eleanor was a character that I just felt for so much. She was not allowed to care for her son and truly be a mother though the longing was there. Her deceased husband was very controlling and she being a woman in this time period really didn't have much say in her life and that of her son. Then she's blindsided by being told on his deathbed that she would be raising his illegitimate daughter. Talk about another shock. But she takes it all in stride and was so amazing persevering through the challenges and hard moments that came. I loved her finding her strength and her identity as herself and not all of her other roles.
This sweet family struggled so much at the onset of their story. Hang in there readers. This little duke is a lot but if you just hang in there, he's going to surprise you and have you absolutely cheering and loving his character!
And that little girl, she's going to melt your heart!
And Ridley, the stable master...yeah he'll melt your heart as well. He's truly the epitome of the perfect gentleman and he lives up to that very well! I loved his character! I loved so much about him. But I especially loved when he wasn't going to hide his feelings for Eleanor any longer. Oh, be still my heart! What a great scene!
If you're a fan of Regency Romance, sweet and clean, then you're going to absolutely love this one!!!
Content: Clean. Some talk about controlling and emotionally abusive relationship as well as a child born out of wedlock (nothing graphic, just the mention of the child's origin). Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
October 15, 2023
Another enjoyable addition to the Proper Romance series! This story offers a unique take on Regency romance and I found myself thoroughly enthralled once I got into the story. It’s a forbidden love, second chance, sweet romance with a touch mystery and intrigue.
Nora’s at sixes and sevens when her husband reveals on his deathbed that he has an illegitimate daughter. His dying wish is that Nora raise her as her own. Her marriage to the much older, stifling Lord Coventry was anything but happy & after she produced the required heir, she was treated like a burden to bear. Her own son was taught to treat her with disdain. Wanting a fresh start, once her husband is buried, she whisks the children away to Windsong Manor.
Life isn’t easy especially as she tries to renew her relationship with her young son and forge a new one with his half sister Lia. Her handsome, much too attractive new stable master lends a helping hand and has a calming influence over everyone. His patient stability and gentleness make him irresistible, but can Nora risk a relationship with a servant & risk her guardianship of her son?
Ridley Ellis is in love with the new mistress of Windsong Manor, but, she’s as skittish as one of his colts. He must tread carefully to win her trust. He also enjoys teaching the children and helping guide the young troubled master. But, he’s hiding a secret which could threaten his relationship with them & growing romance with Nora.
I loved the character growth throughout the story, especially Nora. She’s faced with some daunting situations, yet she handles them with grace. The children at first would try the patience of a saint. As they flourish under Nora’s and Ridley’s influence, they become more endearing and sympathetic. Ridley not only has a way with the children, but he helps Nora recognize her worth. Their slow build, second chance romance was so well done.
If you’re a stickler when it comes to Regency romance, this might not be your cup of tea. But, if you enjoy a moving, heartfelt, love story with a dash of mystery, and don’t mind a more modern feel, you’ll love this. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
Nora’s at sixes and sevens when her husband reveals on his deathbed that he has an illegitimate daughter. His dying wish is that Nora raise her as her own. Her marriage to the much older, stifling Lord Coventry was anything but happy & after she produced the required heir, she was treated like a burden to bear. Her own son was taught to treat her with disdain. Wanting a fresh start, once her husband is buried, she whisks the children away to Windsong Manor.
Life isn’t easy especially as she tries to renew her relationship with her young son and forge a new one with his half sister Lia. Her handsome, much too attractive new stable master lends a helping hand and has a calming influence over everyone. His patient stability and gentleness make him irresistible, but can Nora risk a relationship with a servant & risk her guardianship of her son?
Ridley Ellis is in love with the new mistress of Windsong Manor, but, she’s as skittish as one of his colts. He must tread carefully to win her trust. He also enjoys teaching the children and helping guide the young troubled master. But, he’s hiding a secret which could threaten his relationship with them & growing romance with Nora.
I loved the character growth throughout the story, especially Nora. She’s faced with some daunting situations, yet she handles them with grace. The children at first would try the patience of a saint. As they flourish under Nora’s and Ridley’s influence, they become more endearing and sympathetic. Ridley not only has a way with the children, but he helps Nora recognize her worth. Their slow build, second chance romance was so well done.
If you’re a stickler when it comes to Regency romance, this might not be your cup of tea. But, if you enjoy a moving, heartfelt, love story with a dash of mystery, and don’t mind a more modern feel, you’ll love this. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
November 16, 2023
Eleanora Coventry was wed at just sixteen to a much older man who merely wanted an heir. He controlled every aspect of her life, and on his deathbed, forces a promise that she will raise his illegitimate daughter as her own. Eleanora agrees, and soon after she is widowed, moves her son and new daughter to their country estate. The stablemaster there, Ridley Ellis, evokes feelings in her she’s never felt before, but she is overwhelmed with a son who is well on the path of becoming just like his late father—unfeeling and cruel, along with her new daughter who misses her old home. Ridley becomes a haven for Eleanora, but their growing feelings for each other complicate everything. Can they risk everything—including her guardianship over her son—for a chance at love?
This heartfelt romance is very relatable with interwoven themes of how family relationships can affect us throughout our lives. Read the rest of my review at Meridian Magazine! https://latterdaysaintmag.com/book-ch...
This heartfelt romance is very relatable with interwoven themes of how family relationships can affect us throughout our lives. Read the rest of my review at Meridian Magazine! https://latterdaysaintmag.com/book-ch...
September 29, 2023
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC.
MORE THAN A ROMANCE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
That was what a friend said to me before I read it and she was absolutely right and it warmed my heart 100x over reading this book. I LOVED IT.
I absolutely adored both main characters. Nora was passionate and incredibly strong and trying her best as a young mother to keep a hold on a situation out of her control. I felt all the emotions with Nora and looooove her as a character so much. And RIDLEY, what a swoony hero!! He made me melt many times. That man has a way with words, but also with his gentle presence. When I realized what was potentially happening with his character arc I flipped, very much a, PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN moment.
This book is filled with so much. Children growing up, a single mother doing her best, a man running from his past and antagonists with devious plots. The pacing is perfect, the romance is swoony and the larger story will squeeze your heart.
READ IT.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief physical altercations, loss of a parent
MORE THAN A ROMANCE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
That was what a friend said to me before I read it and she was absolutely right and it warmed my heart 100x over reading this book. I LOVED IT.
I absolutely adored both main characters. Nora was passionate and incredibly strong and trying her best as a young mother to keep a hold on a situation out of her control. I felt all the emotions with Nora and looooove her as a character so much. And RIDLEY, what a swoony hero!! He made me melt many times. That man has a way with words, but also with his gentle presence. When I realized what was potentially happening with his character arc I flipped, very much a, PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN moment.
This book is filled with so much. Children growing up, a single mother doing her best, a man running from his past and antagonists with devious plots. The pacing is perfect, the romance is swoony and the larger story will squeeze your heart.
READ IT.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief physical altercations, loss of a parent
May 11, 2023
What a lovely story that was a pleasure to read!
Eleonora's circumstances change when her husband dies. She decides to move to the countryside with her children as a way to rebuild herself and her relationship with them. At the country estate she meets Ridley who works at the stables and is excellent with horses.
I agree with other readers about the children's age (revealed too late) and the titles not being handled properly. I'd have liked for Ridley and Eleonora to have spent more time together, but it's understandable given their social status.
I liked that this Regency story was not spent in ballrooms, like so many are. The setting was refreshing.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Eleonora's circumstances change when her husband dies. She decides to move to the countryside with her children as a way to rebuild herself and her relationship with them. At the country estate she meets Ridley who works at the stables and is excellent with horses.
I agree with other readers about the children's age (revealed too late) and the titles not being handled properly. I'd have liked for Ridley and Eleonora to have spent more time together, but it's understandable given their social status.
I liked that this Regency story was not spent in ballrooms, like so many are. The setting was refreshing.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
October 27, 2023
After reading A Captain for Caroline Gray back in 2021, I fell in love with Julie Wright's writing style so I was excited to see she had another book out. Sadly, this one didn't work for me.
It felt as if another author wrote it, I couldn't connect to the storyline or the characters, and I found myself a little bored with it. That might be due to the audiobook, I'm not sure. It was fine, nothing really wrong with it, but there's always a possibility that I would've enjoyed this more had I read it myself.
There were parts of the romance that were very sweet, they did get some smiles out of me, but overall there wasn't enough of it to make my reading experience better.
Hopefully An Inconvenient Letter will be better.
It felt as if another author wrote it, I couldn't connect to the storyline or the characters, and I found myself a little bored with it. That might be due to the audiobook, I'm not sure. It was fine, nothing really wrong with it, but there's always a possibility that I would've enjoyed this more had I read it myself.
There were parts of the romance that were very sweet, they did get some smiles out of me, but overall there wasn't enough of it to make my reading experience better.
Hopefully An Inconvenient Letter will be better.
February 1, 2024
There was a lot I appreciated about Windsong Manor. From the beginning I was intrigued and wanted to see how the journey turned out for both Ridley and Lady Coventry. I expected some of the twists but not how they came about. All in all, I was entertained until the very end.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publishers via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publishers via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
October 4, 2023
A sweet and lovely story.
Nora is finally widowed and sometimes, such as in her case, that's not exactly a bad thing. Her husband's dying wish is a hard request, yet she fulfills it to the best of her ability with poise and grace--to be a mother to his illegitimate child.
I found Nora to be easy to sympathize with and relate to, as she's trying her best to raise her two children and one of them proves to be very difficult. It was a treat to watch her find strength and courage to navigate the waters of duty, necessity, and love.
The slower pace of Windsong Manor is so comforting and refreshing and I imagine I would prefer it to the hustle and bustle of the big city. There are so many changes to manage and this setting is the perfect place to build and forge relationships.
Ridley works in the stables and is such an asset to Nora and her children. I had an intuition about him and I was right. Although I guessed this slight mystery, this story, full of connection and character development, is heartening.
Content: death of spouse/parent; illegitimate child; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Nora is finally widowed and sometimes, such as in her case, that's not exactly a bad thing. Her husband's dying wish is a hard request, yet she fulfills it to the best of her ability with poise and grace--to be a mother to his illegitimate child.
I found Nora to be easy to sympathize with and relate to, as she's trying her best to raise her two children and one of them proves to be very difficult. It was a treat to watch her find strength and courage to navigate the waters of duty, necessity, and love.
The slower pace of Windsong Manor is so comforting and refreshing and I imagine I would prefer it to the hustle and bustle of the big city. There are so many changes to manage and this setting is the perfect place to build and forge relationships.
Ridley works in the stables and is such an asset to Nora and her children. I had an intuition about him and I was right. Although I guessed this slight mystery, this story, full of connection and character development, is heartening.
Content: death of spouse/parent; illegitimate child; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
August 23, 2023
London Countryside, 1820
Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but it doesn’t prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. After his death, Nora decides to move her children to her late husband’s estate in the country, and it is there that she meets the ruggedly handsome, Ridley, the young stable master.
I struggled with liking Eleanora. I didn’t connect with her and yes, I commend her for trying to find who she was, but unfortunately, I didn’t connect with what she found. However, I did like Ridley and his kindness. I felt this storyline though not new simply didn’t do much for me. I like this author, but the last two novels that I have read from her have been struggles to like for me, personally. Windsong Manor simply didn’t sparkle as much as I would’ve liked it to have.
My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but it doesn’t prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. After his death, Nora decides to move her children to her late husband’s estate in the country, and it is there that she meets the ruggedly handsome, Ridley, the young stable master.
I struggled with liking Eleanora. I didn’t connect with her and yes, I commend her for trying to find who she was, but unfortunately, I didn’t connect with what she found. However, I did like Ridley and his kindness. I felt this storyline though not new simply didn’t do much for me. I like this author, but the last two novels that I have read from her have been struggles to like for me, personally. Windsong Manor simply didn’t sparkle as much as I would’ve liked it to have.
My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed here are my own.
November 5, 2023
While I really enjoyed the premise of this book, I felt the execution was lacking. This is a book I really wanted to love, but it just didn’t happen for me.
The son and daughter of the FMC were my main issue with the book. I questioned their ages throughout the book. Sometimes they spoke like toddlers and other times they acted and spoke like adults. We do eventually learn that the son is 10 years old but I’m still unsure about the daughter’s age. Maybe it was briefly mentioned and I missed it. There’s also the issue with the titles. I don’t consider myself a historian, but I don’t think the daughter would have been a Baroness while the brother or even the mother were still alive. This, added with some modern language, really removed me from the story.
Overall, I feel very conflicted with this book. I did enjoy the romance between Ridley and Nora. I also loved how Ridley was such a positive influence with the children. However, the choppy writing and historical inaccuracies were issues I couldn’t get passed while reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The son and daughter of the FMC were my main issue with the book. I questioned their ages throughout the book. Sometimes they spoke like toddlers and other times they acted and spoke like adults. We do eventually learn that the son is 10 years old but I’m still unsure about the daughter’s age. Maybe it was briefly mentioned and I missed it. There’s also the issue with the titles. I don’t consider myself a historian, but I don’t think the daughter would have been a Baroness while the brother or even the mother were still alive. This, added with some modern language, really removed me from the story.
Overall, I feel very conflicted with this book. I did enjoy the romance between Ridley and Nora. I also loved how Ridley was such a positive influence with the children. However, the choppy writing and historical inaccuracies were issues I couldn’t get passed while reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2023
Sometimes historical romances can all blend together. I mean don’t get me wrong I’m still going to read the heck out of them but Windsong manor stood out to me in that it felt very original and different.
I love a forbidden romance! So much so that I really don’t care about the probability of the relationship in this book happening. I love a risk for differences in station so that was a fun element to this book.
I also really enjoyed the growth dynamic for the relationships between mother and child. There is some rudeness that fades into soft admiration and it worked for me especially when it played into the romantic relationships favor.
I also just really like horses so the stolen moments hidden away, riding, training was something that really appealed to me.
All in all a really fun, fast read. I’m not one to get hung up on historical details because I’m not well versed enough to catch them but I think Julie’s writing is very fun and I enjoyed this book!
I love a forbidden romance! So much so that I really don’t care about the probability of the relationship in this book happening. I love a risk for differences in station so that was a fun element to this book.
I also really enjoyed the growth dynamic for the relationships between mother and child. There is some rudeness that fades into soft admiration and it worked for me especially when it played into the romantic relationships favor.
I also just really like horses so the stolen moments hidden away, riding, training was something that really appealed to me.
All in all a really fun, fast read. I’m not one to get hung up on historical details because I’m not well versed enough to catch them but I think Julie’s writing is very fun and I enjoyed this book!
August 18, 2023
This story was a fun one! It definitely had a different style than your typical regency romance which made it a refreshing a read. First off, horses. 😍 And Ridley. He was the best and how he interacted with the children was just so…sigh.
The kids were pretty awful but that was the point.
Nora was a relatable and strong character even if she, herself, felt weak in a world full of men who controlled her.
The plot was a fun one in itself but seeing each individual growth of the characters was what made it for me. I did question how old the characters were and didn’t find out until late into the book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The kids were pretty awful but that was the point.
Nora was a relatable and strong character even if she, herself, felt weak in a world full of men who controlled her.
The plot was a fun one in itself but seeing each individual growth of the characters was what made it for me. I did question how old the characters were and didn’t find out until late into the book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 4, 2023
Reading a book such as this, set in the Regency era, makes me very glad I didn't live in that time period! Women were treated like property and had no rights. That was the case for Nora. She was married to a much older man at 16, and it was not a happy marriage. He treated her like dirt and wasn't happy with the one child that they had together. He basically forced her to accept his illegitimate daughter as her own. Now, this was actually a good thing for both Nora and the young lady because she had lost her mother, and Nora filled that role. It took time for them to create a bond, but it did happen.
The new baron, Nora's son, is a spoiled brat. I am not sure of his age, but I assume 10-12. But his arrogance and attitude are more than one would expect for someone that young. It is also hard to know if he picked up these traits at boarding school or if his father poisoned him against his mother. Or possibly both. Luckily, Ridley is able to put him on the right path over time. Ridley is a positive influence in all of their lives. But he has a secret, one that can be sussed out before it is revealed, but it was still an interesting twist.
I enjoyed watching Nora and Ridley interact and restrain their attraction to one another as much as they could. This is the Regency era, so they had to be proper. While I suspected the ending, there were some events that could have thrown a monkey wrench into the blossoming relationship.
There are several nefarious characters that I wanted to chuck out a window. While I suspected some of it, I wasn't sure how the situation would be resolved. In all of the instances, they were handled properly.
There are some obvious errors regarding the titling of the children. The illegitimate daughter would not be called Baroness unless her brother died and she became the heir. And then, because she is illegitimate, would she be recognized? But outside of some minor errors, the story was enjoyable.
We give this book 4 paws up.
The new baron, Nora's son, is a spoiled brat. I am not sure of his age, but I assume 10-12. But his arrogance and attitude are more than one would expect for someone that young. It is also hard to know if he picked up these traits at boarding school or if his father poisoned him against his mother. Or possibly both. Luckily, Ridley is able to put him on the right path over time. Ridley is a positive influence in all of their lives. But he has a secret, one that can be sussed out before it is revealed, but it was still an interesting twist.
I enjoyed watching Nora and Ridley interact and restrain their attraction to one another as much as they could. This is the Regency era, so they had to be proper. While I suspected the ending, there were some events that could have thrown a monkey wrench into the blossoming relationship.
There are several nefarious characters that I wanted to chuck out a window. While I suspected some of it, I wasn't sure how the situation would be resolved. In all of the instances, they were handled properly.
There are some obvious errors regarding the titling of the children. The illegitimate daughter would not be called Baroness unless her brother died and she became the heir. And then, because she is illegitimate, would she be recognized? But outside of some minor errors, the story was enjoyable.
We give this book 4 paws up.
October 7, 2023
Do you ever want to kick yourself for waiting so long to read a book? That's how I felt about this one.
This was a unique story set in Regency England. Knowing it was a clean romance was all I needed to know before starting to, so I didn't have any idea what the plot points were going to be. It starts off a little slow and gradually and beautifully builds to a most touching story, even if a little predictable. I was moved by the growth of all the characters.
I think Lia may have been my favorite character. Her emotions were well written. I could really seem to understand her trials.
I am not a stickler for historical accuracy in books, that's why it's called fiction to me. This may stretch some situations a bit , or maybe not, but nothing that caused me to be upset by them.
I thank Shadow Moutain Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. I am happy to leave an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Edited to add... I have now listened to part of this on audio. It's a new to me narrator but I feel she does a nice job, especially giving the characters different voices.
This was a unique story set in Regency England. Knowing it was a clean romance was all I needed to know before starting to, so I didn't have any idea what the plot points were going to be. It starts off a little slow and gradually and beautifully builds to a most touching story, even if a little predictable. I was moved by the growth of all the characters.
I think Lia may have been my favorite character. Her emotions were well written. I could really seem to understand her trials.
I am not a stickler for historical accuracy in books, that's why it's called fiction to me. This may stretch some situations a bit , or maybe not, but nothing that caused me to be upset by them.
I thank Shadow Moutain Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. I am happy to leave an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Edited to add... I have now listened to part of this on audio. It's a new to me narrator but I feel she does a nice job, especially giving the characters different voices.
October 9, 2023
“A tree is beautiful because of its bends and twists. It proves that it has persevered through heat and rain and lack of light. Those hardships shape every branch. Without the wind driving the clouds across the sky, the sun setting would be rather unremarkable. It is the colors and clouds that make it an orchestra in the sky. These things are not beautiful because they are perfect. They are beautiful because they endure.”
🧡 Windsong Manor was a beautiful story of endurance and triumph over adversity.
The description of the story intrigued me, but after reading it, it was even better than I had imagined. I enjoyed everything about it— the engaging storyline, well developed characters, beautiful writing, excellent pacing, the plot twists, and the sweet romance between Nora and Ridley. The nuggets of wisdom and life lessons sprinkled throughout were especially lovely.
I really loved Nora finding her sense of identity, and realizing that her greatest strength was the person that she was, not her titles.
Ridley was my favorite with his gentle ways, especially after such a tumultuous childhood. I admired the way he choose forgiveness and healing, and what a positive impact he had on everyone.
This was a beautiful story, and I appreciate NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the digital review copy!
🧡 Windsong Manor was a beautiful story of endurance and triumph over adversity.
The description of the story intrigued me, but after reading it, it was even better than I had imagined. I enjoyed everything about it— the engaging storyline, well developed characters, beautiful writing, excellent pacing, the plot twists, and the sweet romance between Nora and Ridley. The nuggets of wisdom and life lessons sprinkled throughout were especially lovely.
I really loved Nora finding her sense of identity, and realizing that her greatest strength was the person that she was, not her titles.
Ridley was my favorite with his gentle ways, especially after such a tumultuous childhood. I admired the way he choose forgiveness and healing, and what a positive impact he had on everyone.
This was a beautiful story, and I appreciate NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the digital review copy!
November 28, 2023
So I started this story and was enjoying it overall. I liked the characters and general synopsis of the story. The only thing that kept annoying me was that Eleanora and Ridley were just sooooo perfect! Ridley had no faults, he was almost godlike and Eleanora's only flaw seemed to be that she thought she was flawed. So I gave up reading it to complete another review but when I came back to finish it I was so annoyed because I quick too soon, right before all the drama! The drama brought out the characters flaws and improved the story so much. The characters were still too perfect but it was a good feel-good escape read with a good amount of romance. A very satisfying ending!
May 6, 2025
What was this? 😭 The characters were annoying and the ending is wayyyy too convinient
October 24, 2023
Widowed Eleanora is left to manage her surly young son and the illegitimate daughter of her deceased husband under the direction of a less than helpful guardian. She takes the children to their country estate in order to gain more control over their future.
There was so much to enjoy in this book: mistaken identity, forbidden love, and a thoughtfully written setting. I struggled a bit with some historical details that were portrayed inaccurately (I was pretty surprised they weren't caught and corrected in edits), but otherwise loved the unique romance for the genre.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
There was so much to enjoy in this book: mistaken identity, forbidden love, and a thoughtfully written setting. I struggled a bit with some historical details that were portrayed inaccurately (I was pretty surprised they weren't caught and corrected in edits), but otherwise loved the unique romance for the genre.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Read
October 6, 2023Reread October 2023
Windsong Manor By Julie Wright
Pub Date: October 2023
◇Beautiful Cover
◇2nd Chance at Love
◇Sweet Romance
◇Regency Romance
◇HEA
This was a lovely and fast-paced read. I'm so happy I was able to read it. 📚 ❤️
Thank you to Shadow Mountain and the author for the ARC.
Book Synopsis:
"A young widow. A gentle, stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?
The London Countryside, 1820
Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.
She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.
Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust―Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart and, more importantly, his secret.
In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?"
Windsong Manor By Julie Wright
Pub Date: October 2023
◇Beautiful Cover
◇2nd Chance at Love
◇Sweet Romance
◇Regency Romance
◇HEA
This was a lovely and fast-paced read. I'm so happy I was able to read it. 📚 ❤️
Thank you to Shadow Mountain and the author for the ARC.
Book Synopsis:
"A young widow. A gentle, stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?
The London Countryside, 1820
Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.
She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.
Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust―Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart and, more importantly, his secret.
In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?"
January 6, 2026
A clean and proper, stand alone, Regency romance. Eleanora (Nora) Coventry is married off at 16 to a harsh older Baron. When she is left as a young widow she learns in addition to caring for her young son who is the new Baron, she is now responsible for an illegitimate daughter. Nora decides to move to their country estate so her son can learn about his lands and duties. The story has Nora trying to reign in her angry son and show love and affection to a new daughter. A helper to both causes is Ridley Ellis who works in her stables. He has a gentleness and work ethic that commands respect. Nora herself enjoys her new friendship and early morning rides.
I don’t want to give spoilers but of course some predictable things are going to have to happen for their to be chance at love. Wright does a good job of showing the changes in the children especially in the son. But I would have like known why the boy was so angry (other than his father dying). There is some background missing. Did the father poison the relationship with comments or is he arrogant from his time at Eton? I wasn’t clear. It’s as vague as the children’s ages. Although the son can’t be more than ten. And I was surprised that an experienced writer like Wright makes mistakes in title usage. The daughter would never be an heir or Baroness as long as her brother is alive.
Except for those minor missteps I liked the characters and the plot. For anyone who enjoys wholesome historical romances. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
I don’t want to give spoilers but of course some predictable things are going to have to happen for their to be chance at love. Wright does a good job of showing the changes in the children especially in the son. But I would have like known why the boy was so angry (other than his father dying). There is some background missing. Did the father poison the relationship with comments or is he arrogant from his time at Eton? I wasn’t clear. It’s as vague as the children’s ages. Although the son can’t be more than ten. And I was surprised that an experienced writer like Wright makes mistakes in title usage. The daughter would never be an heir or Baroness as long as her brother is alive.
Except for those minor missteps I liked the characters and the plot. For anyone who enjoys wholesome historical romances. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Want to read
August 5, 2023I loved this beautiful story of a widow under the thumb of a wicked solicitor who just wanted a haven to raise her son and her husband's daughter.
This is a story of resilience and determination, This is a strong women who doesn't know she is strong who has to tap into that strength and go mama bear on the world. This is also a story of a woman who gets a second chance at love but can't pursue it due to a difference in station. All is not as it seems in the world of Windsong Manor.
The stable master teaches the young heir how to be a good master. He shows a quiet strength and respect for women,
This story is well written and had me absorbed in the wonderfulness that is this story, I love Regencies and I love more when I can find one that has a new twist and a new story to all the old tropes. It is well-written, swoony and like I said, has a strong main character that is a treasure of a woman. I hated the villain, he was easy to hate,
And when secrets came to light, I found myself cheering as well as screaming at characters who were not using their good sense, This is a fabulous book and should be read again.
I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review,
This is a story of resilience and determination, This is a strong women who doesn't know she is strong who has to tap into that strength and go mama bear on the world. This is also a story of a woman who gets a second chance at love but can't pursue it due to a difference in station. All is not as it seems in the world of Windsong Manor.
The stable master teaches the young heir how to be a good master. He shows a quiet strength and respect for women,
This story is well written and had me absorbed in the wonderfulness that is this story, I love Regencies and I love more when I can find one that has a new twist and a new story to all the old tropes. It is well-written, swoony and like I said, has a strong main character that is a treasure of a woman. I hated the villain, he was easy to hate,
And when secrets came to light, I found myself cheering as well as screaming at characters who were not using their good sense, This is a fabulous book and should be read again.
I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review,
September 20, 2023
It doesn't feel like a spoiler to say that he's never really a stable hand, is he? I think I can count exactly one where he was. But that doesn't detract from this utterly delightful romance between a man looking to remake his life and a woman realizing that she can, in fact, have control over hers. Nora was married off far too young to a man much older than her, and he spent the ten-odd years of their marriage systematically alienating her from their son and dismantling her sense of self worth, before dying and forcing her to take in his illegitimate daughter. Nora genuinely wants to do her best for both children, but she feels like a child in adult clothes, like an imposter in her own life. Ridley, who works in the stables at the country house she moves her family to, is fighting his own demons, but he recognizes that both Nora and her children need someone to help them find their way, and without being condescending in any way, he manages to do just that. It's a warm, affirming story, and if it adheres to a few genre tropes, well, they're tropes for a reason, because they work well in the hands of an author like Wright.
This is a good one. If you like proper (clean) romances and a late Regency setting, give it a chance.
This is a good one. If you like proper (clean) romances and a late Regency setting, give it a chance.
October 26, 2023
To use the words of the author, this book was much about “ridiculous fancy” and that was exactly the kind of book I needed. There were parts that moved a little slow, and parts that were ridiculous without the fancy but overall a very enjoyable read. If you are looking for a nice escape from reality, you will find it in this book.
October 29, 2023
“What’s the point of having money if you can’t be reckless with it now and again?”
That quote really doesn’t have anything to do with the plot of this book, but I liked it and wanted to share it. 😄
Nora’s husband’s deathbed confession threw her for a loop - he admitted he had a daughter with another woman, and he’s demanding she raise her as her own. Add to that his stipulation that his attorney keep watch to make sure their young son is being taught to properly be a baron or else he will be taken away from her, it’s not wonder Nora feels the need to get away from the city. Ridley works in the stable at Windsong Manor, and is perfectly happy to not have the old baron in residence. When he hears the baroness is going to make Windsong Manor her primary home, Ridley thinks it might be time to move on so his secrets can stay secret.
I really enjoyed reading Windsong Manor! I loved how Nora came to be her own woman, despite the trials her late husband threw at her. I liked seeing her relationships with her children evolve, and of course, I liked Nora and Ridley together! This is a really good proper romance book!
That quote really doesn’t have anything to do with the plot of this book, but I liked it and wanted to share it. 😄
Nora’s husband’s deathbed confession threw her for a loop - he admitted he had a daughter with another woman, and he’s demanding she raise her as her own. Add to that his stipulation that his attorney keep watch to make sure their young son is being taught to properly be a baron or else he will be taken away from her, it’s not wonder Nora feels the need to get away from the city. Ridley works in the stable at Windsong Manor, and is perfectly happy to not have the old baron in residence. When he hears the baroness is going to make Windsong Manor her primary home, Ridley thinks it might be time to move on so his secrets can stay secret.
I really enjoyed reading Windsong Manor! I loved how Nora came to be her own woman, despite the trials her late husband threw at her. I liked seeing her relationships with her children evolve, and of course, I liked Nora and Ridley together! This is a really good proper romance book!
October 29, 2023
Windsong Manor by Julie Wright is quite a unique Regency romance! I enjoyed getting to read about aspects of Regency life that I normally don’t get to. I think I would have enjoyed aspects of this story more if I were a parent myself, but this book will definitely appeal to many audiences. Some things were resolved too easily and some of the characters weren’t entirely believable to me, but like I said that’s just me. 3.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 17, 2023
This is such a sweet regency romance! I really loved how Nora gets her own second chance after the death of her elderly husband. It was really wonderful to see her seize the opportunity to finally become herself and the woman she wants to be. This is a story full of growth and change in the best way.
*Kisses only
*Mentions of previous abuse
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy of this book. All opinions here are my own.
*Kisses only
*Mentions of previous abuse
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy of this book. All opinions here are my own.
December 17, 2024
I enjoyed the pure romance between to people who so richly deserved it. The romance certainly had its trying moments, however those were the a few of the powerful moments in the book that were emotional for me. I thought the characters were very engaging with the plot as well as the storyline. The story had imagination and realism. The writer was terrific.
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