The Stanforth Secrets

Lovers and Ladies #1

by Jo Beverley

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Wedding, a classic Regency romance back in print and in trade paperback for the first time. Though the widowed Chloe Stanforth loves her house by the sea, a series of puzzling incidents has left her unsettled and anxious to find a new home. Her situation is complicated by the arrival of her husband's cousin, for whom she has long harbored a deep and guilty attraction. Back from the war, Justin Delamere hopes he can finally woo Chloe, until he suspects her guilty of treason-and murder. Can he trust the woman he's always desired, and can Chloe surrender her most private secrets to the man who controls her freedom and now her heart?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Mystery

248 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1989

About the author

Mary Josephine Dunn was born 22 September 1947 in Lancashire, England, UK. At the age of eleven she went to an all-girls boarding school, Layton Hill Convent, Blackpool. At sixteen, she wrote her first romance, with a medieval setting, completed in installments in an exercise book. From 1966 to 1970, she obtained a degree in English history from Keele University in Staffordshire, where she met her future husband, Ken Beverley. After graduation, they married on June 24, 1971. She quickly attained a position as a youth employment officer until 1976, working first in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and then in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire.

In 1976, her scientist husband was invited to do post-doctoral research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. When her professional qualifications proved not to be usable in the Canadian labour market, she raised their two sons and started to write her first romances.

Moved to Ottawa, in 1985 she became a founding member of the Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association, that her “nurturing community” for the next twelve years. The same year, she completed a regency romance, but it was promptly rejected by a number of publishers, and she settled more earnestly to learning the craft. In 1988, it sold to Walker, and was published as "Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed". She regularly appears on bestseller lists including the USA Today overall bestseller list, the New York Times, and and the Publishers Weekly list. She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Golden Leaf, the Award of Excellence, the National Readers Choice, and a two Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. She is also a five time winner of the RITA, the top award of the Romance Writers Of America, and a member of their Hall of Fame and Honor Roll.

Jo Beverley passed away on May 23, 2016 after a long battle with cancer.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This early series, Lovers & Ladies was a blend of historical romance and suspense which was a bonus in my book. I enjoyed making the comparison to later more mature writing, but also the fun spirit in the earlier books like this one. The romance is a tug o' war sort and not as strongly developed, but the suspense was quite impressive as it had me pointing my finger in more than one direction.

Technically, the second book written in the Lovers & Ladies series, this was chronologically the first. Reading this one before or after Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed does not matter. They are all loosely connected and it is my opinion that this series is the prototype for her later Rogues series as these too all feature young, handsome dashing men who all went to school together and each book are their romantic adventures.

The story opens with Justin Delamere being approached by a few higher ups in the British government. Justin has recently returned from the war and gotten out of the army to take his place as the new Viscount Stanforth after his cousin and then his uncle died leaving him to inherit. Justin is shocked to learn that the country estate is the seat of intrigue as an important document has gone missing that has both the French and British scrambling to recover it. Suspicion is on all who reside at the estate as that is as far as the document was traced. Justin is retained to spy on his own relations and discover the document. Arriving at his new home, he is struck once again by the beautiful Chloe and all the years he's waited for his chance to court her and convince her they belong together.

Chloe Delamere, one of the widowed Lady Stanforths, is in a dither. She wants to be away, but knows she needs to stay to get Justin transitioned. Justin was the close associate of her late husband Stephen and helped her and Stephen elope. The scandal that resulted from her elopement she hopes to live down for good by snagging a staid, perfectly correct husband. Only, the attraction she feels for Justin and the fact that all her friends and close relations warn her that she will never be content with the sort of man she says she wants leaves her frustrated and confused. She is fooling no one including Justin that she is indifferent to him. But regardless, she resists because Justin isn't the sort she wants as he was as wild as his cousin back in the day. Even if she can see the changes maturity and the war have brought, she doesn't want to trust that things would be different. Then she is caught up in the mystery going on in the house and its residents. Murder, odd happenings, suspicion. And through it all her resistance to Justin grows weak.

For the most part, I enjoyed this one. I've always loved a country house party setting for a mystery and I have a soft spot for a second chance romance. The cast of characters were colorful and much of the dialogue was witty. Everything about this book appealed save one niggle. Chloe's relentless denials that fooled no one got trying after a while as did her childish petulance when the men didn't give her her way all the time. Truthfully, her character wasn't developed in a way that impressed me as a mature woman ready for the love of a man like Justin. She is constantly trying to manipulate or sulk her way to get what she wanted.

But that said, I didn't hate her and I did enjoy much of this book particularly the Duchess and Randal the way they worked their wiles to get Chloe and Justin together and helped to investigate.

So all in all, I enjoyed this dip into the past and the early writings of an author I adore. Those who enjoy classic historical romantic suspense should give this one and the series a try.

[Cruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author: Jo Beverley
First published: 1989
Length: 307 pages
Setting: Regency Lancashire.
Sex: clean
Hero: Soldier, unexpected Viscount. Cousin to Chloe's late husband and helped them elope.
Heroine: Eloped very young (from schoolroom) now widowed. Marriage was difficult.
Includes: Author's notes and excerpt from The Stolen Bride.

A soft romance with a simple and very obvious mystery enveloping the HEA of Chloe and Stephen. Easy and simple, obviously an early work, but enjoyable all the same.

Sadly, Chloe and Stephen lacked chemistry leaving it a perfectly okay book.

Nothing special. But readable. Very bubble gum for the brain.

2.5 stars rounded up.

Loosely linked series with recurring characters:
Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed (1988) - Jane Sandiford and Lord Wraybourne
The Stanforth Secrets (1989) - Chloe Stanforth and Justin Delamere
The Stolen Bride (1990) - Sophie Kyle and Lord Randal Ashby
Emily and the Dark Angel(1991) - Miss Emily Grantwich and Piers Verderan
If Fancy be the Food of Love (1991) (in A Regency Valentine) - Chart Ashby and Miss Juno Rathbourne
The Fortune Hunter (1991) - Miss Amy de Lacy and Harry Crisp
Deirdre and Don Juan (1993) - Mark Juan Carlos Renfrew, Earl of Everdon and Dierdre Stow

References:
Author's website: http://www.jobev.com

(ISBN 978-0-451-22912-0)

-CR-

[Kit★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! I picked this one up because I've loved other books Jo Beverley has written, most notably, the Malloren series. This book was totally different from the Mallorens though. This is a traditional Regency, definitely less steam and excitement. It still had good characters, but I don't think they were as fleshed out as they would've been in a longer novel, neither their personalities or their relationship had a whole lot of time to be expanded upon. However, there was a nice little mystery about a missing list of French spies in Britain, and who could have it. It was actually a good mystery that kept me guessing for awhile. There was also a good supporting cast of characters, Belinda, Chloe and Justin's "Aunt" by marriage, who is a suspect, the daft old Dowager and her companion, some sneaky footmen, and a lot of fuss about apples and potatoes. That's because the list is hidden in wax fruit, but the problem is, in French, apples are pommes and potatoes are pommes de terre (correct me if I'm wrong, that's what the book says), so everyone's looking for an apple, but the darn thing is really a potato, causing a lot of problems. There were some amusing moments in this book that sort of made me laugh, but no real deep, strong emotional connection to the characters. This is definitely PG-13, there's nothing sexual between the characters except for a kiss or two, which oddly is something I've never read in a romance before. However, I am a little curious about Chloe's cousin Randal, who has his own book in The Stolen Bride , as well as a couple other people who were mentioned who have their own stories. According to the author, and this site, this is the 2nd book in the series, but chronologically, the story in this book takes place before the events in the other books. If I see the others in the series for a good deal, I'll probably pick them up.

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Beverley's second book written when she first broke into the romance publishing frontier. It reminded me of a Jane Austen or gothic romance but not written as well as some of the ones I have read under that genre. The best thing about this book is the mystery, which was hard to figure out. The setting, the dark house juxtaposed next to the sea, gave the perfect mysterious atmosphere. Unfortunately, the chemistry between the main characters, Chloe and Justin, was lacking. Part of this was attributed to their past, when Justin convinced Chloe to marry his cousin Stephen rather than himself (she was seventeen at the time). Life is too short to make such mistakes with love, and as the reader finds out, the marriage between Chloe and Stephen was a mistake. Another minor detail that irritated me was how Justin constantly doubted Chloe. Even though Justin thought Chloe was a spy, he needed to let go of his suspicions earlier in the book in order for their romance to develop faster. The two characters who interested me the most were Chloe and her cousin, Randal, who constantly flirted with her. What was the flirting about? Did he like her or was it all part of the time period? I want to read about Randal and his future romance. Did Beverley ever write a book about his story? Overall, it is my least favorite novel by this author and does not do the writer justice like her Rogue series does.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a prequel to Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed and The Stolen Bride. I liked it better than either of the two sequels. Chloe is a good mix of headstrong and decorous. She understands that marriage based on physical attraction is not enough. I empathize with her dilemma and if I were a well-off widow in 1810 I would hesitate to marry again especially a man so similar to my first husband. Justin is a bit of a pig. He claims to love Chloe but he's tempted to seduce her into marrying him. He's not very patient and he has a very hot temper where Chloe is concerned. He's caring towards his dependents and sometimes kind to Chloe but I couldn't entirely love him. The secondary characters are well-drawn and unique for the most part. Chloe's stuffy suitor is lifted from Georgette Heyer and I was able to peg the villainous characters right away. I also figured out where the missing papers were immediately but couldn't figure out how they got there or what Belinda was hiding. I kept reading until I finished the book long after I should have been asleep. The book is a bit more sensual than a traditional Regency romance but less so than most of Jo Beverley's other books. There were a few typos but they didn't detract from the story at all. If you find Georgette Heyer's traditional Regencies not romantic enough but enjoy the mystery, this one should entertain you.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps 4 stars is a tad high but I am so appreciative of Jo Beverley's consisently high standard of writing and research. I think it's a shame that new readers to her newly in print Regencies are reading them in totally the wrong order (as I did!). It's worth going to her website to figure it out. Just off the top of my head, it clearly should be this one first. Correct me if I'm wrong.

So the story: Chloe married Stephen and the elopement was orchestrated by his cousin Justin. Fast forward, Stephen is dead and Justin is the new viscount. His return home is marred by some very mysterious circumstances. Oh, guess who's along for the ride? Lord Randall Ashby and he's such a marvelous creation -- I think of him as a mixture of Nicholas and Lucien.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As wonderful as the first story that I read in this series, I agaiin found myself charmed by the clean, fun world in which we found ourselves. This one actually takes place a few years before The Lord Wraybourne's Betrothal. And now that I've found out the rest of the books in the series, I'll be snatching them up as well. The intrigue in this book was a little more upfront from the very beginning but was more of a political intrigue that the characters got caught up in. Sadly, there were more deaths though. =/

A definitely recommend this to anyone looking to read something fun, charming, humorous, and clean. I literally couldn't go to sleep until I'd finished it.

[Corinne Yee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of a series of books by Jo Beverley that are called "love stories." They are what the name implies--love stories, but without some of the "bodice-ripping" action that we often see in romances these days.

The two main characters were likable, and they had a lot of romantic tension between them. The mystery plot in the book was not obvious at all--I really wasn't sure how it would end up until the characters solved it.

I enjoyed this book a good bit. It was fun, light reading, as is usual with Jo Beverley. However, I like her longer, more steamy books a bit better.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a mellow mystery plot with an easy steady pace. Basically an 'ambling stroll' kind of book. There was minimal angst, an off-scene pairing of the leads who knew and loved each other ages before we meet them, and I suppose mild drama. No great feeling of threat to the set up, despite deaths occurring. Relaxing overall, definitely not a standout but absolutely nothing to offend or irritate.

[Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have found a use for these books I have been reading, putting them on top of my recessed cupboards, I can place my decorative items on them, so they may be displayed. It is cheaper than using my Fiesta Ware bowls.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a clean, simple, fluffy mystery. (There’s a subcategory “fluffy mystery”!). When looking at it from Ms Beverley’s later works, yes the plot/character set up is thin. However, for the time of original writing AND being one of her first books...very good.

I want to say this as well. I had this book with me a a dr office. When the dr looked at what I was reading he made a face. I said “yes, I am reading fluff”. Ya know, the current world is very scary and full of unknown and confusion. No one should feel stupid reading happy fluff like clean romance, fun children’s books (narnia anyone?), or even serious non-fiction if it clams them. I do draw line at morally disgusting things that make women and men meat objects.
Just know, if you get a face cause you are reading this book...roll your eyes and say “judging by cover are ya?”

[penelopewanders]

I am delighted to be able to borrow these books in the series which precede the one I have on my TBR shelf.
This was an enjoyable story, although there are a number of deaths!
I was a bit surprised by the difficulty the hero had, trying to keep a rein on his passion... and at times I got confused by the Duchesses and grandmothers and dowagers etc... but it was a fun read, and although I guessed pretty early on where "it" was hidden, it was fun to finally have the mystery unraveled and my suspicions about the guilty confirmed.

[Karen Lawsing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it; I’d read several others in this same series. I think that several characters develop more depth farther into the series. Randal Ashby is a favorite of mine. Also Piers, the Dark Angel. I can believe the idea of the wax potato having taken a class in Espionage from local community college. It’s just the sort of thing the Brits would do. Enjoyable, fun and not taxing.

[Z.]

I'm finding the heroine a bit annoying/not very interesting, and I don't like the way Belinda (the h/h's aunt by marriage, a farmer's daughter who married up) is being treated in the narrative - I suspect that's going to irritate me more if I keep going, and the positives aren't drawing me in enough to outweigh that.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite Jo Beverley book

Jo Beverley is one of my favorite authors ever. I was devastated when she passed away.
This book is a excellent example of her style of writing Regency romances. She has an excellent way of intertwining characters in unexpected ways, so you really don’t know till the end what’s going to happen
I highly recommend this book .

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Regencies. Justin and Chloe are two excellent characters. The story is a bit improbable, but carried off admirably. The secrets are well hidden and not revealed until the very end.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery for this one was fairly strong. The romance was not quite as strong. The love story is not as well constructed.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute!

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot kept my interest.

[ChristineZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Jo Beverley. Unique story.

[Lin Stepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got on a Regency reading jag this spring ... sitting in hospitals and nursing homes with elderly parents. I discovered Jo Beverly along the way ... and read, with pure enjoyment, many of her novels.
This one held more mystery than most ... keeping me guessing through much of the book.
Chloe, widowed, with her life somewhat unsettled ... runs into a series of puzzling mysteries at Delamere Hall, the family home by the sea. Justin, brother to Chloe's late husband, has always carried a torch for his brother's wife ... and hopes somehow to see if a relationship between them can develop. But his responsibilities to the crown and the war department cause mixed developments. And many unexpected events and characters continue popping out of the woodwork ... making this a fun read.
I did not guess the ending ... and that is always fun where there is a mystery afoot!
Beverly has written over 30 historical romances ... and I also enjoyed A Most Unsuitable Man, Something Wicked, The Secret Duke, A Scandalous Countess, and many others.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. Of course Beverley always hits the mark for me. This is one of her earlier stories, and one can tell, because it follows the Heyer conventions at the beginning more than she usually does. Rather like a friend conveying some tasty gossip, describing the heroine and the situation. Then as you get into the story, it becomes more "modern" and less quaint. More a matter of tone than anything. Anyway, the heroine is a widow, the hero is her late husband's cousin who abetted their elopement years before. Hmm... how to remind myself what this one's about without spoilers... There are secret papers sent to England that the French want to destroy and the English recover, because the names of all the French agents in England are in them, and somehow they've wound up at the heroine's house. It's more complicated than that, and that's part of what makes the story so enjoyable. It's a good one.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe is one of three widowed Lady Stanforths currently resident at Delamere Hall. The oldest is her mother-in-law, who is wandering in her wits; while the youngest is Belinda, a local girl who married Chloe's late husband's uncle George almost as soon as he inherited the title. But now George is dead, and Belinda's child is a girl, so the next heir, George's nephew Justin, is on his way to take up his duties. And Chloe can hardly wait to leave and rejoin Society. But sparks fly when she and Justin meet again, and join forces to solve a mystery. Excellent characterization. Recommended.

[ReadKnitHoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love these Jo Beverley reissues! Love! They're sweet, witty, delightful and funny (with a bit of mystery involved), and just so satisfying to read. The best part about them is that I can recommend them to anyone, from my great-granny (should she be alive and reading romance) to my twelve-year old self (or niece, cousin, goddaughter).

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that the setting of the time period was excellent,the thrill of the chase throughout the book, it was mysterious and exciting, really grabbed a hold of you trying to figure out who is the killer. My personal though was this particular book wasn't as good as the Lord Waybourne's Betrothed because there was more passion in that book!

[Lynne Tull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jo Beverley books and had this one in my 'stash'. I really liked it and now am going to read the other connected books: Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed and The Stolen Bride. I think there are others as per her 'Dear Readers' at the end of this book. I like the mystery story that is woven into the romance story. I am a real mystery fan.

[Arlene Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very unusual regency, more like a mystery! Typical of this author, even with her earlier works.

As for the romance, it was a second chance love with espionage thrown in. Set during the war with Napoleon. The whole story takes place at a country estate with the last chapter at a different estate. Interesting characters!

[Stasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

After I finished it I found out this is a re-issue of an early book - um, yeah, she's a lot better now. Definitely a good choice if one is looking for a measure of growth or a writer whom one likes.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this before, but since I can't remember it, just that parts of it seem familiar, I'm giving it another go.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a love story with a little mystery thrown in. The romance needed more depth. I think the characters could have been developed a lot more. The whole plot was a little disappointing.