What do you think?
Rate this book
Widow Wilkes: A Colville Family Novel
An abducted child.
A strong-willed widow, haunted by her past.
A bitter Scotsman, tormented by the death of his mistress.
When Miranda Wilkes asks the King of England for help in rescuing her abducted son, the King requisitions one of his most trusted advisors, Crogan Adair, to aid the widow.
The Scotsman agrees to find the child and bring him home. However, very much against his will, Crogan develops an attraction to Miranda, despite being contracted into an arranged marriage for the purpose of producing an heir.
As Miranda suspects, her evil neighbor has taken her precious son and threatens everything she holds dear. As she battles a turbulent hunger for Crogan, she realizes they must work together—because her son’s safety is paramount.
Desperation sets events into motion that throw all of their lives into danger. Will Miranda and Crogan's love flourish in the aftermath, or die a painful death?
!CAUTION!
This book includes graphic depictions that may upset some readers.
A strong-willed widow, haunted by her past.
A bitter Scotsman, tormented by the death of his mistress.
When Miranda Wilkes asks the King of England for help in rescuing her abducted son, the King requisitions one of his most trusted advisors, Crogan Adair, to aid the widow.
The Scotsman agrees to find the child and bring him home. However, very much against his will, Crogan develops an attraction to Miranda, despite being contracted into an arranged marriage for the purpose of producing an heir.
As Miranda suspects, her evil neighbor has taken her precious son and threatens everything she holds dear. As she battles a turbulent hunger for Crogan, she realizes they must work together—because her son’s safety is paramount.
Desperation sets events into motion that throw all of their lives into danger. Will Miranda and Crogan's love flourish in the aftermath, or die a painful death?
!CAUTION!
This book includes graphic depictions that may upset some readers.
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Shalene Marie
13 books111 followersShalene Marie was born in Wisconsin, in the heart of the Fox Valley. She enjoys living in the Dairy State with a sassy feline named Garfield. Family and friends are important to her, and she appreciates the support they offer without question. In her free time, she is likely to pick up a good book or watch a movie. Her favorite genre’s include romance, mystery, horror, and comedy. She has been writing for many years but finally made the transition to self-publishing in 2023.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 26, 2023
I am a very fast reader, yet with this book I slowed right down, so that I could immerse myself in the story. In to every word. It was beautifully written, the story was truly amazing.
December 30, 2023
Shalene Marie has done her best again… she is an incredible author that takes you a on a journey with each wonderful book. Window Wilkes is no different.. It has romance and a bit of suspense and mystery. The story was incredible the characters Amanda be Crogan were amazing. The book is very well written and the story amazing. I actually couldn’t put it down. My hats of again to Shalene Marie for another wonderful and amazing book. This book will not disappoint you and I highly recommend it. I am very lucky to have read all her books and I am never disappointed. This book had me on an emotional ride. So if you love books that have romance and have you on the edge of your seat this and all her books are for you. incredible story. Highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 25, 2023
This was a good read. It was a great mix of mystery and romance. I couldn't put it down. The chemistry was great and it was well written
November 12, 2023
This was a fast read and I was taking in from the start well written and the historical read it’s self was amazing will recommend this book
October 5, 2023
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I steer clear of historical romance, but reading Shalene’s first book, Colville Manor, in this series changed my thinking forever!! I am forever a historical romance lover, as long as it’s Shalene’s books I’m reading.
Shalene brings the historical to life with technicolour magic that captures your interest immediately. Her books are not weighted down with historical information, but rather seamlessly knitted together with relevance between the past and the present.
You are sucked in from the very beginning and taken on a beautiful adventure that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Crogan is a total alpha man. He’s strong and capable, he’s stubborn, but for me that just adds to his charms.
He’s a man who has endured grief and has become oblivious to what he still has to offer someone.
The part I find fascinating and so different to life today is that men of this time took a wife to continue their bloodline, it was simply a means to an end. Often without any feelings. Can you imagine that today?! These books really show how society has changed, especially for women.
Although with these stories of Shalene’s, once the man’s heart is involved, the woman of their dreams becomes the centre of their universe, which is something that hasn’t changed. It’s beautiful and swoonworthy.
Miranda is such a strong character. She has, without a doubt, a backbone of steel. Someone of her age, having endured everything she has and yet still has a positive outlook on life is awe inspiring. Watching her suffer as tragedy strikes was so heart rendering. I wanted to reach through the pages to offer her my support and tell her not to give up.
Watching Crogan and Miranda fight their connection despite the overpowering bond that forms instantly was so hard to watch.
These two people are so perfect for each other, yet there are nothing, but what seems like insurmountable obstacles in their way.
Seeing Viktor and Reissa again was a beautiful surprise. It’s so comforting to see characters that became friends and catch up on their life together.
Watching them weave their way around the obstacles in their path was compelling and utterly addictive.
For a long time I thought historical romance was informal and boring. But let me tell you that a story by Shalene Marie is as far removed from that as possible. They are absolutely fantastic!!
If you can’t tell from my review, I can’t recommend Shalene Marie highly enough.
10 million star review!!
Shalene brings the historical to life with technicolour magic that captures your interest immediately. Her books are not weighted down with historical information, but rather seamlessly knitted together with relevance between the past and the present.
You are sucked in from the very beginning and taken on a beautiful adventure that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Crogan is a total alpha man. He’s strong and capable, he’s stubborn, but for me that just adds to his charms.
He’s a man who has endured grief and has become oblivious to what he still has to offer someone.
The part I find fascinating and so different to life today is that men of this time took a wife to continue their bloodline, it was simply a means to an end. Often without any feelings. Can you imagine that today?! These books really show how society has changed, especially for women.
Although with these stories of Shalene’s, once the man’s heart is involved, the woman of their dreams becomes the centre of their universe, which is something that hasn’t changed. It’s beautiful and swoonworthy.
Miranda is such a strong character. She has, without a doubt, a backbone of steel. Someone of her age, having endured everything she has and yet still has a positive outlook on life is awe inspiring. Watching her suffer as tragedy strikes was so heart rendering. I wanted to reach through the pages to offer her my support and tell her not to give up.
Watching Crogan and Miranda fight their connection despite the overpowering bond that forms instantly was so hard to watch.
These two people are so perfect for each other, yet there are nothing, but what seems like insurmountable obstacles in their way.
Seeing Viktor and Reissa again was a beautiful surprise. It’s so comforting to see characters that became friends and catch up on their life together.
Watching them weave their way around the obstacles in their path was compelling and utterly addictive.
For a long time I thought historical romance was informal and boring. But let me tell you that a story by Shalene Marie is as far removed from that as possible. They are absolutely fantastic!!
If you can’t tell from my review, I can’t recommend Shalene Marie highly enough.
10 million star review!!
August 28, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was an absolute whirlwind of emotions! It made me laugh, cry, swoon and long to be in this type of world!
I adore Crogan’s way of speaking and it made me laugh the whole way thorough!
This book was definitely an enjoyable read and I would love to read more of Shalene’s books!
The book was easy to follow and gripped you the whole time! The plot twists made my head spin and made me cry many times!
It’s a cute romance book with heartache 75% through that makes the end so much worth it!
And there is thrilling twists throughout the book to add depth to the story! I really enjoyed this book! I’d definitely recommend it!
This book was an absolute whirlwind of emotions! It made me laugh, cry, swoon and long to be in this type of world!
I adore Crogan’s way of speaking and it made me laugh the whole way thorough!
This book was definitely an enjoyable read and I would love to read more of Shalene’s books!
The book was easy to follow and gripped you the whole time! The plot twists made my head spin and made me cry many times!
It’s a cute romance book with heartache 75% through that makes the end so much worth it!
And there is thrilling twists throughout the book to add depth to the story! I really enjoyed this book! I’d definitely recommend it!
October 15, 2023
Such a good story!
Widow Wilkes is a must read. Her son has been kidnapped and she's in need of help to get him back. Crogan is the leader of those that are going to help. There are some interesting twists that I wasn't ready for, but definitely loved. I can't wait for more from Shalene Marie.
Widow Wilkes is a must read. Her son has been kidnapped and she's in need of help to get him back. Crogan is the leader of those that are going to help. There are some interesting twists that I wasn't ready for, but definitely loved. I can't wait for more from Shalene Marie.
April 5, 2024
Sharlene Marie is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. She builds the story with life like characters. There are dastardly villains , strong women and good hearted characters. They are woven with artistry into a believable story. There are always some moments that are not expected. In this story it is a husband that is believed to be dead. In life he was not a good person especially to his wife. His form of abuse was in the marriage bed. He took her without thought or care hurting her for his own needs, an heir. This is Miranda’s story about survival and trust. Her son is kidnapped bring her together with a Scottish man who was appointed by the King of England to help her get her child back. Crogan was chosen by King Edward lll to be Miranda’s champion. This story is filled with lust, desperation, jealousy, anger and fear. There is a mystery as to who has been watching Miranda and how her son disappeared. There is drama involved with traitors abound. Tragedy is suffering by both Miranda and Crogan. These layers are peeled back in the storyline. I could not put it down once I started reading it. It is a standalone story but it help you understand some of the characters if you read the Colliville Manor series. I would give this more than 5 stars if possible.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2023
Wow, I don't know where to even begin, the emotions this book put me through, the rollercoaster ride, the twists and turns, sh*t I didn't even see them coming, they left me with my jaw on the floor. I cried, swooned, got angry, laughed and cried again. It had me gripping my kindle so tight at parts I thought for sure I was going to break it. There where parts where I wanted to knock two people's heads together.
In this story we follow Miranda lady Wilkes, we learn early on that she's been through so much, left widowed and to bring her child up on her own. You think all her problems are gone, but they are not it's just the beginning. Miranda is startled throu the night, she feels like something is wrong and fly's up and runs like hell to her son's room, but she is too late her son is gone and her screams can be heard throughout the whole place. She wastes no time on rounding up her men and they set off for the kings help to get her son back. She arrives and explains all, but he can not help but knows off someone who can, he send for that help and tells her to return home. That's when we meet crogan from Scotland and his men, they have been tasked with the job of safely returning her son.
The moment crogan and Miranda meet it's an instant attraction, but they also bump heads, I laughed so much, the back and forth make you dizzy. One night they share an earth shattering kiss, but a happy ending for them cannot be, he is promised to another and is to be wed in the new year, and her son is still missing. What will become off them ? Do they get a happy ending ? Does she get her son back? You have to read and find out what happens. You won't be disappointed I sure wasn't, I loved every minute of there story. And cannot wait to read more by shalene mariehighly recommend.
In this story we follow Miranda lady Wilkes, we learn early on that she's been through so much, left widowed and to bring her child up on her own. You think all her problems are gone, but they are not it's just the beginning. Miranda is startled throu the night, she feels like something is wrong and fly's up and runs like hell to her son's room, but she is too late her son is gone and her screams can be heard throughout the whole place. She wastes no time on rounding up her men and they set off for the kings help to get her son back. She arrives and explains all, but he can not help but knows off someone who can, he send for that help and tells her to return home. That's when we meet crogan from Scotland and his men, they have been tasked with the job of safely returning her son.
The moment crogan and Miranda meet it's an instant attraction, but they also bump heads, I laughed so much, the back and forth make you dizzy. One night they share an earth shattering kiss, but a happy ending for them cannot be, he is promised to another and is to be wed in the new year, and her son is still missing. What will become off them ? Do they get a happy ending ? Does she get her son back? You have to read and find out what happens. You won't be disappointed I sure wasn't, I loved every minute of there story. And cannot wait to read more by shalene mariehighly recommend.
September 7, 2024
Widow Wilkes is another amazing historical romance by Shalene Marie. This one with k!dnapping, d@nger, conf!ict and more.
This is the story of widow Miranda and her show of strength and bravery (or stupidity?!) when her son is @bducted by her rival. The King sends Captain Crogan to come to her aid and to bring her son home. But the captain brings feelings Miranda has never known before…
Yet again, Shalene Marie kept me guessing at every turn, not wanting to put the book down. Her characters run such a range of emotions, it’s almost impossible to know what they’re going to do next. And surprise endings? Yep, this story left me with my mouth open. If you haven’t read any of her books, let me just say that once you’ve read one, you’ll have to read them all. Sadly, I’m done all her published works and am now waiting anxiously for the next story to release.
This is the story of widow Miranda and her show of strength and bravery (or stupidity?!) when her son is @bducted by her rival. The King sends Captain Crogan to come to her aid and to bring her son home. But the captain brings feelings Miranda has never known before…
Yet again, Shalene Marie kept me guessing at every turn, not wanting to put the book down. Her characters run such a range of emotions, it’s almost impossible to know what they’re going to do next. And surprise endings? Yep, this story left me with my mouth open. If you haven’t read any of her books, let me just say that once you’ve read one, you’ll have to read them all. Sadly, I’m done all her published works and am now waiting anxiously for the next story to release.
September 18, 2023
This is a really fun, enjoyable read with a beautifully crafted world and characters!💙I was left swinging with emotions throughout this book and I feel this was a great in-between/brain-refresher after diving into so many dark romances.
If you are someone who loves swoony, adorable romances but are not afraid of an emotional train ride this is a great story for you! The plot twists are a big page turner and I couldn't put this down!
🔥What to expect🔥
🌸Great worldbuilding
🌸Fleshed out, relatable characters
🌸Page turning thrills and plot twists
🌸Mystery
🌸Swoony romance
🌸Adventure
If you are someone who loves swoony, adorable romances but are not afraid of an emotional train ride this is a great story for you! The plot twists are a big page turner and I couldn't put this down!
🔥What to expect🔥
🌸Great worldbuilding
🌸Fleshed out, relatable characters
🌸Page turning thrills and plot twists
🌸Mystery
🌸Swoony romance
🌸Adventure
December 29, 2023
Several battles for an everlasting love
Oh my! Shalene Marie you have done it yet again! This story was fantastic! The characters were so real. I loved each one, well with the exception of Gerald and Alice! The story had so much depth. The internal and external battles felt so real. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and I kept turning the pages for the next adventure to come. I really enjoyed this story. The series is excellent. I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book and series.
Oh my! Shalene Marie you have done it yet again! This story was fantastic! The characters were so real. I loved each one, well with the exception of Gerald and Alice! The story had so much depth. The internal and external battles felt so real. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath and I kept turning the pages for the next adventure to come. I really enjoyed this story. The series is excellent. I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book and series.
February 8, 2025
Omgoodness
Shalene is definitely my favorite historical romance author, and her writing style has a way of transporting you back in time, making you feel like you're really there. The plots, twists, and suspense in her books are so engaging that I couldn't stop reading until the very end, and the twist at the end was completely unexpected. I was also thrilled to see Viktor and Reissa Colville make an appearance in this story. I highly recommend checking out this book, as well as any of Shalene Marie's other works - she's definitely a 5-star author.
Shalene is definitely my favorite historical romance author, and her writing style has a way of transporting you back in time, making you feel like you're really there. The plots, twists, and suspense in her books are so engaging that I couldn't stop reading until the very end, and the twist at the end was completely unexpected. I was also thrilled to see Viktor and Reissa Colville make an appearance in this story. I highly recommend checking out this book, as well as any of Shalene Marie's other works - she's definitely a 5-star author.
October 30, 2023
I’m a sucker for a good historical romance and Widow Wilkes did not disappoint. I was sucked in from the very beginning. There is mystery and romance. It pulled at my heartstrings. I loved the storyline, and the chemistry between the characters was top-notch. It was beautifully written. This is the first book I’ve read by Shalene Marie, but it definitely won’t be the last.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
May 4, 2024
An enjoyable historical story
When her son is in danger, even a strong woman has to do what is best to save him. The struggle Miranda goes through to allow Crogan to have control to save her son is difficult to watch. I have to say I really didn’t see the ending coming. I did have an inkling, but it didn’t go the way I expected. I truly enjoyed this tale. I am looking forward to reading this author again.
When her son is in danger, even a strong woman has to do what is best to save him. The struggle Miranda goes through to allow Crogan to have control to save her son is difficult to watch. I have to say I really didn’t see the ending coming. I did have an inkling, but it didn’t go the way I expected. I truly enjoyed this tale. I am looking forward to reading this author again.
May 3, 2024
A wonderful story
I've been venturing out to different genres lately and quite enjoyed this historical romance. I'm sure to read more from this author. A well laid out plot and entertaining read.
I've been venturing out to different genres lately and quite enjoyed this historical romance. I'm sure to read more from this author. A well laid out plot and entertaining read.
October 5, 2025
Widow Wilkes is an easy 5 star read. This book is beautifully written, and so well written that you feel the tension and emotions of the characters. A couple of mild spicy scenes and some jaw dropping twists at the end as well. Loved it!
November 19, 2023
What starts as a kidnapping turns into so much more with a twist you may not see coming!
July 23, 2024
Good
This one was good. I struggled to like Crogan. But I loved Miranda so much that I rooted for her happily ever after.
This one was good. I struggled to like Crogan. But I loved Miranda so much that I rooted for her happily ever after.
April 14, 2025
Miranda needs to learn to lock her doors.
This poor widow is pulled into a web of twists and lies that bring up things she thought buried and gone.
Crogan is a man of desire and need who knows what he wants but knows what he doesn't want to lose.
The twists and turns in this book had me flying through it. I could not put it down. I was in tears at the end needing answers. I honestly thought Shalene had given us a sad ending. I love Shalene's writing style and look forward to my next read of hers.
This poor widow is pulled into a web of twists and lies that bring up things she thought buried and gone.
Crogan is a man of desire and need who knows what he wants but knows what he doesn't want to lose.
The twists and turns in this book had me flying through it. I could not put it down. I was in tears at the end needing answers. I honestly thought Shalene had given us a sad ending. I love Shalene's writing style and look forward to my next read of hers.
December 9, 2025
My favorite of Shalene's work. This one is so twisty!
Miranda needs to learn to lock her doors.
This poor widow is pulled into a web of twists and lies that bring up things she thought buried and gone.
Crogan is a man of desire and need who knows what he wants but knows what he doesn't want to lose.
The twists and turns in this book had me flying through it. I could not put it down. I was in tears at the end needing answers. I honestly thought Shalene had given us a sad ending. I love Shalene's writing style and look forward to my next read of hers.
Miranda needs to learn to lock her doors.
This poor widow is pulled into a web of twists and lies that bring up things she thought buried and gone.
Crogan is a man of desire and need who knows what he wants but knows what he doesn't want to lose.
The twists and turns in this book had me flying through it. I could not put it down. I was in tears at the end needing answers. I honestly thought Shalene had given us a sad ending. I love Shalene's writing style and look forward to my next read of hers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews