Warm Autumn Rain

by Jessica Russell

In the third book of the Hot Winter Sun Series, Carey Westbrook is living a somewhat conventional life at Whitecliffe Hall, where he resides with his widowed half-sister, Audrina. One day, she compels him to employ a new maid, who appears at the home one cold November day, in desperate need of work. Carey readily agrees, giving little thought to the matter, but after coming face-to-face with Noelle, he realizes at once that this mysterious housemaid is not at all what she seems. 

 

Aware that a Jacobite uprising is underway, Carey is determined to discover Noelle's true identity, fearful that she may be a spy for those seeking to unseat England's queen and restore the house of Stuart. But as Carey slowly unravels the riddle that is Noelle's life–and falls in love with her in the process–he realizes she is not a criminal, nor is she involved in any political treachery. Rather, she has run from a past so frightening that it moves her to a place of mute terror when he relentlessly questions her one day.

 

Deciding he must solve the mystery on his own or not at all, he uses every method available to reach the truth before some evil hand from the past reaches out to snatch her from his life. Without warning, Carey finds himself racing against time to uncover the myriad secrets buried at Noelle's former home. Secrets that could destroy his chance for a future with this enigmatic woman who loves him unswervingly, and whose love he refuses to live without.

 

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2024

About the author

Jessica Russell is the pen name of Jesse Broadt (last name rhymes with "coat") a professional web content writer who specializes in travel. She is the Author of the Hot Winter Sun Series.

Passionate about history, the author is an avid reader of both historical fiction and non-fiction history books. Throughout her life, she was inspired by authors such as Victoria Holt, Phyllis A. Whitney and Belva Plain, and strives to create the same type of multi-dimensional, entertaining characters that readers can relate to, understand and ultimately enjoy. Broadt created her first novel-length work of fiction with Hot Winter Sun, and laughingly calls it the kind of book you think no one writes anymore .

A professional singer at one time, the author often refers to words as music of another kind and hopes they are felt that way by her readers. Broadt lives in the Southeastern United States with her husband and childhood sweetheart, Dan, as well as Frosty and Snoodle, her faithful, purring companions. She loves music, reading, traveling and simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, and also has a blog for travel enthusiasts, called Your Endless Holiday.

Reviews

[K.A. Mulenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is truly remarkable. The book series it belongs to stands out for its originality, with each tale gripping the reader's attention. The author's ability to craft intricate plots and storylines is beyond comparison. While there's always a central plot, there are also underlying subplots that add depth and momentum to the narrative, ensuring there's never a dull moment. The pacing is exceptional, and the characters are incredibly lifelike, making you feel intimately connected to them. The endings consistently leave you feeling satisfied and content. I was thoroughly impressed by this latest installment. Once again, the historical background is impeccably researched and integrated seamlessly into the narrative.

[Meredith Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looks like i'm the first one to review this on here. It will be my pleasure! This is the third book l've read by this author and she is a gifted story teller who excels at suspense! I challenge anyone to read these books and contradict me. LOL. These characters couldn't be more real if they walked into the room! And somehow with the skill of authors like barbara taylor bradford she manages to have several subplots but yet it never gets confusing, it just flows and flows and flows and NOTHING is left dangling. It all comes together in the end with nothing to leave the reader confused. No matter how hard you try to figure out the mystery , you won't do it until she's ready to tell you. A richly entertaining story!!! This is easily read as a stand alone novel, but l think everyone should start with the first book in the series HOT WINTER SUN, which was followed by COLD SUMMER WIND. (I'm sure you see the pattern. LOL)

[Danny Lamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding! Like the entire rest of the series is! (Book one is Hot Winter Sun, and book 2 is Cold Summer Wind)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding

I’ve read each book in this series and loved them all, but this has to be my absolute favourite. The plot is so cleverly constructed, and it will have you guessing until the end. Who is the mysterious Noelle and what is she hiding? Well… a lot more than you could ever guess. Watching her and Carey fall for one another was so beautiful, and seeing how he unravels her secrets and they begin to trust one another is *Chef’s Kiss*. Their secret isn’t the only secret that rocks the characters of this book, and there’s a mystery still to be solved right up until the last few pages.

I’ve never read a series quite like this, where the sequels follow the next generation of characters but the history of the family is woven through out. It’s woven together seamlessly, enough that you feel you know the entire family and their ancestors. And you can’t fail to love them.

The way the history of the time persons is told is amazingly well done too. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Please tell me there will be more!

[RainLady777 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely outstanding romantic-suspense. The signature touch of Jessica Russell's novels is the way several mysteries are woven together seamlessly and the superb pacing of the plot and subplots. No one can read this series and not be carried into the hearts and minds of the well-developed characters and feel every emotion they feel. As is the case with all this author's books, you are surprised again and again by the twists and turns, yet nothing is left unanswered at the end. Everything ties together in a highly satisfying way and you hate that it's over. And the history, as always, is impeccably accurate and woven into the novel in the most entertaining way possible. This is historical mystery-romance at it's finest.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another outstanding story. This book series is unique and each story is spellbinding. I'm not sure how she comes up with these plots and storylines but they are incomparable. There is always a main plot, but then something (or several things) cooking underneath as sub plot/s and it just speeds along with not a drop of filler. The pacing is extraordinary, and as always, the characters are so real that you feel like you know them. The endings never fail to make you smile. They are SO satisfying. I was blown away by this one. And as always, the history is flawless. This is what historical fiction/ romantic suspense is supposed to be!

[Kaileb Varney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm Autm Rain by Jessica Russell. This book is full of twists and turns. All tied together by well fleshed-out and period accurate dramatics.

That opening full of such shock and tragidy sets up one very interesting read. I felt like all the characters and their place in the English Aristocracy is portrayed naturally.

If you're looking for a modern "Jane Austen" book with plenty of that 1800s charm amid the looming threat of war. Warm Autmn Rain will fill that, and much more!

All neatly wrapped up as you'd come to hope for with each page!