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The Duel #4.5
Haunted: A Regency Historical Romance
A grieving widow risks sheltering a gentle man – in her haunted house.
When George is tricked into seeking shelter at Hazel House, he is surprised to find it occupied only by a beautiful widow, her small son and two ancient servants. Shunned by the local community, they are intriguing and just a little strange. But then, so is George.
The pull of attraction between George and Francesca seems to stir up the ghost of her late husband, while ignorant moral outrage in the village grows dangerous. George must be up to both challenges.
But when tragedy strikes, can Francesca rediscover her strength in order to leave the past behind and grasp at new happiness?
This story was originally published as Once Upon a Haunted Romance in the 2023 Dragonblade Anthology Once Upon a Haunted Romance.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
When George is tricked into seeking shelter at Hazel House, he is surprised to find it occupied only by a beautiful widow, her small son and two ancient servants. Shunned by the local community, they are intriguing and just a little strange. But then, so is George.
The pull of attraction between George and Francesca seems to stir up the ghost of her late husband, while ignorant moral outrage in the village grows dangerous. George must be up to both challenges.
But when tragedy strikes, can Francesca rediscover her strength in order to leave the past behind and grasp at new happiness?
This story was originally published as Once Upon a Haunted Romance in the 2023 Dragonblade Anthology Once Upon a Haunted Romance.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2024
116 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lancaster
143 books516 followersMary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 8, 2025
So sweet :') can't wait to read more by the author!
November 22, 2024
Lovely!
A lovely story. I never "saw" my husband after his death ,but I felt his loving presence for several years. That's one reason I loved this story, I have lived it. Well, not the part about the idiot No Goods! But I have felt my husband's loving care continuing in my life. Great story.
A lovely story. I never "saw" my husband after his death ,but I felt his loving presence for several years. That's one reason I loved this story, I have lived it. Well, not the part about the idiot No Goods! But I have felt my husband's loving care continuing in my life. Great story.
October 31, 2025
This very short novella engages the reader from the first page. After some problems with his hired chaise, Sir Arthur Astley goes to an inn for help. They tell him they can help with his carriage, but they are full and have no vacancies. Some of the inn guests snicker and suggest Hazel House.
Frozen and dripping wet, Arthur arrives at Hazel House to find a lonely widow and her four-year-old son. There are also two elderly servants. Francesca decides to help him by letting him stay in a room overnight. Francesca's deceased (and famous violin artist) husband seems very much in the house.
When a disaster occurs, Arthur helps Francesca and her son escape while assisting the elderly servants. This is an engaging short story.
November 10, 2024
Sweet Ghost romance
Mary Lancaster's sweet short ghost story Haunted is quite enjoyable. Featured is, not a scary ghost, but a benevolent one who watches over his son and wife. A shy, kindly gentleman comes into their world and changes it for the better. I could not get over the feeling that this was derived from another book that I have not read, and I would love to find and read it.
Mary Lancaster's sweet short ghost story Haunted is quite enjoyable. Featured is, not a scary ghost, but a benevolent one who watches over his son and wife. A shy, kindly gentleman comes into their world and changes it for the better. I could not get over the feeling that this was derived from another book that I have not read, and I would love to find and read it.
December 6, 2024
You will love 'Haunted' by Author Mary Lancaster.
This book, an offshoot to the Duel series, is one of the most warm and heartfelt stories I have ever read and my happiness for George feels very real even though he is but a character. For most readers they too will love him as he finds his happily ever after with Francesca in his life.
This book, an offshoot to the Duel series, is one of the most warm and heartfelt stories I have ever read and my happiness for George feels very real even though he is but a character. For most readers they too will love him as he finds his happily ever after with Francesca in his life.
October 31, 2025
Ghostly benediction
This is a delightful short story featuring two seemingly lost souls brought together by the ghost of the h's late husband. The immediate attraction is helped along by the young son who talks to his father’s ghost. Short, sweet, intriguing, and delightful!
This is a delightful short story featuring two seemingly lost souls brought together by the ghost of the h's late husband. The immediate attraction is helped along by the young son who talks to his father’s ghost. Short, sweet, intriguing, and delightful!
November 1, 2024
A lovely romance filled with hope and new beginnings for Francesca and her young son Mark with George. They all have an instant connection. Love blooms and a new family begins a new journey.
November 10, 2024
Lovely story
Goodness what a lovely story. I was so engrossed I don't realise I was at the end of the book.
Goodness what a lovely story. I was so engrossed I don't realise I was at the end of the book.
February 3, 2025
Sweet and heartfelt
This is a very well written story that keeps yourself page turning. Easy to read and a good storyline. Top marks.
This is a very well written story that keeps yourself page turning. Easy to read and a good storyline. Top marks.
February 18, 2025
A very sweet short story, with characters from The Duel series. Really lovely.
November 1, 2025
3.5 stars
A sweet novelette for Halloween.
A sweet novelette for Halloween.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews