Beyond Her Manner

South Downs Romances #3

by Emily Banting

From the multi-award-winning, bestselling author of Broken Beyond Repair comes a new sapphic celebrity ice queen romance — a standalone novel and the third and final instalment in the South Downs Romance series.
Gillian Carmichael is grieving, not for the loss of her husband, but for what his death has cost her — Kingsford Manor, her beloved home. To make matters worse, she can observe the new 'Lady of the Manor' from her small abode in Kingsford Lodge, and observe her, she does.
Viola Berkley, an internationally renowned classical singer, retreats to the quiet of the countryside after her mother’s sudden death, seeking peace and anonymity. What she finds is an unwelcome adversary in her outspoken neighbour Gillian Carmichael, who is quick to critique Viola's suitability for her new role and her lack of village sensibilities.
As their worlds collide, both women realise they have more in common than divides them, and the line between animosity and attraction begins to blur. With Gillian shackled to her past, unable to let go of the life she lost, and Viola carrying the weight of her grief, can the pair find a path forward, or will the shadows of the past keep them apart?

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Lesbian Fiction, Queer, Fiction

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2025

About the author

Emily Banting is an award-winning and bestselling author of contemporary sapphic romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters and plenty of British humour. History obsessed, she throws her sapphic leading ladies into historic buildings and environments at every opportunity, and believes strongly in representing women over forty in literature.

Broken Beyond Repair received the following awards:

GOLDIE WINNER 2024: AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR (ANGELA DAWE)
GOLDIE WINNER 2023: THE ANN BANNON POPULAR CHOICE BRONZE AWARD
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: ROMANCE
WINNER OF THE LESFIC BARD AWARD 2022: COVER DESIGN
WINNER OF THE QUEER INDIE AWARDS 2022: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

And a 2023 GCLS Goldie finalist in
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL

The second book in the South Downs Romance Series was a 2024 GCLS Goldie finalist in CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE LONG NOVEL 2024

Join her Readers’ Club and receive a free sapphic novella www.emilybanting.co.uk/freebook

Hit the "FOLLOW" button for notifications about offers and new releases!

Find her here:

WEBSITE - emilybanting.co.uk

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INSTAGRAM - @emilybanting

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Reviews

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

How refreshing to read about women over 40 and 50! Gillian is one of the most stubborn characters I’ve ever seen, she is hard to like at first, but that’s what made her character growth so rewarding. She spent years struggling with internalized homophobia. The initial tension was really fun to read, with Gillian clinging to the image and identity she had spent 35 years building, while literally watching someone live "her" life. Viola was great, and she didn’t take Gillian’s crap. I loved the evolution of their relationship, and plot-wise, every stage of their relationship unfolded exactly as I wished. However, the writing style made it hard for me to fully connect with the characters. The balance between telling and showing was in favor of telling and as a result, it didn’t feel immersive enough for me.I needed less of "Gillian felt this" and more of hearing Gillian's thoughts directly. I know the characters fell for each other, but I couldn’t truly feel it, and it cost some of the chemistry I expected. Spoilers: There were key chapters missing for me—especially during the third-act breakup. The most interesting part for me is seeing the characters hit rock bottom and then witnessing the thing that makes them realize they’ve made a mistake. That’s where I find my satisfaction after the angst. I needed to be in Gillian’s shoes and experience the emotional shift with her. Instead, the narration told me what happened. It left me feeling frustrated. Overall, this book was easy to read, with good plots, and I enjoyed reconnecting with characters from the previous books.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was beautifully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I appreciated the character development and their growth throughout the story, and I especially liked the side character, Bridget; she was wonderful. While I enjoyed the storyline, I found some parts frustrating.

Regarding the love story between Gillian and Viola, I loved Viola's character from beginning to end. However, I wasn't a big fan of Gillian's character until the third quarter of the book, when she became more open and her true self emerged. Before that, I didn't particularly care for her.

Overall, this is a lovely book. I appreciated that it featured characters over 40, as such stories are not common. As mentioned before, it is beautifully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely recommend this book and the previous two in this wonderful trilogy.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Menestrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Broken Beyond Repair, I enjoyed Reality in Check, and I couldn’t be happier with reading the last installment of the South Downs series, Beyond Her Manner, a classic slow burn with a torn and grieving Ice Queen.

Gillian Carmichael has reached a point in her life where she believes that she has arrived. Her husband’s recent passing has left her with the most precious gift of all, her dear Kingsford Manor, a residence spreading several acres around the South Downs and consisting of cottages, a manor and a lodge. Gillian knows that she deserves to finally make the most of the estate and of her acquired status, but what she hasn’t kept into account is that her not so beloved late husband left her with an incredible number of debts. To avoid total bankruptcy, Gillian is forced to sell Kingsford Manor, losing therefore not only her financial stability but her social status in the village. No more will she be the “Lady of the Manor”, someone else has taken residency in “her” property, stealing everything she values the most from her. Viola Berkley is the enemy, and Gillian has only one goal left in life: regaining possession of Kingsford Manor.

Emily Banting has outdone herself with the initial back and forth between the main characters. The subtle British humor, the sparring with words and Gillian’s subterfuges in keeping an eye on her new neighbor made me laugh out loud. I thought for a moment I was reading a classic novel set in the XIX century, with the witty dialogues so dear to me. If you add a cat to the mix, it will make me even snort; I loved Agatha.

As a said in the beginning, Beyond Her Manner is a typical slow burn, so if you are looking for some insta-love, insta-lust, this is not what you’ll get. What you’ll get is instead a novel about two characters that learn to know each other in a reasonable and realistic timeline. On one side, the apparently icy, conservative, “all etiquette and manners” obsessed Gillian, and on the other the emotional, anxious and lonely figure of Viola. Viola, who is also grieving the loss of her mother, and who absolutely had no idea that buying an estate, she would have been confronted with inheriting a whole village with it. The thought of it: hilarious. Imagine this happening in real life? Right?
Imagine wanting to be the center of that village, like Gillian, and someone who instead wants only some peace and relaxation, so that she can reboot her life and career, like Viola.

But why is Gillian so obstinate in wanting to regain her status as Lady of the Manor? Why can’t she move on in life? What is she hiding? Does the Manor and all its material goods really symbolize Gillian’s happiness? And what is the ultimate meaning of happiness?
Banting does a great job in dealing with themes such as internalized homophobia, fear of other people’s judgment, and living a life to make everybody happy but yourself in fear of being ostracized from society.

Is this fear worth living a life of loneliness without ever knowing what real happiness is?
If one thing is clear, from reading Beyond Her Manner, it is that love is always worth any amount of pain that it can cause you. To have loved and been loved it is to have lived, and we only get one life to live, so you’d better make the most of it.

If you like age-gap romances with troubled, confused, and yet strong and resourceful main characters, this is the novel for you. Beyond Her Manner contains some heartfelt moments, tender and soothing to the heart. I have several that will always be favorites on how two enemies finally start to talk (but I won’t spoil it!). I loved the idea! And it seems that idea has been used several times to “close” a circle in the novel. Love, love, love.

I also adored Bridget!!!

And, didn’t I mention there is a cat??? Cats are the best! And the Easter eggs (shhhh) ;)
5 stars. I devoured it.

[Lesbereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series so far, so I knew I had to read this one and it didn’t disappoint. I was very invested in what was going to happen between the two MCs as they were complete opposites. The first chunk of the book Gillian was testing me, but once I warmed up to her I enjoyed her character. I have nothing but good things to say about Viola, she was great. I will say this is an incredible slow burn so there’s your warning.

Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, I think we all just need a sapphic ice queen neighbour to sweep us off our feet slowburn style.

This is possibly my favourite book of Banting’s, I blew through it in a day and was smiling the whole time at these two gays bonding over their shared dry humour and trauma.

Also the later in life coming out was just perfect.

Age gap, ice queen, celebrity (singer) romance.

There is spice, but only a tiny dash of it so it’s perfect if you want a low spice romance.

Rep// Lesbian woman MC (44), sapphic woman MC (55)

TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.




TW// death of a friend (past), death of a parent (past), brief homophobia (past), alcohol, financial issues, brief sexual content.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

In Her Manner by Emily Banting is the third and final book in the South Downs Romance series. Despite being part of a series, In Her Manner is a standalone enemies to lovers novel.

The enemies to lovers, middle aged characters were enjoyable to read. On top of above mentioned, the book also explored grief, healing, class difference and change. Beyond the characters’ funny verbal jousting and animosity, their personal struggles - confronting their pasts and their grief. This set a fertile ground for a slow-burn romance.

For fans who’s read the rest of the South Downs series, this was a highly anticipated part of the series. For readers after late bloomer lesbian novels, stiff upper lip, demanding, bordering on mean main character, this is a no brainer.

[Elske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely romance, strong female characters and nice story. I liked the way the main characters communicated and build their relationship.
Hope the next book features Bridget, though it looks like this book as the last in this series.

[Sapphic Bookshelf]

This is another great addition to the series! I really like the way this author writes Ice Queens and age gaps. I highly recommend these books!

[L A Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely wonderful read. And it's title fits the book so well. Gillian Carmichael has been lady of the Manor for 35 yrs. To her dismay, when her husband dies, he leaves her nearly destitute. Famous singer Viola Berkley buys the estate. This story is told with fascinating characters. Besides the two MCs. There are best friends, villagers, clergy, Dudley, Agatha, and many more. All combine to make up this tale. There is an age gap with Gillian being the older. She is also an ice queen with a very frosty exterior. Viola is a sweet person that really just wants to get along. The relationship is very intriguing with numerous ups and downs. I have enjoyed all of Emily Banting's tremendously. But I believe this maybe my favorite. I highly recommend.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Dec. 19, 2025
A must-listen!

This audiobook is yet another Emily Banting/Angela Dawe gem! Dawe absolutely nails Gillian’s and Viola’s voices — the emotion and chemistry between them really shine through her narration. I teared up more than once!

Revisiting the story’s perfectly paced slow burn was truly worth it, with the gradual emotional buildup hits even harder this time around. I wholeheartedly recommend this!

BOOK REVIEW - Feb. 13, 2025
Beyond Her Manner is Book 3 in Emily Banting’s “South Downs Romance” series. And I have to say, it was such an enjoyable read—from start to finish! I found myself immersed, yet again, in the beautiful landscape of the South Downs, which really served as the perfect backdrop for a story that unfolded with such depth and authenticity.

The protagonists, Gillian and Viola, were, beyond question, the true heart of the story. They were so well-developed and real; I easily connected with them, especially the way Banting took her time to peel back their layers. There was a gradual and almost intimate approach to revealing their true selves, making their development feel incredibly natural.

I also enjoyed following the dynamic between the two middle-aged women, who have an age gap of 11 years. Their relationship went through such a believable and touching progression—from enemies to friends, and ultimately, to lovers. The pacing was perfect—nothing felt rushed, and the build-up to both the conflict and the romance was so well executed!

What I really find impressive is how Banting managed to weave in the age-gap and enemies-to-friends, then friends-to-lovers tropes without them feeling forced. She laid out these tropes so smoothly, making them a compelling and essential part of the story rather than clichés!

I also particularly appreciated how the emotions of the characters seemed to leap off the page! From grief to affection to fear, and of course, love, everything felt deeply conveyed through Banting’s skillful storytelling.

And I’d be remiss not to give the supporting characters—particularly Bridget, Agatha the cat, and Dudley the horse—a shoutout! They added such delightful little touches to the story, bringing in extra warmth and more dose of fun without ever taking away from the main narrative.

Overall, Beyond Her Manner had a lot going for it! With its vivid setting, relatable characters, and compelling emotional depth, it’s definitely an easy 5-star read for me! Emily Banting has knocked it out of the park again with this book, and so I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this series!!

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to the audiobook version narrated by the Legendary Angela Dawe:

Perfection. What more needs to be said?

Original review:

As much as I’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, I think this may be my favorite of the three!

Gillian Carmichael - in her mid 50s - is the mistress of the Kingsford Estate. The manor house on the estate is the center of it and a long-standing location of many village social gatherings.

At her husband’s funeral, Gillian is blindsided with the news that the estate is about to be foreclosed on and is in massive debt. Devastated she will never be able to bring to fruition all the plans she envisioned for it, she is tortured when someone else purchases the property and begins to take it over. She sees it all from the Georgian lodge on the property - the only part of the estate she didn’t have to sell.

The last 35 years of Gillian’s life were about that manor and her place in village society. It was her entire identity. When she loses a it, her self worth deteriorates. Her goal is to get the estate back, but the reality is that she doesn’t have the means to do so. All that is left for her is a lodge on the property where she can still live and watch on helplessly while the home becomes someone else’s.

Viola, a wildly successful Classical musician singer/composer in her mid-40s, purchased the estate for her mother, who had roots in the South Downs. Unaware of how the property became available, Viola finds Gillian’s icy demeanor and anger at pretty much everything she does annoying. But she can’t help but notice how striking and intriguing she is - if only they can manage a way not to be at each other’s throats.

While this is a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend that you read or listen to the first two prior to this one to enjoy the fun Easter Eggs in it.

A terrific read. I absolutely cannot wait to hear what narrator Angela Dawe will do with it!

[Julie Kilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Banting has produced another cracking book!

Gillian is such a complex character who at first I didn't like but once I learned her backstory and how she grows as a person is a thing of beauty.

The banter between Gillian and Viola is so well written and the side characters add so much value to the story. I loved every moment of this

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super angsty, slow burn in a lovely setting.
I love Emily Banting's South Downs world because it is so different from mine. It feels very real, and being transported somewhere else is one of my favorite things about reading. And, of course I loved another visit to this beautiful place. I wouldn't mind if this series just keeps going.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and slowly unfolding romance blossoms between recently widowed Gillian Carmichael and the famous classical singer, Viola Berkley. When they first crossed paths, both were a bit frosty towards one another, which was understandable since Gillian had expected the manor to be hers upon the death of her husband, not Viola's, who bought it for her mother. However, as they found themselves sharing a bench and swapping stories about their lives, their icy demeanour began to thaw. Over time, genuine feelings begin to blossom between Gillian and Viola, but a pivotal question looms: is Gillian ready to embrace her true self and be with Viola, who is confidently out and proud about their relationship?

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banting’s writing is so cinematic it’s hard not to feel like you are right there with the characters. I love how human her ice queens always feel. They’re not made out to be villains, at least not completely.

I’m not the biggest fan of the coming out trope, but I appreciate how it was handled in this book. It wasn’t used as a plot point but as an opportunity to show how much Gillian has grown and evolved over the course of the story.

It’s always fun seeing other characters from this series pop up in the following book, and I enjoyed the little glimpses into their lives.

If you’re a fan of ice queen romances, Beyond Her Manner is a must read!

[Conny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the three books in this series contain similar tropes for me they are still very different. Each story is beautiful on its own and after finishing book three I can say that all three hold a special place in my heart.

There are many things I loved in this book and it’s difficult to point out only a few. The way the story was built, the character‘s growth, the way the melter Viola gets under Gillian’s skin, how this leads to see more of what’s behind Gillian‘s facade, their banter, and how one bench can make such a difference. These are just a few of the things.

I don’t wanna reveal too much of the story because for me it just needs to be read and enjoyed. Maybe it’s good to go in with an open mind and heart. And just to remember that we all carry baggage that makes us act the way we do. Baggage that lead to building a wall around us and in the end made us to the person we are today. I feel that we get to see this perfectly in this story.

Last but not least I wanna say something about Emily’s writing. I am a reader of her books since the beginning. Fell in love with the first Nunswick book and never looked back since then. I feel that since then she has improved her writing skills so much. Not to forget her unique humour and just how she always waves her history knowledge in her stories. So I can say that I already look forward to whatever she comes up with next because I already know that I will love it just as much if not more than her other books.

I wanna end this review with a quote from the book that is very close to my heart. Something I always try to remind myself whenever I struggle with exactly this.
“Being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness. It’s the greatest measure of courage.“

[Adrienne Oliveri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, my favorite of the South Downs series

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gillian Carmichael is the Lady of the Manor of Kingsford. Just having become a widow, she is expecting that the house and estate which have been in the Carmichael family for four centuries is now hers, and she means to make changes. However, her late husband left some surprises for her.
Viola Berkley is a celebrity - a world famous mezzo-soprano, mourning the very recent loss of her mother. She bought the house for her mother, because of her connection to the area.
After Gillian is forced to sell the house and estate, with Viola as its new Lady, Gillian does everything she can to make difficulties for the new owner. However after she learns of Viola’s loss, she feels sympathy, and slowly gets to know the new owner. Viola initially dislikes the uptight, very prim and proper Gillian, but finds her intriguing.
The other inhabitants of the village all want something from Viola; use of the house or the land, her presence to give kudos to an event, or to open something or judge something. The only person not asking anything from her is Gillian. And with a public footpath very close to the Manor House, and a memorial bench where Gillian sits and watches, Viola finds the previous owner often nearby. This becomes their meeting spot, to catch up with events, to chat, and to slowly fall in love.
This is a warm hug of a book, happily balancing the old-world charm of the South Downs and the traditions of the village of Kingsford with Viola and her rich lifestyle, flying her helicopter to and from the Manor. The romance is slow coming, but the lead up to it is lovely, making us feel like this is a story from a bygone era which then gets updated when Gillian accepts her feeling for Viola.
There are always tropes, especially in romance stories, and it would be impossible to not find similarities with other stories. This reminds me of another in a very similar vein (having to leave the big house and move into the lodge, only to later get the main house back through romance) from not long ago. However, this story is much better!
Overall a wonderful story, worth reading, especially if you like all things British.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read by Emily Banting was Broken Beyond Repair, the first in the South Downs Romance series. Since then, I've read all of her other books. Beyond Her Manner is her third in the series and my absolute favorite. The lives of both Gillian and Viola mirror the lives of so many women. Gillian was instantly unlikeable, but as her story was skillfully told, I began to see her in a totally different light. As Viola worked through grief of her own, she was able to see the real woman behind the walls Gillian had erected. Their relationship evolves realistically over time with not too much angst, which I always appreciate. As I myself have aged, I find I enjoy books involving women over 40 more and more. If you're also a fan and like well written, enemies to lovers stories, I think you'll like this one. And if you haven't read the other two books in the South Downs Romance series, I highly recommend them both, as well. They're each standalone works, but characters from earlier books in the series may appear briefly in later ones.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[krystelleyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and of course I loved it to my core. This was one of the series that are well written and does leave a mark on you. Getting to last part knowing that this would be the last book in the series left my heart aching but also grateful that I got to read all three book. So to the author, a very big fat thank you for sharing these beautiful and inspiring and heart tugging stories to us readers, they will forever hold a special place in my heart.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of complex characters facing changed circumstances and the unknown.
I think the characters who stay with me the longest after finishing a book, are those who, on page one, don't interest me at all or whom I actively dislike. But by the end of the book, the author has illuminated the past which formed them, and has given them experiences which help them become who they were meant to be all along. And that's exactly what happened in this book. You will find complex characters who are faced with new circumstances and who have choices to make which are incredibly difficult and take incredible courage. That's a journey well worth being a fly on the wall to watch. (What? You don't think of yourself as an unnoticed observer when reading? I do.)
You'll possibly find a character you don't like, at all! At least not to begin with. But you might just find you don't have all the information you need to understand her. And, you might not even understand her place in the world she has chosen to restrict herself too. But, I count on reading to strengthen empathy … and this book did that for me!
Gillian derives her entire identity from being lady of the manner and providing service to her village. Viola, a renowned classical singer, is grieving the loss of her Mother who has grounded her and given her strength for many years. Watching their interactions and listening in as they reveal themselves to each other is absolutely beautiful.
I don't want to say too much because you deserve to take this journey with the characters, not with me. But, I will say, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
This is the third book in the Southdown series and characters from each of the previous books appear in this one, giving continuity and a gratifying look at how things from the previous books are working out. I'm always happy to see that happily ever after really does continue beyond the end of the book.
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of The South Down Romance series. What a wonderfully beautiful book! Gillian is in mourning, not of the death of her husband but the fact she has to sell the Manor because he left her destitute. Viola is a world renowned classical singer, who is mourning because of the death of her mother. She bought the Manor for her mother, and she passed 2 weeks before they moved in. Gillian resents Viola, but as they get to know each other, they slowly become friends.
This is a gorgeous slow burn, age gap, Ice Queen, love story! You might not like Gillian, but if you understand where her pain is coming from, she'll grow on you. Viola is a wonderful person and grows on Gillian. The side characters, especially Bridget are wonderful.
I LOVE this book and the series! 5 stars!!

[Stillbittersweet31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Banting delivers a stunning and emotionally resonant finale to the South Downs Romances with Beyond Her Manner — a tender, layered, and refreshingly mature sapphic romance that shines in both story and narration. It’s a rare treat to read a romance between women over 40 and 50, and Banting doesn’t shy away from the complexities that come with age, grief, and years of carefully constructed identities with this one!

Gillian Carmichael is a fascinating character: proud, prickly, and utterly entrenched in a life she didn’t realize was so fragile. Her struggle with internalized homophobia — particularly as a late bloomer — is painfully real and heartbreakingly honest. Her emotional arc is one of the most interesting and complex I’ve encountered in a long time. Watching her slowly shed the protective layers built over decades, especially in the shadow of losing not her husband, but her home, is quietly devastating and deeply emotional. Given the current times and it being PRIDE Month, it's a glimpse into some things that generations before us had to contend with.

Enter Viola Berkley, a world-famous classical singer whose own grief brings her to the same village Gillian can’t quite let go of. Viola is effortlessly charismatic, confident, and importantly — unafraid to call Gillian out. But she's NEVER truly unkind about it once they become friends. The dynamic between them is sharp and deliciously slow-burning; their chemistry hums with tension and longing that builds over chapters of conflict, grudging respect, and hesitant vulnerability. This is a masterclass in slow burn — and I loved every agonizing moment of it.

Plot-wise, every emotional beat lands exactly as it should, with a quiet precision that feels natural rather than formulaic. Their journey from adversaries to friends to lovers is not rushed — it’s earned, and that makes all the difference. Themes of grief, legacy, self-discovery, and healing are beautifully woven throughout, with mentions of loss, homophobia (internal and external), and alcoholism handled with nuance and care.

Angela Dawe, as always, is magnificent. Her performance brings Gillian’s brittleness and Viola’s elegance vividly to life, anchoring the emotional depth of the novel in a way that feels profoundly intimate. Every sigh, every sharp retort, every vulnerable confession — Dawe delivers it with pitch-perfect emotional resonance.

For fans of ice queen dynamics, mature sapphic leads, and redemption arcs with real depth, Beyond Her Manner is not to be missed. It’s a poignant and satisfying end to a beloved series — and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly written! I love getting ARCs of Emily Banting’s books as I fall in love with each one every time, and always want to read more! I wasn’t sure at first about Gillian’s attitude and how I would relate to her at all with the manor and such, but I ended up getting so invested in this story and couldn’t put it down. I’m so glad that I was able to receive an ARC of this ice queen romance once again, and Emily knocked it out of the park as usual! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense, emotionally gripping slow-burn, age-gap romance. It's full of deep feelings and emotions.
Both Mc's go through difficult times like grief, loss and bitterness because of false expectations.
It's written so wittily and playfully though, that it's really amusing how the wonderful and famous Viola meets the frosty, grumpy ex-owner of the Estate, Gillian.
Two worlds really do collide in more ways than one. Not just out and in the closet.
At first they bump into each other so often, by chance and not in a particularly friendly way! they realise that they simply cannot avoid each other.
Gillian has lost Kingsford Manor that means everything to her and to some extent she takes out her frustration on the new, admittedly beautiful and famous Viola Berkley!
Viola’s grief is still raw and she did not expect the expectations of the local villagers that come with the Estate she bought for her mother. They get on her last nerve!
Especially Gillian Carmichael!
Nevertheless, a slow, hesitant but also wonderful acquaintance develops and both realise how well they understand each other and how much they have in common.
It had me in its grip the whole day.
The anger, the frustration, the loss and the wonderful, very vulnerable moments are incredibly beautiful in a raw way.
Gillian is a really difficult main character and yet she won my heart.
Because after a while you understand where the whole facade and all the masks come from.
Viola also understands and sees more…
A wonderful third book of the South Down Romances.
Thanks so much to Emily Banting for the ARC! This is my honest opinion and review.

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable book by Ms Bunting. This one is in the vain of the popular tv series To The Manor Born. Gillian, who was once lady of the manor, is now a widow and has had to move out of The Manor due to financial circumstances. The person that replaces her at The Manor is Viola, who is a singer recovering from her mothers death. Sparks fly as they both try to find their way to deal with their change in circumstances. Hidden depths to both characters. Well written as usual from Ms Bunting, well worth the read.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an Emily Banting fan and Beyond her Manner didn’t disappoint. The MCs were as different as chalk and cheese and you wondered how they’d find some common ground. But find it they did. Both women were hurting and amazingly they healed each other.

Gillian was a shocker; rude, arrogant and uncompromising. Viola was a nice generous person who stood firm against Gillian, gradually,storming her defences and was deserving of the spoils.of that war.

Throw in some quirky characters who didn’t overpower the story, a horse named Dudley and Agatha the cat and you have a likeable, totally readable addition to Emily Banting’s library of books. Extra half star for a MC who piloted a helicopter. Oh, yes!

I received a preview copy of this book and this is an honest review.

[kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Emily Banting! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading wondering if Viola and Gillian were going to end up together! They have the absolute perfect tension throughout the entire novel. Both of the main characters compliment each other beautifully and have such good chemistry, even if they didn’t know it yet.

The underlying themes of grief and loss is really well executed. The fact that grief may be for a place, and not just about people is something that is so important and generally underrepresented. I love the portrayal of Gillian’s grief with the Manor and having to come to terms with that loss.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.