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The Stars Above Northumberland
Her husband is dead. But far from grieving, young widow Lady Meriwether Sturgess feels nothing but relief and release. After enduring years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her cruel husband, Meri is drawn to the comfort of the one place sure to offer healing both for her and her Rosewell Manor. The home of her beloved Aunt Annibel is the site of her happiest childhood memories, and it promises the new beginning for which she longs.
Just as she settles into life at the manor, Meri is granted a delightful surprise. Elliott Rosewell has come to stay, as he often has since childhood. Meri and Elliott had once been close friends, and each concealed long-harbored feelings for one another. Their warm relationship is quickly rekindled, and despite the sorrows and secrets they each conceal, they discover that their friendship has blossomed into love.
But a relationship that seems to promise happily ever after quickly begins to unravel as devastating truths from both Meri’s and Elliott’s past surface, and their chance at happiness together may be lost forever....
Just as she settles into life at the manor, Meri is granted a delightful surprise. Elliott Rosewell has come to stay, as he often has since childhood. Meri and Elliott had once been close friends, and each concealed long-harbored feelings for one another. Their warm relationship is quickly rekindled, and despite the sorrows and secrets they each conceal, they discover that their friendship has blossomed into love.
But a relationship that seems to promise happily ever after quickly begins to unravel as devastating truths from both Meri’s and Elliott’s past surface, and their chance at happiness together may be lost forever....
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First published February 1, 2018
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About the author
Anita Stansfield
133 books471 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 28, 2018
Relief and release is what Lady Meriwether Sturgess feels upon the death of her husband . Her husband abused her mentally and physically and though the servants knew about it in this Regency time place romance no help was forthcoming. The young widow wants nothing to do with inheritance monies or keeping the house. Mourning her last child a baby she had a few months ago that she was told had been born dead she takes her two surviving children and sets off for her Aunt, Uncle and cousins home. She hasn't seen them in sometime but her Aunt says she is always welcome. Her and the children settle into life at her Aunt's manor and she renews her friendship with her 5 cousins all of whom are women. They prattle on incessantly in their uncles presence but we find out why after his death. He is a mean and uncaring man who never let the women speak freely about consequential things. Consequentially they don't know how to express themselves except with nonsensical prattle. Meri finds friendship with Elliot that blossoms into romance. Meri helps the women speak their mind and deep secrets are revealed that are cleansing to all as they get the emotional help they need. There is a reveal almost at the end that that I wasn't expecting at all! This is my first read by this author and I'll be looking for more of her books.
Pub Date 14 Mar 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Covenant Communications. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Pub Date 14 Mar 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Covenant Communications. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
December 21, 2018
I think the main reason I disliked this book was because of how much rambling there was in the first half. Meri has dealt with severe domestic abuse and has now been suddenly widowed, leaving her with an unexpected inheritance and greedy, controlling in-laws. This much is interesting--what isn't, is the pages and pages in which she thinks and thinks and remembers and rehashes. Very rarely do I find a book with this sheer number of unnecessary words, and I read vintage stuff all the time.
At 50%, though, Drama entered. Wow. Everything we know about the family gets overturned and Drama takes the stage. Drama that's not just page-noise: it's a family earthquake.
I would have enjoyed a bit more focused narrative and a bit more historical detail (as it was, I kept thinking at different times that I was anywhere from pre-Regency to mid-Victorian in time period.) I liked the splashes of suspense at the end and I loved the scenes where Meri learned to bond with her children. And that cover is exquisite!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy to read. A favorable review was not required.
At 50%, though, Drama entered. Wow. Everything we know about the family gets overturned and Drama takes the stage. Drama that's not just page-noise: it's a family earthquake.
I would have enjoyed a bit more focused narrative and a bit more historical detail (as it was, I kept thinking at different times that I was anywhere from pre-Regency to mid-Victorian in time period.) I liked the splashes of suspense at the end and I loved the scenes where Meri learned to bond with her children. And that cover is exquisite!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy to read. A favorable review was not required.
April 26, 2019
The story of Meri, who leaves her husband's estate after his sudden death and returns home to her aunt's family, to her sanctuary, took me ages to actually finish. It was too slow for my taste, too much telling, too little showing.
March 2, 2018
I love the messages that Anita delivers in her books. The Stars above Northumberland has a powerful healing message. Where there was a romance of second chance in the book, it was overshadowed with the sorrow every family member in the home had including Elliott and Meri. I mean I knew that Meri’s marriage was filled with physical and mental abuse, But the book shows how everyone who seems to be moving along in life may have sorrows of their own!
I needed a kleenex to get through all the sadness. Did I mention that there was every type of sorrow and tragedy scenario in this book? Every. Single. Person. So reader beware!
Elliott and Meri definitely make a cute couple. They are just right for each other and are just the ones to help everyone begin to heal. The last one to totally heal is Meri! There is a curveball at the end that I wasn’t prepared for.
I needed a kleenex to get through all the sadness. Did I mention that there was every type of sorrow and tragedy scenario in this book? Every. Single. Person. So reader beware!
Elliott and Meri definitely make a cute couple. They are just right for each other and are just the ones to help everyone begin to heal. The last one to totally heal is Meri! There is a curveball at the end that I wasn’t prepared for.
“...we will take all the time we need to both move forward with confidence, but Meri… no one knows you better than I do; and the other way around. We both know that life comes with challenges, but you and I have what it takes to face anything as long as we face it together.”
“Didn’t you tell me he (referring to the doctor) said that unless a person is actually experiencing pain or discomfort- or even sometimes when they are- they often just won’t accept it?”
“...love is not a feeling alone; it is action. Love is shown by the way you treat people and care for them…”
“...Meri leaned back on her hands on one of the blankets they’d spread out on the lawn and took in the lighthearted chattering taking place among her aunt and cousins and the typical way Elliott was playing with the children, provoking them into much laughter. Meri felt content to just observe the evidence of happiness and love among these people who comprised her family. She contrasted her tumultuous past with the peace and contentment of the present- which was surely an indication of the future. She knew her future would never be without challenges, for challenges were the very nature of life. But these people with whom she shared a home had proven they could face challenges and rise above them by helping each other and by putting their love and concern for each other above all else.”
March 6, 2018
I have to admit it. I'm guilty.
Guilty of being hooked on what some might label the genre as Traditional Regencies! Fans of Jane Austen's novels and fans of Downton Abbey understand exactly what I am saying. It is a genre like any other because of the social implications for women back in the 1800's. Women had little to say in the way things were handled and often time had very little to do except accept what social standards dictated at the time.
For Meriwether Sturgess, that was a life of seven years to a mean man whom she married that had one persona on the outside and another in the quiet confines within his home and in their marriage. That is why it came as no shock when the man died quite unexpectedly leaving her not only a widow and single mother to their two children, but also the large financial inheritance she would assume or rather oversee until her son Crispen was old enough to assume the responsibilities of running the Sturgess finances and holdings.
But for Meri, she simply planned carefully for the last seven years, holding back a small fund from her husband's allotment of her monthly expenses to keep up appearances for both herself and the children. Along with the jewelry he bestowed upon her, she kept it all hidden until the day she could change both her own circumstances and that of her children. She shared no affections for her husbands family and couldn't wait to leave the estate under the guise of needing to get away and be with her family to deal with her grief. There was no turning back for Meri.
Now she has returned to live with her Aunt Annabel at the Rosewell Manor and finds a bit of a surprise to learn that her childhood friend, Elliot Rosewell has returned as well and he hopes to find a second chance at love with Meri and her two children, something he has deeply regretted for those same seven years, watching her go and marry another man, while he had to deal with his own broken heart. But like all great romances, there are bound to be complications which work against our dear couple in an effort to keep them apart but will these secrets truly be the ones that keep their love from full blossoming?
I received The Stars Above Northumberland by Anita Stansfield compliments of Covenant Communications. I absolutely LOVED this entire novel, although at the beginning there are parts of the novel that appear repetitive as though you just read the same pages previously. Once you get pass those however, you find yourself ever rooting for our beloved couple and know that Meri's quick departure will not be a lasting one. No one can ever truly run from their pasts. I have loved reading Anita Stansfields novels and now anxiously await each new one she pens. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
Guilty of being hooked on what some might label the genre as Traditional Regencies! Fans of Jane Austen's novels and fans of Downton Abbey understand exactly what I am saying. It is a genre like any other because of the social implications for women back in the 1800's. Women had little to say in the way things were handled and often time had very little to do except accept what social standards dictated at the time.
For Meriwether Sturgess, that was a life of seven years to a mean man whom she married that had one persona on the outside and another in the quiet confines within his home and in their marriage. That is why it came as no shock when the man died quite unexpectedly leaving her not only a widow and single mother to their two children, but also the large financial inheritance she would assume or rather oversee until her son Crispen was old enough to assume the responsibilities of running the Sturgess finances and holdings.
But for Meri, she simply planned carefully for the last seven years, holding back a small fund from her husband's allotment of her monthly expenses to keep up appearances for both herself and the children. Along with the jewelry he bestowed upon her, she kept it all hidden until the day she could change both her own circumstances and that of her children. She shared no affections for her husbands family and couldn't wait to leave the estate under the guise of needing to get away and be with her family to deal with her grief. There was no turning back for Meri.
Now she has returned to live with her Aunt Annabel at the Rosewell Manor and finds a bit of a surprise to learn that her childhood friend, Elliot Rosewell has returned as well and he hopes to find a second chance at love with Meri and her two children, something he has deeply regretted for those same seven years, watching her go and marry another man, while he had to deal with his own broken heart. But like all great romances, there are bound to be complications which work against our dear couple in an effort to keep them apart but will these secrets truly be the ones that keep their love from full blossoming?
I received The Stars Above Northumberland by Anita Stansfield compliments of Covenant Communications. I absolutely LOVED this entire novel, although at the beginning there are parts of the novel that appear repetitive as though you just read the same pages previously. Once you get pass those however, you find yourself ever rooting for our beloved couple and know that Meri's quick departure will not be a lasting one. No one can ever truly run from their pasts. I have loved reading Anita Stansfields novels and now anxiously await each new one she pens. I easily give this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
June 14, 2018
2.5 stars
Over the course of the last 20 years, I have had opportunity to read many books by Anita Stansfield. (I have a friend that is a huge fan of hers). Initially, I enjoyed reading her books but somewhere along the way either I or Anita have changed. I noticed a few years ago when I read a couple books of hers that it felt like everything was "just so" and characters felt very one-dimensional, so I gave her a rest. But I saw this beautiful cover and thought I would give her another chance. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to the artwork. Anita is known for tackling difficult subjects in her books, and this one is no exception. But I felt it wasn't executed in such a way to do it justice, though. Everything always seems to work out just so and things are all bad or all good etc. I don't like to give unfavorable reviews, but I can't recommend this across the board. I'm sure previous fan's of Anita Stansfield will enjoy, though. If this is your first reading of her books, don't let this totally taint you on her writing - try her earlier series, which I quite enjoyed.
**Thanks to NetGalley & Covenant Communications for a copy to read and honestly review!**
Over the course of the last 20 years, I have had opportunity to read many books by Anita Stansfield. (I have a friend that is a huge fan of hers). Initially, I enjoyed reading her books but somewhere along the way either I or Anita have changed. I noticed a few years ago when I read a couple books of hers that it felt like everything was "just so" and characters felt very one-dimensional, so I gave her a rest. But I saw this beautiful cover and thought I would give her another chance. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to the artwork. Anita is known for tackling difficult subjects in her books, and this one is no exception. But I felt it wasn't executed in such a way to do it justice, though. Everything always seems to work out just so and things are all bad or all good etc. I don't like to give unfavorable reviews, but I can't recommend this across the board. I'm sure previous fan's of Anita Stansfield will enjoy, though. If this is your first reading of her books, don't let this totally taint you on her writing - try her earlier series, which I quite enjoyed.
**Thanks to NetGalley & Covenant Communications for a copy to read and honestly review!**
March 1, 2018
This book was ridiculous.
Read
June 13, 2018This book reminded me a lot of the stories I would sign out from our church library between the morning and the evening services and wile an afternoon with by a rain-spattered window. I don't mean to infer that as something negative or immature, rather than there is a simplicity to the tale with its straight morals and slow-burning love that has a resonance of the inspirational fiction of generations ago.
The narrative voice is lovely and the story unspools at a soft pace. While some readers find it might tip on the saccharine or melodramatic in terms of its content, I think there is something traditionally worth preserving in this use of fiction to spin moral truths.
A competent writer in the tradition of Judith Miller, Janette Oke, or Grace Livingston Hill.
With thanks to Netgalley.
The narrative voice is lovely and the story unspools at a soft pace. While some readers find it might tip on the saccharine or melodramatic in terms of its content, I think there is something traditionally worth preserving in this use of fiction to spin moral truths.
A competent writer in the tradition of Judith Miller, Janette Oke, or Grace Livingston Hill.
With thanks to Netgalley.
April 10, 2018
If I ever was grateful I didn’t buy a book based on its cover, this was it. Probably one of the most stunning covers I’ve seen on a book from Covenant. The minute I saw this I knew I had to read it. Almost bought it. After all, we judge books by their cover.
I’ve not read anything by this author before surprisingly. She came recommended by a work colleague years ago in the bookstore and I’d always thought I’d give one a try. My TBR pile always so large that it took this stunning cover to break the cycle.
What can I say? I’ll start with the good. Often, the books written for this era are so cheery and light, despite the conflicts that are thrown in to stir up the trouble. That’s ok. I’m pretty cool with that. However, the main challenge throughout this book for Meri Sturgess, is domestic abuse. I actually believe the scenario to be very realistic. I’m glad when we get taken there as a reader and we explore the consequences of women’s rights in that era.
That’s where it ends. Here we go with everything I found issue with. The style of writing jumps so often to a small portion of dialogue, with the majority of the text being the author telling you what’s happening. There is zero room in this scenario to make any kind of emotional connection to the characters. That’s huge. If you remain aloof as a reader, the book is tedious. Second, the romance is settled at barely 20% of the way into the book. Third, Meri tells us how amazing it will be to go home to this place of safety, security - emotional as well as physical and yet it turns out to be anything but. As all these issues arise with the cousins, and everyone gets an one... as if we must cover all the bases. None of it gets tackled directly because there’s too much of it. Meri & Elliot discuss them all as ‘drama’ and I never truly understood the point of it.
Lastly there was very little attention to detail to historical facts.
Overall, there are so so many other authors that do this better. If you kind of liked the overall theme of the story and location, pick up Roseanna White’s - ‘The Lost Heiress’. Fantastic.
Thank you to Covenant & Netgalley for the complimentary eARC. This is my honest review.
I’ve not read anything by this author before surprisingly. She came recommended by a work colleague years ago in the bookstore and I’d always thought I’d give one a try. My TBR pile always so large that it took this stunning cover to break the cycle.
What can I say? I’ll start with the good. Often, the books written for this era are so cheery and light, despite the conflicts that are thrown in to stir up the trouble. That’s ok. I’m pretty cool with that. However, the main challenge throughout this book for Meri Sturgess, is domestic abuse. I actually believe the scenario to be very realistic. I’m glad when we get taken there as a reader and we explore the consequences of women’s rights in that era.
That’s where it ends. Here we go with everything I found issue with. The style of writing jumps so often to a small portion of dialogue, with the majority of the text being the author telling you what’s happening. There is zero room in this scenario to make any kind of emotional connection to the characters. That’s huge. If you remain aloof as a reader, the book is tedious. Second, the romance is settled at barely 20% of the way into the book. Third, Meri tells us how amazing it will be to go home to this place of safety, security - emotional as well as physical and yet it turns out to be anything but. As all these issues arise with the cousins, and everyone gets an one... as if we must cover all the bases. None of it gets tackled directly because there’s too much of it. Meri & Elliot discuss them all as ‘drama’ and I never truly understood the point of it.
Lastly there was very little attention to detail to historical facts.
Overall, there are so so many other authors that do this better. If you kind of liked the overall theme of the story and location, pick up Roseanna White’s - ‘The Lost Heiress’. Fantastic.
Thank you to Covenant & Netgalley for the complimentary eARC. This is my honest review.
March 8, 2018
I so wanted to like this book. But unfortunately this is the second historical romance by Anita Stansfield that I have been so disappointed by and I don't know that I'll give her a third try. I've decided that she often "tells" her readers what is going on rather than "showing" them. I get so tired of the narrative describing how her characters feel or how they are overcoming their trials. I want to be shown what they are doing with their situations and Stansfield's books just don't do that.
April 10, 2018
Great plot, awful execution. Pages upon pages of the same conversation over and over. I can’t forgive him, you won’t love me....seriously-who wants to read this drivel. What’s worse? Every one of her last dozen or so books are like this. Why do I keep torturing myself? Probably because I really liked her early work--now, it is “Debbie downer” drama. I would have liked to see more positive: have a cousin find love, happy ending for a servant, the brother in law NOT win—anything!
March 5, 2018
Nonexistent plot
This is one of the few times that I couldn’t finish a book. Waste of money! Just read the description of the book that is all it is.
This is one of the few times that I couldn’t finish a book. Waste of money! Just read the description of the book that is all it is.
March 29, 2018
Poorly written, very little character development, and no depth at all to the “romance”.
May 16, 2018
Let me start out by saying I love Anita Stansfield. I started reading her books over 20 years ago and she was my go-to for a long time. About 9 years ago I discovered other LDS authors and didn't read her books as much. Now I've kind of rediscovered her.
If you cry easily you may want to have a box of tissue handy while reading this book. It does have a happy ending but it seems everyone in the book has a trial in their life to overcome.
The book opens at the funeral of Lord Sturgess. His widow, Meri (Meriweather) Sturgess puts on a good show of being the grieving widow for his family, but all she feels is relief that her emotional and abusive husband is dead. After the funeral she and her 2 young children move to Northumberland to live with her Aunt Annabel, Uncle Angus and their 5 daughters (none of whom have married) that she hasn't seen in years. Shortly after her arrival Elliott Rosewell, a childhood friend, comes to visit his Uncle Angus. It doesn't take long for Meri and Elliott's deep feelings for each other to return. He tries to help Meri heal from years of abuse at the hands of her husband but she finds it difficult to tell him everything.
A few months later Uncle Angus dies and we find out that everyone living at the house in Northumberland has a life-altering secret. Turns out Uncle Angus was a controlling man and that's why his wife and daughters shared nothing but idle chit chat, and why none of the ever married. One by one the family's secrets are shared and dealt with. Just when we think Meri and Elliott are about to get their happy ending the Sturgess family rears its ugly head (so to speak) and Meri and Elliott are thrust in to a nightmare. There's a reveal that I never saw coming, and can't say anything about without spoiling it.
I love Meri and Elliott together. He's so patient with her and the way he interacts with her children is wonderful. The chapters alternate between Meri and Elliott's point of view which I liked. I liked how the family member's secrets are told one by one and everyone is supportive of each other.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book is "Love cannot grow when it has been continually choked by so much hurt."
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
If you cry easily you may want to have a box of tissue handy while reading this book. It does have a happy ending but it seems everyone in the book has a trial in their life to overcome.
The book opens at the funeral of Lord Sturgess. His widow, Meri (Meriweather) Sturgess puts on a good show of being the grieving widow for his family, but all she feels is relief that her emotional and abusive husband is dead. After the funeral she and her 2 young children move to Northumberland to live with her Aunt Annabel, Uncle Angus and their 5 daughters (none of whom have married) that she hasn't seen in years. Shortly after her arrival Elliott Rosewell, a childhood friend, comes to visit his Uncle Angus. It doesn't take long for Meri and Elliott's deep feelings for each other to return. He tries to help Meri heal from years of abuse at the hands of her husband but she finds it difficult to tell him everything.
A few months later Uncle Angus dies and we find out that everyone living at the house in Northumberland has a life-altering secret. Turns out Uncle Angus was a controlling man and that's why his wife and daughters shared nothing but idle chit chat, and why none of the ever married. One by one the family's secrets are shared and dealt with. Just when we think Meri and Elliott are about to get their happy ending the Sturgess family rears its ugly head (so to speak) and Meri and Elliott are thrust in to a nightmare. There's a reveal that I never saw coming, and can't say anything about without spoiling it.
I love Meri and Elliott together. He's so patient with her and the way he interacts with her children is wonderful. The chapters alternate between Meri and Elliott's point of view which I liked. I liked how the family member's secrets are told one by one and everyone is supportive of each other.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book is "Love cannot grow when it has been continually choked by so much hurt."
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 26, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this one! It's not really your typical sappy romance. I liked that there was an element of romance, but the way Meri had been treated in her first marriage made things just a bit different for her as she was falling in love with the man she'd been in love with most of her life. I don't know how to explain it...it just seemed different that way.
I really loved Meri's character. I loved the way she did so many hard things for her kids. I loved the way she held everything together for them, even when she wanted to fall apart. I was pretty surprised by the revelations that she divulges as the book moved on. The reader knows that her life has been hard, but she leaves the reader in the dark just as much as she leaves Elliott in the dark about certain things and that makes the ending work so well!
I liked Elliott too. I liked the way the book switches back and forth between the two perspectives. It just gives the story a more rich feel than it otherwise would have. Elliott is such a gentleman and he really steps up to help when he is needed by Meri, her children or any of the cousins. Yet he has his own secrets that come out as the story goes along as well.
This whole book is full of secrets from almost all of the characters. I didn't realize that until just now as I'm thinking back over the plot. I loved the way the secrets are divulged and keep the plot moving along.
This book is one of my favorites by this author! I loved it!
I really loved Meri's character. I loved the way she did so many hard things for her kids. I loved the way she held everything together for them, even when she wanted to fall apart. I was pretty surprised by the revelations that she divulges as the book moved on. The reader knows that her life has been hard, but she leaves the reader in the dark just as much as she leaves Elliott in the dark about certain things and that makes the ending work so well!
I liked Elliott too. I liked the way the book switches back and forth between the two perspectives. It just gives the story a more rich feel than it otherwise would have. Elliott is such a gentleman and he really steps up to help when he is needed by Meri, her children or any of the cousins. Yet he has his own secrets that come out as the story goes along as well.
This whole book is full of secrets from almost all of the characters. I didn't realize that until just now as I'm thinking back over the plot. I loved the way the secrets are divulged and keep the plot moving along.
This book is one of my favorites by this author! I loved it!
February 26, 2018
My review might be a little unfair as I don’t typically love romance as a book genre. Pretty much a soap opera. One struggle right after another, and with every character. Predictable. Won’t be reading from the author again. The book would probably be fine for someone who enjoys more of a dramatic romance.
June 21, 2018
I always enjoy Anita Stansfield novels even though they are the same story every time. There's always a someone who has come from a bad relationship and a dark past but they meet the love of their life and a few minutes later they want to get married. They are always wealthy but kind to the servants and there is always a loveable and older wise relative. Then something sad happens and there is a lot of crying but everything works out in the end.
August 5, 2018
I couldn’t finish it. It was far too boring so I had to skip through the story, because it was definitely a good idea, but just poorly written. There were way too many details and not enough conversation, and it just dragged. Ugh, I hate not finishing books but this was just not worth the time it would take to force myself to read it... now, on to read the spoiler reviews of others who did suffer through the entirety of the book 😂
April 14, 2018
Lady Grace Merriweather Sturgess is a survivor. Upon the death of her husband she feels nothing but relief and anxiously fulfills her role as the grieving widow while looking forward to her escape. She returns home with her children to the estate of her aunt and uncle who raised her when she was orphaned, and finds a second chance at love and healing with her childhood friend, Elliott.
I gave this book three stars even though I soooooo wanted to give it a full five. The story itself was emotional and intended to be uplifting. It was interesting to realize that many women and children must have been victims of domestic violence throughout history, at times when they had even fewer rights and resources to help them get out than we do at present. I was 100% rooting for Meri, Elliott and all of the Rosewell sisters to break free of their secret constraints. Another big PRO for me was how well written and edited the book is. It is almost entirely free of spelling and/or grammatical errors, which for someone who reads 5-10 ebooks a month, is a very nice change from the usual sloppiness in new releases.
That being said, the book was borderline tedious and there is almost no emotional connection to any of the characters. As much as I was rooting for Meri, I found the explanation of her inner feelings and rationale to be repetitive and exhausting. Additionally, it was hard to keep track of which character's thoughts were being explained. The author regularly switched back and forth between the characters and I found myself going back to try and keep is straight. There is literally SO MUCH DRAMA and tragedy that everyone is constantly dealing with that the entire book felt like one big therapy session. Literally, every character in the book needs to work through all sorts of feelings and emotional breakdowns, following which the reader has to plow through multiple scenarios of tears, talking things out, and happiness that once again, someone talked about their issues. Unfortunately, I found myself dying to be finished with the book and were it not for the fact that it was an ARC, I probably would have put it down about halfway and walked away.
This review was based on an ARC ebook received in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I gave this book three stars even though I soooooo wanted to give it a full five. The story itself was emotional and intended to be uplifting. It was interesting to realize that many women and children must have been victims of domestic violence throughout history, at times when they had even fewer rights and resources to help them get out than we do at present. I was 100% rooting for Meri, Elliott and all of the Rosewell sisters to break free of their secret constraints. Another big PRO for me was how well written and edited the book is. It is almost entirely free of spelling and/or grammatical errors, which for someone who reads 5-10 ebooks a month, is a very nice change from the usual sloppiness in new releases.
That being said, the book was borderline tedious and there is almost no emotional connection to any of the characters. As much as I was rooting for Meri, I found the explanation of her inner feelings and rationale to be repetitive and exhausting. Additionally, it was hard to keep track of which character's thoughts were being explained. The author regularly switched back and forth between the characters and I found myself going back to try and keep is straight. There is literally SO MUCH DRAMA and tragedy that everyone is constantly dealing with that the entire book felt like one big therapy session. Literally, every character in the book needs to work through all sorts of feelings and emotional breakdowns, following which the reader has to plow through multiple scenarios of tears, talking things out, and happiness that once again, someone talked about their issues. Unfortunately, I found myself dying to be finished with the book and were it not for the fact that it was an ARC, I probably would have put it down about halfway and walked away.
This review was based on an ARC ebook received in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 18, 2023
This one was probably my least favorite of the seven I read. The underlying story of Meri and her children escaping her cold in-law family is good. Of course, the in-law family is over-the-top bad. One of the things that bothers me here is that, since Meri’s four-year-old son is the heir to his father’s estate and title, she is made the custodian of all of that. That role would definitely have gone to her husband’s (evil) younger brother. Instead, Meri just takes her kids and leaves to her aunt and uncle’s home far away. And the in-laws never seem to follow-up or communicate with her or demand that she return in any way until the climax of the story. And her son is never referred to by anyone by his title.
As Meri is traveling to her aunt and uncle’s home, we’re told that she never felt especially close to any of her cousins. Later, we hear multiple times that she loves them all as sisters.
And oh my goodness, this book has more sobbing than all the other ones combined. That woman sobs multiple times a day.
In the end, when Meri marries again, it is a full church wedding, with a veil (rare in that time period), walking up the aisle, flower girl, etc. A woman’s second marriage was not treated like a first marriage in that time period.
On the good side: I like how Stansfield takes on both physical and emotional abuse and the terrible effects both of those have.
There’s a big plot twist in this one as well, but the reason behind it is much more purposeful and believable.
Possible objectionable material:
Physical and emotional abuse, unwed pregnancy, suicide, eating disorder, perilous situations.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for providing advanced reader copies in exchange for my honest opinion.
As Meri is traveling to her aunt and uncle’s home, we’re told that she never felt especially close to any of her cousins. Later, we hear multiple times that she loves them all as sisters.
And oh my goodness, this book has more sobbing than all the other ones combined. That woman sobs multiple times a day.
In the end, when Meri marries again, it is a full church wedding, with a veil (rare in that time period), walking up the aisle, flower girl, etc. A woman’s second marriage was not treated like a first marriage in that time period.
On the good side: I like how Stansfield takes on both physical and emotional abuse and the terrible effects both of those have.
There’s a big plot twist in this one as well, but the reason behind it is much more purposeful and believable.
Possible objectionable material:
Physical and emotional abuse, unwed pregnancy, suicide, eating disorder, perilous situations.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for providing advanced reader copies in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 27, 2018
Her husband Lord Sturgess is dead however Lady Meriwether Sturgess feels nothing but relief and release. After enduring years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her cruel husband, Meri is drawn to the comfort of the one place sure to offer healing both for her and her children: Rosewell Manor. The home of her beloved Aunt Annibel is the site of her happiest childhood memories, and it promises the new beginning for which she longs. Just as she settles into life at the manor, Meri is granted a delightful surprise. Elliott Rosewell has come to stay, as he often has since childhood. Meri and Elliott had once been close friends, and each concealed long-harboured feelings for one another.
This wasn’t the most enjoyable read every single character had suffered some sort of angst, however the more I read the moree I needed to find out exactly what ha happened to each of the characters
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read. Meri for most of the book was a watering pot but on reflection I think this was a reaction to the years of abuse & humiliation. This is the first book I’ve read by the author & whilst it was certainly well written I don’t know if I want to be hauled over the wringers so much.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This wasn’t the most enjoyable read every single character had suffered some sort of angst, however the more I read the moree I needed to find out exactly what ha happened to each of the characters
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read. Meri for most of the book was a watering pot but on reflection I think this was a reaction to the years of abuse & humiliation. This is the first book I’ve read by the author & whilst it was certainly well written I don’t know if I want to be hauled over the wringers so much.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 26, 2018
Great storytelling set in the Regency period. This one features Meri and Eliott, childhood friends that get split apart when Meri marries a despicable man who deceived her and subjected her to a life of misery for eight years. When they meet again, their hearts take up where they left off, but though they both love each other, both have secrets from the past eight years that have left them scarred, and could possibly stand in the way of their happiness. I really enjoyed the layers of this story, delving into the life of the main characters (And side ones was intriguing too), who look like they've lived a normal, happy life, but have excessive demons to overcome. The theme of learning to let go of secrets in order to heal is explored thoroughly in this story, and it was fun to see the growth, pain, agony, and healing that eventually came. The secrets were interesting too. It was an easy book to read, and the pacing pull me along really fast. I read this in 3 days, and could hardly put it down. It's a great one. ***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review
May 21, 2018
I felt this book was very repetitive and I kept thinking there must be some huge section of the end of the book previewing another story because it seemed to wrap up about 8 different times (the love part was all figured out about a third of the way through the book). I struggled wanting to read this (which is why it took nine days instead of my usual two days). I think the struggles in the book are very real to so many people and did really and DO really happen, but I didn't quite like the way they were approached somehow. I understand the character's repetitiveness in needing reassurance, but to the reader, it really did get old after the first few times reading the same sentiment over and over.
Also, there were several spelling errors throughout the book. I was reading a demo copy, but the errors were in the hard copy in the bookstore I work at as well. Easy errors like spelling she as sge. They were just distracting and I don't understand how they got past the editing process, especially for such an accomplished author.
Also, there were several spelling errors throughout the book. I was reading a demo copy, but the errors were in the hard copy in the bookstore I work at as well. Easy errors like spelling she as sge. They were just distracting and I don't understand how they got past the editing process, especially for such an accomplished author.
August 4, 2019
Another book that could have been much shorter. Author tried to show PTSD pretty much, but only showed one instance of a result. I thought she would be more damaged, but it didn't seem like it. I'm glad author didn't get much into the actual events. This book felt depressing.
In the first 6-7 chapters there were a lot of repeating comments that should have been taken out.
I'm kind of a sticker for grammar, and there were a few editing mistakes. For example, when she felt "nauseous," the correct word is "nauseated." They do not mean the same thing. Also, near the end of the book, the names of the "happy home" and the "prison home" were mixed up.
Why the kidnapper got off scott free, I have no idea. In real life, it would have never happened. He would have been arrested.
Wondering why she signed her former name instead of her current name. The contract is void. Crispin still owns everything. That could have been an interesting part of the book.
I do like how Meri felt strong enough to leave after her husband's death. Shows courage. That slap at the end was great!
In the first 6-7 chapters there were a lot of repeating comments that should have been taken out.
I'm kind of a sticker for grammar, and there were a few editing mistakes. For example, when she felt "nauseous," the correct word is "nauseated." They do not mean the same thing. Also, near the end of the book, the names of the "happy home" and the "prison home" were mixed up.
Why the kidnapper got off scott free, I have no idea. In real life, it would have never happened. He would have been arrested.
Wondering why she signed her former name instead of her current name. The contract is void. Crispin still owns everything. That could have been an interesting part of the book.
I do like how Meri felt strong enough to leave after her husband's death. Shows courage. That slap at the end was great!
January 4, 2019
I really enjoyed Anita Stansfield's earlier books, but I've gotten so bored with her current ones. This one was pretty hard to get through. I liked the premise and it started out promising, but as I have seen in plenty of her books lately, this book was horribly repetitive. The characters talk about something that was hard and cry for a while, and then they cry some more, and then they talk some more, and then cry some more. I didn't feel like the characters or story went anywhere, and right when you think they might have gotten over something and the story could develop, they cry and wine about it again. Overall, it just wasn't worth reading.
February 23, 2018
I struggled a bit with the writing style and how the switch between character point of views was handled. There was a lot of drama and every key character and family member of the key characters seemed to have major issues within the family. It got a bit much for me at times (and rather repetitive) but there was enough within the story to keep me reading. Having family willing to put judgements aside and just love you through difficult times as you sort through your mess is the message I ultimately took away from this book.
January 11, 2025
Best thing about this book is the cover. I went into it fully expecting to thoroughly enjoy it... Haven't been this disappointed in a book in a long time. 95% of the book was the author telling you what happened and how people felt with almost no dialogue. Characters were all either 100% good or 100% bad. The drama was frankly just over the top. Way too long of a book, I almost considered not finishing it multiple times, but that's nearly impossible for me to do. Honestly, I wish I had just quit a quarter of the way through when the writing was on the wall.
April 1, 2018
When Lady Meri Sturgess's husband she feels nothing but relief that she is now free from his mental and physical abuse. Packing up she takes her children to her aunt's house Roswell Manor where she is welcomed and also renews her friendship with Elliot..... can she at last find love and happiness or are there too many secrets to stand in their way?
A good story with believable characters and a good storyline
A good story with believable characters and a good storyline
April 19, 2018
More than a trite romance. I wanted to give this book 3 stars for the development of the romance until I realized that the plot of this novel is less about a historical romance and more about learning to heal from tragic circumstances. There are heavy issues of abuse treated in as gentle a way as possible so as to help the reader understand the depth of pain and suffering, but focusing on the hope and peace of overcoming. Plenty of unexpected twists. Worth the read.
July 20, 2018
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 here. So much grief. This is a rather sad book, but it didn't leave me feeling sad at the end. I felt hopeful. It's one big catharsis not only for our heroine, but everyone around her, as well. Everyone has issues; everyone has struggled. This book shows us how dealing with our grief can release a burden on our souls.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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