Henrietta

The Shackleford Legacies #4

by Beverley Watts

Coming soon...

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

Beverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
 
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
 
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
 
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com

Reviews

[Alana Hales · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the Shackleford Legacies series and eagerly anticipate each release. Unfortunately, this one felt rushed. Both the romantic storyline and the central mystery felt underdeveloped. The main characters interacted only a handful of times before declaring their love, which made the relationship feel unearned and difficult to invest in emotionally as I felt I barely knew them.

Similarly, the mystery lacked depth and tension, resolving too quickly without the layered build-up that has made previous books in the series so compelling. There were moments where the story hinted at greater complexity, but these threads were never fully explored.

While Henrietta still has the familiar tone that fans of the series will recognise, it ultimately fell short of the standard set by earlier instalments. I remain a fan of the series and will continue reading, but this entry felt like it needed more time and space to truly shine.

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Havey Cavey Business “

Reverend Shackleford and his partners in crime will keep you laughing. I feel sure Finn will eventually have his own book. Raphael was the Kings trusted Agent and was felled by a Country Miss. Aboard Henrietta’s father ship, the attraction between them couldn’t be ignored. Great characters with familiar names including the King himself made for a lively read.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, no! We cannot stop!

In truth, I probably do need a break, as I have started speaking like Augustus Shackleford. Also in truth, all of the books in the series are some of the best I have ever read! I marvel at how Ms. Watts captures the complete essence of her many characters so well. Her grasp of each one is amazing. Their dialogue always so completely true to their character! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us!

[Laura Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this authors writing

I laugh out loud at the Reverend’s and Finn’s and Dougal’s hijinks. There’s intrigue, romance and adventure. The family is always involved. One book in the series builds on previous books. It’s always a joy to reread these stories. They get better the more there are. After years of reading the entire series I need a score card of who’s who.

[Beryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful Story

Once again I have enjoyed reading about the crazy Shackleford family. Reverend Shackleford always makes me laugh out loud. The girls are always delightful and I have trouble putting these books down. I highly recommend Henrietta and look forward to Book 5 of the Legacies.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the Shackleford family adventures!

It’s been so fun really getting to know the characters and have them all reoccur in each book making you feel like you understand their reactions because you know them as a person etc. it makes for a much deeper connection to the book and has been fun! Sad to have to wait for the next one!!!!

[Fran W. Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding!!! Ms Watts is an excellent storyteller. Love the characters and how she moves them from story to story. I laughed out loud. Cried when Freddy (The vicar’s dog). Loved the series.

Guess I put it all in the headline. Great read. I will search for all this lady’s books. One of my fav series.

[Penny Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Webs!

Henrietta is an exciting, amusing novel. The Reverend Shackleford and Finn steal the novel with their antics, but you will laugh out loud at them.
I would advise rereading or reading Book 3 because Chapter One will have your head spinning otherwise.

[Pamela.galbraithgmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beverley Watts never disappoints

Another wonderful Shackleford book. Much as I tried to draw out the enjoyment, in the end I couldn’t hold back. Now, I’m bereft waiting for the next book.

[Janet Scarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the Shackleford Legacies series! This one felt tamer compared to the other books. I love all the Shackleford characters and their families.
A good adventure which moved along nicely!!

[KELLY A JACK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henrietta

This was a fun romance historical mystery with great dramatic characters. The characters were quite vivid for me along with backdrops.Plenty of laugh out loud slapstick type comedy. The author is a great storyteller to me.🥰❣️💃🏻😁

[Debbie Hustings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henrietta 💖💖

Incredible book, funny, romantic, interesting, a great storyline, especially if you've read Beverley's previous books. I's wonderful, my favourite book by Beverley, and that's saying something. They're all brilliant! Thank you

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable story from the Shackleford family escapades. Beverley Watts is in fine form with this tale of love in the midst of mayhem. Something to brighten your day.

[A H Rosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always fun

This author never fails to deliver, a witty, funny, story, that includes all the favourite characters and new additions. A lovely read for christmas downtime

[Betty Foor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Success

They just keep coming. Just as funny as all Beverley's books. The Reverend and his cohorts could use a funny name for his sleuthing group.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shackleford Legacies continues the tradition, and daughters have as much trouble as their mothers. Action-packed, and lighthearted, while not a masterpiece, it is a fun read.

[Mary Ellen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henrietta

The story was what it was advertised to be. It was to be exciting. It had mystery. It had romance. Of course it had the Reverend and his comical outlook on things.

[Kerrie Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roll on the next chapter

I love love love these books and I feel like I’m part of the family. Never lets me down, keep writing Bev your a star!

[Sara E. Skees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many characters to keep straight initially. The story was intriguing and quite enjoyable.

[Ciara Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good

Again another great read and I'm so glad the reverend, Percy and Finn were in this book. It was such an enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next book.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Absolutely wonderful story. Loved it from beginning to end. Such a terrific series.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent romp

Mystery, adventure and a bit of spice all stirred together with humor and love. Henrietta is another great Shackleford story.

[Penny Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This was a great book as it combined a great plot with a lovely romance and wonderful characters. There was plenty of humour too.