The Widower Without a Will

by Katherine Grant

This secret love affair risks nothing except his legacy—and her heart.

Lord Martin Preston is not looking for love. All he wants is to secure his legacy as a progressive baron and caring father. When the rector’s widow needs a place to stay, he doesn’t think twice before offering her a room at Northfield Hall.

Martha Bellamy lives in shadows. For a decade, she has been under the cloud of scandal around her son’s demise, and now she must also live in the darkness of her husband’s death. Enchanted by Lord Preston, Martha volunteers to be his private secretary—and, she hopes, his new private friend.

Martin didn’t know how much he craved a confidante like Martha. Yet as they share more and more of their hearts with each other, he cannot forget she is a poor widow in his care, not a woman he can love. When tragedy strikes, Martin finds himself doing everything he can in order to protect all he has worked for—and he must decide whether Martha is included in his legacy.

In this final installment of The Prestons, Martin reckons with the legend of Northfield Hall and must prove once and for all whether he deserves the reputation he has earned.

Genres: Historical Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

Katherine Grant writes Regency Romance novels for the modern reader. Her writing has been recognized by Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the National Indie Excellence Awards, the Romance Slam Jam Emma Awards, and Shelf Unbound Indie Book Awards. If you love ballgowns, secret kisses, and social commentary, a book hangover is coming your way.

Katherine also hosts the weekly Historical Romance Sampler podcast! Find out more at www.katherinegrantromance.com

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forced proximity romance that has an almost instant connection and chemistry between the secretary and rhe Baron! Over the years, the Baron has lost his adult children's blind affections once they're out in the world. Martin (the Duke) fights his desires for Martha, because of their differences in station. Can Martha help the Baron win his adult children's affections again and become indispensable to the Baron??? Some twists and wake up calls. A senior love is like a fine aged wine- warm and comfortable . I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and the last in a series. I did feel like I missed out on just a little bit by not reading the others but overall it was an enjoyable read that absolutely makes me want to read from the beginning!

I'm starting to see more and more books with older MC's and I have to say that this is one of the best. The author didn't sugarcoat the struggles that these two were going through which made it feel real and very relatable. They are both at a point in their lives when they reflect upon their experiences and reevaluate their past decisions looking to heal and accept the things they cannot change no matter how much they wish they could. I love how they found a safe space with each other, sharing their joys and heartaches, judgement free, allowing for a sense of understanding and forgiveness.

I love how the author addressed the reality of intimacy between older adults showing that it is indeed still possible and can be just as fiery but a little more honesty and finesse is required.

As I mentioned above, I haven't read the rest of the series and maybe if I had I wouldn't feel this way but I had issues with Caroline and how combative and confrontational she was towards her father. Being that this was the last book in the series, I would have preferred if the two of them had had a heart to heart conversation of him admitting he was wrong and was sorry for it and Caroline showing some maturity, grace and forgiveness instead of all the little digs making everyone uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this took away from the feeling of a true HEA.

Overall, I appreciated reading a story with older mains proving that although they're "old", they're not dead and are especially deserving of finding love later in life. Well written, well researched, filled with hope and a sense of peace for their future.

I received an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kate Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 4.5 stars! I really loved that this couple were older, with grown-up children — it’s so rare to find a romance about people discovering love in their 60s. The heroine feels wonderfully down-to-earth and compassionate, yet strong enough to stand up for what she wants.

The hero, Lord Preston, is a man adrift in his emotions, struggling with family tensions and uncertainty about how to manage his estate and legacy at Northfield Hall. Their connection feels heartfelt and mature, built on mutual respect and understanding.

I haven’t read all the books in this series, but I’ll definitely be going back to catch up on the ones I missed. It’s lovely to see that love truly can happen more than once in a lifetime.

Note: This story does touch on sensitive subjects, including suicide and family loss.

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

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I read an early version of this book.

What an excellent end to the series! It was lovely to end back on a story of Lord Preston, and what character growth! I fully enjoyed this book.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I'm an easy crier but boy howdy did this book make me bawl. It's the final entry in the Prestons series, and Daddy Preston gets (another) HEA. Because yes, the series prequel novella is Martin Preston's first HEA. (We often say that Katherine Grant is an author who isn't afraid to try new things in romance, and this is just another example.)

If you're not familiar with the Prestons, they're a family of Regency progressives whose legacy started with Martin and his first wife, Lolly. When we say "Regency progressives," we're not only talking about historical romance that deals with contemporary issues through a different lens, although that is an element of many of Grant's books. Grant also does significant research to give the family historically accurate politics, e.g. they boycott sugar as a protest against the slave trade, or run their estate as a social experiment by giving workers a share of the profits. Martin may have provided the inception of his family's radical political stance, but in many ways his children have moved beyond his original intentions. For example, his youngest daughter married a member of the lower classes, a glazier, who also happens to be the son of estate servants and the son of Chinese immigrants.

While Martin always tries to do the right thing, he more and more finds himself at odds with many of his children. And when he begins an affair with the vicar's widow after he invites her to stay at the estate while she is figuring out where her life is going next, he's consumed with guilt. Yes, he worries that she may feel coerced, although she repeatedly tells him she doesn't, but he also feels like having an extramarital affair with a woman not of his class is not providing a good example to the world. And this is in large part because he's spent most of his life defending his choices to the world at large.

For her part, Martha knows her own mind, but she's in a different position financially than Martin is. While Martin's charity isn't contingent on their affair, she still has a lot to lose if it ends, both monetarily, as she will need to find a new place to live, and emotionally, since she's falling in love with a man who absolutely cannot admit it.

So here's the deal: I said I cried a lot, and that's because this book deals with a lot of grief. Martin still misses his wife, although she died over a decade ago at this point; his best friend and staunch supporter at the estate is dying; and in many ways he's estranged from his adult children. Martha's husband just died, but what's more difficult for her (and for me as a reader) is that her only son died at his own hand years before the book begins. This book is really good, but treat yourself kindly if any of these topics hit home for you.

As the Prestons series comes to an end, this feels like the right place for it to stop: the same place it began, with Martin. It's really been a great project to explore this kind of radical story through a historical romance series, and on the whole, it's a real success.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

My bad, I made a mistake when reading this book. I had started reading the Prestons series, but did not realize over the years that I have not read all the books as they came out. I have them - but did not get around to reading them, and I do think that I am missing nuances of the relationships between the baron and his children in not reading all of them, and those relationships impact Martin, his sense of self, and his inner conflicts and decisions a great deal in this story. So, while I did enjoy this story and did not feel too lost, I do feel I would have understood the relationships and backgrounds better if I read the preceding stories as they came out.

On saying that, I was eager to read this story as I am entering that stage of life where I greatly appreciate and relate to stories featuring more mature characters. This story explores two people who find each other later in life, social classes and expectations, familial relationships/conflicts and expectations, mourning and loss, and the stigma of suicide, to name a few themes.

Baron Martin Preston has been a widower for a great number of years, ever since losing the love of his life. Since then, he focused his energies on raising his children, and making Netherfield a successful, thriving community, and using his influence to spread the progressive ethos that drives their community. He is at the stage in his life where he is reflecting on that legacy, and how to secure it for the future. This also forces him to reflect on his children and his relationship with them as well. He is not looking for love or anything like that.

But when the local widow of the rector, Martha Bellamy, is rendered homeless when the new rector and his family arrives, before she is able to secure a new residence, Martin steps in and offers her a temporary home at Netherfield Hall. Martha is not just in mourning for the loss of her husband, but has been forced to loss much of her reputation, community, and family ties because of the passing of her son and his scandal many years before. Her future is tenuous and uncertain. But while she is offered a reprieve by the Baron, and she determines to earn her keep somewhat by acting as his secretary and aide while she is in residence.

Martin has stayed true to his wife, Lolly, even though it has been years since her passing. But Martha shows an unexpected earthy sensuality and the both of them find themselves greatly attracted to each other, and that draws them into a secret affair. But they are ultimately, despite the Baron's progressive views, from differing social classes. Being older, does not necessarily mean being wiser, especially when messy emotions and hearts are involved. And while they eventually find their way to a happily ever after, both Martha and Martin have to face the past and find some peace in themselves before they reach that reward together.

4 stars out of 5

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This secret love affair risks nothing except his legacy—and her heart.

Katherine Grant’s final installment of the Preston series delivers a truly wonderful romance between two older individuals from different social classes, challenging societal norms with emotional depth and authenticity. The story takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster with Lord Martin Preston, a man grappling with profound life challenges. His best friend and confidant is dying, he mourns his beloved wife years after her passing, and he remains at odds with his children. Amidst trying to manage his estate and make difficult decisions about his holdings, fate introduces him to Martha Bellamy, the rector’s widow in need of a place to stay. Graciously, Martin offers her refuge at Northfield Hall.

Martha, having experienced her own share of heartache with the loss of her son, is grateful for the opportunity to stay at Northfield Hall. She offers her assistance as Martin’s private secretary, and what begins as companionship slowly blossoms into a profound connection. As they confide in one another, their friendship deepens into a passionate affair. However, when whispers of their relationship spread, Martin’s guilt overwhelms him, leading him to ask Martha to leave.

Martin’s internal struggle—between maintaining the status quo and embracing change—is deeply relatable. Change, often daunting, is a recurring theme as Martin navigates personal and familial conflicts. Despite his affection for Martha, he cannot shake the societal barrier between them: she is a poor widow under his care, not someone he feels he’s permitted to love. Yet, when tragedy strikes, Martin must confront his fears and decide whether Martha belongs in his future.

This story transcends a typical romance, addressing the real-life struggles faced by older individuals: dealing with grief, making difficult choices, and reconciling personal expectations. Martin and Martha, though from contrasting backgrounds, share authentic, relatable struggles. Martin’s impulsiveness and flawed decisions can be frustrating, yet his intentions are heartfelt. His journey reveals that age doesn’t necessarily bring wisdom, especially when emotions and hearts are involved.

Ultimately, this story is not just about finding love later in life; it’s about self-discovery, reconciliation, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. Katherine Grant masterfully concludes the Preston series, weaving a narrative rich with emotional depth and character growth. Martin not only finds love and purpose with Martha but also mends his fractured relationships with his children. It’s a heartfelt, satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page—perfectly capturing the essence of hope, redemption, and the enduring power of love.

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

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant second chance at love romance and finale to this great series with its added forbidden love and class disparity tropes. The plot is very well written, highly emotional, and steamy, filled with interesting historical tidbits and featuring a mature couple in their sixties.
For me, however, the focus of the story was not the romance, but the lovable and tortured protagonists, who both struggle with their lives in different ways. I empathized with Martin throughout the book. Torn between tradition and progress, his family and his vision, his love and social expectations. His inner conflicts and frustration were so palpable that they teared me up more than once. He may sometimes make stupid decisions and act cowardly, but he always has the best intentions.
Martha is, in her own way, a strong, confident, and compassionate heroine who has never been able to come to terms with her past and has not had the opportunity to mourn her son. I really liked how their relationship developed slowly and how they supported and comforted each other.
This time, Martin's daughter Caroline was very unsympathetic to me for a long time with her vindictive, obstinate, and provocative behavior.

I think it's a shame to have to say goodbye to the Prestons, but the end of the series was beautiful and moved me to tears. I can highly recommend the book and the whole series!

Since the escalation with his daughter Caroline over her marriage to Eddie Chow, Lord Martin Preston has been feeling lonely and overwhelmed by the decisions he has to make regarding the future of his children and Northfield Hall. When the widow of the late rector, Martha Bellamy, is forced to leave her home and faces an uncertain future, he invites her to stay with him at Northfield Hall until she hears from her relatives.
After the death of her husband, Martha is left to fend for herself. The scandal surrounding her deceased son, who committed suicide, prevents her relatives from taking her in. But after years of silence and omission, she now has the chance to finally mourn him.
Martha wants to make herself useful at Northfield Hall, and Martin offers her the position of temporary secretary. Soon, they become friends and confidants who support and comfort each other. But when they feel attracted to each other, they embark on an illicit affair. A secret and temporary friendship with benefits—that's all there can be between them...

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Widower Without a Will is an utter delight! Katherine Grant wraps up her Preston series with a book that’s a treat because it explores tropes in new ways.

The focal point is the head of the Preston family, Martin. And here’s one area where Grant does something distinctive: she takes the hero of her first book in the series and makes him the hero of the last book as well after he has been widowed (which wasn’t jarring at all; he had a long, successful marriage with his first wife). That means we also get older protagonists!

Both Martin and Martha are in their 60s, both have lost their spouses, and both are navigating a changed world. Martha’s situation is dire. As a minister’s widow, she has almost nothing of her own. So Martin offers to bring her to the Northfield community—but he takes her to live in his house and serve as his secretary. Martha is used to being helpful and organizing things as a minister’s wife, but what she doesn’t expect is the interest she has in Lord Preston.

Both these characters are dealing with grief and difficulties with their children, but in very different ways. Martin is a bit of a wreck, repeatedly blaming himself for every supposed sin he’s committed. Martha has been in avoidance over what happened to her son, and she has to learn how to make that situation work for herself.

Seeing them explore the possibilities of a relationship and passion is a large part of the delight of this book. I loved how Grant addresses head-on what it’s like to have sexytimes as an older person, where thoughtfulness and accommodations have to be made. It’s a quite nice touch.

I just loved this book. If you like reading a romance that isn’t quite like every other one out there, you’ll find a great one in The Widower Without a Will.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn, the season for new beginnings... even in life

Discrete and dutiful rector’s wife Martha loved her husband, but their union never recovered from their son’s shameful demise, and now the man is gone and his replacement has come to claim her home. Her life packed into two trunks and a valise, she has nowhere to go.
Lord Martin Preston has devoted his entire life to make the world a better place. Still faithful to his late wife, his offspring settled and his best friend gravely ill, he’s forced to consider his own legacy – his family and the community her created.

Feeling responsible for the widow’s unlucky circumstance, he doesn’t hesitate and offers her a room in his home. Not one for idly sitting around, she offers her assistance as his secretary in return. Somewhere between regretful confessions, secret glances and comfortable companionship, their close-quarter collaboration blossoms into feelings – forbidden and impossible, yet completely irresistible.

Their pasts and presents are nothing alike, yet they both understand grief, regret and the uncertainty of ‘what if’ and ‘if only’ when it comes to strained relationships and their children.
I loved their bond, the vulnerability, the honesty and the second youth playfulness; so precious and heartwarming! And their steamy times... yummm!
The struggles with class-difference, village gossip and Martin’s deep-rooted sense of order and honour felt real and heartbreaking. So did Martha’s journey to find her son; so moving and beautifully written!

Having read this series from the start, I also loved revisiting Northfield Hall, the grounds and its people! To see the change, and discover its future. However, I did not expect nor appreciate how resentful and moralising his daughters had become, especially Caro. Yes, dad made mistakes, but he deserved better.
Still, what a heartfelt way to conclude this unique family saga, and be sure to check out all the accompanying novellas as well!

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting take on a romance with an older couple. I've read almost all of the other books in the series (except for the one on how he and his first wife met, oddly, as I think it kicks off the entire series). As a result, I am familiar with Lord Preston and many of the other characters who appear in the story. Lord Preston was rather two-faced throughout the series with his beliefs versus how he actually behaved. And how beautiful that he came to see his own hypocrisy!!! Though it was a bit of a tough read - I'll leave it at that to prevent spoilers. He was a secondary character in the other books I read (though a pivotal one), and I enjoyed learning more about him and seeing him fleshed out more thoroughly. I tell ya, in a day and age where Viagra wasn't a thing, he and the lovely widow sure kept each other busy! I was also SO glad Martha found some peace (again, that's all I'll say so no spoilers). She seemed to be a nice, normal woman who managed to fall in love with a lord - an imperfect one, at that. But the ending was really lovely, hit me in the feels. A great way to close out the series, truly. Though if you haven't read the series you'd still enjoy it, it just might not be quite as enriching without knowing the background of the other characters. So read them! I obviously have read them out of order and tremendously enjoyed the series. Highly recommend! I had the privilege to receive an advance review copy but was not obligated to provide a review. These are my honest opinions on the book.

[Barbara]

The eighth book in "The Prestons" series features Baron Martin Preston, a widower who has dedicated years to his children and developing the thriving community of Netherfield. As he considers his legacy and future, he also reflects on his relationships with his children. His life takes an unexpected turn when Martha Bellamy, the widowed rector's wife, faces homelessness. Martin offers her a temporary home at Netherfield Hall. Martha, still grieving and having lost her reputation and community due to a past family scandal, accepts his offer and decides to assist him as his secretary during her stay. I particularly appreciated that the main characters were older, which added a unique dynamic to their story. The book is well-written with compelling characters and a very engaging storyline, leading to a satisfying happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, the perfect conclusion of a great series. I was touched by Martha’s story and by the way the author handled the topic of his son’s death with great tact and insight. I even cried a bit for her and also for Lord Preston, who always seemed so self-assured, so sure in his beliefs, but here he revealed a very human side to his character. And if at the beginning I was uncertain about the idea of giving him a second love story after the one in the first book of the series, I changed my mind after having read this book and I really loved that he had a second chance to be happy. Later-in-life love is the best, even if it’s the most difficult. A five star read if ever there was one!

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completes the ‘Preston’ series a deep look at a remarkable estate that was egalitarian, principled and considerate to those deemed unworthy by society. The book itself has a tortured hero, but unusually it is of an older widower who acts indecently by the standards of the day to a local widow. It is a refreshing change to see an older couple being the focus of a book which is as usual well researched and well written. There is an appropriate HEA which sees the widower reconciled with a family who he thought he had let down and plans afoot to establish a democratic legacy. A really eye opening read.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This is a romance between two older people, Martha, the widow of the local minister, and Martin a Baron.
When Martha is awaiting her nieces' reply to go live with her, Martin takes her in at his estate where she helps him as his secretary. They soon realize that there is an attraction between them, but Martin thinks it would be unseemly to act upon it.
There were some plot twists in the story, lots of wonderful secondary characters, and a very satisfactory ending to the Preston's story.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this book touched my heart! First, as an older reader, this story was very relatable. Add to that the parenting of adult children and working through past hurts was so true. Martha carries so much sorrow, yet she is willing to embrace life wholly. She is practical and passionate. Martin's character feels so much conflict. The story is so realistic and believable. I felt so much from reading this story and find myself thankful to the author for creating it.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this later in life story of Martin and Martha.

Katherine Grant writes such unique regency stories. This is the final in the series but can be read as a standalone as I did.

I loved the perspective of Martin, the very radical lord for his time, struggling with dealing with his relationships with his adult children.

This was just a great story. Highly recommended.

Thank you BookSirens and Katherine Grant for supplying this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Richard Hardenstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was almost a DNF for me. The first half seemed disjointed and I put the book down many, many times thinking I’d not pick it up again but managed to push through past the halfway mark where the writing picked up. Overall I enjoyed it but am not going to pick up other books in the series.

I received this book as an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this voluntary review.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller-coaster of emotions! And 60 year old mmcs!
What an emotional, complicated tale of grief and old hurts. I WANTED Martha and Martin to be happy. I was INVESTED. I was rooting for them. I also was impressed at how down and dirty they were. GOOD for them!!!
Thank you to Katherine Grant and BookSirens for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good ending to a great series. The final chapter that set out the future for Northfield Hall is a brilliant idea. I do prefer a clean read romance and I did feel that some of the terminology used would probably not have been around in those times, but otherwise a good romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different plot, not the usual young love couple rather a mature cast of primary characters. Children are grown and adults. He is a baron and she is not of nobility. Bit of a heartbreak story but well written, attention grabbing and worth the read. This is a long series that will entice you to go back and read the other stories.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Grant has done it again. Her romances are so incredibly rich, thoughtful texts. This book pulls off something very hard: it both culminates a series and tells a compelling romance, neither detracting from the other. Highly recommend the whole series, but you could read this book on its own as a stellar example of mature romance.

[Ojone Stephen-Nwosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I enjoyed reading in this book is the theme that love is not a respecter of age. It can catch you at whatever age if you let it. Don't be afraid to stretch and grab it. It's indeed a lovely read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to a great series. This is Martin and his private secretary Martha's story of second chances and love second time around.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katherine Grant isn’t afraid to break genre "rules", and giving Martin two HEAs was such an interesting choice. I loved how this story explored desire, guilt, and class through two older characters who truly earn their love.
It was a beautiful closing to the Prestons series.

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