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Rivals at Ashmore Castle
England, 1905
At Ashmore Castle, scandal is never far away...
When a train crash rocks Ashmore, unlikely heroes emerge - and old secrets begin to stir. Kitty is still finding her feet at the castle, though her sharp-tongued mother-in-law and the old earl's dark secret threaten her newfound confidence. Richard is certain he'll never love again now that Molly has sailed for America - until a new arrival catches his eye.
Downstairs, hearts and tempers are just as tested. Mr Moss nurses a quiet heartbreak, new footman Frederick isn't all he seems, and someone from Afton's past returns with unfinished business.
Meanwhile, Nina is facing motherhood and marriage with mixed feelings, Rachel's love life is teetering on disaster, and Alice's artistic ambitions lead her into dangerous territory.
From whispered secrets to forbidden passions, life at Ashmore Castle is full of surprises - but as rivalries flare and loyalties shift, the harmony of the castle is more fragile than ever...
The fifth novel in the captivating Ashmore Castle series. Perfect for fans of sweeping family dramas like Downton Abbey, The Crown and Bridgerton.
At Ashmore Castle, scandal is never far away...
When a train crash rocks Ashmore, unlikely heroes emerge - and old secrets begin to stir. Kitty is still finding her feet at the castle, though her sharp-tongued mother-in-law and the old earl's dark secret threaten her newfound confidence. Richard is certain he'll never love again now that Molly has sailed for America - until a new arrival catches his eye.
Downstairs, hearts and tempers are just as tested. Mr Moss nurses a quiet heartbreak, new footman Frederick isn't all he seems, and someone from Afton's past returns with unfinished business.
Meanwhile, Nina is facing motherhood and marriage with mixed feelings, Rachel's love life is teetering on disaster, and Alice's artistic ambitions lead her into dangerous territory.
From whispered secrets to forbidden passions, life at Ashmore Castle is full of surprises - but as rivalries flare and loyalties shift, the harmony of the castle is more fragile than ever...
The fifth novel in the captivating Ashmore Castle series. Perfect for fans of sweeping family dramas like Downton Abbey, The Crown and Bridgerton.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2026
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
139 books513 followersCynthia Harrod-Eagles (aka Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennett)
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 23, 2026
A treasure
I v t o me. I just wish Cynthia could produce one a month. I'd be in seventh heaven. Thank you Cynthia.
I v t o me. I just wish Cynthia could produce one a month. I'd be in seventh heaven. Thank you Cynthia.
August 27, 2026
My annual treat. The latest from Cynthia Harrod Eagles. This one didn’t disappoint. Less historical content than is usual for her and more soap opera but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to next year’s instalment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rivals at Ashmore Castle is a richly layered, character‑driven delight. Cynthia Harrod‑Eagles brings 1905 England to life with her signature blend of charm, intrigue, and emotional nuance, making this fifth instalment feel both familiar and freshly compelling.
The novel opens with a gripping train crash that sends ripples through the castle, stirring old secrets and revealing unexpected heroes. Upstairs, Kitty’s struggle to find her footing—while navigating a sharp‑tongued mother‑in‑law and the old earl’s unsettling secret—adds a lovely mix of vulnerability and resilience. Richard’s heartbreak and the spark of new possibility give the story a romantic thread that feels tender and earned.
Downstairs, the drama is just as irresistible. Mr Moss’s quiet sorrow, Frederick’s mysterious past, and Afton’s unfinished business create a vibrant tapestry of tension and heart. Meanwhile, Nina, Rachel, and Alice each face crossroads that pull the reader deeper into the lives of the women who make Ashmore so compelling.
What makes this series shine is how seamlessly Harrod‑Eagles blends whispered secrets, shifting loyalties, and forbidden passions into a world that feels fully lived‑in. The stakes are emotional rather than explosive, but they’re no less gripping—and the harmony of the castle has never felt more precarious.
A warm, engrossing, and beautifully written addition to the Ashmore Castle series. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, The Crown, and Bridgerton.
With thanks to Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The novel opens with a gripping train crash that sends ripples through the castle, stirring old secrets and revealing unexpected heroes. Upstairs, Kitty’s struggle to find her footing—while navigating a sharp‑tongued mother‑in‑law and the old earl’s unsettling secret—adds a lovely mix of vulnerability and resilience. Richard’s heartbreak and the spark of new possibility give the story a romantic thread that feels tender and earned.
Downstairs, the drama is just as irresistible. Mr Moss’s quiet sorrow, Frederick’s mysterious past, and Afton’s unfinished business create a vibrant tapestry of tension and heart. Meanwhile, Nina, Rachel, and Alice each face crossroads that pull the reader deeper into the lives of the women who make Ashmore so compelling.
What makes this series shine is how seamlessly Harrod‑Eagles blends whispered secrets, shifting loyalties, and forbidden passions into a world that feels fully lived‑in. The stakes are emotional rather than explosive, but they’re no less gripping—and the harmony of the castle has never felt more precarious.
A warm, engrossing, and beautifully written addition to the Ashmore Castle series. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, The Crown, and Bridgerton.
With thanks to Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited when I heard this was coming out as for some reason I thought book four was the last. I love this series, they can't come out fast enough for me and what an opening chapter!!
We're back with the family at the castle and the people that surround them. Kitty and Giles are married five years and as Kitty is no longer in Maude's line of fire she is now a much happier person. She still adores Giles but he's a moody soul and would try the patience of a saint.
Alice features strongly in this one and I like her but she is a sad character in many ways. There was quite a bit about art which lost me a little along the way.
Richard is still my favourite. He continues to shine in this book. Nina and Mr Cowling take center stage for a large part and their story is very interesting this time.
There are changes downstairs as well, some momentous ones. One person has not developed at all and is getting boring and annoys me but it's just a small flaw in the story.
So another brilliant read from this author and I'm so looking forward to what's to come in this series.
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for an early copy.
We're back with the family at the castle and the people that surround them. Kitty and Giles are married five years and as Kitty is no longer in Maude's line of fire she is now a much happier person. She still adores Giles but he's a moody soul and would try the patience of a saint.
Alice features strongly in this one and I like her but she is a sad character in many ways. There was quite a bit about art which lost me a little along the way.
Richard is still my favourite. He continues to shine in this book. Nina and Mr Cowling take center stage for a large part and their story is very interesting this time.
There are changes downstairs as well, some momentous ones. One person has not developed at all and is getting boring and annoys me but it's just a small flaw in the story.
So another brilliant read from this author and I'm so looking forward to what's to come in this series.
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for an early copy.
September 28, 2026
Rivals at Ashmore Castle - Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
I was really looking forward to reading Rivals at Ashmore Castle, but unfortunately I think I picked the wrong place to start with this series.
This is book five in the Ashmore Castle series and, having not read any of the previous books, I found there were just too many characters, relationships and backstories for me to fully follow. I spent quite a bit of time trying to work out who everyone was and how they were connected, and because of that I struggled to really settle into the story.
I don't think that's necessarily a reflection on the book itself. Most readers seem to really enjoy this series, and I can imagine that if you've been following these characters from the beginning, this would be a very different reading experience.
Sometimes you just pick up a book at the wrong point in a series, and I think that's what happened to me here.
I wish Cynthia Harrod-Eagles all the best with the book. This one just wasn't the right read for me at this time, and that's okay - not every book is going to be for every reader. 📚
Thank you for the opportunity to read Rivals at Ashmore Castle.
I was really looking forward to reading Rivals at Ashmore Castle, but unfortunately I think I picked the wrong place to start with this series.
This is book five in the Ashmore Castle series and, having not read any of the previous books, I found there were just too many characters, relationships and backstories for me to fully follow. I spent quite a bit of time trying to work out who everyone was and how they were connected, and because of that I struggled to really settle into the story.
I don't think that's necessarily a reflection on the book itself. Most readers seem to really enjoy this series, and I can imagine that if you've been following these characters from the beginning, this would be a very different reading experience.
Sometimes you just pick up a book at the wrong point in a series, and I think that's what happened to me here.
I wish Cynthia Harrod-Eagles all the best with the book. This one just wasn't the right read for me at this time, and that's okay - not every book is going to be for every reader. 📚
Thank you for the opportunity to read Rivals at Ashmore Castle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got to 15% of the story before I gave up. Having not read any of the other books in the series I found it totally bewildering with all the different characters…and it certainly jumps about a lot between them all! Definitely a Downton Abbey, Upstairs Downstairs type novel which is the sort of book I love.
I’m off to read the first in the series so I can get a grip of this one without having to reference the character list all the time.
I’m giving it 3 stars because of this but doesn’t reflect the quality of writing or the storyline which I suspect would be a 5* if I knew who was who!
Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review
I’m off to read the first in the series so I can get a grip of this one without having to reference the character list all the time.
I’m giving it 3 stars because of this but doesn’t reflect the quality of writing or the storyline which I suspect would be a 5* if I knew who was who!
Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review
August 27, 2026
I love this series so much. I wonder if the author plans to keep going with it indefinitely, or will be ending it in a book or two? I hope it goes on forever, but if not, I do hope all the storylines are resolved.
September 18, 2026
love the people, like old friends
Keeping to all we have read so far and now my old friends are gearing up for the next chapter. Looking forward to the suspense, mystery, and what is coming and where it will take us. Times are changing and should be interesting. Continue following
Keeping to all we have read so far and now my old friends are gearing up for the next chapter. Looking forward to the suspense, mystery, and what is coming and where it will take us. Times are changing and should be interesting. Continue following
September 21, 2026
Why have I only discovered this author absolutely loved reading this and have already ordered two more. Can’t wait to start the giant series. Though may have to go for the start with Ashworth. Great characters, felt like I knew them all so well, lots of content could not put down!
September 4, 2026
I loved revisiting Ashmore Castle and reading about the lives of the servants and ‘above stairs’ This book is well written and full of historical facts that I love learning
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews