What do you think?
Rate this book
Orchard Rest #2
Echoes at Somerset Manor
The sequel to Surrender at Orchard Rest.
After finding herself amidst scandal in Century Grove, Alabama, Somerset Forrest moves into her mother's former home, Somerset Manor. The Civil War has been over for three years, but Somerset finds the war within her family is ongoing. Her father hires her ex-fiancé, Sawyer Russell, as overseer, and as Somerset struggles with having Sawyer in her home, a mysterious stranger arrives, claiming to be family.
At Orchard Rest, Joseph Forrest is battling his inner demons and trying to run the plantation. Just as he and Ivy begin to adjust to their new life together, their marriage is tested in such a way that their love may not endure.
Filled with beloved characters and surprises, this second book in the Orchard Rest series was written especially for all the readers who asked for "more about Somerset".
Book #3 coming in 2016.
After finding herself amidst scandal in Century Grove, Alabama, Somerset Forrest moves into her mother's former home, Somerset Manor. The Civil War has been over for three years, but Somerset finds the war within her family is ongoing. Her father hires her ex-fiancé, Sawyer Russell, as overseer, and as Somerset struggles with having Sawyer in her home, a mysterious stranger arrives, claiming to be family.
At Orchard Rest, Joseph Forrest is battling his inner demons and trying to run the plantation. Just as he and Ivy begin to adjust to their new life together, their marriage is tested in such a way that their love may not endure.
Filled with beloved characters and surprises, this second book in the Orchard Rest series was written especially for all the readers who asked for "more about Somerset".
Book #3 coming in 2016.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2015
225 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews
January 22, 2017
A convoluted tale
Found it difficult to get into this twisting family saga. If I had read book one then this may have been easier. The final chapter lays the question of what happened to Theodore open and book 3 will undoubtedly explore this furthur.
Found it difficult to get into this twisting family saga. If I had read book one then this may have been easier. The final chapter lays the question of what happened to Theodore open and book 3 will undoubtedly explore this furthur.
November 8, 2015
Echoes at Somerset Manor is book two of the Orchard Rest Historical Southern Fiction series by Hope Denney. This is a continuation of the saga of the Forrest family, Somerset in particular, in their attempts to survive and keep their plantation after the Civil War.
Somerset leaves Alabama and travels to Somerset Manor in Baton Rouge to get away from the turmoil surrounding Phillip’s death and to avoid seeing Sawyer when he comes home for his brother’s funeral. She desperately wants to figure out where she is supposed to go and what she is supposed to do with her life. She hopes to find some answers with her Father in Baton Rouge.
Somerset’s love of nursing and caring for others starts up again with the birth of a baby. She is walking some unsavory streets in Baton Rouge trying to find her runaway horse. Just as she gives up, she is accosted by some servants who desperately need her help with their mistress, Lydia, who is in the last stages of childbirth but is resisting. Her baby is a month early and she is trying not to have it. As one of the servants goes for the doctor, Somerset sets about calming Lydia and helping with the delivery. The doctor, Dr. Rosemary Sewell, arrives after Somerset has safely delivered the baby Mary. Rosemary examines Lydia and the baby and congratulates both Lydia and Somerset for a job well done. Leaving an ecstatic Lydia to enjoy her daughter, Rosemary and Somerset go into the other room to visit. Somerset is very interested in Rosemary’s being a doctor and Rosemary encourages Somerset to think about going north to become a doctor. A shout from the other room brings the two women back to Lydia who has succumbed to a heart attack. Staying to face the husband, Baldwin Dacey, Rosemary sends Somerset home with the admonition not to ride alone again.
The friendship of Dr. Sewell and her daughter Anna Grace gives new meaning to Somerset’s life and adds some needed friends to her as well. The odd thing is that Dr. Sewell will not accept an invitation to dine with Somerset and her Father, although Anna Grace does. Dr. Sewell gives the excuse that someone must stay with her Mother at all times.
Sawyer comes to Somerset Manor to work for her Father. He is obviously very angry with Somerset and tries to treat her as the daughter of his employer. He does note that turmoil comes wherever Somerset is. Turmoil does come to Somerset Manor and there is nothing Somerset can do to stop it.
This book has more twists and turns and surprises than the first book which makes it a page turner. Luckily I had a full day to read and didn’t have to stay up all night reading it. I had to find out if Sawyer and Somerset ever get their friendship back and possibly their love. Would they find out who the man was who claims to be her long-dead Uncle Theodore? What part does Baldwin Dacey plan in Somerset’s life?
Somerset leaves Alabama and travels to Somerset Manor in Baton Rouge to get away from the turmoil surrounding Phillip’s death and to avoid seeing Sawyer when he comes home for his brother’s funeral. She desperately wants to figure out where she is supposed to go and what she is supposed to do with her life. She hopes to find some answers with her Father in Baton Rouge.
Somerset’s love of nursing and caring for others starts up again with the birth of a baby. She is walking some unsavory streets in Baton Rouge trying to find her runaway horse. Just as she gives up, she is accosted by some servants who desperately need her help with their mistress, Lydia, who is in the last stages of childbirth but is resisting. Her baby is a month early and she is trying not to have it. As one of the servants goes for the doctor, Somerset sets about calming Lydia and helping with the delivery. The doctor, Dr. Rosemary Sewell, arrives after Somerset has safely delivered the baby Mary. Rosemary examines Lydia and the baby and congratulates both Lydia and Somerset for a job well done. Leaving an ecstatic Lydia to enjoy her daughter, Rosemary and Somerset go into the other room to visit. Somerset is very interested in Rosemary’s being a doctor and Rosemary encourages Somerset to think about going north to become a doctor. A shout from the other room brings the two women back to Lydia who has succumbed to a heart attack. Staying to face the husband, Baldwin Dacey, Rosemary sends Somerset home with the admonition not to ride alone again.
The friendship of Dr. Sewell and her daughter Anna Grace gives new meaning to Somerset’s life and adds some needed friends to her as well. The odd thing is that Dr. Sewell will not accept an invitation to dine with Somerset and her Father, although Anna Grace does. Dr. Sewell gives the excuse that someone must stay with her Mother at all times.
Sawyer comes to Somerset Manor to work for her Father. He is obviously very angry with Somerset and tries to treat her as the daughter of his employer. He does note that turmoil comes wherever Somerset is. Turmoil does come to Somerset Manor and there is nothing Somerset can do to stop it.
This book has more twists and turns and surprises than the first book which makes it a page turner. Luckily I had a full day to read and didn’t have to stay up all night reading it. I had to find out if Sawyer and Somerset ever get their friendship back and possibly their love. Would they find out who the man was who claims to be her long-dead Uncle Theodore? What part does Baldwin Dacey plan in Somerset’s life?
February 28, 2017
Amazing. It's so, so good to read historical fiction that combines romance, mystery, and suspense into a saga that has had me up until 3 am for three nights running. So well written that I hardly mind that the author has cost me the entirety of my Mardi Gras holiday. And all to find I'm still awaiting a conclusion that ties up several intriguing mysteries. What a gem of a series. Bravo, Mrs. Denney! Waiting for more!
Read
August 10, 2017No headline!
The story may have been a good one-I really couldn't tell because the reader was awful. How could you use a reader who doesn't know the grammatical stops and mispronounces names and common words as well as not putting voice and ANY emotion and feelings into the reading. She is the worst reader I have ever heard.
The story may have been a good one-I really couldn't tell because the reader was awful. How could you use a reader who doesn't know the grammatical stops and mispronounces names and common words as well as not putting voice and ANY emotion and feelings into the reading. She is the worst reader I have ever heard.
February 18, 2017
I got this book because it was free on Amazon. Mixed feelings about the characters and story line. They were all a mess, but I kept reading to find out what happened. I didn't realize I needed to read the first one--so I was playing catch up for a bit, but I figured it all out. It was kind of a depressing story...the ending was better, but left it open for the 3rd book. Not sure if I'll read it.
February 16, 2017
Echoes at Somerset Manor
Good intriguing book. A little slow and too many story lines at times. Epilogue explains a lot. Enjoyable read and I look forward to the next volume.
Good intriguing book. A little slow and too many story lines at times. Epilogue explains a lot. Enjoyable read and I look forward to the next volume.
February 3, 2017
Meh
Maybe it's the time period. Maybe I was unprepared because I began with this book but these characters and the setting was just depressing. Mainly because they're awful people really. Baldwin and Blanche kissing the day she finds out her husband dies? Blanche should've died. What an awful wife and person she is and Thomas is the one to kick the bucket first? That irritated me to no end. I'm not quite sure why this book was free besides the fact it might've forced me to buy the first which bothers me as well. On principal alone, I won't purchase the first because it feels like I've been manipulated into doing it. The writing was good. The characterizations were okay but it might be because I'm coming into it with the second book. The Marshalls and Forests really are just terrible people. There are minor redeeming qualities.
Maybe it's the time period. Maybe I was unprepared because I began with this book but these characters and the setting was just depressing. Mainly because they're awful people really. Baldwin and Blanche kissing the day she finds out her husband dies? Blanche should've died. What an awful wife and person she is and Thomas is the one to kick the bucket first? That irritated me to no end. I'm not quite sure why this book was free besides the fact it might've forced me to buy the first which bothers me as well. On principal alone, I won't purchase the first because it feels like I've been manipulated into doing it. The writing was good. The characterizations were okay but it might be because I'm coming into it with the second book. The Marshalls and Forests really are just terrible people. There are minor redeeming qualities.
July 12, 2015
This book starts where the first book ends, in order to keep all the characters straight it would be best to read book 1 first. The Civil War had just ended and left the south in shambles. The south was trying to rebuild, with a few dedicated slaves that decided to stay and not leave the plantation, They had no money, some plantation home were completely destroyed, they faced starvation, for adults as well as the children. This book also had many twists and turns that kept you reading. I liked the second book better than the first one. This is a great author. When I started to read this book I didn't get through the first chapter and realized I has already read it in 2014 but did not write a review. Still a very good book.
February 3, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a train wreck of a soap opera plot, but I also couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know how everything would end. When I was part way through, I wondered if I should stop and go read the 1st book. But then I just couldn't get myself to want to read about everything that was referred to in this book as it all sounds so awful. Even though I hadn't read the first book, I was still pulling for Sawyer and Somerset (even if both were quite infuriating). My heart went out to Ivy, and it broke for Thomas. Myra made me mad, but not as mad as Blanche -blechhh! The epilogue was my most favorite part, so I am probably going to read book 3...
July 12, 2015
Rating this book 2.5 stars. I really enjoyed the first book, but was disappointed in most of the second. The first 3/4 dragged terribly and could have easily been condensed into fewer chapters. I was prepared to be done with the series after this book, but the story quickly picked up with the last 1/4 and epilogue. My interest is now piqued enough to read the third installment when it's published.
February 14, 2015
This book picks up where Surrender at Orchard Rest left off.
Full of twists,turns, and surprises.
Very fast read for me. I loved this book and now that I'm firmly attached to the characters I want more.
Full of twists,turns, and surprises.
Very fast read for me. I loved this book and now that I'm firmly attached to the characters I want more.
August 19, 2016
Excellent prose and plots. Descriptive characters. Baton Rouge is an intriguing setting for sultry mystery and mayhem.
Historical fiction that keeps the reader engaged and then you don't want to stop reading. Hope Denney is a great writer, and this reader hopes there are many more of her novels to read.
Historical fiction that keeps the reader engaged and then you don't want to stop reading. Hope Denney is a great writer, and this reader hopes there are many more of her novels to read.
February 7, 2017
I was never a fan of GWTW, never intrigued by any part of the South, so when I dove into this and found that's exactly what it was, I groaned.
As I kept reading, however, it became more interesting, especially from the women's POV. Quite a complicated melodrama and some doors wide open at the end. Surprisingly good read in the end.
As I kept reading, however, it became more interesting, especially from the women's POV. Quite a complicated melodrama and some doors wide open at the end. Surprisingly good read in the end.
February 27, 2015
I loved this book Somerset gone through so much just when you think nothing else can happen it can. I loved how we saw the other character go through moments that change them. This was a good book can't wait for the next one!
March 15, 2015
I couldn't put this book down! It is full of wonderful surprises that I never expected! LOVED this book, the dialogue, mood and plot made me feel like I was right in that era!! I can't wait for Hope Denney's next book!!!
July 2, 2015
Enjoyed the last of the series
Book was entertaining and good. I liked the epilogue for a complete ending. I disliked the emotional explanations I'd the main character Somerset , which seem to elaborate unnecessarily.
Book was entertaining and good. I liked the epilogue for a complete ending. I disliked the emotional explanations I'd the main character Somerset , which seem to elaborate unnecessarily.
February 25, 2015
Perfect ending ;-)
March 25, 2015
Echoes of Somerset manor
So very southern,,, such starvation and learning to live a new life,,, pain.. loss.. suffering.. uncertainty,, at the bottom and no way to go but up
So very southern,,, such starvation and learning to live a new life,,, pain.. loss.. suffering.. uncertainty,, at the bottom and no way to go but up
June 29, 2015
Ready for #3!
May 21, 2015
Full of Suspence
Great read! This is book 2 in the series, looking forward to book 3! You will be able to read some of the family struggled 5 years post Civil War!
Great read! This is book 2 in the series, looking forward to book 3! You will be able to read some of the family struggled 5 years post Civil War!
January 2, 2016
What a great continuation of the Marshall and Forest families! Never ending drama and excitement! Can't wait until the next one!!
January 26, 2017
Great book
You really get into the characters in these books. They are all very interesting. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
You really get into the characters in these books. They are all very interesting. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
February 5, 2017
I feel like I've been on a wild rollercoaster of drama. This family is crazy and I can't get enough.
March 14, 2017
good book, I enjoyed it
March 30, 2017
This book was alright. It felt needlessly complicated in spots and the character development felt uneven. It has an interesting premise and there were probably that I really enjoyed. But the most trekking part was when I finished the story and didn't even consider buying the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2018
Boring and long. This is the 2nd book in a series and if you didn't read the 1st one, then you will be very lost with most of this book. The author wrote this assuming that you read book 1, which is never a good thing.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews