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Bleddyn Hall
After a whirlwind romance during the London Season, Lady Isabel Sutton finds herself quickly engaged to the handsome Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. When his father passes away suddenly, however, his period of mourning delays their marriage and ruins the season for Tresham’s younger, twin sisters, Annalise and Rosamund. After the girls invite Isabel to their Yorkshire home, Bleddyn Hall, Tresham seems an entirely different man than the one she fell in love with in London. Not only that, but all is not well within the walls of Bleddyn Hall. The house’s dark secrets lead to murder, mystery, and a gruesome discovery. Was Isabel’s happy future with Tresham nothing more than an illusion? What is more, will she survive her stay at Bleddyn Hall?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2015
326 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Amanda L.V. Shalaby
5 books74 followersAmanda L. V. Shalaby is the author of the English historical romantic mystery novels, Rhianna, Audra and Bleddyn Hall . Amanda lives just outside of New York City with her husband of 10 years, Matthew, her two Shih Tzu dogs, Huntley Rochester and Isabella Jane, and a Persian cat named Sebastian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 31, 2017
Lady Isabel is the niece of Lady Jane and Lord John. At a ball Isabel meets Lord Tresham Bleddyn and his mother and sisters. Tresham and Isabel are attracted to each other. They become betrothed. Tresham must leave London because his father, Lord Bleddyn, has died. Lady Bleddyn, the two sisters and Isabel travel to Bleddyn Hall to join Tresham.
Upon arriving at Bleddyn Hall, the women find a much changed Tresham. He is withdrawn from his family and from Isabel. When a second murder happens, Isabel and Tresham's younger brother, Clermont, investigate the murders and Tresham's strange behavior. The questions multiple as does the danger. Will Clermont and Isabel solve the mystery? Can Isabel and Tresham resurrect their love for one another?
This novel is more about the mystery than the romance. Not to say there isn't romance. If you like Jane Austin you will enjoy this story. The main character Isabel is brave, or foolish, heroine who persistently pursues answers to questions. The plot is well conceived. The description is superb.
Upon arriving at Bleddyn Hall, the women find a much changed Tresham. He is withdrawn from his family and from Isabel. When a second murder happens, Isabel and Tresham's younger brother, Clermont, investigate the murders and Tresham's strange behavior. The questions multiple as does the danger. Will Clermont and Isabel solve the mystery? Can Isabel and Tresham resurrect their love for one another?
This novel is more about the mystery than the romance. Not to say there isn't romance. If you like Jane Austin you will enjoy this story. The main character Isabel is brave, or foolish, heroine who persistently pursues answers to questions. The plot is well conceived. The description is superb.
May 6, 2015
This is my first book from Amanda Shalaby and I got to say it was amazing! I was hooked from the beginning and it just had just about everything for an Historical romance.
Lady Isabel Sutton and Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy (what a great title yeah?) had a whirlwind courtship in London. Everything was right on point and everything was smooth as pie for the two of them to a happily ever after. But then Tresham's father suddenly passed and he has to return to their home. Lady Isabel decided to join him and his family to help them cope but all doesn't look like it seems. Once they got to Bleddyn Hall Isabel and Tresham's HEA starts to look dire as things turn for the worse. Things didn't seem right and their courtship seemed all too smooth. Isabel starts to see a different side of Tresham and he doesn't seem to be the same man she fell in love with back in London but she was ever grateful that she'll get him back once things get put back to order. But before all that, their lives are put to the test as a string of mystery starts to reveal itself and murder is upon them.
I absolutely enjoyed this. It was a sweet romance in the beginning but once they hit the road to Bleddyn Hall and once they arrived the pace picked up. With the added mystery and suspense thrown in I was way gone. I love a good mystery and suspense thriller and when it's set in a historical romance, you know I'll be on it like nothing. But Bleddyn was full of so many mysteries that it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what's happening and why.
Isabel is definitely a strong and independent lady. She has been through some rough patches having lost her parents and finding love in Tresham was going to give her a new life. Of course she had to go through the dangers of Bleddyn Hall and even fight through the painful sense that maybe she didn't truly know her fiance at all. But she held on and kept her future family together through their own grief and lost of a parent and brought light back into the dark halls.
Tresham was full of mysteries. From the beginning everything seemed good and right but secretly I knew there has to be something behind that perfect image. As the news of his father's death made the rounds Tresham starts to reveal himself. I wasn't sure if I could trust him or not because of all the mysteries but he proved to be just as dashing as he was from the beginning once we got through the book. Sure he had his moments of my fist pump and needy to smack him on the back of his head but I had to understand his reasons and had to place all the parts together.
There were some repetitiveness in the story but that was alright. The thing that worked very well was the descriptive and imagery description in the book. It was way amazing to picture how life was like living back in the Regency/Victorian era. Plus the mystery and Bleddyn Hall got me seeing the gothic feels of the story which was great.
This was truly a whirlwind ride for sure filled with mysteries, suspense, twists I didn't see coming, and love that fought all the odds. It was fast paced once the mystery started going and went straight on out till the end leaving me on the edge of my seat and in awe as I reached the end. The twist was what got me really enjoying the story and made for a great mystery.
I think I'll be checking out more work from Ms. Shalaby now that's for sure.
*This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
Lady Isabel Sutton and Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy (what a great title yeah?) had a whirlwind courtship in London. Everything was right on point and everything was smooth as pie for the two of them to a happily ever after. But then Tresham's father suddenly passed and he has to return to their home. Lady Isabel decided to join him and his family to help them cope but all doesn't look like it seems. Once they got to Bleddyn Hall Isabel and Tresham's HEA starts to look dire as things turn for the worse. Things didn't seem right and their courtship seemed all too smooth. Isabel starts to see a different side of Tresham and he doesn't seem to be the same man she fell in love with back in London but she was ever grateful that she'll get him back once things get put back to order. But before all that, their lives are put to the test as a string of mystery starts to reveal itself and murder is upon them.
I absolutely enjoyed this. It was a sweet romance in the beginning but once they hit the road to Bleddyn Hall and once they arrived the pace picked up. With the added mystery and suspense thrown in I was way gone. I love a good mystery and suspense thriller and when it's set in a historical romance, you know I'll be on it like nothing. But Bleddyn was full of so many mysteries that it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what's happening and why.
Isabel is definitely a strong and independent lady. She has been through some rough patches having lost her parents and finding love in Tresham was going to give her a new life. Of course she had to go through the dangers of Bleddyn Hall and even fight through the painful sense that maybe she didn't truly know her fiance at all. But she held on and kept her future family together through their own grief and lost of a parent and brought light back into the dark halls.
Tresham was full of mysteries. From the beginning everything seemed good and right but secretly I knew there has to be something behind that perfect image. As the news of his father's death made the rounds Tresham starts to reveal himself. I wasn't sure if I could trust him or not because of all the mysteries but he proved to be just as dashing as he was from the beginning once we got through the book. Sure he had his moments of my fist pump and needy to smack him on the back of his head but I had to understand his reasons and had to place all the parts together.
There were some repetitiveness in the story but that was alright. The thing that worked very well was the descriptive and imagery description in the book. It was way amazing to picture how life was like living back in the Regency/Victorian era. Plus the mystery and Bleddyn Hall got me seeing the gothic feels of the story which was great.
This was truly a whirlwind ride for sure filled with mysteries, suspense, twists I didn't see coming, and love that fought all the odds. It was fast paced once the mystery started going and went straight on out till the end leaving me on the edge of my seat and in awe as I reached the end. The twist was what got me really enjoying the story and made for a great mystery.
I think I'll be checking out more work from Ms. Shalaby now that's for sure.
*This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
February 24, 2015
Another fantastic novel from Amanda Shalaby. She writes these stories as if she lived in the period. Amazing and highly recommended!
June 17, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour for a fair and honest review and rated it 3 out of 5 stars.
An interesting genre blend of sweet romance and gothic mystery, Bleddyn Hall by Amanda L.V. Shalaby, takes place in Regency England during the year 1860. Set in both London and the English countryside, Bleddyn Hall is filled with colorful characters, Regency fashion and behavior and a mystery with several twists and turns. If you like historical suspense, this just might be the book for you.
In London and on the marriage hunt during “The Season”, Lady Isabel Sutton has been enjoying her stay with her aunt and uncle. Determined to find both a wealthy husband, and a man she can fall in love with, Isabel is considered one of the two best ‘catches” of the season. Beautiful, intelligent and extremely well behaved, Isabel knows her prospects are good and is slowly considering all of the attentive gentlemen until the night she meets Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy at a ball and falls head over heels in love.
Quickly becoming engaged, Isabel’s plans for the rest of the season and a beautiful wedding get put on hold when Tresham’s father dies and his family must go into mourning. Transported to the countryside with his family, Isobel soon wonders if the man she’s fallen in love with is the real Tresham or just an illusion. All she knows for sure is that something is not right at Bleddyn Hall.
Ms. Shalaby does a good job developing the characters and I found them colorful, easy to like and a good representation of the “types” of people I’ve come to expect in a Regency romance. While I liked Isabel and found her easy to connect with, I did think she was a bit too much of a romantic because she pretty much fell in “love at first sight” with Tresham and didn’t really know anything about him other than he was a very handsome man with good manners and a reported fortune. For his part, Tresham, the oldest son of a wealthy noble family, knew next to nothing about Isabel before he too is smitten with her. Though in reality I think both families would have done a “background” search, such as it was, to make sure the object of affection really was who they claimed to be.
The secondary characters are mostly Tresham’s family and I also found them colorful, especially Annalise and Rosamund, his two younger sisters. His mother and younger brother, Clement, also prove to be very important to the mystery plot of the story. The villain is not as well developed as I would have liked but his identity and his purpose were quite the twist. Overall the mystery is easy to follow and it was enjoyable watching Isabel get involved in solving it and in the end helping to save the day.
Will Isabel and Tresham get a chance to have a happy ending? Will the secrets of Bleddyn Hall prove to be too much for a Regency era lady? You’ll have to read it to find out. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Shalaby’s work.
An interesting genre blend of sweet romance and gothic mystery, Bleddyn Hall by Amanda L.V. Shalaby, takes place in Regency England during the year 1860. Set in both London and the English countryside, Bleddyn Hall is filled with colorful characters, Regency fashion and behavior and a mystery with several twists and turns. If you like historical suspense, this just might be the book for you.
In London and on the marriage hunt during “The Season”, Lady Isabel Sutton has been enjoying her stay with her aunt and uncle. Determined to find both a wealthy husband, and a man she can fall in love with, Isabel is considered one of the two best ‘catches” of the season. Beautiful, intelligent and extremely well behaved, Isabel knows her prospects are good and is slowly considering all of the attentive gentlemen until the night she meets Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy at a ball and falls head over heels in love.
Quickly becoming engaged, Isabel’s plans for the rest of the season and a beautiful wedding get put on hold when Tresham’s father dies and his family must go into mourning. Transported to the countryside with his family, Isobel soon wonders if the man she’s fallen in love with is the real Tresham or just an illusion. All she knows for sure is that something is not right at Bleddyn Hall.
Ms. Shalaby does a good job developing the characters and I found them colorful, easy to like and a good representation of the “types” of people I’ve come to expect in a Regency romance. While I liked Isabel and found her easy to connect with, I did think she was a bit too much of a romantic because she pretty much fell in “love at first sight” with Tresham and didn’t really know anything about him other than he was a very handsome man with good manners and a reported fortune. For his part, Tresham, the oldest son of a wealthy noble family, knew next to nothing about Isabel before he too is smitten with her. Though in reality I think both families would have done a “background” search, such as it was, to make sure the object of affection really was who they claimed to be.
The secondary characters are mostly Tresham’s family and I also found them colorful, especially Annalise and Rosamund, his two younger sisters. His mother and younger brother, Clement, also prove to be very important to the mystery plot of the story. The villain is not as well developed as I would have liked but his identity and his purpose were quite the twist. Overall the mystery is easy to follow and it was enjoyable watching Isabel get involved in solving it and in the end helping to save the day.
Will Isabel and Tresham get a chance to have a happy ending? Will the secrets of Bleddyn Hall prove to be too much for a Regency era lady? You’ll have to read it to find out. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Shalaby’s work.
April 25, 2015
Bleddyn Hall is the third book for Amanda Shallaby, and I have been lucky enough to read her previous two historical romances. Having read two books by Ms. Shallaby I was eager to get started on Bleddyn Hall and in my opinion I’d say she has another hit on her hands. Bleddyn Hall is filled with everything I’ve come to enjoy in an historical romance. Blossoming love, courting, fancy balls and gowns, a dashing hero and feisty heroine, all with a perfectly good mystery thrown in that kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end.
In Bleddyn Hall we are introduced to Lady Isabel Sutton and the ever dashing Lord Tresham Bleddyn. From the start it’s obvious these two are destined to be together. Lord Thresham and Lady Isabel are wonderfully written characters that draw you into their story and lives and lead you on a journey filled with emotion, mystery, suspense, love and angst. Both characters are well suited to one another and their love for one another is believable and real. It’s pretty much love at first site and I absolutely love these kinds of stories. Yes I’m a true romantic at heart and fall for these types of stories every time.
However, even though Lady Isabel and Lord Tresham are well suited and it seems it’s smooth sailing for their courtship, sudden disaster strikes. We learn of Lord Tresham’s father passing away, but soon learn it wasn’t an accident, but murder, and that there could be a murderer on the loose at Bleddyn Hall. This is where the story really picks up the pace and everything from here on in unfolds fast and furious. The suspense and mystery surrounding the death of two characters at Bleddyn Hall, and the suddenly strange behaviour on Lord Tresham’s part keeps the reader turning the pages wanting to find out what’s going on. There’s even one point where I myself was beginning to wonder if we knew all there is to know about Lord Tresham and was he harbouring some deadly secret. Heck at one point I was so furious over Lord Tresham’s sudden change in behaviour and character that I wanted to reach into the book and slap him silly. It isn’t until the last few chapters that Ms. Shallably springs a twist on us you never saw coming. I never once even thought of this plot twist and found it to be a brilliant move on her part. When this twist is revealed it answers all the questions that were bouncing around in my head as I read this story and no I’m not spilling the beans on this one because it would ruin the whole book for you. If you want to know what happens then you have to read it for yourself.
Bleddyn Hall was an exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way though. The characters are well written and bring their story to life. The secondary characters play their role of supporting cast well, and add an extra layer of life and adventure to the story. Ms. Shallaby’s writing style is such that it allows the reader to become a part of the story as she literally paints a picture with words and makes you feel like you are there in the time period. There were times I looked down at my clothes expecting to find some elegant gown adorning me and looking like the Belle of the Ball. ;-) If you are one for a good mystery, filled with suspense, murder and mayhem all surrounding a budding romance then Bleddyn Hall is your type of read. Ms. Shallaby really has a knack for writing historical romances and has made me more of a fan of this genre. Looking forward to more from this author.
Until next time, happy reading.
Reviewed by Marcie (The Reading Cafe)
In Bleddyn Hall we are introduced to Lady Isabel Sutton and the ever dashing Lord Tresham Bleddyn. From the start it’s obvious these two are destined to be together. Lord Thresham and Lady Isabel are wonderfully written characters that draw you into their story and lives and lead you on a journey filled with emotion, mystery, suspense, love and angst. Both characters are well suited to one another and their love for one another is believable and real. It’s pretty much love at first site and I absolutely love these kinds of stories. Yes I’m a true romantic at heart and fall for these types of stories every time.
However, even though Lady Isabel and Lord Tresham are well suited and it seems it’s smooth sailing for their courtship, sudden disaster strikes. We learn of Lord Tresham’s father passing away, but soon learn it wasn’t an accident, but murder, and that there could be a murderer on the loose at Bleddyn Hall. This is where the story really picks up the pace and everything from here on in unfolds fast and furious. The suspense and mystery surrounding the death of two characters at Bleddyn Hall, and the suddenly strange behaviour on Lord Tresham’s part keeps the reader turning the pages wanting to find out what’s going on. There’s even one point where I myself was beginning to wonder if we knew all there is to know about Lord Tresham and was he harbouring some deadly secret. Heck at one point I was so furious over Lord Tresham’s sudden change in behaviour and character that I wanted to reach into the book and slap him silly. It isn’t until the last few chapters that Ms. Shallably springs a twist on us you never saw coming. I never once even thought of this plot twist and found it to be a brilliant move on her part. When this twist is revealed it answers all the questions that were bouncing around in my head as I read this story and no I’m not spilling the beans on this one because it would ruin the whole book for you. If you want to know what happens then you have to read it for yourself.
Bleddyn Hall was an exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way though. The characters are well written and bring their story to life. The secondary characters play their role of supporting cast well, and add an extra layer of life and adventure to the story. Ms. Shallaby’s writing style is such that it allows the reader to become a part of the story as she literally paints a picture with words and makes you feel like you are there in the time period. There were times I looked down at my clothes expecting to find some elegant gown adorning me and looking like the Belle of the Ball. ;-) If you are one for a good mystery, filled with suspense, murder and mayhem all surrounding a budding romance then Bleddyn Hall is your type of read. Ms. Shallaby really has a knack for writing historical romances and has made me more of a fan of this genre. Looking forward to more from this author.
Until next time, happy reading.
Reviewed by Marcie (The Reading Cafe)
August 4, 2017
This book never ended and it had so many pointless pages. the last half of the book, I would skip a few pages, read a paragraph, skip a few more pages, and I still understood exactly what was going on. I wish I could stop reading a book without feeling guilty, because I certainly would have stopped reading this one. yuck
August 8, 2017
It's the 1860s and with her debut season underway Lady Isabel Sutton becomes engaged to Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. His family return home to Bleddyn Hall, after devasting news, taking Isabel with them only to find that Tresham locks himself away from the family. What secrets, what mysteries does the old house hold.
An interesting gothic mystery with romance.
An interesting gothic mystery with romance.
Read
August 1, 2017Not quite what I was looking to read.
March 22, 2015
Amanda L.V. Shalaby is an artist. Her words paint vivid images of people and places. I could picture the characters, see the clothes and jewelry, smell the food, enjoy the furnishings and admire the architecture.This book reminded me of a Daphne du Maurier novel. There was even a smuggling component. Bleddyn Hall is a romantic mystery. Our heroine, Isabel Sutton, has begun a delayed Season in London. Following the illness and death of her mother, she now resides with a beloved Aunt and Uncle. It is love at first sight when she meets the handsome Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. A whirlwind courtship and engagement soon follow. However, a tragedy requires that Tresham and his family return to the estate. Isabel accompanies his mother and sisters on their journey. But Bleddyn Hall, while beautiful, proves to be an exceedingly dangerous and disturbing place. Isabel finds her love tested and her life in danger as she tries to solve the mystery that haunts her new home. This book is a wonderful read and I am a committed Amanda Shalaby fan for life. I'm already looking forward to her next publication.
February 22, 2015
What a delight! Is this my kind of read? Nope. Did Ms. Shalaby win me over? Yes, indeed. Lady Isabel Sutton and the Earl of Dancy are wonderful characters, and had me believing people truly did act and speak like that, once upon a time. I was so “inside” the times, I almost wanted to write somebody a letter…with actual pen and paper! Yes, Bleddyn Hall is just that much fun.
There is the usual love story, nicely done and very well written, and I wondered what the requisite obstacle would be for these two. Also, deep within, I wondered how in the world the ominous prologue would manifest itself. And then I was blindsided. Wow, when Dancy got that letter I did not see anything like this kind of plot twist coming. And then the real ride began! Murder. Family Secrets. Subterfuge. All of a sudden I was reading something much more akin to an Agatha Christie mystery – and loving it! Are you currently buried under snowdrifts? On a sunny beach? Under endless rain clouds? Whatever your weather situation, this is a great book to curl up with and enjoy.
Very well done.
There is the usual love story, nicely done and very well written, and I wondered what the requisite obstacle would be for these two. Also, deep within, I wondered how in the world the ominous prologue would manifest itself. And then I was blindsided. Wow, when Dancy got that letter I did not see anything like this kind of plot twist coming. And then the real ride began! Murder. Family Secrets. Subterfuge. All of a sudden I was reading something much more akin to an Agatha Christie mystery – and loving it! Are you currently buried under snowdrifts? On a sunny beach? Under endless rain clouds? Whatever your weather situation, this is a great book to curl up with and enjoy.
Very well done.
February 18, 2015
I give the writing, the tension and the fabulous attention to detail FIVE stars. I read this book in two days! I admit to choosing it for the gothic romance aspect, so the beginning wasn't as interesting for me as the rest of the book, though completely necessary in the development of the characters and the swoonworthy love story between Lady Isabel and Lord Dancy. Oh, but once they got to Bleddyn Hall... talk about being glued to my seat! I love how the tension ratcheted up with each successive chapter, how little hints were scattered throughout but you were three-quarters of the way through the book before you got your "aha" moment. So fun!
Another pass through on the editing and it would be perfect. Definitely looking forward to reading more of Shalaby's books.
Another pass through on the editing and it would be perfect. Definitely looking forward to reading more of Shalaby's books.
April 19, 2018
*spoiler alert*
Bleddyn Hall is the first book in quite some time that I’ve read a historical romance novel. And pretty much all of these books have followed the same these. Girl is reluctant to get married because it puts her in a man’s control and her family have always allowed her freedoms most woman in that age (most of these books I read are regency romance ones) were allowed. However they meet/ reconnect with someone that loves them for themselves and they go through their courtship only to meet an obstacle (usually some silly rumour or misunderstanding) to then work things out and get married and live happily ever after.
Bleddyn Hall definitely doesn’t follow this theme! Yes, it has a girl who doesn’t want to marry for money or social standing. BUT Isabel is a very typical regency age woman. She strictly believes in polite society, social norms and is against anything that might be looked upon as “improper”. The only thing that makes her different to most regency age woman is that she wants to marry for love and is willing to marry down or to a poor man to ensure that she is loved.
Yet somehow the most handsome and eligible bachelor of the season falls almost immediately in love with her. How dos this happen? I can count the number of times I met the hottest, nicest guy of the night and had him fall instantly in love with me. Precisely 0 times. It just doesn’t happen! And what really frustrates me about most romance novels is when this happens without any real life drama.
The good thing Amanda has done here is that while writing from Isabel’s perspective and the occasional change to Tresham’s perspective is that neither want to fall instantly in love. Their internal dialogue (done from a third person perspective which I found weird and tricky to wrap my head around for the first quarter of the book) shows us that they admit there is an immediate attraction and lust between them. But neither of them want to jump into anything. Instead they get to know each other by talking, flirting and teasing one another. Which is something many people don’t do in this day and age, and it’s something that my partner and I get criticised for.
Over a series of weeks (because everything marriage wise seems to only need a month or so to decide upon in that age) Tresham proposes to Isabel and she accepts. As their families are celebrating the news, Tresham receives word that his father has suddenly passed away. As such he heads home the next day while his mother and twin younger sisters work on convincing Isabel to join them when they leave in a few days.
Now, I’m used to the usual sort of regency romance books was sitting there looking at the fact that I was only about a quarter of the way through the book thinking “what the hell could happen to throw a spanner in the works that is going to take 3/4 of the book to get over?” Because normally you don’t reach this stage until about 3/4 of the way through the book!
Boy was I in for a surprise! Turns out that there was a murder mystery underway at Bleddyn Hall and Tresham was the main target for. As Isabel was being ignored by her previously loving fiance I was left wondering why she would put up with it and why she wouldn’t just go back to her aunt and uncle in London. Surely if Tresham really loved Isabel he wouldn’t be so mean to her, even if he is distraught after the death of his father?!
I was proved wrong after Isabel and Tresham’s younger brother Clement started investigating what was happening themselves in secret after they discovered that a long forgotten brother Ewan was the cause of both murders. And surprisingly in the end it turns out Ewan is actually Tresham’s twin brother and had locked him away and was masquerading as him. Which explains why Tresham had been acting so odd compared to everything we knew about him up until his fathers death.
After a bit of planning, Isabel and Clement manage to get the key to Tresham’s cell and work to break him out. But not after two sinister encounters with Ewan where they needed to pretend like they didn’t know it was actually Ewan, and not Tresham. The first encounter with Ewan was Isabel taking breakfast in a sun room where Ewan unexpectedly joined her. Unfortunately, although Ewan starts of well imitating a gentleman he inevitably reverts to his nefarious ways and attempts to rape Isabel. Luckily Isabel is able to fight him off long enough for Clement and a couple of servants to come rushing in and ensure her safety in that moment.
After that encounter, Clement stays with Isabel and they rush to Clement’s father’s study to get the key to Tresham’s cell and then on to free him. Except as is normal at this point of the book, Ewan has a spy following them and quickly learns that they are in there and so anticipates something is happening. Luckily Clement knows of a secret tunnel from the study down to near the stables and helps Isabel fit through the passage.
This is where I found myself starting to really get into the book. I admit, up until this point I was only mildly interested in the story, however as soon as Isabel started to really solve mysteries my interest was piqued and I found myself drawn in. I started resenting needing to follow through with my plans and drive myself to the airport because I just wanted to know if they managed to save Tresham!
Good news is that they are successful. What I found quite amusing and found myself feeling smug about, as that while Isabel and Clement were freeing Tresham and Ewan was chasing after them. One of Ewan’s creditors finally catches up to him and kills him! Therefore making Isabel’s and Clement’s rescue of Tresham so much easier.
Then I was given a bit of a heart attach when Tresham calls Isabel to his study to discuss their engagement. The way he was talking I thought for sure he was going to end the engagement and mean that Isabel stayed, figured out what was happening and suffered his crazy brother for nothing! Luckily Tresham is just so proper he was trying to be understanding of what Isabel has gone through and give her the option to leave if she wanted.
Luckily she didn’t want that and they got married a few months later to then chaperone the twin sisters the following season to be reunited with their chosen men.
Now there are a number of other twists, cool facts and family secrets I haven’t mentioned. So if you like romantic murder mysteries there is still plenty of things for you to work out as you read the book.
Bleddyn Hall is the first book in quite some time that I’ve read a historical romance novel. And pretty much all of these books have followed the same these. Girl is reluctant to get married because it puts her in a man’s control and her family have always allowed her freedoms most woman in that age (most of these books I read are regency romance ones) were allowed. However they meet/ reconnect with someone that loves them for themselves and they go through their courtship only to meet an obstacle (usually some silly rumour or misunderstanding) to then work things out and get married and live happily ever after.
Bleddyn Hall definitely doesn’t follow this theme! Yes, it has a girl who doesn’t want to marry for money or social standing. BUT Isabel is a very typical regency age woman. She strictly believes in polite society, social norms and is against anything that might be looked upon as “improper”. The only thing that makes her different to most regency age woman is that she wants to marry for love and is willing to marry down or to a poor man to ensure that she is loved.
Yet somehow the most handsome and eligible bachelor of the season falls almost immediately in love with her. How dos this happen? I can count the number of times I met the hottest, nicest guy of the night and had him fall instantly in love with me. Precisely 0 times. It just doesn’t happen! And what really frustrates me about most romance novels is when this happens without any real life drama.
The good thing Amanda has done here is that while writing from Isabel’s perspective and the occasional change to Tresham’s perspective is that neither want to fall instantly in love. Their internal dialogue (done from a third person perspective which I found weird and tricky to wrap my head around for the first quarter of the book) shows us that they admit there is an immediate attraction and lust between them. But neither of them want to jump into anything. Instead they get to know each other by talking, flirting and teasing one another. Which is something many people don’t do in this day and age, and it’s something that my partner and I get criticised for.
Over a series of weeks (because everything marriage wise seems to only need a month or so to decide upon in that age) Tresham proposes to Isabel and she accepts. As their families are celebrating the news, Tresham receives word that his father has suddenly passed away. As such he heads home the next day while his mother and twin younger sisters work on convincing Isabel to join them when they leave in a few days.
Now, I’m used to the usual sort of regency romance books was sitting there looking at the fact that I was only about a quarter of the way through the book thinking “what the hell could happen to throw a spanner in the works that is going to take 3/4 of the book to get over?” Because normally you don’t reach this stage until about 3/4 of the way through the book!
Boy was I in for a surprise! Turns out that there was a murder mystery underway at Bleddyn Hall and Tresham was the main target for. As Isabel was being ignored by her previously loving fiance I was left wondering why she would put up with it and why she wouldn’t just go back to her aunt and uncle in London. Surely if Tresham really loved Isabel he wouldn’t be so mean to her, even if he is distraught after the death of his father?!
I was proved wrong after Isabel and Tresham’s younger brother Clement started investigating what was happening themselves in secret after they discovered that a long forgotten brother Ewan was the cause of both murders. And surprisingly in the end it turns out Ewan is actually Tresham’s twin brother and had locked him away and was masquerading as him. Which explains why Tresham had been acting so odd compared to everything we knew about him up until his fathers death.
After a bit of planning, Isabel and Clement manage to get the key to Tresham’s cell and work to break him out. But not after two sinister encounters with Ewan where they needed to pretend like they didn’t know it was actually Ewan, and not Tresham. The first encounter with Ewan was Isabel taking breakfast in a sun room where Ewan unexpectedly joined her. Unfortunately, although Ewan starts of well imitating a gentleman he inevitably reverts to his nefarious ways and attempts to rape Isabel. Luckily Isabel is able to fight him off long enough for Clement and a couple of servants to come rushing in and ensure her safety in that moment.
After that encounter, Clement stays with Isabel and they rush to Clement’s father’s study to get the key to Tresham’s cell and then on to free him. Except as is normal at this point of the book, Ewan has a spy following them and quickly learns that they are in there and so anticipates something is happening. Luckily Clement knows of a secret tunnel from the study down to near the stables and helps Isabel fit through the passage.
This is where I found myself starting to really get into the book. I admit, up until this point I was only mildly interested in the story, however as soon as Isabel started to really solve mysteries my interest was piqued and I found myself drawn in. I started resenting needing to follow through with my plans and drive myself to the airport because I just wanted to know if they managed to save Tresham!
Good news is that they are successful. What I found quite amusing and found myself feeling smug about, as that while Isabel and Clement were freeing Tresham and Ewan was chasing after them. One of Ewan’s creditors finally catches up to him and kills him! Therefore making Isabel’s and Clement’s rescue of Tresham so much easier.
Then I was given a bit of a heart attach when Tresham calls Isabel to his study to discuss their engagement. The way he was talking I thought for sure he was going to end the engagement and mean that Isabel stayed, figured out what was happening and suffered his crazy brother for nothing! Luckily Tresham is just so proper he was trying to be understanding of what Isabel has gone through and give her the option to leave if she wanted.
Luckily she didn’t want that and they got married a few months later to then chaperone the twin sisters the following season to be reunited with their chosen men.
Now there are a number of other twists, cool facts and family secrets I haven’t mentioned. So if you like romantic murder mysteries there is still plenty of things for you to work out as you read the book.
August 17, 2017
His evil twin
Restraint knows no limits in this story of filial, familial and romantic relationships, with the exception of Annelise. How can a betrothal between a lonely but loving young woman and a seemingly aloof, wealthy and yet not ostentatious bachelor begin a plot thick with constraints so prevalent during the time period, brutal honesty intermingled with unexpected deception, murder, kidnapping and starvation? The truth will out (apologies to Wm. Shakespeare) and so will true strength of character and devotion despite deceptive appearances.
Restraint knows no limits in this story of filial, familial and romantic relationships, with the exception of Annelise. How can a betrothal between a lonely but loving young woman and a seemingly aloof, wealthy and yet not ostentatious bachelor begin a plot thick with constraints so prevalent during the time period, brutal honesty intermingled with unexpected deception, murder, kidnapping and starvation? The truth will out (apologies to Wm. Shakespeare) and so will true strength of character and devotion despite deceptive appearances.
September 20, 2017
After a whirlwind romance during the London Season, Lady Isabel Sutton finds herself quickly engaged to the handsome Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. When his father passes away suddenly, however, his period of mourning delays their marriage and ruins the season for Tresham’s younger, twin sisters, Annalise and Rosamund.
After the girls invite Isabel to their Yorkshire home, Bleddyn Hall, Tresham seems an entirely different man than the one she fell in love with in London. Not only that, but all is not well within the walls of Bleddyn Hall. The house’s dark secrets lead to murder, mystery, and a gruesome discovery. Was Isabel’s happy future with Tresham nothing more than an illusion? What is more, will she survive her stay at Bleddyn Hall?
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The first third of the book started out as a decent regency romance, but then the main character became some sort of a super sleuth: doing things she knew better than to do (follow mysterious people into the dead of night after someone was just murdered- repeatedly), using the knowledge she gained reading mystery novels and teaming up with the 16 year old brother to solve the mystery became too much on my unbelievable scale. It didn't fit.
The last quarter of the book when suspense was building, the author would interrupt the flow of the mystery to detail what people were wearing or what style the room was decorated in - totally blowing the suspense and causing me to jump ahead and skip what was not at all necessary. It felt almost like the author was showing off what she knew about regency decorating, clothing, architecture, food and anything else and then just dump in paragraphs of blah, blah, blah.
I gave it three stars for effort and interest, but needed a good editor to focus it - just too much detail in the wrong places.
After the girls invite Isabel to their Yorkshire home, Bleddyn Hall, Tresham seems an entirely different man than the one she fell in love with in London. Not only that, but all is not well within the walls of Bleddyn Hall. The house’s dark secrets lead to murder, mystery, and a gruesome discovery. Was Isabel’s happy future with Tresham nothing more than an illusion? What is more, will she survive her stay at Bleddyn Hall?
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The first third of the book started out as a decent regency romance, but then the main character became some sort of a super sleuth: doing things she knew better than to do (follow mysterious people into the dead of night after someone was just murdered- repeatedly), using the knowledge she gained reading mystery novels and teaming up with the 16 year old brother to solve the mystery became too much on my unbelievable scale. It didn't fit.
The last quarter of the book when suspense was building, the author would interrupt the flow of the mystery to detail what people were wearing or what style the room was decorated in - totally blowing the suspense and causing me to jump ahead and skip what was not at all necessary. It felt almost like the author was showing off what she knew about regency decorating, clothing, architecture, food and anything else and then just dump in paragraphs of blah, blah, blah.
I gave it three stars for effort and interest, but needed a good editor to focus it - just too much detail in the wrong places.
March 2, 2019
I loved it! Characters from a most stilted time and place with a spirit and willingness to do what needs to be done without merely cowering in their bed chambers. The characters were wonderfully fleshed out, full human beings, not paper dolls flowing from one outfit change to another. Did I like the fact that the story ends well after all? You bet I did.
It's obvious that Ms. Shalaby has all the skill and talent to make a story come to life - and hold the reader in the palm of her hand for a ride that is at the very least interesting and beguiling and take it to a clean well thought out conclusion. I highly recommend this book.
It is not the best book I've ever read and does by no means go to the anything approaching mediocre. I'd have been happy for a lot more story. Should there be a book 2 with these characters, I would wholeheartedly make a dash to the Kindle store and buy it. Lady Isabel and Lord Tresham...a lovely pair. Reading this book is a lovely way to pass a chilly gray Alabama day. Thank you, Ms. Shalaby. Well done!
It's obvious that Ms. Shalaby has all the skill and talent to make a story come to life - and hold the reader in the palm of her hand for a ride that is at the very least interesting and beguiling and take it to a clean well thought out conclusion. I highly recommend this book.
It is not the best book I've ever read and does by no means go to the anything approaching mediocre. I'd have been happy for a lot more story. Should there be a book 2 with these characters, I would wholeheartedly make a dash to the Kindle store and buy it. Lady Isabel and Lord Tresham...a lovely pair. Reading this book is a lovely way to pass a chilly gray Alabama day. Thank you, Ms. Shalaby. Well done!
March 19, 2018
The romance is not the main focus in this book which is why I only gave it a 3 star rating. Only about 1/3 of the book really has anything to do with romance, which is really what I am looking for. Also the romance felt a little forced to me. Like it was something that had to happen for the main part of the story to take place. If you like gothic novels then you might enjoy it, but they really aren't my thing.
July 24, 2017
Predictable but reasonably entertaining
I was torn between giving the book a 3 star or a 4 star rating and chose the lower of the two because of the predictable plot and poorly developed characters. Especially irksome to me is that the prologue is dated a year AFTER the epilogue. (Don't ask me; ask whoever allegedly edited it.)
I was torn between giving the book a 3 star or a 4 star rating and chose the lower of the two because of the predictable plot and poorly developed characters. Especially irksome to me is that the prologue is dated a year AFTER the epilogue. (Don't ask me; ask whoever allegedly edited it.)
July 25, 2017
Bleddyn Hall
The love story of Lord Tresham and Lady Isabel. When Lady Isabel meet Lord Gresham it was love at first sight. Now they are engage. Lord Gresham's father is kill and he and his family return to Bleddy Hall and Lady Isabel nose with them. When they get there Lord Tresham change. Is this !an Lord Tresham or someone else? OK story.
The love story of Lord Tresham and Lady Isabel. When Lady Isabel meet Lord Gresham it was love at first sight. Now they are engage. Lord Gresham's father is kill and he and his family return to Bleddy Hall and Lady Isabel nose with them. When they get there Lord Tresham change. Is this !an Lord Tresham or someone else? OK story.
July 30, 2017
A most intriguing love story. Isabel falls in love with Tresham, but the death of his father delays their wedding. Things just aren't the same when she gets to their estate. Another death causes fear and Tresham's strange behavior causes confusion. Just what is happening? Using her love of reading she decides to investigate and discovers terror.
September 19, 2021
I can't believe that the most clicheed trope of all times is worked into this novel. Our heroine falls in love and goes off to stay with her fiance's family, right after the death of her future father-in-law. Her fiance hides himself away from everybody. lnspired by Mrs. Radcliffe's novels, she is able to escape evil and save everybody.
July 25, 2017
I was not entertained by it. The Romance was a bit rushed to make way for the mystery but even that promised thrill failed to raise my interest. The characters are too contrived so is the plot. I like mysteries but this one lacks spontaneity and credibility.
July 29, 2017
Needs some editing.
The dead Flora became Fiona? She remarked how cold she was without her shawl and a few pages later she was chilled and had it? Descriptions of clothing and setting were a bit long.
The dead Flora became Fiona? She remarked how cold she was without her shawl and a few pages later she was chilled and had it? Descriptions of clothing and setting were a bit long.
July 30, 2017
Well done!
This keeps your interest from start to finish. First with the romantic interludes and then with the mystery and intrigue that follows a death in the family. Well done!
This keeps your interest from start to finish. First with the romantic interludes and then with the mystery and intrigue that follows a death in the family. Well done!
August 2, 2017
Take, Rogue, or Gentleman?
Amanda has captured a beautiful love story with murder, deceit, mystery, and history within the "covers" if this book. I felt like I was actually one of the participants of this story as I watched it excellently play out.
Amanda has captured a beautiful love story with murder, deceit, mystery, and history within the "covers" if this book. I felt like I was actually one of the participants of this story as I watched it excellently play out.
August 26, 2017
True Gothic Novel
Taking its theme from gothic novels of old, this book has everything from strange happenings in a dreary old castle to mistaken identities and murder most foul. Secret passages, family secrets and nighttime trysts make for an enjoyable read.
Taking its theme from gothic novels of old, this book has everything from strange happenings in a dreary old castle to mistaken identities and murder most foul. Secret passages, family secrets and nighttime trysts make for an enjoyable read.
August 9, 2017
MYSTERIOUS AND EXCITING!
Very well written and unfolding in a timely fashion. When Isabel gets to Bleddyn Ball and her betrothed does not wish to see her I did start to think a relative had switched places but never thought a twin as he had twin sisters very GOOD READ. Enjoy!
Very well written and unfolding in a timely fashion. When Isabel gets to Bleddyn Ball and her betrothed does not wish to see her I did start to think a relative had switched places but never thought a twin as he had twin sisters very GOOD READ. Enjoy!
August 12, 2017
Review
This is a very good story! I honestly recommend it to everyone who likes to read books about women in those days being very smart and brave, I'm so glad the right Lord was saved! Thank you for this beautiful love story!
This is a very good story! I honestly recommend it to everyone who likes to read books about women in those days being very smart and brave, I'm so glad the right Lord was saved! Thank you for this beautiful love story!
August 18, 2017
This read was a pleasant surprise! The relationship between the H and h was not super developed, but that was not really the point of the story.
This was a true gothic mystery, following the genre of Ann Radcliffe, with many references to The Romance of the Forest.
This was a true gothic mystery, following the genre of Ann Radcliffe, with many references to The Romance of the Forest.
September 2, 2017
A romance with a twist
Love at first sight, a dashing aristocrat, murder, secret passage ways and strange behaviour. It's all here in this tale. Needs a little editing Brandy turns to Whisky when the young ladies need a drink to steady their nerves
Love at first sight, a dashing aristocrat, murder, secret passage ways and strange behaviour. It's all here in this tale. Needs a little editing Brandy turns to Whisky when the young ladies need a drink to steady their nerves
March 22, 2018
It's not what you think, so look carefully!
Wow, many twists and turns in this love story! I don't think I have read one involving suspense like this one did and I found I quite enjoyed it. It was very well put together and moved along well.
Wow, many twists and turns in this love story! I don't think I have read one involving suspense like this one did and I found I quite enjoyed it. It was very well put together and moved along well.
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