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The Devereaux Manor Mystery #2
A Winter Wedding
Despite her dark past Kate Benson was looking forward to a very bright future. She was going to be a wedding planner and she was going to be the best. When a mysterious letter arrived promising her the opportunity to realize her dreams, it was too good to pass up. But Kate had no idea what was waiting for her at Devereaux Manor and nothing could have prepared her for what she found.
It had been five years since Aaron and Maggie had left Devereaux Manor. Maggie hoped that returning for the wedding would give her the opportunity to get the answers she needed. But for Aaron, allowing Ms. Devereaux’s involvement in their lives again felt like making a deal with the devil. He was plagued with a growing fear that the day of reckoning was coming, the day when Ms. Devereaux’s true motives would come to light.
Discover the secrets that lie within Devereaux Manor.
It had been five years since Aaron and Maggie had left Devereaux Manor. Maggie hoped that returning for the wedding would give her the opportunity to get the answers she needed. But for Aaron, allowing Ms. Devereaux’s involvement in their lives again felt like making a deal with the devil. He was plagued with a growing fear that the day of reckoning was coming, the day when Ms. Devereaux’s true motives would come to light.
Discover the secrets that lie within Devereaux Manor.
ebook
First published November 30, 2014
About the author
Tracey Smith
56 books51 followersTracey Smith grew up in Southern California, but as a teenager moved with her family to a small town in Arkansas. It was in Arkansas that she met and fell in love with the man of her dreams, who had also recently moved to the state. Fate brought them both to that small town and into each other’s lives and that is where they continue to live today raising their two children and living out their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 13, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received a copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
A Winter Wedding is book #2 in the Devereaux Manor Mystery Series and I highly recommend that you read A Summer Romance (book #1) first to fully appreciate the characters and the mysterious Manor and owner.
This book didn't start exactly where the last one left off. Five years past between the books and although Maggie and Aaron returned, some new characters were also introduced that would play a significant role in the plot. As with the first book it was equal parts romance and mystery. I enjoyed this so much in the first book that I was glad to see that Smith did not stray from that formula.
Maggie and Aaron continued to heat up the pages but the readers also got a new and budding relationship between Kate and Jason. All of this happened while planning for Maggie and Aarons wedding that the still unseen Agnes Devereaux graciously agreed to host and pay for. Would she make an actual appearance in this book or would she continue to work behind the scenes?
The plot thickened as spooky and unusual things continued to happen, mostly to Aaron, and the questions in my head began to pile up. Just like in the first book, I was anxious to know the secrets behind the Manor and Ms. Devereaux. Some of the things that I had guessed came to light and were correct but there was so much more that I didn't know and really wanted to. Just like in the first book, I found myself really drawn to the mysterious part of the story.
I will forewarn readers that things don't tie up nice and neat at the end of this book and there is a huge cliffhanger. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers you may want to wait for the third book to come out so that you can continue reading right away. Luckily you won't have to wait very long because it's expected publication date is March 15, 2016. I for one can't wait to read it and finally know all of the secrets.
This series has been an entertaining yet mysterious adventure for me that I have been happy to be a part of. I can't wait to see what happens in A Spring Scandal!
** I received a copy of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
A Winter Wedding is book #2 in the Devereaux Manor Mystery Series and I highly recommend that you read A Summer Romance (book #1) first to fully appreciate the characters and the mysterious Manor and owner.
This book didn't start exactly where the last one left off. Five years past between the books and although Maggie and Aaron returned, some new characters were also introduced that would play a significant role in the plot. As with the first book it was equal parts romance and mystery. I enjoyed this so much in the first book that I was glad to see that Smith did not stray from that formula.
Maggie and Aaron continued to heat up the pages but the readers also got a new and budding relationship between Kate and Jason. All of this happened while planning for Maggie and Aarons wedding that the still unseen Agnes Devereaux graciously agreed to host and pay for. Would she make an actual appearance in this book or would she continue to work behind the scenes?
The plot thickened as spooky and unusual things continued to happen, mostly to Aaron, and the questions in my head began to pile up. Just like in the first book, I was anxious to know the secrets behind the Manor and Ms. Devereaux. Some of the things that I had guessed came to light and were correct but there was so much more that I didn't know and really wanted to. Just like in the first book, I found myself really drawn to the mysterious part of the story.
I will forewarn readers that things don't tie up nice and neat at the end of this book and there is a huge cliffhanger. If you are not a fan of cliffhangers you may want to wait for the third book to come out so that you can continue reading right away. Luckily you won't have to wait very long because it's expected publication date is March 15, 2016. I for one can't wait to read it and finally know all of the secrets.
This series has been an entertaining yet mysterious adventure for me that I have been happy to be a part of. I can't wait to see what happens in A Spring Scandal!
December 13, 2014
Smith had me hooked from the explosively emotional start of this novel. I was so caught up in what was happening in the story that the world around me disappeared. Smith also kept me on my toes. The plot twists in this novel left me reeling. I could never guess what was going to happen next. The narrative kept me involved in the story, while the naturally beautiful descriptions brought everything to life.
This novel definitely needs to be read after the first in the series, and will leave you needing to read the next one as there is no resolution to the overarching mystery of the story. It is something that carries over from the first novel and is definitely going to play a role in future novels as well. I quite enjoyed how the novel ended, even if it was rather abrupt. It fit directly with the way in which the mystery has been developing. That said, if you’re one who doesn’t like cliffhangers or dangling plot loops at the end of the novel, you may want to steer clear of this one.
I loved the main character from the beginning of the novel. The way that she stood up for herself, even if it was not in her best interest, was fantastic. I also enjoyed getting to know the male lead. Smith’s character development wasn’t overly indepth, but her unique method of bringing them forward worked very well with the story. I’d also love to know Ms. Devereaux’s deal. She’s becoming more mysterious by the book, even though we’re finding out more about her.
Overall, this was a fantastic follow up to the series opener and has left me dying for the next. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This novel definitely needs to be read after the first in the series, and will leave you needing to read the next one as there is no resolution to the overarching mystery of the story. It is something that carries over from the first novel and is definitely going to play a role in future novels as well. I quite enjoyed how the novel ended, even if it was rather abrupt. It fit directly with the way in which the mystery has been developing. That said, if you’re one who doesn’t like cliffhangers or dangling plot loops at the end of the novel, you may want to steer clear of this one.
I loved the main character from the beginning of the novel. The way that she stood up for herself, even if it was not in her best interest, was fantastic. I also enjoyed getting to know the male lead. Smith’s character development wasn’t overly indepth, but her unique method of bringing them forward worked very well with the story. I’d also love to know Ms. Devereaux’s deal. She’s becoming more mysterious by the book, even though we’re finding out more about her.
Overall, this was a fantastic follow up to the series opener and has left me dying for the next. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuchforittomenorm...
A Winter Wedding is book #2 in The Devereaux Manor Mystery Series, I was lucky enough to connect with Tracey Smith through a Goodreads group dedicated to helping authors find reviewers and visa, versa. Tracey gifted me a copy of book #1 in the series a Summer Romance and I loved it, here’s a link to my review. I think I pretty much harassed Tracey into agreeing to gift me a copy of the second book as soon as it was available so here’s my review....
The Plot Thickens!!!!
I honestly didn’t think that the mystery element of this book could become any better, oh how wrong I was. I likened the first book to a Scooby doo mystery and that’s still the perfect analogy as far as I’m concerned. The plot twists and turns at a rate of knots and I was literally on the edge of my seat. I’m desperate for the big reveal but it’s not coming in this book. But who cares I’m loving dragging out this story I don’t want it to end!!
This is going to be such a difficult review to make spoiler free but I’m going to try really hard so apologies if at times it seems a bit vague.
I’m so glad that Kate was brought into the story; she’s a great character even if it did take me a while to figure out who she was.
I’m loving the fact that we are finding out more about Mrs Devereaux, she’s still a massive enigma but I love the fact that I haven’t guessed who’s behind all of the intrigue.
The cast of characters has grown and I'm loving the introduction of Jason, Andi’s brother!!
But who was his wife and why does she look like Kate??? I’m convinced that’s important lol!!!
Maggie and Aaron are still smouldering hot and the sex is still sexy as hell!!
There’s so much in this book, there’s literally something for everyone!!
I normally hate it when a mystery book is left with so many unanswered questions, but this book and the series as a whole feels like an old school ‘Who Done It’ like a Poirot or Miss Marple.
The tension is really amped up in this book and poor Aaron is the firing line, the blokes invincible he just keeps bouncing back!!
OMG what a cliff hanger!! I’ve got so many ideas as to who’s involved but I could be completely wrong!!
Where the hell did Hero come from??? I do love him though he was totally sent there on purpose!!
I love Dylan for Andi I’m hoping their romance will come in book #3.
Overall I loved this book; it had me hook, line and sinker and up till 3am because I couldn’t put it down!!
Tracey I’m begging again can I please have an ARC of book #3 I NEED it lol
Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant 5 stars from me!!
A Winter Wedding is book #2 in The Devereaux Manor Mystery Series, I was lucky enough to connect with Tracey Smith through a Goodreads group dedicated to helping authors find reviewers and visa, versa. Tracey gifted me a copy of book #1 in the series a Summer Romance and I loved it, here’s a link to my review. I think I pretty much harassed Tracey into agreeing to gift me a copy of the second book as soon as it was available so here’s my review....
The Plot Thickens!!!!
I honestly didn’t think that the mystery element of this book could become any better, oh how wrong I was. I likened the first book to a Scooby doo mystery and that’s still the perfect analogy as far as I’m concerned. The plot twists and turns at a rate of knots and I was literally on the edge of my seat. I’m desperate for the big reveal but it’s not coming in this book. But who cares I’m loving dragging out this story I don’t want it to end!!
This is going to be such a difficult review to make spoiler free but I’m going to try really hard so apologies if at times it seems a bit vague.
I’m so glad that Kate was brought into the story; she’s a great character even if it did take me a while to figure out who she was.
I’m loving the fact that we are finding out more about Mrs Devereaux, she’s still a massive enigma but I love the fact that I haven’t guessed who’s behind all of the intrigue.
The cast of characters has grown and I'm loving the introduction of Jason, Andi’s brother!!
But who was his wife and why does she look like Kate??? I’m convinced that’s important lol!!!
Maggie and Aaron are still smouldering hot and the sex is still sexy as hell!!
There’s so much in this book, there’s literally something for everyone!!
I normally hate it when a mystery book is left with so many unanswered questions, but this book and the series as a whole feels like an old school ‘Who Done It’ like a Poirot or Miss Marple.
The tension is really amped up in this book and poor Aaron is the firing line, the blokes invincible he just keeps bouncing back!!
OMG what a cliff hanger!! I’ve got so many ideas as to who’s involved but I could be completely wrong!!
Where the hell did Hero come from??? I do love him though he was totally sent there on purpose!!
I love Dylan for Andi I’m hoping their romance will come in book #3.
Overall I loved this book; it had me hook, line and sinker and up till 3am because I couldn’t put it down!!
Tracey I’m begging again can I please have an ARC of book #3 I NEED it lol
Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant 5 stars from me!!
February 14, 2016
In preparation for reading this book, I decided to read book one again-- A Summer Romance. I'm very glad I did, because it definitely helped with recall.
Book two doesn't start right where book one ends; rather, it picks up five years later. We have the same characters, but a few more are tossed in. I loved book one's characters, and book two's additions were smoothly incorporated.
We still have Aaron and Maggie, who are both still madly in love, engaged to be married, and headed back to where it all began-- Devereaux Manor in the small town of Sweetwater, GA. Andi is still in the picture, and we finally get introduced to her elusive winemaking brother, Jason. Another new character is Kate. She's hired to be the wedding planner by the mysterious Ms. Devereaux.
Some questions are answered, but many more surface. Here's hoping book three uncovers even more. I'm anxious to see how relationships develop among Andi, Dylan, Kate, and Jason. Who is out to get Aaron and Kate? Who is Curtis Johnson really? Will the prodigal son, Reginald Bouchard, make an appearance?
I generally don't favor a sequel over the first; but in this instance, I thoroughly enjoyed book two more. I'm excited about getting my eyes on book three. 5 star read.
Book two doesn't start right where book one ends; rather, it picks up five years later. We have the same characters, but a few more are tossed in. I loved book one's characters, and book two's additions were smoothly incorporated.
We still have Aaron and Maggie, who are both still madly in love, engaged to be married, and headed back to where it all began-- Devereaux Manor in the small town of Sweetwater, GA. Andi is still in the picture, and we finally get introduced to her elusive winemaking brother, Jason. Another new character is Kate. She's hired to be the wedding planner by the mysterious Ms. Devereaux.
Some questions are answered, but many more surface. Here's hoping book three uncovers even more. I'm anxious to see how relationships develop among Andi, Dylan, Kate, and Jason. Who is out to get Aaron and Kate? Who is Curtis Johnson really? Will the prodigal son, Reginald Bouchard, make an appearance?
I generally don't favor a sequel over the first; but in this instance, I thoroughly enjoyed book two more. I'm excited about getting my eyes on book three. 5 star read.
December 14, 2014
This is book 2 in the The Devereaux Manor Mystery Series. We are back at Devereauz Manor and the town of Sweetwater - nothing like a small southern town with lots of secrets. Ms. Smith is unwinding the threads that bring these characters together and this really pulls you into the novel. And yes you can see some of the answers coming, but there is still a mystery to be solved. And in a good book it is the way the plot unfolds that brings the enjoyment. The more I read, the more I was pulled into this story.
Ms. Smith has developed a really nice group of characters and provided us with a back ground of what happens when families are torn apart. Her first book in this series introduced us to Maggie and Aaron and how they found their love for each other when something more than chance brought them to the Devereaux Manor. Book two has them planning their HEA with a winter wedding and introduces us to Kate and Jason. Kate is the wedding planner and Jason is the brother of Maggie's best friend, Addie (Addie was also a great character in A Summer Romance, Book 1 in the series). Jason is more than slightly on the surly side to Kate due to a painful past, but Kate can't help herself from being drawn to him. (I was very intrigued with him as well!). We have a really nasty bad guy (or gal) making attempts on Aaron's life and our main characters are trying to stay safe and determine who the guilty party is and what the real motive is. Ms. Smith does a good job of pacing the events in the story which keeps you wanting more.
I enjoyed this book and would read more from this author and more in this series. I did like her writing style. If you like an on-going series, this would be a good read. I think this series does a really good effort in balancing the romance with the suspense. Without the final book and the main plot resolution you don't have all your answers, but the series does give a nice balance of providing the relationship subplots a Happily For Now and a Happily Ever After that provides romance readers with that nice warm fuzzy feeling that we look for. Of course, we still have one more couple to read about... If you like a serious and well though out suspense plot, this series is delivering that.
I received this book as an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Ms. Smith has developed a really nice group of characters and provided us with a back ground of what happens when families are torn apart. Her first book in this series introduced us to Maggie and Aaron and how they found their love for each other when something more than chance brought them to the Devereaux Manor. Book two has them planning their HEA with a winter wedding and introduces us to Kate and Jason. Kate is the wedding planner and Jason is the brother of Maggie's best friend, Addie (Addie was also a great character in A Summer Romance, Book 1 in the series). Jason is more than slightly on the surly side to Kate due to a painful past, but Kate can't help herself from being drawn to him. (I was very intrigued with him as well!). We have a really nasty bad guy (or gal) making attempts on Aaron's life and our main characters are trying to stay safe and determine who the guilty party is and what the real motive is. Ms. Smith does a good job of pacing the events in the story which keeps you wanting more.
I enjoyed this book and would read more from this author and more in this series. I did like her writing style. If you like an on-going series, this would be a good read. I think this series does a really good effort in balancing the romance with the suspense. Without the final book and the main plot resolution you don't have all your answers, but the series does give a nice balance of providing the relationship subplots a Happily For Now and a Happily Ever After that provides romance readers with that nice warm fuzzy feeling that we look for. Of course, we still have one more couple to read about... If you like a serious and well though out suspense plot, this series is delivering that.
I received this book as an ARC from the author for an honest review.
February 15, 2016
Donna Morrison (aka Dragon Lady) owned/operated Morrison Event Planning.
Katelyn “Kate” Benson had worked for her for 3 yrs. as a server now an event planner.
Jeremy worked as a server. Carmen is a party planner. Cesar is the assistant chef.
It is Beatrice (daughter) 16th. birthday & Mr. & Mrs. Thurston Walsh were having their options explained to them.
Kate quit Morrison Event Planning & was now on her own off to Sweetwater, GA.
There she meets Andi Rutledge (Maggie’s BFF). Ms. Agnes Devereaux is forking the bill for Aaron & Maggie’s (Dr., Margaret) wedding in December.
Jason Rutledge Andi’s brother Kate later finds out is a chef & comes along with the deal.
Sylvia Dodd (vendor) will be the photographer for the wedding.
What is Aaron’s secret? What is in Maggie’s past?
& what about Ms. Agnes Devereaux motives or secrets?
Just when you think you have this family figured out. BOOM!
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written romantic mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great family mystery movie, or mini TV series. If Alfred Hitchcock were still around he would love this 1. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Katelyn “Kate” Benson had worked for her for 3 yrs. as a server now an event planner.
Jeremy worked as a server. Carmen is a party planner. Cesar is the assistant chef.
It is Beatrice (daughter) 16th. birthday & Mr. & Mrs. Thurston Walsh were having their options explained to them.
Kate quit Morrison Event Planning & was now on her own off to Sweetwater, GA.
There she meets Andi Rutledge (Maggie’s BFF). Ms. Agnes Devereaux is forking the bill for Aaron & Maggie’s (Dr., Margaret) wedding in December.
Jason Rutledge Andi’s brother Kate later finds out is a chef & comes along with the deal.
Sylvia Dodd (vendor) will be the photographer for the wedding.
What is Aaron’s secret? What is in Maggie’s past?
& what about Ms. Agnes Devereaux motives or secrets?
Just when you think you have this family figured out. BOOM!
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written romantic mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great family mystery movie, or mini TV series. If Alfred Hitchcock were still around he would love this 1. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 17, 2016
A fabulous follow up to book 1! I adored book 1, and I was so excited to read about Maggie and Aaron's wedding! Maggie and Aaron decide to take Ms. Deveraux up on her offer to have their wedding at the manor, and Ms. Deveraux hires Kate to handle the wedding planning with Andie while Maggie is busy with her residency. There are fireworks when Kate meets Andie's brother Jason...although they may not be the good kind. When Aaron and Maggie finally show up at the manor, it is clear that Ms. Deveraux is up to her old tricks and Kate was not a random hire.
I loved Kate right off the bat. I was a little apprehensive about meeting a new characters since I love Andie and the other secondary characters so much, but Kate fit in seamlessly. I was also a little unsure about Jason, but I started to love him as we learned more about him.
Aaron and Maggie, of course, stole the show for me. I just adore them and was so happy to see their relationship progress. The buildup to their wedding was perfect, as was the event itself. My only complaint is that I would have liked to check in with them once more before the book ended.
I assume that the next book will focus on Andie and Dylan, and I am SO exited to learn more about their history! I am totally hooked on them already!
Once again, this book had a great amount of suspense/mystery. We did get some answers in this book (did Ms. Deveraux pick Aaron and Maggie on purpose? If so, why?) but we are still left with several questions. And the ENDING! What a cliffhanger!
The writing style kept me engaged from the first word, and I could not put this book down! Can't wait until book 3!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
I loved Kate right off the bat. I was a little apprehensive about meeting a new characters since I love Andie and the other secondary characters so much, but Kate fit in seamlessly. I was also a little unsure about Jason, but I started to love him as we learned more about him.
Aaron and Maggie, of course, stole the show for me. I just adore them and was so happy to see their relationship progress. The buildup to their wedding was perfect, as was the event itself. My only complaint is that I would have liked to check in with them once more before the book ended.
I assume that the next book will focus on Andie and Dylan, and I am SO exited to learn more about their history! I am totally hooked on them already!
Once again, this book had a great amount of suspense/mystery. We did get some answers in this book (did Ms. Deveraux pick Aaron and Maggie on purpose? If so, why?) but we are still left with several questions. And the ENDING! What a cliffhanger!
The writing style kept me engaged from the first word, and I could not put this book down! Can't wait until book 3!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own.
July 18, 2015
Loved the sequel. Good fast read. Great characters, love story and mystery.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews