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Lady Eleanor #1
Summerton
He married for money, she wed by force, neither considered love part of the bargain.
It seems like the perfect a marriage to restore the Duke of Summerton’s crumbling family estate and give the heiress Caroline Howlett the status of duchess.
But the bride doesn’t give a fig for status. Forced into the marriage, Caroline is determined to leave the duke, until a dead body—and the very real threat that she and the duke are the next targets—gets in her way.
Can the Duke’s astute aunt, Lady Eleanor, solve the mystery of the deaths before the killers strike again? And can Caroline let down her guard long enough for the Duke’s attractions to penetrate her heart?
Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie in this new Regency mystery series with a touch of Gothic romance.
It seems like the perfect a marriage to restore the Duke of Summerton’s crumbling family estate and give the heiress Caroline Howlett the status of duchess.
But the bride doesn’t give a fig for status. Forced into the marriage, Caroline is determined to leave the duke, until a dead body—and the very real threat that she and the duke are the next targets—gets in her way.
Can the Duke’s astute aunt, Lady Eleanor, solve the mystery of the deaths before the killers strike again? And can Caroline let down her guard long enough for the Duke’s attractions to penetrate her heart?
Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie in this new Regency mystery series with a touch of Gothic romance.
342 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2015
473 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Becca St. John
17 books48 followersAn Accidental Writer ~
Writing was a tool, not a toy, until a stay in an ancient (I swear it was haunted) hotel on a frightfully stormy night straight from a clichéd novel full of howling wind and creaking floors. The night drove me to a bookcase full of dog eared romances. Sleepless turned to fascination. Hooked I read old romances, new romances, both sexy and sweet until my own tales begged to be written.
Writing was a tool, not a toy, until a stay in an ancient (I swear it was haunted) hotel on a frightfully stormy night straight from a clichéd novel full of howling wind and creaking floors. The night drove me to a bookcase full of dog eared romances. Sleepless turned to fascination. Hooked I read old romances, new romances, both sexy and sweet until my own tales begged to be written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 9, 2017
Summerton by Becca St. John is a lovely historical romance. Caroline thought that Summerton had selected her to marry for her money which was often done in this time period. Actually, people are still marrying for this reason, but today whoever is attempting to marry for money does not let that reason come out. At the time period of the novel, this behavior of marrying for money was accepted.
Personally, I have a very difficult time with this frame of mind at any period. Summerton, also, did not care that Caroline's family was in trade. He truly loved and wanted her. Well done.
Personally, I have a very difficult time with this frame of mind at any period. Summerton, also, did not care that Caroline's family was in trade. He truly loved and wanted her. Well done.
December 13, 2018
Wonderfully Complex Mystery and Fabulous Love Story
This Regency (no date given) was my first book by St. John and I loved it. She writes with a smooth fluidity that captured me from the beginning. Lots of atmosphere surrounds the mystery with twists and turns aplenty.
The characters came alive on the page. The Duke of Summerton is a gallant man, one worthy of any woman’s love. And his match, Caroline Howlett, a wealthy commoner from Manchester, was enchanting. She had loved him as a girl; he didn’t know she existed.
He married her for her money, or that’s at least what she believed. She only married him because she was forced to do so by her uncle. In the match, the Duke of Summerton would be able to restore his family estate and Caroline would gain a title. But she cares nothing for that. She only wants to return to Manchester to see to her family’s mills.
Caroline is attempting to run away when murder suddenly arrives. First her maid is found in the woods, strangled. And it seems that Caroline is the real target. Can Summerton protect her. And will they both find love in the process? Indeed, they shall. And Summerton’s Aunt Eleanor is a Regency detective with skills!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, did not want it to end. Highly recommended.
This Regency (no date given) was my first book by St. John and I loved it. She writes with a smooth fluidity that captured me from the beginning. Lots of atmosphere surrounds the mystery with twists and turns aplenty.
The characters came alive on the page. The Duke of Summerton is a gallant man, one worthy of any woman’s love. And his match, Caroline Howlett, a wealthy commoner from Manchester, was enchanting. She had loved him as a girl; he didn’t know she existed.
He married her for her money, or that’s at least what she believed. She only married him because she was forced to do so by her uncle. In the match, the Duke of Summerton would be able to restore his family estate and Caroline would gain a title. But she cares nothing for that. She only wants to return to Manchester to see to her family’s mills.
Caroline is attempting to run away when murder suddenly arrives. First her maid is found in the woods, strangled. And it seems that Caroline is the real target. Can Summerton protect her. And will they both find love in the process? Indeed, they shall. And Summerton’s Aunt Eleanor is a Regency detective with skills!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, did not want it to end. Highly recommended.
November 1, 2017
The back and forth feelings of the heroine towards her husband became irritating enough, but the fact that others around her felt her to be in mortal danger and repeatedly left her unattended was infuriatingly stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2016
It's not bad
It's just "old hat". Any one who reads this type of novel, will "have read this novel".
No real mystery surprises, etc. The upside to this particular novel is that the author was kind enough to spare us the bedding details.
Any one over 14 could read this. In fact, it would probably make a good "starter" novel for those whose teens show in interest.
It's just "old hat". Any one who reads this type of novel, will "have read this novel".
No real mystery surprises, etc. The upside to this particular novel is that the author was kind enough to spare us the bedding details.
Any one over 14 could read this. In fact, it would probably make a good "starter" novel for those whose teens show in interest.
January 23, 2017
Mystery
Mystery, little romance. Set in late 1800's. Not a lot of history but makes a good twisty story. Lady Eleanor was almost s second character doing simple sleuthing.
Mystery, little romance. Set in late 1800's. Not a lot of history but makes a good twisty story. Lady Eleanor was almost s second character doing simple sleuthing.
January 1, 2021
This was an alright book. I enjoyed parts of it. The hopeless romantic in me loved the relationship between Summerton and Caroline and just wanted it to work out. However, the writer in me kept finding problems with the characters and the story. So, I settled on the 3 stars, because I liked this book but did not love it. In truth, it was nothing spectacular. The mystery kept me entertained, I just thought the pacing was messy. There were several aspects of the story that I found problems with. For one, Caroline was a huge problem for me. She was so moody, one minute being happy, the next being angry at the duke. In some ways, I understood, but it just got exhausting, especially how their miscommunications inhibited their relationship so much. Their problems could have been solved if one just listened to the other. It got old really fast.
The other problem I had was, as I said, the pacing. We don't learn until the middle of the book that Caroline had been pining after Summerton for years, and then the detail is never mentioned again. I am of the belief that, for the most part, if it's not important to the story, don't include it. I kept hoping that detail would come to light in the end, but it never resurfaced. Disappointing. Another thing that was disappointing was the whole unraveling of the mystery. The end just seemed way out of left field, and not in the juicy plot twist sort of way. The "who done it?" was completely unexpected in the way that left me unsatisfied, because there weren't enough clues or foreshadowing to help the reader get there on their own. The author had to explain a whole secret history of the family and characters in order for me to understand, and at the end I still had no clue who was Roger and who was Edward (if you read the book, you'll probably understand the names mentioned).
One more thing, this is described as part of a series entitled "Lady Eleanor Mysteries". The thing that bothered me was that Lady Eleanor was barely a character! She just came off as an aloof genius sleuth that was ahead of her time. I would have loved it so much more if she had more of a character. Perhaps she is a bigger part of the other books in this series, which I would like. I just wished there was more of a focus on her if the series has to do with her. Oh, one more thing that I forgot to mention: the point of view. It was not great to read. The author kept switching from Summerton's thoughts to Caroline's, but not in a well done way. The author would include a bit from him, but it seemed mostly to be from Caroline's head. I'm not sure, it was just confusing. That was my least favorite part about the book. At times, it would just be third person omniscient and be in all of the characters' heads, but it did not work well. It would have been nice to have maybe a chapter of Caroline, a chapter of Summerton, and a chapter of Lady Eleanor. That would have focused it more and helped us get to know each of them as characters. If not that way, then at least be more consistent and organized with how the points of view are written.
I know that makes it sound like I didn't like the book, but I did. I just liked parts of it. Perhaps I was too generous with my 3 stars, but I'm leaving it that way. This was a nice book to read in my spare time, not one that I would make time for.
The other problem I had was, as I said, the pacing. We don't learn until the middle of the book that Caroline had been pining after Summerton for years, and then the detail is never mentioned again. I am of the belief that, for the most part, if it's not important to the story, don't include it. I kept hoping that detail would come to light in the end, but it never resurfaced. Disappointing. Another thing that was disappointing was the whole unraveling of the mystery. The end just seemed way out of left field, and not in the juicy plot twist sort of way. The "who done it?" was completely unexpected in the way that left me unsatisfied, because there weren't enough clues or foreshadowing to help the reader get there on their own. The author had to explain a whole secret history of the family and characters in order for me to understand, and at the end I still had no clue who was Roger and who was Edward (if you read the book, you'll probably understand the names mentioned).
One more thing, this is described as part of a series entitled "Lady Eleanor Mysteries". The thing that bothered me was that Lady Eleanor was barely a character! She just came off as an aloof genius sleuth that was ahead of her time. I would have loved it so much more if she had more of a character. Perhaps she is a bigger part of the other books in this series, which I would like. I just wished there was more of a focus on her if the series has to do with her. Oh, one more thing that I forgot to mention: the point of view. It was not great to read. The author kept switching from Summerton's thoughts to Caroline's, but not in a well done way. The author would include a bit from him, but it seemed mostly to be from Caroline's head. I'm not sure, it was just confusing. That was my least favorite part about the book. At times, it would just be third person omniscient and be in all of the characters' heads, but it did not work well. It would have been nice to have maybe a chapter of Caroline, a chapter of Summerton, and a chapter of Lady Eleanor. That would have focused it more and helped us get to know each of them as characters. If not that way, then at least be more consistent and organized with how the points of view are written.
I know that makes it sound like I didn't like the book, but I did. I just liked parts of it. Perhaps I was too generous with my 3 stars, but I'm leaving it that way. This was a nice book to read in my spare time, not one that I would make time for.
April 22, 2021
Ought to be a mystery/romance, but somehow isn't
This book seems to be an interesting--but not altogether successful--experiment: a mystery/romance in which the detective is not a major character in the story. The plot itself (someone is trying to kill the duke's rich commoner bride) is fascinating, but the attempt to insert the duke's mystery-solving aunt into the scenario just doesn't work.
It's really unfortunate, because I liked Lady Eleanor. I would have liked to read a mystery told entirely from her point of view. But since the story is told from the perspective of the romance's hero and heroine (who are very appealing characters), it's hard not to feel invested in THEM solving the mystery themselves.
And that is finally the major irony: no one seems to really "solve" this mystery. The villains simply overreach themselves. All that is left is for Lady Eleanor to explain the details of the motive.
This book seems to be an interesting--but not altogether successful--experiment: a mystery/romance in which the detective is not a major character in the story. The plot itself (someone is trying to kill the duke's rich commoner bride) is fascinating, but the attempt to insert the duke's mystery-solving aunt into the scenario just doesn't work.
It's really unfortunate, because I liked Lady Eleanor. I would have liked to read a mystery told entirely from her point of view. But since the story is told from the perspective of the romance's hero and heroine (who are very appealing characters), it's hard not to feel invested in THEM solving the mystery themselves.
And that is finally the major irony: no one seems to really "solve" this mystery. The villains simply overreach themselves. All that is left is for Lady Eleanor to explain the details of the motive.
September 3, 2017
If you're going to call it a "Lady Eleanor Mystery", shouldn't Lady Eleanor take a more prominent role in the story? For the most part she just provided speculative observations and served as little more than stage dressing. Until the last third of the book her personality just wasn't the center of the story. She inspected dead bodies, made astute, yet obscure observation and for the most part left the story to the two romantic leads. I had the feeling the author struggled with trying to work out how to incorporate the mystery into the romance and mostly went with the romance until forced to provide an obstacle for the lovers to overcome. I'm hoping that the second book will feature Lady Eleanor more prominently. The writing is engaging enough that I'm willing to give the author a second chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2018
The characterization in this book was horribly inconsistent. Here is just one example...We have a heroine that cares for stray and abused animals. In fact she loves them so much that she marries against her will to keep them safe and as soon as she see them alive and cared for by her husband she stops thinking about them. If she loved them so much, shouldn't she have continued to care for them or at least visit with them? But I guess they served their purpose to further the plot and were forgotten by the heroine and the author.
November 10, 2018
This is quite a well~written mystery with enough suspense, romance and excitement to make it worth one's while to read.
P.S. ~ Except for the word "date" (Chapter 13) used in present day context that jiggled the Timeline a bit. This is about as authentic as the author can make it and for readers to accept. I have read (or at least started a few chapters or pages from) the worst charlatans and fake historical romances that can be had for Free in the Net.
P.S. ~ Except for the word "date" (Chapter 13) used in present day context that jiggled the Timeline a bit. This is about as authentic as the author can make it and for readers to accept. I have read (or at least started a few chapters or pages from) the worst charlatans and fake historical romances that can be had for Free in the Net.
November 12, 2018
Summerton
This book combined two of my favorite genres, historical romance and mystery. Also, it was a clean book, which I appreciate. It had everything I enjoy in a great read! Great characters, a plot that is filled with twists, turns and drama. I truly enjoyed the character Eleanor, the aunt, that helped with all the deductions. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thank you!
This book combined two of my favorite genres, historical romance and mystery. Also, it was a clean book, which I appreciate. It had everything I enjoy in a great read! Great characters, a plot that is filled with twists, turns and drama. I truly enjoyed the character Eleanor, the aunt, that helped with all the deductions. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thank you!
November 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.
A forced marriage, murder and mystery with plots twisting and changing all the time.
You could feel the despair of Summerton (the duke) and Caroline (his bride that was a commoner) as they try to make it through their marriage. In the mist thereof, people are being murdered! How are they going to make their marriage work or was it doomed from the very start.
Great Book!!!
A forced marriage, murder and mystery with plots twisting and changing all the time.
You could feel the despair of Summerton (the duke) and Caroline (his bride that was a commoner) as they try to make it through their marriage. In the mist thereof, people are being murdered! How are they going to make their marriage work or was it doomed from the very start.
Great Book!!!
November 24, 2018
1.5. Barely OK--but I did finish it to find out 'whodunnit'. Books that have confusion between the main characters due to a lack of communication drive me crazy--and this is one of those. A simple "why" would clear it all up, but for some reason these characters don't think to ask. Also, for me the conversations between characters were confusing. An editor who insisted on more clarity would have been helpful.
November 11, 2018
Loved it!
Dukes and ancient mansions like castles, crypts and fog, dark woods, strange pets and horrible murder with a surprise ending! Enjoyed every minute of this cozy romance! Lady Eleanor and Summerton and Caroline were perfectly cast for this mystery. I am going to go search for more Lady Eleanor mysteries right now!
Dukes and ancient mansions like castles, crypts and fog, dark woods, strange pets and horrible murder with a surprise ending! Enjoyed every minute of this cozy romance! Lady Eleanor and Summerton and Caroline were perfectly cast for this mystery. I am going to go search for more Lady Eleanor mysteries right now!
November 13, 2018
I hated Caroline from the start, and despaired what was obviously going to be an infuriating book.
Then it quickly for interesting. The mysteries started piling up, the tension rose and stayed there, and then I was all in and gobbled the book up.
Caroline turned out to be okay. Loved Summerton and Eleanor. The mystery was well done, an abundance of potential villains and a good ending.
Then it quickly for interesting. The mysteries started piling up, the tension rose and stayed there, and then I was all in and gobbled the book up.
Caroline turned out to be okay. Loved Summerton and Eleanor. The mystery was well done, an abundance of potential villains and a good ending.
November 19, 2018
Not worth award winning
Though I thought the book was well written for the most part, there were areas which needed editing. I felt the descriptions lacking and actions by characters foolish. I was disheartened by the basic story finding it hurried and incomplete. I don't think it worth an award or even a recommendation.
Though I thought the book was well written for the most part, there were areas which needed editing. I felt the descriptions lacking and actions by characters foolish. I was disheartened by the basic story finding it hurried and incomplete. I don't think it worth an award or even a recommendation.
October 16, 2022
So Merton needs money to carry out repairs to not just his own home but those of his tenants. Caroline is a wealthy heiress whose money comes from the mills of Manchester.
Their marriage starts off on entirely the wrong foot. However, when danger threatens in the form of the murder of Caroline’s maid they are forced to rely on each other and the remarkable Lady Eleanor (Somerton’s aunt).
Their marriage starts off on entirely the wrong foot. However, when danger threatens in the form of the murder of Caroline’s maid they are forced to rely on each other and the remarkable Lady Eleanor (Somerton’s aunt).
November 16, 2018
A good idea that I really wanted to like but drama caused by mere lack of communication is a pet peeve of mine. And there were too many instances of characters not acting in ways that aligned with their fears/motivations
But... I will probably read the next one.
But... I will probably read the next one.
November 22, 2018
Exceptional
I have read this author before but this book was a first mystery and romance by the author. I read it because it was rated highly and it didn't disappoint! I don't read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I have read this author before but this book was a first mystery and romance by the author. I read it because it was rated highly and it didn't disappoint! I don't read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
June 18, 2019
Excellent period mystery
Believable characters and growing understanding between the two primary. Mystery compelling with lots of action and suspense. Enjoyable read. Will follow the author.
Believable characters and growing understanding between the two primary. Mystery compelling with lots of action and suspense. Enjoyable read. Will follow the author.
April 29, 2023
A good story that keeps the reader interested all the way through. There are murders, attempted murders, kidnapping and violence but eventually love shines through and Caroline and Summerton are safe.
November 7, 2017
Good mystery
Love reading this book as it held my interest. Very well written. This is the first book I have read by this author and will read more. Lady Eleanor kudos to you.
Love reading this book as it held my interest. Very well written. This is the first book I have read by this author and will read more. Lady Eleanor kudos to you.
October 1, 2018
I really liked this, and thought it was interesting how the romance and mystery were almost divided. I really hope to see more of Lady Eleanor in her element.
November 11, 2018
Great story!!! Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Love this story! A beautiful young woman and a handsome duke! Fondly love and happy was after many trials and tribulations!!
Love this story! A beautiful young woman and a handsome duke! Fondly love and happy was after many trials and tribulations!!
November 17, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed the intriguing story and the well written characters. I would continue the series if they were on Kindle Unlimited.
I enjoyed the intriguing story and the well written characters. I would continue the series if they were on Kindle Unlimited.
November 23, 2018
Intriguing!
A marriage of convenience, murder, mayhem! Definitely a five star read! Mrs. St. John delivers a well thought out story, with rich, complicated characters.
A marriage of convenience, murder, mayhem! Definitely a five star read! Mrs. St. John delivers a well thought out story, with rich, complicated characters.
November 27, 2018
Good
I enjoyed reading this book. I really liked the two main characters and what strong, good people they were as well as the Aunt.
I enjoyed reading this book. I really liked the two main characters and what strong, good people they were as well as the Aunt.
December 11, 2018
Took a minute to warm up to the story. Lady Eleanor is ahead of her time as a sleuth.
December 29, 2018
I would have given it 5 stars had we gotten an epilogue
January 17, 2019
A good mystery
The pace of the mystery, characters and the romance make this a very nice story. This was a very relaxing story to read.
The pace of the mystery, characters and the romance make this a very nice story. This was a very relaxing story to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews