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Redway Acres #1
Redway Acres: Helena
Set in early 1800s, England...Mrs. Helena Andrews is the widow of Captain Andrews who died in battle. Leaving all she knows behind her in Norfolk, she travels to Lincolnshire to live with her grandfather, Redway Acres stable owner, George Stockton. There she will raise her daughter.After the death of her grandfather, she is left to run Redway by herself. She makes friends with an old widower in a ramshackle cottage, the family from a local, grand estate and their friend, a colonel and second son of the Earl of Aysthill, Nathaniel Ackley.She is an opinionated woman in a man’s world, who loves horses and her daughter, and will stand up for those who are in need.Her story is one of horses, strength of will, music, friendship, love and loyalty.
410 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 7, 2020
I fell in love with this historical fiction family saga from page one. Plucky Helena has found herself with child and unwed, much to the disappointment of her parents, who heartlessly ship her off to her grandfather at Redway Acres, an idyllic horse farm where she and daughter Issy thrive. I adored the relationships in this one—for good and for bad. Helen and her grandfather were so warm, and the wit that crackled between her and her mother made me laugh. Sharp and sassy. If you’re a lover of horses and romance, this is for you.
As an epic saga, this tale contains a little bit of everything lovers of Jane Austen-esque tales might yearn for. Dinner parties. Bloody battle fields. Visits with family friends. Christmas balls. Picnics and early morning rides with someone you’re courting (and their adorable daughter.) I LOVED the heartwarming themes and wonderful messages in this one. Perseus/Pegasus (heart). Helena is kind and generous, fighting for needy children, taking those who need help into her fold, and Colonel Nathaniel Ackely is a lovely match for her, a fellow horse lover, gentle and kind. There is diversity, good representation of characters with disabilities, of family of choice, and I loved the role music played throughout. A charming tale!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
As an epic saga, this tale contains a little bit of everything lovers of Jane Austen-esque tales might yearn for. Dinner parties. Bloody battle fields. Visits with family friends. Christmas balls. Picnics and early morning rides with someone you’re courting (and their adorable daughter.) I LOVED the heartwarming themes and wonderful messages in this one. Perseus/Pegasus (heart). Helena is kind and generous, fighting for needy children, taking those who need help into her fold, and Colonel Nathaniel Ackely is a lovely match for her, a fellow horse lover, gentle and kind. There is diversity, good representation of characters with disabilities, of family of choice, and I loved the role music played throughout. A charming tale!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
October 2, 2020
Book 1 in the Redway Acres series, I actually read this one after I read a later book, though the latter is a prequel so it felt like the right order to me.
This was an easy 5-star read for me! Quite by coincidence, my favorite characters from the prequel were the two main characters in Book 1. In this book, we get a closer, more in-depth look at their lives and it was captivating for me especially because it mirrored my own life experiences.
Nathaniel Ackley was a soldier, I was a Marine. He fell in love with a beautiful redhead and her adorable young daughter, as did I. He struggled as he had to win both fair lady’s heart and that of the young princess, as did I. It brought back pleasant memories of attempting to woo the woman who’d become my wife and the girl who became my daughter. It’s no easy task to date a person when you must simultaneously and immediately be a father as well! Nathaniel has to learn how to be a husband a father, and he has surprising successes as well as frustrating missteps, yet another thing I can relate to.
The suspense is wonderful, as there is a snobby woman who feels entitled to Nathaniel’s love constantly lurking in the shadows, doing everything she can to separate the lovebirds. There’s humor, sorrow, love, and even some battlefield scenes to be found in this book. The characters are phenomenal, and the villains truly dastardly.
I recommended the prequel to fans of the genre. This one I strongly recommend to not only fans of the genre but any reader who loves a good book!
This was an easy 5-star read for me! Quite by coincidence, my favorite characters from the prequel were the two main characters in Book 1. In this book, we get a closer, more in-depth look at their lives and it was captivating for me especially because it mirrored my own life experiences.
Nathaniel Ackley was a soldier, I was a Marine. He fell in love with a beautiful redhead and her adorable young daughter, as did I. He struggled as he had to win both fair lady’s heart and that of the young princess, as did I. It brought back pleasant memories of attempting to woo the woman who’d become my wife and the girl who became my daughter. It’s no easy task to date a person when you must simultaneously and immediately be a father as well! Nathaniel has to learn how to be a husband a father, and he has surprising successes as well as frustrating missteps, yet another thing I can relate to.
The suspense is wonderful, as there is a snobby woman who feels entitled to Nathaniel’s love constantly lurking in the shadows, doing everything she can to separate the lovebirds. There’s humor, sorrow, love, and even some battlefield scenes to be found in this book. The characters are phenomenal, and the villains truly dastardly.
I recommended the prequel to fans of the genre. This one I strongly recommend to not only fans of the genre but any reader who loves a good book!
February 12, 2018
Overall: Set in 1800s England during the war against Napoleon. Redway Acres is a solid, character-driven Romance. I was not immediately drawn into this book. Many characters are introduced right up front before anything really happens. I found it hard to keep track of who was who for several chapters. Once I had my bearings, it was an enjoyable story.
Writing: Told from an omniscient viewpoint, the writing was a mixed bag for me. Throughout the book the author is very descriptive, bringing the story alive beautifully, without getting bogged down in details. The dialogue, however, was sometimes stiff and then at other times it was great and helped to flesh out the characters. The point of view jumped from one character to another too often for my personal taste, making it tough to follow, particularly in the beginning.
Plot: The expected romance was somewhat predictable, yet satisfying. In general, the plot took a while to get going and sometimes felt meandering. This book is much more character driven.
Characters: The characters were varied, well fleshed out, likable (for the most part) and entertaining. Particularly enjoyable was the atypical, strong, independent-minded Helena. In my opinion, the characters are the strong point of the book. Once I got them all straight, I got sucked into their stories. The only downside; sometimes the good guys felt a little too good.
Recommendation: If you like period romances, this is a lovely read.
Writing: Told from an omniscient viewpoint, the writing was a mixed bag for me. Throughout the book the author is very descriptive, bringing the story alive beautifully, without getting bogged down in details. The dialogue, however, was sometimes stiff and then at other times it was great and helped to flesh out the characters. The point of view jumped from one character to another too often for my personal taste, making it tough to follow, particularly in the beginning.
Plot: The expected romance was somewhat predictable, yet satisfying. In general, the plot took a while to get going and sometimes felt meandering. This book is much more character driven.
Characters: The characters were varied, well fleshed out, likable (for the most part) and entertaining. Particularly enjoyable was the atypical, strong, independent-minded Helena. In my opinion, the characters are the strong point of the book. Once I got them all straight, I got sucked into their stories. The only downside; sometimes the good guys felt a little too good.
Recommendation: If you like period romances, this is a lovely read.
April 15, 2018
ACTUAL RATING: 3.5/5 STARS
Read the review on The Anxious Princess blog
Trigger Warning: This review contains information about sexual assault, and may be uncomfortable to some readers.
Redway Acres: Book 1 - Helena
“Set in early 1800s, England…
Mrs. Helena Andrews is the widow of Captain Andrews who died in battle. Leaving all she knows behind her in Norfolk, she travels to Lincolnshire to live with her grandfather, Redway Acres stable owner, George Stockton. There she will raise her daughter.
After the death of her grandfather, she is left to run Redway by herself. She makes friends with an old widower in a ramshackle cottage, the family from a local, grand estate and their friend, a colonel and second son of the Earl of Aysthill, Nathaniel Ackley.
She is an opinionated woman in a man’s world, who loves horses and her daughter, and will stand up for those who are in need.
Her story is one of horses, strength of will, music, friendship, love and loyalty.”*
I was provided a complementary copy of Helena to review. It in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion/review of the book.
Two years ago, I had to actively stop myself from whipping the remote at my television. I had been binge watching Downton Abbey all summer (I know, I’m always late to the party), and to see Matthew Crawley meet such a tragic fate had me reeling.
Imagine if you could take that season three finale and rewrite it to have a happier ending.
You’d get Helena’s story.
And no, that is not a jab at the book. In fact, it was possibly my favourite aspect. The plot of the novel follows Helena, a refreshingly resilient and quick-witted woman, and her plight of propriety versus freedom. Instead of the stuffiness that is characteristic of 1800s England (or 1800s anywhere, really), Redway Acres – Helena reads like the whimsical dreams modern day women have of what life was like in the past. It takes all the good points of such a time period (such as balls, courtship, and old-timey language) and interweaves the modern ideals of equality and respect that women still fight for into it.
Colonel Nathanial Ackley is another high point for the book. He is the perfect embodiment of a gentleman. An out-of-touch one, but a gentleman nonetheless. He is initially wrapped up in the ideals of his society, where war is fought for personal dignity and the biggest concern about rape is how best to sweep it under the rug. However, as the story continues, his arc develops with it. Nathanial learns and grows organically. He goes from doing things for Helena’s sake to doing them because they are the right things to do. I was never once confused or put off by his thought process, as it evolved so naturally. Nathanial is dislikable at times, but that is only because he was written to be a person, not a character. Even when you think he is fully changed, he reverts back to the opinions instilled in him from childhood. The ebb and flow of Nathanial was truly beautiful.
Though this book is fairly breezy, there are mature themes such as rape and assault. For the most part, they were handled well. The scenes themselves were written delicately, and they never seemed overly graphic or lengthy. The scenes also did not grind the story to a halt, which can become an issue when heavy-handed subjects are brought into otherwise light-hearted books.
Also, bonus points for the Pride and Prejudice quote at the beginning.
Overall, Redway Acres: Book One – Helena is a decent foundation for a series to stand on. It’s a lighthearted read that I definitely don’t regret. I’m excited for the next part!
3.5 out of 5 stars.
*Blurb by Goodreads.
Read the review on The Anxious Princess blog
Trigger Warning: This review contains information about sexual assault, and may be uncomfortable to some readers.
Redway Acres: Book 1 - Helena
“Set in early 1800s, England…
Mrs. Helena Andrews is the widow of Captain Andrews who died in battle. Leaving all she knows behind her in Norfolk, she travels to Lincolnshire to live with her grandfather, Redway Acres stable owner, George Stockton. There she will raise her daughter.
After the death of her grandfather, she is left to run Redway by herself. She makes friends with an old widower in a ramshackle cottage, the family from a local, grand estate and their friend, a colonel and second son of the Earl of Aysthill, Nathaniel Ackley.
She is an opinionated woman in a man’s world, who loves horses and her daughter, and will stand up for those who are in need.
Her story is one of horses, strength of will, music, friendship, love and loyalty.”*
I was provided a complementary copy of Helena to review. It in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion/review of the book.
Two years ago, I had to actively stop myself from whipping the remote at my television. I had been binge watching Downton Abbey all summer (I know, I’m always late to the party), and to see Matthew Crawley meet such a tragic fate had me reeling.
Imagine if you could take that season three finale and rewrite it to have a happier ending.
You’d get Helena’s story.
And no, that is not a jab at the book. In fact, it was possibly my favourite aspect. The plot of the novel follows Helena, a refreshingly resilient and quick-witted woman, and her plight of propriety versus freedom. Instead of the stuffiness that is characteristic of 1800s England (or 1800s anywhere, really), Redway Acres – Helena reads like the whimsical dreams modern day women have of what life was like in the past. It takes all the good points of such a time period (such as balls, courtship, and old-timey language) and interweaves the modern ideals of equality and respect that women still fight for into it.
Colonel Nathanial Ackley is another high point for the book. He is the perfect embodiment of a gentleman. An out-of-touch one, but a gentleman nonetheless. He is initially wrapped up in the ideals of his society, where war is fought for personal dignity and the biggest concern about rape is how best to sweep it under the rug. However, as the story continues, his arc develops with it. Nathanial learns and grows organically. He goes from doing things for Helena’s sake to doing them because they are the right things to do. I was never once confused or put off by his thought process, as it evolved so naturally. Nathanial is dislikable at times, but that is only because he was written to be a person, not a character. Even when you think he is fully changed, he reverts back to the opinions instilled in him from childhood. The ebb and flow of Nathanial was truly beautiful.
Though this book is fairly breezy, there are mature themes such as rape and assault. For the most part, they were handled well. The scenes themselves were written delicately, and they never seemed overly graphic or lengthy. The scenes also did not grind the story to a halt, which can become an issue when heavy-handed subjects are brought into otherwise light-hearted books.
Also, bonus points for the Pride and Prejudice quote at the beginning.
Overall, Redway Acres: Book One – Helena is a decent foundation for a series to stand on. It’s a lighthearted read that I definitely don’t regret. I’m excited for the next part!
3.5 out of 5 stars.
*Blurb by Goodreads.
May 28, 2018
I’m not one for love stories but this one is intriguing as it is set in England in the 19th century, complete with the language and customs of the time. The descriptive talent of the author is commendable and the amount of research into this era of England is thorough. I enjoyed being taken back to a time long past and interacting with characters of this time.
The story itself is intriguing, taking the reader on a journey through the eyes of the main protagonist Helena, with her complex personality and interesting ideas. Colonel Ackley, her love interest is equally as compelling. I enjoyed this character and identified with him the most as he became in embroiled in a series of conflicts during the Napoleonic wars at the time.
Highly recommended, easy read.
The story itself is intriguing, taking the reader on a journey through the eyes of the main protagonist Helena, with her complex personality and interesting ideas. Colonel Ackley, her love interest is equally as compelling. I enjoyed this character and identified with him the most as he became in embroiled in a series of conflicts during the Napoleonic wars at the time.
Highly recommended, easy read.
February 24, 2022
Redway Acres! What a start to the series. I enjoyed Helena’s take on life and quickly fell in love with her relationship with Colonel Ackley. I was rooting for them from the start. I feel like there is good character development and the plot was exciting for the most part. I found myself quite confused at times between who was the current narrator and who was speaking. There is a good bit of use of He, Her, Him, His - but it’s difficult to follow who the exact person is each time.
I would also be remiss to say that if multiple spelling errors and print layout mistakes bug you, maybe wait for a newer edition. This one is fraught with mistakes.
Overall, this book is pretty enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading about the other characters in books 2-6.
I won a series set of these books directly from the author.
I would also be remiss to say that if multiple spelling errors and print layout mistakes bug you, maybe wait for a newer edition. This one is fraught with mistakes.
Overall, this book is pretty enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading about the other characters in books 2-6.
I won a series set of these books directly from the author.
May 3, 2020
Saddle up to your new favorite historical romance!
Redway Acres book 1 has everything you want from a good historical romance: A forward-thinking heroine, a handsome and duty-bound hero, and tons of little historical details to make you crave life in another time period. Oh, and horses. The book is awash with wonderful, mythically named horses that you can't help but adore as much as the human characters.
I will say that there are trigger warnings for rape, torture and battle. For me, these topics were all handled well by the author. There are also several sex scenes described in detail.
While the book got off to a little too slow a start for my liking, Helena and Nathaniel are immediately likeable, if frustrating in their mutual stubborness. Not only that, but Redway Acres has a huge cast of wonderfully flushed out support characters who both encourage and attack the burdgeoning romance between the Colonel and Helena.
The central conflict is, of course, Helena's forward-thinking opinions on marriage and women's rights. Basically, she refuses to marry anyone ever. But there is also the Colonel's sense of propriety and duty that creates problems for our couple. Not to mention family troubles that abound on both sides and this pesky little problem called Napoleon! Of course things work out in the end, as they should in most romances, but it is these conflicts and struggles that make the story worth reading.
Three stars for this great historical romance. I took away one because for me it was slow in some places and another because at times the scene breaks were confusing and I think the book could use some reformatting to correct that. Overall, though, it is a read I heartily recommend to anyone looking for a good, heart-string tugging romance.
Redway Acres book 1 has everything you want from a good historical romance: A forward-thinking heroine, a handsome and duty-bound hero, and tons of little historical details to make you crave life in another time period. Oh, and horses. The book is awash with wonderful, mythically named horses that you can't help but adore as much as the human characters.
I will say that there are trigger warnings for rape, torture and battle. For me, these topics were all handled well by the author. There are also several sex scenes described in detail.
While the book got off to a little too slow a start for my liking, Helena and Nathaniel are immediately likeable, if frustrating in their mutual stubborness. Not only that, but Redway Acres has a huge cast of wonderfully flushed out support characters who both encourage and attack the burdgeoning romance between the Colonel and Helena.
The central conflict is, of course, Helena's forward-thinking opinions on marriage and women's rights. Basically, she refuses to marry anyone ever. But there is also the Colonel's sense of propriety and duty that creates problems for our couple. Not to mention family troubles that abound on both sides and this pesky little problem called Napoleon! Of course things work out in the end, as they should in most romances, but it is these conflicts and struggles that make the story worth reading.
Three stars for this great historical romance. I took away one because for me it was slow in some places and another because at times the scene breaks were confusing and I think the book could use some reformatting to correct that. Overall, though, it is a read I heartily recommend to anyone looking for a good, heart-string tugging romance.
January 21, 2018
What’s an independent woman to do in a world where marrying means losing everything?
This is a story about love and courage in the face of adversity. Helena is an extraordinary woman who overcomes the problems forced upon her by an English society in the 1800s which seeks to bind her by its own rules of propriety.
Fans of Jane Austen will fall in love with the Colonel who sees Helena as something to behold, not to spurn, although his own stubbornness is nearly his downfall. Set against the backdrop of a stud farm, with glimpses into war against Napoleon, this is lovely read.
This is a story about love and courage in the face of adversity. Helena is an extraordinary woman who overcomes the problems forced upon her by an English society in the 1800s which seeks to bind her by its own rules of propriety.
Fans of Jane Austen will fall in love with the Colonel who sees Helena as something to behold, not to spurn, although his own stubbornness is nearly his downfall. Set against the backdrop of a stud farm, with glimpses into war against Napoleon, this is lovely read.
July 24, 2017
As I kept reading and following the journey of Helena and her family I became more and more invested in the story. Their challenges, sometimes expected and often times unexpected, drew me into their beautiful homes and made me smile, laugh and cry. I also fell just a bit in love with Nathaniel!
November 22, 2019
My Fellow Book Dragons! Welcome to Throwback Thursday…are you ready to travel back in time and leave this modern world behind? Our Gem this evening will do just that for you. See this Gem? It is quite beautiful..the color of deep green fields and hues of splendid blue skies. This is “Redway Acres: Book 1 Helena” by Gem Maker Trish Butler.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this is the story of Helena Andrews, a widow and Colonel Nathaniel Ackley, son of the Earl of Aysthill House, just returned, wounded, from battle.
Mrs. Andrews is a woman of good breeding, meaning she is not titled, but has come from a good home, wealth and education (as much education as a woman of her standing would be allowed). She has inherited Redway Acres Stables from her grandfather who took her in when she was widowed while still pregnant. I am going to say something about the set up of this first chapter. In the beginning it is vague as to why she was widowed and why her family would not support her. This book is well researched and has a wide cast of characters because there are three books in the series. Be patient, as many characters are introduced in this book and it is worth sticking with. We find Helena five years hence, running the stable and tending to her daughter, Isabella, affectionately known as Issie.
Helena is fiercely independent. She has been wrongly treated by her husband, her family and is not about to let anyone get the upper hand on her. Her grandfather has gone against popular convention and left her property. She is beholden to no one. She is her own woman, a rare breed at that time. Rumors of course run rampant, as ladies and gents wonder about the gorgeous woman with the little girl who runs a business and doesn’t seem to be husband hunting.
Colonel Ackley on the other hand, is resting and recovering at this family home. He is stifling. His doting mother has doted once too often and he writes to his friend, Alexander Harker for an invitation to stay with him for awhile. He and Harker are co-guardians to a young woman named Harriet. Harriet is a friend of Mrs. Andrews.
Ackley and Andrews meet and all is not love at first sight. Mrs. Andrews is distrustful of men. She guards her person and her independence as a starving dog guards a new bone. What will happen? Happily Ever After or Happily Never After?
I loved this book for several reasons. One, Ms. Butler is English and knows her element here. This is not your average romantic bodice ripper. These characters are realistic. The settings, clothing, transportation, battles, weapons, medical care and diseases are all spot on. Two, she pulls no punches, her type writer is not a bakery nor does it come with an early warning system to help the “trigger” bunch. Life in 1813 was hard no matter what class you were born into. Life in general was unpleasant at the best of times, medicine was just beginning to make nominal discoveries, women died in childbirth, spousal abuse wasn’t talked about, the brutalities of war were extremely brutal given that if a soldier survived the battlefield he could very well die of gangrene or some other infection. Three, intimate scenes are tastefully done ( a bit much for old fashioned me) but still tasteful. I do appreciate a classy romance. These scenes are done as love scenes between adults and no one sticks their head in the sand about the fact that sex is part of married life. Her writing makes me think somewhere along the line Charlotte Bronte and Phillippa Gregory are long lost cousins.
If you are looking for a bit of romance to warm a chilly evening, this may be the book for you. If you would love to present a romance lover with a lovely Christmas gift, this would be a topper!
Enjoy the rest of your evening. Until tomorrow I remain, Drakon T. Longwitten, your humble Book Dragon.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this is the story of Helena Andrews, a widow and Colonel Nathaniel Ackley, son of the Earl of Aysthill House, just returned, wounded, from battle.
Mrs. Andrews is a woman of good breeding, meaning she is not titled, but has come from a good home, wealth and education (as much education as a woman of her standing would be allowed). She has inherited Redway Acres Stables from her grandfather who took her in when she was widowed while still pregnant. I am going to say something about the set up of this first chapter. In the beginning it is vague as to why she was widowed and why her family would not support her. This book is well researched and has a wide cast of characters because there are three books in the series. Be patient, as many characters are introduced in this book and it is worth sticking with. We find Helena five years hence, running the stable and tending to her daughter, Isabella, affectionately known as Issie.
Helena is fiercely independent. She has been wrongly treated by her husband, her family and is not about to let anyone get the upper hand on her. Her grandfather has gone against popular convention and left her property. She is beholden to no one. She is her own woman, a rare breed at that time. Rumors of course run rampant, as ladies and gents wonder about the gorgeous woman with the little girl who runs a business and doesn’t seem to be husband hunting.
Colonel Ackley on the other hand, is resting and recovering at this family home. He is stifling. His doting mother has doted once too often and he writes to his friend, Alexander Harker for an invitation to stay with him for awhile. He and Harker are co-guardians to a young woman named Harriet. Harriet is a friend of Mrs. Andrews.
Ackley and Andrews meet and all is not love at first sight. Mrs. Andrews is distrustful of men. She guards her person and her independence as a starving dog guards a new bone. What will happen? Happily Ever After or Happily Never After?
I loved this book for several reasons. One, Ms. Butler is English and knows her element here. This is not your average romantic bodice ripper. These characters are realistic. The settings, clothing, transportation, battles, weapons, medical care and diseases are all spot on. Two, she pulls no punches, her type writer is not a bakery nor does it come with an early warning system to help the “trigger” bunch. Life in 1813 was hard no matter what class you were born into. Life in general was unpleasant at the best of times, medicine was just beginning to make nominal discoveries, women died in childbirth, spousal abuse wasn’t talked about, the brutalities of war were extremely brutal given that if a soldier survived the battlefield he could very well die of gangrene or some other infection. Three, intimate scenes are tastefully done ( a bit much for old fashioned me) but still tasteful. I do appreciate a classy romance. These scenes are done as love scenes between adults and no one sticks their head in the sand about the fact that sex is part of married life. Her writing makes me think somewhere along the line Charlotte Bronte and Phillippa Gregory are long lost cousins.
If you are looking for a bit of romance to warm a chilly evening, this may be the book for you. If you would love to present a romance lover with a lovely Christmas gift, this would be a topper!
Enjoy the rest of your evening. Until tomorrow I remain, Drakon T. Longwitten, your humble Book Dragon.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2021
With only one category - read a signed book- remaining I finally finished the Book Hoarders Readers’ Challenge! I just finished Trish Butler’s Redway Acres: Helena. I was first introduced to Butler’s Redway Acres series last year after winning a copy Emmalee; and although it is book #6 in the series, since it was a prequel to the rest of the series’s storyline, it hooked me on wanting to start with Book #1 - Helena. “Helena” is about a strong-willed, ahead-of-her-times woman who finds herself the sole owner of Redway Acres, a prosperous horse farm. Since during the early 1800s any property a female inherited went directly to her husband, Helena refuses to marry and give up her independence and free-will. But when she’s introduced to the charming Colonel Ackley, her heart betrays her and she must battle with her own conscience over keeping her free-will and losing her soul mate or marry her true love while foregoing her independence. Although there are numerous families and names to keep track of during the storyline, Butler’s fluid writing style pulls you in so that you can’t help turning the next page. I love that Butler portrays the protagonist as a strong and compassionate female character that knows want she wants and perseveres against society, even admonishing the male characters that “Evil will always succeed when a good man does nothing to face it down (page 79)”, but in this particular novel as Butler writes the more passionate scenes in the novel, she veers off course and her writing nears that of the gaudy romance books. I hope that the other books in the series hold true to the storyline and the characters and that Bulter leaves the sex scenes to Harlequin. With the fear of sounding like a prude, I rate Helena as a three-star read.
February 11, 2021
I was lucky to receive Book #3, 4, & 5 through a contest from the author, Trish Butler. I immediately purchased books 1 & 2 and found myself escaping to another time and place away from all of today’s drama. Not that there wasn’t drama in early 1800’s, England. This series is full of it!! It is also full of horses, strong-willed women, romance, sex, celebrations and heartache. It’s more than just a single family saga. It’s a spider web of lives woven together by time and place, need and circumstance, tradition and rebellion, love and loyalty....
Book #1 revolves around Helena. The author creates a main character born into a time where women were considered subservient to men, who, at a young age, finds herself victim to the worst of male dominance. But instead of staying a victim, she becomes stronger and goes on to carve herself a life that is not dependent purely on the will of any man. I love how the author uses Helena to address the plight of women in a timeless way and shows the power and strength women are capable of to take control of their own lives. Not that there are not powerful men in this saga! We are introduced to the best and the worst examples of men.
I love the historical aspect of this series as well as the peak into the pomp and circumstance of the time. The author’s descriptions show an immense amount of research of this era and setting. I am so anxious to continue on to book #2 and beyond!!
Book #1 revolves around Helena. The author creates a main character born into a time where women were considered subservient to men, who, at a young age, finds herself victim to the worst of male dominance. But instead of staying a victim, she becomes stronger and goes on to carve herself a life that is not dependent purely on the will of any man. I love how the author uses Helena to address the plight of women in a timeless way and shows the power and strength women are capable of to take control of their own lives. Not that there are not powerful men in this saga! We are introduced to the best and the worst examples of men.
I love the historical aspect of this series as well as the peak into the pomp and circumstance of the time. The author’s descriptions show an immense amount of research of this era and setting. I am so anxious to continue on to book #2 and beyond!!
October 4, 2020
One country, two different world views, same love.
Upon meeting Colonel Nathaniel Ackley, Helena Andrews was not expecting a handsome face. Confident in herself and independent, she didn’t imagine to find the Colonel charming. How could she when love was never in her corner?
Meanwhile, Nathaniel did not imagine the widowed Mrs. Andrews to be a beautiful, red-haired woman with vibrant green eyes. As rumors and stories of her influence in the town reach his ears, how could the bachelor win the affection of a self-determined woman?
This is my second Redways Acre book, and as I expected, Butler has woven a warm tale. There are many moments where I chuckled and squealed at tugs and pulls Helena and Nathaniel confront. Every time Grace made an appearance, my popcorn was ready for what Helen might tell her. I laughed at what Davy called Grace, and that Lord Aysthill was not innocent at what he called her. (After reading Book 6, I’m an Emmalee and David fan, so I was happy at their appearance and character growth)
Butler’s writing style effortlessly glues my eyes to the text. The pacing was great, and the entire book from beginning to end was good-feeling. For Sweet Romance readers, this book has intimate scenes. For everyone else, enjoy!
Upon meeting Colonel Nathaniel Ackley, Helena Andrews was not expecting a handsome face. Confident in herself and independent, she didn’t imagine to find the Colonel charming. How could she when love was never in her corner?
Meanwhile, Nathaniel did not imagine the widowed Mrs. Andrews to be a beautiful, red-haired woman with vibrant green eyes. As rumors and stories of her influence in the town reach his ears, how could the bachelor win the affection of a self-determined woman?
This is my second Redways Acre book, and as I expected, Butler has woven a warm tale. There are many moments where I chuckled and squealed at tugs and pulls Helena and Nathaniel confront. Every time Grace made an appearance, my popcorn was ready for what Helen might tell her. I laughed at what Davy called Grace, and that Lord Aysthill was not innocent at what he called her. (After reading Book 6, I’m an Emmalee and David fan, so I was happy at their appearance and character growth)
Butler’s writing style effortlessly glues my eyes to the text. The pacing was great, and the entire book from beginning to end was good-feeling. For Sweet Romance readers, this book has intimate scenes. For everyone else, enjoy!
January 9, 2018
So good that I finished in one sitting!
Trish Butler did an amazing job at tackling her first book. While I'm more of a classic romance novel lady myself and have always been fond of Jane Austen novels this certainly did another take on acceptable behavior for the time.
It is for the reader to decide their preferences personally the historical accuracy for behaviors there is no way these individuals would have gotten away with much less condoned did not bother me and in fact made the story better for it. I love the time setting, so it was nice to get let's say the best of both worlds.
I thought the characters were well developed and really moved me. Not only did I really love Helena and Nathianal, but I just as vehemently wanted to strangled Grace. I look forward to continuing to read the series.
Trish Butler did an amazing job at tackling her first book. While I'm more of a classic romance novel lady myself and have always been fond of Jane Austen novels this certainly did another take on acceptable behavior for the time.
It is for the reader to decide their preferences personally the historical accuracy for behaviors there is no way these individuals would have gotten away with much less condoned did not bother me and in fact made the story better for it. I love the time setting, so it was nice to get let's say the best of both worlds.
I thought the characters were well developed and really moved me. Not only did I really love Helena and Nathianal, but I just as vehemently wanted to strangled Grace. I look forward to continuing to read the series.
November 30, 2020
A first by me by this amazing author definitely did not disappoint! As a lover of historical fiction and non fiction this book totally hit all the spots that I look for in a series starting! A great background and details to the time period as well as a great main character and storyline that’s crying for more ( great for us lovers of series sets)! Helena chooses against what society thinks she should do and does what is best for herself even though it may come back to haunt her and her future children. I must say that I enjoyed reading her story and can’t wait to read what’s next! I highly recommend this book!
August 7, 2020
This is my kind of book and story. The characters are so real that it is easy to become a part of their lives. The characters just lift you from everyday life to a life of romance, adventure and anticipation. I honestly hope this series continues for years. Helena, Maria, Martha, Harriet, Amelia are all so interesting!
April 1, 2021
A great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! At times heart wrenching, at times funny, always entertaining. The story of a young woman who follows her dreams, and the galant soldier who steals her heart. I can recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! At times heart wrenching, at times funny, always entertaining. The story of a young woman who follows her dreams, and the galant soldier who steals her heart. I can recommend it!
June 15, 2020
I received this book from the author. I enjoy historical romance. Set in the 1800s, England. Helena, a pregnant widow is kicked out of her parents home after the death of her husband. She goes and lives with her grandfather who is a kind man. She meets Nathaniel at the home of her friends. They are intrigued by each other. I won’t say anymore about their relationship as I don’t want to spoil anything. Helena is a strong woman and fights whomever may need her help. Really good story!
July 20, 2022
Love this book. Helena is a strong female character and the book introduces a great lineup of other characters!
February 18, 2018
This book is set in the early 1800s in Lincolnshire and Norfolk, England. It's a love story involving the two main characters, Helena Andrews who has inherited a house and stables from her Grandfather, and Colonel Nathaniel Ackley, the second son of Lord Ackley, who meets Helena when he visits her neighbours, at Eastease.
As an accomplished rider, Helena's main interest is taking care of her horses. She is outspoken, opinionated and somewhat overpowering, yet is seen to be a selfless and charitable woman who helps the poor of her village - a well defined but contradictory character who wishes to be independent yet has no problems living off her grandfather until his death.
As her inherited property would come under the control of any future husband, Helena has resolved to never marry. However, she seems to not consider the effect on any future children of being illegitimate, something which would have carried a great social stigma at that time, bringing great shame upon the family.
The author has done a very good job in portraying the language of the time and this gives the story an authentic feel. The writing is imaginative and descriptive and I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Captain Ackley is being held prisoner by the French during the Napoleonic Wars. These scenes are full of suspense with the author conveying well the sense of fear and hopelessness of war. However, I would have liked to have seen more conflict in the story. I found that too many of the characters were willing to go along with Helena's wishes. One character, in particular, undergoes a complete personality change towards the end of the book which, to me, is unconvincing. At the dinner table Helena argues with the local clergyman, Mr.Brooks, which would have been disapproved of, and yet later, it seems this same vicar is all too willing to carry out Helena's wishes. Her daughter, Isabella, is a much loved only child who is used to being the centre of attention and yet she readily accepts the chimney boy, Davy, into her life as her brother.
Despite this, the author has obviously carried out a great deal of research into the historical period and this makes the book an interesting and well written read.
As an accomplished rider, Helena's main interest is taking care of her horses. She is outspoken, opinionated and somewhat overpowering, yet is seen to be a selfless and charitable woman who helps the poor of her village - a well defined but contradictory character who wishes to be independent yet has no problems living off her grandfather until his death.
As her inherited property would come under the control of any future husband, Helena has resolved to never marry. However, she seems to not consider the effect on any future children of being illegitimate, something which would have carried a great social stigma at that time, bringing great shame upon the family.
The author has done a very good job in portraying the language of the time and this gives the story an authentic feel. The writing is imaginative and descriptive and I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Captain Ackley is being held prisoner by the French during the Napoleonic Wars. These scenes are full of suspense with the author conveying well the sense of fear and hopelessness of war. However, I would have liked to have seen more conflict in the story. I found that too many of the characters were willing to go along with Helena's wishes. One character, in particular, undergoes a complete personality change towards the end of the book which, to me, is unconvincing. At the dinner table Helena argues with the local clergyman, Mr.Brooks, which would have been disapproved of, and yet later, it seems this same vicar is all too willing to carry out Helena's wishes. Her daughter, Isabella, is a much loved only child who is used to being the centre of attention and yet she readily accepts the chimney boy, Davy, into her life as her brother.
Despite this, the author has obviously carried out a great deal of research into the historical period and this makes the book an interesting and well written read.
February 23, 2019
Redway Acres: Helena is the first book of Trish’s historical romance series. It’s getting a solid four stars from me. In book one, you meet Helena who runs her own horse stable – something that is considered unladylike and unheard of during this time. She’s faced some tough stuff in her life and is raising a child on her own. As you can imagine, she is fierce – she is deliberate and confident in voicing her opinion despite the time period’s expectation that women be more demure. One thing she doesn’t have though is a man to share her life with. Throughout the book, we meet her neighbors and friends and watch as a romance blossoms… or falls apart.
There are a LOT of things I could tell you about this book that I loved. It’s a smooth, heart-warming (and sometimes -breaking) story that I became totally engrossed in. But the biggest thing I appreciated is the author’s handling of situations that arise in the book. I will briefly mention that there are some topics (about sexual situations and treatment of women) that could be triggering for some people. However, the characters handle the situations and topics well in that she are clear in saying this is something that is wrong and unacceptable. They clearly state what is wrong about it and how it should be handled. Those who are in the wrong are receptive and repentant for the most part. Given how society is today, I found this to be incredibly important and empowering.
If you’re looking for a book with some romance, a touch of history, horses, and a strong female lead, this is the series!
A huge thank you to Trish Butler for providing me with the first two books of the Redway Acres series. I have voluntarily read this book and the review expresses my own personal opinion.
There are a LOT of things I could tell you about this book that I loved. It’s a smooth, heart-warming (and sometimes -breaking) story that I became totally engrossed in. But the biggest thing I appreciated is the author’s handling of situations that arise in the book. I will briefly mention that there are some topics (about sexual situations and treatment of women) that could be triggering for some people. However, the characters handle the situations and topics well in that she are clear in saying this is something that is wrong and unacceptable. They clearly state what is wrong about it and how it should be handled. Those who are in the wrong are receptive and repentant for the most part. Given how society is today, I found this to be incredibly important and empowering.
If you’re looking for a book with some romance, a touch of history, horses, and a strong female lead, this is the series!
A huge thank you to Trish Butler for providing me with the first two books of the Redway Acres series. I have voluntarily read this book and the review expresses my own personal opinion.
June 25, 2018
I love to read local Connecticut authors and with Trish Butler I found a real treat. I just loved her book entitled Helena! If you like Pride and Prejudice, you'll love that Redway Acres gives you an entire saga just like P&P! Ms. Butler's characters, I think, are much more exciting than Austen's in their modernity, maybe more like Emma. These characters are so full of life that they seem to jump right off the page and come to stay with you! I found myself thinking of them often after finishing the book, especially the free-spirited Helena! Ms. Butler writes exceedingly well, albeit with some preposition errors easy to correct - which would avoid having to reread the sentence to figure out who thought what! Other than that, the story moves from event to event, character to character in different settings very nicely and evenly -- there is great flow to this book and Ms. Butler is a professional at moving the story along with clear transitions. There are often shifts in POV, but I absolutely loved this and Ms. Butler still maintains her main character Helena's POV as supremely interesting! That is the mark of a great writer, imho! Most publishers and authors think the reader too stupid to change POV, but I, for one, really love to find out what everyone else in the room is thinking and doing, not only the main character. Set in the early 1800's, Helena as our heroine manages to be a trail blazer, the romance and sex scenes are worth waiting for, but I won't give any spoilers! All in all, a splendid first book in Ms. Butler's saga, and I can't wait to pick up her next book in the series!
February 19, 2018
This was truly a wonderful story!
The beginning of 'Redway Acres' dragged a bit, and I wondered on several occasions as to its direction; fortunately, the more I read, the more interesting and enjoyable the story became. It was very character-driven - which I love - and the bits of action with Nathaniel on the battlefield added more to the story (i.e., it wasn't all about balls and having tea in elegant drawing rooms).
I was confused by the odd placement of some sentences and punctuation, which made one character's voice appear to belong to another's. Once I got the hang of it, it was easier for me to read...
With that, I must say that I absolutely loved the H/h - Nathaniel and Helena. They were two of the most likeable, intelligent, thoughtful characters that I've ever read. I especially loved Helena's character; being a strong independent woman during the Regency era was no small feat. Along with her genuine compassion, she came across as being damn near perfect (but not in a 'Mary Sue' kind of way, thank God)...
The romance (and sensual realistic sex scenes), emotion, adventure, and the variety of characters - nice and downright nasty - made for one great read. I'll definitely be reading the other books in this series! 4.5 stars!
The beginning of 'Redway Acres' dragged a bit, and I wondered on several occasions as to its direction; fortunately, the more I read, the more interesting and enjoyable the story became. It was very character-driven - which I love - and the bits of action with Nathaniel on the battlefield added more to the story (i.e., it wasn't all about balls and having tea in elegant drawing rooms).
I was confused by the odd placement of some sentences and punctuation, which made one character's voice appear to belong to another's. Once I got the hang of it, it was easier for me to read...
With that, I must say that I absolutely loved the H/h - Nathaniel and Helena. They were two of the most likeable, intelligent, thoughtful characters that I've ever read. I especially loved Helena's character; being a strong independent woman during the Regency era was no small feat. Along with her genuine compassion, she came across as being damn near perfect (but not in a 'Mary Sue' kind of way, thank God)...
The romance (and sensual realistic sex scenes), emotion, adventure, and the variety of characters - nice and downright nasty - made for one great read. I'll definitely be reading the other books in this series! 4.5 stars!
July 22, 2018
Redway Acres by Trish Butler was an entertaining and engaging read. I liked the characters, both as people and how they were written. I liked the setting, both in time and space. I liked the story. There was mystery, controversy and sexual tension, without shying away from sex when it was about damn time.
Not often, but I did find myself confused a few places, asking myself: Who’s that character again? Or: Is that what happened earlier? But, not enough that I felt compelled to stop or go back and check. That may just be the byproduct of getting old.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Redway Acres and, especially if you like period romances, I think it is worth a look.
Not often, but I did find myself confused a few places, asking myself: Who’s that character again? Or: Is that what happened earlier? But, not enough that I felt compelled to stop or go back and check. That may just be the byproduct of getting old.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Redway Acres and, especially if you like period romances, I think it is worth a look.
August 2, 2017
Just loved Helena! Can't wait to read the next one!
February 12, 2018
Set in the 19th century, Redway Acres Book 1 by Trisha Butler is a well written historical fiction.
The year is 1813. England is at war with France, Nepolean Bonaparte. Colonel Nathaniel Ackley is at the battlefield near the French and the Spanish border. Laden with grief, he mopes for England, thinking about it and missing it.
What's interesting about this book, more than the intrigues and the story itself is the narrative style. The juxtaposition of the two worlds, the change of scenes going back and forth between this peaceful life of England and that turbulent realities of the war, puts the book in perspective. On the one hand, there are these soldiers inflicted with gangrene, death in the midst of a full on battle filled with gun power, on the other hand a peaceful life in England ensues.
In some parts, it reads like a Jane Austen novel. With the war in the backdrop, life continues as usual in England where characters free from the war-plagues, mingle in mundane socialising of horse ridings, walks and so on between scones and tea, as the drama slowly unfolds.
The year is 1813. England is at war with France, Nepolean Bonaparte. Colonel Nathaniel Ackley is at the battlefield near the French and the Spanish border. Laden with grief, he mopes for England, thinking about it and missing it.
What's interesting about this book, more than the intrigues and the story itself is the narrative style. The juxtaposition of the two worlds, the change of scenes going back and forth between this peaceful life of England and that turbulent realities of the war, puts the book in perspective. On the one hand, there are these soldiers inflicted with gangrene, death in the midst of a full on battle filled with gun power, on the other hand a peaceful life in England ensues.
In some parts, it reads like a Jane Austen novel. With the war in the backdrop, life continues as usual in England where characters free from the war-plagues, mingle in mundane socialising of horse ridings, walks and so on between scones and tea, as the drama slowly unfolds.
March 1, 2019
There should have been some kind of warning about the violence in this book. Nothing in the synopsis indicates what is coming. I dislike reading about violence against women, but that was brief and relevant to the plot. I was able to skip it because I could see it was coming. The torture scenes came up out of the blue and served absolutely no purpose. Capture had a point but not torture. The scenes were very upsetting. If that's what someone wants to write, fine. But warn a reader so she can choose.
Before I got to that part, I was going to give this book 4 stars. The punctuation and capitalization are inconsistent, but the writing was fairly good otherwise. But as the book progressed, the author felt the need to get on several soapboxes. The second half of the book is very crowded with overly dramatic events to serve these soapboxes. I only give a book 1 star if I cannot finish it, so I am giving this 2 stars.
Before I got to that part, I was going to give this book 4 stars. The punctuation and capitalization are inconsistent, but the writing was fairly good otherwise. But as the book progressed, the author felt the need to get on several soapboxes. The second half of the book is very crowded with overly dramatic events to serve these soapboxes. I only give a book 1 star if I cannot finish it, so I am giving this 2 stars.
July 19, 2020
Content warning! Contains rape description, vivid battle scenes, and torture.
This book is set in 1808 during the war between Napoleon and England. It is set in the English countryside.
The hero in the book is a dashing young Colonel. The heroine is a young widowed parent. There is a huge twist in the beginning that starts the book out with a bang!
After that, it slows down considerably until about halfway through when it picks up to a faster pace. The narrative is a bit confusing as one paragraph may be told by one person and the next by a different person.
All in all, I enjoyed the book! I especially liked that even though it was a romance book they did not sleep together until a good 3/4 into the book. Thereby letting them get to know each other first.
I was a bit surprised by the ending but you will have to find that out on your own! 😜
This book is set in 1808 during the war between Napoleon and England. It is set in the English countryside.
The hero in the book is a dashing young Colonel. The heroine is a young widowed parent. There is a huge twist in the beginning that starts the book out with a bang!
After that, it slows down considerably until about halfway through when it picks up to a faster pace. The narrative is a bit confusing as one paragraph may be told by one person and the next by a different person.
All in all, I enjoyed the book! I especially liked that even though it was a romance book they did not sleep together until a good 3/4 into the book. Thereby letting them get to know each other first.
I was a bit surprised by the ending but you will have to find that out on your own! 😜
December 28, 2017
This is my first book and therefore will always be my favorite!
Fifty years in the making, I wrote Helena in 6 months. I guess once I finally had my topic, I couldn't stop.
I hope you enjoy and don't forget to rate, review and put it on your shelves.
Tell your friends about it too!
Thank you.
Fifty years in the making, I wrote Helena in 6 months. I guess once I finally had my topic, I couldn't stop.
I hope you enjoy and don't forget to rate, review and put it on your shelves.
Tell your friends about it too!
Thank you.
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