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The Heart of Thornewell
What should have been a grand adventure in Africa ends in heartbreak for Enid Hawthorne, following her husband's untimely death. Bereft, the young widow bravely boards a ship for home with precious cargo—her unborn child. She hopes to find refuge in England in the only place she can—Thornewell Hall, the estate of her late husband's family. But upon her arrival, she finds a bleak home in the depths of mourning. It is clear that hers is not the only tragedy, but Enid is unprepared for the hostility that meets her arrival.
Sebastian, Earl of Thornewell, is grief-stricken following the loss of his wife and child. The news that his brother is dead is simply more than he can take—and he knows who is to blame: his sister-inlaw, Enid. So when she arrives on his doorstep, seeking asylum, he does his duty in allowing her to stay—and nothing more. Yet fate has other plans, and as they face joys and trials alongside each other, their broken hearts begin to heal. But there is a cloud over their future, for Enid harbors a secret that may drive them apart forever.
Sebastian, Earl of Thornewell, is grief-stricken following the loss of his wife and child. The news that his brother is dead is simply more than he can take—and he knows who is to blame: his sister-inlaw, Enid. So when she arrives on his doorstep, seeking asylum, he does his duty in allowing her to stay—and nothing more. Yet fate has other plans, and as they face joys and trials alongside each other, their broken hearts begin to heal. But there is a cloud over their future, for Enid harbors a secret that may drive them apart forever.
264 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2018
25 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Anita Stansfield
133 books471 followersAnita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."
"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 14, 2018
I was sucked into the book by the first chapter with death staring in Enid's face and what she had to do to make it off the continent of Africa to get home to England. I praise that woman. I don't know if I could have done what she did! She has just enough to get her to where she needs and all while she is pregnant!! I would have just dug a hole and crawled into it and waited for death to come! hehe
I love how there was understanding what a marriage should be in this book and learning their way around their previous spouses deaths. I loved the other characters and some of their wisdom and comments!! I loved the children's insight on grief and some of their thoughts brought me to tears! I loved how the children loved Enid and needed her.
Whereas I loved so many things about this book. I did have a hard time feeling the chemistry between Enid and Sebastian. They fall in love and they say very appropriate things and are mindful and respectful but there is a very heavy cloud of anger over Sebastian that he has towards Enid. He blames her for his brother's death and says he will never forgive her. He doesn't want to hear her side of the story. She thinks about it often. SHe waits awhile to finally bring it up. How can you love someone and have such anger in your heart. It was hard for me to wrap my head around. It resolves nicely in the end with his humility and apology but it was too late for me. Maybe I need some humility to get it! hehe
I love how there was understanding what a marriage should be in this book and learning their way around their previous spouses deaths. I loved the other characters and some of their wisdom and comments!! I loved the children's insight on grief and some of their thoughts brought me to tears! I loved how the children loved Enid and needed her.
Whereas I loved so many things about this book. I did have a hard time feeling the chemistry between Enid and Sebastian. They fall in love and they say very appropriate things and are mindful and respectful but there is a very heavy cloud of anger over Sebastian that he has towards Enid. He blames her for his brother's death and says he will never forgive her. He doesn't want to hear her side of the story. She thinks about it often. SHe waits awhile to finally bring it up. How can you love someone and have such anger in your heart. It was hard for me to wrap my head around. It resolves nicely in the end with his humility and apology but it was too late for me. Maybe I need some humility to get it! hehe
September 24, 2018
2.5. I was really enjoying the story until about halfway though, when my enjoyment dwindled considerably. And the romance came out of nowhere! It’s not that I didn’t want Sebastian and Enid to end up together, but they’d spent little time together and didn’t know anything about each other (not to mention Sebastian telling her he blamed her for his brother’s death and would never forgive her!), and were already declaring their love. That had me rolling my eyes, and it just never got better for me. The ending tied things up a bit too perfectly also.
January 8, 2023
Enid Hawthorne became a widow in the first paragraphs of this book. I hesitated about continuing to read, because it seemed devoid of emotional context. Too much, too soon. But the emotional context came much later, and I am so glad I stayed for it.
Charming widow takes refuge with a less-than-charming brother-in-law (also a widower) and again, the story seemed unpromising. I guessed it would be the tired trope of "good girl falls for bad guy." I was wrong again.
There was a long period of anger, grief, and misunderstanding to untangle between the two. The author did not spare us the hard work involved in confronting deep psychological pain. She did not make it look easy, she made it look real. The healing process that was necessary in each of them as individuals was one step forward, one step back. It was skillfully portrayed.
Toward the end, just when you think the couple will live happily ever after, a secret must be revealed--- at great risk. The secret truly surprised me and at this point in the story, there's a marked spiritual dimension added to the plot that makes a truly rich and satisfying conclusion.
For some reason I was drawn to this book when I saw it in a thrift store. I couldn't find any reviews on it, but took the risk and found a gem. It was a great read!
Charming widow takes refuge with a less-than-charming brother-in-law (also a widower) and again, the story seemed unpromising. I guessed it would be the tired trope of "good girl falls for bad guy." I was wrong again.
There was a long period of anger, grief, and misunderstanding to untangle between the two. The author did not spare us the hard work involved in confronting deep psychological pain. She did not make it look easy, she made it look real. The healing process that was necessary in each of them as individuals was one step forward, one step back. It was skillfully portrayed.
Toward the end, just when you think the couple will live happily ever after, a secret must be revealed--- at great risk. The secret truly surprised me and at this point in the story, there's a marked spiritual dimension added to the plot that makes a truly rich and satisfying conclusion.
For some reason I was drawn to this book when I saw it in a thrift store. I couldn't find any reviews on it, but took the risk and found a gem. It was a great read!
June 21, 2018
I was excited to get to start reading The Heart of Thornewell by Anita Stansfield! I’ve read and enjoyed many of her books. And I enjoyed this one too.
I like the way that the author makes her heroines a bit different than the normal ones in this kind of a book. Enid in this one is a character with tons of depth. She’s living in Africa as a missionary when her husband contracts a mysterious disease and dies. He makes her promise to go back to England to his brother’s home. I like that Enid is not one to sit around when she doesn’t know the best way to do something. She gets herself and her baby, she’s pregnant at the time, back to England with no problems. But as the story goes along, you see more and more layers to Enid. And that brings about the plot twists and turns that keep the reader interested in the book.
I like that we get to see Sebastian’s point of view as well in this one. I can’t say that I liked the way he thought. Or that I liked the way he treated Enid at some points in the story. But I thought he turned out to be an excellent hero by the end of the book.
The Heart of Thornewell takes the reader on a wild ride from the plains of Africa to rainy England. I liked the plot of this one. It kept me interested until I turned the last page!
I like the way that the author makes her heroines a bit different than the normal ones in this kind of a book. Enid in this one is a character with tons of depth. She’s living in Africa as a missionary when her husband contracts a mysterious disease and dies. He makes her promise to go back to England to his brother’s home. I like that Enid is not one to sit around when she doesn’t know the best way to do something. She gets herself and her baby, she’s pregnant at the time, back to England with no problems. But as the story goes along, you see more and more layers to Enid. And that brings about the plot twists and turns that keep the reader interested in the book.
I like that we get to see Sebastian’s point of view as well in this one. I can’t say that I liked the way he thought. Or that I liked the way he treated Enid at some points in the story. But I thought he turned out to be an excellent hero by the end of the book.
The Heart of Thornewell takes the reader on a wild ride from the plains of Africa to rainy England. I liked the plot of this one. It kept me interested until I turned the last page!
June 15, 2018
I love how Stansfield wasted no time in jumping right into the story. She had me from page one and kept me until the very end. I was instantly intrigued by why a young English couple would be living in a rural part of Africa. Immediately the reader comes to know Enid and what she is made of. Which is pretty tough stuff. Not many women could have handled all that she did and do it so well. Then to come back to the only home she has to find her brother-in-law in a deep depression. Honestly, I wasn't sure if anything could or would go right! But Stansfield kept me going through all of the ups and downs that Enid experienced. At times I felt like I couldn't stand Sebastian and at others I found him so sweet and endearing. This book had me on a roller coaster ride of emotions! I highly recommend it since I could not put it down!
January 29, 2024
Woman's husband dies while they are in Africa. She then goes to live in her brother-in-laws home. Yup, you can see it coming. I was going to give it 4 starts until I reached the point where Enid finally shares her "hidden past". I felt like her "secret" was comical and sadly detracted from the story. Up until that point I couldn't put the book down.
June 9, 2018
This was one of my more favorites of Anita Stansfield’s. The story started out with a riveting death and escape from disease-torn Africa for Lady Hawthorne. As she struggles to return to England, pregnant and all alone, she hopes her late husband’s family at Thornewell will take her in. She has nowhere else to go. But when she arrives at Thornewell Hall, she finds that they have suffered their own tragedies there, and the master of the house, her brother-in-law that never could seem to stand her, has locked himself up in his room and taken no visitors ever since his wife and child were laid to rest.
I won’t spoil the plot. It’s super good and kept me turning pages and not stopping for breaks because I HAD to figure out Enid’s mystery and Sebastian’s underlying reason for his intense anger and judgement against his sister-in-law. This book’s greatest strengths are the deep characterization and awesome twists (totally surprised me). That made it a very fulfilling read. Super great historical romance. I highly recommend it. ***I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I won’t spoil the plot. It’s super good and kept me turning pages and not stopping for breaks because I HAD to figure out Enid’s mystery and Sebastian’s underlying reason for his intense anger and judgement against his sister-in-law. This book’s greatest strengths are the deep characterization and awesome twists (totally surprised me). That made it a very fulfilling read. Super great historical romance. I highly recommend it. ***I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 25, 2018
Two and a half stars. Oh, how I wish I liked Anita Stansfield books more! And this one started out with some promise, but I've decided her books are kind of like beef jerky for me - I keep trying to make myself like them and I really just don't. A little too sappy, a little too unrealistic with an ending that's a little too neatly sewn up. This book wasn't bad; just not my cup of tea.
August 5, 2018
I can’t seem to make myself into a fan of Anita Stansfield’s writing. I loved the cover, as well as the premise of the book. The twist? Did not see that coming ... and felt mildly annoyed because I couldn’t even go back and say I should have been able to see it coming. I found myself questioning too often if these scenarios were realistic for the time period (I can’t bring myself to buy into them). And I began to compile a list of repetitive words in my head as I read...er, listened. I didn’t want to hear “just” or “ridiculous” even one more time ... and yet they kept reappearing. There was a lot of potential ... but I think that the entire story could have been told in significantly fewer pages.
February 18, 2024
All hail Enid! - The seemingly only strong-willed woman of proper romance able to stick it to the man and not be shamed for it (besides Elizabeth Bennett. Queen.)
There's a lot to this book, but I'll save the chit-chat.
The beginning is quite interesting. Africa, deathly illness, pregnant widow, the works.
*Also, a pregnant main character right off the bat was really refreshing, and I have to say, 10/10 to Stansfield for not drawing the pregnancy out like a dead fish on a frayed line. Nice pacing, great references to common health practices during the era, and amazing work with the use of a midwife instead of a doctor.
When it comes to the romantic aspect, I was a little stunned at the relationship between Enid and Sebastian. I mean, at first, when they mention the solemn and secluded earl, and you just know that Enid is going to save him, bring life back into his eyes, and they will love each other forever and ever.
Right?
What you don't expect is the absolute MAD fit of glorious hellfire a pregnant Enid rains down upon this man and then promptly leaves his ass in his musty room to go and parent HIS CHILDREN with the grace of mother Teresa herself.
Claps all around.
And that's not even the last time she flames him either! One thing about Enid is that she is NOT afraid to tell Sebastian what she thinks of him and where to stick it, while somehow simultaneously forgiving him for his actions and treating every other person in the house with the grace befitting a queen.
I didn't know how to feel about the relationship at first, even though you could see it coming from a mile away. But it was especially weird to me when the children were brought into the mix. Essentially: Uncle and Aunt to children (who are cousins) become mother and father (through marriage) and the children then become half-siblings? Step siblings? The thought "They wouldn't do that though, right?" came to my head several times.
But yes. They did. And I know it's not weird for the era. I know.I get it. But it's odd - my apologies.
I'm used to Proper romances being suuuuuppppeeeeerrrr chaste - like nunnery chaste.
This one? Excitedly not.
Enid and Sebastian actually kiss! More than once! They even make out!!
Absolutely crazy: I know!
The only downfall to this book is about 3/4 of the way through (also, for how thin the book feels, the print is surprisingly small and the characters are concerningly long-winded at times.) where the book slows to a snail's pace and I spent 3-4 chapters with my head in my hands, a grimace on my face, and an annoyed fire burning in my chest with how STUPID the characters were acting in their little tizzies. Sebastian especially.
BUT, he does come around and the relationship is saved, with even more truth being pulled out of the bag and into the hands of the readers. (whew!)
Everything should be wrapped up then, right? WRONG. And this is where it gets a little confusing.
Turns out: I guess I don't know as much about the culture as I thought I did, or maybe I'm WAY out of touch with why this would be such a big thing in the first place, but it felt really strange and confusing to have that out in the open 10 pages from the end of the book. It doesn't seem like a big deal?? But I guess it is?? I have no idea. Someone enlighten me.
Anyway. Cute proper romance, not nearly as boring as I feared, and I will definitely be thinking about Enid's pregnancy for a while - I just really liked how it was written, I guess.
There's a lot to this book, but I'll save the chit-chat.
The beginning is quite interesting. Africa, deathly illness, pregnant widow, the works.
*Also, a pregnant main character right off the bat was really refreshing, and I have to say, 10/10 to Stansfield for not drawing the pregnancy out like a dead fish on a frayed line. Nice pacing, great references to common health practices during the era, and amazing work with the use of a midwife instead of a doctor.
When it comes to the romantic aspect, I was a little stunned at the relationship between Enid and Sebastian. I mean, at first, when they mention the solemn and secluded earl, and you just know that Enid is going to save him, bring life back into his eyes, and they will love each other forever and ever.
Right?
What you don't expect is the absolute MAD fit of glorious hellfire a pregnant Enid rains down upon this man and then promptly leaves his ass in his musty room to go and parent HIS CHILDREN with the grace of mother Teresa herself.
Claps all around.
And that's not even the last time she flames him either! One thing about Enid is that she is NOT afraid to tell Sebastian what she thinks of him and where to stick it, while somehow simultaneously forgiving him for his actions and treating every other person in the house with the grace befitting a queen.
I didn't know how to feel about the relationship at first, even though you could see it coming from a mile away. But it was especially weird to me when the children were brought into the mix. Essentially: Uncle and Aunt to children (who are cousins) become mother and father (through marriage) and the children then become half-siblings? Step siblings? The thought "They wouldn't do that though, right?" came to my head several times.
But yes. They did. And I know it's not weird for the era. I know.I get it. But it's odd - my apologies.
I'm used to Proper romances being suuuuuppppeeeeerrrr chaste - like nunnery chaste.
This one? Excitedly not.
Enid and Sebastian actually kiss! More than once! They even make out!!
Absolutely crazy: I know!
The only downfall to this book is about 3/4 of the way through (also, for how thin the book feels, the print is surprisingly small and the characters are concerningly long-winded at times.) where the book slows to a snail's pace and I spent 3-4 chapters with my head in my hands, a grimace on my face, and an annoyed fire burning in my chest with how STUPID the characters were acting in their little tizzies. Sebastian especially.
BUT, he does come around and the relationship is saved, with even more truth being pulled out of the bag and into the hands of the readers. (whew!)
Everything should be wrapped up then, right? WRONG. And this is where it gets a little confusing.
Turns out: I guess I don't know as much about the culture as I thought I did, or maybe I'm WAY out of touch with why this would be such a big thing in the first place, but it felt really strange and confusing to have that out in the open 10 pages from the end of the book. It doesn't seem like a big deal?? But I guess it is?? I have no idea. Someone enlighten me.
Anyway. Cute proper romance, not nearly as boring as I feared, and I will definitely be thinking about Enid's pregnancy for a while - I just really liked how it was written, I guess.
August 24, 2018
It's been quite a number of years since I've read an Anita Stansfield novel. I appreciate her writing style and the in-depth development of her characters. This story was enjoyable but a bit overly long at times and perhaps heavy handed on "advice" that read more like a clinical therapy session. Beyond these two points, I loved the story and the healing that took place between Enid and Sebastian as they worked through their grief and burgeoning feelings for one another. Sebastian's unsettling and confusing anger toward Enid was difficult to understand, but grief can manifest in many ways. I enjoyed Enid's character and the strength she portrayed through all her difficulties and challenges as well as her compassion and faith. The ending was quite a surprise for me and I didn't see that one coming. I wanted to mention some parallels with my own life, and so I will hide the remainder of my comments so as not to ruin the ending. (If you've already read the book then no worries.
January 20, 2024
The author is technically skilled at writing, but I felt the character development was lacking, and there were too many anachronisms for me to enjoy what was supposed to be a regency romance. It was illegal at the time for a brother-in-law & sister-in-law to marry, because they were considered actual siblings upon their marriages by the Church of England at that time period. So I had a huge struggle trying to get invested in the book when I was unsure at first if the author was going to ignore the legalities and make them the love interest, or if they were going to become tight-knit siblings supporting each other as they found other love interests. Awkward!! So yeah, I wasn’t invested in the romance because I kept hearing “illegal!!” in my head, knowing those raised in England at the time wouldn’t have even considered this romance. And then, while I’m fine with working through grief of a spouse dying and then finding love a second time because life does go on, I strongly dislike when the previous spouse is slowly vilified, which is what happened with the dead husband. And then the dead wife, briefly remembered as an angel, is ignored and we learn hardly anything about her, even though her surviving husband’s grief was so deep that he lost the will to live. Yet in 3 months after her death, that great grief is magically gone so he can fall in love again - he doesn’t work through much of it at all. Also, the female protagonist was always in the right, and the male protagonist had to do all of the changing - a lot of strong pro-feminine vibes which contributed to the anachronisms, as did the advanced health care tidbits thrown in. So overall, while the writing itself is skilled, I couldn’t enjoy the book as much as I wanted to - there are other books of Anita Stanfield’s that I enjoy more.
June 12, 2018
Author Anita Stansfield's new Historical Fiction novel is a surprisingly different novel than her usual style. It is a touching tale of a woman who, reservedly followed her husband to Africa as a missionary, only to be left alone a few months later through her husband's sudden death by a disease. She had only one option, get herself back to a port in Africa and return to England. There she would have to throw herself on the mercies of her departed husband's dastardly elder brother. Although he strongly disliked her, his wife was a friend to her.
Enid Hawthorne was pregnant ( a state of which possibly saved her and her unborn child's life), disowned by her own family, now, she was penniless, and unwanted by the brother, Alistair Hawthorne.
Alistair was dealing with his own tragedy and now the loss of his only sibling, only Family.
This is a heartrending story of a torn fragment of family striving to survive tragedy and of self-discovery. It is a story of misjudgment of others and in moving forward when all odds seem against you.
This is not only a relaxing, inspiring "Summer Read" but also a great novel for anyone who is struggling with - or has struggled with- devastating hardships and loss.
The characters feel so alive and real! The background scenes are portrayed in a way, easily visualized by the reader.
The Book Cover image and Title are attractive, eye-catching and very "fitting"The only negative though I had with this novel is that the drama was slightly drawn out and felt remotely repetitive.
I rate this with a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review.This is my honest review.
Enid Hawthorne was pregnant ( a state of which possibly saved her and her unborn child's life), disowned by her own family, now, she was penniless, and unwanted by the brother, Alistair Hawthorne.
Alistair was dealing with his own tragedy and now the loss of his only sibling, only Family.
This is a heartrending story of a torn fragment of family striving to survive tragedy and of self-discovery. It is a story of misjudgment of others and in moving forward when all odds seem against you.
This is not only a relaxing, inspiring "Summer Read" but also a great novel for anyone who is struggling with - or has struggled with- devastating hardships and loss.
The characters feel so alive and real! The background scenes are portrayed in a way, easily visualized by the reader.
The Book Cover image and Title are attractive, eye-catching and very "fitting"The only negative though I had with this novel is that the drama was slightly drawn out and felt remotely repetitive.
I rate this with a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review.This is my honest review.
September 1, 2019
Probably about 3 1/2 stars for this sweet story of loss and love and forgiveness...and letting God and our loved ones help us overcome big trials. Some of it seemed a bit less like historical fiction and more like modern principles being "discovered" and pontificated in a historical setting, (a midwife preaching the washing of hands during childbirth, or the problems associated with nursing a new baby after a near-death birthing experience, etc. - it sounded more like (possibly) recent personal experiences reenacted in the story setting) - legitimate info, but a bit preachy. Also, Sebastian's tenacious hold on his prejudices seemed a bit extreme and implausible...but otherwise, I really enjoyed the story of the gradual development of a fully functioning relationship. I do commend Anita Stansfield's obvious effort to have her characters seek for God's help in recovering from their trials. I will continue reading more of her books!
August 8, 2018
A regency romance dealing with grief. There were many beautiful parts of this story of joy found within the grief of tremendous loss.
The story begins with Enid. She and her husband have been living in Africa as missionaries. Disease takes over the village and Enid's husband dies. The reader anxiously follows her struggles to return to England. Once there she arrives on her brother-in-law's doorstep hoping he will take her in only to find his household has suffered their own losses. Sebastian flat out tells Enid he doesn't like her and while he allows her to stay in his home he makes it clear she is to keep out of his way.
The journey of finding out Sebastian's reasons for his anger toward Enid as well as Enid's secrets about her own family who disowned her were plot turns that kept the story going strong.
The story begins with Enid. She and her husband have been living in Africa as missionaries. Disease takes over the village and Enid's husband dies. The reader anxiously follows her struggles to return to England. Once there she arrives on her brother-in-law's doorstep hoping he will take her in only to find his household has suffered their own losses. Sebastian flat out tells Enid he doesn't like her and while he allows her to stay in his home he makes it clear she is to keep out of his way.
The journey of finding out Sebastian's reasons for his anger toward Enid as well as Enid's secrets about her own family who disowned her were plot turns that kept the story going strong.
November 11, 2019
I think I went into this book thinking it was a much different storyline that it was. It is mostly Enid's story but a bit of Sebastian's too. Yet it was much more about incorrect assumptions of family members and ill informed judgements. I couldn't really get into the story and it took awhile for me to finish it. It just didn't keep me hooked and then the second half seemed much more religious than the first. I don't mind religion in books and I know this is a religious author, what was odd to me was it seeming like more of a novel the first half and then more about religious views and her secret than the rest.
I liked Colonel Whitaker but it seemed a sudden addition and exit only to further Enid's story but just too much and bad timing. This one just didn't fall together well for me.
I liked Colonel Whitaker but it seemed a sudden addition and exit only to further Enid's story but just too much and bad timing. This one just didn't fall together well for me.
March 25, 2021
Found the beginning very interesting but I felt like the love story was thrown in to quickly. I had to recover from the whiplash from the complete 180.
I also got tired of Sebastians attitude. How can he claim to love Enid when a weeks earlier he would never forgive her? I just found his whole persona annoying and childish. I did enjoy Enid strength. Especially when she would stand up for herself. It was very refreshing.
This book was Cheesy but not the good type of cheese. I felt like the phrase “I Love you” was said to soon and too frequently. I also found the reason for Enid being disowned from her family just unnecessary. It did come together in the end. I didn’t feel like it added any depth to the story.
This is just one readers opinion. I have seen many positive reviews for this book. Just wasn’t one of my favorites.
I also got tired of Sebastians attitude. How can he claim to love Enid when a weeks earlier he would never forgive her? I just found his whole persona annoying and childish. I did enjoy Enid strength. Especially when she would stand up for herself. It was very refreshing.
This book was Cheesy but not the good type of cheese. I felt like the phrase “I Love you” was said to soon and too frequently. I also found the reason for Enid being disowned from her family just unnecessary. It did come together in the end. I didn’t feel like it added any depth to the story.
This is just one readers opinion. I have seen many positive reviews for this book. Just wasn’t one of my favorites.
August 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book more and more as I read on. I found myself sighing and smiling big at the end - I loved the ending! Not that it was just a good ending, but what the two main character said and did.
After reading the story of Oppenheimer in American Prometheus, this book was a light and enjoyable reading - not as intense! Haha.
I love good quotes that come through these good/clean authors, such as:
"We can't change the past. It's how we move forward that matters."
"You should know that there is no relationship like unto marriage. Being married to someone forces us to face ourselves in a way no other relationship can. But only if we choose to see ourselves honestly."
Lots of fun reading this book - it was easy to read, engaging and has good "lessons" within its pages.
After reading the story of Oppenheimer in American Prometheus, this book was a light and enjoyable reading - not as intense! Haha.
I love good quotes that come through these good/clean authors, such as:
"We can't change the past. It's how we move forward that matters."
"You should know that there is no relationship like unto marriage. Being married to someone forces us to face ourselves in a way no other relationship can. But only if we choose to see ourselves honestly."
Lots of fun reading this book - it was easy to read, engaging and has good "lessons" within its pages.
June 12, 2018
This was such a heart warming, heart wrenching story which left me smiling and crying through out the book. I could feel the grief, anger and love jump right through the pages as the main characters were experiencing them.
I really liked the main character Enid! She was fierce, determined, kind-just what the boys and Sebastian needed after the death of his wife.
Clean, christian, historical fiction book with a good steady plot and interesting characters. I have read many books by Anita Stansfield and sometimes I have a hard time reading books in the particular time period, but I enjoyed her book and read it all in one night.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
I really liked the main character Enid! She was fierce, determined, kind-just what the boys and Sebastian needed after the death of his wife.
Clean, christian, historical fiction book with a good steady plot and interesting characters. I have read many books by Anita Stansfield and sometimes I have a hard time reading books in the particular time period, but I enjoyed her book and read it all in one night.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
January 14, 2019
Enid follows her husband to Africa where he works. When he dies leaving her a widow, she bravely boards a ship with her unborn child. She is hoping she can return to England - Thornwell Hall, her husbands family. When she arrives back in England and Thornwell Hall, she finds the Earl of Thornwell Sebastian in Mourning after losing his wife and child. Sebastian believes Enid is to blame for his brothers death. So doing his duty and allows her to stay. Enid quickly finds happiness with her two nephews and enjoys her time with them.
This was a really cute story, it was sad and happy. I loved the depth of the characters, the setting of the book and the way the author is able to tell a story that is really sad and makes it to the happy.
This was a really cute story, it was sad and happy. I loved the depth of the characters, the setting of the book and the way the author is able to tell a story that is really sad and makes it to the happy.
July 14, 2019
The cover is beautiful! This book had a lot of emotion to it, both Enid and Sebastian have grief they need to work through. The pacing was off, really slow through out a lot of it. With Stansfield telling more than showing a lot of the story. And then Enid and Sebastian are in love and we never saw any of it! I was really confused and thought I missed something. Them loving each other but not being together went on too long and then Enid's deepest darkest secret that she was sure Sebastian would hate her for- I kept reading just to find that out and I was surprised it wasnt a typical thing mentioned in most historical novels I've read. So I appreciated that. They courted like 3 months while living in the same house, that is NOT realistic.
March 14, 2020
To live with such wealth would be an interesting way of life. Just would love to try it for a year :) Falling in love with your husband's brother after he dies and knowing that he just lost his wife, left emotions all tangled up. Sweet twist to the story to have Sebastian have two sons that Enid falls in love with and they work their schedules around spending time with them. Then Sarah is included in the mix after her arrival. To have a nanny and school teachers to take care of the kids and you just show up to play certainly sounds like a lovely way to raise children - stress free!! Fun story.
June 28, 2018
So when it comes to Anita Stansfield books I am prejudice. She is my favorite, so I think when I say how awesome one of her books is, people don't listen to me anymore. But this book met my expectations of Anita's work. A clean romance, happy ending and unanswered questions to keep me turning pages.
This book looks at PTSD from someone who didn't serve in the military. The way the characters face grief and trust felt open an raw. Strong themes and things to think about long after you close the book.
This book looks at PTSD from someone who didn't serve in the military. The way the characters face grief and trust felt open an raw. Strong themes and things to think about long after you close the book.
June 15, 2024
Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
Stansfield's writing style tends to be more focused on internal conflict, which results in more narration of thoughts and dialogue than action. It's not bad, but I can't read her books consecutively due to needing a more exciting break.
The mature content rating is for mentions of partial nudity and alcohol as well as for discussions of death, labor, and depression. The violence rating is for mentions of domestic violence and mild assault.
Stansfield's writing style tends to be more focused on internal conflict, which results in more narration of thoughts and dialogue than action. It's not bad, but I can't read her books consecutively due to needing a more exciting break.
The mature content rating is for mentions of partial nudity and alcohol as well as for discussions of death, labor, and depression. The violence rating is for mentions of domestic violence and mild assault.
June 16, 2024
I honestly don’t even know where to start. This book had so much more depth to it than I realized. I genuinely almost cried so many times reading it. The grief and pain that Enid and Sebastian had was so real and raw for a fictional story. It kind of amazed me how the author wrote something so authentic to the grief people feel at loosing a loved one, among other things. You can also really tell the growth and understanding the characters gain of their emotions and how they figure out to still live happy lives while grieving.
June 10, 2018
I felt a bit like I was reading a religious course manual on anger management, dealing with the death of a loved one, and relationships. The story was a scenario for the course manual. I didn’t “get” how the characters could have fallen in love so quickly. I do “get” that they could’ve filled an emptiness and need in each other which could have eventually led to love, so that did work for me. Not a bad read, I just felt it had too much “how to” in it to be truly enjoyable.
January 26, 2019
I really truly wanted to love this book. It started out with promise, but as I got further into it I kept changing my mind. It was very one sided. I would have liked to see how Sebastian was dealing with his feelings along with Enid. I didn't like how the author kept repeating herself. I just wanted the big issue resolved so that the characters could move on. I felt like the ending was rushed and everything was resolved to easy.
August 3, 2018
I wish I could remember how this got on my to-read shelf. Did someone recommend it? I’ve never read anything from this author before, and was surprised I had never heard of her. I was intrigued by the story from the get go, but bored with the writing. It came off so flat! It did get better as it went along, so I’d give it 3.5 stars. But I do believe it could have been so much better.
September 4, 2018
This was a good exploration of the way relationships can grow with grief. My issues with it relied in the tell don't show model. I simply felt like too many times things were over expressed rather than trusting that the reader would understand. I did like it over all however. More in-depth review to be forth coming.
October 25, 2018
My first Anita Stansfield book. It wasn't super memorable for me. Some things were so skipped over or rushed and some parts were so drawn out. It felt like so many books o have already read and the characters weren't memorable, I read it on Sunday (in one sitting) and I can't remember some of their names...
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