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The Mad Morelands #3
Winterset
Despite its graceful beauty, Winterset remains shrouded in the mystery of its dark past...
Ever since Anna Holcombe inexplicably refused his proposal, Reed Moreland has been unable to set foot in the home that was the backdrop to their romance—Winterset. The eerie beauty of the Gloucestershire mansion and the mystery that surrounds it have always captivated him, and he can neither continue living in the house nor give it up completely despite the painful memories it stirs in his heart.
But when Reed begins having his troubling dreams about Anna being in danger, he puts his heartbreak and bitterness aside and directs his carriage back to Winterset, determined to protect the woman he cannot stop loving. Once again passion flares between them, but the murder of a servant girl draws them deep in to the foreboding, deadly legends of Winterset...and a destiny neither Anna nor Reed can escape.
Ever since Anna Holcombe inexplicably refused his proposal, Reed Moreland has been unable to set foot in the home that was the backdrop to their romance—Winterset. The eerie beauty of the Gloucestershire mansion and the mystery that surrounds it have always captivated him, and he can neither continue living in the house nor give it up completely despite the painful memories it stirs in his heart.
But when Reed begins having his troubling dreams about Anna being in danger, he puts his heartbreak and bitterness aside and directs his carriage back to Winterset, determined to protect the woman he cannot stop loving. Once again passion flares between them, but the murder of a servant girl draws them deep in to the foreboding, deadly legends of Winterset...and a destiny neither Anna nor Reed can escape.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
143 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Candace Camp
121 books1,251 followersCandace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 2, 2024
Hmmm I didn’t mind this one but it felt slow and repetitive—she kept jumping into his arms in one scene and then immediately running out of the room away from him in the next. The way mental illness and the way it “taints” blood wasn’t great. I liked the idea of a serial killer but I think it was wrapped up randomly and too quickly.
November 12, 2019
Series: The Mad Morelands #3
Publication Date: 1/8/18 (First Published 2004)
Number of Pages: 416
I am really loving the Mad Morelands who aren’t really mad, just a bit unusual and eccentric. I really liked Reed Moreland in the last book and as I got to know him in this book, I came to admire him as well. The book is well-written, romantic, filled with characters you’ll love and includes a mystery that is engrossing but doesn’t take away from the romance.
Three years ago, Reed Moreland decided it was time for him to purchase himself a country estate – one where he could raise his children once he was ready to marry. He found the perfect place – Winterset – and he also found the perfect woman for him. He woos her and loves her – and he’s sure that she loves him too. Yet, when he asks her to marry him, she turns him down by telling him that they wouldn’t suit and that she doesn’t love him at all. After three long years, he still loves her just as much – and when he has a nightmare that convinces him she’s in danger, he heads back to Winterset. Of course, he tells himself it is so he can sell Winterset and finally put the past behind him.
Anna Holcombe was totally, completely, irrevocably in love with Reed Moreland three years ago. They had spent the most wonderful month together and then – her world totally imploded when she got some ghastly news. When Reed proposed, she had no choice but to refuse his suit and to do it in such a way that he’d leave and forget about her. She’s spent the last three years trying to get over him as best she can and she finally has her life where it is pleasant if not happy. Now, Reed is back at Winterset and he’s convinced she’s in danger. Silly man – of course she isn’t in any danger.
When a housemaid disappears from Anna’s household – and then her mutilated body is found, everybody begins to speak of the Beast. The wounds on the poor girl’s body certainly looks like a beast of some sort did it – but is the beast a man or an animal? Then, a second murder – and the victims, the wounds harken back to murders from fifty years ago. How can they possibly be related? As more attempts occur and secrets are uncovered, Anna and her brother Kit are in more and more danger. Reed and Anna work together to unravel the murders and the secrets that have been hidden for half a century.
If you love a great romance AND an intense mystery, this is the book for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 1/8/18 (First Published 2004)
Number of Pages: 416
I am really loving the Mad Morelands who aren’t really mad, just a bit unusual and eccentric. I really liked Reed Moreland in the last book and as I got to know him in this book, I came to admire him as well. The book is well-written, romantic, filled with characters you’ll love and includes a mystery that is engrossing but doesn’t take away from the romance.
Three years ago, Reed Moreland decided it was time for him to purchase himself a country estate – one where he could raise his children once he was ready to marry. He found the perfect place – Winterset – and he also found the perfect woman for him. He woos her and loves her – and he’s sure that she loves him too. Yet, when he asks her to marry him, she turns him down by telling him that they wouldn’t suit and that she doesn’t love him at all. After three long years, he still loves her just as much – and when he has a nightmare that convinces him she’s in danger, he heads back to Winterset. Of course, he tells himself it is so he can sell Winterset and finally put the past behind him.
Anna Holcombe was totally, completely, irrevocably in love with Reed Moreland three years ago. They had spent the most wonderful month together and then – her world totally imploded when she got some ghastly news. When Reed proposed, she had no choice but to refuse his suit and to do it in such a way that he’d leave and forget about her. She’s spent the last three years trying to get over him as best she can and she finally has her life where it is pleasant if not happy. Now, Reed is back at Winterset and he’s convinced she’s in danger. Silly man – of course she isn’t in any danger.
When a housemaid disappears from Anna’s household – and then her mutilated body is found, everybody begins to speak of the Beast. The wounds on the poor girl’s body certainly looks like a beast of some sort did it – but is the beast a man or an animal? Then, a second murder – and the victims, the wounds harken back to murders from fifty years ago. How can they possibly be related? As more attempts occur and secrets are uncovered, Anna and her brother Kit are in more and more danger. Reed and Anna work together to unravel the murders and the secrets that have been hidden for half a century.
If you love a great romance AND an intense mystery, this is the book for you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 2, 2011
The first pages drew me in with the imagery of a woman crying out, struggling to get away from some dark force. It is a prophetic dream that drew me into this delicious gothic romance, so much so that I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning. While reading in those early hours, I got a text from a friend. I was so wrapped up in this book that my phone vibrating made me scream, literally. I dropped the book, my pulse was racing, and I looked about wildly, trying to find what had scared me so much.
I hadn't expected to be so engaged with this book, so thrilled and scared. I loved every minute of it.
I hadn't expected to be so engaged with this book, so thrilled and scared. I loved every minute of it.
May 16, 2018
I just couldn't connect with the characters, in fact, I thought that Anna was quite stupid. I decided to try this one because of the premise of second chance romance but, they only knew each other for a month when they "fell in love", and the author never developed how they fell in love, just told us that they were, so I couldn't really believe in said "love". The whole book was "meh". I don't think I'll try another book in this series.
May 20, 2020
Nothing about this book will come as a surprise. The twists are obvious, the characters predictable. Not the best Moreland, though we did get some sweet moments with the twins.
November 22, 2017
I liked the lead characters and the mystery of the murders but I wouldn't read it again. And the ending was abrupt.
January 29, 2018
I was intrigued by the mystery but the ending seemed way too convenient. Didn't ring true.
January 9, 2022
Otro más de la autora que está bien, pero sin más.
March 6, 2025
Anna has mourned the loss of the chance of a normal life or possibility of marriage and now is resolved herself to be alone. No use crying over spilt milk and all that. During the day, she busies herself with the chores of a lady of the manor, although she herself has no such title. But that doesn’t stop her from doing her duty to the tenants of her brothers’ property. During the night, the thoughts and dreams of what could have been flash through her mind.
One day, she receives news that brings a great deal of dread and at the same time, excitement. Lord Moreland is to return after years of absence. Reed, as she one called him. A man who she loved but could not have. Although she tries to maintain her composure, old hurt feelings on both sides make for each encounter full of misunderstandings. In fact, most of the conversations typically end with one part or the other storming off. Anna longs to tell Reed the truth, especially once he makes known that his love for her has not changed. But the truth is something she must keep buried else she ruin the chance of even a friendship with him.
Unfortunately, long lost love is the least of their concerns as it seems like their small village has become home to a killer. Already two girls dead and with no sign of stopping, Anna and Reed must work together to uncover the monster behind it all.
I appreciated the hell out of these authors’ attempt to remain historically accurate (or as close to) as possible to the time period. I enjoyed reading a book set in the 1800’s that wasn’t littered with modern slang and vocabulary as unfortunately, most books these days don’t really pay attention to that sort of thing. For that reason, I was immediately hooked. I enjoyed the Austen feeling of the writing and setting and I enjoyed Reed and Anna as characters. Both levelheaded and reasonable people who didn’t fly off the handle.
My issue with this book was that it got a little boring. I would have much more enjoyed a focus on the forbidden love story between the characters then this by the numbers murder mystery. I found myself skimming pages towards the end as my attention waned. But overall, I’m excited to see what else this author is capable of.
One day, she receives news that brings a great deal of dread and at the same time, excitement. Lord Moreland is to return after years of absence. Reed, as she one called him. A man who she loved but could not have. Although she tries to maintain her composure, old hurt feelings on both sides make for each encounter full of misunderstandings. In fact, most of the conversations typically end with one part or the other storming off. Anna longs to tell Reed the truth, especially once he makes known that his love for her has not changed. But the truth is something she must keep buried else she ruin the chance of even a friendship with him.
Unfortunately, long lost love is the least of their concerns as it seems like their small village has become home to a killer. Already two girls dead and with no sign of stopping, Anna and Reed must work together to uncover the monster behind it all.
I appreciated the hell out of these authors’ attempt to remain historically accurate (or as close to) as possible to the time period. I enjoyed reading a book set in the 1800’s that wasn’t littered with modern slang and vocabulary as unfortunately, most books these days don’t really pay attention to that sort of thing. For that reason, I was immediately hooked. I enjoyed the Austen feeling of the writing and setting and I enjoyed Reed and Anna as characters. Both levelheaded and reasonable people who didn’t fly off the handle.
My issue with this book was that it got a little boring. I would have much more enjoyed a focus on the forbidden love story between the characters then this by the numbers murder mystery. I found myself skimming pages towards the end as my attention waned. But overall, I’m excited to see what else this author is capable of.
April 19, 2020
3/5 stars for the slow pace, and the fact that I could figure out the twist before the twist came. So far the slowest book of the l Mad Moreland series.
April 1, 2012
3/5 (C)
Reed Moreland had a dream where Anna Holcomb seemed to be in danger. Although it's only a dream and even if Anna has turned him down, Reed sets out for his Winterset estate to make sure that the love of his life is all right. Ever since turning down Reed's proposal, Anna knew that she'd never be happy, but she could at least be content with her life. However, Reed's return is making it difficult to be content... At the same time, the Beast, who've been responsible for murders decades ago is back.
I thought the book was long. The beginning was quite entertaining, but near the middle, it started to seriously drag. Anna, if you cannot marry, then stay away from Reed. I know, if they stayed away from each other, there wouldn't be a story... but after the third eps. of Anna and Reed kissing or starting to get intimate and then, Anna stepping back and saying that she can't and running away, I was seriously bored. Anna and Reed were all right characters... I guess that I would consider Reed as a beta male... as for the reason why Anna couldn't marry Reed, I thought she should have told him, not just drive him away. Anyway, characters were all right, story was okay, but a bit draggy.
Reed Moreland had a dream where Anna Holcomb seemed to be in danger. Although it's only a dream and even if Anna has turned him down, Reed sets out for his Winterset estate to make sure that the love of his life is all right. Ever since turning down Reed's proposal, Anna knew that she'd never be happy, but she could at least be content with her life. However, Reed's return is making it difficult to be content... At the same time, the Beast, who've been responsible for murders decades ago is back.
I thought the book was long. The beginning was quite entertaining, but near the middle, it started to seriously drag. Anna, if you cannot marry, then stay away from Reed. I know, if they stayed away from each other, there wouldn't be a story... but after the third eps. of Anna and Reed kissing or starting to get intimate and then, Anna stepping back and saying that she can't and running away, I was seriously bored. Anna and Reed were all right characters... I guess that I would consider Reed as a beta male... as for the reason why Anna couldn't marry Reed, I thought she should have told him, not just drive him away. Anyway, characters were all right, story was okay, but a bit draggy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
I'm not sure why I keep reading these books in this series (this being the third, with the "first" book being the 8th book and purposefully read out of order by me for chronological order). I'm not really into mystical period romance. It's distracting to me. But I was curious about the whys of this one.
I think this was my least favorite by far. Reed is giving almost nothing to do as a character but to be sad and repeatedly and rather painfully rejected. I was looking forward to gleaning more about his character as his own person and while I still enjoy him and he seems like a guy you'd want to be your friend, we spend far more time with the other people in the book who also have a lot more going on.
Also, on that note, but subplot mystery was mildly interesting in finding out who it might be, if rather gruesome and unnecessary in reality. Like I felt like they were just fridging characters left and right. And the main heroine's stubborn yet wishy-washy behavior was the worst and I could not enjoy the book at all because of her. Like if they'd left that line of behavior out, it would have been fine, but she's acting so horribly the whole time that I can't like her and she made it so unenjoyable for the poor dude.
I think this was my least favorite by far. Reed is giving almost nothing to do as a character but to be sad and repeatedly and rather painfully rejected. I was looking forward to gleaning more about his character as his own person and while I still enjoy him and he seems like a guy you'd want to be your friend, we spend far more time with the other people in the book who also have a lot more going on.
Also, on that note, but subplot mystery was mildly interesting in finding out who it might be, if rather gruesome and unnecessary in reality. Like I felt like they were just fridging characters left and right. And the main heroine's stubborn yet wishy-washy behavior was the worst and I could not enjoy the book at all because of her. Like if they'd left that line of behavior out, it would have been fine, but she's acting so horribly the whole time that I can't like her and she made it so unenjoyable for the poor dude.
March 24, 2021
Long. Boring. Mediocre writing. I wasn't a fan.
The leading lady was annoying with her reasons why she couldn't be with Reed.
The mystery was very poorly developed. The culprit made no sense.
And mental illness was the reason she couldn't marry/have children. Fear of passing mental illness along. I guess that was fitting for the time period of this book but... wah, wa, wahhhh. The first in this series was good but it went downhill from there. I'm not sure I'll be continuing. Too many other books, too little time, especially for long disappointments.
The leading lady was annoying with her reasons why she couldn't be with Reed.
The mystery was very poorly developed. The culprit made no sense.
And mental illness was the reason she couldn't marry/have children. Fear of passing mental illness along. I guess that was fitting for the time period of this book but... wah, wa, wahhhh. The first in this series was good but it went downhill from there. I'm not sure I'll be continuing. Too many other books, too little time, especially for long disappointments.
November 24, 2022
Heroine: Anna Holcombe, about 26.
Hero: Reed Moreland, age unknown. Son of the Duke of Broughton.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Anna and Reed met off-page when he bought an estate near her home three years previous. At that time he proposed and she turned him down.
What happens: After having a vivid dream that Anna is in danger, Reed returns to his estate after three years away. When they first cross paths, they have an uncomfortable and brief exchange. They are unable to completely avoid one another, but are at least able to be polite when in each other’s company despite each still having residual feelings for the other. When one of Anna’s housemaids disappears and is later found dead, community members are reminded of a couple of murders from 50 years past, rumored to have been committed by the “Beast.” A second murder occurs, and this time Anna, accompanied by Reed’s twin brothers, finds the body. This death is also similar in details to the long-ago murders.
Reed and Anna start to investigate the old murders in hopes of finding a clue to solve the present-day crimes.
Verdict: This is first and foremost a mystery novel, with the romance being a secondary plot. I also felt like the historical aspect was lacking. Reed and Anna spent a lot of unchaperoned time together which was never an issue until late in the novel. Their chemistry was believable and I did like how they worked together in trying to solve the mystery. This book does have a supernatural aspect to it with Reed having a dream foreseeing the future and Anna being able to sense things that happened to others, as well as having a premonitory dream. This is the third book in the series and I think one could read it as a standalone, although the couple from book 2 is in it a fair amount.
Steam-level: some steam and moderately explicit
Rating: 3 stars
Hero: Reed Moreland, age unknown. Son of the Duke of Broughton.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Anna and Reed met off-page when he bought an estate near her home three years previous. At that time he proposed and she turned him down.
What happens: After having a vivid dream that Anna is in danger, Reed returns to his estate after three years away. When they first cross paths, they have an uncomfortable and brief exchange. They are unable to completely avoid one another, but are at least able to be polite when in each other’s company despite each still having residual feelings for the other. When one of Anna’s housemaids disappears and is later found dead, community members are reminded of a couple of murders from 50 years past, rumored to have been committed by the “Beast.” A second murder occurs, and this time Anna, accompanied by Reed’s twin brothers, finds the body. This death is also similar in details to the long-ago murders.
Reed and Anna start to investigate the old murders in hopes of finding a clue to solve the present-day crimes.
Verdict: This is first and foremost a mystery novel, with the romance being a secondary plot. I also felt like the historical aspect was lacking. Reed and Anna spent a lot of unchaperoned time together which was never an issue until late in the novel. Their chemistry was believable and I did like how they worked together in trying to solve the mystery. This book does have a supernatural aspect to it with Reed having a dream foreseeing the future and Anna being able to sense things that happened to others, as well as having a premonitory dream. This is the third book in the series and I think one could read it as a standalone, although the couple from book 2 is in it a fair amount.
Steam-level: some steam and moderately explicit
Rating: 3 stars
September 2, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is part of the Mad Morelands series but can be read as a standalone. There are characters in this book that appear in other books in the series. In addition, there are a few references to past events but they are explained.
Anna and Reed fell in love 3 years prior to the beginning of this book. You do not find out why until later in the book, but Anna rejects Reed’s proposal. Reed has a dream that Anna is in danger and decides to find out if the dream is real. When they meet again, Reed is surprisingly persistent about trying to talk to Anna about why she refused his proposal. I thought that 3 years was too long of a break between the past and the reunion.
A series of murders happens in the area and Reed and Anna decide to try to figure out who did it. They spend a lot of time alone which did not seem likely given the era. There is a token mention of things being different in the country, but I do not know if that fully explains it.
Anna has had visions or premonitions her whole life, but they have been minor, and she says she has not connected them to events. I thought the author should have developed this more. When Anna has a vision about one of the murders, the vision is quite clear. Her visions from that point forward are integral to her detective work.
Reed’s family has had different paranormal events happen and, as a result, he is able to accept what happens with Anna easily. He is supportive of her and very kind. In addition to the dream at the beginning of the book, he has another dream later in the book where he thinks Anna is in danger, so they have a similar gift.
The mystery is interesting, and the story moves along at a good pace. At the end, some of what is revealed is fairly convoluted. The killer ends up being mad, but there is no sign of it prior to the reveal. The situation with Anna’s uncle is unlikely and while servants can be loyal, it was unrealistic that Arthur would live the way he did without a break.
I would consider reading more books by this author but am not sure if I will do so.
This book is part of the Mad Morelands series but can be read as a standalone. There are characters in this book that appear in other books in the series. In addition, there are a few references to past events but they are explained.
Anna and Reed fell in love 3 years prior to the beginning of this book. You do not find out why until later in the book, but Anna rejects Reed’s proposal. Reed has a dream that Anna is in danger and decides to find out if the dream is real. When they meet again, Reed is surprisingly persistent about trying to talk to Anna about why she refused his proposal. I thought that 3 years was too long of a break between the past and the reunion.
A series of murders happens in the area and Reed and Anna decide to try to figure out who did it. They spend a lot of time alone which did not seem likely given the era. There is a token mention of things being different in the country, but I do not know if that fully explains it.
Anna has had visions or premonitions her whole life, but they have been minor, and she says she has not connected them to events. I thought the author should have developed this more. When Anna has a vision about one of the murders, the vision is quite clear. Her visions from that point forward are integral to her detective work.
Reed’s family has had different paranormal events happen and, as a result, he is able to accept what happens with Anna easily. He is supportive of her and very kind. In addition to the dream at the beginning of the book, he has another dream later in the book where he thinks Anna is in danger, so they have a similar gift.
The mystery is interesting, and the story moves along at a good pace. At the end, some of what is revealed is fairly convoluted. The killer ends up being mad, but there is no sign of it prior to the reveal. The situation with Anna’s uncle is unlikely and while servants can be loyal, it was unrealistic that Arthur would live the way he did without a break.
I would consider reading more books by this author but am not sure if I will do so.
January 3, 2018
So far this is my favorite “Mad Moreland” book in the series – and they are all good. Reed Moreland is a handsome and extremely intelligent bachelor. The second son of the Duke of Broughton, Reed is the most “level headed” of the Moreland clan. He takes care of the finances and family’s estates. Three years prior to the opening of this story, he experienced a deeply painful rejection of his suit and has avoided his former lover Anna Holcomb ever since. But a disturbing dream brings him back into her life. Anna is a beautiful and caring woman. She has her reasons for rejecting Reed’s proposal. When murder throws them together, their relationship heats up and Anna is in danger of losing everything she has fought for.
“Reed took her by the shoulders, turning her to face him, and Anna looked up reluctantly into his face. His full lips were drawn tight, and he was scowling down at her, but the heat in his eyes was at odds with his irritated expression. ‘I must have been mad to come back here,’ he said. ‘You are more beautiful than ever…or perhaps I’d just forgotten.” Anna let out a shaky breath. Her mind was a blank. She knew she should say something, end the moment, but she could not make herself turn away. Her heart was thudding in her chest, and she knew that all she wanted at this moment was for him to kiss her. As if he had heard her thoughts, Reed leaned down, his face looming closer, and then his lips were on hers and all other thoughts fled from Anna’s head.”
I enjoyed this book. Even though it was long, the story moved swiftly and didn’t drag at all. There is a sex scene in it, but it is easily skimmed through. Camp leads her readers on a merry chase in search of a murderer. I highly recommend it.
“Reed took her by the shoulders, turning her to face him, and Anna looked up reluctantly into his face. His full lips were drawn tight, and he was scowling down at her, but the heat in his eyes was at odds with his irritated expression. ‘I must have been mad to come back here,’ he said. ‘You are more beautiful than ever…or perhaps I’d just forgotten.” Anna let out a shaky breath. Her mind was a blank. She knew she should say something, end the moment, but she could not make herself turn away. Her heart was thudding in her chest, and she knew that all she wanted at this moment was for him to kiss her. As if he had heard her thoughts, Reed leaned down, his face looming closer, and then his lips were on hers and all other thoughts fled from Anna’s head.”
I enjoyed this book. Even though it was long, the story moved swiftly and didn’t drag at all. There is a sex scene in it, but it is easily skimmed through. Camp leads her readers on a merry chase in search of a murderer. I highly recommend it.
October 30, 2020
2.5 stars. This had the potential to be a really good book. My expectations were very high, mainly because I liked Reed so much from the previous books and I was looking forward to his book.
I like that Candace Camp did not follow the order of the siblings to write the books, and rather mixed it up, like putting Olivia's book before Kyria's, or writing Reed's one before Theo's, who is the oldest Moreland.
The book started out really well, the mystery, the angsty past, the murders, but then, I felt things dipped a little in the middle. They became repetitive and a bit boring, and then rushing in the last chapters. Reed is amazing, he is charming, and in short, the perfect man. He fell in love with Anna three years ago and still hasn't gotten over her. And so, when he senses she might be in danger, he doesn't think twice about returning to Winterset, the home he bought, and checking things out.
Anna, on the other hand, could've been written better in my opinion. She had the potential to be a good character, but her whole 'back and forth' with Reed was a little irritating and when questioned, she seems to take everything as a personal attack to her and gets mad, only to feel guilty immediately after. If she really loved Reed, she should've explained everything to him from the beginning, instead of just leaving him hanging and slapping a rejection to his face.
Overall, It could have been a much better book, if the author took some time and written her characters well. It all felt haphazardly put together and things felt a little dull sometimes. The only character who I really liked was Reed. That is why, sadly, I have given this book 2.5 stars.
I like that Candace Camp did not follow the order of the siblings to write the books, and rather mixed it up, like putting Olivia's book before Kyria's, or writing Reed's one before Theo's, who is the oldest Moreland.
The book started out really well, the mystery, the angsty past, the murders, but then, I felt things dipped a little in the middle. They became repetitive and a bit boring, and then rushing in the last chapters. Reed is amazing, he is charming, and in short, the perfect man. He fell in love with Anna three years ago and still hasn't gotten over her. And so, when he senses she might be in danger, he doesn't think twice about returning to Winterset, the home he bought, and checking things out.
Anna, on the other hand, could've been written better in my opinion. She had the potential to be a good character, but her whole 'back and forth' with Reed was a little irritating and when questioned, she seems to take everything as a personal attack to her and gets mad, only to feel guilty immediately after. If she really loved Reed, she should've explained everything to him from the beginning, instead of just leaving him hanging and slapping a rejection to his face.
Overall, It could have been a much better book, if the author took some time and written her characters well. It all felt haphazardly put together and things felt a little dull sometimes. The only character who I really liked was Reed. That is why, sadly, I have given this book 2.5 stars.
July 26, 2022
2.5 estrellas
Un poco mejor que el libro anterior pero el final es algo flojo.
Mi problema principal es el tira y afloja de la protagonista, Anna, y Reed. El motivo por el que no acepta casarse con él, también me parece flojo. Aunque si lo pensamos con la óptica de la época, es factible. Aún así, muchas veces me he quejado de que no me importa que mis novelas Románticas históricas sean históricamente correctas. Valga la redundancia. Para eso está la Ficción histórica o la novela Histórica; ostras, hasta los manuales de Historia 🙄
Lo que sí me gusta de estos libros es el toque de misterio y, casi siempre, los personajes. El drama celos, exes y amantes es, también, inexistente. Lo que es de agradecer.
Seguiré con la saga a ver qué tal.
Tengo la edición en español de Harlequin Ibérica, en formato de bolsillo, publicada en el año 2011. Me gustan estas ediciones. No son demasiado pequeñas y la letra es grande. Son muy cómodas de leer y las cubiertas no están mal. La traducción es un poco mejor de lo que me suelo encontrar en estas ediciones, pero no por mucho. El libro tiene bastantes erratas pero no tiene grandes errores de traducción. Quizás un exceso de pronombres y alguna cuestión de estilo. Un par de palabras que no cuadraban demasiado. No me han molestado lo suficiente como para sacarme de la historia.
Un poco mejor que el libro anterior pero el final es algo flojo.
Mi problema principal es el tira y afloja de la protagonista, Anna, y Reed. El motivo por el que no acepta casarse con él, también me parece flojo. Aunque si lo pensamos con la óptica de la época, es factible. Aún así, muchas veces me he quejado de que no me importa que mis novelas Románticas históricas sean históricamente correctas. Valga la redundancia. Para eso está la Ficción histórica o la novela Histórica; ostras, hasta los manuales de Historia 🙄
Lo que sí me gusta de estos libros es el toque de misterio y, casi siempre, los personajes. El drama celos, exes y amantes es, también, inexistente. Lo que es de agradecer.
Seguiré con la saga a ver qué tal.
Tengo la edición en español de Harlequin Ibérica, en formato de bolsillo, publicada en el año 2011. Me gustan estas ediciones. No son demasiado pequeñas y la letra es grande. Son muy cómodas de leer y las cubiertas no están mal. La traducción es un poco mejor de lo que me suelo encontrar en estas ediciones, pero no por mucho. El libro tiene bastantes erratas pero no tiene grandes errores de traducción. Quizás un exceso de pronombres y alguna cuestión de estilo. Un par de palabras que no cuadraban demasiado. No me han molestado lo suficiente como para sacarme de la historia.
February 5, 2024
Buddy read w/ neniacampbell
Perfectly competent, but it pales in comparison to "Impulse." This was very much a case where the plot was moved forward almost entirely by external events. If the murder mystery elements are ignored, all you have left are two perfectly nice, but not terribly interesting people who want to be together but are kept apart by forces beyond their control. The handling of mental illness throughout wasn't terrible (especially for the early aughts) but would hardly be considered progressive either. And frankly, while the issues were resolved in a sensible way, the final reveal very much side-stepped the truly thorny moral questions raised, given the time and place of the story. Personally, I feel like you shouldn't delve into that territory in the first place if you're not willing to take a decisive stand on the issues you're raising. I also think it would have been a much more interesting ending if the H had to drag our h to the alter kicking and screaming until the last moment, especially considering the scandal of their behavior ;) but that's just me. Although it works fine as a standalone, I think this one is really for fans of the Moreland series. If you're not invested in the family, it's just a pretty standard bit of romance with murder mystery mixed in.
Perfectly competent, but it pales in comparison to "Impulse." This was very much a case where the plot was moved forward almost entirely by external events. If the murder mystery elements are ignored, all you have left are two perfectly nice, but not terribly interesting people who want to be together but are kept apart by forces beyond their control. The handling of mental illness throughout wasn't terrible (especially for the early aughts) but would hardly be considered progressive either. And frankly, while the issues were resolved in a sensible way, the final reveal very much side-stepped the truly thorny moral questions raised, given the time and place of the story. Personally, I feel like you shouldn't delve into that territory in the first place if you're not willing to take a decisive stand on the issues you're raising. I also think it would have been a much more interesting ending if the H had to drag our h to the alter kicking and screaming until the last moment, especially considering the scandal of their behavior ;) but that's just me. Although it works fine as a standalone, I think this one is really for fans of the Moreland series. If you're not invested in the family, it's just a pretty standard bit of romance with murder mystery mixed in.
May 6, 2018
A decent romance and a satisfying bit of mystery as well. I was a little frustrated in the first half when the book wouldn't just come out and say why Anna had turned Reed down in the first place; that was transparent and cheap tension-building, and that reveal was overdone. But overall that was a fairly minor complaint. I surprised myself by liking the psychic visions angle; it's not something I actually believe in, nor a fictional trope I'm generally over-fond of, but here I thought it was done well - an otherworldly touch, but not overplayed. I liked the characters, particularly Anna, and I liked her relationship with her brother as well. The romance was rather on the one-note and predictable side, although I liked the twist that fixed everything in the end, even if it was just smidge too perfect; the setup was legitimately there. And the mystery made up, in my mind, for any thinness in the romantic plot. It honestly kept me guessing: I thought I had called the killer halfway through, but I was wrong! Definitely an enjoyable read.
September 18, 2019
Anna de Winter is not thrilled to hear that Lord Reed Moreland is back in town. Three years ago, she turned down his proposal and broke two hearts. She had her reasons, important ones. But now Reed has returned, just in time for a series of sinister events in their small hamlet. Are the strange happenings related to a pair of grisly murders fifty years earlier? Are there darker forces at work? Reed and Anna must work together to solve old and new mysteries, without falling back in love.
This was a tense story and held my attention (a little too well at night). I found Anna and Reed both likable and believable characters. And Camp kept me guessing on what was really going on.
This was a tense story and held my attention (a little too well at night). I found Anna and Reed both likable and believable characters. And Camp kept me guessing on what was really going on.
July 5, 2020
Anna Holcombe and her brother have a family secret which means that, even though she loved Reed Moreland, she turned down his marriage proposal. The reason Reed even met her, living out in the country, is that he bough her uncle's estate. Now, knowing that Anna rejected him. He wants to sell. Except that he keeps having dreams that she is in trouble. And he just wants to make sure that she is okay.
For now she is, but someone is killing the local townspeople. And an old legend is resurrected. One that could bring the Holcombe family's secret out into the open.
A fun book with interesting characters.
For now she is, but someone is killing the local townspeople. And an old legend is resurrected. One that could bring the Holcombe family's secret out into the open.
A fun book with interesting characters.
March 17, 2018
Anna is still anguished that she had to turn down the man she loved Marriage proposal. She never told him why. After Reed Moreland was rejected 3 years ago by the love of his life he left and never returned. Know he’s back because of a dream he had that Anna was in danger. With a murderer loose killing people the way it happened 48 years ago. Reed and Anna work together to find and stop the killer. Anna also learns about things from her past that are not true. Another fabulous Mad Moreland Read!
March 1, 2020
Anna and Reed have a passionate past, he proposed after they became romantically involved, she refused him.
Three years later they come back together after he has a disturbing dream about her. They are brought back together and there's a push-pull until the resolution which seem to leave Anna in good shape but her brother supposedly the noble holding a title without a royal heritage. That seems to be a plot hole and the book just ends.
Nice that the couples from the first two books get an update.
Three years later they come back together after he has a disturbing dream about her. They are brought back together and there's a push-pull until the resolution which seem to leave Anna in good shape but her brother supposedly the noble holding a title without a royal heritage. That seems to be a plot hole and the book just ends.
Nice that the couples from the first two books get an update.
June 24, 2025
If this was the first book I had read in the series I probably would not have looked for more as talking about madness running in families is not really my thing but the moreland family and the twins do keep you entertained. Basically two people are murdered copying events that happened many years ago, why the killer is so obsessed with the previous murders is the question everyone wants answered. The story of Anna and Reed is far from the best in the series so keep an eye out for some of the others as this is a bit too much wolf man for me.
March 11, 2019
I hate to say it but this book was about 100 to 150 pages too long. At the beginning I didn’t want to put the book down. However, with Anna going on and on about maddness, it took away from the story and the mystery. Not to mention the was practically over before any boom boom happened. The main characters chemistry seemed to be off. I just didn’t like it. I really like this author and I was like king forward to Reeds story, but this did not live up to expectations
January 24, 2018
La trama è discreta e i personaggi secondari sono ben caratterizzati; i protagonisti un po' meno, e la loro storia d'amore è piuttosto prevedibile.
E scritto è ambientato bene e si legge volentieri, ma con un'ottantina di pagine in meno sarebbe stato più agile (perfetto per il formato History, la collana dei regency brevi).
Ottima la traduzione.
E scritto è ambientato bene e si legge volentieri, ma con un'ottantina di pagine in meno sarebbe stato più agile (perfetto per il formato History, la collana dei regency brevi).
Ottima la traduzione.
January 29, 2018
Winterset is the third book in The Mad Morelands series. Just like the previous books, there is mystery and plenty of twists to the story. The love story is secondary to the mystery which did not bother me at all. I do like mysteries. What did bother me, however, was the fact that the hero was begging way too much and came off as a little whimpy. Other than that I enjoyed the book.
February 24, 2019
Reed Moreland & Anna de Winter's story was quite complex. Believing a false truth, she was determined to protect those she loved. He was also determined, to never give up on those he loved. Together they fought to uncover a truth that would changed both their lives. Loved this story. Highly Recommend. Happy Reading.
January 15, 2022
What a wonderful book. You must read it.
A story that will enthral you. MS Camp is a marvellous writer. She holds the reader in the palm of her hand weaving a story that pulls you in. Your heart will pump and your tears will fall and there won't be anything you can do about it. Read it and enjoy.
A story that will enthral you. MS Camp is a marvellous writer. She holds the reader in the palm of her hand weaving a story that pulls you in. Your heart will pump and your tears will fall and there won't be anything you can do about it. Read it and enjoy.
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