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The Angel of Grey Garden
Samuel Blackwood will never love again. Following the untimely death of his wife, the grieving Earl of Grey Manor knows there will never be room in his heart for another. Yet, in spite of his reluctance to seek a wife, Samuel knows his children need a mother. A garden party at the estate gives him the perfect opportunity to meet the local young ladies who might fill that role in his children’s lives. Everyone is in attendance—everyone, that is, except one gentle young woman...
Constance Wright has endured whispers and horrified stares her entire life. Rejected by strangers for her appearance, she’s grown accustomed to a sequestered existence in her parents’ cottage on the vast grounds of Grey Manor. So when a party invitation arrives from the Manor, there is no question—she refuses to attend. Determined to meet his missing party guest, Samuel quickly finds himself drawn to Constance, a lovely woman with an unconventional appearance. Her sweet nature and immediate camaraderie with his children slowly begin to break down his defenses. Despite himself, he can see a future with Constance—but is he prepared to give her the love she deserves?
Constance Wright has endured whispers and horrified stares her entire life. Rejected by strangers for her appearance, she’s grown accustomed to a sequestered existence in her parents’ cottage on the vast grounds of Grey Manor. So when a party invitation arrives from the Manor, there is no question—she refuses to attend. Determined to meet his missing party guest, Samuel quickly finds himself drawn to Constance, a lovely woman with an unconventional appearance. Her sweet nature and immediate camaraderie with his children slowly begin to break down his defenses. Despite himself, he can see a future with Constance—but is he prepared to give her the love she deserves?
248 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2019
28 people are currently reading
169 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 30 reviews
January 25, 2020
3.5 stars
I borrowed this as an audiobook from Deseret Bookshelf. I've loved Anita Stansfield books back when she wrote what was called LDS fiction and have enjoyed several of her Regency era stories. I thought this one dragged on a bit, and took too long for the main characters of Constance and Samuel to finally meet. It felt like the pacing picked up a bit once the couple started courting.
I really liked Constance's parents and how open they were about discussing difficult subjects. I also like how Constance got along with Samuel's children. I really liked Samuel's valet, Fergus and their friendship that allowed Fergus to speak his mind to Samuel. Samuel's sisters, who visit towards the end of the book, are a delight and are the ones who finally open his eyes regarding his new marriage to Constance.
At the beginning of the book I understood Samuel's feelings about remarrying, as his wife had been dead less than a year, but I think it was unrealistic for him to think any woman would be alright with a marriage without affection. I was not at all surprised that Constance misunderstood his statement of them "having an unconvential marriage" and they should've discussed it more in depth before their wedding.
I borrowed this as an audiobook from Deseret Bookshelf. I've loved Anita Stansfield books back when she wrote what was called LDS fiction and have enjoyed several of her Regency era stories. I thought this one dragged on a bit, and took too long for the main characters of Constance and Samuel to finally meet. It felt like the pacing picked up a bit once the couple started courting.
I really liked Constance's parents and how open they were about discussing difficult subjects. I also like how Constance got along with Samuel's children. I really liked Samuel's valet, Fergus and their friendship that allowed Fergus to speak his mind to Samuel. Samuel's sisters, who visit towards the end of the book, are a delight and are the ones who finally open his eyes regarding his new marriage to Constance.
At the beginning of the book I understood Samuel's feelings about remarrying, as his wife had been dead less than a year, but I think it was unrealistic for him to think any woman would be alright with a marriage without affection. I was not at all surprised that Constance misunderstood his statement of them "having an unconvential marriage" and they should've discussed it more in depth before their wedding.
October 27, 2019
This book was so frustrating. It was repetitive and depressing. I don’t think she could’ve said any more times that Constance had a birth mark and was self conscious of it or Samuel missed his wife. The writing was boring...there was no humor or wit, and the mention of God seemed forced. Most of the book seemed glazed over and then way too much time spent on the same things...Constance has a birth mark and Samuel missed his wife and was only looking for a mother for his children. I literally rolled my eyes when the ‘surprise’ that Constance was spending her wedding night along was a shock. Really don’t want to read another Stansfield book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2019
Samuel Blackwood becomes convinced his dead wife wants him to seek a mother for their two children. In the search, he meets Constance Wright. They get along and the children love her.
They marry in a marriage of convenience, but that means something different to Samuel than it does to Constance.
The development of the story was interesting but it felt like things went on for a long time before they married and then to get to the point where Samuel changes his mind the author moves quickly over months. I'm glad the author didn't drag out the pain and anguish Constance was experiencing during the early days of the marriage. I just thought it interesting that the getting to know you and courting took about 100 pages.
They marry in a marriage of convenience, but that means something different to Samuel than it does to Constance.
The development of the story was interesting but it felt like things went on for a long time before they married and then to get to the point where Samuel changes his mind the author moves quickly over months. I'm glad the author didn't drag out the pain and anguish Constance was experiencing during the early days of the marriage. I just thought it interesting that the getting to know you and courting took about 100 pages.
December 3, 2019
Overall, this was a pretty good book. It has a cute story, and is different from other regency romances. I would just say that it drags, and you have to be kind of committed to finish.
October 29, 2019
I completely adored this book! It was especially intriguing how Samuel and Constance came together and the interaction between Constance and Samuel's children is so heart-warming. The theme of the "angel in the garden" is inspiring. So many wonderful moments! I highly recommend this book! I LOVED IT!
December 18, 2019
Love Anita's Books
I have loved everyone of Anita's books. This one was no exception. Loved it...it was hard to put down, as always.
I have loved everyone of Anita's books. This one was no exception. Loved it...it was hard to put down, as always.
December 10, 2019
This is a very tender book, with both the main characters suffering different types of emotional pain. I had tears brought to my eyes several times while reading it. It is purposely slow, and it is a good book to read on a cozy day.
October 22, 2019
Anita Stansfield’s latest novel, The Angel of Grey Garden, surprised me. I know that her books were starting to get good again, but I wasn’t so sure if I would like this one. At first I thought that is was just so slow moving, that I didn’t pick up the book often enough. But as I finished the book this morning, I realized that the pacing was perfect for the story. So in the end I decided that I loved this book, which is a story about healing and allowing yourself to love again after losing the love of your life.
Though I loved this book, I must admit that there were moments that I rolled my eyes. The kids in this book comes across as too perfect. I don’t know any child that is always so well behaved. I would’ve loved to see more drama where the kids were concerned. But don’t let this reason stop you from picking up this book and giving it a try.
I know that you’ll be cheering for Samuel and Constance to find the happiness they booth need and deserve, because that was what I was doing. I might’ve said some words in my mind to Samuel as well, because I wasn’t always happy about his actions, but in the end he was redeemed.
I do recommend this book.
Though I loved this book, I must admit that there were moments that I rolled my eyes. The kids in this book comes across as too perfect. I don’t know any child that is always so well behaved. I would’ve loved to see more drama where the kids were concerned. But don’t let this reason stop you from picking up this book and giving it a try.
I know that you’ll be cheering for Samuel and Constance to find the happiness they booth need and deserve, because that was what I was doing. I might’ve said some words in my mind to Samuel as well, because I wasn’t always happy about his actions, but in the end he was redeemed.
I do recommend this book.
March 17, 2020
I haven't read anything new by Anita Stansfield since "Love and Loss at Whitmore Manor" (2017). Please check out my blog dedicated to Every Anita Stansfield Book Summarized Here (anitastansfieldfan.blogspot) where you'll find her older 90's published books are much better than the current droll we must suffer ourselves to read and "The Angel of Grey Garden" is no exception. In fact, Anita already covered a similar storyline back in her "Barrington Family Saga" series.
Not even Earl Grey can relieve this book's constipation!
Meet Constance and THE BIRTHMARK PLOT DEVICE. This face, the infection, which poisons any chance of love our poor, poor heroine will ever experience. Until one day, the widower Earl of Grey Manor, Samuel, with the encouragement of his two perfect children, throws a garden party and invites every eligible maiden in the kingdom to attend. Parents and families are invited too. All come, except Constance, and when Samuel learns this he decides to make it his mission to get to know the reclusive woman (who is WAY past her expiration date and still lives with her parents) better.
But can Samuel really be expected to be unfaithful to his beloved late wife by "knowing" Constance in, shall we say, the "Biblical sense" if they were to get married? Meanwhile, Constance agonizes the entire time about how everyone in Samuel's family and household will react to that hideous mark on her face. Seriously, it's ruining her life! Yet, she is never bullied or marginalized by anyone! Everyone in Samuel's family simply adores her. None of the servants of Grey Manor give her a hard time. The most eligible widower in town is suddenly off the market, engaged to a woman who is WAY too far below him socially and nobody in this 1810 Kent, England village blinks an eye.
As usual there is absolutely nothing offensive here and the story might as well have taken place anywhere, in any century.
Stupid book. Read it with a cup of tea. You'll need it.
Not even Earl Grey can relieve this book's constipation!
Meet Constance and THE BIRTHMARK PLOT DEVICE. This face, the infection, which poisons any chance of love our poor, poor heroine will ever experience. Until one day, the widower Earl of Grey Manor, Samuel, with the encouragement of his two perfect children, throws a garden party and invites every eligible maiden in the kingdom to attend. Parents and families are invited too. All come, except Constance, and when Samuel learns this he decides to make it his mission to get to know the reclusive woman (who is WAY past her expiration date and still lives with her parents) better.
But can Samuel really be expected to be unfaithful to his beloved late wife by "knowing" Constance in, shall we say, the "Biblical sense" if they were to get married? Meanwhile, Constance agonizes the entire time about how everyone in Samuel's family and household will react to that hideous mark on her face. Seriously, it's ruining her life! Yet, she is never bullied or marginalized by anyone! Everyone in Samuel's family simply adores her. None of the servants of Grey Manor give her a hard time. The most eligible widower in town is suddenly off the market, engaged to a woman who is WAY too far below him socially and nobody in this 1810 Kent, England village blinks an eye.
As usual there is absolutely nothing offensive here and the story might as well have taken place anywhere, in any century.
Stupid book. Read it with a cup of tea. You'll need it.
April 8, 2021
While this story was sweet and had a gentleness about it that could be nice at times, overall it lacked more than it gave.
The story was predictable, there was no real “conflict”, action or even plot. I hate describing it as dull but it was. The whole first 100 pages was full of too much “inside” Samuel and Contance’s heads about the birth mark and the death of Samuel’s wife. But you never got to know anything else about them or their personalities in the whole book! It was constantly “the mark” or “Amelia this” and it got old very very quickly. The conversations were too “perfect” with everything going too well and them just happening to know everything that needs to be said besides the only conflict of the “wedding night”. Life is not that simple or perfect and it felt unbelievable. Overall I gave it 2 stars for effort because there was potential.. but it isn’t something I’d ever pick up again or recommend to anyone.
The story was predictable, there was no real “conflict”, action or even plot. I hate describing it as dull but it was. The whole first 100 pages was full of too much “inside” Samuel and Contance’s heads about the birth mark and the death of Samuel’s wife. But you never got to know anything else about them or their personalities in the whole book! It was constantly “the mark” or “Amelia this” and it got old very very quickly. The conversations were too “perfect” with everything going too well and them just happening to know everything that needs to be said besides the only conflict of the “wedding night”. Life is not that simple or perfect and it felt unbelievable. Overall I gave it 2 stars for effort because there was potential.. but it isn’t something I’d ever pick up again or recommend to anyone.
March 17, 2020
so Anita Stansfield is my favorite Author. I rush out to buy her books as soon as I learn it is out.
This one was a Regency Romance. She followed a typical plotline for a Regency Romance book, but this book didn't have her usual plot twits I've come to enjoy and expect. She left great clues for the reader to know exactly what was ahead. So the story didn't have her usual suspense that keeps me on the journey as a reader. The story was good, believable and I liked the characters, but really I wouldn't tell you to run out and buy this one. As much as it pains me to say that, it felt good to have one of her books in my hands again, and I will still run out and buy her next one. If you want a read to pass the time pick it up this book. If you are hungry for old-style Anita that got her published, I'd pass on this one.
This one was a Regency Romance. She followed a typical plotline for a Regency Romance book, but this book didn't have her usual plot twits I've come to enjoy and expect. She left great clues for the reader to know exactly what was ahead. So the story didn't have her usual suspense that keeps me on the journey as a reader. The story was good, believable and I liked the characters, but really I wouldn't tell you to run out and buy this one. As much as it pains me to say that, it felt good to have one of her books in my hands again, and I will still run out and buy her next one. If you want a read to pass the time pick it up this book. If you are hungry for old-style Anita that got her published, I'd pass on this one.
January 20, 2020
I think the most difficult thing for a widower with children in the Regency era, is the need for a new wife, Especially when the previous wife was loved. Samuel Blackwood did not want to face this inevitability, but his children needed a mother.
Constance Wright avoided social situations due to a birthmark and some accusations by the local vicar.
This story of healing is one of the best I have read by Anita Stansfield and quickly became one of my favorites. The growth of these two characters and the children is something that is sweet and is perfect. I would hate for anyone to miss this beautiful story of love and healing,
Constance Wright avoided social situations due to a birthmark and some accusations by the local vicar.
This story of healing is one of the best I have read by Anita Stansfield and quickly became one of my favorites. The growth of these two characters and the children is something that is sweet and is perfect. I would hate for anyone to miss this beautiful story of love and healing,
April 15, 2020
Now that libraries are closed I am having to raid my own bookshelves. This book was gifted to me and I was saving it for vacation (I don't like taking library books on vacation), but now seemed like the perfect time to read it.
It's a squeaky clean romance novel that is very light and entertaining. The writing isn't stellar, but its good enough to keep you reading. This would be a good read for teens as well; it has lots of good advise as far as serious relationships and working towards marriage goes.
It's a squeaky clean romance novel that is very light and entertaining. The writing isn't stellar, but its good enough to keep you reading. This would be a good read for teens as well; it has lots of good advise as far as serious relationships and working towards marriage goes.
June 17, 2020
This book had good character but they were just so prefect it was hard not to scoff a few times. And they over explained everything. With that said, I loved the depth of emotions described and how the author handled the subject of death and grieving. The social class difference never played a part in the book. Not really but it would have been a big road block for them. All in all I enjoyed the book but skipped through some of the boring parts.
March 4, 2025
This book was positively dull. I kept trying to convince myself that it was just a more gentle, understated type of writing style. But honestly, everyone and everything was "just enough, but not too much". Ie, perfect. No conflict, no character flaws, no real difficulties to overcome. It was just plan boring, and eye rolling at times. Very repetitive, extremely predictable.
April 29, 2020
I loved the basic storyline. It was different and made me struggle with the dad. Can you imagine being in his shoes?! The writing style was not my favorite. There were some things that I think could have been left out while still maintaining the integrity of the plot.
July 8, 2020
I good old fashioned love story
I enjoyed this book more after the garden picnic than before. The first part of the story seemed to drag on and on about too many inconsequential details.
I enjoyed this book more after the garden picnic than before. The first part of the story seemed to drag on and on about too many inconsequential details.
August 8, 2020
Samuel has lost his wife, and feels possibly his mind. His children are saying their angel mother is talking to them, telling them they need a mother and their father should remarry. But he is still in love and mourning.
September 1, 2020
I really liked the problem between Constance and Samuel, and how Constance was able to be open, mature, and forgiving. It was nice to see their love grow. I also liked the family dynamics of both families.
June 23, 2021
3.5 stars, the story was sweet, the relationship seemed to develop so naturally. But there didn't seem to be any drama in the story until nearly the end, and I was wondering where the struggle was. But I guessed it correctly, and it was significant enough to make for a satisfying story.
January 8, 2020
Idyllic in the extreme. The characters are all near perfect and their reactions to hardships are angelic. Peaceful but without much substance.
February 22, 2020
This story really got me for some reason. How am I protecting my heart? And in doing so, what am I missing out on? Audiobook.
July 1, 2020
Wasn't my favorite...very slow and too descriptive...the ending was worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
It was blatantly obvious. I don't know why she didn't get it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
Nice!
I am a big fan of Anita Stansfield’ s book! She writes characters with such depth and emotional insight. I can’t read to read all her others books as well!
I am a big fan of Anita Stansfield’ s book! She writes characters with such depth and emotional insight. I can’t read to read all her others books as well!
May 26, 2024
Slow and sweet.
December 26, 2023
I cried through the last 150 pages.
November 8, 2019
Beautiful story!
July 6, 2020
A cute book but had a hard time with the characters and the progression of the story. The children were my favorite part, so sweet!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews