Home to Somersby

by Anita Stansfield

Hazel Mae Hollingsworth is devastated following the unexpected death of her father, and she can’t shake a sense of foreboding when the family solicitor arrives at the estate. Her intuition turns out to be well founded, for her father’s will reveals a long-held family secret—Hazel’s entire life has been a lie. Within hours of receiving the news, she is turned out by the man she once called her brother, dispossessed with little more than her mother’s instruction to seek refuge with her father’s sister.

Refuge she finds and so much more. Hazel is overwhelmed by the kind welcome she receives from Aunt Madge and her family, who warmly invite her into their fold. With the loving support of family, Hazel begins to untangle the mysterious circumstances surrounding her birth. She finds a renewed sense of peace as she rebuilds the puzzle of her life and embarks on a romance she never expected. But when the shocking truth of her heritage is revealed, Hazel is forced to reconcile her painful past with the future she envisions.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Audiobook, Lds Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Anita 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."

Reviews

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all this was a good book. I had a bit of a hard time with it because the pace was so slow. Not enough interaction between the characters and too much inner conflict described in major details. It took me awhile to get very interested in it after the initial start with the reading of the will. Also I thought surely there would a reason given for Clarence’s action but that wasn’t explained satisfactorily. I have to say though that it had a very satisfying ending. I did end up enjoying the book. It is a clean romance and I feel good about recommending it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jenni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish all Christian romances could be interesting with well-developed, engaging characters and fascinating plots. But alas, sometimes we are left with shallow characters and boring plots sprinkled with such utterly wholesome and good characters that I want to see them do something scandalous such as show an ankle to their beau or say something shocking instead of weeping buckets of tears into their cleanly pressed, delicately embroidered hanky discreetly tucked into the cuff of their fashionably yet modest gown.
This book was boring. Maybe it was the narrator who emphasize the contrived feeling. But I found myself constantly rolling my eyes at the story line and the shallowness of the characters. At one point in the story, the characters were plotting how to get rid of an annoying house guest and literally in the next paragraph they were described as such good, loving people. Seemed to me to be a double standard. You are characterized as good and loving but it is ok to remove people from your life who are annoying. There is a better way to be good and loving to others who don't behave as you would have them do than by banishing them from your company. Yes, there were themes of forgiveness, yet completely undeveloped in my opinion since we hardly understood the older brother's character.
I appreciate Christian literature for the clean, uplifting stories but this one failed the mark for me. It didn't seem to embrace the true meaning of being a follower of Christ.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

The story opens with Hazel, her sister, brother, and mother gathering for the reading of her father's will. He died unexpectedly and the family is mourning and in a bit of shock at his sudden death. That's not the only shock they'll be receiving with the solicitor reads the will. Seems there's a family secret that only Hazel's parents knew. When this secret is brought to light, Hazel's entire world changes in a matter of hours, as her brother, Clarence, has the maids pack up everything she owns and puts her and her trunks in a carriage to be unceremoniously left outside of town. At least he gave her the money left to her in the will.

Hazel follows her mother's advice and goes to stay with her Aunt Madge and cousins Matthew, Mark, Luke and Johnna, who welcome her with open arms and help her come to grips with this recent discovery. While there, she helps with her cousin Johnna's wedding and attends Matthew's. She also starts to have more than the usual feelings of friendship for her cousin, Mark, who has helped her deal with the recent upheaval in her life.

Just when we think Hazel's about to get her happy ever after with Mark, more shocking news is revealed that even her mother did not know of. With the help of her family, especially Mark, Hazel comes to terms with this new information and she's able to accept it and move on to claim the happiness she deserves.

Anita Stansfield has been a favorite of mine for 25 years, I love the cover of this book and the story it contains has a plot I've never read before. I loved these characters, well most of them. There are a couple of dispicable ones in the story because there always are in any good story.

I couldn't believe the actions Hazel's brother Clarence takes and the way he continues to treat his mother and sister once Hazel is gone. Talk about being full of yourself and power hungry. On the other hand I loved Aunt Madge and her children. They were just what Hazel needed. I loved Mark--he listened to Hazel and didn't tell her how to feel. In fact, he told her she could be angry and to let it out. That's certainly not something you get a lot of in Regency books. I enjoyed their friendship to love story, and I loved that everyone was happy in the end, especially Hazel.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home to Somersby was such a pleasant surprise! I read a lot of Regency Romance and right off the bat, this novel took a shocking turn which hooked me into the story. We meet Hazel Mae Hollingsworth and her family who have suffered the tragedy of losing their head of their family, father Horace Hollingsworth. After the reading of her father's will, a long-buried secret is revealed that not only changes Hazel's life but those of her family members.

I was somewhat astonished at Hazel's brother, Clarence's actions. He showed such cruelty towards his sister. The story really took off for me when she travels to her cousin's home of Somersby. This family was absolutely delightful and memorable. I loved Aunt Marge, and cousins Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Johnna. The love and kindness of this family made me instantly warm to these characters. Hazel is a beautiful and sweet souled lady that makes the reader want what is best for her. As more of her background is uncovered the bigger the mystery becomes until a shocking conclusion is revealed in the end. I don't want to give anything away but I do want to add that the romance between Hazel and an unnamed man is very touching and sweet.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Romance because of the twists and turns that made its story quite unique. I recommend this clean romance to all readers.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Home to Somersby is original in that the story of Hazel and what happens to her after her father's unexpected death is definitely not your typical plot line for a Regency romance. However, I had a really hard time getting into this book and found it really slow despite wanting to like it more. The book is well written and the characters have potential, I just personally didn't feel a connection to them. While the descriptions throughout the story are well done, I found myself becoming bored or losing interest because there wasn't enough character dialogue to move the plot for me. The novel was over a third of the way through before I even started guessing at whom Hazel could have a potential romance with and then I felt like it was only the last third of the book where the romance even happened and while I like Hazel and Mark, the romance between the two didn't develop at the kind of level that leaves me invested in their relationship or swooning over the hero. There were some good one liners between Hazel and Mark during rain storms in the gazebo, but I wished for more.
Fans of Anita Stansfield will probably still really enjoy this novel, it does have some highlights, I personally just had a hard time getting into it.

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where do I begin? I suppose if you're looking for a fluffy, clean romance with flat characters, interspersed with moments of drama and a happily-ever-after for poolside reading, this may be your book. If you are looking for strong writing, a main character that thinks about more than just her big problem, and some depth to your heroine, put this one back on the shelf. You'll be disappointed.

I know there is a huge market for clean romances, but just being clean doesn't make them good. Sorry.

[Natalie Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful cover, can't wait to read!! I love Anita Stansfield

[Book Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story line. I liked some of the twists that happened but seemed a little far fetched. But a decent love story with some twists and turns. Felt like some of the descriptions were over played and repeated way too many times. I think once or twice would demonstrate the goodness of Hazel’s parents. But it was repeated over and over and over. Without all the repeated descriptions, the book would have been much shorter.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel has had a wonderful life with adoring parents and a great relationship with her sister. She has a brother that is cold towrds her, but he turns into someone much meaner when her father passes away and a family secret involving Hazel is revealed. Torn from the only life she has known and left to her own devices, she makes her way ro Somersby, her aunt and cousins home. Will they be able to accept her when the family secret is revealed? Can she build a new life on the shambles of her previous life?

This is my favorite Anita Stansfield book and I was heartbroken for Hazel during her journey. There is some great character development and a sweet love story, too.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home to Somersby was such a pleasant surprise! I read a lot of Regency Romance and right off the bat, this novel took a shocking turn which hooked me into the story. We meet Hazel Mae Hollingsworth and her family who have suffered the tragedy of losing their head of their family, father Horace Hollingsworth. After the reading of her father's will, a long-buried secret is revealed that not only changes Hazel's life but those of her family members.

I was somewhat astonished at Hazel's brother, Clarence's actions. He showed such cruelty towards his sister. The story really took off for me when she travels to her cousin's home of Somersby. This family was absolutely delightful and memorable. I loved Aunt Marge, and cousins Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Johnna. The love and kindness of this family made me instantly warm to these characters. Hazel is a beautiful and sweet souled lady that makes the reader want what is best for her. As more of her background is uncovered the bigger the mystery becomes until a shocking conclusion is revealed in the end. I don't want to give anything away but I do want to add that the romance between Hazel and an unnamed man is very touching and sweet.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Romance because of the twists and turns that made its story quite unique. I especially loved the pages that started each chapter with beautiful dragonflies that have special meaning to Hazel. I recommend this clean romance to all readers.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've long enjoyed Anita Stansfield books. Naturally there are some I've enjoyed more than others. Home to Somersby is one that I enjoyed immensely. Hazel, as a character, was easy to sympathize with as she gets thrown out of her home in the very first chapter. After that shocking beginning, I found myself rooting for Hazel to find a home. And she does, as the title of the book implies, find a home, in more than one way. As she struggles to come to terms with not only the loss of the man she knew as her father, but also questions about her biological parents, she wonders if she will ever find a home again. Thankfully, her 'aunt' and 'cousins' welcome her to their home wholeheartedly. And as she works through her many difficult emotions, she finds a man who loves her despite her parentage, and is willing to offer her a real and lasting home. But can she come to terms with the additional shocking news headed her way, or will it put a damper on her plans for the future?

I found it very easy to empathize with Hazel in her distress. And the romance was a sweet one, I enjoyed reading about it's development and how he helped her work through her struggles. I especially enjoyed some of their conversations. With her typical gentle, but honest touch, Stansfield shows how secrets and lies can cause havoc in people's lives. Another winning read from a skilled writer.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another perfect family with hard problems faces them with outstanding courage. Everything wraps up beautifully. Lots of tears along with repetition had me rolling my eyes some. Still, it was a sweet story, but the characters' perfection is a bit overwhelming.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Anita Stansfield and I like regency romances but I did not like this.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

This was a good one time read. I really enjoyed the middle of the book, but the beginning and end just dragged a ton to me. I found myself skipping paragraphs at the end of the book. It took 32 pages for Hazel to finally get to an inn, not even her final destination. It was just boring and could have been skipped over. The author summarized which isn’t a style of writing I particularly enjoy. She also repeated things multiple times that didn’t need to be said again and again. Like I said, the middle of the book was very enjoyable (the romance part), but a lot of the other stuff felt unnecessary.

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anita Stansfield is an auto buy author for me. I always look forward to reading her romances. I enjoyed Hazel’s character and I loved seeing her find her HEA. Poor Hazel finds out she’s adopted shortly after her father dies and her older brother kicks her out. She flees to her relatives in the countryside where she tries to put the pieces together and figure out who she is. Family drama/grief, mystery and a sweet romance. There were a couple twists and turns at the end of the story that I didn’t see coming. I love love love who Hazel ends up with and their chemistry was fantastic.

[Kristin Tice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cousins? Really?!?! While that might have been accepted in 1819, I don’t want to be reading about it 200 years later when it is not. Gross. I’m surprised about this story line and sad about wasting my time on it. Hazel also spent the entire book crying and complaining about being adopted. Way too much. Nothing ever gave her a redeeming quality.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner for Anita Stansfield. I was so happy when she moved into writing Regency Romances, though she has kept much of her contemporary voice. This story like her others is filled with emotional upheaval and healing. Hazel was dealt a bad hand by her brother, but through her Father's family, she found peace and truth about her origins.

I love these books that take me on an emotional journey, especially when it is sometimes easier to process someone else's emotions.

Anita Stansfield remains one of my must reads and favorite authors. This story is no different and I will continue to collect her books and read them with relish.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of how life can be both a struggle and a blessing is well written.

Hazel has a life altering event after her father’s death. As she struggles to deal with the repercussions of this news she is blessed with family and love.

The plot on the story keeps twisting and turning and is not as expected.

I enjoyed the book but have to admit that the self processing that Hazel goes through was at times a bit much and felt it dragged the story a bit. But I don’t feel that it takes away from the plot line at all.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I was an easy read and had a plot that kept me entertained and wanting more. There were some times when it felt forced or a little too much detail and repeating. Sometimes the pace of the book felt slow and there were times I felt like I already knew how the characters felt, I didn't need a page overview of it. But overall, the story is wonderful and I would love to read more stories that include members of this family!

[Tiffany · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want interesting dialogue and moments that make my cold hart smirk. The cover is so beautiful and promising; I had high hopes, but it fell flat. I don't want to be told what happened in conversations, I want to enjoy dialogue and banter and connection through events as they are painted in a way I can imagine. I think I had to end up skimming at least half of this book.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This story was different enough from other regency romances to set itself apart. It had less to do with society gatherings and miscommunication than other books in this genre. This book interestingly covered adoption and the feelings that can accompany that....a sense of betrayal and wondering who you really are. It dragged on as Stanfield tends to do, with a lot of verbal repetition.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite book by this author. I felt that the characters were very one-sided. Either too sweet and perfect, or absolutely cruel with no reason to be. They simply weren't that believable. No one really changes or grows. It was a fine, lighthearted & clean romance, but not much else.

[Charity Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home to Somersby by Anita Stansfield is my favorite of the novels she has released lately. I was glued throughout the whole book. The plot, characters, the twist ending are reasons I love this book. I highly recommend this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The storyline was interesting enough but it moved so slowly and if all of the long, repeated explanations of the main character’s feelings were removed, it would have been a short story or novella at best.

[Lauren Perotto · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why I keep reading this author. I always start thinking maybe this one will be different and then I lose my eyes in the back of my head with all of the eye rolls. Flat characters, cliche even Hallmark would scoff at, unbelievable plots.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I happen to pick up a Regency Romance there are other authors I prefer. This book seemed repetitive and slow. Anita's writing style didn't seem to flow very well. I scanned through several pages skipping to the end.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was sweet and I enjoyed it but it felt slow to me. It really explored the main characters feelings regarding finding out she was adopted. She finds love and it is fun to see the progression in that relationship.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a really slow, slightly boring book for me. I kept reading just because I didn’t have another book lined up to start next. I typically like Anita Stanfield’s writing but this one seemed slow and with no direction. Too much detail in some places not enough in others.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I felt like it just went too fast...I kind of wanted some more character development.