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Ashmore Castle #1
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle
The brand new series, perfect for fans of DOWNTON ABBEY, from the author of the hugely successful MORLAND DYNASTY novels
Behind the doors of the magnificent Ashmore Castle, secrets are waiting to be uncovered . . .
1901. When The Earl of Stainton dies in a tragic hunting accident, Giles, the eldest son of the noble Tallant family must step forward to replace him as the head of the family. But Giles has avoided the Castle and his stifling relatives for years, deciding instead to forge his own path away from the spotlight. Now, he must put aside his ambitions and honour his duty to the family.
With their world upended, the Tallants and their servants struggle to find their place in the house - and society - once again. And Giles realises that, along with the title and the castle, he's also inherited his father's significant financial troubles that threaten the security of his entire family.
In Kensington, Kitty Bayfield, the painfully shy but moneyed daughter of a Baronet, has just left school with her penniless companion Nina. Nina captures the new Earl's heart, but only Kitty can save his family from their debts, and soon Giles must choose between his duty and his heart . . .
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle is the first in a brand new historical family drama series, filled with heartbreak, romance and intriguing secrets waiting to be uncovered. The perfect read for fans of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and rich period dramas
Behind the doors of the magnificent Ashmore Castle, secrets are waiting to be uncovered . . .
1901. When The Earl of Stainton dies in a tragic hunting accident, Giles, the eldest son of the noble Tallant family must step forward to replace him as the head of the family. But Giles has avoided the Castle and his stifling relatives for years, deciding instead to forge his own path away from the spotlight. Now, he must put aside his ambitions and honour his duty to the family.
With their world upended, the Tallants and their servants struggle to find their place in the house - and society - once again. And Giles realises that, along with the title and the castle, he's also inherited his father's significant financial troubles that threaten the security of his entire family.
In Kensington, Kitty Bayfield, the painfully shy but moneyed daughter of a Baronet, has just left school with her penniless companion Nina. Nina captures the new Earl's heart, but only Kitty can save his family from their debts, and soon Giles must choose between his duty and his heart . . .
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle is the first in a brand new historical family drama series, filled with heartbreak, romance and intriguing secrets waiting to be uncovered. The perfect read for fans of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton and rich period dramas
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2021
244 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
168 books492 followersCynthia Harrod-Eagles (aka Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennett)
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 5, 2022
First let me say I am a BIG fan of Downton Abby. There are some parallels here in the upstairs/downstairs aspect. Also, the unlikable downstairs creepy footman. I have not read this author before and the writing is fantastic. The downside is that its an epic story in at over 500 pages...not a style that I usually enjoy...as there are just too too many characters. The Earl is not my usual idea of a romantic hero as he is more or less stuck with the job and doesn't want it. His wife is only 17 when they meet and marry. I did enjoy that he is rather inexperienced with women. I didn't find that mother all that evil just always gets her way as no one stands up to her...so if it works for her, she never needs to change. Multiple side stories as many other books must be planned. I look forward to continuing the series.
August 19, 2025
Oh wow!!
I was gripped from the first page and held to the end. The writing was wonderful and the historical detail superb.
Ashmore Castle is a huge ancestral home encumbered with massive debt but with the façade of all being well, which often happened in those times. Giles, the eldest son, comes into his inheritance a lot sooner than expected and to say he's less than happy about it is an understatement. His mother, the Countess, doesn't help matters. She's a cold, unfeeling woman who is only interested in herself.
There's a huge cast of characters in this book. Between the family, servants, villagers and friends you need to concentrate to keep up with who's who. However, the characters are wonderfully drawn and each one is as interesting as the next.
I love reading about the servant's lives as much as the main family and we have some unpleasant people above and below stairs and one or two are quite slimy.
This book is the first in a new series and I'll be waiting very impatiently for the next one.
A fantastic read and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves historical stories with great characters who all have their own secrets.
19/8/2025
Enjoyed it just as much this time round although I did lose patience with Giles early on.
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early.
I was gripped from the first page and held to the end. The writing was wonderful and the historical detail superb.
Ashmore Castle is a huge ancestral home encumbered with massive debt but with the façade of all being well, which often happened in those times. Giles, the eldest son, comes into his inheritance a lot sooner than expected and to say he's less than happy about it is an understatement. His mother, the Countess, doesn't help matters. She's a cold, unfeeling woman who is only interested in herself.
There's a huge cast of characters in this book. Between the family, servants, villagers and friends you need to concentrate to keep up with who's who. However, the characters are wonderfully drawn and each one is as interesting as the next.
I love reading about the servant's lives as much as the main family and we have some unpleasant people above and below stairs and one or two are quite slimy.
This book is the first in a new series and I'll be waiting very impatiently for the next one.
A fantastic read and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves historical stories with great characters who all have their own secrets.
19/8/2025
Enjoyed it just as much this time round although I did lose patience with Giles early on.
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early.
September 18, 2025
This is the family saga I’ve been looking for! It’s TV without TV. I’m too sensitive for even Downton Abbey but I sure can read a similar type of story. (There’s a reason Jeeves and Wooster is my favorite TV show ever. Complete and utterly delightful silliness!)
There is a bit of upstairs-downstairs to this story but it’s mostly about the four younger children of the Earl and Countess of Stainton at the turn of the 20th century. The Earl dies within the first pages and his reluctant heir is recalled from an archaeological dig in Egypt to take up the reins of the estate. Giles is bound to the estate through duty but his heart is still in Egypt. Worse still, his father had run the estate into debt and no one knew it. A pretty kettle of fish! The cast of characters at the castle includes his old uncle (loved him), his harsh and dictatorial mother, his two teenage sisters, and the various servants of whom we get to know three particularly. (One of them I hated but at least he was the only one I did hate!) The second son, Richard, returns from the Boer War early in the story. I thought he would be the unlikable caricature of a second son but I actually super enjoyed his plotline. He and Giles are like sunshine and moonshine—completely different but complementary.
Much of the plot involves Giles’ search for a bride so a lot of the plot is told from her perspective and later her best friend’s perspective. I won’t say more because of spoilers but through them we get even more fun characters. There are so many interesting relational dynamics at play. I can’t wait to keep reading. I should have waited to start this book until I had the next three in hand (a la Emma M Lion when I ordered the first seven at once), but alas I did not. So now I wait…
There is a bit of upstairs-downstairs to this story but it’s mostly about the four younger children of the Earl and Countess of Stainton at the turn of the 20th century. The Earl dies within the first pages and his reluctant heir is recalled from an archaeological dig in Egypt to take up the reins of the estate. Giles is bound to the estate through duty but his heart is still in Egypt. Worse still, his father had run the estate into debt and no one knew it. A pretty kettle of fish! The cast of characters at the castle includes his old uncle (loved him), his harsh and dictatorial mother, his two teenage sisters, and the various servants of whom we get to know three particularly. (One of them I hated but at least he was the only one I did hate!) The second son, Richard, returns from the Boer War early in the story. I thought he would be the unlikable caricature of a second son but I actually super enjoyed his plotline. He and Giles are like sunshine and moonshine—completely different but complementary.
Much of the plot involves Giles’ search for a bride so a lot of the plot is told from her perspective and later her best friend’s perspective. I won’t say more because of spoilers but through them we get even more fun characters. There are so many interesting relational dynamics at play. I can’t wait to keep reading. I should have waited to start this book until I had the next three in hand (a la Emma M Lion when I ordered the first seven at once), but alas I did not. So now I wait…
October 18, 2023
My first Cynthia Harrod-Eagles read, this book is the first of 3 in a series. I usually do not get into series books, but this is one I totally enjoyed and I have just begun the 2nd because I needed to immerse myself again in the storyline. Recommended for fans of Downtown Abbey.
September 5, 2021
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle.
This is typically my kind of book. I was drawn to it as it looked like a really good historical drama in the vein of Downton Abbey, but it didn’t live up to my expectation. The backdrop to this story is a large country estate with a penniless Earl looking desperately for a rich lady to marry him and save the family from ruin, the book never really went beyond this. Yes it has a good cast of characters but all it did here was set the scene for the next book. I was disappointed with it as I expected something to happen but unfortunately for me I was left definitely wanting. I guess I’ll have to wait for the second instalment to see if this story comes to life. So for me this is a 2⭐️ story. Many thanks to #NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for an advanced reading copy of this book.
This is typically my kind of book. I was drawn to it as it looked like a really good historical drama in the vein of Downton Abbey, but it didn’t live up to my expectation. The backdrop to this story is a large country estate with a penniless Earl looking desperately for a rich lady to marry him and save the family from ruin, the book never really went beyond this. Yes it has a good cast of characters but all it did here was set the scene for the next book. I was disappointed with it as I expected something to happen but unfortunately for me I was left definitely wanting. I guess I’ll have to wait for the second instalment to see if this story comes to life. So for me this is a 2⭐️ story. Many thanks to #NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for an advanced reading copy of this book.
June 15, 2022
Cynthia Harris-Eagles is my favourite writer of my favourite genre - historical fiction. I loved her Dynasty series and like all her fans hope for just one more book to round off the Morland saga. I’ve saved Ashmore Castle as a holiday treat and it didn’t disappoint.
An array of characters from all walks of life, interesting setting, well paced and enough of an ending to leave it there but enough open ends to want more. I’m looking forward to part 2 due in August. As this saga started in 1901 I can’t see it running to the 35 books that make up Dynasty but maybe it’ll last for 6 like the War at Home series, which I also enjoyed.
An array of characters from all walks of life, interesting setting, well paced and enough of an ending to leave it there but enough open ends to want more. I’m looking forward to part 2 due in August. As this saga started in 1901 I can’t see it running to the 35 books that make up Dynasty but maybe it’ll last for 6 like the War at Home series, which I also enjoyed.
June 13, 2022
Three and a half stars.
I had wanted to read Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' War At Home series (love the covers), but they seemed to be at quite a high price point for an untried series, so when I saw this book available on NetGalley I jumped at the chance.
The book starts in 1901. Lord Stainton is killed in a hunting accident and his heir, Giles Tallant, is recalled from Egypt where he has been happily excavating tombs and avoiding his father's disappointment. When Giles returns, to his mother's constant disapproval, he learns that his father has ignored advice to economise and the estate is on the brink of bankruptcy. As distasteful as it sounds, Giles must look to marry an heiress in order to give his sisters a dowry, give his mother her dowager's pension and save Ashmore Castle (which isn't a castle), even though he loathes it and England. Despite his age, Giles has never had much conversation with women, his interest in archaeology has kept him in the company of men, he's barely even kissed a girl.
Kitty Bayfield is a chronically-shy heiress, her stepmother wants to bring her out into society (in order to make a good marriage), but realises that might be difficult, until Kitty's former headmistress suggests that Kitty's best friend, Nina bolsters Kitty's confidence and might be a useful companion during the season. Although a penniless orphan, Nina has been raised by her aunt, an intellectual who has exposed her to radical thinking and encouraged her to become a teacher.
When Giles and Nina meet at a ball, he believes her to be Kitty and is immediately bowled over by how easy she is to talk to, how clever and interesting. But when he discovers that Nina is the penniless companion he must decide whether to follow his heart or save his family.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this very much, but I 'm not sure how I would describe it. Perhaps the blurb's suggestion that this is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey is correct, because this feels like there are lots of characters with stories which are given airtime but don't go anywhere eg Giles' brother, or the sewing maid. It reminded me very much of those long family saga books that were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s where no-one ever gets an HEA and each generation inflicts its own misery on the next, although I hasten to say it wasn't that grim.
I am intrigued and will definitely read the next book as I want to know what happens to our three main characters and the supporting cast.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I had wanted to read Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' War At Home series (love the covers), but they seemed to be at quite a high price point for an untried series, so when I saw this book available on NetGalley I jumped at the chance.
The book starts in 1901. Lord Stainton is killed in a hunting accident and his heir, Giles Tallant, is recalled from Egypt where he has been happily excavating tombs and avoiding his father's disappointment. When Giles returns, to his mother's constant disapproval, he learns that his father has ignored advice to economise and the estate is on the brink of bankruptcy. As distasteful as it sounds, Giles must look to marry an heiress in order to give his sisters a dowry, give his mother her dowager's pension and save Ashmore Castle (which isn't a castle), even though he loathes it and England. Despite his age, Giles has never had much conversation with women, his interest in archaeology has kept him in the company of men, he's barely even kissed a girl.
Kitty Bayfield is a chronically-shy heiress, her stepmother wants to bring her out into society (in order to make a good marriage), but realises that might be difficult, until Kitty's former headmistress suggests that Kitty's best friend, Nina bolsters Kitty's confidence and might be a useful companion during the season. Although a penniless orphan, Nina has been raised by her aunt, an intellectual who has exposed her to radical thinking and encouraged her to become a teacher.
When Giles and Nina meet at a ball, he believes her to be Kitty and is immediately bowled over by how easy she is to talk to, how clever and interesting. But when he discovers that Nina is the penniless companion he must decide whether to follow his heart or save his family.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this very much, but I 'm not sure how I would describe it. Perhaps the blurb's suggestion that this is perfect for fans of Downton Abbey is correct, because this feels like there are lots of characters with stories which are given airtime but don't go anywhere eg Giles' brother, or the sewing maid. It reminded me very much of those long family saga books that were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s where no-one ever gets an HEA and each generation inflicts its own misery on the next, although I hasten to say it wasn't that grim.
I am intrigued and will definitely read the next book as I want to know what happens to our three main characters and the supporting cast.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 9, 2022
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles SOUNDS like a generic Regency or Victorian murder mystery, but it's not. First of all - no murder. Lots of secrets, but no murder. Second, the period is the Edwardian, which I love, so that's all good to me, and third, no way is it generic. No, it's a stellar example of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' historical fiction, meaning every character is three-dimensional and unique, the dialogue and situations are historically correct (no glaring errors in modern speech or attitude, just the best of THAT period's variety of attitudes), and best of all, it's just the FIRST in a new series, which makes me very happy. I've read all of Ms Harrod-Eagles' Morland Dynasty books (TWICE), all the War at Home series, some of her stand-alones, and many of the Bill Slider modern-day detective novels. She never disappoints. My only complaint is I will have to wait now until the next book is out!!! If you enjoy her other historical fiction, you will love The Secrets of Ashmore Castle. Despite the corny title.
May 28, 2022
Love-hate relationship. Nikdy by som nepovedala, že pri knihe o ktorej som si myslela, že ju ani nedočítam, budem takmer smokliť že nemá viacej strán. Včera som prečítala polovicu naraz a nedokázala som sa odtrhnúť. Postavy, ktoré mi prišli nezaujímavé sa mi napokon dostali pod kožu tak veľmi, až mám pocit, že mi fyzicky chýbajú.
Absolútne som si neuvedomila, že tento diel je iba prvým, a že odpovedí na otázky sa ešte ani zďaleka nedočkám. Skôr príde len viac otázok... Najradšej by som si vykúzlila dlhší záver, ktorý by mi dal viac. Cítim sa príšerne, pretože takmer polovicu príbehu som sa ani nezaujímala o to čo bude, a teraz by som chcela vedieť VŠETKO a HNEĎ. Dúfam, že ďalší diel vyjde čo najskôr. Na moje prekvapenie hovorím - bolo to výborné!
Absolútne som si neuvedomila, že tento diel je iba prvým, a že odpovedí na otázky sa ešte ani zďaleka nedočkám. Skôr príde len viac otázok... Najradšej by som si vykúzlila dlhší záver, ktorý by mi dal viac. Cítim sa príšerne, pretože takmer polovicu príbehu som sa ani nezaujímala o to čo bude, a teraz by som chcela vedieť VŠETKO a HNEĎ. Dúfam, že ďalší diel vyjde čo najskôr. Na moje prekvapenie hovorím - bolo to výborné!
August 24, 2021
Downton Abbey it is most definitely NOT... except perhaps one character's resemblance to the unctuous and duplicitous Thomas Barrow. This is like a patchwork that though it formed into one blanket or quilt... the design was not actually pleasing like a hodge~podge of cloths just randomly sewn together with no particular attention to design or aesthetics. As a book, it is like a dry and uninteresting collection of facts and even more boring stories that do not even make an effort to engage the reader's attention. The title was a false one ~ there was NO SECRET not even a tiny smidgen of a Mystery... no real character development there was a promise but it fizzled out... too many characters that cluttered and disengaged this reader's interest... yet I plodded on just to see how this one developed... finally I reached the end. Dear fellow~reader, this is Bad... so sorry to repeat my previous assessment but this is not worth investing your time on. I never thought to say this about any fictional prose I have come across but this is BORING... it may have had some redeeming qualities but these were totally overwhelmed by the un~Solid plot... too many characters and disjointed story flow like the author had to saturate the plot by introducing all the players at once that few made an impact except for the obvious like Kitty and Giles... their characters were a bit more developed than the others but in retrospect some were still paper dolls. This author could maybe take lessons from Kate Alcott (The Dressmaker) for deeper, meaningful and empathic character development or from Julie Klassen (The Apothecary's Daughter) for light reading but still with some meat in her characters... both authors strive for solid plots and could capture a reader's interest and keep it. This is an Honest review not intended to disparage the author's efforts... I would still encourage such a Brave Soul to write if this is what makes her happy but I suggest a good editor and a trusted friend to give an honest critique.
p.s. ~ I wondered about the Dowager's combative defense of the totally 'untalented and fond of tippling' Cook... maybe there was a Secret after all?
p.s. ~ I wondered about the Dowager's combative defense of the totally 'untalented and fond of tippling' Cook... maybe there was a Secret after all?
December 22, 2022
Great read if you enjoy family sagas with lots and lots of characters (think of Downton Abbey). Between the servants, family members, and friends/acquaintances it was sometimes hard to remember who was who and what their relationship was to the main characters. By the end of the book, I had them pretty well ordered, but there were still one or two who escaped me. But they were minor characters and didn't affect my appreciation on the book.
October 25, 2022
Had a kind of Downton Abbey feel to it, or Upstairs Downstairs. Not sure I actually discovered what the "secrets" were at the Castle, maybe all will be revealed in the next book as it's first in a series. Really hope Kitty grows a spine by the next book, she was a bit frustrating.
February 19, 2024
I really liked it - I look forward to reading book #2 to see what happens next!
May 18, 2024
I ended up enjoying this book a lot more than I anticipated, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 3. It was a pretty fast and enjoyable read, very gossipy and upstairs-downstairs.
November 27, 2022
Indeed for fans of Downton Abbey. And of the author.
August 29, 2021
The Secrets of Ashmore Castle.
This is typically my kind of book. I was drawn to it as it looked like a really good historical drama in the vein of Downton Abbey, unfortunately for me it didn’t live up to my expectation. The backdrop to this story is a large country estate with a penniless Earl looking desperately for a rich lady to marry him and save the family from ruin, the book never really went beyond this. Yes it has a good cast of characters but all it did here was set the scene for the next book. I was disappointed with it as I expected something to happen but unfortunately for me I was left definitely wanting. I’m guess I’ll have to wait for the second instalment to see if this story comes to life. So for me this is a 2⭐️ story. Many thanks to #NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for an advanced reading copy of this book.
This is typically my kind of book. I was drawn to it as it looked like a really good historical drama in the vein of Downton Abbey, unfortunately for me it didn’t live up to my expectation. The backdrop to this story is a large country estate with a penniless Earl looking desperately for a rich lady to marry him and save the family from ruin, the book never really went beyond this. Yes it has a good cast of characters but all it did here was set the scene for the next book. I was disappointed with it as I expected something to happen but unfortunately for me I was left definitely wanting. I’m guess I’ll have to wait for the second instalment to see if this story comes to life. So for me this is a 2⭐️ story. Many thanks to #NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for an advanced reading copy of this book.
September 4, 2022
I'm sorry, I really wanted to like this book, but I just found it way too slow for my liking. There was very little action from start to finish and every description was way too long & drawn out to even capture my attention.
As for the end, it just ends like a regular chapter - no baby, no grandmere moved in, no renovations complete, no mother-in-law moved out, no love life for the brother... nothing... it just ends without tying anything up... no happy ending for anyone.
I'm still trying to work out what the 'secrets' of Ashmore Castle actually were as I must have completely missed them.
And as for being similar to Downton Abbey - the only resemblance is the same time period.
Sorry Cynthia.
As for the end, it just ends like a regular chapter - no baby, no grandmere moved in, no renovations complete, no mother-in-law moved out, no love life for the brother... nothing... it just ends without tying anything up... no happy ending for anyone.
I'm still trying to work out what the 'secrets' of Ashmore Castle actually were as I must have completely missed them.
And as for being similar to Downton Abbey - the only resemblance is the same time period.
Sorry Cynthia.
May 2, 2023
I loved this book! It reminded me quite a bit of Downton Abby - which I loved as well. So many interesting characters and settings. A gentle book, which was something I really needed.
I will read more of this author.
I will read more of this author.
December 31, 2021
A great, immersive, feel-good read with strong Downton Abbey parallels particularly in the charactorisation - but that is really not a bad thing. And I like how Cynthia Harrod-Eagles isn't afraid to have her characters make realistic, practical romantic choices in a very un-Hollywood, un-fairytale way - refreshing and rare.
July 22, 2022
Laborious
I labored through this book to the bitter end only to find there was no end. No conclusion. This book could have been half the length. Too wordy and not much history at all. My brain is far to valuable to waste on this lengthy teaser to another book. What a waste of time. Will not spend the time on another book in this series.
I labored through this book to the bitter end only to find there was no end. No conclusion. This book could have been half the length. Too wordy and not much history at all. My brain is far to valuable to waste on this lengthy teaser to another book. What a waste of time. Will not spend the time on another book in this series.
October 12, 2022
A little boring.
July 24, 2023
Period drama set in 1901, enjoyed this historical fiction.
The days of large estates, visits to London, inheritance, financial debt, high society, family drama.
The days of large estates, visits to London, inheritance, financial debt, high society, family drama.
September 25, 2024
This book was a rollercoaster for me. Half way through I thought for sure I'd rate it only 3 stars. However by the time I finished it I had found the charm in it. My journey with this book started 4 months ago. I am a fan of fictional historical romances so my libraries website showed me this book in the "books you may like" section so I took the bait. The biggest issue is I went into this book believing it to be something it wasn't. It's not your typical romance, in fact I don't know if I'd consider it a romance at all. It is the story of life and relationships intertwining with each other.
Because I was expecting it to be something else it took me all of my renewals to get to page 246 (out of 504) before I had to return it. I found myself disinterested for the above mentioned reason but I was also struggling with the cuts to the life of the servants. Even now I still feel like it interrupted the flow. You'd read about a conflict between the houses family members, cut to a plot line of the servants, and then by the time you get back to those aforementioned family members there's a time skip where the problem was resolved without you witnessing it. This may not be an issue for everyone but for me it repeatedly pulled me out of the emotions the author was trying to dance me through. Speaking of the servants I felt like none of their story lines had depth or weight, I did find out there are more books in this series that I do plan on reading so hopefully their story lines are more resolved in the follow ups but as of right now I think the story would have been fine without their involvement at all.
4 months had passed before I decided to re borrow it from the library, I found myself thinking back to the characters and wondering what happened with them. After picking it up from the library it only took me 9 days to finish it. Once I had accepted that this wasn't the light hearted romance that I expected I found myself actually interested in the lives of the characters. That's why I bumped my rating up to a 4 because at the end of the day I did enjoy the ups and downs of the characters struggles and interpersonal conflicts. I am looking forward to reading the rest to see where everyone ends up. Hopefully the flow improves and servant story arcs have more depth. I can tell that there is the beginning of something there with the hint of the valet being in a unexpected relationship, the footman starting a rivalry with every other servant in the house, and the aloof new sewing maid.
Over all it may be a dense read at 504 pages but it was fun especially if you're into historical fiction or a fan of Downton Abbey. The contrast between the lives of the rich and titled vs their servants who keep their home running allowed the author to weave a story of love, strife, regret, ambition, and loss that feels fundamentaly human.
Because I was expecting it to be something else it took me all of my renewals to get to page 246 (out of 504) before I had to return it. I found myself disinterested for the above mentioned reason but I was also struggling with the cuts to the life of the servants. Even now I still feel like it interrupted the flow. You'd read about a conflict between the houses family members, cut to a plot line of the servants, and then by the time you get back to those aforementioned family members there's a time skip where the problem was resolved without you witnessing it. This may not be an issue for everyone but for me it repeatedly pulled me out of the emotions the author was trying to dance me through. Speaking of the servants I felt like none of their story lines had depth or weight, I did find out there are more books in this series that I do plan on reading so hopefully their story lines are more resolved in the follow ups but as of right now I think the story would have been fine without their involvement at all.
4 months had passed before I decided to re borrow it from the library, I found myself thinking back to the characters and wondering what happened with them. After picking it up from the library it only took me 9 days to finish it. Once I had accepted that this wasn't the light hearted romance that I expected I found myself actually interested in the lives of the characters. That's why I bumped my rating up to a 4 because at the end of the day I did enjoy the ups and downs of the characters struggles and interpersonal conflicts. I am looking forward to reading the rest to see where everyone ends up. Hopefully the flow improves and servant story arcs have more depth. I can tell that there is the beginning of something there with the hint of the valet being in a unexpected relationship, the footman starting a rivalry with every other servant in the house, and the aloof new sewing maid.
Over all it may be a dense read at 504 pages but it was fun especially if you're into historical fiction or a fan of Downton Abbey. The contrast between the lives of the rich and titled vs their servants who keep their home running allowed the author to weave a story of love, strife, regret, ambition, and loss that feels fundamentaly human.
June 17, 2022
I love Cynthia Harrod Eagles. I have read all of the Morland Series and the Bill Slider mysteries so when I saw this new book’s title, I was expecting some sort of historical mystery novel. However, I found this beginning of a new series to be quite disappointing.
The period itself is an interesting one. It’s set in 1901 when people are just getting used to the idea of a king on the throne after the death of Queen Victoria. The Boer War is ending and the fight for Women’s suffrage is just beginning. All of these events are included in the novel completely naturally and the author’s period detail is perfect as always.
The plot is a fairly standard one. Giles becomes Earl of Stainton after the unexpected death of his father and finds that the estate is heavily in debt. His only way to solve the problem is to marry an heiress. Giles is a reluctant Earl, he would far rather be spending his time excavating ancient ruins in Egypt and he is an interesting character. His bride Kitty is also well written. She is painfully shy but once married begins to find her feet and show her real personality. These two are supported by a whole host of minor characters including a pleasure-loving younger brother, a would-be concert pianist and a footman with more than a passing resemblance to Thomas in Downton Abbey. The problem for me with most of these characters is that there are simply too many of them for any real development. We jump from one viewpoint to another so quickly that at times it’s hard to follow who we are reading about. I was interested in the character of Dory who we meet right at the beginning of the story but we don’t really learn that much about her.
For me, the lack of development of most of the characters was disappointing but my real problem was that despite the title, there simply weren’t any secrets. I was expecting some mystery to reveal itself as the novel progressed but nothing appeared. The book is a pleasurable read if you enjoy those long sagas detailing the lives of people at a certain period in time and as such, it’s quite similar to the later books in the Morland Dynasty series. I was hoping for a bit more plot and mystery though.
Thank you to Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group UK for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The period itself is an interesting one. It’s set in 1901 when people are just getting used to the idea of a king on the throne after the death of Queen Victoria. The Boer War is ending and the fight for Women’s suffrage is just beginning. All of these events are included in the novel completely naturally and the author’s period detail is perfect as always.
The plot is a fairly standard one. Giles becomes Earl of Stainton after the unexpected death of his father and finds that the estate is heavily in debt. His only way to solve the problem is to marry an heiress. Giles is a reluctant Earl, he would far rather be spending his time excavating ancient ruins in Egypt and he is an interesting character. His bride Kitty is also well written. She is painfully shy but once married begins to find her feet and show her real personality. These two are supported by a whole host of minor characters including a pleasure-loving younger brother, a would-be concert pianist and a footman with more than a passing resemblance to Thomas in Downton Abbey. The problem for me with most of these characters is that there are simply too many of them for any real development. We jump from one viewpoint to another so quickly that at times it’s hard to follow who we are reading about. I was interested in the character of Dory who we meet right at the beginning of the story but we don’t really learn that much about her.
For me, the lack of development of most of the characters was disappointing but my real problem was that despite the title, there simply weren’t any secrets. I was expecting some mystery to reveal itself as the novel progressed but nothing appeared. The book is a pleasurable read if you enjoy those long sagas detailing the lives of people at a certain period in time and as such, it’s quite similar to the later books in the Morland Dynasty series. I was hoping for a bit more plot and mystery though.
Thank you to Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group UK for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2023
Caution!! Contains spoilers!
Although many novels have been hyped as “perfect for fans of Downton Abbey,” the recommendation in this case is justified. It would be helpful at first to have a score card, for there are a wealth of point-of-view characters above and below stairs, as well as others in the village and in London. The story skips via short chapters from viewpoint to viewpoint, beginning with new sewing maid Dory coming to take up her duties at the Castle and her interaction with the housekeeper and the unpleasant, in-it-for-himself James, a stand-in for Downton’s Barrow. We proceed to a groom’s reflections, on to those of the current earl’s delight in hunting, a brief introspection since he dies in a hunting fall immediately after. We then pass along to the eldest son Giles, recalled from an archeological dig in Egypt to reluctantly take up his duties as heir. The reader becomes acquainted in turn with schoolgirl friends indigent Nina and shy heiress Kitty, whose mother intends to trade her vast dowry for the highest title she can get. Since Giles’s estate is near bankrupt, the stage is set for a marriage of convenience. The large cast of characters is difficult at first to manage, but one gradually sorts them out—the wise, French-quoting Grandmere, feckless former soldier and younger son Richard, the mostly-ignored younger sisters Rachael and Alice, elderly former earl’s valet Crook, the dislikable James…. The author succeeds very well in making each of their stories compelling, and though as a purist I find point-of-view shifts even within paragraphs irritating, I became invested enough each of their stories to overlook that. Other reviewers have rightly complained that the book ends abruptly, Nina newly married to Mr. Coleman, the doting older husband she likes but doesn’t love, Kitty and Giles growing closer with the coming birth of their first child. The numerous story threads are left unresolved, to be continued in the sequels. If this will annoy you, better pass on this story, but for those who love the rich, upstairs-downstairs, every-point-of-view-revealed-except-the-dogs tapestry, there will be no choice but to proceed to the next. This reader will!
Although many novels have been hyped as “perfect for fans of Downton Abbey,” the recommendation in this case is justified. It would be helpful at first to have a score card, for there are a wealth of point-of-view characters above and below stairs, as well as others in the village and in London. The story skips via short chapters from viewpoint to viewpoint, beginning with new sewing maid Dory coming to take up her duties at the Castle and her interaction with the housekeeper and the unpleasant, in-it-for-himself James, a stand-in for Downton’s Barrow. We proceed to a groom’s reflections, on to those of the current earl’s delight in hunting, a brief introspection since he dies in a hunting fall immediately after. We then pass along to the eldest son Giles, recalled from an archeological dig in Egypt to reluctantly take up his duties as heir. The reader becomes acquainted in turn with schoolgirl friends indigent Nina and shy heiress Kitty, whose mother intends to trade her vast dowry for the highest title she can get. Since Giles’s estate is near bankrupt, the stage is set for a marriage of convenience. The large cast of characters is difficult at first to manage, but one gradually sorts them out—the wise, French-quoting Grandmere, feckless former soldier and younger son Richard, the mostly-ignored younger sisters Rachael and Alice, elderly former earl’s valet Crook, the dislikable James…. The author succeeds very well in making each of their stories compelling, and though as a purist I find point-of-view shifts even within paragraphs irritating, I became invested enough each of their stories to overlook that. Other reviewers have rightly complained that the book ends abruptly, Nina newly married to Mr. Coleman, the doting older husband she likes but doesn’t love, Kitty and Giles growing closer with the coming birth of their first child. The numerous story threads are left unresolved, to be continued in the sequels. If this will annoy you, better pass on this story, but for those who love the rich, upstairs-downstairs, every-point-of-view-revealed-except-the-dogs tapestry, there will be no choice but to proceed to the next. This reader will!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
The Earl of Stainton dies in a horse related accident and his oldest son Giles, must return home to take his place. Giles never really got along with his father and his stern mother and had stayed away from home for years. He was more of a serious studious type who loved to learn and had become been on several Egyptian archaeological digs studying with a well-known expert in the field. He realizes his freedom has come to an end and he returns home. There he discovers his father left the estate in an extreme financial situation. Even though he follows the lawyer's advice and makes numerous decisions, there is only one route he must follow to save the estate and that is to marry a wealthy heiress.
Kitty Bayfield grew up in a loveless home, an only child. When her stepmother sends her to a boarding school, she meets Nina who takes the painfully shy girl under her wing and they become fast friends. Nina is an orphan who was living with a widowed aunt whose own financial situation keeps her on a careful budget. Three years later the girls are ready to leave school. Back at home, Kitty's stepmother begins the custom of the early 1900's for her to be introduced to society to find a husband. Kitty doesn't do well and exasperated with her, the stepmother decides to have Nina join her to provide her with support with meeting eligible bachelors. When Nina meets Giles, there is an immediate attraction between the two of them but he soon realizes Nina's own financial situation makes her off-limits. He must marry Kitty instead.
The first in a new series and I look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens with Kitty, Giles and Nina.
Kitty Bayfield grew up in a loveless home, an only child. When her stepmother sends her to a boarding school, she meets Nina who takes the painfully shy girl under her wing and they become fast friends. Nina is an orphan who was living with a widowed aunt whose own financial situation keeps her on a careful budget. Three years later the girls are ready to leave school. Back at home, Kitty's stepmother begins the custom of the early 1900's for her to be introduced to society to find a husband. Kitty doesn't do well and exasperated with her, the stepmother decides to have Nina join her to provide her with support with meeting eligible bachelors. When Nina meets Giles, there is an immediate attraction between the two of them but he soon realizes Nina's own financial situation makes her off-limits. He must marry Kitty instead.
The first in a new series and I look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens with Kitty, Giles and Nina.
September 15, 2024
This book was precisely what I was looking for when I wanted a classic historical fiction to settle into. The book reads like a season of Downton Abbey/Upstairs Downstairs and has a FULL cast of characters.
The main story surrounds the untimely death of the Earl of Stainton and the need for his heir to return home and fulfill his duties. Giles, the heir, has been living his life exploring the anthropological wonders of the world and attending excavation sites all over Egypt. He has never wanted the Earldom and is shocked to find out that his father left him a heavily mortgaged mess.
The only way to infuse capital into the estate is for Giles to marry a rich young lady as soon as he is out of mourning. Enter Kitty. Kitty is a shy girl who is sent to finishing school where she befriends Nina. She and Nina become inseparable, and Nina is the only person who can coax Kitty into society. Due to this, and despite Nina belonging to a lower rung of society, Kitty's stepmother allows Nina to accompany Kitty during her coming out Season.
A comical mixup occurs, and Giles, thinking he is speaking to Kitty, falls hard for Nina. When he realizes the error he makes, he understands that the estate is his duty and that he cannot allow his heart to rule him.
There are numerous subplots involving all of Giles' 4 siblings, many of the servants, and Nina's own life. Some are more interesting, and others feel a little too familiar.
I gave this 4 stars and look forward to the next book, which will probably resume immediately after this one ends (plot wise).
The main story surrounds the untimely death of the Earl of Stainton and the need for his heir to return home and fulfill his duties. Giles, the heir, has been living his life exploring the anthropological wonders of the world and attending excavation sites all over Egypt. He has never wanted the Earldom and is shocked to find out that his father left him a heavily mortgaged mess.
The only way to infuse capital into the estate is for Giles to marry a rich young lady as soon as he is out of mourning. Enter Kitty. Kitty is a shy girl who is sent to finishing school where she befriends Nina. She and Nina become inseparable, and Nina is the only person who can coax Kitty into society. Due to this, and despite Nina belonging to a lower rung of society, Kitty's stepmother allows Nina to accompany Kitty during her coming out Season.
A comical mixup occurs, and Giles, thinking he is speaking to Kitty, falls hard for Nina. When he realizes the error he makes, he understands that the estate is his duty and that he cannot allow his heart to rule him.
There are numerous subplots involving all of Giles' 4 siblings, many of the servants, and Nina's own life. Some are more interesting, and others feel a little too familiar.
I gave this 4 stars and look forward to the next book, which will probably resume immediately after this one ends (plot wise).
May 30, 2025
Hrabě Stainton umírá při lovu a je na jeho nejstarším synovi, 26 – letém Gilesovi, aby otce nahradil.
Giles není úplně nadšený. Je vystudovaný historik a mnoho let žije mimo Anglii na různých vykopávkách.
No nic se nedá dělat, opouští Howarda Cartra v Egyptě a míří do rodné domoviny.
Tam nachází rodné sídlo obývané matkou, dvěma mladšími sestrami a dalšími rodinnými příslušníky, v katastrofické finanční situaci.
Jediné řešení je dobře se oženit.
Nina a Kitty jsou nejlepší kamarádky ze školy pro dívky. Je jim 17 let a končí školu. Kitty je bohatou dědičkou a čeká ji uvedení do společnosti a hledání manžela. Nina je obyčejná, žije se vzdělanou tetou, leč nehýřící bohatstvím.
No a tak se stane, že Giles žádá o ruku Kitty, přesto že by nejraději byl s Ninou. Nina to má podobné, jen naivní Kitty nic netuší.
Ale Giles je gentleman, a nakonec si Kitty získá i jeho srdce, i když... no.
V knize sledujeme i další linie – Ninu, Gilesova bratra Richarda, jeho dvě mladší sestry Alice a Rachel.
Všichni tak nějak jsou uvěznění v společenských konvencích doby.
Kniha fajn, asi musí číst i tu druhou, ale osobně se mi více líbily příběhy a osudy ostatních. Hlavní hrdina Giles byl sice gentleman, ale takový studený čumák.
Giles není úplně nadšený. Je vystudovaný historik a mnoho let žije mimo Anglii na různých vykopávkách.
No nic se nedá dělat, opouští Howarda Cartra v Egyptě a míří do rodné domoviny.
Tam nachází rodné sídlo obývané matkou, dvěma mladšími sestrami a dalšími rodinnými příslušníky, v katastrofické finanční situaci.
Jediné řešení je dobře se oženit.
Nina a Kitty jsou nejlepší kamarádky ze školy pro dívky. Je jim 17 let a končí školu. Kitty je bohatou dědičkou a čeká ji uvedení do společnosti a hledání manžela. Nina je obyčejná, žije se vzdělanou tetou, leč nehýřící bohatstvím.
No a tak se stane, že Giles žádá o ruku Kitty, přesto že by nejraději byl s Ninou. Nina to má podobné, jen naivní Kitty nic netuší.
Ale Giles je gentleman, a nakonec si Kitty získá i jeho srdce, i když... no.
V knize sledujeme i další linie – Ninu, Gilesova bratra Richarda, jeho dvě mladší sestry Alice a Rachel.
Všichni tak nějak jsou uvěznění v společenských konvencích doby.
Kniha fajn, asi musí číst i tu druhou, ale osobně se mi více líbily příběhy a osudy ostatních. Hlavní hrdina Giles byl sice gentleman, ale takový studený čumák.
September 5, 2022
Though compared to Downton Abbey, this novel features less sensation and much better writing. Set in 1901, beginning dramatically with the sudden death of the Earl and the subsequent recalling of his son and heir from happy archaeological pursuits in Egypt, the novel progresses through the ensuing year, with a large cast of characters left changed in some way by the death of the old Earl. The new earl discovers a pig mess of debt, of which there is really only one way out: marriage to a wealthy and eligible young lady. Meet Kitty Blayfield, pretty, very rich, and very, very shy, and her school friend, Nina, who is no one in particular. The teenage sisters of the new Earl, his brother Richard (given hilarious dialogue), the dreadful valet James (here we see true echoes of Downton), and the horrible Countess all give color to this solidly good story. Will remind readers of Eva Ibbotson, with less-fluffy heroines, and its somewhat old-fashioned tone lends heft to what otherwise would just be yet another historical novel set in pre WWI Britain. Adult. Book 2 out in the UK.
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this. It was marketed to fans of Downton Abbey which I also loved. The main story is about an Earl Stainton (Giles) who is thrust into the role prematurely after his father dies from a horseback-riding accident. He finds out that Ashmore Castle is in dire financial straits and his only option is to marry a rich bride. Enter Kitty who is incredibly shy so her parents have a poor friend attend her coming out events with her to help her out. The problem is that Nina and Giles have eyes for each other as Kitty falls for Giles.
There are many side stories as well. We learn all about Nina and Giles's younger brother Richard. There are also some stories about the servants. There is even a diabolical footman just like Downton Abbey.
The book is over 500 pages which is daunting but necessary to develop the stories of all of the different characters.
It ends knowing that there will be another book which I can't wait to read.
There are many side stories as well. We learn all about Nina and Giles's younger brother Richard. There are also some stories about the servants. There is even a diabolical footman just like Downton Abbey.
The book is over 500 pages which is daunting but necessary to develop the stories of all of the different characters.
It ends knowing that there will be another book which I can't wait to read.
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