Stranger at the Grove

Strangers #2

by Mary Kingswood

An estranged brother is forced to return to his home and face up to his past.

Malcolm Gage walked out of his brother’s life sixteen years ago when they both wanted to marry the same woman. Malcolm lost that battle, and he’s never forgiven his brother for it, preferring to live in poverty as a schoolmaster rather than swallow his pride and go home. But now an unusual condition in a will pushes him back into the family fold. If he can teach his nephew well enough to admit him to the Society of Gentleman Linguists, he will inherit a fortune and will never be poor again. The only catch — he has to stay under his brother’s roof for three months.

But there’s an unexpected benefit to his return to Great Maeswood, in the delightful shape of Marie Fournier, a French lady’s maid. She speaks no English, and no one else in the village has bothered to get to know her. But Malcolm sees in her a kindred spirit, another outsider, and recruits her to help him with his teaching. As he gets to know her better, however, he begins to wonder if she’s all she seems to be…

This is a complete story with a happy ever after. Book 2 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Mystery

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2021

About the author

I live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.

The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.

NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.

Reviews

[Tilde D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know if I start out by saying that Mary Kingswood's writing is consistent, dependable, and reliable, I'm going to lose some of you right off the bat with that faint sounding praise. Dependable? Reliable? Do tell. Gosh, what's next? Punctual? Yeah, funny, but hear me out.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that 2020 was a long, strange, anxiety-laden year, and 2021 is shaping up to be not entirely different. Like for lots of folks, reading quickly became my coping mechanism of choice. What I wanted, I thought, were books that would help me fall asleep. What I REALLY wanted ...and needed, I learned, were books that transported me so completely out of my daily life, that they kept me awake (because I couldn't stop reading.)

Such books are golden, and hard to find. Even harder to find are authors who can deliver that kind of experience with every book they write. Consistent. Reliable. Dependable. Mary Kingswood is one of those rare, golden birds.

Stranger at the Grove is the 2nd book in Kingswood's new six volume Strangers series.

In this entry we find Laurence Gage's long estranged brother Malcolm, an impoverished schoolmaster and linguist, returning to the family home, Lower Maeswood Grove, to fulfill the unusual conditions of his great-grand uncle's will. If Malcolm lives under the same roof with his brother and family for three months, to prepare his nephew Edward for a test of proficiency in five languages, and if Edward, who is a 12 year old prodigy, passes the examination, Edward will be admitted to the Society of Gentlemen Linguists, and Malcolm will gain his inheritance, finally escaping his life of poverty. The toughest part of this challenge will be the two estranged brothers living under the same roof for 3 months. Considering their longstanding enmity, can they put aside their anger and bitter resentments, for Edward's sake?

Louisa Middlehope's French maid Marie Fournier is recruited to assist with Edward's French language drills. The mysterious and enchanting Marie, who speaks not a word of English, intrigues Malcolm, who begins to suspect that Marie may not be what she seems. Who might she be? Can she trust Malcolm with her secrets?

A relationship develops and deepens into love in its own good time. The true meaning of love is expressed in terms of seeing and knowing the truth about another person. To see, and to be seen, for what we are, is one of love's greatest joys.

As usual, there are several mysteries that will continue to wind their threads through each book to the very end. I enjoy the mysteries very much. The final reveals are always ingenious, and worth the trip.

I could hardly bear to put my kindle down, this was so much fun to read. The inhabitants of Great Maeswood, the various estates and families and servants and tradespeople, are brought to life with loving care, full of foibles and eccentricities. Old friends from previous series pop in, among them the intrepid Captain Edgerton, the elegant Mr. Willerton Forbes, the redoubtable Mr.Chandry, and the indispensible Mr. Neate. I love these guys!

Consistent. Reliable. Dependable. Mary Kingswood is batting 1.000. :)

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

A traditional Regency.

Malcolm (a languages expert teaching @ Harrow) and
his older brother Laurence avoided each other x 16 years.
Mal had been engaged to a beautiful heiress Catherine
and Laurie stole her away. Malcolm refused to forgive
Laurence, now a widower. Meanwhile (heroine) Marie
posed as a lady's maid who spoke French exclusively. Mal
put the pieces together, exposing Marie as a faux native
French woman.

Captain Edgerton & 3 associates developed an avocation
of solving mysteries & murders. Captain+ Co. discovered
Marie's dad, an earl, was a blackmail victim. I found Captain
+ Co. (who solved this mystery) more interesting than the
MCs.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as usual! Having signed up for Mary Kingswood emails, I received a pre-release copy by request. I always enjoy her books...lots of intrigue, romance, references to Regency fashion and traditions, and amusing characters. This is NOT a Harlequin romance novel, which I appreciate. Mary Kingswood does not attempt to sell her books by character sexual exploits, but the subtle hint of romance and relationship intimacy is enough for this reader. I always look forward to the repeat appearance of certain characters, who are both clever and humorous. I have read all of Mary Kingswood books, and I always look forward to the next one. One knows that the author features happy ever after endings, but there are so many obstacles to the outcome, that no one book is ever predictable, and there is always a doubt as to whether there will be success in the relationship. I love this. I am not a romantic at heart, and I don’t usually read romance novels, but Mary Kingswood is a jewel in her ability to draw me into her plots. I also look for the cover illustration on books as to the quality of the book, which I think is an important clue as to the quality of a novel. The illustrations on the cover of her novels are absolutely spot-on for the time period and look like the paintings from that time.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the second book in the stranger series and it had a lot of plot holes. The beginning was excellent, I really enjoyed having the two Gage brothers come back together. I liked the bizarre will and getting to know Edward (Laurence’s brilliant son). However, I didn’t like that Malcolm refers to Louisa as ordinary because in the first book she is made out to be an attractive widow who wears daring dresses and her character is really interesting - she reads a ton, loves wine and has an extraordinary horse. Also, the author calling Laurence pudgy around the middle and boring, it really takes away from the romantic images created from the first book.

As the story comes out it seems like the author has too many story lines and wanted to end the book neatly but some of it makes no sense. First of all, Malcolm has to get Edward to pass this five language examination before he can get an inheritance, but it says he has a year before the will is void, so why couldn’t they have gone back if he failed the first time, instead of the stupid pretend rule that English can be his fifth language.

Malcolm and Marie finally find out she is getting the amazing Strachan house - but they don’t want it? Marie’s father is gay and is being blackmailed by his “friend” from school who is also gay, so that makes no sense at all. Also, how does Lord Purval convince his foot man lover and valet to try and kill Malcolm and Marie? Additionally, how could Marie’s father stick her in a tower for a year and expect her to ever speak to him again, but she does and forgives him??? The questions go on and on...the book was enjoyable to read but it was kind of ridiculous. I love Mary Kingsford’s writing, but once in a while she goes a little too far.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming continuation of the first book, this one brings Malcolm, Laurence’s brother home, to tutor Laurence’s son. Their great uncle left a fortune to Malcolm if he tutors young Edward to pass rigorous language exams at Oxford.

Louisa, the main character from the previous book, has a French maid who isn’t really French. Malcolm, the language expert, realizes she’s not a native speaker, but respects the fact that she’s hiding something. He falls in love with her despite not knowing her back story. Then people start trying to hurt her…

This was a fun, fast-paced story with a larger-than-usual part for the investigative team that appears in most of Kingswood’s books. It’s makes sense since Captain Edgerton’s novella is next.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second volume in this series of mysteries with overlapping characters is about a French ladies maid, and why she is hiding her identity. As the story unfolds, various red herrings are presented. When the actual solution is revealed, I was a bit let down, because the blackmail revealed seemed so modern and yet so generally avoidable. It was also hard for me to believe that a loving parent would behave in the manner described. Kingswood is good at dragging her mysteries out while still keeping the reader interested in the characters. It is also fun to see characters you have met before seen through the eyes of other people. I'll keep watching for books in this series.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming read from Mary Kingswood. This book (and the series) are charming, romantic, and witty, with plenty of heart and emotion. I would love to see all her books as lovely period TV series, but this one especially. A very enjoyable read indeed.

[Juliana Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I'm a big fan of Mary's books, and have read them all. I particularly enjoy the way she blends romance and mystery, and that is still the case in this book. One of the strengths of her writing is you are really drawn into her stories, which have surprises, twists and interesting plots. What I enjoyed most about this book was the mystery element, and some of the "supporting characters" - particularly Edgerton, Willerton-Forbes and co, who always bring some added excitement and humour. In fact in this book I think i enjoyed the mystery elements the most. I did find it hard to warm to Malcolm for some reason, and I haven't quite been able to put my finger on why, but it won't stop me from devouring the next book in the series when it becomes available!

[Quenby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Warning: This story is homophobic, although not viciously so.

Sigh. The pace with Kingsford is slow, but in a Dickensian way. Quirky characters, unexpected drama and a complicated plot that takes a long time to unwind. Marie is a runaway hiding as a lady’s maid. She speaks only French as a way of keeping her secrets safe. Malcolm is the second son of a gentleman who is deeply estranged from his older brother over a woman. Malcolm’s devious uncle has passed on leaving his estate to Malcolm if he spends three months at his brother’s home working with his nephew to pass a very advanced language test. It’s been 16 years since Malcolm has spoken to his brother, working in the meantime as a language tutor at Harrow in Oxford. He is not happy but ultimately relents and shows up at his brother’s house. There he meets Marie working for his brother’s fiancée. Sparks fly but Malcolm soon realizes that Marie is not actually French. Nevertheless, he instinctively trusts her and therefore patiently waits for her to trust him with her secret.

So, there are relationships to work out, historical grudges to be better understood, new relationships to be established with the family. Into this drama, a group of crack investigators and a very wise lawyer are introduced. They soon become involved in finding out discreetly about who Marie really is on behalf of Malcolm.

There is an attempted kidnapping, several attempted murders to keep things lively. I thoroughly enjoyed all the various characters as they work through the mysteries.

And yes, historically homosexuals were not accepted and actively punished. The gay men involved here are unfortunately villainized without nuance or sympathy. Therefore I cannot recommend it and am saddened by the author’s lack of respect.

[Bea Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really sweet, loved the couple and it had a nice mystery plot running through it. But alas it fell at a few hurdles for me.

The first big 'urgh' from me was the way the conflict between the two brothers was 'resolved'. So in book one we learn from the dead wife's diary that she was having an affair with Malcolm. I'm so excited for this book because I want to see how Laurence and Malcolm overcome this huge, massive, awful rift between them. As far as I'm concerned its a complete cop-out for the author to simply vanish the conflict away with the explanation 'the wife was deluded and made the affair up... in her private diary... because she loved the drama of it?' Voila, poof, like magic the main conflict for the book isn't even resolved, it's just disappeared. This is kinda bullshit.

Second thing I wasn't crazy about... I just didn't *care* if the kid wins his language competition. So much of this book is taken up with Malcolm and boy going about together and speaking Russian. It's the main event of the book, but really, watching a kid doing tons of homework for some big exam is boooooring. I was bored. Bored rigid.

Lastly, plot lines about wills and settlements and the legalities of inheritance/trustees whatever is tedious. The whole kidnap/attempted murder thing wasn't interesting or exciting enough to sustain all this guff about inheritance and annual incomes.

I though the small glimpses of romance between Marie and Malcolm were sweet, but sadly eclipsed by the main plot about exams and inheritance.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malcolm Gage walked out of his brother’s life sixteen years ago when they both wanted to marry the same woman. Malcolm lost that battle, and he’s never forgiven his brother for it, preferring to live in poverty as a schoolmaster rather than swallow his pride and go home. But now an unusual condition in a will pushes him back into the family fold. If he can teach his nephew well enough to admit him to the Society of Gentleman Linguists, he will inherit a fortune and will never be poor again. The only catch — he has to stay under his brother’s roof for three months. There’s an unexpected benefit to his return to Great Maeswood, in the delightful shape of Marie Fournier, a French lady’s maid. She speaks no English, and no one else in the village has bothered to get to know her. But Malcolm sees in her a kindred spirit, another outsider, and recruits her to help him with his teaching. As he gets to know her better, however, he begins to wonder if she’s all she seems to be
This is the second book in the series & is easily read on its own. Another very well written book that flows effortlessly. The characters are well portrayed & have a lovely depth. I loved both Malcolm & Marie who were ideal for each other. There was also an engrossing mystery which kept me guessing until the end. I was drawn in from the start & devoured the book in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Mina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun fact: the fact that the author reviewed Heyer’s These Old Shades on her website and found the Duke too hard, cruel and conniving, while her bumbling main characters are consistently being saved by the deus ex machina of an all-powerful lawyer whose name makes other lawyers blanch.

It’s a pleasant book, nonetheless, even if the author could benefit from some extra self-awareness.

PS The more interesting bits of character work from the last book were discarded for more mystery and daring escapes, although Catherine Gage (née Haywood) is a very modern villain, very Vampire Diaries. If the author actually took inspiration from that TV show’s Katherine, I wouldn’t be surprised. Beat-for-beat the same plot. Could be the Vampire Diaries books, haven’t read them.

PPS Main villain for this book — not Catherine — was very dull. Reasoning felt unearned, the LGBTQ motive felt shoehorned in for ‘ye olde days’ but it just strikes as garish.

PPPS Character dynamics discarded meant no chemistry any which way. Dull again.

[Sharon Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranger at the Grove

I like the gentle style of storytelling from this author. There are several friends that act as detectives in some of her stories, and are found here as supporting characters. The several families and their homes are researched and nicely complex. The younger brother was estranged from his family and employed as a school language teacher. An uncle's will challenges him to tutor his 12 year old nephew in his brother's home. Amid conflicts, complications, town gossip, and misunderstandings, he meets a French speaking maid hiding from her past and they form a friendship. But lethal danger arrives when the detectives start asking questions about her origins. Odd behaviors and a few more strangers enter the story to deepen the mystery, but all becomes clear as our book ends and our happily ever after begins.

[Nancy Baker-krofft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutoff Brother Returns to the Family

I felt so privldged to be an advance reader of the second in the Strangers series, so I quickly got reading #1 and was able to finish #2 in time for today's release. When I first met the Stranger in the Grove characters in the first book and did not care for them...but as I began to know them, their back stories and characters, I began to root for their success in rebuilding a relationship with his brother with whom he had been estranged 16 years, and whose new wife's maid who was not who we thought at all! I could hardly put it down, and highly recommend

[Flo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Malcolm Gage and his older brother, Laurence, have not been on speaking terms since Laurence married Catharine, Malcolm's fiance 15 years ago. When their uncle dies the will poses problems for both brothers since they must be under the same roof until its rules are carried out. Malcolm becomes friendly with the maid at the Dower House, Marie. The mystery behind Marie was interesting but that is all. Why the brothers quarrelled for so long was the most interesting part of this book.
I felt no ardour between the two. Malcolm never became alive nor had he any sex appeal nor did Marie. One of her worst books.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without family, even though by their own making

What a delightful book! Malcolm has chosen to isolate himself from his brothers house after they feel in love with the same woman, and she chose the heir, the older brother. Marie is a lady's maid, after running away from what was promised to be a forced marriage. Neither ever thought to marry, one being unable to forget his first love, the other not daring to be seen beyond her isolated local. But there is such a comfortable feeling in each other's presence, something that draws both of them together.
Such a well crafted, endearing story of two hurt people finding one another. I highly recommend reading it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was interesting from the first page to the last page. There was wonderful character development. I liked the way this story was a sort of continuation of the previous book only with Laurence and Louise as side characters. I love that there is always some sort of mystery that needs to be solved in each of Mary Kingswood's books. I think this makes these Regency historical romances more complex than the usual Regency era novel.
I have read several of Mary Kingswood's novels by now and have never been disappointed in them. I'm happy that there are still several more for me to read

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was eager to read this book because of the conflict between the two brothers that was a major plot point in the first book of the series—Laurence and Malcolm over Laurence’s first wife-whom they both loved. But instead, Malcolm was just a dud. He was almost too good but also blinded by his unhealthy infatuation with a long-dead wife. I didn’t feel like Malcolm was ever fully informed about who and what Catherine really was and the ways she betrayed her family. The romance between Malcolm and Marie felt forced. I was… bored and struggled to finish the book.

Other readers might really enjoy this series but I think I’m done with it.

[Scout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurence Gage's brother Malcom shows up after years away from home. He has been teaching at Oxford on a tight budget. Uncle Zachariah has died and left him with an income and a home but in order to get them, he has to return home and get his 12-year-old nephew ready to go before a panel to prove that he is fluid in five languages (he's already fluent in four).

Malcom is carrying a grudge and can't fathom why Laurence has one too. After all, Laurence wound up with the woman they both loved. The truth will come out and raproachment is achieved.

What started in Strangers #1 gets somewhat resolved in Strangers #2 although there are new additions to this Shropshire saga.

[Kristen Pinto-coelho · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing finer than a Mary Kingswood novel. The characters and their relationships are deftly portrayed. In the case of Stranger at The Grove we have the added pleasure of encountering characters from previous books as well as new folks. The plot turns and twists kept things quite lively, and I recommend the book and the series—as well as Ms. Kingswood’s other works—without reservation. Hers are stories and characters to savor. I received a pre-release copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

[Ginny & Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Regency romance/cozy mystery

A solid second entry in Mary Kingdwood's latest series. Set in the Village and surrounding estates of rural Maeswood, each book details the effects that a newcomer to the community has on the residents and themselves. It's fun seeing recurring characters from different points of view. In this case, it's the return of an estranged brother after 20 years and how his family story intersects with the mystery of a fetching ladies maid, new to the area, who may not be what she seems.

[Kajori · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Stranger at the Grove' is the second book in Mary Kingswood's compelling 'Strangers' series. The novel follows Lawrence Gage's estranged brother, Malcolm, on his journey to find love and happiness. Little did he expect to mend bridges with Lawrence or find love when circumstances forced Malcolm to return to Great Maeswood after sixteen years. His inexplicable attraction to the French lady's maid, Marie, changes both their lives. Their love enables them to face their pasts and embrace their true selves. The mystery around Marie made their love story all the more interesting.

[Kathy Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this even more reading it again

Kingswood “Strangers” series was my first introduction to her work. Strangers book one is my all-time favorite and this 2nd book is excellent as well. I have every book currently available and have preordered her next book in her “Mercers” series. Her stories are multilayered, historically accurate and rich with believable characters. I love the world she has created across her novels by introducing favorite characters from each series to new novels. Read her books!

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful read from Ms. Kingswood! So many readers have given wonderful reviews for this book, and I totally agree with them. The book was beautifully written, with an interesting storyline and wonderful characters. I loved the interactions between Marie, a French maid in hiding, and Malcolm who is estranged from his brother but forced to live with him for a limited time. There was romance, suspense and humor. I look forward to more books in the Strangers series. I thank Ms. Kingswood for this fun story and will be reading the next book in the series!!!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to see how the Gage brothers would act around each other after reading what Malcolm did in the last book. I enjoyed reading their reconciliation as well as the mystery behind Marie (which was hinted at a bit in the last book). I’m just going to chalk it to pure genius that Edward could learn a new and quite difficult language fluently in three months. Contains: kisses, mild violence

[Walford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a bit more mystery/suspense than in books .5 and 1, without underplaying the romance. Really propelled the narrative and made it hard to put down. I know I said I wasn't going to continue with this series until it was finished, because Aargh! But I'm glad I did as Kingswood left only one loose end, to be resolved later.
Very impressed with the plotting, character development, and overall quality of the writing. And I have yet to stumble over an anachronism. Yay!

[Norma Wiegert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Kingswood is a talented writer who captures the reader's interest from the first page. Malcolm has been estranged from his family for 1 years. With the help of the stipulations of his great uncle Zachariah's will and through many twists and turns, adventure, suspense and misunderstabdings he renuites with his family and discivers the value of family velues. A delightful read.

I received an ARC from the author and his is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estranged brothers must live together for three months while the younger tutors his nephew. His Grand uncle left him a home and income in his will IF his nephew could pass a test. Not just any test but a linguistic exam than would admit him at the age of twelve into Oxford's linguistic Society for Gentlemen. He had to be proficient in five languages. Currently, he spoke four. He studied tirelessly and the brothers battled past hurts to try to learn to get along again.

[Ashley Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining!!!

I had the distinct impression while reading this book that I was watching a BBC drama play out. And it was wonderful. It snapped along at a quick pace and didn’t flag in the middle as some books have a tendency to do. Although Malcolm and Marie are meant to be the main characters, I enjoyed the entire ensemble. I could read many more books about each of the people we meet in this series.