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Earls Are Wild #1
Every Earl Has a Silver Lining
Welcome to book 1 in the exciting new Regency series, "Earls are Wild," by bestselling author Anna Markland.
He was content as a soldier; now, unexpectedly, he's an earl
Can a career soldier, an officer in the British Army with the humble surname of Smith, successfully manage a prosperous earldom he unexpectedly inherits?
Gabriel makes his first mistake when he falls in love with his predecessor’s beautiful young widow, Lady Emma Crompton. He faces a second hurdle—he is slowly being poisoned with arsenic. A double mystery unfolds when it comes to light Lady Emma’s deceased husband was also suffering from arsenic poisoning.
Is there a curse on the Earls of Farnworth or are there other forces at work that will rob Gabe and Emma of their chance to find true love?
He was content as a soldier; now, unexpectedly, he's an earl
Can a career soldier, an officer in the British Army with the humble surname of Smith, successfully manage a prosperous earldom he unexpectedly inherits?
Gabriel makes his first mistake when he falls in love with his predecessor’s beautiful young widow, Lady Emma Crompton. He faces a second hurdle—he is slowly being poisoned with arsenic. A double mystery unfolds when it comes to light Lady Emma’s deceased husband was also suffering from arsenic poisoning.
Is there a curse on the Earls of Farnworth or are there other forces at work that will rob Gabe and Emma of their chance to find true love?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2021
133 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
246 books254 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 23, 2021
A good plot about returning for an inheritance but he's dying. The h is the widow of previous title holder. The plot was good but had odd elements that didn't make sense and I found them distracting. Too much Telling, overly detailed means it was just Ok.
March 20, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Excellent reading and very enjoyable characters.
This is going to be another great series from Anna.
I’ve Loved her other books and this was just as pleasurable.
Can’t wait to read more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Excellent reading and very enjoyable characters.
This is going to be another great series from Anna.
I’ve Loved her other books and this was just as pleasurable.
Can’t wait to read more.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
September 19, 2021
Every Earl Has a Silver Lining, by Anna Markland. Well this was a fine love story. As usual Anna Markland presents her readers a historical romance book that sweeps our imagination off to the pageant and gallantry of a romantic story. I found everything about this story absolutely splendid. Not only did Gabe and Emma’s love story provide excitement to the story, but the mystery and intrigue as well.
All the characters personalities and commanding performances definitely help bring the entertainment to a high in the book.
All the characters personalities and commanding performances definitely help bring the entertainment to a high in the book.
May 29, 2021
Another page turner from this author!
I always enjoy Ms. Markland’s romances. Filled with lusty heroes and women that discover their wanton desires, Ms. Markland cuts through society’s nuanced rules and etiquette and reveals what her characters really feel. This story’s historical details of the year without a summer and Napoleon’s exile adds to the overall story. I couldn’t put this story down and read it in one sitting!
I always enjoy Ms. Markland’s romances. Filled with lusty heroes and women that discover their wanton desires, Ms. Markland cuts through society’s nuanced rules and etiquette and reveals what her characters really feel. This story’s historical details of the year without a summer and Napoleon’s exile adds to the overall story. I couldn’t put this story down and read it in one sitting!
July 8, 2021
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A delightful Regency mystery and romance all rolled into one! The settings seem real and easily imagined. The story’s plot develops gradually and moves at a good pace.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A delightful Regency mystery and romance all rolled into one! The settings seem real and easily imagined. The story’s plot develops gradually and moves at a good pace.
Read full review in the 2021 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 31, 2021
This is between 2 and 3 stars for me. I gave it 3 just because the author is new to me and it's the start of a new series. But it's definitely a mixed bag. Starts off like a standard, "sweet and clean" Regency, then gets surprisingly naughty, then stalls, then suddenly it's chock full of pre-marital sex. Hey, I like steam as much as the next girl, but was disappointed that there was no first base foreplay before the coital action. I was hoping for at least some stolen kisses beforehand, but H gets right to the nipple and downstairs stuff (he had a bit of a weird hang-up about that). The plot proceeds pretty much in the way you'd expect toward the HEA, except for a slight twist involving the reasons for the earl's illness.
Abrupt sex scenes aside, there is some obvious attention to historical detail and research, but at certain points all of that research goes out the window. I'm not much on family genealogy and titles, but I'm not sure exactly how the earl inherited his title, if it comes from the female line. There's also a reference to the expectation of a widow to marry her late husband's brother, but this was frowned upon by the church during the Regency period and considered voidable (although it wasn't illegal until the Marriage Act of 1835). Then there were the modern Americanisms that suddenly popped up in the dialog and diverted my attention from the story. "Twerp", "feeling like a pathetic loser", etc. There weren't a ton of these anachronisms, but they are a stark contrast to the research the writer did to get some of the other details of the plot right.
A few last nitpicks, and this is just me: I didn't like the way the h was introduced. She came across as a bit of a snob, more concerned about the lifestyle she had married into than the sudden death of her young husband and the background of the new earl. I also didn't care for the main characters' cattiness toward the villain's awkward sister. The h's sister-in-law is no less a bluestocking, just more physically attractive, and I get tired of books using a female character's looks as a shorthand for whether she deserves to be the object of the reader's scorn or not. Finally, the fate of the maid. SPOILER AHEAD...........................................................OK, the nasty villain escapes overseas, with the help of his rich, titled father. But the maid, who obviously made a poor choice in believing herself to be in love with the villain and was tricked/coerced into helping him, is strong-armed by thugs into a brothel, and all's OK with the world? The maid was portrayed as an oversexed brat, but she was also incredibly naive, and for most women in those days her fate would have been worse than prison and maybe worse than death. It didn't give me the "warm fuzzies" before the H/h's HEA.
There aren't any glaring misspellings/typos, so at least there was decent editing for mechanics.
I think this author has some good qualities to her work, but this book wasn't really what I look for in historical romance. It's got certain aspects of the history right, but leaves out much of the romance.
Abrupt sex scenes aside, there is some obvious attention to historical detail and research, but at certain points all of that research goes out the window. I'm not much on family genealogy and titles, but I'm not sure exactly how the earl inherited his title, if it comes from the female line. There's also a reference to the expectation of a widow to marry her late husband's brother, but this was frowned upon by the church during the Regency period and considered voidable (although it wasn't illegal until the Marriage Act of 1835). Then there were the modern Americanisms that suddenly popped up in the dialog and diverted my attention from the story. "Twerp", "feeling like a pathetic loser", etc. There weren't a ton of these anachronisms, but they are a stark contrast to the research the writer did to get some of the other details of the plot right.
A few last nitpicks, and this is just me: I didn't like the way the h was introduced. She came across as a bit of a snob, more concerned about the lifestyle she had married into than the sudden death of her young husband and the background of the new earl. I also didn't care for the main characters' cattiness toward the villain's awkward sister. The h's sister-in-law is no less a bluestocking, just more physically attractive, and I get tired of books using a female character's looks as a shorthand for whether she deserves to be the object of the reader's scorn or not. Finally, the fate of the maid. SPOILER AHEAD...........................................................OK, the nasty villain escapes overseas, with the help of his rich, titled father. But the maid, who obviously made a poor choice in believing herself to be in love with the villain and was tricked/coerced into helping him, is strong-armed by thugs into a brothel, and all's OK with the world? The maid was portrayed as an oversexed brat, but she was also incredibly naive, and for most women in those days her fate would have been worse than prison and maybe worse than death. It didn't give me the "warm fuzzies" before the H/h's HEA.
There aren't any glaring misspellings/typos, so at least there was decent editing for mechanics.
I think this author has some good qualities to her work, but this book wasn't really what I look for in historical romance. It's got certain aspects of the history right, but leaves out much of the romance.
March 25, 2021
The first book in a new series, this charming romance is full of surprises. I found the author's writing style to be smooth and the story has a fairly complex plot without too many red herrings. Gabriel makes a delightful, although somewhat insecure hero, in that he is by no means prepared for the responsibilities he is about to take on. Together with his faithful batman, he returns to England to assume the role of Earl of Farnworth and discovers that far from the elderly dowager he is expecting, he finds a lovely young woman who has been left high and dry by her deceased husband. She comes with the unexpected accompaniment of a small daughter and her dog named Wellington. Emma and her daughter Patsy make an impact on Gabriel, but it is only when his predecessor's practical sister arrives on the scene, that he is able to admit his feelings for Emma. There is a mystery to be solved and initially, everyone is a suspect. I found the background to the story fascinating and can only imagine the horrors our predecessors went through before the role of contaminants in everyday products was determined. I enjoyed this informative novel, a copy of which I received as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 22, 2021
I absolutely adored this story!! Anna Markland is such a wonderful author and her stories always go straight to my heart. I am so excited about this new series and if the other books in this series are as good as this first one, then we, her readers, are in for a real treat:)
The characters are so well developed, the plot keeps you wanting to keep reading and the ending will leave you with a huge smile on your face. Gabriel is such a swoon worthy hero and Emma is such a wonderful heroine, you can feel the static electricity when they're close to each other:) As for Emma's daughter, Patsy, omigosh, she's absolutely adorable! Some of the things that come out of her mouth are hilarious!!
I also love how the author includes real historical facts/places and mixes it in with her imagination, it really makes for a great story! I learned a few things about Napoleon Bonaparte that I didn't know before!! It's no wonder I love historical romances:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The characters are so well developed, the plot keeps you wanting to keep reading and the ending will leave you with a huge smile on your face. Gabriel is such a swoon worthy hero and Emma is such a wonderful heroine, you can feel the static electricity when they're close to each other:) As for Emma's daughter, Patsy, omigosh, she's absolutely adorable! Some of the things that come out of her mouth are hilarious!!
I also love how the author includes real historical facts/places and mixes it in with her imagination, it really makes for a great story! I learned a few things about Napoleon Bonaparte that I didn't know before!! It's no wonder I love historical romances:)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 30, 2021
A young, beautiful widow, Lady Emma, her daughter Patsy and a delightful poodle named Wellington begin this story as they are waiting for the new Earl to arrive. Of course, Emma never expected Gabriel Smith to be so handsome!
Gabe never expected to inherit an Earldom, having been on an assignment, guarding Bonaparte when he got the word. Now he and his batman travel to his new estate, not thinking the late Earl's widow would still be there. The beautiful Emma. All he knows is an illness that seemed to plague him was not getting better and nobody could figure out what was wrong!
Anna Markland has written a wonderful start to this new series and I absolutely loved it... Seeing the romance unfold and the mystery of the illness come to light was so intriguing! Cannot wait to read more!
Gabe never expected to inherit an Earldom, having been on an assignment, guarding Bonaparte when he got the word. Now he and his batman travel to his new estate, not thinking the late Earl's widow would still be there. The beautiful Emma. All he knows is an illness that seemed to plague him was not getting better and nobody could figure out what was wrong!
Anna Markland has written a wonderful start to this new series and I absolutely loved it... Seeing the romance unfold and the mystery of the illness come to light was so intriguing! Cannot wait to read more!
March 25, 2021
Gabriel and Emma are destined to be together.
A widow and an Earl who thinks he's dying come together in this exceptional book. The child Patsy is enchanting.
Is there a curse on the Earls or is something else afoot.
Anna Markland has written an excellent book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
A widow and an Earl who thinks he's dying come together in this exceptional book. The child Patsy is enchanting.
Is there a curse on the Earls or is something else afoot.
Anna Markland has written an excellent book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
March 30, 2021
This book appealed to me on a traditional regency level. It reminded me a lot of reading a Grace Burrowes book. Gabriel has unexpectedly inherited an Earldom after the death of his second cousin twice removed. Gabriel didn't even really know his birth father and his step father was not a nice man. Gabriel has been guarding Napoleon on St. Helena after Waterloo. While he was on St. Helena he started to get ill - and assumes he is dying. With his symptoms - I am guessing I would too!
He returns to England to take over the earldom - while he still has time. The former countess, Emma, has been left with basically nothing from her husband's estate. She is definitely not prepared for living a life in (for her) poverty and not raising her daughter the way the daughter of an earl would expect to be raised. Emma's life has not been working out the way she thought it would - and dealing with Gabriel isn't working out that way either. Particularly as she comes to terms with her attraction for him.
Gabriel was not raised in wealth and society - and Emma is the daughter of an industrialist. In many ways - they fit together with their more "middle class" beginnings. Gabriel also takes to fatherhood like he has been a dad since Patsy was born.
I enjoyed the level of detail the author put in about clothing - especially Gabriel's clothing. I would, however, have liked more detail about Emma. She came across as somewhat of a typical society lady - more typical perhaps than most romance heroines (she actually swoons and is quite concerned about propriety) - and a little one dimensional. Things got better as the book progressed - but I just wanted more from her.
Overall - I give this a solid 3.5 stars!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
He returns to England to take over the earldom - while he still has time. The former countess, Emma, has been left with basically nothing from her husband's estate. She is definitely not prepared for living a life in (for her) poverty and not raising her daughter the way the daughter of an earl would expect to be raised. Emma's life has not been working out the way she thought it would - and dealing with Gabriel isn't working out that way either. Particularly as she comes to terms with her attraction for him.
Gabriel was not raised in wealth and society - and Emma is the daughter of an industrialist. In many ways - they fit together with their more "middle class" beginnings. Gabriel also takes to fatherhood like he has been a dad since Patsy was born.
I enjoyed the level of detail the author put in about clothing - especially Gabriel's clothing. I would, however, have liked more detail about Emma. She came across as somewhat of a typical society lady - more typical perhaps than most romance heroines (she actually swoons and is quite concerned about propriety) - and a little one dimensional. Things got better as the book progressed - but I just wanted more from her.
Overall - I give this a solid 3.5 stars!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
April 27, 2021
If you enjoy historical romance, you'll definitely enjoy Every Earl Has a Silver Lining. I'll be honest and admit that although I felt a modicum of pity for Emma for having not only lost her husband, but also for her young daughter's self-imposed silence after her daddy passed away, her attitude and snobbiness was a real turn off. Emma was not raised as part of the noble class. She lucked out that an Earl's son fancied her and wished to marry her. Essentially she married above her social class. Yet she has no issue looking down her nose on the rightful new Earl (whether he is a distant relative or not) just because he is a soldier. Granted she changed her tune pretty fast, but she never once apologized for her behavior.
That being said, I enjoyed the almost instant attraction between Emma and Gabriel. Gabriel is the quintessential hero both literally (he is a war hero after all even if he does not consider himself as such) but also a hero to Emma and little Patsy, who after not speaking since the death of her father (7 months) finally chooses to speak... the moment she meets Gabriel. I loved his character. The way he stepped up to become the new Earl even though he has only ever known military life shows the depth of his character. Through a debilitating illness, he became a father figure to Patsy and loved her as if she were his own. How can anyone not love him?
I don't read a whole lot of historical romance. I have my favorite authors and tend to stick to them. But I'm glad I took a chance on this book. I greatly enjoyed the story, the characters, and yes, even the great mystery that they were all so determined to solve.
That being said, I enjoyed the almost instant attraction between Emma and Gabriel. Gabriel is the quintessential hero both literally (he is a war hero after all even if he does not consider himself as such) but also a hero to Emma and little Patsy, who after not speaking since the death of her father (7 months) finally chooses to speak... the moment she meets Gabriel. I loved his character. The way he stepped up to become the new Earl even though he has only ever known military life shows the depth of his character. Through a debilitating illness, he became a father figure to Patsy and loved her as if she were his own. How can anyone not love him?
I don't read a whole lot of historical romance. I have my favorite authors and tend to stick to them. But I'm glad I took a chance on this book. I greatly enjoyed the story, the characters, and yes, even the great mystery that they were all so determined to solve.
March 25, 2021
Every Earl Has a Silver Lining by Anna Markland. Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Smith is called from watching over an imprisoned Napoleon to claim the Earldom of Farnsworth from a now deceased second cousin. While he was ready to return to England, he was in no way ready to be and earl. Bradley, his batman was to return with him to continue to serve as his valet. The seat of the earldom was far north, away from where he had grown up. Emma Crompton was the widow of the dead earl and had nowhere to go. She had discovered that he had not provided for her and their daughter, leaving them no way to live. Now, the new earl would be arriving. What was to become of her?
This is an ingenious plot, rife with unknowns and what appear to be coincidences. Itall some down to an intelligent doctor and Emma's sleuthing skills. With an interesting plot and two people who were truly compatible, this was a wonderful romance that resulted in a happily-ever-after. Gabe was a truly nice guy who vowed to care for Emma even before he fell in love with her. He turned out to be a better earl than the ones preceding him, although that might not have been entirely their faults. It was a very clever plot with excellent pacing and timing. It is not easy to keep coming up with new ideas for this time sensitive era but this one was successful. What a wonderful story!
I was invited to read a free ARC of Every Earl Has a Silver Lining by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #everyearlhasasilverlining
This is an ingenious plot, rife with unknowns and what appear to be coincidences. Itall some down to an intelligent doctor and Emma's sleuthing skills. With an interesting plot and two people who were truly compatible, this was a wonderful romance that resulted in a happily-ever-after. Gabe was a truly nice guy who vowed to care for Emma even before he fell in love with her. He turned out to be a better earl than the ones preceding him, although that might not have been entirely their faults. It was a very clever plot with excellent pacing and timing. It is not easy to keep coming up with new ideas for this time sensitive era but this one was successful. What a wonderful story!
I was invited to read a free ARC of Every Earl Has a Silver Lining by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #everyearlhasasilverlining
October 15, 2021
Lieutenant colonel Gabriel Smith was guarding Bonaparte on Saint Helena. When he got word that his twice removed cousin had died and he was now the earl. So he and his batman got on a ship and headed for England. He hadn't been feeling very good and thought he was dying. He would try his best while he was still living and try to make the earldom stable.
When he arrived at the manor, he found the Dowager and her daughter still there. He found out the previous earl only left her 25 pounds a year to live on. How would they survive?
He was still trying to cope with the headaches, nausea, and other symptoms of his illness. The army doctor did not know what was wrong with him. He needed to look over the house and property and see what he had to do.
He liked children and got along well with her dog( Wellington), and the Dowager. The servants were a little stand-offish but with time. I really loved this story of a gentle and loving man who takes a poor dowager countess and her daughter to his heart. The characters were merry and amazing.
it was fun to read the teasing they did with each other. Watching the blooming of love begin. It was so romantic, entertaining and when a neighbor tried to kidnap Patsy, Gabe and his batman were there to rescue her. It was a wonderful and enjoyable book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
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following reviews
When he arrived at the manor, he found the Dowager and her daughter still there. He found out the previous earl only left her 25 pounds a year to live on. How would they survive?
He was still trying to cope with the headaches, nausea, and other symptoms of his illness. The army doctor did not know what was wrong with him. He needed to look over the house and property and see what he had to do.
He liked children and got along well with her dog( Wellington), and the Dowager. The servants were a little stand-offish but with time. I really loved this story of a gentle and loving man who takes a poor dowager countess and her daughter to his heart. The characters were merry and amazing.
it was fun to read the teasing they did with each other. Watching the blooming of love begin. It was so romantic, entertaining and when a neighbor tried to kidnap Patsy, Gabe and his batman were there to rescue her. It was a wonderful and enjoyable book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
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following reviews
March 30, 2021
What charming character's from the main to the secondary. I can't wait for Susan's story which is next.
The h is in her 7 month out of 12, mourning her deceased husband. She is angry at first when a distant cousin inherits. Her anger is misplaced and should have been over her deceased husband not seeing to things. The H feels unworthy because he is a soldier.
This is not just a romantic story but oh so much more. We have possibly two murders or could be 3 if things proceed as they are. Villain(s), who surprised me where the author took us. Not down the normal path which I so enjoyed the twist.
There is a sweet girl, hungry for a father's love and a small dog who added cuteness when things were going bad. Even though I was 75% sure why our H was sick, the author threw more curves into the story that had me second guessing myself.
There is passionate, descriptive lovemaking with the bedroom door wide open. Heat level 5 out of 5, described in detail several times, but not page after page.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, steam, last couple of chapters filled with some surprises, plus an epilogue 10 months in the future which was very satisfying. I can't improve on the blurb, so not attempting. Just recommending this story if you like mystery, romance and steam. (ljb)
The h is in her 7 month out of 12, mourning her deceased husband. She is angry at first when a distant cousin inherits. Her anger is misplaced and should have been over her deceased husband not seeing to things. The H feels unworthy because he is a soldier.
This is not just a romantic story but oh so much more. We have possibly two murders or could be 3 if things proceed as they are. Villain(s), who surprised me where the author took us. Not down the normal path which I so enjoyed the twist.
There is a sweet girl, hungry for a father's love and a small dog who added cuteness when things were going bad. Even though I was 75% sure why our H was sick, the author threw more curves into the story that had me second guessing myself.
There is passionate, descriptive lovemaking with the bedroom door wide open. Heat level 5 out of 5, described in detail several times, but not page after page.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, steam, last couple of chapters filled with some surprises, plus an epilogue 10 months in the future which was very satisfying. I can't improve on the blurb, so not attempting. Just recommending this story if you like mystery, romance and steam. (ljb)
July 12, 2021
This is a new to me author and I accidentally got the second in this series on NetGalley, not realizing it was the second in the series, so I decided to read the first, well, first.
Very glad I did! I found the was nice development of the main characters and they demonstrated a sweet vulnerability that I found endearing. For example, there were frequent details about his abusive stepfather and his yearning for family relationships and ties that he did not have in his past. This was echoed in the lovely relationship he seemed to develop with the heroine's young daughter.
There was a level of heat and attraction I was not expecting; not sure why, but I was expecting something more on the sweet and clean side. This is not a complaint; the attraction and relationship development between the main characters was nice, and it was nice to have the heroine be a bit earthier than I expected. The swooning at seeing his manly bits by accident may have been a bit over the top in my mind though - but it did give me a bit of a chuckle.
I loved the attention to detail with the historical aspects, especially with regards to the mysterious "curse" causing illness in the hero and his predecessors, and this story also does introduce the character who will be one of the protagonists in the second book. All in all, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the second novel.
Very glad I did! I found the was nice development of the main characters and they demonstrated a sweet vulnerability that I found endearing. For example, there were frequent details about his abusive stepfather and his yearning for family relationships and ties that he did not have in his past. This was echoed in the lovely relationship he seemed to develop with the heroine's young daughter.
There was a level of heat and attraction I was not expecting; not sure why, but I was expecting something more on the sweet and clean side. This is not a complaint; the attraction and relationship development between the main characters was nice, and it was nice to have the heroine be a bit earthier than I expected. The swooning at seeing his manly bits by accident may have been a bit over the top in my mind though - but it did give me a bit of a chuckle.
I loved the attention to detail with the historical aspects, especially with regards to the mysterious "curse" causing illness in the hero and his predecessors, and this story also does introduce the character who will be one of the protagonists in the second book. All in all, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the second novel.
March 27, 2021
Every Earl has a silver lining
Gabriel Smith has the last thing in the world he expected happen to him, he is now the new Earl of Farnworth. For how long he doesn’t know. Gabriel has a mysterious ailment and he fears he doesn’t have long to live. When he finally arrives at his new home he discovers he is not alone, the widow of the previous Earl is still living there.
Lady Emma has been putting off the inevitable, her husband has been gone for seven months now and the new Earl is due to arrive but she has no where to go. When the new Earl arrives Emma tries to hide but is found out. As Gabriel and Emma come to know one another they discover the mysterious ailment that is plaguing Gabriel might have also been the cause of her deceased husband. Trying to figure out the mystery brings Gabriel and Emma closer and both start to feel they might have something they both have always wanted but never had, love and a family.
I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved both Gabriel and Emma and watching them realize what they both have been missing in their lives and trying to discover he mysterious sickness and finding a cure before it’s to late! Good story you definitely want to read!
Gabriel Smith has the last thing in the world he expected happen to him, he is now the new Earl of Farnworth. For how long he doesn’t know. Gabriel has a mysterious ailment and he fears he doesn’t have long to live. When he finally arrives at his new home he discovers he is not alone, the widow of the previous Earl is still living there.
Lady Emma has been putting off the inevitable, her husband has been gone for seven months now and the new Earl is due to arrive but she has no where to go. When the new Earl arrives Emma tries to hide but is found out. As Gabriel and Emma come to know one another they discover the mysterious ailment that is plaguing Gabriel might have also been the cause of her deceased husband. Trying to figure out the mystery brings Gabriel and Emma closer and both start to feel they might have something they both have always wanted but never had, love and a family.
I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved both Gabriel and Emma and watching them realize what they both have been missing in their lives and trying to discover he mysterious sickness and finding a cure before it’s to late! Good story you definitely want to read!
March 24, 2021
Gabriel Smith was a career soldier, an officer in the British Army when he suddenly & unexpectedly becomes The Earl of Farnworth. Gabriel makes his first mistake when he falls in love with his predecessor’s beautiful young widow, Lady Emma Crompton. He faces a second hurdle—he is slowly being poisoned with arsenic. A double mystery unfolds when it comes to light Lady Emma’s deceased husband was also suffering from arsenic poisoning.
A very well written series starter & I can’t wait for more. Strong characters & a very well paced story had me devouring this lovely romance in two sittings. I loved Gabe who unexpectedly became an Earl & how he dealt with everything thrown in his path. Emma was delightful & she blossomed throughout the book. The chemistry between the pair was electric & I loved their journey to their HEA. Patsy was a joy & I loved that there was a secondary romance too. There was also the puzzling mystery of the poisoning, which added another dimension. An engrossing page turning read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A very well written series starter & I can’t wait for more. Strong characters & a very well paced story had me devouring this lovely romance in two sittings. I loved Gabe who unexpectedly became an Earl & how he dealt with everything thrown in his path. Emma was delightful & she blossomed throughout the book. The chemistry between the pair was electric & I loved their journey to their HEA. Patsy was a joy & I loved that there was a secondary romance too. There was also the puzzling mystery of the poisoning, which added another dimension. An engrossing page turning read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 27, 2022
Stumbled upon this on the freebie section on Amazon, so why not.
Here we follow Gabriel and Emma. Gabriel is a career soldier in the British Army. He suddenly has the earldom fall on his lap. Emma is his predecessor's widow. The two come together to find out who poisoned the former earl and who is poisoning Gabriel now. Will the two find out in time and will they find the love along the way?
This started out strong for me. I was hooked right away!!!! However, it all fell apart.
I nearly DNFed this, but the beginning was SO strong that I didn't want to stop. I kept reading on in hopes it would get better. However, I found myself skimming and speed reading as much as I could. I really didn't want to DNF since I just did the other day.
Finally it ended and I was relieved. The ending was better-ish, but still I felt meh about everyone and everything that happened.
Not for me. But I am proud I pushed through and didn't DNF again.
I'll give this 2 stars. The beginning had a lot of promise so that gets a star. I wish I had liked the rest though. :/
Here we follow Gabriel and Emma. Gabriel is a career soldier in the British Army. He suddenly has the earldom fall on his lap. Emma is his predecessor's widow. The two come together to find out who poisoned the former earl and who is poisoning Gabriel now. Will the two find out in time and will they find the love along the way?
This started out strong for me. I was hooked right away!!!! However, it all fell apart.
I nearly DNFed this, but the beginning was SO strong that I didn't want to stop. I kept reading on in hopes it would get better. However, I found myself skimming and speed reading as much as I could. I really didn't want to DNF since I just did the other day.
Finally it ended and I was relieved. The ending was better-ish, but still I felt meh about everyone and everything that happened.
Not for me. But I am proud I pushed through and didn't DNF again.
I'll give this 2 stars. The beginning had a lot of promise so that gets a star. I wish I had liked the rest though. :/
March 26, 2021
When Gabriel Smith, career soldier become Earl, arrives at his new estate two things attract his attention. One is the fact that before they died the last two Earls of Farnworth exhibited the same symptoms that have plagued him since before he left Saint Helena. Two is Emma Crompton, the widow of the previous earl. The stage is set for an intriguing mystery and a romance (maybe two). The reader is drawn into the captivating story as it unfolds. I love the characters. Gabriel and Emma make a wonderful couple. Susan is a force to be reckoned with. Emma’s daughter Patsy is a pure delight. An excellent story, great characters, a surprise or two, and an ending that will make you smile. I recommend this one and can’t wait for the rest of series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
March 28, 2021
Love wins
Gabriel was an decorated soldier guarding Napoleon exiled to St Alba. Gabe was sure he was dying and slowly poisoned! His faithful Batman Bradley left with him when he secured his inheritance. Emma was the widow of the former Earl had a daughter and a pitiful inheritance left by her former husband so small she really had no where to go!
A friendship arises between the two while Gabe struggles to find out why the symptoms of illness have followed him half a world away!
Odd things in the household, fire, attempted kidnapping lots of sheningans! One thing is apparent there is a deep attraction between Gabe and Emma and Gabe is equally drawn to Patsy Emma young daughter! Someone wishes the family harm!
How can Gabe envision any future when he's still being poisoned? Humorous and light read!
Gabriel was an decorated soldier guarding Napoleon exiled to St Alba. Gabe was sure he was dying and slowly poisoned! His faithful Batman Bradley left with him when he secured his inheritance. Emma was the widow of the former Earl had a daughter and a pitiful inheritance left by her former husband so small she really had no where to go!
A friendship arises between the two while Gabe struggles to find out why the symptoms of illness have followed him half a world away!
Odd things in the household, fire, attempted kidnapping lots of sheningans! One thing is apparent there is a deep attraction between Gabe and Emma and Gabe is equally drawn to Patsy Emma young daughter! Someone wishes the family harm!
How can Gabe envision any future when he's still being poisoned? Humorous and light read!
April 6, 2021
A career soldier inherits a title as Earl! Gabriel is a totally unlikely candidate because he is a third cousin and is a plain man by the name of Smith and has no clue on how to put on “Airs”. The other issue is he knows he is dying of some type of malady.
After a time Lady Emma Compton, the widow is enamored of the new Earl and he is the same. People will talk, but their is more because they claim both the previous Earls were mad!
This is definitely not only a great book, but not your normal Rich Earl likes poor girl. This is a mystery with a history lesson within! Loved the characters and the steamy bits and the moments of father daughter time as well.
I definitely would recommend this book to friends and family!
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
After a time Lady Emma Compton, the widow is enamored of the new Earl and he is the same. People will talk, but their is more because they claim both the previous Earls were mad!
This is definitely not only a great book, but not your normal Rich Earl likes poor girl. This is a mystery with a history lesson within! Loved the characters and the steamy bits and the moments of father daughter time as well.
I definitely would recommend this book to friends and family!
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
March 30, 2021
Gabriel Smith goes from being an officer in the army to an Earl ,when he had no idea he was even related to one. Baby-sitting Napoleon on his prison island is a boring job for any soldier.
Gabriel's strange illness has him convinced he's dying. When he finds out the previous two Earls of Farnworth had similar symptoms , it can't be good. Is it a curse on the line or is somebody behind it??
Lady Emma Crompton and her young daughter have been left in dire straits by the unexpected death of her husband. Why should a common soldier inherit everything and they get nothing??
A very interesting and mysterious story with fabulous strong characters, even little Wellington. The conclusion of the main mystery will really surprise you.
I loved every page.
Gabriel's strange illness has him convinced he's dying. When he finds out the previous two Earls of Farnworth had similar symptoms , it can't be good. Is it a curse on the line or is somebody behind it??
Lady Emma Crompton and her young daughter have been left in dire straits by the unexpected death of her husband. Why should a common soldier inherit everything and they get nothing??
A very interesting and mysterious story with fabulous strong characters, even little Wellington. The conclusion of the main mystery will really surprise you.
I loved every page.
March 30, 2021
Lady Emma Crompton has lost her husband and she and her daughter have lost their home to the new Earl of Farnworth’s. Gabriel Smith has only known life in the army so it comes as quite a surprise when he’s tracked down and he learns he’s the new Earl. This is an enchanting story of Gabriel who thinks he’s dying, who finds himself attracted to Emma and knows he needs a wife and an heir quickly. Emma doesn’t know quite what to make of Gabriel, he is so sweet to her daughter and she enjoys his companionship and company. Emma and Gabriel are so perfect together as they try to navigate their way through their attraction, feelings and uncover the mystery surrounding the Farnsworth men. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent and emotional romance love story.
April 3, 2021
You cannot go wrong in choosing to read an Anna Markland story, and this one has just raised the bar. I absolutely loved Emma and Gabriel's story. The plot had a beautiful flow that kept the interest, and the historical details had me very intrigued right to the last page. The peaks leading up to the climax were very well written with the ideal twists and turns to make you wonder what was coming next. And the story had just the right amount of sizzle to appeal to the romantic in all of us. I'm eager to read the next in series as the secondary character, Lady Susan, has such intriguing potential.
The included historical footnotes at the end provided even keener interest. Again, you can't go wrong with Anna Markland to entertain you!
The included historical footnotes at the end provided even keener interest. Again, you can't go wrong with Anna Markland to entertain you!
April 7, 2023
A widow, Emma, has a young female child, meaning the Earldom and estate is being passed to a distant cousin of her deceased husband. Gabriel is a career soldier assigned to guarding the exiled Napoleon when he receives the news of his inheritance. When he arrives at the estate, he allows Emma and her daughter to stay while the Dower house is rebuilt from a fire. They of course are attracted to each other. Gabriel believes he is dying and there is a slight mystery of the deaths of the previous two Earls. I didn't especially like Emma. Swooning twice and snobbish. The story was very slow-moving and I struggled to the ending. I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Smith is leaving Saint Helena, Napoleon, his Commission in the British army and returning to England. He is now surprisingly the new Earl of Farnworth. He is also a man dying. Lady Emma Compton is the former Countess of Farnworth. Since the dowager house was destroyed by her father-in-law, she's concerned she and her daughter will be destitute. Gabriel is drawn to Emma and her daughter. With his illness he needs an heir and Emma would be perfect for his wife. If only this mysterious illness could be identified and cured. Symptoms that also affected the deceased Earl and his father to drive them both mad.
Are the males in the family cursed?Just when life offers everything Gabriel could want, it looks like he will go mad and die. A charming little girl, a dog named Wellington, an evil neighbor, an inquisitive cousin determined to solve the illness and a hero who will protect what is his with his life. Markland's created an entertaining first book in her new series for your TBR. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Are the males in the family cursed?Just when life offers everything Gabriel could want, it looks like he will go mad and die. A charming little girl, a dog named Wellington, an evil neighbor, an inquisitive cousin determined to solve the illness and a hero who will protect what is his with his life. Markland's created an entertaining first book in her new series for your TBR. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
March 23, 2021
5 stars
Excellent story. Captain Gabriel Smith inherits an earldom so he and his Batman have to leave guarding Napolean and return to his estates. Emma, the widow of the last earl who with her daughter has been left impoverished wonders how she will survive. I liked the mystery about Gabriel's illness and the passion that builds up between him and Emma. Her daughter is a delight and even the batman gets a HEA. Lots of good historical references. Pleased this author has moved to regency from medieval and pirates. I'll look out for more of her books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Excellent story. Captain Gabriel Smith inherits an earldom so he and his Batman have to leave guarding Napolean and return to his estates. Emma, the widow of the last earl who with her daughter has been left impoverished wonders how she will survive. I liked the mystery about Gabriel's illness and the passion that builds up between him and Emma. Her daughter is a delight and even the batman gets a HEA. Lots of good historical references. Pleased this author has moved to regency from medieval and pirates. I'll look out for more of her books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2021
Anna Markland has done it again. What a wonderful adventure, great characters, and a few bad individuals to top it off. A career soldier, Gabriel Smith of the British Army, is a veteran of Waterloo and placed in charge of guarding Napoleon on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean. While he is there, he develops a medical condition that seems to be deadly. But when he is delivered a letter, stating that he has inherited an estate and the title of Earl, Gabriel cannot figure out how with a last name of Smith, that cannot be possible. However, it is true. The circumstances that follow will keep you reading and the mystery that develops holds the plot together.
December 10, 2021
I enjoyed Anna Markland's book, Every Earl Has a Silver Lining. The story takes place in 1816 and begins when Gabriel Smith becomes Lord Farnworth after the death of his distant cousin. The earl's widow, Emma Crompton and her seven year old daughter Patsy, are still in residence at Thickford Manor. Gabriel is unwell when he arrives, somehow being poisoned by arsenic. As they begin to adjust to the new circumstances, Emma and Patsy get to know and like Gabriel. The story has mystery, a friend to lovers romance, funny moments, and is well written. Most of the characters are likable and the bad ones are treated appropriately. This looks like the beginning of a good series.
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