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Charlock #2
Return to Charlock
A nemesis from the past, a pompous mother-in-law, and a vixen.
What could possibly go wrong?
One year after her life-changing time-travel journey back to 1878 England, Kat Shelton is swept off her feet by the handsome and wealthy Trenton Gilford III, the owner of her beloved Charlock Manor and the third great-grandson of Merritt Gilford—the 19th-century gentleman who helped Kat cope through her fiancé’s death.
While family and friends descend on the Gilford estate for a traditional ten-day house party leading up to Trenton and Kat’s wedding day, a confounding woman mysteriously appears in an antiquated gown and with an all too familiar insolence.
Ms. Margaret Abbott!
As if Kat’s archenemy from 1878 isn’t enough, her pretentious soon-to-be mother-in-law aligns with a scheming unwelcomed guest, to pursue every opportunity in driving a wedge between the idyllic couple.
Interspersed between archery arrows, horse races, and a lively game of cricket—doubt, deception, and lies emerge. Will Kat conquer her fears to attain the happy ending she desires? Or will secrets from the past crush her resolve and leave her defeated?
Return to Charlock is the second book in the intriguing Charlock time-travel series that offers a highly entertaining twist on a clean historical and contemporary romance.
What could possibly go wrong?
One year after her life-changing time-travel journey back to 1878 England, Kat Shelton is swept off her feet by the handsome and wealthy Trenton Gilford III, the owner of her beloved Charlock Manor and the third great-grandson of Merritt Gilford—the 19th-century gentleman who helped Kat cope through her fiancé’s death.
While family and friends descend on the Gilford estate for a traditional ten-day house party leading up to Trenton and Kat’s wedding day, a confounding woman mysteriously appears in an antiquated gown and with an all too familiar insolence.
Ms. Margaret Abbott!
As if Kat’s archenemy from 1878 isn’t enough, her pretentious soon-to-be mother-in-law aligns with a scheming unwelcomed guest, to pursue every opportunity in driving a wedge between the idyllic couple.
Interspersed between archery arrows, horse races, and a lively game of cricket—doubt, deception, and lies emerge. Will Kat conquer her fears to attain the happy ending she desires? Or will secrets from the past crush her resolve and leave her defeated?
Return to Charlock is the second book in the intriguing Charlock time-travel series that offers a highly entertaining twist on a clean historical and contemporary romance.
- GenresTime Travel
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2021
61 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Leah Moyes
31 books186 followersLeah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 9, 2022
This book is really a return to the family of Gilford. Book one helped the readers become invested in the Gilford family, book two continues to build that investment.
Book two isn’t jumping from locale to locale, the setting is simply Charlock estate, family and special friends are gathering for the traditional, ten-day pre-wedding festivities prior to the actual wedding of Trenton Gilford and Kat Shelton. What could go wrong? What possible devious behavior could be circulating at a wedding? We will find out!
The female antagonist, Margaret Abbott, who was the front person for a nefarious family from 1878 England in book one is suddenly skulking around the estate. Kat thinks she spots something out-of-place and is off to ferret out the particulars. What does she find? Kat finds a bedraggled, but feisty and unrepentant Margaret just in time to joining the pre-wedding activities! This is enough to send Kat for a loop, but before she can catch her breath, additional guests arrive. The guests are Mrs. Juliana Gilford and Trenton Gilford II (mother and father of Trenton), as well as an uninvited guest, Justine, who is the close confidant to Mrs. Gilford. She is attending under the auspices that she is an old, childhood friend of Trenton. We soon learn that both Juliana and Justine always wanted and assume there would be a wedding between Trenton and Justine.
Another key fact, which appears no one thought about is that the time-travel door in library would continue to bring traffic back and forth between the past and the present! Just as in book one, Moyes effectively uses the prologue to confuse, inform, and invest us into the circle of people in and around Charlock, both past and present. The prologue also prepares us to amend or soften our view of Margaret, who turns from antagonist to a special, gifted friend, and part of the wedding party.
Reflections on the book:
I was eager to read book two in the Charlock series. Although different than book one, it filled in and fleshed out the recent history of Trenton’s family and his history during his collegiate years. Trenton had some very loyal friends who gather round to support him, but parents, particularly his mother are not supportive, in fact could act as a stand-in for the wicked witch of the west (OZ). How could a mother pull even half of the stuff this mother did to Trenton and Kat. Justine, she was disgusting, but her type of villain has been seen many times in and out of books. The good news book-wise is the author gave her a just comeuppance.
Knowing that Margaret was making an appearance in book two, for me seemed like a mistake. But her addition, helped to hit home the themes of communication. Before jumping to conclusions or “judging people,” learn about people, talk with people, which could keep you from jumping to error-filled conclusions. Kat and Trenton had some communication issues that they needed to work through and their true friends help them survive and thrive a number of awkward situations.
I enjoyed reading about how Kat and Margaret’s relationship changed from hostility to true empathy. I thought Trenton’s Grandfather was a wonderful addition and help move the story along. I did find the quick change in Trenton’s Mother a little swift and hard to believe was genuine. It seemed she only acquiesced because of the command issued by the Patriarch of the family; I questioned her altruism. I did not find this book as satisfying as book one (rate 4.4), but I still look forward to reading book three.
Book two isn’t jumping from locale to locale, the setting is simply Charlock estate, family and special friends are gathering for the traditional, ten-day pre-wedding festivities prior to the actual wedding of Trenton Gilford and Kat Shelton. What could go wrong? What possible devious behavior could be circulating at a wedding? We will find out!
The female antagonist, Margaret Abbott, who was the front person for a nefarious family from 1878 England in book one is suddenly skulking around the estate. Kat thinks she spots something out-of-place and is off to ferret out the particulars. What does she find? Kat finds a bedraggled, but feisty and unrepentant Margaret just in time to joining the pre-wedding activities! This is enough to send Kat for a loop, but before she can catch her breath, additional guests arrive. The guests are Mrs. Juliana Gilford and Trenton Gilford II (mother and father of Trenton), as well as an uninvited guest, Justine, who is the close confidant to Mrs. Gilford. She is attending under the auspices that she is an old, childhood friend of Trenton. We soon learn that both Juliana and Justine always wanted and assume there would be a wedding between Trenton and Justine.
Another key fact, which appears no one thought about is that the time-travel door in library would continue to bring traffic back and forth between the past and the present! Just as in book one, Moyes effectively uses the prologue to confuse, inform, and invest us into the circle of people in and around Charlock, both past and present. The prologue also prepares us to amend or soften our view of Margaret, who turns from antagonist to a special, gifted friend, and part of the wedding party.
Reflections on the book:
I was eager to read book two in the Charlock series. Although different than book one, it filled in and fleshed out the recent history of Trenton’s family and his history during his collegiate years. Trenton had some very loyal friends who gather round to support him, but parents, particularly his mother are not supportive, in fact could act as a stand-in for the wicked witch of the west (OZ). How could a mother pull even half of the stuff this mother did to Trenton and Kat. Justine, she was disgusting, but her type of villain has been seen many times in and out of books. The good news book-wise is the author gave her a just comeuppance.
Knowing that Margaret was making an appearance in book two, for me seemed like a mistake. But her addition, helped to hit home the themes of communication. Before jumping to conclusions or “judging people,” learn about people, talk with people, which could keep you from jumping to error-filled conclusions. Kat and Trenton had some communication issues that they needed to work through and their true friends help them survive and thrive a number of awkward situations.
I enjoyed reading about how Kat and Margaret’s relationship changed from hostility to true empathy. I thought Trenton’s Grandfather was a wonderful addition and help move the story along. I did find the quick change in Trenton’s Mother a little swift and hard to believe was genuine. It seemed she only acquiesced because of the command issued by the Patriarch of the family; I questioned her altruism. I did not find this book as satisfying as book one (rate 4.4), but I still look forward to reading book three.
June 25, 2021
Return to Charlock Book 2
This book is a Time Travel love story. It commences in 2011 back to 1878. This is Leah Moyes second book about Time Travel. The story takes shape with misunderstandings and confusion about friendships and beliefs. Kat Shelton was about to be married to Trenton Gilford who was a descendant of Merritt Gilford from 1878. Kat’s nemesis Margaret Abbott from 1878 suddenly appears in 2011 in Kat’s life. Margaret actually appears to be a good friend with Kat especially since some information stirred up about her fiancé’s past. Margaret helped Kat through some tough decisions. Some interesting truths about history are learned and accepted. Things finally are solved. It makes s very interesting story. I give this book a 5 star.
This book is a Time Travel love story. It commences in 2011 back to 1878. This is Leah Moyes second book about Time Travel. The story takes shape with misunderstandings and confusion about friendships and beliefs. Kat Shelton was about to be married to Trenton Gilford who was a descendant of Merritt Gilford from 1878. Kat’s nemesis Margaret Abbott from 1878 suddenly appears in 2011 in Kat’s life. Margaret actually appears to be a good friend with Kat especially since some information stirred up about her fiancé’s past. Margaret helped Kat through some tough decisions. Some interesting truths about history are learned and accepted. Things finally are solved. It makes s very interesting story. I give this book a 5 star.
August 4, 2021
Things to keep in mind, Return to Charlock is NOT a standalone novel. If you have not read Charlock's Secret, you are going to be completely lost. Another thing you need to know is that this is NOT the story of the time traveler. Return to Charlock is mostly part two of Kat and Trenton's love saga. Very little time is spent on Margaret Abbot, who time traveled from 1878 to the present. Return to Charlock mostly focuses on Kat's fears of losing Trenton Gilford due to Trenton's interfering mother and an old ex who resurfaces. There are little bits of wow moments as Margaret discovers the modern world, but this novel is mostly about Kat and Trenton and their many love spats. I would give it two and half stars if I could.
June 8, 2021
Return to Charlock, a sequel to Charlock's Secret, finds Kat and Trenton counting down the days until their wedding. Their guests will soon be arriving for an extended week of traditional pre-wedding activities. There is a plan for everything. Everything except the unexpected arrival of a nemesis from the past, the hatred of her future mother in law, and a lifelong family friend who has her sights set on Trenton.
Well written and engaging. The story keeps you reading cover to cover in one sitting. Who doesn't love a romance with a little tension. Return to Charlock has all the feels and a supporting cast of characters you will remember long after you finish the book.
Well written and engaging. The story keeps you reading cover to cover in one sitting. Who doesn't love a romance with a little tension. Return to Charlock has all the feels and a supporting cast of characters you will remember long after you finish the book.
June 11, 2021
Just finished this book by Moyes, and another great story by her. What I like about Moyes books is she is a great storyteller with emotion. You can put yourself in Kat’s shoes and feel what she’s experiencing.
What I learned from this book is we often judge people before we get to know them and what they’re going through in their lives. Don’t pass this book up!
What I learned from this book is we often judge people before we get to know them and what they’re going through in their lives. Don’t pass this book up!
July 31, 2021
Loved this sequel! It had been a while since I read the first book, Charlock's Secret so I reread it before I dove into this one and it did not disappoint. In book 1, Kat was struggling with her grief and while I loved the story, book 2 brought forth a refreshing lightness to the surface including a spirited romance. This series is a must read.
August 3, 2021
Enjoyed reading it
I read this book mainly for Katharine and Margaret's dynamic, and their character building. Though, there was a little unnecessary drama but I was still able to overlook it.
I read this book mainly for Katharine and Margaret's dynamic, and their character building. Though, there was a little unnecessary drama but I was still able to overlook it.
August 15, 2021
Kudos to Ms. Moyes
Well done! Often when I read stories I wonder about the other characters. You put a very nice bow on Margaret's story. Thank you for that. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book so thoroughly and not been left hanging about the other main character.
Well done! Often when I read stories I wonder about the other characters. You put a very nice bow on Margaret's story. Thank you for that. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book so thoroughly and not been left hanging about the other main character.
April 20, 2022
loved these books!
Both book 1 and 2 were so enjoyable and intriguing as the time travelers were woven in their new times and circumstances. The characters were so well developed and endearing that the reader gets drawn into their lives and adventures.
Both book 1 and 2 were so enjoyable and intriguing as the time travelers were woven in their new times and circumstances. The characters were so well developed and endearing that the reader gets drawn into their lives and adventures.
October 15, 2022
Enjoyable read.
There was nothing I disliked about this book series. I loved the characters and plots in both the first and this book. I was smiling as I finished reading the book.
There was nothing I disliked about this book series. I loved the characters and plots in both the first and this book. I was smiling as I finished reading the book.
October 25, 2022
Great
These 2 books so make me wish there was this type of travel...how to survive in the late
1800's where women had no rights or to be brought to the 20th century. So well written!!! Its just brings life to my imagination!!
These 2 books so make me wish there was this type of travel...how to survive in the late
1800's where women had no rights or to be brought to the 20th century. So well written!!! Its just brings life to my imagination!!
abandoned
July 23, 2021**Abandoned at 23% (page 69)**
It took too long to get to the time-travel aspect. I also got tired of the heroine and her self-esteem issues.
It took too long to get to the time-travel aspect. I also got tired of the heroine and her self-esteem issues.
August 13, 2021
Very good book
I rarely give a book five stars but I did this one. Give it a try, I think you will like it.
I rarely give a book five stars but I did this one. Give it a try, I think you will like it.
August 29, 2021
Friends and family
This was certainly very exciting that love can grow from hate and vice versa. Being true to yourself and loved ones is a perfect recipe for life.
This was certainly very exciting that love can grow from hate and vice versa. Being true to yourself and loved ones is a perfect recipe for life.
August 31, 2021
Good read
Not as good as the first but still a good read. This book is a person who loves lovers story. Go for it.
Not as good as the first but still a good read. This book is a person who loves lovers story. Go for it.
September 1, 2021
WOW! Perfect Conclusion to ‘Charlock’s Secret’
This is the most perfect ending to the first book. Both are amazing stories of love and friendship tangled up in time travel.
This is the most perfect ending to the first book. Both are amazing stories of love and friendship tangled up in time travel.
October 15, 2021
Another wonderful story
Loved this.book continuing the story of Kat and Trenton. Oh , To be loved like that. Enjoyed it so very much.
Loved this.book continuing the story of Kat and Trenton. Oh , To be loved like that. Enjoyed it so very much.
December 8, 2021
I loved this one every bit as much as the first.
October 19, 2022
wonderful book
Great time travel book this time backwards but just as good. Made me laugh, kept me guessing, surprises me. I loved the characters too.
Great time travel book this time backwards but just as good. Made me laugh, kept me guessing, surprises me. I loved the characters too.
June 25, 2025
Good sequel - anxious to read the 3rd in this series!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews