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Allen Abbey Romances #1
The Gentleman in the Ash Tree
When Eloise Blackburn finds a strange gentleman perched in the leafy branches of an ash tree, she has strong suspicions he is not who he says he is. After all, the neighboring Allen family has never mentioned a cousin named Crispin from the West Indies. And what's this he's saying about a missing inheritance and a secret passageway in Allen Abbey? Despite Eloise's misgivings, her family finds Crispin Allen's story entirely plausible, and she is soon thrust into an adventure with a cheeky stranger who seems intent on winning more from her than just her help in his quest....
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
88 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne E. Lortz
27 books205 followersRosanne E. Lortz (“Rose”) is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for eighteen years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently an administrator at a classical Christian school.
Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.
Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.
Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.
Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 21, 2025
A charming and sweet novella, too short in many ways, but a delightful read.
Here’s the premise: Eloise Blackburn is helping her young sister fly her kite when the pesky thing gets lodged in an ash tree. Eloise is persuaded to discard her shoes and stockings and climb the tree to retrieve it, but there’s a catch - a strange man is already aloft, hidden in the leafy canopy of the tree. He claims to be a cousin of the neighbouring Allen family, from the West Indies, called Crispin, but Eloise has never heard of him. However, her parents, it transpires, recognise him as the son of the eldest Allen brother, James, who was disinherited years ago. All he was left in his father’s will was a chest and the contents thereof. He’s come back to England now that his father has died to claim the inheritance, but the Allen family deny all knowledge of him.
So the mystery is laid out clearly - where is this mysterious chest? And why are the Allens so keen to disclaim all knowledge of their cousin? But alongside the mystery is the romance between Eloise and the flirtatious Crispin. The blurb describes him as ‘cheeky’, but actually he’s more than that, and Eloise is immediately smitten. It appears he’s equally smitten with her - or is he? Maybe he’s just amusing himself with a little light flirtation before disappearing back to the West Indies?
There isn’t much more to say about this, because frankly the book is too short to develop the characters beyond their initial positions, and the romance comes to the boil far too quickly for my taste. But I loved Crispin and his outrageous behaviour, completely understood why Eloise fell for him (I would have done too, like a shot) and only wished he had been a bit more open about some aspects of his history that caused his lady love some unnecessary grief. But then there would have been even less of a story without it, so never mind.
A lovely read from a new-to-me author. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Eloise Blackburn is helping her young sister fly her kite when the pesky thing gets lodged in an ash tree. Eloise is persuaded to discard her shoes and stockings and climb the tree to retrieve it, but there’s a catch - a strange man is already aloft, hidden in the leafy canopy of the tree. He claims to be a cousin of the neighbouring Allen family, from the West Indies, called Crispin, but Eloise has never heard of him. However, her parents, it transpires, recognise him as the son of the eldest Allen brother, James, who was disinherited years ago. All he was left in his father’s will was a chest and the contents thereof. He’s come back to England now that his father has died to claim the inheritance, but the Allen family deny all knowledge of him.
So the mystery is laid out clearly - where is this mysterious chest? And why are the Allens so keen to disclaim all knowledge of their cousin? But alongside the mystery is the romance between Eloise and the flirtatious Crispin. The blurb describes him as ‘cheeky’, but actually he’s more than that, and Eloise is immediately smitten. It appears he’s equally smitten with her - or is he? Maybe he’s just amusing himself with a little light flirtation before disappearing back to the West Indies?
There isn’t much more to say about this, because frankly the book is too short to develop the characters beyond their initial positions, and the romance comes to the boil far too quickly for my taste. But I loved Crispin and his outrageous behaviour, completely understood why Eloise fell for him (I would have done too, like a shot) and only wished he had been a bit more open about some aspects of his history that caused his lady love some unnecessary grief. But then there would have been even less of a story without it, so never mind.
A lovely read from a new-to-me author. Five stars.
March 8, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5.0
A sweet little novella, “The Gentleman in the Ash Tree” brings adventure, family drama, and a ton of delightful romance together in this short tale.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A sweet little novella, “The Gentleman in the Ash Tree” brings adventure, family drama, and a ton of delightful romance together in this short tale.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 7, 2023
The Gentleman in the Ash Tree is Book 1 in the Allen Abby Romances by Rosanne E Lortz. I enjoyed this Regency story. Although it is a romance, I enjoyed that there is a mystery too. Cousin Crispen Abby is looking for his missing trunk that was an inheritance. Will he find love among the secret passageways. Will Eloise loose her heart? I found interesting characters and an enjoyable story. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 5, 2023
Great romance and a bit of mystery
I had the good fortune to find the third book in this series on Booksirens and of course, had to go back to the first book. A lovely story with a 'happy ever after', which is always nice, along with some mystery related to an inheritance.
Crispin and Eloise are great main characters with a good contingent of supporting ones. The author, although not British, writes in the style of my favourite authors such as Austen and Heyer. Very little Americanisms which is always a relief to me. I have read many historical romances written by American and Canadian authors and, by and large, they are sympathetic to the use of the English language in a British setting. Beautifully written, I will read the other two books in the series with great pleasure. I can heartily recommend this series beginning with The Gentleman in the Ash Tree. Although it can be read as a stand alone also.
I had the good fortune to find the third book in this series on Booksirens and of course, had to go back to the first book. A lovely story with a 'happy ever after', which is always nice, along with some mystery related to an inheritance.
Crispin and Eloise are great main characters with a good contingent of supporting ones. The author, although not British, writes in the style of my favourite authors such as Austen and Heyer. Very little Americanisms which is always a relief to me. I have read many historical romances written by American and Canadian authors and, by and large, they are sympathetic to the use of the English language in a British setting. Beautifully written, I will read the other two books in the series with great pleasure. I can heartily recommend this series beginning with The Gentleman in the Ash Tree. Although it can be read as a stand alone also.
February 1, 2023
A pleasant romance with a light mystery and a little dash of action to finish it off. Not a slow burn - the flirting was hot and heavy from page 1. I definitely enjoyed the Pevensey mysteries more (Duel for Christmas had a much more interesting female protagonist, plot, and subplot) but this one was atmospheric and cozy. I’m not a huge fan of brazen male characters like Crispin but I warmed up to him toward the end. The younger sister Margaret was a great character, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she gets up to in the next book.
March 9, 2023
I have come to delight in Lortz’s writing. A clean, regency romance with mystery involved is a delight! I love that her characters are truly masculine men, actual feminine women with faults, and they make me love my husband more. I do not read romances as a rule, but I look forward to each book R.L. writes!
January 4, 2023
This is the first time I’ve read a Rosanne E. Lortz book, but it won’t be my last. This book was a true delight to read, so much that I started it late at night, thinking I would just read the beginning prologue and maybe a chapter or two before falling asleep. No, didn’t happen, as soon as Crispin poked his cheeky head out of the ash tree, I was smitten 🥰, and I could not stop reading until I had read the last word of the preview for the next book in the series. The banter between Crispin and Eloise is the absolute best clean, romantic, period-authentic and humorous banter I’ve read anywhere. Now, I will admit, as I began reading the epigraph and the prologue, I was wondering if this was going to be exactly what I thought it was, but once Margaret and Eloise show up with Margaret’s kite in Chapter one with their sisterly conversation and Eloise looking around to make sure Mr. Thomas Allen doesn’t catch her doing something improper for a lady, I was hooked. Rosanne E. Lortz’s storytelling is captivating with underlying humor, serious but with a whimsical feel to it. She does an outstanding job developing all the main characters as well as the numerous secondary characters involved and the book is grammatically well written. My one and only complaint is, that it wasn’t long enough…I wanted more of cheeky, lovable Crispin and his “darling” Eloise. I recommend this outstanding book to anyone (preteen to adult) who enjoys clean historical romances with a hint of mystery set in the early 1800’s.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2023
Roseanne E. Lortz delights her readers with her charming novella, "The Gentleman in the Ash Tree". This mostly lighthearted tale features a cast of well-drawn characters, from the condescending (and more) local Allens to the outspoken and perceptive young Blackburn daughter, Margaret. Decidedly NON-local Crispin Allen makes his first appearance in an ash tree, and the fun begins.
Full of lively and witty banter, this story is captivating. Eloise Blackburn is a lovely heroine, and Crispin Allen is the perfect hero. Due to the book's length, love happens rather quickly, but it's believable. There are also a couple of mysteries in play here, and the resolutions to both are satisfying.
"The Gentleman in the Ash Tree" is both well-written and clean. The plot, while fast-paced, is nevertheless detailed. Lortz's prose is engaging and descriptive. This author is new to me, and I plan to read more of her works.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Full of lively and witty banter, this story is captivating. Eloise Blackburn is a lovely heroine, and Crispin Allen is the perfect hero. Due to the book's length, love happens rather quickly, but it's believable. There are also a couple of mysteries in play here, and the resolutions to both are satisfying.
"The Gentleman in the Ash Tree" is both well-written and clean. The plot, while fast-paced, is nevertheless detailed. Lortz's prose is engaging and descriptive. This author is new to me, and I plan to read more of her works.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2023
Greed is punished and love triumphs in the end
Crispin Allen has come from Barbados to find his inheritance after the death of his father. Pursued by his cousins, who refuse to acknowledge any connection with him, he takes refuge in an ash tree … just in time to rescue Eloise from a fall. She is not convinced that he is who he says he is, but her parents recognize him and welcome him with open arms. Soon enough, she develops feelings for Crispin and discovers they are reciprocated. But their love will have to wait until he can recover his inheritance despite the obstructions thrown his way by the greedy family that lives on the estate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crispin Allen has come from Barbados to find his inheritance after the death of his father. Pursued by his cousins, who refuse to acknowledge any connection with him, he takes refuge in an ash tree … just in time to rescue Eloise from a fall. She is not convinced that he is who he says he is, but her parents recognize him and welcome him with open arms. Soon enough, she develops feelings for Crispin and discovers they are reciprocated. But their love will have to wait until he can recover his inheritance despite the obstructions thrown his way by the greedy family that lives on the estate.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2023
What a fun book to read! The humor and spunkiness of the main characters really drew me in. Eloise and Crispin fell in love as easily as people in Surrey fall out of ash trees! There were just enough hurdles for their romance to overcome to keep things interesting. And a mystery about an inheritance? Count me in every time! I can’t wait to read the sequel, or in fact, anything Roseanne Lortz wants to write. She is a natural wordsmith with a deep vocabulary that I really enjoyed. I received a complimentary copy of this book via BookSirens and was not required to post a review.
December 29, 2022
This was a refreshing and enjoyable read.
Eloise and her young sister Margaret are on a mission to fly Margaret’s birthday present, a kite. They venture out to a pasture in which grows an Ash tree.
The kite becomes entangled in the tree, and Eloise is persuaded by her sister to climb up to retrieve it.
She is surprised by an unknown gentleman, who had hidden in the tree after being chased off from the nearby Abbey, home of the local squire and his family.
The girls invite the gent, whose name is Crispin, to their nearby home, and his tale then unfolds.
This story is full of mystery and intrigue, with lost inheritances, secret passage ways, and jealous cousins, as well as their scheming mother.
There is also a burgeoning romance between Crispin and Eloise, but outside influences try to curtail that.
I really enjoyed this read, which captured my imagination from the very beginning. My heart was in my mouth at times, and I was sorry when it ended.
I believe there is a sequel pending, so will be keeping a look out for that too.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Eloise and her young sister Margaret are on a mission to fly Margaret’s birthday present, a kite. They venture out to a pasture in which grows an Ash tree.
The kite becomes entangled in the tree, and Eloise is persuaded by her sister to climb up to retrieve it.
She is surprised by an unknown gentleman, who had hidden in the tree after being chased off from the nearby Abbey, home of the local squire and his family.
The girls invite the gent, whose name is Crispin, to their nearby home, and his tale then unfolds.
This story is full of mystery and intrigue, with lost inheritances, secret passage ways, and jealous cousins, as well as their scheming mother.
There is also a burgeoning romance between Crispin and Eloise, but outside influences try to curtail that.
I really enjoyed this read, which captured my imagination from the very beginning. My heart was in my mouth at times, and I was sorry when it ended.
I believe there is a sequel pending, so will be keeping a look out for that too.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 8, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author and it was a really enjoyable read. I liked the plot line and the book maintained a good pace throughout. I enjoyed the banter between family members and between Crispin and Eloise.
The characters were engaging and there are some fantastic side characters such as Margaret who I would happily read more books with them in. I love how spirited and sweet Eloise is and how mischievous Crispin is.
The book has a mixture of action, adventure and a dollop of romance in it. It is well written and I will happily read more books by the author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were engaging and there are some fantastic side characters such as Margaret who I would happily read more books with them in. I love how spirited and sweet Eloise is and how mischievous Crispin is.
The book has a mixture of action, adventure and a dollop of romance in it. It is well written and I will happily read more books by the author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2023
The first book in the Allen Abbey Romances series. Eloise Blackburn and Crispin Allen's story is well written with a great storyline. There is suspense, drama, danger, secrets, villains, mistaken identity, an Ash tree and romance. I was not putting this book down until I was finished. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2023
Thoroughly exciting!
I really enjoyed this book! With a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and touches of Austen-esqe candor, The Gentleman in the Ash Tree captivated my attention from the first chapter.
I really enjoyed this book! With a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and touches of Austen-esqe candor, The Gentleman in the Ash Tree captivated my attention from the first chapter.
January 29, 2023
The Gentleman in the Ash Tree
A clean mystery with humor. I loved it especially when the secret was revealed, but the way was a little uncertain and romance is always a joy! I highly recommend this book.
A clean mystery with humor. I loved it especially when the secret was revealed, but the way was a little uncertain and romance is always a joy! I highly recommend this book.
June 19, 2023
Sweet, Clean Regency Romance
Adding a twist of mystery to a regency romance is quite fun! Rosanne Lortz sets The Gentleman in the Ash Tree in the countryside and a small village with generations of families related and intertwined as only small towns can be.
Eloise Blackburn, a failed debutant through no fault of her own, comes across Crispin Allen the son of the local Squire’s disinherited brother.
I enjoyed this tale with a twist because while in the regency time, it was not set in London or the ballrooms and political machinations of that period. Rather unraveling Crispin’s connection to the local Squire and all that ensues along the way brings light and life to the character.
Can’t wait to begin the next book!
Enjoy!!
Adding a twist of mystery to a regency romance is quite fun! Rosanne Lortz sets The Gentleman in the Ash Tree in the countryside and a small village with generations of families related and intertwined as only small towns can be.
Eloise Blackburn, a failed debutant through no fault of her own, comes across Crispin Allen the son of the local Squire’s disinherited brother.
I enjoyed this tale with a twist because while in the regency time, it was not set in London or the ballrooms and political machinations of that period. Rather unraveling Crispin’s connection to the local Squire and all that ensues along the way brings light and life to the character.
Can’t wait to begin the next book!
Enjoy!!
January 11, 2023
This historical romance starts starts out as as a sweet meet cute. An older man dies and his oldest son has moved to the West Indies. His second son lives in London and moved into his home place after his fathers death. The will is read but items are missing. A chest that hasn’t been seen in years was left to the older brother but has never been claimed and is missing.
We come to find that the brother died, and left his son and daughters, but he didn’t keep in contact with his family after he left.
The gentleman saves the Eloise from falling out of the ash tree where he is hiding as his uncle doesn’t want to believe his that he is the son of his long lost brother.
Eloise is the oldest daughter of the second wealthiest family in Surrey. Her family had taken over caring for the poor and unwell people of the parish.
This is an easy read, and if you love historical fiction, you will absolutely love this book! The romance side of this book is understated and not spicy. This is a book you can recommend to your mother-in-law or mom, without blushing.
We come to find that the brother died, and left his son and daughters, but he didn’t keep in contact with his family after he left.
The gentleman saves the Eloise from falling out of the ash tree where he is hiding as his uncle doesn’t want to believe his that he is the son of his long lost brother.
Eloise is the oldest daughter of the second wealthiest family in Surrey. Her family had taken over caring for the poor and unwell people of the parish.
This is an easy read, and if you love historical fiction, you will absolutely love this book! The romance side of this book is understated and not spicy. This is a book you can recommend to your mother-in-law or mom, without blushing.
January 31, 2023
What a lovely Regency novella! It has everything: a wonderful, unconventional hero, an adorable, spirited heroine, action, drama, intrigue, a mystery and a sweet romance. Highly recommended!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 26, 2023
I received an ARC if this book from the author. This is a voluntary review.
An incident with an ash tree when out flying a kite with her younger sister led Eloise Blackburn into a chance encounter with Crispin Allen, newly arrived in England from Barbados to meet his father's estranged family and to claim a long forgotten inheritance. A chance meeting leading to romance, intrigue and danger.
This is a Regency set romance in the traditional style with attention to dress, manners and behaviours in keeping with the historical setting.
I really enjoyed this novella, although quite short it managed to tell the story without feeling rushed, the characters had room to breathe, develop and hold the interest of the reader and the mystery element though slight and easily guessed was still engaging.
I look forward to more from this author as her writing develops and she expands into longer reads.
An incident with an ash tree when out flying a kite with her younger sister led Eloise Blackburn into a chance encounter with Crispin Allen, newly arrived in England from Barbados to meet his father's estranged family and to claim a long forgotten inheritance. A chance meeting leading to romance, intrigue and danger.
This is a Regency set romance in the traditional style with attention to dress, manners and behaviours in keeping with the historical setting.
I really enjoyed this novella, although quite short it managed to tell the story without feeling rushed, the characters had room to breathe, develop and hold the interest of the reader and the mystery element though slight and easily guessed was still engaging.
I look forward to more from this author as her writing develops and she expands into longer reads.
March 1, 2023
excellent story
Fantastic well written story.
Clean and flowed well. No unrealistic misunderstandings. Only natural ones too add too the story line.
Hard too fall asleep to though. Lol
Fantastic well written story.
Clean and flowed well. No unrealistic misunderstandings. Only natural ones too add too the story line.
Hard too fall asleep to though. Lol
January 15, 2023
Regency Romantic Suspense
This is a somewhat peculiar Regency romantic suspense. It even seems odd to say that, as most Regency romances are not suspenseful. What makes the book peculiar is not that aspect, but the author's manner of writing. I was very nearly put off the book from the very beginning, when both prose and dialogue was overblown and overly formal, like the author was trying too hard to always have elevated (far too elevated) words and phrases at all times. Historical romance readers usually enjoy such, and I myself like it when historical authors write in elevated language. But this author simply took it too far. Luckily, after not too long, the language normalized somewhat, though the author stayed somewhat fixated on occasionally using this annoying version of Regency-speak.
I liked the hero, Crispin, as he's unconventional and a lot of fun. The suspense surrounds what he's come to England for. His now-deceased father had been disowned by his father when Crispin's father married Crispin’s mother, who was an upper maid in the household. The newlyweds escaped to the West Indies, but Crispin has returned to England to claim what his grandfather left to his father in his will. It is simply a box—and his uncle, his father's younger brother, is to own everything but what is in the box—but no one seems to know where it is or what, precisely, it contains.
The resolution was disappointing for all the buildup, both the romance and the suspense, as everything resolved too quickly and neatly, with little (or no) foreshadowing. In particular, the romance wrapped up rapidly (ending with a delayed proposal), with no epilogue or glimpse into the future. I always find that a disappointment. After seeing a couple suffer what they must to be together, I enjoy an epilogue victory lap. Hopefully, the second book of the series will give at least a small glimpse into the lives of the hero and heroine of this book.
2.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This is a somewhat peculiar Regency romantic suspense. It even seems odd to say that, as most Regency romances are not suspenseful. What makes the book peculiar is not that aspect, but the author's manner of writing. I was very nearly put off the book from the very beginning, when both prose and dialogue was overblown and overly formal, like the author was trying too hard to always have elevated (far too elevated) words and phrases at all times. Historical romance readers usually enjoy such, and I myself like it when historical authors write in elevated language. But this author simply took it too far. Luckily, after not too long, the language normalized somewhat, though the author stayed somewhat fixated on occasionally using this annoying version of Regency-speak.
I liked the hero, Crispin, as he's unconventional and a lot of fun. The suspense surrounds what he's come to England for. His now-deceased father had been disowned by his father when Crispin's father married Crispin’s mother, who was an upper maid in the household. The newlyweds escaped to the West Indies, but Crispin has returned to England to claim what his grandfather left to his father in his will. It is simply a box—and his uncle, his father's younger brother, is to own everything but what is in the box—but no one seems to know where it is or what, precisely, it contains.
The resolution was disappointing for all the buildup, both the romance and the suspense, as everything resolved too quickly and neatly, with little (or no) foreshadowing. In particular, the romance wrapped up rapidly (ending with a delayed proposal), with no epilogue or glimpse into the future. I always find that a disappointment. After seeing a couple suffer what they must to be together, I enjoy an epilogue victory lap. Hopefully, the second book of the series will give at least a small glimpse into the lives of the hero and heroine of this book.
2.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
March 5, 2024
I am a sucker for a good Regency romance and the Allen Abbey Romance series begins with Then Gentleman in the Ash Tree. I loved how this story started. Anytime I read a Regency romance where someone is acting outside of societal norms and gets caught in the act is always so entertaining to me. Too many characters during the Regency era are such stuff shirts that moments like these are a refreshing reminder that these people were human. This is also what first endeared me to Eloise. Her character was easy to love, and from the moment she meets fun-loving Crispin I knew this was going to be an instant favorite.
Honestly, this is one of the most entertaining Regency romances that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Not only did I read the novel, but I also listened to the audiobook, which added so much to the narrative, in my opinion. I adored the narrator’s voice as it was so incredibly soothing to listen to and the fact that it is paired with such an entertaining story heightened the experience, truly making the novel come alive.
This is an incredible start to what I’m sure is going to be an amazing series.
Honestly, this is one of the most entertaining Regency romances that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Not only did I read the novel, but I also listened to the audiobook, which added so much to the narrative, in my opinion. I adored the narrator’s voice as it was so incredibly soothing to listen to and the fact that it is paired with such an entertaining story heightened the experience, truly making the novel come alive.
This is an incredible start to what I’m sure is going to be an amazing series.
January 14, 2024
Great narration of from Maria Johnson, whose narration brings you back into the Regency time. You can hear and feel angst, drama and romance.
Crispin has returned home from Barbados after the death of his father. He finds himself having to fight for his inheritance. As his cousins, refuse to acknowledge any connection with him. So the he finds himself taking refuge in an ash tree . At the same time he finds he is rescuing Eloise from a fall. Crispin explains who he is but Eloise is not convinced that he is who he says he is. That is until her parents recognize him and welcome him with open arms. Friendship blooms into love. But their love will have to wait until Crispin can recover his inheritance despite the obstructions thrown his way by the greedy family that lives on the estate.
Crispin has returned home from Barbados after the death of his father. He finds himself having to fight for his inheritance. As his cousins, refuse to acknowledge any connection with him. So the he finds himself taking refuge in an ash tree . At the same time he finds he is rescuing Eloise from a fall. Crispin explains who he is but Eloise is not convinced that he is who he says he is. That is until her parents recognize him and welcome him with open arms. Friendship blooms into love. But their love will have to wait until Crispin can recover his inheritance despite the obstructions thrown his way by the greedy family that lives on the estate.
October 16, 2024
Rosanne Lortz's The Gentleman in the Ash Tree is a charming, Regency romance filled with delightful characters, a sweet romance and an intriguing mystery. Eloise Blackburn is a slightly insecure young lady whose mishap at a ball leaves her on the outside of the ton.
Crispin Allen has come from the West Indies to claim his deceased father's inheritance. His uncle wants to keep him from getting anything from the estate.
Eloise's father, who was friends with Crispin's dad, decides they need to help this young man, and Eloise is the perfect person to get him inside the house to find his treasure. But a locked box might not be the only treasure these outsiders find.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
Crispin Allen has come from the West Indies to claim his deceased father's inheritance. His uncle wants to keep him from getting anything from the estate.
Eloise's father, who was friends with Crispin's dad, decides they need to help this young man, and Eloise is the perfect person to get him inside the house to find his treasure. But a locked box might not be the only treasure these outsiders find.
I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
January 30, 2025
This little novella features the son of the protagonist in the free prequel, offered on the author's website. Crispin Allen travels from the West Indies to England to claim a hidden chest, bequeathed to his father by the father who had disowned him when he married one of the maids. He falls rather quickly for the daughter of his father's best friend. A little mystery to solve, along with a hasty romance.
November 13, 2023
clean romance
A fun story of a chance meeting and the mystery surrounding the mysterious man.
Great plot line with twists and turns and surprises that kept me engaged.
Wonderful characters that are lovable and some not quite so.
I recently discovered this author and she is a great find!
I look forward to more of this author and this series!
A fun story of a chance meeting and the mystery surrounding the mysterious man.
Great plot line with twists and turns and surprises that kept me engaged.
Wonderful characters that are lovable and some not quite so.
I recently discovered this author and she is a great find!
I look forward to more of this author and this series!
January 8, 2024
nice read
Crispin Allan comes back to England to claim his deceased father’s inheritance from his uncle’s family. He encounters difficulties getting the family to cooperate and in the process meets the lady he eventually will marry after all the mystery and intrigue is resolved
Crispin Allan comes back to England to claim his deceased father’s inheritance from his uncle’s family. He encounters difficulties getting the family to cooperate and in the process meets the lady he eventually will marry after all the mystery and intrigue is resolved
June 26, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this title which I received for free.
As a Georgette Heyer fan, I’m always on the lookout for interesting HR Tales and this is one of them! Interesting characters (including a precocious younger sister). No character is wasted either.
This is an enjoyable, gentle story and a new author for me to watch out for.
As a Georgette Heyer fan, I’m always on the lookout for interesting HR Tales and this is one of them! Interesting characters (including a precocious younger sister). No character is wasted either.
This is an enjoyable, gentle story and a new author for me to watch out for.
February 19, 2025
This is a fine story
I am new to reading this author and it took me a while to understand her style.
This is a fine story, I thought the plot was fine and I applaud the author for the POV. This form of POV is my favorite- very few authors use it I am afraid. I enjoyed this story, and
recommend it.
I am new to reading this author and it took me a while to understand her style.
This is a fine story, I thought the plot was fine and I applaud the author for the POV. This form of POV is my favorite- very few authors use it I am afraid. I enjoyed this story, and
recommend it.
February 19, 2024
Lost heirs, Hidden Passages & Intrigue!
This sweet romance has Manny favorite sort that spur the reader to a happy ending. I can recommend this for teens and adults as a traditional, entertaining read free from offensive material and ending with a HEA.
This sweet romance has Manny favorite sort that spur the reader to a happy ending. I can recommend this for teens and adults as a traditional, entertaining read free from offensive material and ending with a HEA.
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