A Troubled Heart

by Kay Seeley

A kaleidoscope of colourful characters woven into the strands of a gripping saga
Experience the elegance and charm of the Edwardian era as you follow the fortunes of the Fitzroy family, guests and staff in this immersive drama.
Verity Templeton, eighteen and fiercely independent, travels to London with her aunt for the season. During a weekend with her friend Charlotte Huntington-Smythe an encounter with Charlotte’s brother shows her another side of the family.
Then she meets Brandon Summerville, the handsome, arrogant, wealthy man about town Charlotte is in love with. Will she be able to resist his obvious charm?
When a secret from the past turns her life upside down she doubts everything she’s believed in. Her fight to find the truth brings more heartache. Can she forgive or will it destroy her hopes for future happiness?
Meanwhile, Lawrence Fitzroy contemplates his own future and things get worse for Daisy Carter, the hotel housekeeper, when a new Under Manager is appointed. Can Daisy keep control of her staff, or will an errant maid’s wilfulness be the undoing of her?
A story of love, deceit, honour and a struggle for justice.
Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2023

About the author

Kay Seeley is a talented storyteller and bestselling author. Her short stories have been published in women’s magazines and short-listed in competitions. Her novels had been finalists in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. She lives in London and loves its history. Her stories are well researched, beautifully written with compelling characters where love triumphs over adversity. Kay writes stories that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. Often heart-wrenching but always satisfyingly uplifting, her books are perfect for fans of Anna Jacobs, Lesley Pearse and Josephine Cox. All her novels are available for Kindle, in paperback, audio and in Large Print.s.
She is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Women Writers and Journalists.
Visit her website www.kayseeleyauthor.com

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read but, not as good as the first one in this series. I was interested in all the happenings in this book and I do wonder if there is another one to come. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Kiri Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Set around the turn of the 20th century in the world of Edwardian London, full of socialites and parties, this is a sparkling little gem. The character development is good, and some characters even turn out to be incredibly surprising in both bad and good ways…I like a good shock! Highly recommend.

[BEATRICE VEGAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Troubled Heart by Kay Seeley is the second book in the Fitzroy Hotel Series. A compelling family saga set in Edwardian London, it continues to follow the lives of the Fitzroy family. This novel unfolds eighteen-year-old Verity Templetons’ story intermingled with the rest of the Fitzroy family and the shenanigans of their employees at the Fitzroy hotel.

Though I had not read the first book in the series I had no problem following the novel as Seeley does give us an insight to the back story as the novel progresses. I guess this does not make it boring and repetitive for those who have. The Fitzroy hotel is owned by the Fitzroy family and their home is Maldon Hall in the country. Verity lives with her aunt Avril and her two cousins, Lawrence and Jeremy. The story moves between Fitzroy hotel and Maldon Hall but mostly the hotel where Verity prefers to stay. The employees of the Hotel mainly Daisy Carter contribute significantly to an equally juicy side story.

Seeley does not miss an opportunity to highlight the injustices in Edwardian Society. As the saga of love, deceit, honour unfolds Seeley weaves into this tapestry the struggle for justice. Notable amongst them is the suffragette movement. I could not help but admire these women who had fought long and hard for the freedoms we enjoy today. She impressively uses the story arc to also reveal other injustices prevalent in Edwardian Society. The blatant misogyny of Edwardian society and the rampant abuse of women under cover of societal propriety are skilfully woven into this plot. Such behaviour pervaded throughout that society regardless of rank or birth. Most women bought into this culture.

Seeley seamlessly moves from one trope to another making this a smooth read with a thrilling edge to it. I love how Seeley has captured Verity’s quiet independence. There is almost a stillness to her persona, suggesting a rather boring and ordinary person, nonetheless loyal. I had a few surprises awaiting me regarding the true Verity. In contrast, Charlotte is an extrovert in the extreme constantly craving new diversions. Seeley beautifully juxtaposes all the characters and I could truly appreciate both the positives and negatives of Edwardian Society. It’s an immersive read and I felt I had travelled back in time. An uplifting story, heart wrenching at times with compelling characters. A smooth yet riveting read keeping me glued to it. Seeleys penmanship uses the characters and the story rather than the bawdy to drive the tale.

The novel ends with an HEA and no cliff-hangers though I suspect more will follow. As the blurb suggests fans of Upstairs Downstairs and Downtown Abbey would love this book and the series. Thank you Seeley for a great read.

[Mierfie Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book of The Fitzroy Hotel series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Follow Verity journey through The Season, she need to find husband but it doesnt mean leave adventure behind. Verity life in London so colourful, there is Lawrence her cousin as guardian, Brandon she had crush on but not sure how his feeling, Charlote her self center bestfriend, Lydia her new friend to share about woman right. Beside Charlotte journey there another story from hotel staff Daisy, the drama around them so twist.i really enjoy the reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#ATroubledHeart #TheFitzroyHotelStories #KaySeeley #EnterpriseBooks #BooksGoSocial #NetGalley #ARC

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely! Set in London 1905. The imagery in this book is exceptional- it literally brings the book to life! The story line is unique and all of the characters are fantastic! Verity is one of my favorites! She's 18 years old with her whole life ahead of her. She has many experiences that change the course of her life. She's intelligent, a good friend and extremely loyal. Lawrence- swoonworthy! Steadfast and dependable. He takes care of his family and employees. There's so much going on in this book- it's remarkable! A definite must read!
I was provided an ARC copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book read it at speed as I couldn’t get enough of the main character Verity, her family and the guests and staff at The Fitzroy Hotel.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series but read it quite some time ago and felt this easily followed on.

Would highly recommend for a very absorbing read.

[jill clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book but needs proof reading again many mistakes in text which was irritating.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intriguing read with twists and turns.