The Jewels of Halstead Manor Author: Kasey Stockton
Series: Ladies of Devon #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Format: eBook, Print
Pages: 342
Date: March 22, 2020
Publisher: Golden Owl Press
She can only stay as long as the invalid needs her… so he makes it his business to need her forever.
When a cryptic invitation brings Giulia Pepper to her uncle’s remote estate in Devon, she arrives in dire need of a benefactor, only to discover that her uncle never sent her any invitation—nor does he want her there. Forced into a corner, Giulia must contrive a way to convince him to allow her to remain, just long enough to figure out where to go next.
Nicholas never asked for an earldom, but when an aged lord arrives at his door and tells Nicholas that he is next in line for the title, he willingly goes to Halstead Manor to learn the role. But someone isn’t pleased with the heir, and after a gunshot wound in the arm, Nicholas must discover who is out to get him.
When Giulia stumbles—literally—over a fallen man on the lane to Halstead, she has her answer: she can stay at Halstead and nurse her uncle’s heir back to health. But as mystery builds and danger mounts, will Giulia and Nicholas be able to solve the puzzle before the Earl forces Giulia to leave for good? And furthermore, can they manage to work together without losing their hearts in the process?
Rating: Mild. Mild kissing.
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4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story and docked a half star for one reason only. It was simply because one character’s change seemed a little too out of the blue. Totally shocked me. I mean there were some hints but I didn’t interpret them in the way I needed to be able to understand what was coming. It did keep things a surprise though.
I enjoyed Nick’s relationship with the Earl. He knew how to manipulate things for the better and it was only because of this that the relationship between Guilia and her uncle changed. So, interesting dynamics between all the characters.
Also, this is a minor part of the story but I loved that The Swans were actually truly lovely people and not mean girls ready to bite Guilia behind her back.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: yes