Escape to Everly Manor Author: Chalon Linton
Genres: Historical Romance
Format: Audio, eBook, Print
Pages: 240
Date: February 1, 2019
Publisher: Covenant
Nineteen-year-old Lizzy and her young brother, Thomas, find themselves orphaned after a tragic accident claims the lives of their parents. Their estranged Uncle Cline arrives to claim his inheritance, and his roguish ways cast a shadow over the manor. Both the family estate and guardianship of his niece and nephew were left to him, and diabolical Uncle Cline is determined to indulge in his newfound wealth and rid himself of his charges. Desperate to save her brother from a dangerous life at sea, and herself from being married off to a detestable old gentleman, Lizzy knows there is only one choice left—they must run.
Lizzy and Thomas sneak away and find refuge in an abandoned cabin. There they remain hidden—until fate acquaints Lizzy with Mr. Barton, a charming gentleman who is immediately intrigued by the mysterious young woman. Concealing her identity, Lizzy is unaware that there is much more to this compassionate man than meets the eye. Through his kindness to herself and her brother, Lizzy begins to trust him. Soon Lizzy realizes Mr. Barton may be her best hope for a life in which she can live—and love—as she chooses…
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I loved the unique plot in this Regency romance! The characters are memorable and I loved Barton and Lizzy’s interactions, even if their misunderstandings were frustrating at times. There is a strong supporting cast of characters that rounded out the story, and I enjoyed the family dynamics and evidence of their devotion to one another. Lizzy is so protective of her brother, and Barton is full of compassion for the both of them, making him a perfect hero! The setting of the small village was idyllic and the adventure made the pace of the book move steadily forward.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I enjoyed reading the book. I liked the main characters though I did get frustrated with Elizabeth’s stubbornness. But I do have to give her credit. I kept thinking that staying at the manor would be the safest place since they knew they had already been looking for her in that area. Hiding where they had already been would be safer than moving to a place where they might yet come looking. Turns out Lizzy was right.
Barton was a good man and I liked that despite being burned before, he was eager to believe in Elizabeth. He searched for evidence to back up his feelings and trusted his gut.
It seemed like the good in this story were really good and the evil were really evil. Not a lot of middle ground. Even those who made terrible mistakes still were acting out of love and goodness.
Thomas was treated as though he was much younger than he was but I wonder if that was because he had shrunk back in the months of his uncle’s reign of terror. Or had he always been treated that way and knew no different? His sister seemed to be his only playmate.
There was a familiarity in the plotline but I’m not sure that I have read a book where the sister was so fiercely devoted to a sibling that she always put him first. And all other duty before herself as well. If only she would have included Barton’s desires they could have been happy a lot sooner.
Sex: no. Some leering and innuendo.
Language: no
Violence: yes. Not too graphic.
*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.