Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Thomas Nelson

Paperback & eBook; 336 Pages

Genre: Historical/Regency/Christian

In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life. When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission. Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy. Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.

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Review: I want to take a few minutes so just gush about that gorgeous cover, just because it is so flipping beautiful!!!

I have to also add, I love the Regency period. The first adult romances I read were Candlelight Regencies, that I stole off my mama.

This is a wonderful book to escape away from the troubles of the modern world, which is just what I needed, especially as reading as been a challenge for me lately. Adrian and Elizabeth are two wonderful characters. I love that Elizabeth is an unwed mother. It gives a different spin on this genre. Both are keeping secrets from the other as they enter into a marriage of convenience. Elizabeth's secret is a bit more tricky, though not at all dastardly.

If you are expecting a hearts and flowers romance, this is not the book for you. This is really a wonderful regency mystery. The affection that grows between Adrain and Elizabeth as a result of their quicky marriage is more an after thought.

Upon arriving at Middlecrest, Adrian's eldest daughter suffers the loss of her fiance, which turns out to be more than a simple accident.

The story takes off from there as Elizabeth's relationship with Adrian and his two grown daughters, changes and grows. The dynamic of this story was perfect, as Adrain's daughters treat her as you would expect them to treat a step mama.

The ending was a bit of a shocker for me, though I think I saw it coming at some point.

It definitely was a very satisfying read for lovers of regency era fiction and mysteries.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, May 26 Review at Bitch Bookshelf Review at The Green Mockingbird Wednesday, May 27 Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit Thursday, May 28 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Friday, May 29 Review at Heidi Reads Review at Amy's Booket List Saturday, May 30 Feature at Journey in Bookland Feature at What Is That Book About Sunday, May 31 Review & Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading Monday, June 1 Review at Probably at the Library Interview at Jorie Loves A Story Tuesday, June 2 Feature at I'm All About Books Feature at Just One More Chapter Wednesday, June 3 Review at Rhodie Girl Reads Review at Rejoice in Reading Thursday, June 4 Review at Jessica Belmont Review at A Chick Who Reads Friday, June 5 Review at View from the Birdhouse Review at Foals, Fiction and Filigree

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 paperback copies of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is open to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen. Middlecrest Abbey