Windsong Manor

Julie Wright

A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

My Review: 9/10

Couldn't put it down. The tension in all corners of Nora's life was so palpable and I was so thoroughly invested in all of the characters... it was a definite page turner for me.

SPOILERS

My only issue was at the very end. Nora seemed to solve her problem herself, then it was indicated that no, it was solved for her, as a means of reconciliation. Personally, I would have preferred her to have fixed things based on her own merit and tireless efforts. I think it takes something away from the story when a long concealed title rises to the surface and fixes all the problems.

And while that's a pet peeve of mine, it did little to diminish my enjoyment. Loved this story and continue to love what this author creates. Can't wait for the next!