Is it truly over?
When reading a book like Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey you are so centralized that you barely notice as pages turn, chapters tick away, and an hour then two have gone. And with the last word read I am in shock, in Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey there is such intrigue that you can't help but devour each word with a baited breath, until the story is concluded with a neat, sweet ending.

The mystery is something like Doyle, the romance a dash of Austen, and the writing all Wilson. This being my first book from Abigail Wilson I wasn't sure quite what to expect, I had heard so many good things about her first books and when I saw the cover of this one I knew I needed to read it at the first chance I got -- and so I did.

Finding one of, what I expect to be, my top 5 favorite books of 2020 I am pleased that I read this book, the characters, especially Lord Torrington, were not the normal characters one finds in a historical romance. The care with which Lord Torrington takes of Isaac and others with similar stories shows just how much of a gentleman he is. I can't say as I didn't see some things coming because I did but I didn't guess everything within the first half of the book which was a wonderful surprise. I look forward to more from Wilson.

The mystery tied up with good pace, not too soon or too long winded, and was not too dark for my tastes.

I only have to add that there are mentions of mistresses, prostitutes, children born out of wedlock, sleeping with a man/woman were already married to another man/woman, and such things that were very common in the era of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it.

"Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" is a wonderful Regency Romance with distinct Gothic undertones. It features a complex cast of characters; some are spies, others are traitors, but many others wear masks as well.

Unwed mother Elizabeth Cantrell is a lovely heroine, although women in her position were generally shunned back then. Adrian Radcliff is a great hero, who has his own secrets.

The murder happens early on and its discovery is uniquely shocking. There are twists and turns in this novel. Some I surmised but others caught me by surprise; they make for a very satisfying read.

This novel is clean, and forgiveness and trust are important themes. I enjoy Wilson's prose, and for the most part the book is well-edited. There were a few misused words, such as "passed" instead of "past", or "faired" when it should be "fared".

All in all, this is an engrossing book. While I have read "In the Shadow of Croft Towers" and this novel is related to it, "Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" easily stands alone. However, I plan to read "Midnight on the River Grey". I hope there are more books in this series. 4+ stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC of this enjoyable novel.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This novel was a delightful combination of mystery and emergency romance. I enjoyed the theme of forgiveness that found its way through both main characters Elizabeth and Adrian. Elizabeth an unwed mother decided to a marriage of convenience when her coach is robbed. The mystery was well worked into the plot and helped to draw A drain and Elizabeth together to be their feelings grow. I hope there are future novels of Julian, Phoebe, and Ewan to co me as I would love to read their stories. Great clean romance!

The cover and the one word masquerade made me want to read this. I loved that this had mystery in it and kept me turning the pages. The hero was so likable!

This book had all of my very favorite things: marriage of convenience, romance, regency time period and mystery! Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey grabbed me from the very beginning with a dashing highwayman turned husband and a dangerous mystery to solve. Initially, from the title, I thought I was going to be treated to a masquerade ball, but the masquerade is the marriage. Very clever title! There were some references to characters from In the Shadow of Croft Towers but you don't need to have read that one first in order to thoroughly enjoy this book. In the Shadow of Croft Towers is also a very enjoyable read and where we first meet Elizabeth. I would enjoy reading it a second time. I somehow missed reading the second novel from Abigail Wilson Midnight on the River Grey...but our highwayman and his investigative partner's story begin there. I'm going to have to go back and read that one. I loved the characters in this novel, but wished there had been more interactions and deeper development of Adrian and Elizabeth's relationship. The mystery was well written, and had many plausible suspects. Abigail Wilson kept me guessing almost until the very end. Themes of forgiveness and the value of truth abound in this regency romance.

If you are a fan of Julie Klassen novels, you would probably enjoy reading Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer May 26, 2020.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for the free copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

4.5 stars

A New author for me and a great story. Intrigue, romance and marriage of convenience. I will be looking out for more of this authors stories.

The hero was a very intriguing character and the heroine was unusual in that she'd had a child out of wedlock. I liked how the mystery was explained more fully as we got into the book and the epilogue was well received! I usually like a bit more passion but the characterisation compensated.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this mystery. At times it seemed a little too convenient the way Elizabeth could deduct things, but overall I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed how the mystery adds more substance to the story than just being a pure romance.

This is a standalone read. However, a lot of references are made to a previous book by the author called In the Shadow of Croft Towers. Elizabeth is one of the supporting characters in that book. While you could read this book alone, you might enjoy it more if you knew some of the background, as it is discussed intermittently through the book.

I’ve officially added a new author to my favourites list. Abigail Wilson has written a captivating, mysterious story that should not be missed. In Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, a marriage of convenience quickly faces a murder amongst spies. The plot was full of twists and turns. The characters were very well crafted. I loved this book and had to use much discipline every time I put it down. This is my first Abigail Wilson book. I recently purchased In the Shadow of Croft Towers. I’m planning to read it soon. Can’t wait.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an E-Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book was about two people, Elizabeth and Adrian, Lord Torrington, who are put into a marriage of convenience due to events of mistaken identity and national security. Elizabeth is an unwed mother, who is on a journey with her son, Isaac to a new household position in order to earn money for her and her son. But one night, while on the road, her coach is attacked by a highwayman, Adrian, Lord Torrington, who thought the coach was carrying documents for a spy. Because of the circumstances, Lord Torrington proposes to Elizabeth that they get married which will in tern provide a cover for his work as a spy as well as provide a wonderful household for her son Isaac. Elizabeth reluctantly accepts, but is fearful of her son's father's identity being discovered by Adrian. Can Elizabeth guard her secret as well as her heart from her husband?
This was book was well written. The author's use of language and writing was great. The pacing of the story was well timed and kept events flowing well even up to the "great reveal." I enjoyed the characters that were brought to life throughout this story. Elizabeth was a strong and loving person, who was willing to do much not only for her son, but also her new family, but she was not an overly deep character. Adrian, Lord Torrington was a good and strong man. As the story moved along, the reader is able to understand how far he was willing to go to protect and provide for those he loves. I liked the relationship between Elizabeth and Adrian, although their romance fell kinds flat towards the end. I would have liked to see more development in their characters as individuals as well as a couple. The relationship between the daughters and Elizabeth was realistic and believable. The mystery part of the story was well crafted and kept me guessing until the very end. Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it to those who love Regency romances. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Right from the start this has a very Gothic flavor to it and enticed me to keep reading. It's always nice to find a new author who can set a mood with words.
But the mystery was a bit convoluted; even Torrington points out to Elizabeth there is a hole in her assumptions in her attempt at detective work. Keeping in mind the publication date is months away, I did wonder if this ARC was offered too soon.
I'll also admit to being a bit confused in the timeline (timelines are always being followed in the back of my mind while reading) with respect to Brook and his absence(s?) and Elizabeth's relationship with him, especially without more information regarding Elizabeth and her family. She met Brook during her second season, she's now 26, Isaac is only 11 months. Elizabeth did not want Torrington to know of her relationship with Brook, so the readers are also kept in the dark.
I read a free ARC I received from NetGalley; the thoughts expressed are my own.

MASQUERADE AT MIDDLECREST ABBEY by ABIGAIL WILSON has it all - a masquerade of a marriage, murder, mystery and romance, which make up an exciting and really delightful story.
Taking place in 1815 in Southeastern England, at Adrian, Lord Torrington's, country estate, the story starts with a marriage of convenience, mostly to cover up Adrian's activity as a spy for the crown, but also to save Elizabeth, who is an unwed mother, from having her reputation ruined even further.
The story is fast paced and hard to put down. Things are definitely not what they seem, and it is only right at the end that the murderer is exposed.
Right through the book there is an element of secrecy, and I like the way we are reminded that we are only truly free when we walk in truth with one another.
The author has described life at that time in history in England so very well, and it is obvious that she has done a great deal of research. It is a most enjoyable read and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I personally prefer a little more physical action in my historical romances, so this wasn't quite for me. However, if you're a fan of Jane Austen and detective work, this historical romance is perfect. A woman on the verge of ruin finds the perfect lifesaver in a quick marriage to protect a British spy's cover, but she gets pulled into the drama and danger of his investigation. There's romance, suspense, mystery, and societal drama.

The pace of the first few chapters was too fast, so the plot development felt very rushed. The bonds that the male and female protagonists build with secondary characters was good, but I didn't like that we didn't see more insight into the male protagonist's feelings, so the romance felt underdeveloped to me. And I could have done with a little more kissing.

NOTE: I looked up the author on Goodreads after I wrote this, and realized that the book was part of a "series." It would be REALLY helpful to note that in the book's marketing; it would go a long way in making more sense of the French spy storyline.

All in all, Masquerade was a decent Regency romance.

I really liked this book, it has a mixture of romance and mystery, which made it a fun read. The main character, Elisabeth, is a very fierce and protective mother that has been burned in the past. It is because of her past that keeps her closed off from the people around her, especially Adrian, who is her handsome husband that has swept her off her feet. But with their new marriage comes, darkness that threatens the people that Elisabeth and Adrian care about the most. It is up to the two of them to figure out what is going on in the manor to protect themselves and the people that they love.

Am I the only one obsessed with @acwilsonbooks ? Everyone writes Regency, it's true. But there is a consistent intelligence and diamond cut voice to Wilson's books. They're just sooo smart. Gothic enough, sure. Meltingly romantic and with such assured pacing that every carefully crafted scene makes up a kind of delicate Jenga game. Pull one little element and the beauty of her intricately created world would fall. She has such a brilliant handle on the customs and traditions as well as authentic voice of the day. Her first person narratives never once straddle into modern vernacular. She just does historical fiction so well. Soooo wellll. Oh and look! Covers. ( also her heroes are dishes. Smart. Complex. Dishes)

I truly enjoyed this tale of love tenuously found against the trial and very real hardship of past betrayals. Two tender hearts must find strength in an unconventional union despite the barriers of the circumstance that brought them together and against the ongoing war with France. Intelligent use of espionage, a fully realized and believable world and the cherished bonds of family ---at their worst and best--- are prevailing themes in this unique Regency.


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This was a great book and truly kept me on the edge of my bed. I honestly could not have guessed the ending.
You have to read this. This was a clean romance!

This is the second book I have read from this author and I believe her third published; she captured me with Midnight on the River Gray, and solidified her place on my favorites list with this story.

Regency romances are fun to read for me because they are plot based and character driven. This is the perfect example of that. It has mystery, angst, tension, passion and real life issues that are all mixed together to make an entertaining and fun read.

The characters are unique and fierce, determined and real. I love the character’s personalities and their willingness to go to extra lengths to protect what was theirs. I also like that they were multi layered so that they really jump off the page.

The mystery is fun and I would have never guessed the culprit! The author as a way with weaving her stories so no clue is left undiscovered or any offhanded comment unimportant. This story is like playing a game of Regency English Clue!!

I also liked that the romance aspect of the story, while not dominate was perfectly balanced and true to the era. I would classify this as a regency mystery with a bit of romance. I LOVE it. I need this in paperback to add to my collection!! I received an ARC via NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing and am leaving an honest review.

#NetGalley #MasqueradeAtMiddleCrestAbby #AbigilWilson #ThomasNelson #RegenceRomance #Mystery

This is my first time reading this author and now I find that I‘ll have to go collect her other books...

Elizabeth is on her way to take up a housekeeper position where she can keep her young son with her when tragedy strikes. She’s already had a challenging life that had her ending up with a child and no husband. When her carriage is attacked and crashes her life takes a turn. The man who seemed to be there to rob her isn’t exactly there for that reason. Adrian is a spy sent to intercept an important message before it can be passed to a French spy. Instead what he finds is a young mother and her son. After the incident it becomes necessary, at least in Adrian’s mind, to marry Elizabeth to ensure her safety and to keep his mission a secret. With few options available to her and the future of her child to think about she agrees to a marriage of convenience. Even though unknown to her new husband his younger brother is the man who betrayed her and left her alone and pregnant. Adrian then takes Elizabeth and her son Issac back to his home.... where his oldest daughter is just days away from her wedding. There’s a house full of guests and immediately she finds that the groom is an old friend of hers.

Pretending to be in the middle of a whirlwind romance does not come easy for Elizabeth. She also had to contend with her new husband’s 16 and 18 year old daughters, his wicked witch of a mother-in-law and the young man with mysterious origins that he took in along with a house full of people. If that wasn’t enough to deal with a murder occurs destroying the plans for the wedding. Between dealing with the family, trying to solve a murder and a mystery and Elizabeth is trying to keep her secret and guard her heart against falling for her husband. Which is proven to be no easy task. The past the present and the truth collide with devastating consequences. Elizabeth is left fighting for her future and those she loves.

I really enjoyed this book the mystery keeps you guessing till the end. Some of it I could guess but I never imagined who the killer ended up being. And now I’m off to go read the other books by this author.

Wow! This is a very exciting book! A real page turner! It begins with a carriage accident. Elizabeth and her young son, Isaac, are attacked by a highwayman, only to be rescued by the same man. She wakes up in an inn with this same man beside her. His name is Adrian and soon they find themselves married for convenience sake. He takes her to his estate, and a day or two later a man, an old friend of hers, is killed during a party, days before he is to be married to Adrian's oldest daughter. There is a mystery to solve, and they work together to piece it all together. Excellent writing! Fantastic story with an exciting ending! Loved it!

Picking up a NG book from a new author is always a gamble, but I'm glad I got this one.

What an amazing story! It's got a Gothic tone, lots of tension, a mystery, bad guys, Christian themes, and a super fabulous romance! I couldn't put it down.

Elizabeth is a strong character with her share of troubles and worries, and the story starts with an accidental attack. She and her son Isaac (who's the cutest toddler) are taken by Lord Torrington to his home to recover. To keep her reputation and his spy service a secret, Adrian proposes a marriage of convenience and Elizabeth agrees.

What can I say about Adrian? *sigh* What a hero. He admits to his past mistakes and he's truly repented from his former life. He's attentive, protective, and he plays on the floor with little Isaac by himself. *fanning and sighing* He's so charismatic and genuine, it's impossible not to fall in love with him. Elizabeth never stands a chance and neither does the reader.

A marriage of convenience story has to be done well and this one delivered. The setting added depth and the secondary characters were also indispensable to the narrative. And the twist? Can't say I saw it coming (there was one like that made me suspect something, but not for resolving the mystery).

I can't say enough about it and will mostly likely read the author's other books.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This is the first book I have read in this series and I was hooked from the very beginning. There are three books and I think characters overlap, however, I do not think they are dependent on the other. Elizabeth Cantrell is travelling to Dover with her infant son Isaac and they are stopped by a highwayman and the coach overturns. Elizabeth is injured as is her coachman and the highwayman is helping them? Turns out he is Lord Torrington and a spy for the Crown trying to intercept a missive meant for the French. He takes Elizabeth to an inn but is seen by people they both know and he offers marriage to Elizabeth. The twist is Isaac is technically Adrian’s (Lord Torrington) nephew. Elizabeth believed she was to marry his brother Brook and when she was with child he abandoned her. She has been living with her cousin and her husband Curtis (also a spy). She accepts the offer of marriage and agrees they must act as if this is a love match as Lord Torrington has vowed he would never marry again. Elizabeth agrees to play her part. As they arrive at the household is preparing for Adrian’s daughters marriage to Giles who happens to be an old childhood friend of hers. He asks her to meet her the next day as he has something he wants to talk to her about as he fears he can trust no one. The next day Giles is murdered and Lord and Lady Torrington work as a team to find the killer. I enjoyed this book so much. It pulled me and I stayed up late to finish it. I have gone back and ordered the first in the series and will order the second as well. I used to read regency romances a long time ago and have been primarily a mystery reader, however, this gave me both and neither element (the romance or mystery) overwhelmed the other. Highly recommend and will be looking for more from this author!