What an utterly charming book! This is my first by this Author, and I can see why she has received awards and praise. I loved the mystery, very subtle romance and the strong characters. The story just flowed along beautifully, I loved both Elizabeth and Adrian and I am a sucker for redemption/second chance stories. 4-1/2 Stars!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was quite the intriguing tale. A child born on the wrong side of the blanket, a marriage of urgent convenience, espionage, murder, and romance all combine into an enveloping, atmospheric story. And that doesn't even touch on the beautiful language used to tell it! I'm ready for book two.

Miss Elizabeth Cantrell is a single mother travelling with her son Isaac when her coach is waylaid by a highwayman, causing a crash. The book opens as Elizabeth is trying to get out of the overturned vehicle. The peson helping her is the supposed highwayman, who turns out to be Adrian, Lord Torrington. He apparently mistook her coach for another, which he needed to stop for reasons having to do with his work as a spy for the crown. He brings Elizabeth to an inn where he introduces her as his wife, as there is only one room available. He then marries her, in the name of respectability and they leave immediately for Torrington's home. All of this is at the very beginning of the book. The real story involves Torrington's search for a traitor and the development of his relationship with Elizabeth. The book is OK if you can ignore the far-fetched coincidences and plot holes. Examples of both: The father of Elizabeth's son happens to be Adian's younger brother - which Adrian is unaware of. Elizabeth decides it's good idea to keep this information secret from her new husband. Just how does she expect to get away with that? Doesn't she think her brother-in-law will let the cat out of the bag? Also, Adrian is aware of Isaac's illegitimacy. So why does he insist on protecting Elizabeth's name by marrying her? Hasn't that horse left the stable? Adrian also apologizes for causing the coach crash by telling Elizabeth he is a spy. Which makes him the most inept spy ever. He gets the wrong coach, he causes a crash and then tells a stranger that he's a spy. Lucky she wasn't a blabbermouth or working for the French. A bigger problem than the plot holes is the fact that there is very little chemistry between Adrian and Elizabeth for most of the book. So not much romance either.

'Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey' is everything that is wonderful about a book! It is engaging with well drawn characters, there is an intriguing mystery, an unfolding romance and Gothic inspired suspense. I couldn't put it down. Elizabeth is a complex character and Lord Torrington is a complete delight. I highly recommend this offering by Abigail Wilson, it just couldn't be better.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was exciting right from the start and kept me interested right up to the end. I loved the mystery and the romance. I was considering everyone as the suspect and loved how the author wrapped everything up.- I almost wish it was another 100 pages long. The characters were great and the storyline was thrilling. I can’t wait to tell all my friends about this book. Definitely worth buying.

Do you love curling up with a book on a stormy night? If so, "Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" by Abigail Wilson is the perfect book for you! Ms. Wilson’s book can be described as a Gothic Romance where everything is not as it seems.

Ms. Wilson excels in describing her settings and giving them the perfect Gothic touch. Her descriptions are so beautiful, that sometimes I just stopped reading to soak it in. My favorite part of the book is how atmospheric it is. It reminds me a bit of Daphne du Maurier and her novel “Rebecca” (especially a certain character and scene). It’s a perfect mix of Bronte and Austen.

The story itself is wonderful. I love the mystery and not knowing who you can trust. Our heroine, Elizabeth, is smart, independent and brave (move over Sherlock!). She is no simpering miss, even though she’s possibly living under the same roof as a murderer. Besides sleuthing, Elizabeth also learns about forgiveness and the power of the truth.

I love "Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey" and would recommend it to fans of the Regency period, historical fiction, clean romances and Gothic Literature. We need more books like this!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: talk of mistresses and ravishing someone; a child is born out of wedlock; a woman is called wanton and a trollop; men are drunk and utter curses, which are not written.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

I want to thank Abigail Wilson, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

I love romance novels. Historical romances especially make me smile. I liked this one! In it, Lord Torrington is spying for the crown when he ambushes the wrong carriage... or so he thinks. To cover his mistake he tells the people on the scene that the woman onboard is his fiancee. For reasons of her own, Elizabeth go alongs with the charade to protect the parentage and future of her young son. When someone is murdered right under their noses, Torrington realizes that perhaps it wasn't the wrong carriage after all, and a traitor is in their midsts. Combining romance and intrigue creates one of my favorite types of books.

Elizabeth Cantrell has landed herself in a mess. Just when she thought she had found a way to provide for herself and her son with dignity, her plans get turned upside down—literally. A highwayman causes her coach to roll, and her injuries require that she spend the night in a nearby inn with Lord Torrington.

Lord Torrington offers a marriage of convenience to save Elizabeth’s last morsel of reputation. As a spy for the Crown, he hopes that their marriage will protect his cover and he’ll ferret out vital information from a French spy ring.

Neither one expects Middlecrest Abbey to turn into a hotspot of murder, intrigue, and broken hearts. Elizabeth must keep up the front of a newly-in-love bride while dealing with disgruntled dowagers, grown-up step-daughters, and a cantankerous housekeeper.

Each new danger makes her question both her choice to remain and all she thought she knew about her husband.

Why I Love This Book

Wilson weaves three things I love into her Regency-era novels—mystery, romance, and suspense. The well-developed main characters experience growth, grace, and forgiveness as they navigate the complicated mess they’ve landed in. Wilson’s craft keeps the reader guessing as to the identity of the villain—many characters have motive and opportunity--and the reader guesses until the very end.

I adored Abigail Wilson’s Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a clean historical.

I must admit that until just a little over a year ago, Regency romance novels were not ones that I typically reached for. That all changed however when I stumbled upon Abigail Wilson's first novel, In the Shadow of Croft Towers. I was drawn in by the description and decided to give it a shot. Immediately I was drawn into this world that the author had created. I have since been much more open minded to the genre and discovered many other great titles I have enjoyed... still, when it comes to Regency romances, none have been able to grab me quite like those by Abigail Wilson. Having read her previous two novels, I could not wait to get my hands on her third!

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is not technically part of any series, as far as I can gather, however those who have read the author's previous works will certainly recognize some familiar names. The most noticeable of course being the leading lady herself, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell, who was first introduced in In The Shadow of Croft Towers. You certainly won't be missing anything if you haven't read them, but if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself wanting to read more anyway so I might suggest you read it first!

Having so enjoyed her previous works, I had high hopes and expectations for this one... and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint. Once again I was drawn into this fantastic world of secrets and intrigue. Let's be honest, there is no shortage of secrets at Middlecrest Abbey, and when a murder occurs on the grounds, the question is: whose secrets led to it? I love how beautifully this story is told, with those secrets revealed ever so slowly throughout leaving us guessing through to the very end. Suspicion is thrown in many places, keeping us right at the edge of our seats wondering how it will all play out in the end. I was certainly not disappointed with how it all ended up! Of course, the romance made it all the better as well. It was a bit of a slow burn perhaps, as far as romances go, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these characters I came to enjoy get a second chance of love!

Overall, this was a great read that I am sure fans of Regency romance are going to want to check out. I also encourage anyone who loves a good mystery, but perhaps doesn't typically go for this genre to give it a try. Like me, you might just find yourself to be a new fan!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am new to reading anything by Abigail Wilson, but let me tell you.. I will read anything by her now. This book was LOVELY! I loved everything about it. The historical aspect of it was beautifully written and felt very real. The plot was wonderfully thought out and the characters had such passion and depth. I truly loved this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on Wilson's other books.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

Abigail Wilson masterfully weaves a thrilling Gothic mystery with a regency romance and the result will keep you on the edge of your seat from first page to last. The suspenseful plot is well paced as Wilson expertly drops bread crumbs but leaves the reader to pick up the ones that lead to the right trail. The convenient marriage romance between Adrian and Elizabeth is very sweet but is challenged by the intrigue that surrounds them and their pasts that they cannot escape.

This was the first book I have read by this author but it certainly will not be the last. A solid 5 stars!

I received an advance copy from the publisher through Netgalley but am leaving an honest review of my own opinions.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey
by Abigail Wilson
Well, this book had me staying up past my bedtime. Both alluring and mysterious Lord Torrington and Elizabeth’s troubles had me trying to follow the clues and solve their mysteries.
Alone, Elizabeth decides the best thing she can do for her and her son is to go into service. While traveling to their new home, her carriage is way landed by a highwayman. Surprised to find her highwayman is none other than Lord Torrington. Confused Elizabeth agrees to play along with his charade not realizing what it will cost her. Against all odds Elizabeth finds herself softening to a man she never thought to love.
It was easy to get absorbed into this enthralling book. The story was well written and balanced in romance and mystery.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book was completely engrossing for me. I couldn't put it down. Wonderful characters, including a swoon worthy hero, a great plot (which I never figured out the culprit), and it just totally captivated me. Loved every minute.

*I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I just reviewed Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson. #MasqueradeatMiddlecrestAbbey #NetGalley

I must admit that I'm not the First-Person-Narrative fans, so when I received the free copy, it was not as expected. Tried to put this off, but here I am finished with the book.

Curious on the stars I gave? YES. It turns out to be a good book, a new author to love and I can't put it down. Honest. It was difficult to read on my phone, but nothing can make me stay away from the book.

Miss Elizabeth Cantrell was going to her new job as a housekeeper in Dover when stopped by a highwayman. A wrong highwayman who robbed the wrong carriage. Who proposed an absurd thing as convenient marriage to an unwed mom. And Elizabeth agreed.

Then her life changed as the new wife of Lord Torrington, with two teens daughters and mother in law in tow. Soon after, she discovered a murder and twisted in its plot in an adventurous and romantic tale.

Good book to read if you like historical romance with a twist. Murder mystery twisted into the plot makes this book that much more intrigued for me. Recommended for its plot and storyline that develops quickly and does not drag.

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last.
The opening gripped my attention until I solved the murder at the end. I admit, I didn’t have it figured out until about 3/4s of the way through, but perhaps it was just my “author-mind” working through the list of suspects and secondary characters.
The characters were likeable and intriguing, though at moments Elizabeth Cantrell’s reasons for withholding information from Adrian Torrington is thin at best. However, being a mother myself and knowing what extents one goes to in protecting their children, I really couldn’t fault her for holding back at times. A large cast of secondary characters provides a variety of suspects who each have their own secrets to guard.
The story is thick with intrigue, turns and exposed the infancy of modern crime solving techniques we have today. Adventure, spies, murder, and a marriage of convenience make this regency romance a must-read for 2020.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Elizabeth Cantrell is on her way to begin a new life with her infant son when a highway robbery and the resulting carriage crash upend her carefully laid plans. Lord Torrington, a spy for the crown, is sent to rob the carriage and intercept a letter that could turn the tide of the war with France. No letter is found, but when Torrington is discovered alone with the unconscious Miss Cantrell, a hasty marriage seems the only way to preserve his cover and her reputation.

Murder, kidnapping, secret codes, and spies fill the pages of Abigail Wilson’s latest novel. Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is an absorbing step back in time to the intrigues and drawing room machinations of Regency England. Readers will quickly find that there’s more to Lord Torrington than his rakish reputation would suggest, and Elizabeth is more than equal to mystery that threatens not only her own life but that of her son.

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

Lord Adrian Torrington is a wealthy land owner by day and a spy by night. Out on a mission, he believes he's robbed the wrong carriage and sent it crashing down the ravine. Inside he finds Elizabeth and her infant son. When he hears another coach approaching, he must protect his identity as a spy and proposes marriage to Elizabeth. Elizabeth is trying to support her young son after being abandoned by the child's father. When Adrian proposes a marriage of convenience, she sees no better alternative and agrees. His only stipulation is that she must pretend to be madly in love with him. Can she fool everyone by pretending or will she truly fall for the handsome lord.

This was the first book I've read by Ms. Wilson and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The murder mystery was top notch and I didn't see the final piece of the puzzle coming together until it was actually revealed. The author was masterful in how she teased out details of both Elizabeth's past as well as Adrian's first marriage. His daughters, Julianna and Phoebe added much to the story.

•°o•:*:•.Suspicion, Intrigue & Romance.•:*:• o°•
This is my first time reading Abigail Wilson’s writing and I am already a huge fan! Her writing captivates and I suspected EVERYONE as this mystery unfolded. The story moved along at a delightful pace and I could not wait to turn each (electronic) page (smile) set in 1815 Southeastern England. Lord Torrington is not what he seems to the young, unwed Elizabeth. Elizabeth is not who he set out to rob.
“Think of our marriage as a rather pleasant masquerade.” “My name is Adrian, by the way. You’d best start calling me that.” He raised his chin. “Since we are madly in love and to be married tomorrow.”
“Mrs. Baxter, some tea if you would.” The door cracked open and Mrs. Baxter shuffled in with a silver platter filled with tea and cakes.
“Some things in life are not chiseled into perfect lines and boxes, Elizabeth. They are far come complex, messier, glorious versions of the original. You have to look hard to see what’s hidden.”

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a combined mystery / romance, clean read in a historical setting. 5 stars

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation.