The adventure, the mystery, the treachery... I'm surprised to find such exciting plots in this historical romance! I honestly loved the way it was written with much gusto and yet paced accordingly. Abigail Wilson is truly a wonderful author, able to get me on my toes and have my full attention until the end! It's a sex-less romance book too so it caught me by surprise as it's still as romantic and engaging! A sexy yet elegant read at that.

From the start, I'm not sure even why but I have Liam Neeson in mind as Adrian. The way he speaks and behave just had me there as Adrian and the whole book seems more realistic, imagining Liam plotting through the story LOL! Adrian is so endearing and understanding (not forgetting very handsome as it was repeatedly mentioned by Elizabeth) that I was so annoyed with Elizabeth for thinking too much!!!

This is the only part I wasn't completely happy about, Elizabeth's doubtful mind! Most of the time, I felt like shouting at her, telling her to move on and be honest with Adrian! Gosh, it sure tires me to even just think of it! I know, it's just part of the story, LOL! I rarely get so emotional reading a book but this definitely riled me up! So it's that good ya...

All in all, it's a wonderful love story worth my time reading it and totally enjoyed it to the tee! Thanks to Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read and review this lovely book!

This is my first mystery regency romance book and my first time reading a book by Abigail Wilson. The description of the book really draws you in...however once you start reading, the story really drags on. The characters are flat and don't really develop much (maybe that is part of the genre of mystery?). The timeline also doesn't really add up. At the beginning of the book, we are told a wedding is happening at the end of the week then several chapters later (and I assumed several weeks later), it is mentioned that it was the date of the wedding. Also the character Elizabeth seems to forget she has a baby a lot - something that I think would be hard to forget about.

This book was okay-ish.

When Miss Elizabeth Cantrell is halted by a highwayman as she is journeying across England with her infant son, she is not expecting said highwayman to follow up his nefarious activities with a proposal of marriage. But this highwayman, as it turns out, is none other than Lord Adrian Torrington. His true purpose involves a secret mission for king and country, and this marriage will confuse the spies on his trail. Hoping to find some security for her illegitimate son, Elizabeth agrees to Lord Torrington's offer. When she reaches Middlecrest Abbey, however, she discovers that her new position as lady of the manor comes with disapproving stepdaughters, an evil mother-in-law, and a murderer on the loose....

This Regency novel explores the burgeoning romance between Adrian and Elizabeth after their marriage of convenience. Elizabeth struggles with her ability to trust Adrian, both because of his past reputation as a rake and because of the secret she carries about the identity of her child's father. Through it all Adrian, who is several years older than Elizabeth, is unfailingly solicitous of his new wife's wishes and safety. His own flaws extend mostly to not letting Elizabeth in on his secrets soon enough. Both the romance and the mystery in this book were well-crafted, and I found this a unique and enjoyable take on the ubiquitous Regency romance. 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed reading this book because it had a good storyline which kept me wanting to know what had happened to Giles. There was a lot of excitement, description and interesting characters. I do recommend that you read this book.

Such a good book. A well written story.
The title drew me in and the story kept me going. I Loved the characters and how their story played out. I don’t read a lot of mysteries but this one kept me turning the pages. I can’t believe it is over. Thanks for sharing this book with me netgalley and the publisher. I will be looking for more books by this Author.
This is my own opinion.

All these book publishers gave me creating some really awesome covers lately. Some totally missed the mark, but others, like Abigail Wilson's latest Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, hit it right out of the park. I love these covers. Wilson's new novel is a wonderful Regency romance that reads well as a mystery. Wilson definitely knows how to sew words together to capture a scene and the emotions of the characters. While the marriage of convenience has been done A LOT, Wilson still uses the mystery to entice the readers to come along. Sometimes when I read Regency novels, the romance seems a little over the top and unbelievable, but in this novel, Wilson actually allowed Elizabeth and Lord Torrington to hunt for clues while slowly falling in love. The climactic ending was exciting. Wilson is showing why she will be around for a while on the writing circuit. Fans will eagerly await to see what mystery she comes up with next.

I received a complimentary copy of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Fantastic read! This book has a wonderful combination of romance, suspense and mystery all rolled into one! Lord Torrington's spy mission for the crown leads to more than he expected. A new wife, son, and other complications keep the reader engaged and intrigued. I'm eagerly looking forward to the author's next work!

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.

This is my first time reading Ms Wilson. I want more! Character development was great, plot was perfect. Adrian is a good man, Elizabeth is a strong woman who had made a mistake. Their tale is suspenseful and you'll be anxious to find out who did it!

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.

This would’ve been a five star rating had it not started dragging. We have villains. Brooke, her husband‘s brother was a spy and a villain. Adrian was our hero. Together they bring you around wondering Who did it. Finally at the end we learn how terrible Brooke was. But somehow it took a little too long to get there