Elizabeth never expected to be held up by a highwayman on the way to take up a job as housekeeper in Dover - and she certainly didn't expect to end up forced into marriage with the highwayman, who turns out to be Lord Torrington, agent for the Crown and - little though he may know it - Elizabeth's son's uncle. Playing besotted newly-weds with someone you don't know and have heard only negative things of is difficult, but when an old friend and her future son-in-law is murdered, the stakes are raised still further... Will Lord and Lady Torrington discover the murderer in time? And will their forced marriage stand the strain of his brother's reappearance?

I read an earlier book by this author and enjoyed it but found it rather dark. This I enjoyed more because it didn't feel so dark, and I hope to read more by the author. Having said that, there was a rather too frequent misuse of words, which I found a little irritating (such as 'how are you fairing' - if you don't see the mistake, you might not have the same problem, in which case it could be a five star book for you!). Overall, though, ignoring the need for an editor, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and appreciated the bit of mystery. All in all, a good, clean read. Recommended.

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

#masqueradeatmiddlecrestabbey
#netgalley
I loved this book! This was such a great adventure full of romance, twists and turns and mystery. Abigail Wilson is a master at weaving a great story that you just don't want to put down. I'm actually reading this for the 2nd time right now because I just can't get enough. It's definitely a great story to read!

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.

Who knows how certain circumstances will throw different people together and when ?
This book has a great plot with awesome characters that are thrown together to try and figure out who dune it. I loved playing the guessing games!
I enjoyed this read because it passed the time since I'm stuck in the house now.
This is the second time I've read this author's work and she really had me intigued from the beginning. She knows just how to make it realistic and believable enough to pull her readers in until the end.
What I really liked about it was that it was told from first person. It makes it easier to connect with Elizabeth. Not too many stories are written like that.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
Highly recommended
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are mine.

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.

Following a road accident Elizabeth Cantrell and her 11 month old son Isaach become parts of a cover up operation and suddenly she find herself married to undercover secret agent and British spy Baron Adrian Thorrington. Murder within the family put them all at risk and Elizabeth and Adrian are in the middle of a situation dangerous to both individuals and The British Crown.

In Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson the plot is centered around a missing document important to The Crown reported to change hands at Adrian’s daughter Juliana’s wedding at Middlecrest Abbey. The groom ends up dead, the wedding cancelled and there seems to be a murderer at large in the house. Elizabeth decides to do some secret investigating of her own. As she is getting closer to the truth, the danger increases both to her and her son Isaach.

Main character and narrator Elizabeth Cantrell seems unrelenting in search for the truth of the mystery. I admire her determination to keep investigating in spite of danger. She is very reluctant to trust Adrian, which I understand given her history with his brother. She is my favorite character of this story.

Adrian Thorrington, British agent and spy, seems a kind and considerate man. He is using all his skills and connections to keep them out of danger. The relationship with Elizabeth gets off to a rather funny start, as he considers himself “forced” to marry her because they have been in a carriage together unchaparoned.

Mrs Harris we get to know as the unfriendly and gossipy mother of the groom. After her son gets murdered, she seems to change her ways and it’s nice to see she gets more open to the care of others. I felt more sympathy for her as the story progressed.

I felt the writing of this story flowed well. The descriptions of the characters were very well written and I found I enjoyed the dialogues. The dialogues between Elizabeth and Adrian conveying the development of their somewhat spontaneous relationship I found particularly interesting.

The setting of the plot in the English countryside was familiar to me, but the spy element thrown into the mix made for a new and interesting twist. I wish the plot would have moved a bit quicker in the beginning, but as the story progressed and intensified I felt more invested in both the characters and the story. I enjoyed the lifestyle and environmental descriptions, which I found worked well. Some of the gossipy wedding guests I also felt to be believable characters who contributed well to the plot.

I enjoyed how Elizabeth and Adrian deciphered a coded message, which added to the thrill of the story. They were thrown together by circumstances, but the romance element was still a distinct part of the story. I found it my favorite part. I was intrigued by how the relationship between Elizabeth and Adrian developed, starting off with deep suspicion particularly on Elizabeth’s part. As she got to know Adrian more, I’m I was pleased she came around and acknowledged all his good qualities.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey is the first work I have read by Abigail Wilson. I found the story about the secret spy operation in which a man got murdered a very interesting as well as entertaining read.

For similar reads your might want to check out the works of Michelle Griep or Mimi Matthews.
Fans of Abigail Wilson will enjoy this work, as will readers of historical romance fiction.

Thank you to publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions 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.