3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a sweet regency romance with all the players of a Downton Abbey. I enjoyed the friendships, dinners and the planning of the ball. I do wish there was a little bit more chemistry and romance between the lead characters. But over all I did enjoy it.

This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.

Truth be told, I adored Abigail and maybe I adored Robert even more. It was telling to me from the beginning what kind of person Abigail was by how the servants treated her. They seemed to be one of the few people that were kind to her at all. Her family certainly wasn't. Nor was society. Robert, however, was sweet and gentle with her. As was his family. I loved all the relationships between Abigail and Robert and his family. Hazel and her mother were just as amazing. I loved their kind hearts. I was a little surprised by the moments Hazel seemed insecure because in so many ways she was very strong. I smiled every time she was able to manipulate situations to help Abigail.

There were great secondary characters in the book making me hope that some of them might get their own books too. Hazel and her mother of course, were well written. Mr. Mead was well written but I don't want a book about him. I don't always love when the clergyman is written to be the bad guy but in this case it was kind of the obvious choice. It was a clear way to show Abigail what he was and how he was able to win over everyone else the whole time. No one suspected him. But while all his sermons taught the congregation biblical truths it showed Abigail his hypocrisy. At first I wondered why he had seemed so kind in the beginning and then escalated quickly into him being offensive. But then I realized he was being threatened by someone else showing an interest in Abigail. He could no longer do his slow seduction of her into his life. He had to move quickly to keep what he thought was his for the taking. Would the slow seduction have worked if Abigail had not had Robert to compare him with?

I was surprised by Abigail's grandmother in the end. It was not the reaction I expected from her. It showed her redeeming graces. And I kinda thought maybe I'd like to see her have her own book. Perhaps she'll learn kindness and be softened by love?

I think my only complaint about the story was it took Robert so long to figure out the problem and even though he knew he found Abigail adorable he was so slow to do more than be her friend. I know he had an estate to run but couldn't he have done some investigative work to figure out what Abigail wasn't telling him? Ha ha. Okay, okay. I got to see Abigail's thoughts and experiences and Robert didn't so I can't blame him for not being as astute as I. That being said, once it because clear to him, I loved his decisive action. I was so glad to see his last interaction with Mr. Mead. And in that moment, I even loved the butler.

Also, sweet cover!

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: a well deserved knee to the groin and punch in the nose.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book through netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Adoring Abigail is a sweet story of acceptance on the part of kind people toward Abigail’s slight speech impediment. She is an intelligent and lovely, young lady with an amazing inner strength. On the other side, there are those who are not so kind. Life has not been kind to her in so many ways, but she has an attitude of perseverance that keeps her going.

Robert Wilkins unexpectedly inherits an estate that neighbors Abigail’s grandmother. He begins to watch for Abigail as she seems to brighten his day, but he is unsure of her. He and his family are kind to her upon meeting her and do not appear to notice an issue with her speech. Abigail and his sister form a quick, true friendship.

Mr. Mead makes for a dislikable villain who seems to have become a clergyman for his own nefarious reasons. He does not walk the walk. I have mixed feelings over the minister being the villain in a Christian book. Yet, his position brings them together frequently, just seems odd. He is just not a good person.

I thoroughly enjoyed Abigail and Robert’s relationship as they got to know each other. He seems to be aware something is not right with Abigail, but unsure of what to do for her. Abigail has learned over the years to keep to herself, mostly due to her speech issues. This is a quick read that pulls you right into the romance as you see Abigail and Robert find their HEA. Robert’s sister and mother are darling secondary characters. Did not care for her grandmother, not a sympathetic character.

Adoring Abigail is the charming story of Mr. Robert Wilkins and Miss Abigail Rutherford. Robert Wilkins has inherited his great aunt's estate, an aunt he has never met. Abigail lives with her grandmother on property that adjoins Robert. Abigail has a speech impediment; pronouncing R's are difficult for her, and because of this, some in society have considered her stupid and her family has considered her an embarrassment.

I think you will enjoy the delightful story of Abigail as she comes into her own and is becomes valued for the person that she is, speech impediment aside. Mr. Mead the local pastor, as well as Mr. Robert Wilkins both try for Abigail's hand, and people are not always how they should be in this page turning novel. This is a sweet, clean story with a unique plot.

This book is about Abigail and Robert. Abigail is an abused orphan sent to live with her grandmother after her mother's death. Robert is a battle scared general who has just inherited an estate next to her grandmother's home.

Very nice and clean romance with suspense as well.

(4.5 stars) - Adoring this book!

It's been a while since I've read a Regency romance, & this one was an ideal charmer for revisiting the genre. It's a sweet, cinderella-flavored Mansfield Park sort of story.

Abigail has a relatively minor speech impediment so she speaks more slowly to try to control it, but because of both, her grandmother & most of the villagers think her mentally slow. When retired military captain Robert Wilkins moves in to the Cattersley estate with his mother and sister, Abigail finds true friendship at last... and possibly something more.

Unfortunately, it then becomes clear to her that, of the few who have previously given the appearance of friendship, not all are truly looking out for her. Poor Abigail ends up in a terrible bind - however, Providence has provided her with a gentleman in shining armor!

This was my first book by the author, & I very much enjoyed it. An aspect or two of the happily-ever-after might seem facile, but who can fault a little icing on a yummy cake? I can't wait to read more of her work!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic, though there are a few instances of men forcing unwanted kisses or touch on the heroine - one of whom we're told she kneed in the groin

I really enjoyed "Adoring Abigail". Abigail is a sweet girl dealing with a speech issue. Her grandmother is not a sympathetic character. Luckily she finds friends a nd a love interest in her neighbors. Please pick this up i think you will really enjoy it

Adoring Abigail is a quality Regency romance featuring a gentle relationship between Robert and Abigail that blossoms from genuine friendship into something even more special. The settings were easy to envision, from the vast estate Robert inherited, to the meadow and woods, to the cottage where Abigail lives with her grandmother. I enjoy characters that have realistic flaws and struggles, and Abigail having not only a speech impediment, but also a highly critical guardian, made me feel so much empathy for her. Through her circumstances she develops admirable attributes such as compassion and kindness, but it is Robert’s encouraging approval that helps her overcome her timidity and strengthen her courage when faced with her most difficult trial of all.

Robert is at an important transition point in his life, and while he doesn’t always handle the change gracefully, he is quick to apologize and make things right. I love how he and Abigail bring out the best in each other because they feel safe and accepted for who they really are. The story is well-rounded with the supporting cast of various community members and especially Robert’s sister Hazel, all of whom brought the distinct feeling of country society. The author is skilled at drawing forth emotion while exploring a variety of themes such as gossip, loneliness, hypocrisy, prejudice, friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. There is a nice balance of character development, tension, sweetness, and satisfaction. Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Quick read. I can’t recall having read another book where the main character’s struggle was a speech impediment. I really felt for Abigail as so many, even family who should have been more loving and accepting, were cruel and belittling because of her “imperfection”. I liked Robert and his family. Mr. Mead was super creepy.

Clean with a happy ending.

I loved the way the author was able to portray this character. I have multiple children with speech issues and I really appreciated the way the author did justice to it. The storyline was great and enjoyable to read.

The main characters were both interesting and different from what you find in a lot of Regency novels--Abigail's speech problem was something I haven't seen in other books, and Robert's rise in station and his adjustment to it, while a little more common, was still engaging. I really liked Robert's mother and sister and how they were as immediately accepting of Abigail as Robert was. One thing that didn't come through for me as strongly as I would have liked is WHY the vicar was so set on marrying Abigail He was the type of villain you love to hate, so that was great; I just wish his reasons for wanting to marry her were more strongly explained.
3.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This novel receives a high recommendation from me.  In it I found lush descriptions, nuanced characters with real life struggles to overcome, a gracefully flowing plotline, and clear and concise writing.  In addition to external challenges, Abigail and Robert's individual internal struggles were tactfully dealt with.  This book was a pleasure to read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

#AdoringAbigail #NetGalley

One of my most anticipated reads of this year!! I am so excited it is out! Adoring Abigail was a phenomenal read. Abigail is such a great character. You can really see how frustrating and endearing it is that she has to work so hard to be heard, and most people just dismiss her without a chance. She is so much more than she appears and is a jewel to anyone who takes the time to get to know her. She has such obstacles to overcome, but through those obstacles she is so personable that anyone can identify with her and become a spectator rooting for her.

I also liked the 'mean' character. I will not name names to give a spoiler, but it is someone you don't expect right away and then you are horrified and want to jump into the book and save Abigail! But alas, it is a story so you just keep reading.. He is very well written though and while not a nice character is a great bad character. Good job Linton!!

Thank you for an advance reader copy from NetGalley and Convent Communications, the ideas and options expressed are my own.

Adoring Abigail is a fun, sweet historical fiction read with a lot of heart. I love when the characters grow and develop throughout a story. Abigail and Mr. Wilkins demonstrated a willingness to trust, share and open their hearts to allow that process of change to take place and to heal from past hurts and wounds. Though they had different challenge to deal with, they helped each other and a sweet friendship, and then love, developed between them. They each needed a confidence boost, Abigail with her speech impediment and worth as a person despite it. And Mr. Wilkins needed confirmation that he was worthy of the great inheritance left to him and that he would succeed with the great responsibility he now has. They both looked for the good in each other and supported each other when they most needed it, reminding the reader about what is truly important in life and how to seek true happiness. Robert is a character in another book by Chalon Linton and it was fun to read his story and see him get his own happily ever after. The side characters are well written, the friends are a great support and the not so good ones are downright mean, as all good villains should be. Adoring Abigail was a delight to read and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

From the very start, ‘Adoring Abigail’ is told with great attention to detail with the landscape so beautifully conveyed and the flowing style of writing. Mr Robert Wilkins inherits the estate of Cattersley from his great-aunt, a relative that he only met briefly as a young child. On a walk around his gardens, he meets Abigail Rutherford so lives next door with her grandmother. Abigail has grown up with both her mother and then her grandmother severely criticising her speech, yet it seems that Robert pays no attention to this ‘flaw’ and so their regular encounters soon blossom into much stronger feelings. Whilst Robert grapples with the demands of the estate, Abigail struggles with the attention of the local vicar.
I not only loved the characters of Robert and Abigail, but Robert’s sister Hazel, who in her friendship with Abigail, gives her great strength. Whilst essentially a romance, the relationships with Robert’s family, gave greater depth to this story. The author draws out the uncertainty of Abigail, Robert and Hazel, as the battle the narrow-mindedness of their neighbours.
I cannot say enough positives about this story, and it has resonated with me, long after the last page. It explores many issues that are still prevalent today such as prejudice and gossip, but these are also balanced by the loyalty of family and perseverance. 5+ stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book from beginning to end. Robert the charming and charismatic war hero that is loyal to all family and friends. Abigail you feel for the minute she starts her story and what she endures through her family and personal hardships. You can’t help but fall in love with almost all the Wilkins Family.
I read this book in one day as I didn't want to stop. Thank you Netgalley, Chalon Linton and Covenance for this advanced copy.

Chalon Linton has done it again! This is an absolutely delightful book. with lovely characters, landscape, and the charm of a clean regency romance.

Oh how I loved this book! Such a cute storyline! Loved every minute of reading it, didn't want to put it down. Chalon Linton is an amazing author, and i relish reading her books! Thanks for the advanced copy #netgalley #adoringabigail

"Adoring Abigail" is a wonderful Regency Romance by Chalon Linton. She successfully portrays this time period. Abigail Rutherford is treated as simple because she has a speech impediment. Robert Wilkins is a fabulous hero, and he is thought to be undeserving of his huge inheritance, merely because he's only a former army captain.

The hypocrisy and prejudice of some of the characters are on full display. The vicar Daniel Mead is a hypocritical, sanctimonious prig. Neighbors treat sweet Hazel Wilkins as an unworthy and unsuccessful hostess because she deviates from stuffy protocol. My heart broke for both her and Abigail. John Wilkins's appearance was an unpleasant surprise, as he wants money, and assumes he'll get it.

The question of why Robert Wilkins received the large inheritance in the first place is answered near the end of the book. No spoilers here, but the reason is so touching!

This is really a 5-star novel, although it is rather short. The characters are well-drawn, and their actions and motivations are true to Regency England standards, whether we agree with them or not. The reason for my 4-star rating is that I don't particularly like narratives in first person, although it makes it easier to get in the character's head. Be that as it may, Linton's prose is lovely. It is difficult to find quality Regency authors who are true to the period and write clean stories. Chalon Linton now joins two of my favorite Regency authors, Sarah Eden and Jennifer Moore.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this wonderful novel.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a recency era romance. Abigail has a stutter and meets handsome neighbor Robert while walking one day. The romance is sweet and clean. The writing keeps the story and plot moving. Secondary characters of sister, vicar, and grandmother add to the story. I will gladly read anything else by this author!