Cover Image: The Secrets of Stonebridge Castle

The Secrets of Stonebridge Castle

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Member Reviews

This was a very good mystery/romance story. I loved the ghost element (don't worry, they weren't scary!) I really enjoyed the gothic vibe.

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The Secrets of Stonebridge Castle is a light historical romance. While there are ghosts, there are not any spooky scenes. There is a hint of mystery but mostly focused on romance. Therefore, I recommend this fans of historical romances!

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A great mix between historical novel with paranormal novel! But a crime thriller is also woven into it. And a strong female lead. If one of these items doesn't draw you to a book, then the story certainly does!

Jason Durand is given one last assignment as a spy before heading to his home, the castle of his brother who is an Earl. He must do what he can for Captain Charles Lacey's widow and child. Only, she's not a widow, she's a woman who also worked as a spy for the English against the French.
Born Delphine Talmadge, spy under the name Celeste de la Croix, back in England under the name Aurelia Lacey. As a spy, she worked with Jacques Renaud, the man who now saves her from the bullies in the town where she lives. For her safety, they return to Stonebridge, his childhood home.

Aurelia has had the gift of seeing and communicating with spirits all her life. She is shocked when it appears that Nell, her daughter, also sees them in the castle.
The revelation of several ghosts provides hilarious moments but also of terror for the guests who came along with the Earl, Gabriel Dunand. However, the shock is greater that people are disappearing and being murdered.

Aurelia, vulnerable and strong in one. She protects her daughter with everything she has but forgets to protect her heart from the feelings that (again) surface for Jason.
Jason, disillusioned, seeks refuge in alcohol. Until the woman is back in the life he's always loved. The realization that the alcohol makes him less reliable helps him to stop drinking. Especially if he also investigates the murders in the castle.

A light-hearted story with a haunted castle. A blossoming romance with a slow ending that the reader cautiously suspected. A murder case with a surprising killer where many clues suspected another perpetrator. An army of ghosts to the rescue. An Earl who doesn't take it too seriously with the established order and yet is very sympathetic. A great book. I will definitely be reading more books by this author!
5* Highly recommended

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Very enjoyable fun read, Will definitely look for more by this author. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

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An enjoyable book to read. There were ghosts who were helpful . It was easy to read and enjoy. Plenty of excitement and nice happy ending .

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This was a really enjoyable book! It kept my attention from page one! I loved all the ghosts that showed up. It was a good mystery with just a slight hint of romance.
I loved it!
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy

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I’m a new Blair Bancroft fan who thoroughly enjoyed The Secrets of Stonebridge Castle. Aurelia and Jason’s backgrounds as spies together during the war added to the mystery of their relationship. The ‘ghosts’ were adorable in contributing to this enchanted tale, especially with so many from so many different decades and centuries all in this castle. I loved that each contributed to the story as befits their ‘time’ as a living creature. The buildup leading to the ‘whodunit’ was perfect! Ms. Bancroft let the romance develop and events unfold in a way that kept me interested in getting to the ending. I loved that Aurelia was strong and independent in raising her daughter Nell, protecting her as the most important aspect of her life now. Yet, she knew when to ask for help if needed. And, Jason realized he needed to change somethings and do so quickly.

Another aspect I really appreciated about this story was the way the characters developed with their ability of learning to trust each other. There were a few instances of positive, needed conversations that helped those characters realize their short comings with a desire for self-improvement. I will definitely be looking for more of this type of romance from Ms. Bancroft.

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