Regency Gothic Romance
Note: Previously published under the title of Carisbrooke Abbey
When Miss Hilary Wentworth takes up an appointment at Carisbrooke Abbey, little does she suspect it will lead her into a whirlwind of mystery and romance. Her employer, Marcus, Lord Carisbrooke, is gruff and irascible, yet underneath his manner she senses a deep and abiding pain. As her feelings for him deepen, Marcus's crusty exterior vanishes and she finds her love is returned. But the secret that haunts the abbey must be overcome before they can find the happiness they richly deserve.
Review
"I am delighted to see the return of the Gothic novel, and in this case, one so skilfully handled. We have the full range of ingredients here. Miss Hilary Wentworth is the orphaned young woman going for a position to a gloomy, dramatic abbey set in a wild and lonely spot; Lord Carisbrooke is her irascible employer who has more to him than at first seems the case. There are strange sounds in the night, secret passages, an untrustworthy heir, a mad woman and sullen retainers. Lord Carisbrooke has a terrible secret hanging over him; dastardly deeds are in train and Hilary finds herself in very real danger. Over the top you might think, but Amanda Grange tells her story so well and with such bravura we are convinced and read on to an exciting denoument and a satisfying end. An absorbing and enjoyable read." -Pamela Cleaver, Historical Novel Society