Harkworth Hall by L.S. Johnson

“Ask him about his wives.”

Caroline Daniels must marry, and marry well. But in her remote corner of England eligible suitors are few and far between, and none hold a candle to her closest friend, Diana Fitzroy.

When Sir Edward Masterson arrives, he seems the answer to Caroline’s financial worries, though she instinctively dislikes the reticent, older merchant. Soon Sir Edward has set his sights on acquiring both Caroline and the decaying Harkworth Hall.

Caroline’s future seems secure, save that his enigmatic secretary hints at a dark secret, and Sir Edward shows an unusual interest in tales of monsters … and the blood in Caroline’s veins.

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Harkworth Hall by L.S Johnson

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*

Set in nineteenth century England, only child Caroline Daniels is under pressure to marry to secure her future. When the wealthy Sir Edward Masterson appears to take an interest in her, Caroline is torn between accepting the match or following her instincts that Sir Edward is not all that he seems. Opting to do the later and together with Sir Edward’s secretary Mr Chase, who has a secret of his own, Caroline begins to uncover why Sir Edward has arrived in her remote corner of England and just what his obsession is with the derelict Harkworth Hall.

Harkworth Hall is a very atmospheric, gothic tale. Caroline is a likeable and unconventional heroine who defies the stereo-types of her time. Uncovering the secrets of Harkworth Hall fuel her secret desire for adventure and a life that in her time would normally be out of reach for her. I enjoyed Caroline’s blossoming romance with Chase amongst the mystery and look forward to seeing their unconventional relationship for the times progress further.

The author brought together a wonderful combination of historical and mythological fiction together with a female-female romance to form an intriguing and thrilling tale and I cannot wait to read more of Caroline and Chase’s adventures in the future.