Reviews * Giveaway
Willowkeep by Julie Daines
Book Description:
Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.
Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.
Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.
Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.
Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.
Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.
Andrea's Review:
Willowkeep is an excellent novel. It was sort of My Fair Lady meets a Jane Austin novel (but with deeper issues), and it was a great combination. I read it very quickly and would definitely read it again.
My heartstrings were pulled at by Charlotte's situation. I don't recall characters in other Regency novels having special needs, and I really enjoyed the inclusion of this attribute in Charlotte's sister Susie. Charlotte was one of a kind, especially in her dedication to Susie. Even though she'd lost the rest of her family, she didn't give up. Her inheritance came at the perfect time (even though it came with challenges).
I also loved Henry's character. Susie's attachment to him was endearing, and his efforts to pay off his father's debts really demonstrated his high moral character. He and Charlotte were perfect for each other.
The letters were a great addition to this story. I loved that Henry was able to know Charlotte's true feelings (even though some important details weren't completely spelled out-you can't give everything away in a story and still have a story). :)
If you are looking for a sweet and touching romance, give Willowkeep a try.
Rorie's Review:
I've always been drawn to books where the main character is like a fish out of water - kind of the underdog. This book is like that, and it was very hard to put down.
This is the second book I've read where one of the supporting characters had special needs, although this book focused a lot more on that character. I loved reading about Charlotte's love towards Susie, and how her mama-bear instincts always came out whenever she felt like her sister was being threatened.
Henry was my favorite character by far. Friendly, smart, compassionate, caring, devoted to his family. He was a very brave man to continue to eat Jane's cooking day after day!
This is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good, clean Regency romance.
Tarah's Review:
I devoured this book in no time at all. I loved how Charlotte is a little different then other main female characters, in that she's pretty rough around the edges. Other characters are strong leads (which Charlotte is too) but they are more refined and proper, and it was refreshing to see a slightly different take.
Henry is awesome. His patience and kindness are the best type of character...that and his continually eating his sisters cooking even though she can't cook at all :) That made for some fun times in their house!
I will definitely be reading this again, and recommending it to my Regency book loving friends. This was a winner from Julie Daines.
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Giveaway:
Follow Author Julie Daines:
Author: Julie Daines
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: June 2016
ISBN: 1524400408
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book
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