When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?

When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

I found this book to be intriguing. Sybil doesn't know who she can trust. Her coach is stopped and robbed on her way to Croft Towers. Then when she gets there she discovers one of the house guests is one of the highwaymen. What is she supposed to do? He asks her to trust him. Then there's Mrs.Chalcroft. She seems to have totally lost it. But she creeps into her room in the middle of the night to ask special favors. Is she sane or not?

A great read that I would recommend to every one. This isn't an edge of your seat suspense. But is has lots of mystery.

I was given this book by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is Wilson’s debut novel. It has a gothic romance feel. Sybil Delafield travels to Croft Towers with the intention of being a companion to the elderly mistress of the Towers. Along the way, she encounters highwaymen and a household full of intriguing characters. Sybil sets out to solve some personal mysteries: who her parents are and who she truly is. Sybil has caught the attention of two potential suitors, but she’s unsure of whether she can trust anyone she meets because everyone seems to have a secret.

Ample intrigue and twists are provided in this first-person POV tale. I was expecting a bit of a Christian angle, and I found that to be lacking, but it is definitely a clean read. I did figure out Sybil’s parentage before the reveal, but a few things kept me guessing.

For the most part, the characters are well-rounded, though some are a bit better developed than others. Sybil is a character who is easy to root for, as she is determined, humble, resourceful, and quite likeable. It did take me a bit to get into the story, and then there were a few lulls later on, as well as a few parts that seemed a bit convoluted. Overall, however, Wilson has crafted a solid, and enjoyable, debut.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

(This will be shared other places after it's release.)

I really enjoyed this book! It was so mysterious and had a sort of gothic romance feel that I loved! I didn’t quite know which way this story was headed or who to trust and I love that in a story, it keeps me guessing! I really love Historical with a bit of mystery and this one really delivered! I thought it was really well done, a very strong debut novel that makes me excited to see more from Abigail’s Wilson!

A wonderful debut novel by Abigail Wilson! I really enjoyed this book on mystery, suspense and romance. There are highway men, secrets to discover, and murder. Told in the first person, Sybil Delafield travels to Croft Towers to become the companion to an elderly women. As she does her work she meets a household of interesting characters. She is also trying to solve the mystery of who she is and who her parents are and why she was sent the mysterious letter to search for answers at Croft Towers. A great book, I will be looking forward to more books by Abigail Wilson.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

New to me author, Abigail Wilson, has penned a delightfully eerie Gothic Regency laden with secrets surrounding a huge old mansion and its inhabitants. Rumors of ghosts, murder, and a dangerous, but charming highwayman greet our lovely heroine, Sybil Delafield, as she moves to Croft Towers as companion to the elderly mistress of the Towers. As she is pursued by two potential suitors, Miss Delafield hasn't a clue who to trust as danger awaits her around every dark, dusty corner.

Filled with intrigue and mystery, lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights will be enthralled by this suspenseful, romantic page-turner. I had a sense of something missing throughout the whole book and it wasn't until the very end that I realized what it was. Although a clean read there was no message of redemption and no mention of God. None of the main characters appeared to be Christians although they were good people. So although I don't think this can be labeled as Christian fiction it was indeed a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.

Posted on Goodreads. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I was in the mood for a traditional gothic romance like the ones by Victoria Holt and others; this suited perfectly. Sybil Delafield is a young woman traveling to the countryside be the companion of an elderly woman. On the way the mail coach is attacked by highwaymen; one in particular captures her attention and she notes a peculiar scar on his wrist. When she finally arrives at Croft Towers, soaking wet and freezing, Sybil meets an odd assortment of people related to Mrs. Chalcroft. One, a darkly handsome, brooding man, shockingly bares a scar like the highwayman. Beauty and the Beast elements mix with the mystery of Sybil's birth and possible French spies to create a thoroughly satisfying Regency era story. Fans of traditional gothic romances will be glad to find this book.

IN THE SHADOW OF CROFT TOWERS by ABIGAIL WILSON is a historical mystery thriller, with a good dose of romance, .which takes place in England in 1813.
When Sybil Delafield, a twenty two year old orphan, is asked by her teacher and dearest friend, Mrs Smith, to go to Croft Towers as a lady companion to Mrs Chalcraft, she has no idea what she is getting herself into! The old mansion is scary enough and the occupants, with their secrets, are rather daunting.
We are kept guessing right to the end and it is an exciting read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

In the Shadow of Croft Towers is a sort of Gothic romance and suspense mystery. The first half of the book is wonderful. It's engaging and moves quickly. The second half gets a bit convoluted and takes forever to disclose the multiple mysteries in the story. Ultimately it is a mostly satisfying and engaging book that I would highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book! It had all the essentials I want to read in a story. It had mystery, intrigue and romance to keep me up late in the night turning the pages. I was biting my nails several times and not able to breathe in certain scenes. The ending was amazing. By the way, the hero, Sinclair is my new book boyfriend.
This author is new to me and I will certainly be following her for more books in the future.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Abigail Wilson is a debut author with her Regency novel In the Shadow of Croft Towers. I have read a number of Regency novels, so I had a pretty good idea of what the genre consists of. First, there is going to be romance and a world I haven't lived in. Majority of Regency novels are in honor of Jane Austen's novels, but I can't stand Jane Austen, so I believe the authors today write more captivating stories than Austen ever have. Wilson does a better job than Austen.
Her writing is clear and concise. I had no problem visualizing the setting of Croft Towers. Wilson dives in and allows me to see the surroundings for the first time just like the heroine does. She takes me on a journey just like the first person heroine. I explore the world and wonder about Mrs. Chalcroft and the death surrounding Anne.
Wilson does write the story in the first person point of view. I only knew the main character's name because she mentions it to others, but the story is told completely in her point of view. This is a difficult to write in. I have only read one other author, that I can think of right now, who did the first person point of view justice. Dawn Crandall writes Regency novels in the same fashion. Wilson does a wonderful job at staying in the heroine's perspective and not jumping into others.
The plot is interesting. I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Anne's death and the reality of the heroine's connections to the family of the Chalcrofts. The plot moved pretty quickly, capturing my imagination as the story dealt with the mysterious death and the idea of spies for the opposite side. It really kept my mystery-loving imagination.
Overall, In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson is a thrill of a Regency novel that I haven't seen written before. It had a couple of mysteries thrown in to capture my imagination, but it also had a number of Regency items to keep the regency fans happy. I believe fans of Julie Klassen, Jane Austen, and Dawn Crandall would adore this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

From the outset, In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson has the feel of Jane Eyre. Sybil is an opinionated and independent orphan set to find herself a position and information of her family. Within days of her arrival at Croft Towers, Sybil is in the midst of something but unsure what and everyone in the Towers has a different motive. To say more would give away the story and delight of guessing alongside Sybil.

I found Sybil so willing and naive but the characteristics fit with her journey in life. The other characters are beautifully built and Mrs Chalcroft particularly complex! Mr Sinclair is secretive and gruff but, despite this, seems trustworthy. I read it flat out in an afternoon, with twists to the very last page, this isn’t one to miss! Five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended!

“The more difficult the journey, the sweeter the reward.”
A complex plot, mystery and a bit of romance spice up this Regency era tale set at an old manor in rural England. It is told through the first person viewpoint of the heroine, Sybil, a young woman sent from school to be a companion to an elderly woman. A colorful cast of characters surrounds her and everyone seems to be hiding something. It kept me guessing along with Sybil who could be trusted, and where the twisted path of seeking the truth would eventually lead her. It was an interesting plot with a lot of potential 'bad guys'.
"Everyone at the Towers had a secret...And I could do nothing but claw my way through their web of lies."

This was a satisfying read, well written, and held my interest until the very end when the truth is finally evident. The setting and first person viewpoint reminded me of Jane Eyre at first, with some Dickens elements. Readers who enjoy Gothic-type stories, or Regency romances with some mystery, like Sarah Ladd, Michelle Griep, or Joanna Politano's, will enjoy this clean romance.
4.5 stars

Review to be posted Dec 15, 2018:

Miss Sybil Delafield is on her way to Croft Towers for two reasons. One, she is an orphan with no prospects and no means so she must support herself by finding a position. Her friend who ran the orphanage was kind enough to find her a position as companion to Mrs. Chalcroft. Two, she received a mysterious note saying she would find answers to the question of her parentage at Croft Towers. But from her ride to Croft Towers, Miss Delafield finds her new home and position precarious and fraught with dangers and secrets. Mrs. Chalcroft is old and not well, but kindly to Miss Delafield. Mrs. Chalcroft tells her she trusts no one else in the house to get some important letters to the nearby town, and often sends her at the most inopportune times. The house is filled with four grand nieces and nephews, Mr. Cantrell and Miss Cantrell, Mr Roth, and Miss Ellis who are all making last ditch efforts to ingratiate themselves with the old woman before she dies in the hopes of getting some of her money. Mr. Cantrell is suave, charming, a great flirt, and Miss Delafield is confused by his seeming attentions to her. Everyone knows he needs a wife with money. Miss Cantrell is cold and unfriendly, bemoans her brother’s control of her funds, and obviously has her own secrets. Mr. Roth is lazy and practically ignores Miss Delafield’s existence. Miss Ellis alone seems genuinely friendly to Miss Delafield, but she also comes across as shallow and flighty. And then there’s Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, Mr. Sinclair who comes and goes at odd hours, and from the start Miss Delafield recognizes him as one of the highwaymen who waylaid her coach on the way to Croft Towers. When she does not expose him that first night, he asks her to keep his secret and trust that all is not the way it seems. Sybil may not completely trust him, but upon seeing that he has restored the jewelry stolen during the hold up she decides to give him a chance. But what was he looking for that day? And when a passenger of that coach the highwaymen held up shows up dead, does that mean she’s next? What are in the letters that Mrs. Chalcroft sends to town? Why is everyone at the Towers so secretive? Who is the French spy the dragoons are sure hides in Croft Towers? And will Miss Delafield ever find any answers about her parentage?

I tore through this book. Once I got into the story it was practically impossible to put down. From the description I thought it would be a little more Victorian gothic, but it really feels like an Austen story or lighthearted Brontë story with some war time spying thrown in. There are two murders, but Miss Delafield doesn’t take a front row in trying to solve those murders. Yes, she’s curious, but she is more swept up in trying to help keep everyone’s secrets at Croft Towers. And there are definitely lots of secrets to keep. It seems everyone has secrets. But Mr. Sinclair’s secrets and Mrs. Chalcroft’s take up most of her time, and provide more than enough excitement to keep readers glued to the book till the end. It was not easy to figure out who the French spy was. There are just too many options. The question as to who Miss Delafield’s parents are is easier to puzzle out, though there was an unexpected twist to that too. Abigail Wilson gets major credits for writing an exciting read that will keep readers guessing and the pages flying, and felt authentically Regency period. Highly recommended to Regency fans, spy story fans, mystery or suspense fans, and clean romance fans.

Notes on content [Based on ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. (An affair is alluded to, but no details and drastic consequences.) There are four deaths, one of natural causes, two murders that aren’t described in much detail, and one suicide with the conclusion left entirely up to the imagination of the reader and not described. Laudanum use is mentioned, but is frowned upon.

<i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.</i>