Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019/03/03/escape-to-everly-manor-by-chalon-linton/)

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.


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Number of titles I have read by this author: 1

Love story speed: Slow burn

Relationship dynamics: The Orphaned Young Woman with Nefarious Relatives (h) / The Kindly Lord of the Manor (H)

Sexual content: None. Some kissing only.

Triggers: Some violence against women (not by H); some gun violence.

Grammar/Editing: This ARC suffered from an awful lot of formatting problems which caused some confusion (e.g. dialogue paragraphs mashed together). There were a few typos as well. If the published version is vastly improved, this could be a 4 star book for me.

Review: The pacing in this novel is quite good, and even. There are enough twists and turns throughout the novel, even if they were a little predictable. Although the subtitle on the cover of the book declares this to be a Regency setting, I did not note any particular details within the book that would mark it as such. That being said, it was still clearly pre-Victorian.

Lizzy is a devoted sister and determined, though somewhat naive (as one would expect the daughter of a gentleman to be). Barton is a kind, benevolent soul who, though he has some emotional scars, sees the best in most people and is quite persistent. Lizzy and Barton are well-matched and refreshingly candid with one another, for the most part. The relationship progression was good, although historical propriety seemed a little forgotten about in places. The supporting characters were interesting and fairly well developed, Thomas especially so. In fact, Lizzy and Thomas’ relationship was almost more interesting than the romance.

Horse version: A fine piece of horseflesh. Although it seems confused at times, it always knows where it’s going and won’t throw you off if you treat it with a little bit of patience.

Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This started out ok. The writing was not great. I could tell right away this was not an experienced author. I kept reading because it wasn't too bad in execution just lacked feeling and depth. I got into the story and kept reading but by the end I was pretty frustrated with the leading lady who was odd and turned into the biggest problem in the story. By the end if I were Barton I would have thrown up my hands and let her alone. Geez. This is a clean regency romance but takes place in the country. Clean with some kisses.

I unfortunately didn't love this book. I felt Lizzy's character as a whole was too stubborn, and not in a good way. Her growth appeared minimal to me. There were definitely aspects of her character that I did enjoy, but overall some aspects of her personality were jarring to read. The storyline itself had a lot of potential, again not a bad plot, but the biggest issue for me was that if I didn't know what time period this book was set in, I wouldn't know because it's didn't have any particular details that made it obvious it was set in the regency period. For me, that's key when I read historical fiction. Overall, not my cup of tea.

I enjoyed this story. Barton is a very sweet hero, and Elizabeth is just so selfless. There were times I wanted to shake some sense into her...but her heart was always in the right place. The villainswere truly bad guys, the supporting cast quite well developed! Enjoy!

Escape to Everly Manor quickly grabs your attention with the plight of Lizzy and her younger brother. They have been orphaned and their evil uncle is now their guardian. In an effort to save her brother from being sent to work on a merchant ship, the siblings run away. They soon seek shelter in an abandoned tenant house, which eventually leads to their meeting the owner of Everly Manor, who wishes to help them but can't get any honest answers from Lizzy. Her fear of word getting back to her uncle moves Lizzy to keep trying to run away, even when help is offered. Her tendency to keeping run leads to all sorts of drama and complications.

The overall writing style of this novel is pretty good. There were a few awkward sentences. but not enough to lessen my enjoyment. However, the drama that made the book interesting to begin with started to strain my patience and credulity by the end. The length of the book felt a little artificially inflated by unnecessary misunderstandings and lack of communication. While this wasn't my favorite of stories, I would consider checking out other books by the author.

On a side note, the digital version I received needed some major formatting adjustments that will hopefully be addressed.

Hands down Linton’s best yet! This cover is perfect for the story. Everything and I mean everything is in the plot - you couldn’t ask for a more gripping edge of your seat tale of events.

Elizabeth and Thomas are left to deal with an abundance of unknowns and fears after the death of their parents & it seems the ruthless Uncle is out to destroy them.

Harrison Everly is all that’s just and true, with enough dashing good looks to make you swoon. He may be who Elizabeth needs to help her. Or, perhaps she will just want to fight this battle on her own.

I just loved this story. Even the minor details, which to me, are very important to get right - like language and phrases - were there.

I’m so desperately hoping we get to revisit the Everly family and see where Franklin’s life is headed.

You won’t regret picking this one up. Fantastic.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley & Covenant Communications. This is my honest review.

I love me some good historical fiction, and I really enjoyed this one. While one could reasonably predict a happy ending (and I love happy endings) for this genre, it had enough intrigue and plot twists to keep me reading far too late at night. :) The characters were well-formed and likeable - well, except the ones that were NOT likeable. The story-line unique and engaging. I look forward to more works from Chalon Linton!

Overall, the story wasn't bad. It was well written and if you're looking for a quickie historical romance read then this will fit the bill nicely.

However...

I love a good damsel in distress romance - definitely a guilty pleasure when the dashing hero swoops in and saves the day. This damsel, however, I might have left tied to the train tracks. Okay, obviously not, but this story did leave me wondering what exactly the hero saw in the female protagonist that was worthy of instant romance.

I think my problem lies in the popular idea that stubbornness, an unwillingness to ask for help, and a lack of willing to communicate makes for a strong female character. It does not. And in no way is it believable that anyone would fall head over heels in love in a matter of days with someone who exhibits these traits.

My other problem was that a lot of aspects of the story just felt off. For starters, a ten year old boy is around 5th grade, right? No way do I believe that said child would stand for being coddled by his sister, kissed on the forehead, read to sleep, etc. It was strange he was portrayed in such a way when making him younger would have been a simple solution. Also, this may be nitpicking, but the era felt off as well. Some events unraveled in ways that just wouldn't happen in regency England. I don't need a spot on representation of the times, but I wanted it to feel a little more authentic.

This was my first time reading a book by this author and I’ve found a new amazing Regency author! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more by her.

I loved the elements of adventure and hints of danger in this book. This Regency romance occurred away from the fancy ballrooms and gossipers of city life and society, which I really liked. The two main characters, Lizzy and Barton, were fantastic protagonists. I loved how determined Lizzy was and she had courage and honor in spades. Barton was the epitome of goodness and gentleness, but I loved seeing how riled up he got over his feelings for Lizzy and her and her brother’s welfare.

I really enjoyed the little details the author added to the setting and supporting characters- there were many that I loved. The relationship between Lizzy and her brother Thomas was especially sweet.

I couldn’t put this book down and read it in less than a day, and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!!

**I received a copy from Covenant Communications through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lizzy will do anything to protect her younger brother Thomas, so when she realizes her Uncle Cline, their father's estranged brother who claimed their estate and became their guardian after their parents' deaths, plans to send him to join the crew of a merchant vessel, she is determined to keep that from happening. They escape on the journey to the ship and take refuge in an abandoned cabin, and they soon find an ally in Mr. Barton, a handsome young man who wants to help this mysterious girl and her brother.
Barton knows that Lizzy isn't telling him everything, and his mother warns him against trusting her, but he can't turn his back on her and will do all he can to keep her safe and show her that she can trust him with her entire story--and with her heart.

I really enjoyed Barton's kindness and Lizzy's devotion to her brother. I also enjoyed it when Lizzy would banter with Barton, and I also enjoyed the fact that Barton actually slugged someone in the course of the story. There were some points where I started to lose interest, but all in all, I enjoyed it.

3.5 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I think I have a new favorite book by this author.

Lizzy and Thomas had an idyllic life. Until it came crashing down. Now Lizzy must make some hard choices if she is to protect Thomas and herself. She will have to stay on her toes (so to speak) if she's going to stay ahead of those who are trying to force her and her brother to fates differently than they had always planned.

I thought this book had a great cast of characters. We have our main heroine, our main hero, family members of each, our dastardly duo of devious characters, the sweet and charming dog (ok it's not really a big character but makes a couple very minor appearances), a lonely and empty cabin in the woods (again not really a major character-or character at all but it made my list) and plenty of minor supporting characters, mainly the servants of the manors. The combination of all these characters and their interactions created a well thought out story.

Plenty of peril, escaping, storms, horses, danger, hiding, treasure hunts, hidden identities, little white lies (for the sake of protection), family drama, sorrow, hope, secret plans, friendship, bad guys, love, broken hearts, love, daring rescues, and of course love again (what's a happily ever after without some sweet love story throughout the book-hence the repeating love).

I was hooked with this one that I found myself listening along when I couldn't be reading. Lots of driving around the last couple days which made it a good way to enjoy the book as well. If you haven't read any books by this author I would definitely recommend trying out one or all of them. This one is definitely my favorite but in no way does that declaration diminish my enjoyment of the other novels by her.

I really liked the ending. I predicted that would probably be the outcome throughout the whole book and gave myself a little pat on the back for guessing right. I don't think all readers would guess the outcome, but I've read a few books...just a few. Lol! All in all though, I enjoyed it! The sweet love story was very tender and sweet. I loved anytime the hero made an appearance. Pssst...so did Lizzie. *giggling*

Content: Clean. A few moments of peril. A couple very mild innuendos. Some kissing but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. As well as listened through my Deseret Bookshelf subscription. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This was a great story. The characters were solid and enjoyable to read about. The storyline flowed well. It was a great evening read.

A very good Historical Romance with drama,twist,angst,action and romance.
Lizzy is a strong smart characters who only wants to protect her brother Thomas and build a life for them both.
Barton wants to find out what Lizzy is running from and protect her.
Situations develops what will the outcome be.
Really enjoyed reading.
Voluntarily reviewed.

#EscapeToEverlyManor #NetGalley
I loved this book! It had just the right amount of twists and turns, romance and suspense to keep me happy.

Loved it. This was the first book I read from this Author. The story is about Lizzie and Thomas. . There parents died in a accident. Their estranged Uncle Cline arrives to Downing manor to claim his inheritance .When he wants to send Thomas out to sea and Lizzie to marry a older gentleman Lizzie makes a plan to run away with Thomas. It is a story about Love for a brother and what she would do to protect him. Well written and enjoyable to read. Great historical fiction book.

This is a romance novel set in 1813 in England. There were many little things in the story that seemed improbable to me. For example, it wasn't until nearly the end that someone questioned why their parents named a cruel uncle as their guardian and left them completely dependent upon him. It's not like Lizzy and Thomas had no friendly adults in their life to look into the matter. Also, everyone acted like it was shocking for a nine-year-old boy to work, but factories (among other places) regularly employed young boys. So I didn't find it very historically accurate.

The main characters were nice and meant well, but they didn't always act realistically. Plus Lizzy was pretty useless in a crisis and quite adept at getting into situations where she was helpless and needed to be rescued. Even Barton sometimes acted stupidly when it came to a crisis. For example, he once handed what was obviously a weapon to someone who wanted to use it on him. Still, the author tried to create suspense through violent storms, injuries, and kidnappings.

The romance developed over time as trust built between the two. Barton was kind and patient. Lizzy had very little care for her own happiness and was determined to protect Thomas above everything (though her plans didn't do a very good job with that). Lizzy treated her brother like a five-year-old, babying him and acting like he's incapable of handling difficult situations. She rejected Barton in favor of caring for her brother, even though it's clear that she didn't have to make a choice between them. She let Barton kiss and hold her on several occasions but didn't even try to find a way to make a relationship with him work. Frankly, she kept making bad decisions even when better options were available. There was no sex or bad language.

I have to say I really enjoyed reading “Escape to Everly Manor.” The story revolves around Lizzie and her brother, Thomas. Then a hero, Barton, arrives... full of compassion for Lizzie and Thomas. As the story unfolds, Barton becomes their knight in shining armor.
The setting is in rural England, in a small village where many quirky characters live.
This regency romance is one I would definitely recommend you read.
I received a arc of this book from NetGallery and all opinions expressed are completely my own.

Escape to Everly Manor is one of those charming romances that tugs at your heart strings. Lizzie will do anything, agree to anything, pretend anything as long as she can protect her little brother, Thomas, from a cruel uncle and guardian. The two of them escape with a well planned exit. Even her parent’s servants are loyal to her in helping as much as they possibly can. Her uncle is trying to send nine year old Thomas to work as a cabin boy on a ship and to marry Lizzie off to a man twice her age. Lizzie does not understand how her father could have betrayed her and her brother in his will leaving everything to her uncle upon his death.

While on the run, they seek refuge from a storm in a run down cottage on Everly lands. Lizzie does not realize at first the young man she bumped into in town is the owner of the cottage, surrounding lands and is Everly. Ironically, both Lizzie and Barton Everly are keeping their true identities secret each for their own reasons. Barton does so because he wants to get to know Lizzie better. She, because she believes it essential to protect her brother.

This is an adorable, enjoyable, clean romance with a lot going on – the evil uncle, the disgusting betrothed, the mother who is trying to protect her adult son, the younger brother who just messed up. This combination of people and the events that surround Lizzie, Barton and Thomas combine to keep you wanting to know how Lizzie and Barton will reach their HEA. Lizzie’s loyalty to her brother is more than could be expected, but her love for him is tremendous. That love shapes everything she does. You will appreciate her strength, independence and loyalty. You will love Barton for his kindness, caring and just plain good nature. You will enjoy little Thomas just for being a sweet, lovable little boy who cares just as deeply for his sister.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this clean regency romance between main characters Elizabeth and Barton. This story was a bit like the boxcar children and had one after the other escapades. The characters deceit and running away elements could have been less for my taste. Overall a good read that I would recommend.

I love clean, well-written Regency romances and this one fits the bill nicely. I recently read her novella "Christmas Grace" and quite enjoyed it. The evil uncle/aunt/stepparent trope is one I like. The uncle is even worse than originally thought (although some revelations near the end of the book didn't come as a complete surprise). What some people won't do for money, and at the end of the day there is no honor among thieves here. Characterization is well-developed. However, I found Lizzie's self-sacrificing demeanor off-putting at times. Not so with Barton/Everly. I just loved him! He's a true knight in shining armor. And Lizzie's brother is adorable. A very enjoyable read. 4+ stars.