Set in Kent, England in 1816, this is a Gothic romance with a serious twist at the end. Charity returns to England from Ceylon to stay with family friends. On the eve of her arrival her friend, Seline, vanishes. Charity and her ex-beau Piers are determined to find his sister. The story is told from the heroine’s point of view and we are privy to her thoughts and anxiety over her past as well as her future. The plot seemed a bit contrived and took too long to finish, but was generally worth waiting for. I liked Piers and thought Charity was an okay heroine. The rest of the characters were generally uninteresting and I had a hard time with the story in the beginning. Three stars.

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

An interesting mystery novel. The writing felt a little stuffy and the characters were of the melodramatic type. Overall, it was merely ok.

This was the first time I have read this author, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. This was an atmospheric historical christian fiction book that had a well-written mystery with a touch of romance.

This is my second book by this author, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both of them. The book has a bit of a gothic feel to it – dark, brooding, and mysterious with secret societies, betrayal, and murder. Both of the lead characters have troubles from their pasts that still haunt them and they also have a past with each other. All of the threads – past and current – have now come together in a well-written, exciting, story that will have you on the edge of your seat. While I figured out who the villain was early on, I doubt most will – I just have a twisted mind. One of my favorite things about the book was that there wasn’t a Duke, Marquess, Earl to be found. There was a Lord Kendal, but we didn’t learn if he was titled or was just a second, etc. son of a title.

Charity Halliwell grew up near Loxby Manor and her along with the other kids from neighboring estates were all the best of friends. There were the three Cavanaugh’s – Piers, Avery, and Seline as well as Hugh Daunt, and Tony Shaw along with Charity, who were inseparable. That is, they were all inseparable until Charity’s parents, when she was sixteen, decided to immediately move to Ceylon, and then before long Piers was branded a coward and had to move to his grandmother’s old cottage outside Liverpool. Charity and Piers were in love with each other. How could they maintain their relationship with thousands of miles between them? Subsequent events caused them to be lost to each other.

Piers returns to Loxby Manor after his sister creates yet another scandal for the Cavanaugh’s. Seline was caught kissing a stable hand – OH! MY! Seline is desperately searching for a way to contain the scandal on the evening Charity arrives from Ceylon for a visit. Charity wants to do what she can to help, but Seline is very secretive about her quickly conceived plan. Piers arrives to find the love of his life visiting – and his sister missing.

Things at Loxby Manor aren’t what they seem to be. There is a tension and pervasive darkness about the place that hadn’t be there before Charity left. What vile things must have happened there? Charity doesn’t know – and nobody will share the information – if they know.

Piers and Charity soon determine they can’t trust anyone other than each other as they try to figure out what happened to Seline. Where has she gone? What about the other strange happenings? What is this secret society they keep hearing about? Is it real? Is it harmless? OH! You’ll just have to read the book to find all of the answers.

I thoroughly enjoyed the read, solving the mystery, and seeing Piers and Charity rekindle the love they have for each other. I love that both Piers and Charity manage to overcome their pasts and move toward a future together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Upon Charity Halliwell’s return to the English countryside of her youth, she immediately finds herself struggling to conceal her attraction to Piers Cavanagh, a man she thinks is lost to her forever. When Piers’s sister Selene disappears under mysterious circumstances, Charity and Piers find themselves in pursuit of a common goal: Discovering the Selena’s whereabouts. As the mystery unfolds, will Charity and Piers find their way back to each other before it’s too late? Find out in this Regency tale of suspense, intrigue and secrecy.

Abigail Wilson's stories are absolutely fantastic. Her newest, The Vanishing of Loxby Manor, is the marvelously suspenseful tale of Charity Halliwell, who returns to England to visit her childhood sweetheart and group of best friends. Soon after she arrives however, her friend vanishes in the midst of increasingly mysterious events. This is definitely the book to beat in 2021 for me; I could not put it down, and was up until 1:30 in the morning as it galloped through its spine-tingling final chapters. As sweet as the romance is, the most important thread in the book is Piers and Charity’s journeys towards healing from 2 separate life-changing events in their past. Pre-order now! You won’t regret it.

*I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley. My opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.

This was an amazing mysterious Regency Romance. Just when I thought I had figured things out, the plot thickens and things change. Abigail Wilson has an ability for making a setting come to life. She crafts such interesting characters you find yourself pulling for the protagonist and hoping things turn out for them. I found myself staying up until late in the night to finish. I did not want to put it down. I caught myself at times holding my breath. I had forgot how much I love reading her novels.
I thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me, through NetGalley, to read this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A must read! The captivating storyline is an intoxicating blend of gothic suspense, intrigue, history and romance.

Set against an atmospheric backdrop that encompasses the ruins of an old abbey, Ms. Wilson's prose brings to life the setting. With beautifully written descriptions that appeal to the senses, the author expertly draws the reader into the story so that when the book is set aside it is with a sense of bewilderment as one reenters the real world.

Tucked within an expertly paced plot is a story of triumph over heartache and shame. Readers will fall in love with the endearing characters, feeling their heartrending sense of loss for the past, but also one of hope that the future brings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this dramatic, suspenseful, and satisfying Regency era story with Gothic overtones. The author creates a dark enough mystery and ambiance that will have readers straining to see what will come to light next. This is a captivating, surprising read that will keep you guessing Who did it? Why? And Who will vanish next? The author does her best to give multiple characters motive for murder when a secret society’s rituals are uncovered. I enjoyed Piers Cavanaugh and Charity Halliwell’s relationship and how they team up to discover pieces to a puzzle they cannot seem to solve.

You will be up late reading this one. This novel works well for your next book club pick. There is so much to discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Wilson has become an instant one-click author for me, and this story is the perfect example as to why. The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is an addictive Regency romance that kept me engaged and turning the pages.

Set in 1816 in England this story is packed full of everything wonderful. Family issues, love, secrets, wonderful dynamics, and a mystery that keeps the reader guessing.

As I was reading, I found myself talking back to the characters, asking questions of them, and trying to help them not only solve the mystery but to get the HEA they deserve. I really loved every moment of this story and devoured it in one night. The authentic aspects of the story and the details really brings this story to life and allows the characters to bloom in a way that is magical to witness.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishes and I am leaving an honest review. I have added this book to my favorites list and will be buying it in paperback for my collection; highly recommended.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is a suspenseful story of romance and intriguing mystery Regency style! This unpredictable story grabbed my attention with the prologue and held it fast to the surprising ending. The emotionally rich plot with its twists and turns moves at a steady pace. It kept me guessing with each page turn. The characters are well-crafted and memorable. I have added Charity and Piers to my “favorite characters” list! They touched my heart with their struggles to overcome painful past experiences and find happiness together. I enjoyed the first person narrative which gives deeper insight into Charity’s feelings. With Ms. Wilson’s attention to detail and vivid descriptive imagery, I not only read the book but felt it! I loved this book and look forward to the next offering from this gifted storyteller. I recommend it as a must read for Regency romance and mystery lovers!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well, I had never heard of Abigail Wilson before, but I came across this one on NetGalley, and the title and blurb intrigued me, so I thought I’d give it a go! And I’m so glad I did! It’s a mash-up of two of my favourite genres - Regency romance and suspense. And it’s so good! I would not have expected the genres to mesh so well, but they do! The writing is classic Regency romance, but the plot is absolute edge-of-your seat suspense. Think a much more suspenseful version of a Julie Klassen novel - if you’ve read one of hers! And it completely took me by surprise! If you’ve been following my reviews, you know that’s highly unusual! I’m usually pretty good at picking up where a suspense plot is going fairly early. But I didn’t pick this one! Everyone at Loxby Manor has secrets & they’re not always what you think they are... It was well-written and I think fans of either genre would enjoy it. I certainly did! In fact I enjoyed the mix of Regency and suspense so much that I wanted to read another one straight away, so I ditched the TBR list and immediately started another one of Abigail Wilson’s books instead! Look out for a review soon! And definitely keep your eye out for this one when it releases on January 26!

Thanks so much to @thomasnelson and @netgalley for the ARC. I was only required to provide an honest review in return.

2.5/5⭐️

I had high hopes for this one, but in all honesty it seemed to take me forever to read it. I thought it much too long, the writing over-the-top with dramatic “glares” and “creeping coldness”, etc. And unfortunately I didn’t particularly like or care much about the characters.

Charity, a young woman who has been living abroad, returns to England to live with her childhood neighbors/friends for a year, and the night of her arrival her friend Seline goes missing. At 80% in, we learn why/how she disappeared, but still have to unmask the villain. While I didn’t sense a real
urgency to find her, Charity and Seline’s brother, Piers (Charity’s former beau), try to solve the mystery.

There’s a sinister secret society, everyone except Charity and Piers are suspects, and the culprit is pretty obvious before the end. Could be better perhaps with more editing, but it just didn’t work well for me.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

Having experienced an attack that could damage her family’s reputation, Charity Halliwell returns to Loxby Manor, the home of the Cavanaugh family. Hoping to recover her wellbeing and prepare to find a position as governess within the home where her childhood memories are warm and welcoming. Upon her arrival though, she finds the house dark and forbidding, Piers, her lost love, has left in disgrace and now her friend, Seline, has disappeared. There are shadows in the family and Charity begins to feel she just might be in danger.

Wilson has created a novel that is rich in Gothic atmosphere and suspense. As you are introduced to family member and friends, the storyline wraps around you and takes you along with Charity and Piers as they pick apart the threads of an old secret that can bring them to the brink of disaster or a budding romance. The ending leaves you gaping. Readers that look for dark stories and a wide variety of characters will enjoy this thrill ride.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor is another great read by one of my favourite authors, Abigail Wilson. This historical romance is bursting with mystery and intrigue. A secret society, abbey ruins, and a missing person all culminate into a mysterious and creepy tale. I enjoyed getting the know the main characters, but the real fun came in discovering which of the supporting characters was the real perpetrator. I must say, I was surprised. This was not a very predictable read and was entertaining right up to the very last page. I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans, especially if you're in the mood for a little mystery.

I love how quickly the mystery in The Vanishing at Loxby Manor takes off and continues through the whole story. You are immediately swept away in the disappearance of Seline Cavanaugh. Secrets, lies, lost loves and second chances.. what a fascinating tale by Abigail Wilson. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an uneven read for me. It was compelling enough for me to want to finish it to find out the solution to the mystery but all the characters seemed flat to me and I didn't feel strongly attached to any of them. I also had a hard time getting into the story - Seline, the character who vanishes - vanishes about 5 seconds after she appears in the narrative and she isn't very likable so I didn't really care one way or the other about her mystery. I was more interested once the author threw in a secret society and the mystery became about more than just Seline's disappearance. The romance is there but very tame - I like my historical romances to be a bit spicer and definitely with better banter. Overall, a decent read but not a very compelling one.

I loved this book. I wouldn't recommend reading it at night if you are easily spooked, (It was not a good idea for me) I loved the mystery in this book, kept me guessing until the end. I had no idea where Seline went or who the murderer was. This book did contain some secret combinations, cult type things in it. So I wouldn't recommend to teenagers or kids. Romance was clean. I adored the chemistry between Piers and Charity. Fun read!

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson is an enticing mystery of a missing person and a scandal that rocks a wealthy family. I really enjoy mysteries and historical romances, but not many people do justice to the combination genre. Most historical mysteries writer usually lean more toward the romance and the historical side, forgetting that they were supposed to include a mystery in the story too. But not Wilson. She does a wonderful job at crafting a plot that focuses on the mystery element and allows the history to shine through the background, setting, and the characters. While the 180 degree transformation of the characters is important to the plot, in Wilson’s novels, the characters did a 360 degree turned and returned to where they were when the story began. They had a little break in their relationship, but they came back and realized the importance of each other in their lives. While this didn’t make or break the romance, it does seem a little too predictable for me. As for the plot, it was nicely handled and well-developed. I enjoyed the mystery and kept flipping through the screens on my Kindle, wanting to know who did the crime and where the missing girl went. Overall, The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson will be on my forever shelf with her other three novels. I’m really curious on what she will compose next.

I received a complimentary copy of The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson is a resounding read that will keep you on your toes. A veritable gothic romance reminding me of Austin’s Northanger Abbey, Wilson unveils a tail fraught with tension and mys-tery. Chapter by chapter reveals intrigue both past and present as old wounds rise to the surface and lost love seeks resolution. I found myself second guessing my predictions at every twist and turn of the plot. Wilson truly delivers a tale that captivates the mind and heart! This is an author I will not want to miss.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.