This is the first historical romance I've read in years. I wasn't sure I was going to like it in the beginning but, I trudged through and wound up really liking it. The author was very descriptive and I found it easy to picture the characters and setting. This book was an easy read and look forward to picking up the other books in the series.

Summerset Abbey is the story of three young women living during La Belle Epoque when class distinction was still prominent but change was brewing in the air. I enjoy this time period and this story did remind me of Downton Abbey. I read it quickly and thought that this was a good start to the series.

Rowena and Victoria are sisters who live in London with their father, Sir Philip Buxton, a botanist and an unconventional man who did not follow tradition. Prudence, the daughter of their governess is raised alongside the sisters and is treated as a third sister until Sir Philip dies and they all move to Summerset Abbey. The sisters are now under the guardianship of their Uncle and Aunt, who believe in British social hierarchy and who have no qualms about abusing their power to keep things traditional. Prudence, therefore, is seen as nothing more than a servant and quickly relegated to this position.

The values and loyalties of all three women are now tested. We see how their lives change and how wealth, prestige, and manipulation can have an effect on one's view of things. We see how ingrained tradition and social distinction was in 1913 and how the aristocracy fought to keep things the way they were. In addition, there is a family secret that the Buxtons want to make sure is never revealed, which added a mysterious element to the story.

The story ends in a surprising way with much left unanswered, paving the way for the next books in the series. I'm interested in continuing to read the series and hope to do so soon.

I truly enjoyed the aspects of this story that depicted the class differences especially when it came to how the sisters, Victoria and Rowena, are treated compared to their "sister" Prudence. Pru was raised alongside the Buxton girls and was always treated like family even though she was the daughter of the governess. When Mr. Buxton passes and the girls are sent to live with their uncle things change dramatically.

The three girls have different personalities and some shine bright while others just kind of mull in the background. Prudence is the one that grew on me the most and Victoria was the one I liked least, but I understand what she brings to the story.

The little air of mystery behind why Pru was treated like family is interesting and the romance was was decent.

Whether the author TJ Brown meant to incorporate influences of Little Women, Cinderella, and Oliver Twist, readers will indentify aspects of these 3 stories in her book Summerset Abbey. The mean and demanding aunt in Summerset Abbey is relatable to Cinderella's stepmother. A neglectful sister considers her own needs above her stepsister/adopted orphan, again relatable to Cinderella. 3 young women are faced with their father's death in Summerset Abbey relatable to Little Women. One sister is outwardly feeble but strong inside, relatable to the character of Beth March in Little Women. The stepsister/adopted orphan in Summerset Abbey, Prudence Tate, is young, sweet and trusting. Her kind nature is continually taken advantage of, relatable to Charles Dickens's classic character Oliver Twist. Her devastating end will also remind audiences of the sorrow of Oliver Twist.

It is hard to tell if the author was painting a portrait of reality in England's Edwardian Age or simply creating an adaptation that combined Little Women, Cinderella and Oliver Twist. The tone of the story is melancholic throughout, though the plot lures the reader into the multiple conflicts. The author demonstrates the limitations of each of the individual characters, which adds to the unsatisfied ending. If this character in the story could have been more proactive, if this other character could have overcome her fears, and the list of barriers go on from scene to scene. It is a woman's novel with the male characters as ancillary figures. Oddly, it does not make women feel good about each other.

I read this book when I downloaded, but unfortunately forgot to leave a review at that time and no longer remember enough details to give a proper review.

If you love Downton Abbey this is definitely a read you'll enjoy. The setting immediately draws you in and I loved the dynamics between the "upstairs" and "downstairs" characters.

For lovers of Downton Abbey and Upstairs/Downstairs. Many of the same elements, but not the same characters. This story concentrates on 2 sisters and a girl who was raised with them as a sister - the father dies and the 3 are moved to Summerset Abbey where their uncle and his family live. Secrets abound, and all three girls must reinvent their futures.