Abigail Wilson's new book, Within These Gilded Halls is quite good. I have recently discovered her stories, and haven't found one that I don't like yet. This one is definitely enjoyable. It is the story of Phoebe and Graham. Phoebe is an artist who is helping his aunt redo some work on her estate home. There is a lot of legend around the home, as they have said there was a treasure hidden there many generations ago. When Graham's aunt is murdered, they must work together to find her killer and the treasure before someone else does. I really liked the book. I believe it is the continuation of another book, but I haven't read that one. I don't think it deterred from this story, however. It just made me want to read the other one too!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and offer my honest opinion.

I’ve been wanting to read a book from Abigail Wilson for a while now, and oh, what I’ve been missing. Within These Gilded Halls, her newest novel, coming out soon was spectacular. I just love a good who-dun-it and this book had it all. Murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense, a cast of several who could have committed the crime (no spoilers here). And let’s not forget the romance brewing through it all. Oh and the treasure hunt. Her clues where absolutely fun to follow, some in plain sight. I so enjoyed this book, I highly recommend it and I can’t wait for the next one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sweet and slow romance, historical, and mystery, are all subjects that are attractive by themselves but when combined so efficiently into a very interesting plotline, reading becomes thoroughly an enjoyable experience.

Abigail Wilson's latest release Within These Gilded Halls is a must read for all fans of Jane Austen’s books. You know the kind that makes you feel like taking a leisurely stroll in the garden twirling the parasol around. Of course, I didn’t mean in any frivolous way but more like in an enchanted way. There is a peculiar quality in the author’s writing that makes one want to dream and that I believe is quite an achievement by Abigail Wilson.

By mixing in a treasure hunt into the story which is predominantly about the mistakes one can make and learning from that mistakes, Within These Gilded Halls was utterly captivating. Phoebe and Graham do give a kind of Liz and Darcy vibes and by pacing it excellently the reader enjoys the steady change in their relationship, from one of dislike to acquaintances, to friends and then the realization of deep love between them. The mystery of the treasure and a murderer adds the necessary suspense that keeps the story progressing but it was really the conversations between Phoebe and Graham that was the highlight of the story. Phoebe’s guilt of having disappointed her father and Graham inadvertently saying some profound things that give Phoebe courage and strength was brilliantly done.

Like her central protagonist who is an artist, Abigail Wilson’s Within These Gilded Halls is like a painting that one can stare at for hours altogether for the sheer pleasure of it.

Many thanks to Net Galley, Thomas Nelson -Fiction, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

This review is published on my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Book Bub, Medium.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Hello! Firstly, many thanks, indeed, to Netgalley for the ARC of Within These Gilded Halls. I am so grateful to have been able to read this book - another brilliant novel from Abigail Wilson. Her writing is absolutely stellar. I love how, like a painter or sculptor, she seems to capture the most seemingly-mundane but extraordinarily-magnificent life moments in her stories. For example, about a third of the way into the novel, there was a comment made that Graham 'dipped his chin' in a non-verbal response to something Phoebe said. I felt like I was right there and that this action conveyed a wealth of words and emotion...very in tune with Graham, the character. Speaking of Graham, I love him! And I love the hero/heroine relationship...the very lovely build of friendship, cooperation, respect and love. The book cover is beautiful! So striking with its gold inlay ceilings and archways all providing a stunning backdrop to the gorgeous blue dress. The cover reveals the pomp and pageantry of the Regency period. And superb combination of historical description (not even what is said but what is left to the imagination), mystery, romance and portrait of a bygone era. I definitely recommend this wonderful novel! Thank you! :)

I love Wilson’s writing. The engaging way she weaves the mystery in with the romance always captures my attention. Set in the Victorian time period of England. We are brought to a English estate where a murder has occurred. Our heroine and hero must figure out clues to finding a long hidden treasure in hopes it’ll help solve who the murderer is. The romance is kept sweet. The mystery full of great twists and turns. A cast full of intriguing characters. Overall very enjoyable. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this mysterious book. It captured my attention from the first page. I would definitely recommend this to readers who like a clean regency romance with mystery.

Phoebe is pursuing her passion for art in helping to recreate the ballroom wall's paintings under the mentorship of Miss Drake. When Lt. Graham Burke arrives with a friend, Miss Drake isn't sure how to handle this unexpected company during a renovation. As Miss Drake lies dying after being shot, Phoebe tries to understand her last words and gets her first clue to the lost treasure. Phoebe is initially suspicious of Graham and doesn't share the dying words of Miss Drake. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though the story started a little slow for me, I enjoyed reading the book. I was surprised that even though Phoebe is excellent in solving the clues, she is not preceptive when it comes to people. Even though this is a standalone book, I was happy to reconnect with Phoebe from 'Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey'. I also like that there is more than one my mystery to be solved in this story and I liked how the story kept me guessing. I thought that the slow build of the relationship between Phoebe and Graham is realistic. I also liked how the suspense built to an action-packed ending.

{3.5 stars}

This was such an intriguing read! I loved the mystery surrounding the treasure and the clues that were left behind to find it. It was so much fun to watch Phoebe and Graham work together to figure out what each of the clues meant and piece everything together, as well as the romance that built along the way.

I also appreciated that the book kept me guessing as to who the bad guys really were and how everyone was involved in the sketchy stuff that was going down around Avonthorpe. Everyone seemed suspicious at times. The plot twists were on point.

I will admit, the beginning was a little slow for me as I felt I had missed some crucial backstory for a couple of the characters (don't worry, things get explained eventually), and there was a little bit of redundancy at times, but overall I thought this was an enjoyable read. Definitely worth it for those that enjoy historical romance with a heavy dose of mystery and whodunnits.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy; all thoughts are my own :)

Have been unable to review so far do to illness, but am really looking forward to reading this book. I have several friends that have read it and say that the romance is heart-warming and everything a romance reader wants in a book. Well-written characters and a superb plot and mystery keeps you reading into the night!

3.75 ⭐

"Running toward something, even with the best of intentions, can also mean running away from something else."

Phoebe Radcliff is a painter-in-training, studying art under the illustrious Miss Drake. Phoebe has lived at Avonthorpe Hall for almost two years, painstakingly repairing the enormous and intricate frieze in the ballroom. With the surprise arrival of Miss Drake's nephew, the devastating murder of Miss Drake, and rumors of hidden treasure, life and love at Avonthorpe Hall just got more precarious—and more deadly. Phoebe is in a race for answers and forced to face her past, and maybe, just maybe, she'll find her future along the way.

This mystery Regency romance from Abigail Wilson was well-written and extremely enjoyable. This is the first book I've read from this author, and I am definitely interested in reading more from her.

Phoebe and Lt. Burke were particularly well developed, and I was extremely invested in their budding romance and interactions. Phoebe does a fair amount of growing up and learning throughout the book, and her character arc was satisfying and realistic. Overall, I would say she was my favorite character.

The romance is darling, and the chemistry between the two love interests is real and palpable. It was a delight to watch them work together to find clues and watch them ultimately fall in love.

The twists and turns throughout the book were often unpredictable, and Miss Wilson keeps readers on their toes and keeps the tension high throughout the entire novel. I had my thoughts about who the guilty parties were, but I was still surprised by a few things by the end of the book.

<i>Within These Gilded Halls</i> does have characters from a previous book, but it was perfectly easy to read and coherent as a standalone novel.

There were some confusing moments in the book, and it was easy to miss important information. I do wish I had read the previous book to this one because there are some plot points that would have made more sense. Characters also behaved inconsistently at times, which pulled me out of the story.

That being said, I absolutely enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a unique twist in the Regency romance genre.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was happy to read this book, glad for the continuation of this family's story. It was so fun to follow this mystery while having a side romance to go along. As I was reading it, I had to go back and listen to the book referenced before it, and then the book before that. It had been awhile since I had read them.

The characters were well developed, Phoebe was definitely complex in her emotional state and her feelings of betrayal. I wish we had more time with Miss Drake, she was a fun character. Graham was a bit hard to get to know, but we made it there in the end.

A good story to continue the line. Maybe Julianna next?

This book is more of a mystery than a romance. Phoebe wants to solve the murder and the mystery of where the treasure is.
Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.studying art under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation.
Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish her work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. Determined to fulfill the promise she made to her beloved teacher to find the treasure, Phoebe also works to uncover the truth about Miss Drake’s death—and she must do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.
But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe, and soon enough Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person who knows about the clues. What’s worse, she needs Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she weren’t so attracted to her.
I haven't read a book by this author before.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

** “Let me ask you this: have you ever prayed for something for so long, then a door opens — maybe not the one you were expecting, but one opens nonetheless — and suddenly everything shifts into place?” **

Abigail Wilson delivers another Regency era romantic thriller with “Within These Gilded Halls,” a story featuring a treasure hunt and hidden identities.

Aspiring artist Phoebe Radcliff has been hired to complete an art renovation in the ballroom at Miss Sally Drake’s Avonthorpe Hall. But when Phoebe finds Miss Drake dying, the estate’s owner offers Phoebe a clue to her family’s missing treasure.

As Phoebe attempts to solve the clue and find the missing treasure, as well as who killed Miss Drake, she must decipher whom she can trust all while growing closer to Miss Drake’s handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. While working together, they must evade danger and betrayal while overcoming past mistakes.

Wilson does a great job of creating a plot filled with twists and turns, leaving the reader constantly guessing and reworking their guesswork. She develops great characters, including a giant dog named Creature.

She also fills “Within These Gilded Halls” with great themes, like the importance of exchanging ideas and seeing worlds beyond our own; experiencing curiosity and hope; overcoming betrayal; reconciliation; making the impossible possible; and finding peace through prayer.

Fans of authors like Joanna Davidson Politano and Sarah E. Ladd will enjoy this story, which is due out Oct. 4.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

If you want a story that consists of murder, adventure, suspense, and Love then this book is for you. After studying under the teachings of Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is finally ready to move on from her childhood mistakes. She takes on the opportunity to complete a ballroom renovation for Miss Drake. Everything changes when Miss Drake is murdered. Before her last breathe she tells Phoebe a clue to find a real treasure. Phoebe works to uncover the truth of the treasure and who killed Miss Drake. When she realizes that she will need the help of Miss Drake's nephew Lt.Burke to stay ahead of whoever is on her heels. if only she wasn't so attracted to him. As they get closer to finding the treasure the attraction between them grows. I won't give too much away, but I really enjoyed this journey and I know anyone who reads this will as well. These are my hoenst opinion and I was given an advanced copy from NetGalley

I could not finish this book. It was not the fault of the author but the publisher's mark was on every page of my KIndle and it interfered with the reading so much, I just gave up. If anyone else manages to persevere and leaves a good review, I'll try it again withOUT the publisher's mark!

Wilson pens another engaging story with likeable characters, light faith element, clean romance, and a mystery. Reading her books is like taking a vacation without leaving your home! Looking forward to the next one.

Phoebe Radcliff, a budding artist who is fleeing from an unwise relationship, lands an opportunity to learn from a mentor artist at the artist’s country estate. When Lieutenant Graham Burke, the artist’s handsome, overbearing young relative, heir to the estate, arrives on the scene, Phoebe wonders if her artistic endeavors will be cut short. After a murder takes place, Phoebe and Graham must join forces to solve the crime before the murderer claims another victim as well as a legendary long-lost treasure. Fans of Regency-era fiction will find much to enjoy in this suspenseful tale.

Abigail Wilson has become one of my favorite regency authors! Her stories are atmospheric, mysterious, and romantic...and I've enjoyed every one of them. The mystery in Within These Gilded Halls was wonderfully plotted, though, as is usually the case with me, it was the romance that kept me glued to the page. Phoebe and Lt. Burke's interactions are entertaining, and overall, I was just charmed by the whole thing. Another fantastic book from an author who's become an auto-buy/auto-read for me!

Just as wonderful as I expected! I got lost in the world and mystery every time I picked it up.
I loved Graham! He’s such a great leading man…calm, quiet, in control-pretty much the exact opposite of Phoebe.

Speaking of leading men, Mr. Montague is definitely a leading man. Please write his book next! Maybe with Julianna???? ☺️

I loved this book! I love anything from Regency time period. The gothic feel of the romance and the clues make it fun and intriguing. The author's descriptions are wonderful. I'm glad I discovered this author and cannot wait to read more of her books.