I enjoyed this proper romance! It had all of the elements needed to be a completely satisfying read -- great settings, rich characters, and complicated relationships.

Nora is a widowed baroness whose life is being controlled by her deceased husband's smarmy attorney. She feels as though she doesn't know how best to mother her two children, one of whom is not actually hers, since she feels that she's never truly had the chance to come into her own as an adult.

Ridley is a stable hand at Nora's country estate, Windsong Manor, with secrets of his own.

The book explores topics that are relatable: identity, societal expectations, dealing with trauma from our pasts, forgiveness, and parenting. The characters are well-developed and real. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read!

this is a cute, quick regency romance if you’re willing to overlook some historical inaccuracies. i really felt nora’s plight and really wanting to feel like her own person. it was satisfying to see her stand up for herself even when things didn’t go her way. i loved ridley’s relationship with edward and lia and the positive influence he had on them. the romance was sweet even if it was a little insta-lovish. ridley’s secret was pretty predictable but overall, i enjoyed this. i’d recommend this to readers who want to try historical romance!

thank you to shadow mountain for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.

“A tree is beautiful because of its bends and twists. It proves that it has persevered through heat and rain and lack of light. Those hardships shape every branch. Without the wind driving the clouds across the sky, the sun setting would be rather unremarkable. It is the colors and clouds that make it an orchestra in the sky. These things are not beautiful because they are perfect. They are beautiful because they endure.”

Windsong Manor was a beautiful story of endurance and triumph over adversity!

The description of the story intrigued me, but after reading it, it was even better than I had expected. I enjoyed everything about it— the engaging storyline, well developed characters, beautiful writing, and excellent pacing.

I really loved Nora finding her sense of identity, and realizing that her greatest strength was the person that she was, not her titles.

I also loved what a gentle soul Ridley was, especially after such a tumultuous childhood, and his coming to terms with his past and choosing forgiveness and healing.

This was a beautiful story, and I appreciate NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the chance to read it!

A sweet and lovely story.

Nora is finally widowed and sometimes, such as in her case, that's not exactly a bad thing. Her husband's dying wish is a hard request, yet she fulfills it to the best of her ability with poise and grace--to be a mother to his illegitimate child.

I found Nora to be easy to sympathize with and relate to, as she's trying her best to raise her two children and one of them proves to be very difficult. It was a treat to watch her find strength and courage to navigate the waters of duty, necessity, and love.

The slower pace of Windsong Manor is so comforting and refreshing and I imagine I would prefer it to the hustle and bustle of the big city. There are so many changes to manage and this setting is the perfect place to build and forge relationships.

Ridley works in the stables and is such an asset to Nora and her children. I had an intuition about him and I was right. Although I guessed this slight mystery, this story, full of connection and character development, is heartening.

Content: death of spouse/parent; illegitimate child; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

A love outside of social class and secret identity tropes story which is a clean romance. It is well-written and has a well developed plot and characters which are likeable, and a couple of suitable horrible villains. All in all an enjoyable read by a new author to me. However there are quite a few errors with the handling of titles which should have been better researched which annoyed me and reduced the score. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Reading a book such as this, set in the Regency era, makes me very glad I didn't live in that time period! Women were treated like property and had no rights. That was the case for Nora. She was married to a much older man at 16, and it was not a happy marriage. He treated her like dirt and wasn't happy with the one child that they had together. He basically forced her to accept his illegitimate daughter as her own. Now, this was actually a good thing for both Nora and the young lady because she had lost her mother, and Nora filled that role. It took time for them to create a bond, but it did happen.

The new baron, Nora's son, is a spoiled brat. I am not sure of his age, but I assume 10-12. But his arrogance and attitude are more than one would expect for someone that young. It is also hard to know if he picked up these traits at boarding school or if his father poisoned him against his mother. Or possibly both. Luckily, Ridley is able to put him on the right path over time. Ridley is a positive influence in all of their lives. But he has a secret, one that can be sussed out before it is revealed, but it was still an interesting twist.

I enjoyed watching Nora and Ridley interact and restrain their attraction to one another as much as they could. This is the Regency era, so they had to be proper. While I suspected the ending, there were some events that could have thrown a monkey wrench into the blossoming relationship.

There are several nefarious characters that I wanted to chuck out a window. While I suspected some of it, I wasn't sure how the situation would be resolved. In all of the instances, they were handled properly.

There are some obvious errors regarding the titling of the children. The illegitimate daughter would not be called Baroness unless her brother died and she became the heir. And then, because she is illegitimate, would she be recognized? But outside of some minor errors, the story was enjoyable.

We give this book 4 paws up.

Ooo, I loved this book! Definitely one of those that was so very hard to put down, but at the same time, I didn't want to finish it, because that would mean the story was over.

Eleanora is such a strong, wonderful character. She could easily have become bitter and angry at the world, due to the way she was treated just about her entire life, but instead, she became compassionate, caring, and fiercely protective of those she loves. I'll be honest, at times, I thought she should just give up on her Edward. With the way he treated her and Lia, it would have been easy to do so. Instead, she fought for him, and knew her loving little boy was still there, somewhere.

Ridley was also a wonderful character. I was cheering for both of them the whole way through the story. This is a great, clean romance, with plenty of other things going on to keep the story interesting. I highly recommend it.

Baroness Eleanora (Nora) Coventry was just 16 when her father arranged for her to marry an older man, the Baron of Kendal. Nora was only able to have one son, Edward, who is currently at Eton. On his deathbed, the Baron told Nora that he had an illegitimate daughter and he wants Nora to raise her and offer her legitimacy. When Nora brought Edward home from Eton for his father’s funeral, she discovered how he had become arrogant to her. A year after the baron’s death, Edward has not changed and he is mean to his new half sister, Amelia (Lia). She is so sad to have been taken from living with her grandparents and misses them so. Now, Nora is leaving London to live at the family home, Windsong Manor. She hopes that the fresh air and learning about his responsibilities as the new baron will shape Edward into a good person.

At Windsong Manor, Ridley Ellis has worked hard to improve the stables to make a better life for the horses. The stable master, a lazy man, tries to take credit for all of the improvements that Ridley has made. But Ridley is happy doing what he does and prefers to stay away from the gentry. When the family arrives, he is surprised at the youth of the baroness.

With the help of Ridley, Nora gets Edward and Lia interested in the horses, learning to care for them, and to ride them. Some of the common sense talks that Ridley has with Edward helps to show the boy the error of his ways and teaches him how to work with people and his family. Nora is grateful for his help and their own talks lead to a spark between them. But, how can a baroness and a stable worker have a future together?

This is a good story that is nice and clean. There are some very bad people in this story that I looked forward to getting what they deserved. My only problem is how furious Nora became with Ridley when things went wrong. Her anger was over the top and she needed to stop and take a breath. Sound intriguing? A good story. Enjoy.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I thought this story was lovely. There was plenty of heartache and sorrow from the past that weighs heavily on both of the main characters. I loved watching the healing come through kindness, gentle nudges, great words of wisdom and love. I'll even admit that I cried near the end of the book at a couple scenes. They just touched me.

Eleanor was a character that I just felt for so much. She was not allowed to care for her son and truly be a mother though the longing was there. Her deceased husband was very controlling and she being a woman in this time period really didn't have much say in her life and that of her son. Then she's blindsided by being told on his deathbed that she would be raising his illegitimate daughter. Talk about another shock. But she takes it all in stride and was so amazing persevering through the challenges and hard moments that came. I loved her finding her strength and her identity as herself and not all of her other roles.

This sweet family struggled so much at the onset of their story. Hang in there readers. This little duke is a lot but if you just hang in there, he's going to surprise you and have you absolutely cheering and loving his character!

And that little girl, she's going to melt your heart!

And Ridley, the stable master...yeah he'll melt your heart as well. He's truly the epitome of the perfect gentleman and he lives up to that very well! I loved his character! I loved so much about him. But I especially loved when he wasn't going to hide his feelings for Eleanor any longer. Oh, be still my heart! What a great scene!

If you're a fan of Regency Romance, sweet and clean, then you're going to absolutely love this one!!!

Content: Clean. Some talk about controlling and emotionally abusive relationship as well as a child born out of wedlock (nothing graphic, just the mention of the child's origin). Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This was such an interesting and unique regency romance. A young woman is forced into a marriage to a very mean man but then is widowed at 27 years old. She has a son who is a real pill and a daughter who comes from another woman and is commanded by her dying husband to look after her. She goes to the countryside home where she meets the stable master. They share some nice moments together and begin to care for each other. He teaches her son some manners and is kind to her daughter. With their social status being so different they have to hide their feelings. I really enjoyed the twist near the end that I didn’t see coming.

This was such a sweet book! I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but I ended up loving it! Windsong Manor is written by Julie Wright and it is a historical romance.
Nora was an interesting character. I grew to love her as the book went on. She was trying so hard to raise her children well and to take control of her life. Nora grew throughout the book as she learned what it meant to be herself and fight for her family. Ridley was such a cool character and I loved his relationship with Nora’s children. He was so kind to them and I like how he kind of adopted them. Ridley had to learn to make mistakes and fight for what he wanted.
Nora and Ridley had a cute relationship. I liked how they became friends first and how they didn’t try to rush into anything. The romance was sweet and I liked the progression of their relationship. I was drawn into the story and I wanted to see what would happen to Nora and her kids and how Ridley and Nora would end up together. The kids really added to the story, they had to grow on me but it fit the book.
Windsong Manor was a lovely read! I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romances. Windsong Manor is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

"It would seem we were meant to be."

A fully enjoyable regency romance. It was a perfectly delightful read.
If not for a few complaints, the book would have been a worthy 5 star book.

There is an issue with titling. I couldn't get past "My lord duke"! When reading historical fiction, I think everyone likes accuracy. (No offense to the author, I know how easily is to get these things wrong.)
My other complaint is Edward. Geez, for the first half of the book, I thought he was somewhere around 17. Joke's on me, 'cause he's only 10. I mean, a 10 year-old does not talk like that, or anything. Maybe I don't get it? Maybe I was raised differently, but under no circumstance I could imagine that kid as just a 10 year old.

Except this, the book was actually good. It has great potential. And, I can't deny, a beautiful cover.


* I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*

Delightful story of discovering love between two broken souls! Ridley escaped his abusive older brother by running away at sixteen and had come unto his own by working hard and becoming a stable master. Nora had suffered her form of abuse from her deceased husband and continued to suffer under the influence of his solicitor who had been given control over her son, Edward, if Nora did not live up to the dictates of her husband's will. There is also a young girl, Nora's adoptive daughter, struggling to overcome the loss of her parents and a cruel older brother. Edward is a troubled boy, spoiled and unhappy. Ridley helps them all see their worth and slowly heal. I love a good story showing loves redemptive power!

Windsong Manor by Julie Wright was a beautiful story full of family, hopes, dreams, fears, and love. The writing was beautiful, and the story was so touching.

After her older husband dies, Nora is left to care for her young son, her husband’s natural daughter, and the lands her son inherited. As Nora faces these challenges, she comes to see her own worth and her own capabilities. She finds an unlikely friend in Ridley the stable hand who her children adore. The more Nora spends in Ridley’s company, the more she feels for Ridley.

Ridley had enjoyed his position of stable hand at Windsong Manor until Lord Coventry’s young widow moves into the manor with her young children. Her presence makes Ridley worry his past will catch up with up. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to make himself leave. He is drawn to the quiet, strong woman even though he should not being have these thoughts about his employer.

I loved watching Nora’s journey from timid, unsure wife to strong, independent widow. She was treated so poorly by both her parents and her husband that she didn’t really know who she was or what she wanted out of life. Nora’s relationship with Ridley was so well written. I loved how it progressed. Nora truly blossomed as she finally felt seen by Ridley.

Ridley was so dreamy. Nora isn’t sure what to make of him, but she knows he is something special, even if he is her stable hand. The forbidden romance vibe is strong, but Ridley and Nora can’t stop their feelings from developing. Ridley has a past that he has been running from for years. I loved seeing how Ridley dealt with his past.

Some of my favorite parts of this book are:
-Ridley teaching the children how to ride
-Every interaction between Ridley and Nora
-Ridley helping Edward learn how to be a baron
-Nora inviting Ridley to join her for tea in the drawing room
-Ridley and Nora’s secret early morning ride
-Ridley’s declaration of love to Nora
-Ridley’s reunion with his brother
-Edward and Lia telling their mother they loved Ridley
-Ridley and Nora speaking on the terrace

I loved this sweet book. Nora and Ridley both had past experiences and current circumstances that made finding love difficult. I thought Julie did a wonderful job developing the story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Julie Wright for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Windsong Manor coming out October 3, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry has a title and the privilege that comes from that, but not everything is as rosy as it seems. She was forced to wed at sixteen to a controlling and neglectful husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-six, the idea of choosing her own path forward both excites and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife, but she has no idea how to be herself.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband's country estate, where she meets Ridley Ellis, the young stable master, and a favorite among the staff at Windsong Manor. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust--Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

I’ve read a few books by this author and I really enjoy her sweet regency romances. This one was a little different for me. I thought a lot of the focus was on the children, especially her son who was a bit of a terror. The big reveal was a little obvious. It would’ve never worked otherwise. But I did enjoy the romance overall and I think Nora was deserving of a happy life after having to put up with her cruel husband.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys sweet regency romances with some drama.

I finished this regency romance yesterday and it was absolutely delightful!!

Windsong Manor by @scatteredjules

Lady Eleanora Coventry has been dealt a difficult life. Married off at sixteen to an older gentleman, her marriage one of verbal abuse and dismissal. Years later after the death of her late husband, she returns to Windsong Manor to raise her son. The country becomes a place of refuge as she navigates the restraints of her husband's will and the surprisingly helpful guidance of the mysterious stable hand.

I adored this book. Nora has so much strength and determination. I admired her ability to speak up for herself. Emotions were high in this story but goodness does she go through a lot!

The romance in this story was very well done. Love the forbidden romance vibes, the horses, the mystery, and the smacking society in the face. Both of them have big hearts and gentle souls. My favorite scene was near the end when Nora puts "someone" place. I was surprised she did that but I respected her SO much! You go girl! And hello swoony sweet moments!!

Lovely historical sweet romance! I highly recommend if you love this genre! This is a must read!

Windsong Manor publishes tomorrow!!

Thank you @scatteredjules
@shadowmountainpub @properromanceseries for my #giftedcopy. All thoughts and words are my own.

*Romance- kisses
*TW- assault, brief mention of childhood trauma, marriage difficulties

#historicalromance #juliewright #shadowmountain #properromance #horses #stables #countryside #regencyengland #singlemother #forcedproximity #windsongmanor #octobertbr #newrelease #octoberpub

Do you ever want to kick yourself for waiting so long to read a book? That's how I felt about this one.

This was a unique story set in Regency England. Knowing it was a clean romance was all I needed to know before starting to, so I didn't have any idea what the plot points were going to be. It starts off a little slow and gradually and beautifully builds to a most touching story, even if a little predictable. I was moved by the growth of all the characters.

I think Lia may have been my favorite character. Her emotions were well written. I could really seem to understand her trials.

I am not a stickler for historical accuracy in books, that's why it's called fiction to me. This may stretch some situations a bit , or maybe not, but nothing that caused me to be upset by them.

I thank Shadow Moutain Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. I am happy to leave an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Kept secrets, painful pasts, finding hope for the future.
Nora and Riley's stories converge at a turning point in both lives. With the threat of losing her son looming over her every action, will Nora find a way to find peace and resolve the issues at hand.
Ridley is a hard working stable hand. He can help Nora, but doing so will bring the law to his door.
Told with just enough humor and emotion, this story brings hope of redemption.

“I am in love with you. Not almost. Not possibly. But for a certainty…”

If you love historical romance, but need one that is more than just a story about two people falling love, more than just stolen glances and hidden blushes, more than fancy balls and gilded halls then I have the book for you! One that is whole lot of heart and soul. This one is filled with so much heart and tenderness and goodness. You’ll be swept up in the lives of a broken family, captivated by the gentleness of Ridley Ellis, inspired by Nora’s strength and perseverance. This truly was an incredible read. So much depth and insight. Character grow was inspiring. Loved everything about it.

This was a sweet and enjoyable read . It was at times predictable and I think there maybe a few historical inaccuracies but those didn’t impact my enjoyment of the overall story