This was such an enjoyable story! Well told and with a lovely and perfectly happy ending. There were times when this book was difficult or read, as Nora feels trapped and powerless. But reading the story of her finding her own inner strength was so satisfying!

Be ready for a third act break up (is there a better term for that when one is discussing a regency era historical book?)

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thought this was a great love story and a really sweet book about finding love again. To be honest, I wish she had gotten married when she was 20 and then met Ridley at 30 or older since 25 still felt so young and her getting married so young just sounded so icky to think about. I also wish it was clearer from the beginning how old the children were. Her son sucked for so long and I thought the daughter was a baby. Having said that I thought the story was really sweet and enjoyed the book!

A really fun read!! The only thing I didn't love was that I felt like the story was spread too thin between the kids and the romance. And although they did have immediate connection and attraction I felt like the process of falling in love felt a little clunky. I did like everything else though!!

I’m always there for anything by Julie Wright. This was a sweet second chance romance.

Nora was a young widow trying to get her sense of self back after being married to a cruel and demeaning husband. When she sees her young son beginning to be just as mean and cruel as his father she is determined to change that.

Moving away from London to their country home they meet Ridley, a stable worker who works wonders with the children as well as winning Nora’s heart.

Because of the disparity in their social situations their relationship is one of risk.

I enjoyed this story and the great character arcs. I would definitely recommend.

Windsong Manor is a sweet story with likable characters. The main characters didn’t let their rank dictate their lives. They tried to be the best people they could be and help those under their care. I was a bit surprised at how easily Nora moved away from what was proper and expected of a Baroness though. Those restrictions had bound her for so long that she must have had enough when she saw the happiness that could come outside the lines. Ridley’s background wasn’t a surprise, but it was good to find out the details.

The ending was somewhat rushed with a quick resolution, but I did appreciate getting a happy ending.

Couldn't put it down. The tension in all corners of Nora's life was so palpable and I was so thoroughly invested in all of the characters... it was a definite page turner for me.


SPOILERS

My only issue was at the very end. Nora seemed to solve her problem herself, then it was indicated that no, it was solved for her, as a means of reconciliation. Personally, I would have preferred her to have fixed things based on her own merit and tireless efforts. I think it takes something away from the story when a long concealed title rises to the surface and fixes all the problems.

And while that's a pet peeve of mine, it did little to diminish my enjoyment. Loved this story and continue to love what this author creates. Can't wait for the next!

As a whole this book was good.
There were some things I had a harder time with, but not enough to dislike the book overall.
I didn’t love the book as much as I had hoped, but that could be on me. (Wrong timing, wrong expectations, etc.)
This is a slow burn, second chance at life and love kind of story.

Nora was forced into a horrid relationship until her husband died. Then she moved with her kids to her husband’s estate…where she met a heart pitter-pattering, swoon worthy, horse groomer. (And I’m sure you know what role he plays in the book. 🙈)
Ridley the horse groomer really was marvelous. And he has a past of his own.
He’s good with the children and kind.
I really liked him.
I just felt like things were slightly disjointed or choppy at points. 🤷🏼‍♀️
Overall, a good, new spin on a regency.

London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but it doesn’t prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. After his death, Nora decides to move her children to her late husband’s estate in the country, and it is there that she meets the ruggedly handsome, Ridley, the young stable master.

I struggled with liking Eleanora. I didn’t connect with her and yes, I commend her for trying to find who she was, but unfortunately, I didn’t connect with what she found. However, I did like Ridley and his kindness. I felt this storyline though not new simply didn’t do much for me. I like this author, but the last two novels that I have read from her have been struggles to like for me, personally. Windsong Manor simply didn’t sparkle as much as I would’ve liked it to have.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Okay, love love love! This book was so good and I enjoyed it so much!

Nora is an incredible character! She goes through so much and I loved how she rallied and continued to push forward. She found herself through her trials.

Ridley is wonderful! He’s kind and caring and loving. He has also had a hard life, but his true character never changed through it all. I loved seeing him fall in love with Nora and with the children.

Nora and Ridley and Edward and Lia are all just so good together! They went through real struggles and came out on top. Just so good!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All my opinions are my own.

This book is a slow burn; but it’s not the only thing it is; it’s a story of self discovery; finding identity, family, parenting, values and much more.

I loved it so much that I started writing the review halfway through the book, which I have never done before. it’s one of those rare book, I will read again! Nora & Ridley ; you get to know them as individuals first! Strong; kind; and facing challenges at first and then joining force and facing them together.

Ridley is a stable-hand with a mysterious past and Nora a widow & mother struggling to raise her children and run the estate.

The ending seemed a bit predictable but heartwarming anyway; eloquent dialogues are a cherry on the cake! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in return of an honest review.

This story was a fun one! It definitely had a different style than your typical regency romance which made it a refreshing a read. First off, horses. 😍 And Ridley. He was the best and how he interacted with the children was just so…sigh.

The kids were pretty awful but that was the point.

Nora was a relatable and strong character even if she, herself, felt weak in a world full of men who controlled her.

The plot was a fun one in itself but seeing each individual growth of the characters was what made it for me. I did question how old the characters were and didn’t find out until late into the book.

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

There's a lot of potential in this story, with solid framework for character, conflict, and plot. I was interested to discover how the leads would come together, and I cared about the children's growth, especially the troubled Edward — honestly, his was the most compelling arc for me! However, even with everything perfectly set up, the actual reading of the story fell flat for me. The writing was stiff and awkward, wordy not in a flowery way but in a "there are too many words for this to read naturally" way, with complete sentences that felt unnecessary, like padding for word count. Small details of how people spoke and interacted also felt unnatural for people of their station, situation, and period (example: the repeated misuse of the word "natural" in regards to legitimacy). Overall, it's still a likable story, but it's a story that deserved more nuance in the telling.

My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice read but a little clumsy.
I am not always a fan of children in historical romance, and this case is no different. The main characters never felt connected in the way I would like. However, the romance was sweet and there were some redeeming moments.
There were a lot of historical inaccuracies that pulled me out of the reading experience. I also felt like the writing itself was a little unpolished, but maybe that is because I read an ARC. It is possible the published book will be better.
Not my favorite, but overall well done.

Star Rating: 2.5/5
Tropes: Single parent, class differences
CW: Toxic relationship, death

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nora as seven and twenty, face a new reality. Her older and cruel husband has died. But before it, he has made her tied to his commands one more time. In order to face better her responsabilities, helping her children and focus on who she really is, she moves to Windsong Manor, the country state of her late husband, along with her daughter and son, who are a source of worry and sadness for her.
There she met Ridley Ellis, the handsome young stable hand, whom she at first find a bit annoying. But constantly in his presence and knowing how he treats people around him, her children included, Nora become drawn to him, finding a friend and later a man who she thinks is posssible to share her life with. But could it be possible.?The thruth is that she is Lady Coventry and he has not a title in his possesion. But his manners and behavior says something different.
Ridley Ellis loves horses and they love him. He is best known as the best horses trainer in the Country.. But where he comes from or who their family are, are details that he keep with reservation and not without a good reason. That´s why he stays in Windsong Manor, far of London Society. But the day Lady Coventry arrives he is quite smitten with her. And when circunstances takes them to spend time together and he slowly falls for her, he starts questioning if he would share his secret and his heart with her or if he will stay quiet. He is a stable hand and she is a Lady of rank, and society would not see their relationship with good eyes.
Will Eleonora and Ridley fight for their love or will they swept away by the shadows and secrets of their past?

I have enjoyed this book from the beginning, the very first page. You can feel Nora´s strugglings and want to turn every page in order to know how she will overcome her past, present and face her future. And I like a lot Ridley, his retorts to his cruel stable master, his kindness and to know about his past and secret. Julie Wright is a favorite author of mine and I would recommend to read this book and all of hers.

I loved this book! Everything felt just right and it was wonderful. The way the characters evolved was amazing to read. I went from disliking one to adoring him. I love how Nora found her voice and how Ridley uplifted everyone around him. All in all, a fantastic book that I will definitely buy.

*I received a review copy from Shadow Mountain. All thoughts are my own.*

I loved this beautiful story of a widow under the thumb of a wicked solicitor who just wanted a haven to raise her son and her husband's daughter.

This is a story of resilience and determination, This is a strong women who doesn't know she is strong who has to tap into that strength and go mama bear on the world. This is also a story of a woman who gets a second chance at love but can't pursue it due to a difference in station. All is not as it seems in the world of Windsong Manor.

The stable master teaches the young heir how to be a good master. He shows a quiet strength and respect for women,

This story is well written and had me absorbed in the wonderfulness that is this story, I love Regencies and I love more when I can find one that has a new twist and a new story to all the old tropes. It is well-written, swoony and like I said, has a strong main character that is a treasure of a woman. I hated the villain, he was easy to hate,

And when secrets came to light, I found myself cheering as well as screaming at characters who were not using their good sense, This is a fabulous book and should be read again.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review,

Windsong Manor was such a sweet story. At times, I had to suspend reality, as the story didn't quite seem realistic considering its time period, but that didn't stop me rooting for its protagonists, Eleanora and Ridley. I just wanted happiness for them both. Thankfully, they found it.

Clean, sweet, romantic and resilient, Windsong Manor is a very satisfying Proper Romance. The story has a clear direction and few surprises, so you know you’re heading toward a grand HEA, but it’s a very enjoyable journey.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Julie Wright has the ability to capture the humanity of hearts struggling to do the right thing. Nora is a widowed woman, but still bound by the harshness of her late husband’s demands through his will. His approach to raise his son is not what Nora wants for Edward. She misses her sweet boy, but still sees glimpses under the stern manner he’s adopted. The calming presence of the stable and horses is one of the best settings for this story. I love how Ridley works to teach Edward life lessons to make a respectable lord. Lia says it perfectly, a man who is gentle is better than a gentleman. I did enjoy the romance of Nora and Ridley and how he assisted with the children. Honor, respect, and integrity are central themes throughout the book and are woven into all aspects in a compelling manner. I found myself pondering the wisdom and truth shared in scenes. I would absolutely recommend this to all who enjoy regency romance as well as profound truths regarding the condition of the human heart.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I enjoyed this book. It had a bit of a slower start to it but once I got past that, it was much more intriguing. I loved the different storyline. It’s not often that I read a regency novel with a widower with children. It was a refreshing change.

I thought the storyline was great and I thought the author did a good job of not letting things drag out for too long. I loved Mr. Ellis and I loved his relationship with the kids. I’m glad we got to experience that part of him.

I somewhat expected the plot twist with him but it was enjoyable to discover anyway. The ending was exactly what I wanted and sometimes it’s nice to read a book with that kind of ending.