Emma Smallwood, a reserved and scholarly woman, accompanies her father to a remote estate on the coast of Devon to tutor the younger sons of a baronet. Within the walls of Ewan Manor, Emma reunites with two former pupils, the charismatic Phillip and the brooding Henry Weston, while encountering strange occurrences that suggest the house holds secrets. She navigates the strict social hierarchies of the Regency era while investigating mysterious footprints, missing documents, and late-night disturbances. The narrative follows her attempt to secure her family’s future amidst local smuggling operations and the complex rivalries between the Weston brothers.
This novel serves readers of historical fiction who appreciate the intersection of Jane Austen’s social observations and the atmospheric tension of Victorian gothic mysteries. It appeals to those seeking a story where faith and moral integrity guide characters through personal scandals and family betrayals. Readers find a protagonist who values intelligence over social status and gain a detailed look at the life of an educated woman in nineteenth-century England. The book provides a resolution rooted in forgiveness and the restoration of familial trust.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2013
- Language
- EN
