Book Review: Adoring Abigail

 

Chalon Linton has a new Regency romance out called Adoring Abigail. (Isn't that a great cover?)

In it, we are introduced to a young woman named Abigail who has lost her parents, her brother has been sent to America, and her sister is in another town employed as a governess. She gets sent to a horrid grandmother and is so lonely, and that loneliness is compounded by her speech impediment which earns her scorn and ridicule and labels her as simple-minded. It is so sad to see how she is treated for something so small. The one bright spot in her life is her walks in the neighboring estate's gardens. It is during one of those walks that she meets the new owner, Mr. Robert Wilkins. He has returned from his duties in the military to his new role as an estate owner, but is unsure of how to go about everything. He finds a sweet friendship with Abigail that could turn into something more, and as he sees the reality of her situation, he wants to help. But there are forces all around them that would keep them apart and dastardly plans are afoot. Can Abigail and Robert overcome all to find their path to happiness and love?

I really enjoyed Robert's character. He is a worthy hero and he attempts to do right by those around him. He makes several mistakes and it was endearing to see how he handles the women in his life. I loved how he treated Abigail and their slow burn romance. The pacing was a little too slow in some places, which made the book easy to put down, but there were parts that could set your heart to racing that made up for it. Abigail is such a complicated character with what life has dealt her, but she soldiers on. I liked the similarities in how both her and Robert carried insecurities about their expectations for the rest of their lives and how they resolved it. Robert's mother and sister were wonderful characters as well, and the villain was definitely quite villainous---which makes it all the better when he receives his just desserts.

This was a sweet romance that will make your heart happy.

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Captain Robert Wilkins has never aspired to grandeur. So when the returned war hero unexpectedly inherits the vast estate of Cattersley from his great-aunt, he feels woefully inadequate in his new role. Out of place in his lavish surroundings, his first glimmer of hope comes when he happens upon a lovely trespasser in his gardens.

Words have never come easily for Abigail Rutherford, and she prefers the solitude of exploring the gardens at the neighboring country estate to engaging in uncomfortable conversation. But when she unexpectedly encounters Captain Robert Wilkins in her place of solace, she is surprised at the immediate ease she feels in his presence. Soon her brightest moments are those spent with the captain. But even as their friendship grows into something more, outside forces have other plans for the two. Mr. Mead, the handsome vicar, has also taken a liking to the quiet and timid Abigail—and he will stop at nothing to ensure she becomes his wife.