Alexander Graham Bell once said that “when one door closes another door opens.” Â Wise words indeed! Â Unfortunately, many people spend so much time lamenting about the closed door that they are unable to see the potential opportunities which the open door presents. Â They are mired in regret and refuse to take a risk. Â Sad really- because it is the risk-takers who typically reap the grandest rewards. Â In Veronica Cline Barton’s novel The Crown for Castlewood Manor, we see just such a scenario. Â For lovers of suspense and mysteries which contain a very strong female protagonist who is willing to actually take such risks…this is the novel for you!
The story begins with our heroine Dr. Gemma Phillips having arrived at a dramatic crossroad in her life. Â Having just finished her Doctorate, she is uncertain about her next step in life. Â To make matters worse, she discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Â In a state of heartbreak and confusion she unexpectedly receives an offer from her cousin Evan overseas. Â He is hoping to recruit her assistance as he has entered his estate into a magnificent contest. Â A number of established English manors have been selected to take part in this contest which will see one of them be selected as the location for a British television series. Â Images of Downton Abbey are floating in Evan’s head and he desperately needs Gemma’s help.
Choosing to throw caution to the wind, Gemma takes up her cousin on his offer. Â After all, it will be an exciting adventure on the beautiful and serene English countryside… won’t it? Â What they all quickly discover however is that this contest is a virtual death match. Â Murders are frequently taking place and the victims are all contestants in the competition. Â Who could possibly be behind such evil deeds? Â It is under this deadly and foreboding cloud that Gemma has to get Cherrywood Hall ready to compete. Â Will she be successful in her quest? Â Or is she destined to be another victim who will soon join her ancestors in the belly of Cherrywood Hall?
I found this to be a truly wonderful novel which packs a very powerful punch. Â It has a little of everything in it. Â There is thrilling mystery, adventure, romance and even some paranormal elements sprinkled throughout the pages. Â The theme of strength and courage is cleverly supported by the exciting and mysterious nature of the story events. Â It is no exaggeration to say that the tale will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. Â It is full of suspense and intrigue and I found myself continually reading “one more chapter” to eagerly see what happens next. Â To engage the reader in this fashion should be the goal of any great author.
While the plot is entirely thrilling, there is more to this novel than just that. Â Barton has a wonderful flow to her writing which is beautiful and descriptive. Â She captures the setting of a lavish English manor exceptionally well. Â Her descriptions are full of intricate details about fashion, dining, architecture and the aristocracy. Â All of this is embedded within the main story and does not come across as forced or unnatural. Â I almost felt like I was being transported to the set of Downton Abbey. Â A entirely unique and mysterious one however!
In regards to the characters in The Crown for Castlewood Manor, there are quite a few. Â They are all quite interesting and developed in a way which supports the overall direction of the book. Â However, Dr. Gemma Phillips is the character who develops and grows the most by far. Â She is an extremely strong, brave and courageous female protagonist. Â Through the use of the First Person Point of View, the reader is able to access her thoughts and internal struggles as she grows in the novel. Â Also, the addition of Pippa and the paranormal elements in the story is a masterful stroke which makes for a fascinating connection. between American and British traditions in the Lancaster family.
Overall, I found this to be a top-notch novel which has something in it for almost anyone. Â Everything is carefully detailed and presented… and has an air of dignity to it. Â I give it my highest recommendation.
5 out of 5 Cozy Stars for this one!
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