Thomas arrived home from war prematurely due to an injury he requested his parents not to be informed of. Instead of surprising them, it was he who was surprised to find they had taken a trip abroad and would be gone for at least another month. Their dear and trusted butler, Dawson, was aptly running the estate. Thomas had been raised to treat the servants as family. He had rejected the many women perusing him, wanting to be a part of his wealth and station in society, because of their snobbery and lack of awareness of real life. He had no desire to seek a wife among those he knew. The horrors of the inhumanity of war haunting him, and the emptiness in the estate caused him to feel so alone. Energetically he tried to occupy his time by riding and participating in the menial labors alongside the servants, but he grew increasingly agitated. He needed meaning in his life!
Dawson approached him, distraught over a serious matter concerning Dawson's niece. Thomas formulated a plan to aid him and his niece without any one the wiser. Once Thomas met with Dawson's niece, plans changed and Thomas life took a whole new direction.
Thomas formulated a plan to successfully deceive the Manor's staff. He would be living in the Cottage in the country for awhile. He left a note for his parents, telling him of his early return, then of his decision to go to the Cottage for a long visit. His time at the Cottage was very memorable, but of course, when his parents returned, they immediately insisted on joining their only son at the Cottage. After they received a surprisingly delightful homecoming with their son, they all returned to the Manor to continue life and responsibilities there. Little did anyone know what turn of events would happen next.
The characters were very realistically developed. The reader felt a part of the various scenes . Each chapter led into the next in a manner, the reader found very difficult to put the book down before continuing on to the next one. It kept the reader engrossed as the plot steadily moved along and grew in momentum, with a surprise ending.
This was a very well written novel, as is the case with most all of Anita Stanfield's books.
Hopefully, this is a first in a series. Although it is written in a fashion to be a stand alone, it also leaves the reader wanting this story to continue.
*This book was gifted me but I am in no way obligated to post a positive review.
This is definitely a Five Stars rated story. ( )

Title: The Heir of Brownlie Manor
Author: Anita Stansfield
Pages: 288
Year: 2016
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
My rating is 4 stars.
Ruth Dawson has left her employment as a servant in a well-to-do household. She decided to do so after discovering the man who had promised her marriage has left town with another woman, leaving Ruth in desperate straits. She appeals to her uncle for help as he has promised her family to help whenever possible. Her uncle is a butler for Thomas Fitzbatten and his parents in the family manor house. Her uncle brings to problem to Thomas who readily agrees to help Ruth.
Thomas has recently returned from war with Napoleon and longs to settle down to a quiet life on the family estate, but has terrible memories from the war that pursue him. He is restless and longs to feel useful. When his butler brings the problem of his niece to the attention of Thomas, he feels a new purpose for his life. He prays about the situation and answers God’s call obediently to help Ruth more than she ever dreamed possible.
This is a wonderful love story that shows respect for one another, patience, compassion and much more. There is also an intriguing mystery to keep readers interested. Mysteries are one of my favorite genres along with historical fiction books set in the early 1800s, so I was pleased that this story had both elements and didn’t disappoint! The commitment of the characters to their faith was one thing I especially liked. I hope this author continues to write more novels set in this time period as I will be sure to read them!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

Thomas arrived home from war prematurely due to an injury he requested his parents not to be informed of. Instead of surprising them, it was he who was surprised to find they had taken a trip abroad and would be gone for at least another month. Their dear and trusted butler, Dawson, was aptly running the estate. Thomas had been raised to treat the servants as family. He had rejected the many women perusing him, wanting to be a part of his wealth and station in society, because of their snobbery and lack of awareness of real life. He had no desire to seek a wife among those he knew. The horrors of the inhumanity of war haunting him, and the emptiness in the estate caused him to feel so alone. Energetically he tried to occupy his time by riding and participating in the menial labors alongside the servants, but he grew increasingly agitated. He needed meaning in his life!
Dawson approached him, distraught over a serious matter concerning Dawson's niece. Thomas formulated a plan to aid him and his niece without any one the wiser. Once Thomas met with Dawson's niece, plans changed and Thomas life took a whole new direction.
Thomas formulated a plan to successfully deceive the Manor's staff. He would be living in the Cottage in the country for awhile. He left a note for his parents, telling him of his early return, then of his decision to go to the Cottage for a long visit. His time at the Cottage was very memorable, but of course, when his parents returned, they immediately insisted on joining their only son at the Cottage. After they received a surprisingly delightful homecoming with their son, they all returned to the Manor to continue life and responsibilities there. Little did anyone know what turn of events would happen next.
The characters were very realistically developed. The reader felt a part of the various scenes . Each chapter led into the next in a manner, the reader found very difficult to put the book down before continuing on to the next one. It kept the reader engrossed as the plot steadily moved along and grew in momentum, with a surprise ending.
This was a very well written novel, as is the case with most all of Anita Stanfield's books.
Hopefully, this is a first in a series. Although it is written in a fashion to be a stand alone, it also leaves the reader wanting this story to continue.
*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given. ( )