Title: Lily of the Manor
Author: Anita Stansfield
Pages: 272
Year: 2017
Publisher: Covenant Communications
My rating is 4 stars out of 5.
Lily Broadbent is a wealthy widow who has adopted 11 orphan children. She would pray before entering an orphanage as to whom she should adopt and leave the rest to God. She needs of a tutor for her brood and Frederick Woodstone needs a tutoring position. He journeys to Broadbent Manor, hoping to get the job and to start immediately so he doesn’t have to pay another night’s rent at the local inn as his funds are rapidly dwindling. He meets Lily and is struck by her very different appearance. She puts him at ease and lets him know she is used to getting looked at. He and she strike up an instant rapport and he is hired on the spot. He begins the next day with Lily observing his methods of teaching as well as discipline for her children. She is most impressed with how Frederick interacts with and encourages her children.
As the story progresses, Lily and Frederick spend time together talking foremost about each of the children and their progress in the classroom, but eventually they begin talking about other things. Frederick is surprised at how quickly he has grown to love the children almost as if they were his own. He looks forward to teaching them each day and misses them when he is apart from them. He is also surprised to discover that his feelings for his employer go beyond friendship. When they discover an abused boy, Lily is determined to save him. She takes risks that worry Frederick.
The only negative I have with this story is that the pace was too slow. I did, however, truly enjoy the two main characters who were so selfless, compassionate, gracious and God-fearing. God was the center of their lives and living out their beliefs was evident. Forgiveness was another theme evident in the story. Their ability to be so comfortable with each other from the beginning was another thing I liked. I wish I could visit Broadbent Manor as it sounded so appealing. The setting for the story was described so well that I felt I was in the story. It is always nice to read a good, clean romance with God at the center.
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.” ( )

Although somewhat predictable, Lily of the Manor has enough twists to make it intriguing. It is a great historical romance with strong moral situations which is uplifting and captivating for the reader.
A young widow moves forward, after her husband's death, to bring hope and joy to a few, and offers charitable gifts to others. In doing so, she brings joy and solace to herself and true meaning in her own life.
I recommend this book to all, especially those grieving or seeking meaning in his or her own life. The gift of self is the greatest gift one can give.
The characters are very real and mostly endearing. The scenes are depicted in a manor easily visualized. The Title and Book Cover were chosen very well. The writing was done very well. The story had a smooth, steady flow. It was among one of Anita Stansfield's best stories.
This is a story of charitable service, love, unselfishness, forgiveness, grief, and unconditional love.
*This was gifted to me with no suggestion for a positive review. This is my honest review. ( )