Maggie stood in the wind of the storm waiting for Eliot. Walter Doyle stood watching her only knowing he loved her. Maggie knew she was pregnant with Eliot’s child and lost. Walter saved her from the wind and water and gave her his name. Maggie and Walter had a daughter they named Libby.
Libby was a free spirit who loved bright colors and flowers and above all butterflies. Maggie and Walter struggled to raise her. She was different—quiet and solitary. She spoke little but painted abundantly. Others teased her—except Oliver.
Heather came from Portland, Oregon, to Bibury in the Cotswolds to close up and sell her father’s house. Walter and she had been distant for years and had not reconciled before he died. He’d not approved when she eloped and married Jeffrey—a marriage that ended after six years. Now all she had was memories and her daughter, Ella.
Three women—all harboring secrets—all seeking forgiveness and redemption. Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor is a fabulous British romance told first from Maggie’s perspective in the 1950s and then from Heather’s in the present. The writing is evocative and powerful—the characters complex and strong. And tying them all together is steadfast, loyal Walter Doyle.
You’ll want to read their stories—and see the flowers—and dance with the butterflies. Melanie Dobson has created a wonderful world for her characters to reside in. You’ll be there as you read. Five stars!
Melanie Dobson has written fourteen historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels. Two of her novels won Carol Awards in 2011. Formerly the corporate publicity manager for Focus on the Family, Melanie now lives with her husband, Jon, and two daughters near Portland, Oregon. Learn more about Melanie and her books at her website, www.MelanieDobson.com.
To purchase this book, click the link: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor: A Novel
Howard Books and the Litfuse Publicity Group graciously gave me a copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor in exchange for my candid review.