Tenant of Chesdene Manor
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Tenant of Chesdene Manor
by Alice Chetwynd Ley
Edition: ebook, ARC
Synopsis: A thrilling Regency Romance from a master of the genre! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Jane Austen.
Could a mysterious stranger be the answer to Diana’s prayers…?
1809, England
After the death of Sir Peter Chalfont his daughter, Diana, and her mother were left nearly penniless and at the mercy of their relative Sir Sidney, who inherited the Chalfont estate. Sir Sidney had no plans to retire to the countryside from his frivolous life in London and the women were allowed to remain at Chesdene Manor. But with no money for upkeep, the grand building soon fell into disrepair.
Intelligent and headstrong, Diana is determined to take her future into her own hands. She advertises for a tenant in the hope of supplying herself with an income. But who is the strange man who agrees to the lease? Why does he seem to have a particular interest in the building? And how long can Diana keep her home before the rakish Sir Sidney returns to claim it…?
TENANT OF CHESDENE MANOR is a classic Regency Romance by Alice Chetwynd Ley: a traditional British, historical adventure story with a twist of suspense and mystery, set during the Napoleonic Wars.
When a mysterious man becomes the tenant of Chesdyne Manor, Diana Chalfont is both relieved and delighted. Though the estate is owned by a cousin, the income will help support herself and her family. She goes to London with a friend, frequently encounters Mr. Christopher Richmond, and finds herself being pursued by the very cousin who inherited the title and estate at her father’s death.
I’ve begun to think of this author as a definite favorite of mine, ranking with Georgette Heyer. In this novel, we have Diana, who is a lively, practical young woman, who has seen her family’s fortune decline steadily. She knows her own mind and heart and does not encourage men’s attention just to make a good match.
The plot moves at a good pace. There is a secondary plot, a growing romance that is sweet and pleasant to read along with Diana’s story. It is easy to see through the twists of the plot, but it does not detrimental to the story.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy classic stories.
