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The Shackleford Legacies #1
Jennifer
From the highly acclaimed author of The Shackleford Sisters, Beverley Watts, comes an exciting new series featuring the next generation.
The Shackleford Legacies are a delightful dance of romance, humour, mystery and fun...
Lady Jennifer Sinclair is halfway through her second season and thoroughly disillusioned with the marriage mart. After one discretion too many, the headstrong only daughter of the powerful Duke of Blackmore finds herself on the way to Scotland in the company of her older brother Peter who’s been tasked by his father to inspect the family estate north of the border. Once at Caerlaverock, the Duke’s estate on the shores of Loch Lomond, Jennifer is surprised to discover an unexpected sense of peace.
But that peace is not to last…
Brendon Galbraith, last of the disgraced Clan Galbraith has high hopes of becoming the next steward to Caerlaverock. But though penniless and very nearly homeless, he has another, more important reason to wish for the Duke of Blackmore’s patronage.
After accidentally discovering a terrible secret, Brendon realises the only person who can possibly help him is the Duke of Blackmore himself. Desperately awaiting Nicholas Sinclair’s forthcoming visit, the discovery that the Duke has sent his son and heir instead is a bitter blow. However, it quickly becomes clear that Peter Sinclair is every bit his father’s son and has no intention of running from the challenge presented by the shocking truths Brendon is forced to reveal.
But in the end, it’s the unanticipated arrival of the Duke’s beautiful, wilful daughter that proves Brendon’s biggest headache, especially as Jennifer Sinclair very quickly disabuses him of the notion that she has any intention of running from the forthcoming challenge either…
Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humour and a little bit of steam...
The Shackleford Legacies are a delightful dance of romance, humour, mystery and fun...
Lady Jennifer Sinclair is halfway through her second season and thoroughly disillusioned with the marriage mart. After one discretion too many, the headstrong only daughter of the powerful Duke of Blackmore finds herself on the way to Scotland in the company of her older brother Peter who’s been tasked by his father to inspect the family estate north of the border. Once at Caerlaverock, the Duke’s estate on the shores of Loch Lomond, Jennifer is surprised to discover an unexpected sense of peace.
But that peace is not to last…
Brendon Galbraith, last of the disgraced Clan Galbraith has high hopes of becoming the next steward to Caerlaverock. But though penniless and very nearly homeless, he has another, more important reason to wish for the Duke of Blackmore’s patronage.
After accidentally discovering a terrible secret, Brendon realises the only person who can possibly help him is the Duke of Blackmore himself. Desperately awaiting Nicholas Sinclair’s forthcoming visit, the discovery that the Duke has sent his son and heir instead is a bitter blow. However, it quickly becomes clear that Peter Sinclair is every bit his father’s son and has no intention of running from the challenge presented by the shocking truths Brendon is forced to reveal.
But in the end, it’s the unanticipated arrival of the Duke’s beautiful, wilful daughter that proves Brendon’s biggest headache, especially as Jennifer Sinclair very quickly disabuses him of the notion that she has any intention of running from the forthcoming challenge either…
Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humour and a little bit of steam...
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
1582 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Watts
47 books251 followersBeverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 1, 2025
She found her love in Scotland
I absolutely loved Jennifer and Brendon’s story. Jennifer has never conformed to the tons dictate and when she criticized a male member of the ton, her parents knew it was time they did something.
Since the Duke was sending his heir Peter to his estate in Scotland it was decided that Jennifer along with Malcolm, Felicity and the Reverend accompany them.
Brendon has an interview for the stewardship of the Dukes estate but he needs to tell him why he left his last position. When he sits down with the Dukes son Peter and Malcolm he explains everything.
This is a wonderfully intriguing book with a beautiful ending.
I absolutely loved Jennifer and Brendon’s story. Jennifer has never conformed to the tons dictate and when she criticized a male member of the ton, her parents knew it was time they did something.
Since the Duke was sending his heir Peter to his estate in Scotland it was decided that Jennifer along with Malcolm, Felicity and the Reverend accompany them.
Brendon has an interview for the stewardship of the Dukes estate but he needs to tell him why he left his last position. When he sits down with the Dukes son Peter and Malcolm he explains everything.
This is a wonderfully intriguing book with a beautiful ending.
July 23, 2025
Ms. Watts continues her wit in the next generation of Shacklefords in the Legacies. If you read the Shackleford sisters, then who else would you expect to kick off this "sure to be" Legacy series? We knew before the first line that The Duke and Duchess of Blackmore's eldest daughter, Jennifer, would bring the spice and laughter we had come to adore in the sisters' series.
Of course, the Reverend, even now as grandfather, would find a way to get into a pickle, but help save the day in the end. When Grace and Nick's eldest offends one of their guests at the dinner table, a Lord, no less, Nick knows he must do something. Amid The Season, within minutes, her behaviour would spread through the ton like wildfire, and finding her a suitable match had already proven to be nearly impossible; now this! Dear Lord, she was definitely a Shackleford!
As it happened, Peter, her brother and heir to the dukedom, was readying himself for his first ducal responsibility alone. His father was entrusting him to oversee the replacement of a steward at their estate in Scotland. Perfect! Jennifer would be sent along, except she would need chaperones. Of course, Malcomb would accompany Peter, anyway, so it would simply be Felicity.
As the familiar names enter the story, we need not wonder long when the dear Reverend will come upon the scene, and of course, he does.
When they arrive at Caerlaverock, it seems this will be an easy test for the young heir. The long-time and loyal steward has lined up the perfect replacement for an interview. What could possibly go wrong? A Shackleford female, the Reverend Augustus Shackleford, his tiny dog, Flossy and some havey-cavey activity surrounding the estate. Add a crotchety old Scotsman, who cares nothing for the Sassenachs (Englishmen) who, in his mind, stole his family's land; it matters not that they paid a pretty penny for it to his ancestors. An evil neighbour, kidnapping and misusing very young foundlings; throw in one handsome Scotsman, who is only seeking an interview and possibly a bit of help from the Duke; a rather large Irish wolfhound named Fergus; thousands of midges that come out soon after dusk and the only thing missing for another outrageous Shackleford adventure is Percy, who is minding the parishioners back home.
As expected, Ms Watts introduces some truly evil villains, who are thankfully killed off fairly quickly, and this doesn't take up too much of the main storyline. However, it does give the story a purpose, drawing the hero and heroine together quickly and making their romance believable.
If you love the Shackleford Sisters you will love the Legacies.
Of course, the Reverend, even now as grandfather, would find a way to get into a pickle, but help save the day in the end. When Grace and Nick's eldest offends one of their guests at the dinner table, a Lord, no less, Nick knows he must do something. Amid The Season, within minutes, her behaviour would spread through the ton like wildfire, and finding her a suitable match had already proven to be nearly impossible; now this! Dear Lord, she was definitely a Shackleford!
As it happened, Peter, her brother and heir to the dukedom, was readying himself for his first ducal responsibility alone. His father was entrusting him to oversee the replacement of a steward at their estate in Scotland. Perfect! Jennifer would be sent along, except she would need chaperones. Of course, Malcomb would accompany Peter, anyway, so it would simply be Felicity.
As the familiar names enter the story, we need not wonder long when the dear Reverend will come upon the scene, and of course, he does.
When they arrive at Caerlaverock, it seems this will be an easy test for the young heir. The long-time and loyal steward has lined up the perfect replacement for an interview. What could possibly go wrong? A Shackleford female, the Reverend Augustus Shackleford, his tiny dog, Flossy and some havey-cavey activity surrounding the estate. Add a crotchety old Scotsman, who cares nothing for the Sassenachs (Englishmen) who, in his mind, stole his family's land; it matters not that they paid a pretty penny for it to his ancestors. An evil neighbour, kidnapping and misusing very young foundlings; throw in one handsome Scotsman, who is only seeking an interview and possibly a bit of help from the Duke; a rather large Irish wolfhound named Fergus; thousands of midges that come out soon after dusk and the only thing missing for another outrageous Shackleford adventure is Percy, who is minding the parishioners back home.
As expected, Ms Watts introduces some truly evil villains, who are thankfully killed off fairly quickly, and this doesn't take up too much of the main storyline. However, it does give the story a purpose, drawing the hero and heroine together quickly and making their romance believable.
If you love the Shackleford Sisters you will love the Legacies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
5 STARS, HISTORICAL DRAMA & ROMANCE
5 STARS for Book 1 in this wonderful & exciting Series: The Shackleford Legacies. Good BLURB provided. The characters were great & some could be found in another of this authors previous series. I really enjoyed this read.
This was a quirky yet endearing storyline that still kept some of the flavor of the prior series: The Shackleford Sisters which is the foundation for this one as far as main title characters.
Jennifer is sent to Scotland with her brother the Duke's heir. They find a horrible situation going on & decide to help. A new steward is hired for the huge estate. Jennifer finds she feels free here in the Highlands.
Will she find a man, well the Reverend is with her & her brother as well as Malcolm & his wife? Will she end up like her mother & aunts tying her garter in the public? You can't miss this crazy read besides the usual hijinks something heartbreaking & tragic is discovered & must be stopped.
I could not put this book down.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS for Book 1 in this wonderful & exciting Series: The Shackleford Legacies. Good BLURB provided. The characters were great & some could be found in another of this authors previous series. I really enjoyed this read.
This was a quirky yet endearing storyline that still kept some of the flavor of the prior series: The Shackleford Sisters which is the foundation for this one as far as main title characters.
Jennifer is sent to Scotland with her brother the Duke's heir. They find a horrible situation going on & decide to help. A new steward is hired for the huge estate. Jennifer finds she feels free here in the Highlands.
Will she find a man, well the Reverend is with her & her brother as well as Malcolm & his wife? Will she end up like her mother & aunts tying her garter in the public? You can't miss this crazy read besides the usual hijinks something heartbreaking & tragic is discovered & must be stopped.
I could not put this book down.
RECOMMENDED
May 7, 2025
Basically a sequel to the “Shackleford Sisters”, only now their children are grown up and entering the marriage mart. Of course Reverend still is up to old shenanigans when he embroils himself into whatever situation he feels he’s being lead by the Almighty. Though he feels his age, it doesn’t stop him from charging forward if he feels it’s the Lord’s path he’s suppose to follow …. Between the Shackleford Sisters and now his grandchildren, it appears there’s no rest for the weary as the Shackleford legacy of being impetuous, nosy, and brilliantly lucky. Can’t wait for the entire series to be available.
August 18, 2025
a beautiful story
A hellacious situation for children but a wonderful ending. This is the beginning of the next generation. I truly loved the Shackleford sisters books and highly suggest you read them in order first. They are funny and serious. I personally enjoy reading while listening to audiobooks. In truth it makes it easier to follow the Scottish brogue. This is a cute romance with a self confident non traditional female and an honorable Scottish male. And then there is the aging Reverend.
A hellacious situation for children but a wonderful ending. This is the beginning of the next generation. I truly loved the Shackleford sisters books and highly suggest you read them in order first. They are funny and serious. I personally enjoy reading while listening to audiobooks. In truth it makes it easier to follow the Scottish brogue. This is a cute romance with a self confident non traditional female and an honorable Scottish male. And then there is the aging Reverend.
October 29, 2024
Do you know what - I've always avoided Regency style romances as I thought they were very similar to Mills and Boon type reads - But I found I really enjoyed Jennifer, so much so I've already downloaded Mercedes onto my Kindle.
It took a while to become accustomed to reading in the Scottish dialect but once I had I flew through the pages. Whilst it has all the elements of romance and some serious moments, it's filled with fun, humour and some great characterisations.
It took a while to become accustomed to reading in the Scottish dialect but once I had I flew through the pages. Whilst it has all the elements of romance and some serious moments, it's filled with fun, humour and some great characterisations.
July 17, 2025
I was so sad when the outrageous, somewhat scandalous and often silly escapades of the Shackleford Family came to an end...
Then I discovered there is a new series of Shackleford legacies following the granddaughters of the reverend and his children!!!
Jennifer is the daughter of Grace, her story takes her to the Scottish Highlands. It was hard to get into the Scottish accents at first but the story is gripping, daring and funny all at once!!
Happy that the Shacklefords are back!!!!
Then I discovered there is a new series of Shackleford legacies following the granddaughters of the reverend and his children!!!
Jennifer is the daughter of Grace, her story takes her to the Scottish Highlands. It was hard to get into the Scottish accents at first but the story is gripping, daring and funny all at once!!
Happy that the Shacklefords are back!!!!
August 17, 2025
Light and Fun
The Shackleford saga continues with the grandchildren coming of age. Again, Beverly Watts manages to create a world of opportunity for romance and hijinks.
In this story she introduces Dougal. He is the Scottish version of The Reverend. The interaction between the two characters is as funny as The Reverend and Percy from prior stories.
When you need to escape the current reality, the Shacklefords are a fun distraction.
The Shackleford saga continues with the grandchildren coming of age. Again, Beverly Watts manages to create a world of opportunity for romance and hijinks.
In this story she introduces Dougal. He is the Scottish version of The Reverend. The interaction between the two characters is as funny as The Reverend and Percy from prior stories.
When you need to escape the current reality, the Shacklefords are a fun distraction.
June 22, 2024
A Laugh-Out-Loud Series
I have read many regency series’ over the years and I can say with much certainty that there has never been a more entertaining duo than the likes of the Reverend and his side-kick Percy. What’s more, for the dog lovers out there, a surprising second duo will form . Highly recommended this series! Get ready to LOL!!
I have read many regency series’ over the years and I can say with much certainty that there has never been a more entertaining duo than the likes of the Reverend and his side-kick Percy. What’s more, for the dog lovers out there, a surprising second duo will form . Highly recommended this series! Get ready to LOL!!
June 30, 2024
I enjoyed this better than Anthony’s story
this still had a bit of love at first sight but still had a great storyline and interesting characters. It is set in the beautiful lock Lomand area of scotland. it progresses the story through the children of the original characters. Good read
this still had a bit of love at first sight but still had a great storyline and interesting characters. It is set in the beautiful lock Lomand area of scotland. it progresses the story through the children of the original characters. Good read
August 4, 2024
Fabulous!
Another fabulous book by Beverley Watts.
Having read and enjoyed the Shackleford series, I was keen to read book one of The Shackleford Legacies series. I was not disappointed.
A fantastic and hilarious story that will keep you wanting to turn each page, I highly recommend this book.
Another fabulous book by Beverley Watts.
Having read and enjoyed the Shackleford series, I was keen to read book one of The Shackleford Legacies series. I was not disappointed.
A fantastic and hilarious story that will keep you wanting to turn each page, I highly recommend this book.
October 6, 2024
Good
I enjoyed the book. Having read the first set of Shackelfords I was excited to read about the children. The hardest thing was reading the Scottish language. I commend Ms. Watts for authenticity but it slowed my reading considerably. Loved Dougal and Rev Shackelfords back and forth. Not as much romance as I had hoped but still a good read.
I enjoyed the book. Having read the first set of Shackelfords I was excited to read about the children. The hardest thing was reading the Scottish language. I commend Ms. Watts for authenticity but it slowed my reading considerably. Loved Dougal and Rev Shackelfords back and forth. Not as much romance as I had hoped but still a good read.
October 20, 2024
I was ecstatic to get back to Shackleford (ee Sinclair) family and another book by this author has not disappointed! Despite thousands of books being published every year (which I read aprox 250 per year) it is very hard to find one with so much joy, laughter, romance and passion - in perfect balance!
April 5, 2025
Jennifer
This is another book of Beverley' s that I thoroughly enjoyed! I the banter between the characters. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Jennifer's grandfather and Brandon' s father. A book that can make you laugh out loud is the best. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This is another book of Beverley' s that I thoroughly enjoyed! I the banter between the characters. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Jennifer's grandfather and Brandon' s father. A book that can make you laugh out loud is the best. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
November 25, 2025
Cute and Unexpected
I read this book as part of a reading challenge and expected it to be a period romance. The romance was surprisingly a small side story while the main story was one of intrigue and adventure. I liked how the characters came together to solve the problem at hand. A light and fun read!
I read this book as part of a reading challenge and expected it to be a period romance. The romance was surprisingly a small side story while the main story was one of intrigue and adventure. I liked how the characters came together to solve the problem at hand. A light and fun read!
June 20, 2024
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed this first instalment in the new series of the Shackleford family. This series looks to be as entertaining as the first. I cannot wait to see what mishaps arise for the younger generation of the Reverend Shackleford’s family.
I really enjoyed this first instalment in the new series of the Shackleford family. This series looks to be as entertaining as the first. I cannot wait to see what mishaps arise for the younger generation of the Reverend Shackleford’s family.
June 21, 2024
More please
A new series of the Shackleford family, a new generation of strong women getting into trouble with help from their bonkers grandfather, who has found a new partner in crime in scotland. A funny and enjoyable read as always.
A new series of the Shackleford family, a new generation of strong women getting into trouble with help from their bonkers grandfather, who has found a new partner in crime in scotland. A funny and enjoyable read as always.
June 22, 2024
My own Scottish Love
On her trip to Scotland, Jenny found happiness and she went after it. Of course, grand papa Shackleford had a new partner in crime and kept the story entertaining! Humor, danger and love 💕
On her trip to Scotland, Jenny found happiness and she went after it. Of course, grand papa Shackleford had a new partner in crime and kept the story entertaining! Humor, danger and love 💕
June 22, 2024
Another wonderful read. It is laugh out loud funny, entertaining and has lots of action.
The reverend is his usual funny self and there are a lot of interesting secondary characters. I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for the next one.
The reverend is his usual funny self and there are a lot of interesting secondary characters. I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait for the next one.
July 2, 2024
Another Shackleford Triumph
What a joy to have another book in this brilliant "family history". I really could not put this down, it was so gripping. Once again Beverley Watts has worked her magic with a totally different hero to act as a foil to her lovely, intelligent heroine.
What a joy to have another book in this brilliant "family history". I really could not put this down, it was so gripping. Once again Beverley Watts has worked her magic with a totally different hero to act as a foil to her lovely, intelligent heroine.
July 31, 2024
hilarious
Another brilliant read. Most enjoyable and lots of funny incidents that makes lol. Cannot wait to read the next book that involves the continuation of the Reverend’s grandchildren
Another brilliant read. Most enjoyable and lots of funny incidents that makes lol. Cannot wait to read the next book that involves the continuation of the Reverend’s grandchildren
August 14, 2024
This story is so fun...
After reading this, I want to reread the earlier books again. I may have to do a family tree to keep track of everyone but it would be worth it.
Looking forward to Mercedes.
After reading this, I want to reread the earlier books again. I may have to do a family tree to keep track of everyone but it would be worth it.
Looking forward to Mercedes.
October 27, 2024
A compellingly adventure filled story!
This uproarious, adventurous tale of saga of the Shakleford family continues to be one of the best series I've ever read. Lots of suspense, drama and humor while being romantic and entertaining for all who love reading a incredible story!
This uproarious, adventurous tale of saga of the Shakleford family continues to be one of the best series I've ever read. Lots of suspense, drama and humor while being romantic and entertaining for all who love reading a incredible story!
October 29, 2024
Absolutely Hilarious
This was, by far, the most humerous book yet. The banter between Augustus and Dougal worth reading more than once. I laughed at their mischief till had tears when signal and fall in Loch.
This was, by far, the most humerous book yet. The banter between Augustus and Dougal worth reading more than once. I laughed at their mischief till had tears when signal and fall in Loch.
October 31, 2024
Jennifer and Brendon
So so beautiful! The description of the Highlands, the accent and lingo, so sexy and yummy; plus the pushy girl with a mind of her own and a passion for life, good and love.
So so beautiful! The description of the Highlands, the accent and lingo, so sexy and yummy; plus the pushy girl with a mind of her own and a passion for life, good and love.
November 7, 2024
Great to be back with the Shakleford family
Another lighthearted adventure with the next generation of Shacklefords. I'm loving keeping up with their exploits and romances. Bring on Mercedes!
Another lighthearted adventure with the next generation of Shacklefords. I'm loving keeping up with their exploits and romances. Bring on Mercedes!
March 11, 2025
Another awesome Shackleford Family Story.
I loved this book, from the classic Family personsalities to new characters and the creative new location and plot. I hope all the Shackleford children keep having kids so that this storyline continues for a long time to come.
I loved this book, from the classic Family personsalities to new characters and the creative new location and plot. I hope all the Shackleford children keep having kids so that this storyline continues for a long time to come.
April 5, 2025
I enjoyed seeing the adult children of the characters from the first d series,making their own choices and making theirown the reverend is tiger works hard to solve the problems. Hebis instrumental to help Basically has to strike on every base to get five stars
big problem
big problem
April 13, 2025
Loved it!
I've found my new favorite author. This is my 10th book in the series and I'm glad there are more to come. Funny, witty, entertaining with loveable, believable characters.
I've found my new favorite author. This is my 10th book in the series and I'm glad there are more to come. Funny, witty, entertaining with loveable, believable characters.
April 15, 2025
Adventourss
The adventures of a young woman who is the daughter of a duke, but who refuses to be defined by her class and chooses instead, a life of service and a husband of her choosing who is a mere steward. How she gets there is a good read.
The adventures of a young woman who is the daughter of a duke, but who refuses to be defined by her class and chooses instead, a life of service and a husband of her choosing who is a mere steward. How she gets there is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews