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Greyladies #3
Legacy of Greyladies
Wiltshire, December 1915. Olivia Hanbury is widowed and has been persuaded by her cousin Donald to move in with his meek little wife while he is serving in France. When he’s wounded, he returns home to convalesce. Tensions rise between him and lively Olivia. Her friend Babs involves her in starting the new Women’s Institutes and introduces her to Alex, an antiques dealer. Meanwhile, Phoebe Latimer is holding the fort at Greyladies, an ancient manor house, while her husband is away at war. But someone is attempting to rid Greyladies of the German internees based there. Their nasty tricks put Phoebe’s life and that of her unborn child at risk. A chance meeting brings Olivia to Greyladies, and she feels as though she’s finally come home. Alex joins her there. Will these three help one another through these troubled times? Or will violent men destroy Greyladies and all it stands for?
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2015
110 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Anna Jacobs
234 books520 followersAnna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 28, 2016
I was worried going into this third and final instalment of the Greyladies series. Books one and two had plot lines that were much too similar and I found it hard to get through. Usually I love Anna Jacobs and it's for that reason that I gave book three a chance. I'm glad I did. For one, in a foreword by the author she mentions her inspiration for the house itself, a place called Avebury Manor. After poking around on the internet I found pictures of this house and it made the fictional Greyladies more vivid in my mind as I read. Pity she didn't have that in book one. This instalment focuses on the house itself which I found sort of lacking in the previous books. Romance takes a backseat to the trouble brewing in town when an invalided soldier with a grudge and a chip on his shoulder arrives in town and vows to get rid of the Huns and all who aid them at Greyladies. Phoebe returns as the current chatelaine of the house, now expecting a child. Husband Corin is often away doing war work so she is left to defend her home with a few maids, soldiers and elderly people to help. Elsewhere we are introduced to Olivia. Olivia's husband was killed in the war and she is living with her wounded and pompous cousin Donald and his delicate doting wife Cecily. Determined to get away from him before she dies of boredom, she meets Babs, a woman also recently widowed whose mission in life is to help women better themselves. She does this by arranging Women's Institutes or WI, which I learned were started in Canada another piece of my country's history. Their mission takes them to Greyladies where Olivia learns she will soon be the next chatelaine. But first they must save the house from those who feel they are aiding the enemy. Many old favourites return, like Miss Bowers, Miss Pocock along with some newer faces, like Alex, Olivia's eventual love interest, Joe a young boy eager to become a soldier, but settling for protecting the old house, and the gun toting maid Ethel who I loved. There was of course the ghost, a part of the story I find myself drawn to more considering recent events in my family. It's nice to think of something out there that will protect you from harm. The best and most entertaining book of the three Legacy of Greyladies made the whole series worthwhile and now I feel a bit sad to be leaving these wonderful characters behind.
May 8, 2018
Olivia and Alex
I feel sad to have finished the last of the greyladies trilogy what a fantastic read Olivia and Alex were two very lonely people till they met and as usual a lot of suspense and drama definitely worth 5 STARS .
I feel sad to have finished the last of the greyladies trilogy what a fantastic read Olivia and Alex were two very lonely people till they met and as usual a lot of suspense and drama definitely worth 5 STARS .
January 30, 2016
It's 1915 and Olivia has lost her husband, he died in the war. She's now looking after the wife of her cousin who can't take care of herself. When her cousin returns unexpectedly because he's wounded Olivia has a problem. She doesn't like him very much and he doesn't treat her well, so she can't wait to leave. Fortunately her life isn't all bad as she has Babs who makes sure she has a social life. Babs introduces her to the Women's Institute and asks Olivia for her help. She also introduces her to a very nice man named Alex who is an antiques dealer. When Olivia arrives at Greyladies by coincidence a strange thing happens...
Phoebe is the current keeper of Greyladies. She has a feeling she won't be living there very long though which is strange as her stay has only just begun. There's going to be a new owner, she can feel it. The house is being used as a residence for German people, people who are doing their best to help the English government. It's never completely safe at the house because of this. There's someone who tries to get rid of the inhabitants. Greyladies is being attacked and Phoebe, Oliva and Alex have to do everything they can to save themselves and the house.
Legacy of Greyladies is the third Greyladies book. I loved this series and can't praise it enough. I immediately liked the idea of the remarkable house that's being passed on to women alone. It was great to read about the house itself, the inhabitants and the history behind it. I think Anna Jacobs has written fun and warm stories with special heroines. The three women who inherit Greyladies have things in common like red hair, common sense, kindness and a practical character, but they're also very different. I loved that aspect and enjoyed reading about all of them.
Anna Jacobs has a great writing style. It has a certain gentleness and her words flow easily. Her stories are feel-good, but they also have a serious side. They are so easy to love. The setting is wonderful, the main characters are fabulous and there's a lot of action. The Greyladies stories are fast-paced and enjoyable. I liked the strong and independent women a lot and the house itself is another admirable main character. These stories feel like a hug and I think they're absolutely fantastic.
Phoebe is the current keeper of Greyladies. She has a feeling she won't be living there very long though which is strange as her stay has only just begun. There's going to be a new owner, she can feel it. The house is being used as a residence for German people, people who are doing their best to help the English government. It's never completely safe at the house because of this. There's someone who tries to get rid of the inhabitants. Greyladies is being attacked and Phoebe, Oliva and Alex have to do everything they can to save themselves and the house.
Legacy of Greyladies is the third Greyladies book. I loved this series and can't praise it enough. I immediately liked the idea of the remarkable house that's being passed on to women alone. It was great to read about the house itself, the inhabitants and the history behind it. I think Anna Jacobs has written fun and warm stories with special heroines. The three women who inherit Greyladies have things in common like red hair, common sense, kindness and a practical character, but they're also very different. I loved that aspect and enjoyed reading about all of them.
Anna Jacobs has a great writing style. It has a certain gentleness and her words flow easily. Her stories are feel-good, but they also have a serious side. They are so easy to love. The setting is wonderful, the main characters are fabulous and there's a lot of action. The Greyladies stories are fast-paced and enjoyable. I liked the strong and independent women a lot and the house itself is another admirable main character. These stories feel like a hug and I think they're absolutely fantastic.
September 27, 2017
It took me a little longer to get into this 3rd book in the trilogy as it was a bit slow to begin with. Once the story picked up it was really good. I hope Anna writes more in this series
September 15, 2021
A great ending to a brilliant trilogy! Absolutely loved this book..
May 13, 2018
Great story line. Enjoy reading this trilogy.
October 31, 2015
Legacy of Greyladies by Anna Jacobs is book three of her Greyladies series. Set during the first European war, the story allows the reader to follow and share the adventures of Olivia Hanbury who pains with past loss while seeking to recover purpose free of masculine exploitation.
On the surface the Greyladies series read very much as expected of Anna Jacobs without a secondary romantic characterization. However, scratch the surface and out pops a subtle twist, which links the books. The protagonist passion and loyalty is divided, without being divided, between a caring sole mate and a need to pursue belonging and custodial care of Greyladies. Greyladies exists as a place, a group of people and a longstanding legacy for others, which must be protected. The secondary sub-plot might well be the primary it’s hard to tell with Anna Jacobs. All this leads to an enchantingly complex, yet delightful reading experience that plays upon every emotion available within.
Book one of the series, Heir to Greyladies, introduced me to what was to come without allowing me to discover the link or sub-plot for what it was. Book two, Mistress of Greyladies, opened my eyes yet still I blindly blundered along. Somewhere in this third book I twigged, which meant I read them all again only to discover I was meant to read them so.
Truly enjoyed this book and series. They represent first class Anna Jacobs entertainment. Great value in any currency.
Five stars.
On the surface the Greyladies series read very much as expected of Anna Jacobs without a secondary romantic characterization. However, scratch the surface and out pops a subtle twist, which links the books. The protagonist passion and loyalty is divided, without being divided, between a caring sole mate and a need to pursue belonging and custodial care of Greyladies. Greyladies exists as a place, a group of people and a longstanding legacy for others, which must be protected. The secondary sub-plot might well be the primary it’s hard to tell with Anna Jacobs. All this leads to an enchantingly complex, yet delightful reading experience that plays upon every emotion available within.
Book one of the series, Heir to Greyladies, introduced me to what was to come without allowing me to discover the link or sub-plot for what it was. Book two, Mistress of Greyladies, opened my eyes yet still I blindly blundered along. Somewhere in this third book I twigged, which meant I read them all again only to discover I was meant to read them so.
Truly enjoyed this book and series. They represent first class Anna Jacobs entertainment. Great value in any currency.
Five stars.
August 20, 2018
As much as I have enjoyed all three books in this trilogy, the stories are all very similar making them a bit predictable.
Some twists and turns along the way to keep you gripped, this book picked up towards the end and I struggled to put it down and then the very ending seemed a bit rushed - a very up and down read that I still enjoyed for most parts.
Some twists and turns along the way to keep you gripped, this book picked up towards the end and I struggled to put it down and then the very ending seemed a bit rushed - a very up and down read that I still enjoyed for most parts.
August 18, 2015
Can be read as a standalone, but best read as part of the trilogy. A nice, easy read. I also live locally to where it is set which makes it more interesting.
April 23, 2021
A great re read! Started 22/04/21 finished 23/04/21
July 4, 2016
Have enjoyed This this series of Anna Jacobs books. She describes the characters so well. More please.
October 26, 2016
Way too similar to all Anna Jacobs' other plots.
December 20, 2016
A gripping read. Listened on audio. Well read by Penelope Freeman.
January 28, 2018
It is the fourth English fiction that I have finished. The book is a bit difficult for me, but I keep reading until finished it.
October 4, 2020
I found this, the last book of this trilogy, a bit samey same. It felt as if it was a repeat of the previous 2 with a few differences here and there.
June 6, 2019
Wiltshire, December 1915. Widow Olivia Harbury has been persuaded by her cousin Donald to live with him and his wife, but tensions soon rise between the pair. Then, much to Donald’s disapproval, Olivia becomes involved in starting a new Women’s Institute.
A chance meeting brings Olivia to Greyladies, an ancient manor house run by Phoebe Latimer, and she feels as though she’s finally come home. But someone is attempting to rid Greyladies of the German internees based there. Their cruel tricks put Phoebe’s life and that of her unborn child at risk. Can these two help one another through these troubled times? Or will violent men destroy Greyladies and all it stands for?
A chance meeting brings Olivia to Greyladies, an ancient manor house run by Phoebe Latimer, and she feels as though she’s finally come home. But someone is attempting to rid Greyladies of the German internees based there. Their cruel tricks put Phoebe’s life and that of her unborn child at risk. Can these two help one another through these troubled times? Or will violent men destroy Greyladies and all it stands for?
March 12, 2019
Another cracking read from this author. It draws the reader in from the start.fantastic continuity from all the Latimer heirs. The characters become your friends, I held my breath with all the twist and turns of this final part of The Greyladies Trilogy. Well done Anna Jacobs.
Another cracking read from the this author. Pulls you in from start to finish. I enjoyed the continuity of the plot with Lady Latimers heirs.
Another cracking read from the this author. Pulls you in from start to finish. I enjoyed the continuity of the plot with Lady Latimers heirs.
March 8, 2020
Absolutely fabulous as always.
This trilogy was brilliant i loved them all i felt drawn to all the people of the village these books make you feel that you know them all and previous chatelains how they all help one another.How wonderful for Pheobe and Corin having twins boy's perhaps Olivia and Alex will have some girl's then Anna can write a new chapter for Greyladies.I recommend this author to all readers she is amazing.
This trilogy was brilliant i loved them all i felt drawn to all the people of the village these books make you feel that you know them all and previous chatelains how they all help one another.How wonderful for Pheobe and Corin having twins boy's perhaps Olivia and Alex will have some girl's then Anna can write a new chapter for Greyladies.I recommend this author to all readers she is amazing.
September 27, 2019
Totally enjoyed all 3 books in the series.
Well..almost totally!
My only 'complaint' (if it can even be called a 'complaint')
would be that the ending of this, the last of the series (maybe NOT?
Would be great if it isn't!!!) is that it felt 'rushed' at the end.
Other than that tho.........WONDERFUL!
Well..almost totally!
My only 'complaint' (if it can even be called a 'complaint')
would be that the ending of this, the last of the series (maybe NOT?
Would be great if it isn't!!!) is that it felt 'rushed' at the end.
Other than that tho.........WONDERFUL!
December 1, 2019
. The main characters come to life along with the house because of the great description. I enjoyed that you met all the chaterlaines again in the epilogue.
I enjoyed it very much , having read all three in the series it was good to end with a pleasant conclusion.
I enjoyed it very much , having read all three in the series it was good to end with a pleasant conclusion.
April 2, 2021
Well the last in this trilogy and did not want it to end. The resident ghost of Anne Latimer still resides at Greyladies and Olivia and Alex newly wed will have a happy life at Greyladies with Olivia as the latest Chatelaine. So enjoyed this trilogy
July 23, 2021
Great series
Having read all three books now, l thoroughly recommend them all, lovely lovely story, with enough suspense to hold anybody's interest. I will look for more of Anna Jacobs books.
Having read all three books now, l thoroughly recommend them all, lovely lovely story, with enough suspense to hold anybody's interest. I will look for more of Anna Jacobs books.
April 22, 2022
A just read series
I love Anna Jacobs style of writing and how she brings the characters and story to life. What a great story of the ladies of Grayladies. The villages and country side around are brought to life and you can imagine the lives of them. 😀
I love Anna Jacobs style of writing and how she brings the characters and story to life. What a great story of the ladies of Grayladies. The villages and country side around are brought to life and you can imagine the lives of them. 😀
December 30, 2022
This was a return to Anna Jacobs' good Greyladies books! I'm sorry to see them end actually! I really would like to know how Phoebe goes, and also how Olivia and Alex go in the future..... I'd really like to see it go forward to WWII, and how Greyladies manages into the later years of the century.
May 20, 2018
The final book of the trilogy about the Greyladies home. I have really enjoyed this tale with its twists and turns.
August 3, 2019
Brilliant
October 15, 2019
Brilliant
November 24, 2019
Good read
I chose this book as it was compelling reading needed to know what was coming next. Sad it had finished.
I chose this book as it was compelling reading needed to know what was coming next. Sad it had finished.
October 3, 2020
Weakest of the three books in the trilogy but a nice read. I’ve loved the three love stories of the chatelaines ...lovely people!
November 23, 2020
A bit disappointed with this last one in the Greyladies series. A little bit repetitive in its formula and for me lacking in pace somehow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews