Official Description:
In 1870s England, Bella finds herself without home or family when her father dies. She secures a position as a housemaid in a country manor belonging to Lord Edward Masen. The two form a bond that is threatened by class differences and Edward’s past.
When I was asked to write a review for Wrenfield Hall, I couldn’t wait to share my love of this story. Since I also love Jane Austen and the whole era of British servants, this story appealed to me. A mixture of the movies Gosford Park, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, the story takes you on a journey that is both sensual and subtle.
We meet Bella shortly after she has to make her way in the world as a woman with no means to support herself, choosing servitude over marrying someone she does not love. Wannabe Charlotte writes so the reader can feel the ache and turmoil of hard labor for our Bella, the newest servant at Wrenfield Hall. Life is hard and WC makes you rally behind this Bella who works hard, complains little.
Lord Masen loves his country manor and his childhood home. He does, however, carry a heavy burden that could destroy him and those he loves. As much as he is drawn to Bella, his future seems set on a course that can not be reversed.
It’s all delicious. As the attraction between Bella and Lord Masen grows, they must find ways to enjoy each other’s company within the strict social rules of that era.
WC draws you in with her writing and awesome descriptions of the thoughts of Bella and Lord Masen. It’s the subtle eye contact, brief touches, and small kindnesses that have you swooning and wanting more.
[dcs_p]“Standing outside Bella’s door, he paused. It was quiet and he began to feel very foolish about his spontaneous plan. Just as he was about to turn and leave, a new wave of coughing began. Pity took over as he thought of Bella’s slender shoulders, wracked with spasms.
He softly knocked.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Come in,” called a raspy voice.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]He quietly turned the knob and opened the door. Stepping inside, he saw Bella in the lamplight half sitting up in bed, dark hair hanging loosely around her pale face, a shawl pulled tightly around her shoulders. Her eyes widened at the sight of him.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Edward opened his mouth as if to say something, reconsidered, and carefully set the tea and bread on the small bedside table.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]He looked at Bella, who hadn’t taken her eyes off of him, nor had she moved an inch, bowed his head slightly, and left the room.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]She felt entirely confused…and excited. With unsteady hands, she took the cup of tea. Did he make this tea…for me? A hint of a smile played at the corner of her mouth as she sipped the tea. It was weak and no longer hot, but it seemed the best cup of tea Bella had ever drunk. [/dcs_p]
It’s these kind of interactions that make you go to the next chapter, hoping for one more moment that they can be alone.
This story is one chapter away from being complete. Since it is an Edward and Bella pairing, you know they end up together but the “how” is the fun and sometimes angsty part that makes this ride so enjoyable.
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