Templeton’s three children: Matthew (the devil may care younger son), Sebastian (the rakishly handsome eldest son, with a secret that threatens to ruin him), and Charlotte (the polished and conniving daughter determined to make the most of her station). With the marriage comes an expansion of the family, with Mrs. Despite the hints of scandal that follow them to Somerton, it is a happy return for the Averleys as Ada’s father prepares to marry the glamorous, beautiful and well-connected widow, Mrs. Lady Ada, her younger sister Georgina and her father, Lord Westlake, have left India amidst whispers of scandal and disgrace – Lord Westlake has resigned from his post without explanation, inciting the worst possible rumor-mongering – and return to Britain for the first time in many years. The year is 1910, the place the grand estate of Somerton. When I heard about this book, positioned as a YA series in the spirit of Downton Abbey, of course I was intrigued. And, like fans in the United States, I’m eagerly consuming every episode of Season 3 each week. Why did I read this book: Like many people, I’m a fan of Downton Abbey – even with some of the more ridiculous twists and protracted storylines, there’s something undeniably fun, deliciously soap-opera-ish and compelling about the show.

How did I get this book: ARC from the Publisher Stand alone or series: Book 1 in the At Somerton series Sumptuous and enticing, the first novel in the At Somerton series introduces two worlds, utterly different yet entangled, where ruthless ambition, forbidden attraction, and unspoken dreams are hidden behind dutiful smiles and glittering jewels. someone she could never persuade her father to accept. Only she has the power to restore the Averley name-but it would mean giving up her one true love. Now Ada finds herself torn between her own happiness and her family’s honor.

But terrible scandal has followed Ada’s beloved father all the way from India. Still, she can’t help but wonder what her life might have been had she been born a lady, like Ada.įor the first time in a decade, the Averleys have returned to Somerton, their majestic ancestral estate. Rose knows she should be grateful to have a place at a house like Somerton. Especially now that she, at barely sixteen, has risen to the position of ladies’ maid. Clever, rich, and beautiful, Ada Averley treats Rose as an equal. Rose Cliffe has never met a young lady like her new mistress. Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (US) / Hot Key Books (UK) Title: Cinders and Sapphires ( Secrets and Sapphires UK)

At somerton cinders & sapphires