Mischief and Manors

I commend this author for her efforts and I hope she continues to develope her talents, but I can hardly stand to read this book because it resembles Julianne Donaldson's Edenbrook and even Julianne's Blackmoore to the point of robbery. I would almost bet all my money that this young author loves Julianne's writings, as I do, because she has copied her in a way that is shocking. I'm very bothered.

This author is a gifted writer, and I have enjoyed one of her other books. I want to read more from her, but I was so frustrated at how similar this was to Edenbrooke, I requested a refund. It didn't seem fair to Julianne Donaldson. Perhaps she didn’t realize it but in both books the heroine had plump suitors with leaky parts (mouth - Edenbrooke; eye - Mischief and Manors), both have orchard scenes, kind mothers of the hero and stable scenes. In both books the heroines race the heros on horseback (in Edenbrooke, Phillip won; In Mischief and Manors, the heroine won).
In both books the hero asks ‘hard’ questions that make the heroine feel 'too much.’
Ugh - feelings are compared to falling towards or away from the hero in both books as well. In Edenbrooke, Phillip looks at Marianne with a look she can't decipher. She later claims it to be 'longing.' In Mischief and Manors, it's a look she can't decipher, but she doesn't name it. I think the author is talented, but I just didn't think this was fair to Julianne Donaldson- at all.

I am a huge fan of the book: Edenbrooke, by Julianne Donaldson. I have read that book multiple times and I know it very, very well. As I read Mischief and Manors I couldn't help but feel like I was reading a copycat version of Edenbrooke. There were so many similarities; the characters, the storyline, the plot, the settings, the romance, the emotions, and so many other little details. I found it very difficult to get past that and I was pretty disappointed. At first I thought I was crazy, but after speaking to a friend; I discovered that she felt the exact same way. I really wanted to believe that all the similarities were just a coincidence, but there are so many that I can't seem to do so. If I hadn't read Edenbrooke, (especially as many times as I have) I would've thoroughly enjoyed reading this new novel. I really think this new author has a lot of potential and I hope she continues to write, using HER OWN ideas, not someone else's.

I received a free digital copy of this book in return for my honest opinion/review.

More and more, it's hard to find good clean romances that also have a great story line with compelling characters. Mischief and Manors has so much what readers are looking for. We meet older sister Annette who has two younger brothers who she feels she must take care of. They are orphaned and at the mercy of a mean aunt who is tiring of the younger boys and their horse play. She threatens to send them to an orphanage if they don't shape up. Soon Annette and her brothers are sent away to Kellaway Manor for the summer where Annette meets up again with Owen Kellaway, who was very much like her brothers when he was young.

I liked the two brothers Peter and Charles who are typical boys for their ages and they bring much humor to the story, along with Owen helping out with said humor. Annette seems very serious in much of the book, but she has had to be the one to watch over her brothers since their parent's deaths five years earlier. Basically she's sacrificed many things in her life for her brother's benefit. It was fun to see how Owen brings Annette out of her shell as he is also helping her brothers. This book isn't all about humor though, there is mystery, plot twists you may or may not see coming, and of course the romance that blossoms throughout the book. There were a few times I wanted to bop Annette up side the head and help her see what was right in front of her. Eventually things head in the right direction. There is definitely much witty banter in this book, which I truly liked. There were a few inconsistencies with some of the dialogue concerning the time period the story takes place in. This could bother some readers, though mainly I overlooked them. I got carried away in the story and just wanted to keep reading to see when Owen, whom I truly liked a lot, would charm Annette enough to win her over.

This was a fun, clean, and refreshing debut novel. I look forward to reading more books from Ashtyn Newbold.

Mischief & Manors
By Ashtyn Newbold

Breaking a promise might just be the
best way to keep it....

For five years Annette Downing has been living her promise to her parents - she has put every other interest out of her life except her little brothers. Orphaned at 14 years of age she is determined to protect her brothers Peter (7) and Charles (5) from the hateful abusive spite of her Aunt Ruth Filbee.

But when Aunt Ruth gives Annette an ultimatum ~ turn her brothers into proper gentlemen or see them shipped off to a Scottish orphanage ~ Annette welcomes the brief reprieve that an unexpected trip to Kellaway Manor promises. Her childhood memories of the place were pleasant except for Owen Kellaway and a fall from a tree. When Owen is asked by his mother to assist Annette in her efforts to tame her brothers she fears he may be as mischievous as her young brothers.

But turning two young boys into gentlemen may be hazardous to her health especially with Owen assisting. And it could prove even more hazardous to her heart ~ a heart that she has promised exclusively to Peter and Charles ~ now if only she can get her heart to listen to her. But the love and kindness she finds at Kellaway Manor just may open the barriers she put around her heart to protect it from the cruelty she's experienced since her parents death.

But Kellaway Manor has something important for Annette to learn if only she will listen with her heart as well as her mind. Her promise to her parents was not a closet meant to shut her away from all life had to offer her. And sometimes tears are necessary to heal and not a sign of weakness.

This is a delightful story and one that I was sorry to have conclude. The characters cover a range of personalities which are true to life. Some one would enjoy getting to know over a cup of tea and others would send one looking for the nearest door through which to escape.

This is a story of family and of promise. Those who enjoy reading books set in the Regency time period will enjoy this book which is set in 1818. Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy Mischief & Manors.
And Manors in this case refer to both manors and manners. I look forward to future works by this author who managed to keep me reading instead of baking for Christmas. (whoops!)

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a review, positive or otherwise - all opinions expressed are my own.

The future of her heart is at stake but so much more depends upon her decision.

It was a very fun read! I enjoyed the writing style- it reminded me of Julianne Donaldson and Sarah M. Eden. A very sweet story with a very mischievous grandmother. Definitely put it on your "must read" list!

I received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review. I do a lot of reading, and I love this genre of book -- it is my preferred version of escaping from life when I need to. This was such a fun read -- I laughed, I cried, and was even surprised by a few things. The characters were lovable, and the writing clever and descriptive. I have also had the pleasure of reading Miss Newbold's newest novella, and it was just as enjoyable. I look forward to more great books in the future! Definitely worth buying for your collection.

In her delightful and unforgettable debut novel, Mischief and Manors, Ashtyn Newbold brings us a beautiful story of courage, sacrifice, and love. The story-telling is impeccable and poignant, the characters deep, charming, and very often laugh-out-loud clever. Through the fascinating and wonderfully atrocious Owen and the selfless and brave Annette, we see that life is full of surprises that, if we let them, can take us to new heights.

This book was a delight to read. The characters were well thought out and complex, and the internal conflict for Annette was intriguing. It's a sweet romance with an element of mystery and danger. I thought one particular element (3 favors in return for 3 secrets) felt a little similar to something I read from Julianne Donaldson. However, I am absolutely in love with this upcoming author's writing style. She'll be one to watch for sure!

I received a digital copy of this book to read in return for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. Read it in one sitting. The characters were very believable and likable. The story line was spot on and kept my interest the entire time. I will be ordering any books published by this author. Definitely worth the read.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.