Nell is a writer looking for inspiration for her next novel but is coming up empty. When she accepts an invitation to visit an old friend she quickly agrees hoping the change of scenery will help. Upon arrival strange things begin to happen and while out for a walk one day she is nearly attacked by a man. She will do anything to protect this close family of friends so when the police ask her to keep a eye out she readily agrees.
This story reads like a paranormal mystery full of twists and turns, I was totally involved with these characters and I'll miss them. There were so many things happening and I loved it. Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. I hope to read more from this author.

This one just didn't interest me at all. The story was slow and the characters were not very exciting or interesting. I nearly gave up a few times but, plodded through it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The year is 1924 and Nell Potter, also known by her authors pen name of Margot Evangeline is on her way to visit a friend for a holiday in the countryside.
Nell is so excited to see her friend Charlotte Mandeville, but she also has a reason to be heading her way, she is suffering from writer’s block, and hoping she may get some new writing inspiration.
Nell’s breath is taken away at first sight of Charlotte’s house, Hill House, she expected it to be lovely, but this is so grand.
Nell also nurse’s a secret sadness that she carries and hasn’t shared with a single soul. She doesn’t think she’ll ever tell anyone, or shed her hidden sorrow, but will she?

Having read the author Callie Langridge’s first book A Time To Change which I absolutely loved, I knew I wanted to read this new book. I must admit I was a little concerned having loved the last book so much, but from starting this book I knew it had me captured.
Nell is a feisty and fun character, she wants to know what makes people tick. She fits straight in with the family, and I thought the mention of previous characters of the last book were slotted in so seamlessly by the author, whom I love her detailed style of writing and the flow.
I cannot divulge details about the storyline as I would be spoiling its little surprises and mystery, but I didn’t want the book to end.
I found the book kept me in suspense, it was exciting and intriguing. Escapism within the pages at its absolute best.
I totally enjoyed reading this book, and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

I had a tough time getting through this one - it started out well but then really dragged in the middle of the story, although the end did keep my interest so I was glad I was able to finish it. <u>The Mandeville Secret</u> tellls the story of Nell, a writer with writer's block, who visits her friend Charlotte Mandeville at Hill House, where strange things happen and time periods seem to be interchangeable. I enjoyed meeting some old friends from <u>A Time to Change</u> in this novel but the pace of the novel means that I just didn't love it as I did the first novel in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

England, 1924, Nell Potter is suffering from writers block, so she accepts an invitation to stay with an old friend at Hill House, hoping a change of scene will help.

This was an interesting read, one I didn’t quite follow all the time, but that I enjoyed. Nell is obviously troubled, blaming herself for something that happened some years ago. But she is also portrayed as a really strong character, who knows her own mind and is straight talking. There is some lovely dialogue between Nell & Paul, and Nell & James that had me in tears, gave me goosebumps and made me wish I could write so poignantly. There were certain characters it was easy to love, like Leonora and Paul; ones that made you want to boo them like pantomime villains like Wilco; ones you wanted to know more about, like James and ones you wanted to shake, like Edward. The story was nicely twisted with several plot lines, the odd red herring and a satisfying ending. I wish I’d read the first book as it would have explained a couple of things, but it’s still a stand alone read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

From the first few pages, I felt drawn into this, and it seemed like a story that I could escape with. I liked the protagonist, Nell, and I was interested in the other characters, even if I didn't find them all likeable. The chapters were quite short, so it was easy to get through, and it had an element of mystery that was intriguing. An elegantly written historical novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

This book started out really slow for me—and though usually this genre is my thing I was struggling to get into the story — A historical mystery set in 1924 England which focuses on writer, Nell Potter ( who for some reason kept making me think of the author Beatrix Potter), Nell is struggling with writer's block and is hoping time out in the countryside with her friend Charlotte will inspire her writing, she is also dealing with a devastating loss. She goes to spend time at Hill House ( the name of the house also reminded my of the horror book by the same name --the Haunting of Hill House). We start to get mysterious intruder around 20% into the story — who is it and why are they trying to get into the mansion? —which had slight intrigue for me -- but yet at this point I still didn’t feel any connections to any of the characters nor was the story holding my attention and I was beginning to get board — a bit more faster pacing and focus on the mysteries and secrets and less historical politics would’ve been nice . Though the writing was good and the characters had potential —it just didn’t grab me enough for me to continue reading so this was a DNF — it seems this book just wasn’t for me .

Thank-you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC , this is my honest review.

This is an intriguing sequel in the Mandeville house series. Wrapped in the past this unique house has seen a lot of history and unveiled many mysteries. It also has been instrumental in bringing about many changes through the people it chooses. What makes them special? They have lost hope and need it restored so the house goes about using/guiding/restoring lost and wounded hearts. Through directing fascinating characters, sometimes the events of one timeline may be altered. But, of course, as in all stories such as this, there must be a villain with a vengeance to stand in the way of happy endings. In The Mandeville Secret, someone from the past tries to take peace and happiness away from the Mandeville family and their friends.

This story is set in England, 1924, with a new heroine: the successful romantic mystery novelist Nell Potter. She has a vivacious personality and determined heart and keeps the plot lively. Invited by her college friend to Hill House after experiencing an ordeal, she hopes a change of scenery will get her mind off her troubles and inspire her to write her next novel. Although once she arrives, all sorts of strange things begin to happen. Are their ghosts in the walls and who is the intruder on the premises? Her inquisitive writer’s mind comes in useful in trying to help solve a Mandeville mystery. Of course, with the help of a handsome police inspector they uncover the truth.

I enjoyed seeing some of the past cast of Book one re-appear (and meeting new ones). Very clever how the author wove the former characters into the 1924 timeline. It is easy to understand Nell’s reaction when she sees many things she cannot understand and wonders if she is hallucinating. How many of us could believe in a house and grounds that allows a person to time travel (outside Doctor Who with his phone booth or even the Narnia kids through a wardrobe and a painting, etc)? Of course, there are rules and not everyone can go back and forth in the Mandeville series—only those the house chooses. Making the house a very special vehicle that has a heart and soul. This concept is seriously creative and adds wonderful magic, mystery and surrealism.

There is a lot to keep you interested in this second outing and never a dull moment. I enjoyed the plot surprises, the character-reveals, the lovely scenic descriptions, nuggets of wisdom and atmospheric wonder. If you enjoyed the first book of the series, you will enjoy this one, too. This is a lively tale of one woman who touches numerous lives within this impressive house that harbours many secrets: some of which can never be spoken. And this manor has quite an effect on everyone who is drawn into its mystique, as reflected in Nell’s thoughts! It was as ‘though the moment she had stepped foot across the threshold of Hill House, a key had turned insider her, as if someone was trying to gain entrance to the room she kept firmly padlocked and bolted.’

This story stirs the wonder in your soul and sparks the spirit of adventure. Wouldn’t you want to be one of Hill House’s special visitors? I would! I truly recommend this exciting original time travel treasure.
5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.

Paging suckers for an English country house mystery! The Mandeville series may be just the fix you're jonesing for. First up, is it just me or does the name strike a subtle chord for Daphne du Maurier fans with: "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley..." etched on our brains?

A decade has passed since Louisa Arnold altered the doomed trajectory of Hill House, home of the Mandevilles, in author Callie Langridge's excellent Book #1 A Time to Change.   Book #2 brings us to 1924, introducing a new main character, romance author Nell Potter. It's now a very different England from the idyllic 'Edwardian afternoon' of the pre-war decade. WWI changed everything: to paraphrase Sir Edward Grey, the lamps went all over Europe and would not be lit again.

As the Brits take bitter stock of all that was lost, Nell seems to channel the national angst as she rides the train to Hill House, reflecting: "The leaves were full of their summer colour and plumpness, so unlike the barren wasteland inside her head." She has a deadline looming and her creative juices have dried up. She is hoping to find inspiration from a change of surroundings, having accepted an invitation to the family pile from former Cambridge roommate Charlotte Mandeville.

Nell soon detects an unease in the idyllic environment inhabited by the genteel Mandeville clan. Early in the story, a menacing intruder alarms a maid in the house and then Nell encounters him on a walk. A WSPU suffrage activist, she has learned self-defense and doesn't back down. The man is scared off by the family chauffeur and they call the police. Nell meets Inspector Painter, who plays a role in events to come, as does Paul Kenmore, a battle-scarred American trauma surgeon who forms a romantic connection with Charlotte Mandeville.

As the story progresses, the threat becomes more immediate and Nell begins to understand there's a greater purpose in her presence at Hill House than formulating her next pot boiler romance. She must deal with her unresolved past trauma before she can embrace a possible future.

Ms. Langridge captures the wistful nostalgia and simmering anger of the period poignantly at times, and the shifting political tides are interwoven through the story in threads that speak to class tensions. Charlotte's brother Edward describes her as enamored of the new Labor government and "something of a socialist these days." They are at odds over his dealings with self-made real estate developer Andrew 'Wilco' Wilkinson. I felt there was some social justice barrow-pushing by the author in this element - it contributed little to the plot except an opportunity for Nell to admire Charlotte's compassion for the under-privileged and signal her own virtuous instincts.

Although it was an engaging human drama, overall the story lacked the compelling well-centered plot of Book #1. I found myself meandering along, feeling as rudderless as Nell, lacking something to connect the various strands more coherently. The elements of spiritualism and time-slip seemed piecemeal. I was lost at times, trying to recall who is who in a sometimes overly busy mish mash of secondary characters.

The ending was a satisfying and touching resolution and although I felt the story as whole never quite jelled, I appreciated that Louisa was brought back to complete the circle and make sense of some threads that needed tying up.  The Mandeville Secret is a respectable but not powerful follow up to a first book that set up some very high expectations. It fell short, for me at 3.25 stars. For readers unfamiliar with the star-ratings at Regency Chronicle, 3 plus stars is a book we consider very good and recommend to readers.

We thank the author, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for an advance copy. Cover image courtesy of Storm Publishing © 2023.  Review by Pam Baker© 2023 The Regency Chronicle.

The Mandeville Secret by Callie Langridge is book 2 of The Mandeville series.
This book focuses on writer, Nell Potter, Nell is struggling with writer's block and her own devastating loss. She goes to Hill House to spend time with her dear friend Charlotte.
Her restful retreat takes her by surprise. The Manor speaks to her, changes changes her life inexplicably.
A charming, if entirely unbelievable read!

First of all, I have to say I didn’t finish this ARC, having stopped at 48%. I liked the story idea of The Mandeville Secret. I did. The writing was good and I enjoyed the author’s use of unusual words or words relative to the English culture. However, sometimes the writing was overly descriptive and bogged down the story, leading to whole sections I skipped.

I liked that the main character, Nell, was a writer in desperate need of an idea. Being a writer myself, I get that. That sometimes the words don’t come. But Nell doesn’t seem to try too hard to get words down for her publisher. She just spends her time moaning she has no ideas. And when she has one, she doesn’t make any effort to work on it. She plays on the beach, walks around the estate, and explores a neighbor’s garden, all the while worried about her deadline.

I started to lose enjoyment for the book when the characters began talking about socialism and how pointless and stupid The Great War was. Helping the poor with one’s own money isn’t socialism—it’s plain kindness and charity.

The buildup of the plot was slow and, at 48% of the way through, I had no clue what’s going on. There’s so much happening (robbers, ghosts, deadlines, romance, and Nell’s past) that it’s confusing and overwhelming. The dire need for funds for a new roof and the forementioned threat of robbers is stated, but I was never worried or invested because it didn’t feel like a real threat.

Halfway through the story, there isn’t even any hard evidence for ghosts—just things that can be chalked up as mischievous boys or Nell losing her mind. Both which are opinions Nell herself has. And while I was aware this was a paranormal, I was expecting something with more of a ghostly influence. So, when the characters wanted to call up a spirit was when the author completely lost me as a reader.

The Mandeville Secret by Callie Langridge is a captivating historical mystery set in 1924 England, a nation scarred by World War I. The story follows Nell Potter, a talented writer grappling with personal loss and writer's block. Her journey takes her to Hill House, a Georgian manor teeming with secrets, including mysterious thefts and whispers of a restless spirit. As Nell becomes entwined in the enigmatic history of the Mandeville family, she faces eerie visions and confronts her own haunting past. Langridge's narrative seamlessly blends historical fiction with the paranormal, offering a compelling tale filled with well-developed characters, poignant emotions, and a touch of romance. Whether you're a fan of ghostly mysteries or rich historical settings, The Mandeville Secret promises an enchanting and satisfying read.

Magic and mystery combine beautifully in this historical novel from Calie Langridge that includes a 2nd-chance romance. The historical fiction surrounding the women's suffrage movement in England 100 years ago and the aftermath of WWI on veterans and their families provides a detailed backdrop to the mystery. Paranormal fiction is not my first choice, but I enjoyed how Ms. Langridge wove it into the mystery and combined it with a clean romance.

This was my first read in the series, but I don't feel like I missed anything starting with this book. Thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reader copy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I read a charming historical mystery that also had a love story. The writing was beautiful and I enjoyed the historical fiction part. However, I found the paranormal mystery a bit confusing, but that's just my personal taste. I think readers who enjoy women's fiction and paranormal ghost stories would love this book. Overall, the story was quite enjoyable to read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eArc. All opinions are my own.

I decided to read this book as I’d enjoyed the first in the series, A Time to Change. This one was equally intriguing.
Again, I found the straightforward historical fiction sections of the book more enjoyable than the paranormal mystery aspects, which I found a bit confusing - but that’s just personal taste. I’m sure those aspects will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories about ghosts and time travel.
It was fun to encounter some familiar characters again, as well as some new ones. Nell made a likeable and plucky protagonist with a satisfying character arc which reached a pleasing conclusion.
Overall this is well written and I would definitely read more work by Callie Langridge in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Callie Langridge's first book in the Mandeville series so was thrilled to get the chance to read an advance copy of the follow up. I was not disappointed. Although the story is written from a completely different angle and set several years in the future it did introduce characters from the first book which allowed one to get ones bearings. It was lovely to have new characters introduced who seem to slot seamlessly into the narrative. Once more Callie had me in tears at the ending so be warned. I hope there's more to come from the Mandeville family.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I adored The Mandeville Secret! Because I’d enjoyed A Time to Change so very much, I was nervous to read the next instalment from Hill House, but I needn’t have worried because Langridge has created new characters with just as much depth and intrigue as the original inhabitants of that richly drawn, magical stately home. There’s also the added joy (and surprise) of revisiting many of the characters I’d grown to love in the first in this excellent series.
The Mandeville Secret is beautifully written, compelling historic fiction with added mystery and a dash of the supernatural. The unexpected ending is perfect and made me sob like a baby.
I gobbled this book down in two days and I can’t wait for the next in the series. Highly recommend!

I had never read any other of this authors books and I was aware this was a sequel to her first in this series. However this did not detract from The Mandeville Secret, a brilliant read I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters especially Nell, a writer with writer's block. She goes to visit her old college friend Charlotte at her ancestral home, Hill House. There are many twists and turns in the story- criminals and spectral visitations not to mention a dark secret in Nell's past. An excellent book which I heartily recommend. My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book. I look forward to more books from this author.

Set between world wars, this English country house mystery features an author whose trip to the countryside becomes a busman’s holiday when she finds herself trying to solve a real murder. This is a charming historical mystery/love story