Abigail by Jess Heileman – Review

A regency debut, you shouldn’t miss!

About the Book

Since the death of her mother, Abigail Blakeslee has lost all desire to become a debutante and enter Society. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family.

Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had hoped to avoid. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. Bet then, Abigail has her own secret to hide—her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.

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In My Opinion

Fans of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice should not miss this debut by Jess Heileman. With an outspoken and sometimes brash heroine, a taciturn hero, and condescending relatives, Abigail has shades of the Austen favorite. Yet, it’s completely original with a hero who falls fall in the oft-snubbed nouveaux riche, and a heroine who doesn’t hesitate to immerse herself in he daily life and chores of a poor tenant family.

When Abigail Blakeslee, daughter of a wealthy lord, attends a house party with her aunt and cousins, she’s surrounded by everything she feared—gossip, matchmaking, attentions of questionable gentlemen, and more. After an intense first encounter with the son of Timpton House (and her cousin’s suitor), Abigail consoles herself with the promise of the beautiful gardens.

Yet there’s more to Edwin Stanton than what Abigail first assumed. Besides, who is she to judge when she carefully guards her own secrets?

Heileman’s story captivated me with Abigail’s goodness and soft heart, the tension between her and her cousin, Edwin’s sister’s obvious efforts and matchmaking, and growing attraction to a man Abigail should steer away from. Several times I wanted Edwin’s point of view, but the first person narrative works well with Abigail’s innocence in some areas and strong opinions in others. Readers get to unravel the mystery and discover answers right along with her.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.