SHA
4.5 stars. Love the h. Unlike most Betty Neels h, she spoke back at the evil rich relations. She even threatened to hit one with her rolling pin.
In fact, I would have given this 5 stars if it weren't for the vandalism. It was the culprit's accent that got me. I do realize Betty Neels is old-fashioned, where you always have the working class and the Quality but somehow the fact that the vandals do not speak the Queen's English doesn't sit well with me. It's as if criminals are always from the lower class.
3.5 stars. I had a hard time picturing this story in its supposed era. It had Agatha Christie-like era or maybe I'm just ignorant of the British upper class.
The editing of this book is a mess. Add to that the messy plot and increasingly inconsistent characters and you will find this book is a disappointment in the series.
3.5 stars. Essie Summers is my new favorite author. Modern harlequin authors should learn from Essie Summers on how to write a book without relying on trivial misunderstandings which could have been resolved if the MCs would just talk to each other. Unfortunately this book was not as good as her other books I've read. The drama near the end felt too contrived, what with landslide and miraculous survival.