Windvale - by Karen Thornell (Paperback)

I love love LOVED this story!!! I’ve also never read a Karen Thornell book I didn’t like so that is not surprising! 😉 Windvale is the 5th book in her Regency love stories series and they are all fabulous and swoony and exciting!! I love how Karen always includes a lil bit of a mystery in this story but this one topped them all!! It was SO GOOD and kept me guessing till the end!! Henry’s flaws were beautifully portrayed and as he overcame them and found his purpose and his desires to change! I was so proud!! 🥹 Alice might be one of the sweetest most tender FMC’s I’ve ever read!! And it was DELIGHTFUL!!! She was kinda naive and very sweet and I loved her relationship with her cook!! Things I loved: 🏴‍☠️Masquerade meeting 🌊Henry’s flirting attempts 🏴‍☠️Almost kisses 🌊Alice’s love of baking 🏴‍☠️Secret passages 🌊Beach excursions 🏴‍☠️Martha 🌊Lucas and James’ appearances 🏴‍☠️Showdown on the beach I really enjoyed the healing relationship Henry developed with his sister and I hope to get her story someday!! 🤞🏻 The book setting made me want to visit the Channel Islands and it felt so unique because I hadn’t read a book set on them yet!! The slowly building relationship between Henry and Alice was so beautiful and so sweet!!! They both fall hard and even though they both have backgrounds that cause them distrust in themselves they are so perfectly suited for each other! 🥹 If you’re a fan of regency mystery, fantastic character development, men who’ve got it bad and sweet women learning what love is then this book is for YOU!!! This book released on April 1st and you guys are going to want to dive into this incredibly tender story as soon as you can!! Tropes: 🌊Second Chance Romance 🏴‍☠️Regency House Party 🌊Dual POV 🏴‍☠️Redemption and Recovery 🌊Danger and Mystery

Though part of the Regency Love Stories series, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone—it's the type of story that quietly pulls you in and keeps you turning pages. Sir Henry Ainsley is drowning in debt and desperate to secure his sister’s future before his financial ruin comes to light. When he’s offered the chance to clear his debts by uncovering the truth behind a missing merchant ship, he agrees—even if it means stepping back into dangerous territory he thought he’d left behind. Alice Seymour is a young widow who has no interest in love. She hosts her annual house parties out of a sense of duty. She's more comfortable helping others find happiness while keeping her own heart carefully guarded, but Sir Henry’s arrival unsettles her careful composure in the most unexpected way. I especially loved the mystery thread running through this story. The missing ship, the smuggling, knowing that at least some in the village had to be in on it, and Henry trying to get useful information without it being obvious kept me completely invested. I liked that the chemistry between Henry and Alice built gradually. Henry's drinking reminded Alice of her deceased husband so she fought against her growing attraction to Henry, and he had to earn her trust. Every twist and turn kept me fully invested, especially as secrets from both their pasts began to surface. Windvale is a beautifully paced romance with just the right amount of intrigue. If you enjoy indebted heroes, guarded widows, smuggling schemes, and a slow-burn love story, this one is worth the read. I received a digital copy from the author and the publisher, Cedar Fort Publishing. All opinions in this review are my own.

I was captivated by this story from the very beginning. The twists and turns that Karen Thornell weaves into the story with each chapter brings intrigue and excitement. Between the spies, smuggling and pirates there’s plenty of questions that keep the reader going. Add the beautiful island, a house party and the slow burn romance of Alice and Henry. It’s a regency romance you are not going to forget! I know I won’t. I’ll definitely be returning to Windvale. *I received an advanced copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.

I loved this story! The twist and turns, combined with the slow burn of romance was the perfect combination. I couldn’t put it down. After every chapter I just had to see what happened next. I haven’t had the opportunity to read the other books in this series (this is book 5) but now I have those on my must read list! I loved to tension between Sir Henry and Alice and watching them deuce really their love for each other. I loved the mystery weaved through the story and just when you think you have it all figured out, you do not! This is a MUST read! I received this as an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own. I am SUPER grateful for the opportunity to enjoy this story!

What a beautiful story! Windvale is an enthralling and gripping romance with the perfect amount of mystery. Amidst the backdrop of the rugged beaches of the Channel Islands, this soft love story develops. Henry Ainsley is in desperate need of pretty much everything. He’s struggled since the death of his father and he has one last chance to solve all his problems, which brings him to Windvale. Alice Seymour is such a lovely character. Even though she’s mistress of Windvale, she struggles with being seen as the authority in her own home. Soft spoken and wanting to please everyone, she strives for perfection. Henry and Alice seem like complete opposites. He struggles with needing alcohol, she detests it. He’s lost all his money, she’s a wealthy widow. But through time and quiet moments they find a connection. Henry finds a purpose. Alice finds her voice. Touching emotional healing and growth is layered throughout while Henry tries to unravel the mystery of who killed his father and who is involved in the underground smuggling. The intriguing mystery kept me guessing until the end. Just when I thought it would go a certain way, I was surprised. And let me tell you, the last 30% is a ride!!! Thank you to Karen Thornell for the copy. All opinions are my own.

"Sir Henry Ainsley was her world. He was her soft landing. He was home." Windvale by Karen Thornell Looking for a regency romance novel with mystery, intrigue, danger, and suspense that will have you guessing who the bad guys are and swooning into a puddle on the floor? Look no further than Karen Thornell's latest and greatest romance from her Regency Love Stories series! Henry doesn't have much going for him in regards to wealth or status, but he has lots of intellect, kindness, and care for his sister and eventually, Alice. He has some really terrible habits that as the story progresses, he is able to overcome both. I thought Karen did a marvelous job of conveying his healing and redemption process. His work as a spy kept me on the edge of my seat, making the book very hard to put down. I was very surprised by the ending and how everything played out, which usually I can sometimes guess who the bad guy(s) is/are. But not with Windvale! Masterfully done! Alice is a sweet, but very determined and strong lady who runs an estate on a channel island. I really enjoyed getting to know her as the leading lady, and I thought she and Henry were perfect for each other. I felt bad for her because things from her past are not what they seem. But I loved how everything was resolved in the end. Speaking of the setting, it had me wanting to visit a similar island, the beach, England, etc. I felt I was whisked away to the island and Windvale with how beautifully the vistas were written. The epilogue was probably one of my favorite epilogues. Adorable in every sense! I definitely recommend this new regency romance filled with intrigue, spies, and hidden identities. Trust me, it will have you guessing right until the reveal at the end. Favorite Parts: Island getaway Second chances Spywork Redemption Arc Mystery Deal with his sister Walks with Alice Intrigue In the kitchen Helping Alice Beach picnic (sign) Snooping around The pie (lol) Discoveries The ending Epilogue Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.