Publisher: Allie Cresswell Limited
Series: Talbot Saga Book #3 (can be read as a standalone)
Pages: 531
Genre: Historical Romance Book Description Yorkshire, 1845. Folklore whispers that they used to burn witches at the standing stone on the moor. When the wind is easterly, it wails a strange lament. History declares it was placed as a marker, visible for miles—a signpost for the lost, directing them towards home. Forced from their homeland by the potato famine, a group of itinerant Irish refugees sets up camp by the stone. They are met with suspicion by the locals, branded as ‘thieves and ne’er-do-wells.’ Only Beth Harlish takes pity on them, and finds herself instantly attracted to Ruairi, their charismatic leader. Beth is the steward of nearby manor Tall Chimneys—a thankless task as the owners never visit. An educated young woman, Beth feels restless, like she doesn’t belong. But somehow ‘home’—the old house, the moor and the standing stone—exerts an uncanny magnetism. Thus Ruairi’s great sacrifice—deserting his beloved Irish homestead to save his family—resonates strongly with her. Could she leave her home to be with him? Will he even ask her to? As she struggles with her feelings, things take a sinister turn. The peaceable village is threatened by shrouded men crossing the moor at night, smuggling contraband from the coast. Worse, the exotic dancing of a sultry-eyed Irishwoman has local men in a feverish grip. Their womenfolk begin to mutter about spells and witchcraft. And burning. The Irish refugees must move on, and quickly. Will Beth choose an itinerant life with Ruairi? Or will the power of ‘home’ be too strong? My Thoughts I've had my eye on this series for a while; a copy of Tall Chimneys is in my TBR pile. This book tour was just the push I needed to get into the series. Buoyed by the fact that although being book #3 The Standing Stone on the Moor is a standalone, I jumped at the chance to read it. The story is set in Yorkshire in 1845 and opens with immersive descriptions of the landscape: the moor, the village on the edge of the moor (aptly named Moorside), the dangerous bogs, the trails that criss-cross the moor and the standing stone, a mystical ancient monolith, visible from miles around. We are then introduced to the inhabitants of the village and the 'genteel' residents of the area, of which there are only a handful: the vicar and his family, two spinster sisters and an obnoxious mine owner and his family, who has built a large and tasteless house to flaunt his wealth. The inhabitants also include Beth Harlish and her brother, Frank, caretakers of Tall Chimneys, a stately home the owners, the Talbots, rarely visit. The siblings grew up there, taking on the role of caretakers from their parents when they passed away. Both Beth and Frank love Tall Chimneys as if they were the owners, and while Frank could never move away from the estate, Beth is becoming restless. Their ordered and peaceful lives are irrevocably changed when a group of itinerant Irish immigrants encamp at the standing stone. The Irish are viewed with suspicion, with the usual prejudices making life difficult for them. Like the Irish, Beth and Frank are considered outsiders as they are better educated than those of their class and reside on the Talbot estate. Beth helps the Irish where she can, falling under the spell of their charismatic leader and contemplating what life away from Tall Chimneys would be like with him. However, Beth has caught the eye of another suitor who has better prospects and is prepared to wait. Even though The Standing Stone on the Moor has romantic undertones, it is much more than a historical romance. It portrays life in early Victorian England, describing the disparate living conditions of the poor and the wealthy, the superstitions and prejudices of the age, working conditions, class divides, the treatment of and options available to women, and other social issues that make this an interesting and compelling read. Beth and Frank Harlish may be the characters around which the story revolves, but the other characters are memorable in their own ways as they fight their own personal battles to survive and find love, peace, fulfilment and success. I'm now invested in this series and eager to read more of the Talbot family and their connection to Tall Chimneys. Where to Purchase Universal Buy Link : Author’s Website Meet the Author
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