Book details:
Book Title: A Woman Scorned
Series: The Hartford Manor Series
Author: Marcia Clayton
Publication Date: 18th October 2024
Publisher: Sunhillow Publishing
Pages: 334
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1886 North Devon, England
Lady Lilliana Grantley has been seriously ill with typhoid, a disease that recently claimed her husband Edgar’s life and that of his long-time lover, Rosemary Gibbs. Now recovering at last, the lady wastes no tears on her husband but is determined to wreak revenge on his two illegitimate children.
Embarrassed for years by his affair with Rosemary, a childhood sweetheart living nearby, she has falsely accused Sir Edgar’s daughter, Millicent, of the theft of a precious brooch and wants to see her jailed or hung.
Fortunately for Millie and her little brother, Jonathan, their granny, Emily, insisted they leave home as soon as she heard of Sir Edgar’s death, for she knew his widow would seek revenge. The old lady was soon proved right, and Lady Lilliana, furious the two youngsters were nowhere to be found, evicted the old woman despite the fact she, too, was dangerously ill.
After a long and hazardous journey to North Devon, Millie and Jonathan were united with some long-lost family members who made them welcome and gave them a home. However, aware that Lady Lilliana has put a price on Millie’s head, they know they are not yet out of danger. Despite this, they are determined to find their granny, Emily, who seems to have disappeared.
Aided by her long-time lover, Sir Clive Robinson, Lady Lilliana is determined to find Millie and Jonnie and get them out of her life once and for all, but how far will the embittered woman go?
Leaving the children in Florrie’s capable hands, Marrok and Sam went to find Willie as they wanted to explore the outbuildings and land. Unused to entertaining children and knowing there were no toys in the house, Florrie was momentarily unsure how to deal with her unexpected guests. She thought back to her childhood, when there were barely any toys, and tried to remember what she had done with her time. Suddenly, she beamed at the children.
“I know what we could do. Would you like to do some baking? We could make some cakes and jam tarts for your dad and grandad to eat later.”
“Oh, yes, please; we used to do baking with Mum, but we haven’t done any since we had to go into the workhouse and she died.”
“Let’s do that, then. Now, remind me, my dear, what’s your name?”
“I’m Jinnie, and that’s Eliza, and we’re twins. The boys are Martin and Paul.”
“That’s it; I’ll try to remember. Right, I think I’ll put you two girls making the pastry, and the boys can help me to make some cakes. I’ll put another log or two on the fire to get the stove hot, and then we can start.”
Marcia Clayton writes historical fiction with a sprinkling of romance and mystery in a heart-warming family saga that stretches from the Regency period through to Victorian times.
A farmer’s daughter, Marcia was born in North Devon, a rural and picturesque area in the far South West of England. When she left school at sixteen, Marcia worked in a bank for several years until she married her husband, Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for her three sons, Stuart, Paul and David.
As the children grew older, Marcia enrolled in a secretarial course, which led to an administrative post at the local college. Marcia progressed through various jobs at the college and, when working as a Transport Project Coordinator, was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet Tony Blair, the then Prime Minister. Marcia later worked for the local authority as the Education Transport Manager for Devon County Council and remained there until her retirement.
Now a grandmother, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She’s a keen researcher of family history, and this hobby inspired some of the characters in her books. A keen gardener, Marcia grows many of her own vegetables. She is also an avid reader and enjoys historical fiction, romance, and crime books.
Marcia has written six books in the historical family saga, "The Hartford Manor Series". You can also read her free short story, "Amelia", a spin-off tale from the first book, "The Mazzard Tree", by downloading the story here: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/amelia-free-download/
In addition to writing books, Marcia produces blogs to share with her readers in a monthly newsletter. If you would like to join Marcia’s mailing list, you can subscribe here: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/
Author Links:
Website: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarciaC89111861
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciaclayton97/
Amazon Author Page: http://viewauthor.at/MarciaClayton
Tour hosted by: The Coffee Pot Book Club
Thanks very much for hosting Marcia Clayton today, with an enticing snippet from her gripping new release, A Woman Scorned.
Take care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club