Winterset
Winterset Grange has been Katherine Lockwood’s refuge for two years after a series of tragic events left her orphaned and faking her own death. However, her peace is about to be broken when word reaches the household that the owner, Oliver Jennings, will be returning to take up occupancy of his inheritance.
After touring the continent for two years to escape his broken engagement and the marriage of his brother, Oliver only wants to enjoy his home, settle down, and find a wife. Instead, he returns to find the estate in disrepair and harboring a ghost. As he begins to set Winterset to rights, he discovers that the “ghost” is Kate Lockwood, an intriguing woman in need of protection. When he unwittingly invites the man responsible for Kate’s circumstances to Winterset, Oliver sacrifices the future he has begun to want with Kate, to shield her from danger.
Odekirk weaves a delightful Regency, gothic tale with interesting and relatable characters in Kate and Oliver. The balance between mystery, romance and suspense makes for a quick, entertaining read. Readers of her previous novel, Summerhaven, will recognize some of the characters and settings in Winterset, but Winterset also stands on its own without having read the previous book.
