Book Review: "Summerset Abbey" by T.J. Brown

Three very different young women during the Edwardian period, a beautiful country estate, romance, and secrets are what readers will find in "Summerset Abbey" by T.J. Brown. "Summerset Abbey" is a "Downton Abbey" inspired novel that takes a look at three different young women, their family bonds and friendships, family secrets, and the changes taking place during the Edwardian period.

"Summerset Abbey" is the first novel in a series on three young women. Rowena Buxton is the oldest daughter of Sir Philip Buxton. She is beautiful, intelligent, but lost as to her purpose in life. Victoria Buxton is the youngest daughter of Sir Phillip Buxton. She is lovely, high-spirited, but sickly. Lastly, there is Prudence Tate, the gorgeous and strong daughter of a governess who was raised alongside the Buxton girls. The three young women have a strong bond and nothing can change that until Sir Philip dies. They are forced to leave their liberal and free-spirited London home to move to Summerset Abbey with their uncle and his family. Being the daughter of a governess and not a Buxton, Prudence is forced to be a lady's maid to the women she thought of as sisters. The happy bonds between the young women are changed forever. Rowena feels guilt for Prudence's situation, Prudence is furious and heartbroken in suddenly being beneath those she considered sisters, and Victoria uncovers a family secret that will change everything for the Buxton family forever. With some romance and the backdrop of a changing Edwardian society, "Summerset Abbey" is a look at the bonds between family and the secrets that could change everything.

"Summerset Abbey" is a smashing debut for TJ Brown. While the novel does pay tribute to "Downton Abbey" in some ways, it is so original and unique with the story of the three young women. Brown makes Rowena, Victoria, and Prudence each come to life and gets them their own storyline, whether it with a handsome pilot, uncovering family secrets, or struggling as a lady's maid. Brown beautifully captures the relationships between the women.

Brown will continue to write about the young women in two more novels including "A Bloom in Winter" (available March 5th) and "Spring Awakening" (available August 6th). Stay tuned to these exciting works from Brown!

To purchase "Summerset Abbey": http://www.amazon.com/Summerset-Abbey-T-J-Brown/dp/1451698984

For more information on T.J. Brown: http://teribrownbooks.com/tjblog/