Windvale by Karen Thornell: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Regency Love Stories (Book #5)
• Length: 472 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: April 1, 2026

Tropes

• Forced proximity
• Second chance romance
• Slow burn
• Second chance at love

My Rating

Book Description

“Sir Henry Ainsley is drowning. Years of debt have piled up, and the only thing keeping him afloat is the need to see his sister secure in marriage. When an unexpected lifeline appears to absolve his debts in return for information on a missing merchant ship, he jumps at the chance — though he thought he’d left such dangerous work behind him. The catch is it comes with attending a house party on the Channel Islands, hosted by Mrs. Alice Seymour. But what’s one more gamble, if it could see his sister safely married before his crumbling facade is revealed? 

Alice Seymour has no interest in love. Widowed and painfully reserved, she hosts her yearly matchmaking parties more out of duty than delight; it is far easier to help others find their happily ever after. Yet when the inscrutable Sir Henry arrives, his charm and quiet kindness begin to stir feelings she had long believed were too fanciful to be real. But as secrets from his past surface — and pieces of her own begin to fall into place — she is not certain she wishes to open her heart.

But the truth behind the missing ship might be more dangerous than Henry believed, and the possibility of failure threatens to destroy his future and the fragile trust growing between him and his hostess. As the island’s shadowy dealings come to light, Henry’s options grow limited, and Alice must choose between the comfort of the life she knows… or risk everything for the one man who truly sees her.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

He’s on a mission.  Love wasn’t part of the plan. 

Henry and Alice had such a sweet slow burn romance that unfolded at just the right pace.

Poor Henry was pulled in so many different directions trying to juggle his mission, his financial problems, improving his relationship with his sister, and his growing attraction to Alice.

Both he and Alice had very relatable insecurities.  However, those similar struggles helped them encourage and calm each other.

Alice’s kindness made Henry want to become a better man.  And he, in turn, supported and took care of her, when she was so busy taking care of everyone else.

Since so many people were involved in the smuggling, it made pinpointing the Gentleman Pirate’s identity difficult.  A suspect could be a part of the smuggling ring, but not necessarily the man Henry was seeking.

I did have one minor nitpick. The question regarding Carruthers’ whereabouts wasn’t really explained.  Did Henry just overthink the weather comment?

Hopefully, Julia’s story will be next.  I really want to hear more about her and Mr. Westin.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Favorite Moments

🏴‍☠️ trapped by a rock
🏴‍☠️ helping with the rolls
🏴‍☠️ atop the keep
🏴‍☠️ Sir Henry injured
🏴‍☠️ helping Sir Henry with his jacket
🏴‍☠️ day off at the beach
🏴‍☠️ love confession

Favorite Quotes

“Just casually making conversation with a damsel in distress that he knew nothing about. It could never be said that Henry Ainsley was a respecter of societal norms.“

Karen Thornell

“‘I look forward to continuing our acquaintance,’ he said. And he should probably temper the amount of looking forward he was feeling. Again, the beautiful hostess was not his reason for being here.“

Karen Thornell

“‘You have a perfect rate of success for surviving the hard things in your life, Henry. You will survive this too.’“

Karen Thornell

“Alice’s eyes flicked between both of his. ‘Very well.’

‘You believe me?’ Whatever she answered seemed of immense importance to him.

She wanted to lie. Truly, she did.

But she could not. ‘No, Sir Henry. But perhaps I will in time.’“

Karen Thornell

“‘But I do find them to be a rather fascinating pile of rocks, for what that’s worth.’

She smiled at that. ‘High praise.’

‘I have been known to compliment very few rocks in my life, so it truly is.“

Karen Thornell

“‘I apologize, I have always found history rather fascinating, but I do not mean to bore you.’

‘No, I asked. You could not bore me if you tried.’“

Karen Thornell

“They made it to the kitchen with only their own murmured conversation to accompany them. Simple things, like what her favorite food to prepare was and how Henry spent his leisure time, whenever he had any. But simple with Mrs. Seymour was far more riveting than with anyone else.“

Karen Thornell

“Given the chance, Henry could fall quite irrevocably for Mrs. Seymour. And a large part of him wanted to take that chance.“

Karen Thornell

“She was nearly laughing at the absurdity. One thing was certain; she was never bored with Sir Henry around.“

Karen Thornell

“His hand landed on her forearm, his eyes meeting hers. ‘Mrs. Seymour,’ he said in an undertone, ‘it was not right of him to expect so much of you. You are human. You are allowed to make mistakes.’

She blinked away unexpected tears. ‘I do not know that anyone has ever told me that.’“

Karen Thornell

“A smile spread across her face, and Henry was past recovery. Then and there, might as well write his eulogy: Sir Henry Ainsley, laid down by a smile of extraordinary proportions.“

Karen Thornell

“‘I quite like your world, Mrs. Seymour. This island, the kitchen…I think I should like to know it all.’

…saying quietly, and as if she had to pull the words from herself, ‘I quite like my world with you in it.’“

Karen Thornell

“Her eyes were the most beautiful shade of brown. Nearly golden in the light, but dark when shadows crossed them. A man could be lost in those eyes. One specific man was, at that moment.“

Karen Thornell

“‘Just where are we going, if you do not mind my asking?’

He threw a mischievous grin over his shoulder, eyes sparking. ‘I am kidnapping you, of course.’“

Karen Thornell

“‘I’d always thought that if I was kidnapped, I would be carried off, not forced to run on my own.’

‘I could carry you next time, if you wish it?’“

Karen Thornell

“‘Then…then I suppose you ought to call me Alice.’

‘Only if you wish it.’ He had never wanted anything more, though. Calling her by her name seemed to cross a bridge that he knew was unsteady but would lead to an incredible sight. It was worth the potential of falling.“

Karen Thornell

“And she knew, in that moment, she was in love. With the man who cared enough to give her this day, to fight his past, and sit beside her when moments were hard.“

Karen Thornell

“She leaned closer as people began to eat. ‘I burned the pie.’

He stifled a chuckle. ‘I’m sure it will still taste just fine.’

‘No, I apologize, I was not entirely clear. I set the pie on fire.’“

Karen Thornell

“His attention felt wholly different than just moments before when the entire room had focused on her. But his eyes did not make her feel uncomfortable. They made her feel important. How could just a look do that?“

Karen Thornell

“Henry brushed aside a stray hair. ‘Are you worried now? Are you worried with me?’

She shook her head. ‘It is the only place my mind is ever quiet. With you.’ Her hand caught his wrist, as if anchoring herself there. He wanted that always. Wanted to be her safe harbor for the rest of their days. ‘I love you, Henry.’

…’I do not deserve your love.’

She lifted one shoulder. ‘That must be the beautiful thing about love. It is not deserved; it simply is.’“

Karen Thornell

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