Lady Charlotte has been kept isolated in her huge manor house, doing what is expected of her. Janie is a servant who aspires to be a cook and spends her day working long hours in the Edmonds’ manor house. Neither girl is content, but not sure of what to do because of their stations in life. Things begin to change as Lady Charlotte starts to talk to the servants and her Aunt Beatrice. Janie goes upstairs for forbidden visits with Lady Charlotte (who has no real friends). Secrets are found out and both girls will have their lives turned upside down.

This is a YA historical romance. There is nothing objectionable or inappropriate for a public or school library. I think because it’s a YA book, the dialogue is not as authentic as you would find in an adult level book. It sends a positive message to readers in that sometimes in order to be happy, you have to bend social norms and expectations. Charlotte has been betrothed to Andrew, a future duke. Charlotte is not sure she likes him. She has her eyes on a cute footman, with whom any interaction is forbidden. Harry has been in love with Janie her entire life, but will she love him back?

If you have a lot of historical romance readers or Downton Abby fans, this book might be a good addition to your school library. It has an interesting twist, the cover art is attractive and most female readers who like this genre would enjoy this book. Aunt Beatrice is a character that most readers will find interesting and fun. There are not really any curricular connections. This is a good free read. It’s fast, easy and a nice escape into the 1910s in London, England. ( )

I've been a fan of Katherine Longshore's other two books, GILT and TARNISH, so I was really looking forward to digging into the Downton Abbey vibe of MANOR OF SECRETS. The disparity between the constrained and cold life that comes as the price of luxury and the choatic existence in the servant's quarters is well-drawn. As always, the author does a beautiful job of choosing details to bring the historical period to life. Here, she also deftly delineates the differences between the point of view characters to make us understand what each longs for, and how they feel about their own domain in the manor and their prospects in the world. While this is a historical, it's really a study in character, and a rare chance to peek belowstairs in Edwardian England while watching two young women test their boundaries and their developing friendship while facing ruin if they step too far from the narrow path that their station in life has chosen for them. ( )

Downton Abbey fans: go to the bookstore. Today. Well, first, finish this review, and then go. Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore (published by Point, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc.) is a lighter version of the beloved television show, aimed at readers 12 and up. With drama upstairs and down, it's full of class division, fancy dresses, impropriety, and high tea. Adults and teens alike will enjoy this novel.

If you love period novels and enjoy the drama of Downton Abbey, this book makes for great reading in between episodes or seasons. Entirely age-appropriate for younger readers, this is a story of love, identity, family, and, of course, social drama. The book ends with a startling plot twist, which gives it some oomph, but otherwise, this is a charming, easy, and light read.

Beautifully written and an enchanting YA story, Manor of Secrets was a great book for my morning commute. Katherine Longshore has written a delightful story for an audience who craves to be lost in the romanticism of an elegant society and a good cup of tea.

3.5 Stars ( )