"Allard is a seasoned author, and her experience shows in both the lapidary prose and the sensitivity with which she treats class division. Overall, this is a delightful, often funny story that also serves as a gimlet-eyed study of class division and the possibility of its transcendence. An unpretentiously philosophical assessment of class and love."~Kirkus Reviews"While the primary story follows Daphne's journey of the heart in parallel with Edward's journey towards making his mark as a writer, a strong undercurrent of supporting plot lines ensure the story moves forward in a textured way, in a way that is a perfect marriage of mystery and clean, sweet, new adult romance.  The story is exquisitely written, providing context and clear imagery of Victorian-era lifestyles and perfectly balanced descriptions of England's countryside in a way that is as colorful as it is authentic. When It Rained at Hembry Castle is a charming, sweeping historical romance combined with an element of mystery. 5 stars." ~IndieReader A lush historical novel set in Victorian England, When It Rained at Hembry Castle is the story of an aristocratic family, secrets that dare not be told, and the wonder of falling in love.When the 8th Earl of Staton dies, his eldest son, the unreliable Richard, inherits the title and the family's home--Hembry Castle. The Earl's niece, the American-born Daphne, is intrigued by Edward Ellis, a rising author with a first-hand knowledge of Hembry Castle--from the servants' hall. Can Richard come to terms with his title before bringing ruin on his family? Will Edward and Daphne find their way to each other despite the obstacles of life at Hembry Castle?When It Rained at Hembry Castle is a page-turning, romantic novel with vivid characters and an engrossing story that will keep you guessing until the end.

When It Rained at Hembry Castle













The Ball





T
he night of Daphne’s ball Staton House was aglow with candlelight and lively bouquets of roses, peonies, and daffodils in silver epergnes. A cloak room was set aside for the ladies, a hat room for the gentlemen, a separate room for tea and coffee, and t...

A Funeral at Hembry

The Daily Observer

Downstairs at Hembry Castle

Upstairs at Hembry Castle

The 9th Earl of Staton

The American Girl

The Ways of Hembry Castle

Paying Calls

Shorthand

Miss Chattaway

Staton House

Dinner at Hembry Castle

Horrocks

Ready for the Queen

The Kiss

The Unhappy Earl

Christmas at Hembry Castle

A Servant’s Christmas

The Presentation, or A Grandmother's Dream

Downstairs at Staton House

The Ball

An Unwelcome Surprise

A Farewell

Lady Daphne Meriwether

A Previous Engagement

Meanwhile, Downstairs at Hembry Castle

In the Paradise

The Intruder

A Plan is Hatched

The Missing Child

The End

Author’s Notes

About the Author

Also by Meredith Allard