The standalone novel Wentworth Hall is set in 1912 England at the Darlington family estate. The estate has belonged to the once wealthy family for almost three hundred years but the family funds are now dwindling and with a new baby and a new nanny money is even tighter than ever. Then the satires depicting the family and their secrets appear in a newspaper. Who could be writing them? Is it one of the millionaire twins Lord Darlington brought to stay with them (hoping to get some of their inheritance once they turn eighteen), or could it be Nora the gossipy maid who already secretly takes extra jobs on the side to help her save for the tea shop she dreams of. Maybe it’s the butler, the groom or the nanny. Maybe it’s even a Darlington!As slowly we start learn the Darlington’s secrets throughout the book there is no time for guessing who they about or what might happen, the suspense is missing, the secrets are dropped right in and the story moves along too quickly. The book had all the right elements; passion, betrayal, secrets, illegitimacy, heartache and dreams but the writing failed to bring about the emotions and climaxes that it should have.I gave this book three stars because although I didn’t find it to be written particularly well its basic story line was good, it was easy to read and short enough that I could read it in one sitting. So this story wasn't exactly gripping, but it was written well, and the plot was of mild interest. There wasn't much to the story unfortunately, but I imagine it could become an extremely interesting read if someone took the plot, added more suspense and plot-twists, didn't make the secrets so easy to guess and told me whether or not Lila actually gets to marry Ian. I'm rating this five stars because, and I must have been in the right mood at the time of finishing, the ending was sweet and perfect.
What do You think about Wentworth Hall (2012)?
i loved it. it wasa a little slow at first, but then i really got into it
—pamelasundram77
It was Downton Abbey for Teenagers.. with really predictable outcomes.
—Sally
Lacking, in a word. It seemed a bit unrealistic and frivolous.
—samira
