Book Review: Selwyn Place
Selwyn Place: A short steampunk adventure by Shelley AdinaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Selwyn Place is the second of four “Manor House” short stories. The series makes a fine introductory ‘taste test’ for readers who have not yet discovered Shelley Adina’s steampunk adventure stories. I also like to think of these as a bonus gift for avid readers (like me) of both the Magnificent Devices and the Mysterious Devices books.
Selwyn Place features Lady Emilie Selwyn, who needs to learn how to gracefully host a country house party. Her clever plan is to invite her close friends to enjoy a test-run party week at Selwyn Place. Lady Claire and her husband Andrew are delighted by the prospect, but delight quickly turns to dismay when Peony Churchill also shows up at the party.
You really do need to read Carrick House, the first book in this series to understand why spending a week with Peony Churchill isn’t high on Claire and Andrew’s wish list—or Peony’s, for that matter. Still, they decide to try to make the best of the situation, for Lady Emilie’s sake.
While I was fairly sure I could predict the outcome of this awkward problem, I did *not* see another, much more dangerous situation coming. Another guest—who just happens to be a member of Lady Claire’s family flock, is placed in mortal danger. And Lady Claire is willing to brave any danger to keep her flock safe. But can she find out what the threat’s about before it’s too late? I couldn’t wait to see this mystery solved. I read the entire book in one sitting.
As always, I love the fierce family ties, the nurturing of friendships, the attention given to all those little things people do to make others feel comfortable. In the Devices world, we start with a lofty premise. With only a few exceptions, everyone is worth saving. Everyone deserves a second chance. Everyone deserves family. Everyone should be loved. While the final outcomes don’t always bring these happy results, it’s certainly not for lack of trying. And we readers are worth the efforts given.
Onward to book three, Holly Cottage, which I’ll review tomorrow!
View all my Goodreads reviews
To read all my reviews for the Manor House series, here are the links. Book One: Carrick House ~ Book Two: Selwyn Place ~ Book Three: Holly Cottage ~ Book Four: Gwynn Place
Lori Alden Holuta
Lori Alden Holuta lives between the cornfields of Mid-Michigan, where she grows vegetables and herbs when she’s not writing, editing, or playing games with a cat named Chives.
