The Angel Maker
(Hartford Manor Book 2)
By Marcia Clayton
Publication Date: 12th December 2020
Publisher: Sunhillow Publishing
Page Length: 379
Genre: Historical Fiction
1884 North Devon, England
When carpenter, Fred Carter, finds a young woman in dire straits by the roadside, he takes her to the local inn where she gives birth to a daughter. Charlotte Mackie is an unmarried mother and has run away from home where she would have no sympathy from her strict parents. A few days later, Fred takes Charlotte to her aunt’s house and does not expect to see her again.
When their paths unexpectedly cross, Fred finds Charlotte is distraught as her aunt has arranged an adoption behind her back. Charlotte is desperate to find her baby, and Fred promises to help. However, they are unprepared for the sinister discoveries that lay before them. Set alongside the absorbing detail of country life and budding village romances, dark forces are at work, which ultimately test the bravery and resourcefulness of the whole community.
The Angel Maker is the sequel to The Mazzard Tree and the second novel in a compelling series that follows the lives and loves of the villagers of Hartford. A rare treat for lovers of historical fiction.
Annie Carter stands on the brink of a life-changing decision—she is finally able to marry the man of her dreams. However, this union is anything but ordinary. Annie, a humble former maid from the village, has captured the heart of Robert Fellwood, the charming heir to the grand and opulent Hartford estate.
In a different corner of the village, Fred Carter unexpectedly crosses paths with a young woman named Charlotte, who is in dire need of assistance. With panic in her eyes, Charlotte is in labour and will not make it to her aunt’s in time. Fred, with a heart full of compassion, swiftly offers her his support and escorts her to the family inn, a warm and welcoming place. There, under the care of his nurturing mother, Betsy, and the skilled village midwife, Matilda Rudd, Charlotte bravely brings a beautiful baby girl into the world. However, Charlotte’s joy is short-lived. When she goes to stay with her aunt, her aunt makes the decision to secretly give the child away, believing it to be for the best. Devastated by the loss, Charlotte returns to the village and takes up work at the inn. Despite the overwhelming sorrow that clouds her heart, she is resolute in her determination to find her baby one day, even though she feels lost and unsure of how to begin the search.
“The Angel Maker (Hartford Manor Book 2)” by Marcia Clayton is a beautifully written story that captivates and resonates deeply with readers. The narrative draws the reader into a world rich with emotional complexities, where love intertwines with the unyielding spirit of resilience. As the characters navigate their intertwined fates, the story illuminates the stark contrasts between the opulent lives of the privileged and the struggles of the impoverished, all set against a backdrop of a transformative historical period.
The story picks up right where the first book ended, allowing readers to reconnect with both beloved and detested characters. For those who have not read “The Mazzard Tree (Hartford Manor Book 1),” it’s easy to catch up on the events that have already unfolded, for Clayton takes a few paragraphs to explain, although this approach does slow the story down for those who have read Book 1.
Clayton has masterfully captured the essence of a bygone era, a time steeped in tradition yet subtly overshadowed by the encroaching threat to its way of life. As Robert immerses himself in the pages of Henry Stephens’ renowned agricultural tome, he unearths a wealth of innovative farming techniques poised to elevate his crop yield to unprecedented levels. Alongside his newfound knowledge, he makes the pivotal decision to invest in modern farm machinery, including the reaper and threshing machine—powerful tools that promise to revolutionise the harvesting process. Yet, as these advancements take root in the pastoral landscape, a troubling question hangs in the air: how many livelihoods will be sacrificed at the altar of progress as technology continues to transform the agricultural workforce? Yet, the old ways still hold greater sway than the new. The traditional May Day celebrations, where exuberant children twirl joyfully around the colourful maypole, evoke a nostalgic sense of innocence and carefree joy. The air is filled with the vibrant sounds of laughter as families gather to witness the festivities. The arrival of the fair brings a rush of excitement, with the enticing aroma of candied treats and the fun of the carousel inviting everyone to indulge in its whimsical charm. Moments of joy, marked by marriages, births, and even solemn deaths, weave the fabric of the story, propelling it forward with an emotional heartbeat. Interspersed throughout this quaint village life are hints of smuggling, adding an intriguing layer of suspense that keeps readers on their toes, eager to uncover the unexpected twists that lie beneath the surface of tradition.
The settings in the story are vividly depicted, each contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere and emotional landscape. Lodge House, once a victim of years of neglect, is now undergoing restoration, symbolising a sense of new beginnings and hope for those who inhabit it; however, the mystery surrounding the old fireplace, which looms ominously behind the boarded-up walls, hints that maybe something is not quite right with the house. The Manor House has been transformed into two separate households. The refurbished West Wing serves as a lively home for Annie and Robert, bustling with activity, laughter, and a sense of warmth that contrasts sharply with the rest of the manor, where a sense of tradition continues to prevail. The dramatic cliffs and picturesque shores, with their treacherous paths and concealed coves, provide an ideal backdrop for smuggling activities and hidden romances, creating an air of danger and intrigue. Meanwhile, the woods surrounding the estate are a lovely place to ride or walk, but for characters like old Sam, they are a place to live, away from society. In striking contrast, Buzzacott House is portrayed as a neglected and unwelcoming space, its cold, lifeless atmosphere mirroring the chilling demeanour of the women who reside there.
This novel features a detailed cast of characters, primarily centred around the Carters. The narrative skilfully intertwines the lives of the various family members, each navigating their unique experiences, challenges, and relationships, although particular attention is focused on Annie, Fred and Eveline. Each character’s journey unfolds with striking clarity, allowing their individual experiences to shine forth. Through lush, evocative descriptions, the reader is drawn into richly crafted scenes where characters confront their deepest fears and revel in hard-earned triumphs. This thoughtful interplay enables readers to appreciate each character’s individuality while also experiencing the profound connections that bind them all together, ultimately deepening the reader’s insight into their lives.
There is a profoundly darker element woven throughout this novel, skillfully foreshadowed as the plot unfolds. An unsettling mystery shrouds Buzzacott House, which gradually becomes the gripping focus of the narrative as the story approaches its tense conclusion. This segment of the tale delves into incredibly dark and distressing territory, delivering shocks that reverberate not only through the reader’s mind but also through the very souls of the characters entangled in the unfolding horror. The harrowing events that transpire within the decaying walls of Buzzacott House are beyond imagination, yet they are rooted in grim reality. These chilling scenes mirror the disturbing truths that echoed across the country during this tumultuous era, ultimately spiralling into a scandal that captivated the nation.
“The Angel Maker (Hartford Manor Book 2)” by Marcia Clayton is a captivating continuation of the Hartford Manor series. This novel beautifully explores the journeys of its characters as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of Victorian England. With rich descriptions and a compelling narrative, Clayton artfully integrates themes of hope, resilience, and familial bonds, making it a delightful read for fans of historical fiction. This instalment not only deepens the saga but also introduces new complexities and heart-warming moments that will resonate with readers. This book comes highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
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Marcia Clayton
A farmer’s daughter, Marcia Clayton, was born in North Devon, a rural and picturesque area in the far South West of England. When she left school, Marcia worked in a bank for several years until she married her husband, Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for her three sons, Stuart, Paul, and David.
As the children grew older, Marcia worked as a Marie Curie nurse caring for the terminally ill and later for the local authority managing school transport. Now a grandmother, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is a keen researcher of family history, and this hobby inspired some of the characters in her books. Marcia and Bryan are keen gardeners and grow many of their own vegetables.
An avid reader, Marcia can often be found with her nose in a book when she should be doing something else! Her favourite genres are historical fiction, romance, and crime books. Marcia has written five books in the historical family saga, “The Hartford Manor Series”, and is working on the sixth. Besides writing books, Marcia produces blogs to share with her readers in a monthly newsletter.
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