The Angel Maker

Book 2 in The Hartford Manor Series

Romance - Historical
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/18/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Love is love, and in The Angel Maker by Marcia Clayton, that idea is put to the test in surprising ways. This historical novel is set in Victorian England, following the intertwined lives of families in the village of Hartford and the grand Hartford Manor situated within it. Readers are introduced to Robert Fellwood, heir to the estate, and Annie Carter, a young woman from a working-class family whose past is riddled by hardship and scandal. Their relationship challenges social norms of the time, while also bringing long-buried secrets to the surface. They must face confrontations about class, family loyalty, and reputation. At the same time, ordinary men and women battle poverty and responsibility, even as the wealthy struggle with their own troubles. Set against the backdrop of a small rural village, the story reveals the bonds of loyalty and betrayal, examining how hidden decisions shape lives and test the ties that bind a community together. Will any of their lives ever be the same again?

If you’re looking for a novel that blends romance with a bit of suspense in a historical setting, then The Angel Maker: Book 2 in The Hartford Manor Series by Marcia Clayton is for you. I found myself drawn to it because of its intriguing title. I wanted to know who the angel maker was and why it was important. The answer is both unexpected and fascinating. I appreciated how the narrative blended a heartfelt connection with history. My favorite part was when Robert made a dramatic acknowledgement in a very public way. He did so despite knowing he would be facing challenges for doing so. The audience will find this book easy to read and will appreciate its fast pace. Readers will not be able to put it down until they discover if the social obstacles tear them apart or not.