Review: Romance at Ridgeford Hall by Kate Ellington | Regency Romance
A sweet Regency romance filled with friendship, family secrets, and the enduring power of second chances.
There is something undeniably appealing about a Regency romance that combines grand estates, loyal friendships, family meddling, and a touch of mystery. In Romance at Ridgeford Hall, Kate Ellington delivers all of these elements in a charming story that follows Jane Lakewood as she reconnects with a man she never quite forgot and discovers that love rarely follows a straightforward path.
As a young girl, Jane Lakewood's curiosity leads her to the supposedly abandoned Ridgeford Hall, where she encounters an intriguing young man named Conrad. Their brief friendship ends with a promise to meet again, but Conrad never appears. Six years later, Jane is stunned when Conrad suddenly returns to her life. As old memories resurface and their friendship deepens into something more, family expectations, long-hidden secrets, and persistent rumors threaten their chance at happiness. Set against the elegance of Regency England, Romance at Ridgeford Hall is a story of friendship, second chances, and discovering what truly matters.
About Romance at Ridgeford Hall
Romance at Ridgeford Hall By Kate Ellington
Published by The Wild Rose Press on July 2026
Genres: Historical Romance
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 296
Jane Lakewood steals into the supposedly abandoned Ridgeford Hall and unexpectedly meets Conrad, an intriguing but secretive young man. They part ways with a promise to reunite, but Conrad fails to keep their rendezvous.
Six years later, delighted to see Ridgeford restored to its former grandeur, Jane immerses herself in parties and socializing while simultaneously grappling with a momentous decision. Unwanted advice only complicates matters.
At a grand ball, Conrad abruptly waltzes back into Jane's life and reveals the truth about those lost years. As they share old memories and new adventures, their friendship deepens, becoming something sweeter that Jane can't quite define.
But their relationship sparks rumors, and dire consequences force Jane to finally decide what she truly wants.
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Review at a Glance
| Genre | Historical Romance |
| Setting | Regency England |
| Length | 296 Pages |
| Content Rating | PG |
| Ideal Reader | Perfect for fans of clean historical fiction |
| My Rating | ★★★★½ |
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Quick Take: A charming Regency romance featuring loyal friendships, family secrets, a mysterious hero, and a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance.
Content Considerations: Readers can expect Regency-era courtship, family expectations surrounding marriage, mild romantic tension, social gossip, family conflict, and emotional themes involving long-held secrets. The romance remains clean and suitable for readers who enjoy sweet historical fiction without explicit content.
For me, there is something refreshing about settling into a sweet Regency-era romance after a particularly heavy read. Romance at Ridgeford Hall served that purpose especially well.
My Thoughts
Beautifully written as always, Kate Ellington creates a story that is both charming and engaging without relying on excessive drama or high-stakes conflict. Instead, she draws readers in through memorable characters, warm relationships, and a mystery that lingers just beneath the surface.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the question surrounding Conrad. When Jane first meets him at the supposedly abandoned Ridgeford Hall, he almost feels too mysterious to be real. After his unexpected disappearance and the six-year gap that follows, I found myself wondering if he would ever return and whether he could possibly live up to the image Jane had carried with her all those years.
Once Conrad and Jane are reunited, their relationship develops naturally. Their friendship forms the foundation for everything that follows, making their growing affection feel genuine rather than rushed. Of course, no Regency romance would be complete without a few obstacles along the way. Meddling relatives, family expectations, long-hidden secrets, and a few swooning dowagers all contribute moments of humor and frustration as they attempt to steer Jane's future in directions she may not want.
Jane's friendship with Bella was another highlight for me. Their relationship adds warmth to the story and provides a welcome reminder that romance is not the only important connection in a person's life. Strong friendships often help define who we become, and Bella's presence helps ground Jane throughout the novel.
While the story contains family secrets and social complications, it never loses its light and hopeful tone. Readers looking for a clean historical romance will find plenty to enjoy here, including witty interactions, heartfelt moments, and a satisfying friends-to-lovers romance. At its heart, this is a simple story about love overcoming obstacles and finding the courage to choose the future that truly feels right.
In Conclusion
Romance at Ridgeford Hall is a delightful Regency romance filled with friendship, family intrigue, gentle humor, and second chances. Kate Ellington balances mystery and romance beautifully while creating characters that are easy to root for. If you enjoy clean historical romances featuring loyal friendships, charming country estates, and a love story that unfolds at a satisfying pace, this book is well worth adding to your reading list.
Related Reviews
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Excerpt
To help you decide if this book is right for you, here's a brief excerpt provided by the author:
Jane gripped the banister and started up the stairs, but before she could go a few steps a large hand covered hers. She gasped and turned around.
Conrad stood on the lawn, just on the other side of the banister.
"Good evening, Jane," he said, looking up at her. "I'm sorry I startled you."
"I wasn't startled," Jane said, trying to compose her features.
He raised a brow.
"Perhaps a little," she said, smiling.
Since he showed no sign of mounting the stairs, Jane withdrew her hand and joined him on the lawn. When she reached his side he looked down into her face.
"I apologize again," he said.
"It's no matter. Are you here with your family?"
"Yes, they've already gone up."
"So have mine."
After chatting about the weather and a few mutual acquaintances, Conrad surprised Jane with his next comment.
"You seem…subdued tonight, Jane," he said. "Is anything wrong?"
She was surprised he'd noticed, and then immediately worried this meant she was a bore. What kind of remark was that to make to a woman? Jane considered lying and making a witty retort, but instead told him the truth.
Before we wrap up, let's learn a little more about the author behind the story.
About Kate Ellington
About Kate Ellington
Kate Ellington grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.
After graduating from college with an art degree she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.
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Tour dates: June 16-July 14, 2026. To see the full schedule of stops, visit the
Goddess Fish Promotions - Romance at Ridgeford Hall Tour Page.
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