Foes, Friends, and Lovers

The Cynsters Next Generation Series, Book 10

By: Stephanie Laurens

Narrated by: Matthew Brenher

A gentleman searching for a purpose in life sets out to claim his legacy, only to discover that instead of the country residence he’d expected, he’s inherited an eccentric community whose enterprises are overseen by a decidedly determined young lady who is disinclined to hand over the reins.

Gregory Cynster arrives at the property willed to him by his great-aunt with the intention of converting Bellamy Hall into a quiet, comfortable gentleman’s country residence, only to discover the Hall overrun by an eclectic collection of residents engaged in a host of business endeavors under the stewardship of a lady far too young to be managing such reins.

With the other residents of the estate, Caitlin Fergusson has been planning just how to deal with the new owner, but coming face to face with Gregory Cynster throws her and everyone else off their stride. They’d anticipated a bored and disinterested gentleman who, once they’d revealed the income generated by the Hall’s community, would be content to leave them undisturbed.

Instead, while Gregory appears the epitome of the London rake they’d expected him to be, they quickly learn he’s determined to embrace Bellamy Hall and all its works and claim ownership of the estate.

While the other residents adjust their thinking, the burden of dealing daily with Gregory falls primarily on Caitlin’s slender shoulders. Yet as he doggedly carves out a place for himself, Caitlin’s position as chatelaine-cum-steward seems set to grow redundant. But Caitlin has her own reasons for clinging to the refuge her position at Bellamy Hall represents.

What follows is a dance of revelations, both of others and also of themselves, for Gregory, Caitlin, and the residents of Bellamy Hall. Yet even as they work out what their collective future might hold, a shadowy villain threatens to steal away everything they’ve created.

©2022 Stephanie Laurens (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

purpose and a future for all

February 16, 1852
We open with Gregory Cynster on the road to Bellamy Hall in Northhamptonshire.
Gregory, son of Vane and Patience, has inherited a legacy from Aunt Minnie and Timms. Having spent summers there as a child, he knew there was always a collection of unusual people living at Bellamy Hall at the invitation of Minnie or Timms. He wasn’t prepared for the organized group of successful businesses that had been created by those unusuals. Or for Caitlin Ferguson, the Chatelaine cum Steward of the Estate. Then there’s the unlikely feckless neighbor who wants to purchase the Estate and Caitlin’s Scottish cousins who start turning up. Gregory had been floating through life before, but he has found clear purpose - for now, and for a future with Caitlin.
Brehner did a very good job with narration.
This is one of my favorite Cynster Next Gen stories and has stuck with me since I first read it.

The development of the characters

I love Stephanie Lauren’s weaving of the time and place while telling us the story of romance along with enough mystery to keep us guessing the how if not always the who as in this story.

This may be my favorite Stephanie Lauren’s tale.

I loved her story of collaboration among the various artists, artisans, craftspeople, and builders. Most people have many talents and those evolve through time. The story reflected this beautifully. I also enjoyed her interweaving of the English and Scottish cultures.

Escaping Overbearing Uncle

She didn’t want to marry her cousin that her uncle was insisting on, so she left. Luckily she found shelter with a woman named Timms, who was managing an estate. There were several interesting individuals who had occupations while living and working on the estate. Timms eventually made the young woman manager and she thrived. When Timms died, the estate was inherited by Gregory Cynster. Gregory decided to look over his inherited property and met the new manager. Fun and interesting love story with a villain. Good narrative.

great story

Loves it. Always a great story. Can't wait for the next book. Thank you for your talent

A good read

This was a good read in the Cynster collection. I love this author. I purchase every title. This story was a little slow to get started and details were repetitive. It seemed like it was trying to fill in the space of the book to get all the chapters in. The Ferguson’s were very interesting and would have loved to see their stories expanded on. Always worth reading

Not one of her best

After some of her adventure stories, this one’s a bit ho - hum. 95% of it could have been a good children’s bedtime story. It was good to revisit the Cynsters again and see how they’re all getting along.

The hall of dreams

I loved the story line, the of a co-operative so well run and working the existence made orher people jealous and greedy. Through it all love succeeds.

Foes, Friends, and Lovers

Was a surprising tale which showed how diversity is the key to achieving great things and can lead you to a special someone but almost always there is danger or obstacles that must be overcomed.

Narrator was great in presenting each character and has a pleasant voice to listen to.

Recommend this book.

Great story

Love how Stephanie Lauren weaves the stories about the Cynster family descendants. Hope she continues to entertain us.