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Wormwood Abbey

The Secrets of Ormdale, Book 1

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Wormwood Abbey

By: Christina Baehr
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
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About this listen

As a Victorian clergyman's daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything—until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap.

When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire. Wormwood Abbey isn't just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there's also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbor who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.

An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world—especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family's legacy.

But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap...and some of them have teeth.

WORMWOOD ABBEY, Book 1 of The Secrets of Ormdale, is a cozy gothic audiobook of mystery, dragons, and the perils of friendship, perfect for fans of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries and Maria Grace.

©2023 Christina Baehr (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd Fantasy Historical Fiction
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This book was such a fun, cosy fantasy book. Edith Worms, a Victorian clergyman's daughter, thinks she's seen everything; right up until a mythical salamander falls out of the fireplace and into her lap. From there, she's whisked away to Wormwood Abbey, a crumbling gothic manor full of strange creatures, old family secrets, and an unexpectedly charming neighbour who seems a little too interested in her staying.

It took me a little while to settle into the story, but once I did, I read the whole thing in a single sitting. The plot is engaging without being heavy, and the prose is straightforward, more focused on telling the story than waxing poetic, which I actually appreciated for this kind of cosy gothic adventure.

The characters really won me over, especially Edith, her prickly but lovable cousin Gwendolyn, and the mysterious Drake (always a bonus when the brooding neighbour enjoys Jane Austen!). I also loved that Edith is a writer, and that her family supports her passion; refreshing for the time period and a charming detail that made me root for her even more.

Overall, this was a sweet and entertaining read with twists, warmth, and a hint of romance that I'm sure will bloom more in book two. I'm happily giving it 4 stars and will definitely continue the series!

A cozy gothic fantasy

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I loved the way it was read with such a calming and yet expressionate voice. Not robotic like some audiobooks. Such an engaging and beautiful fantasy book with scripture woven throughout. One of my new favourite books I’ve ever read. Love that it felt like a hug in a mug🥰

Beautifully read and loved the characters

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