At Summer’s End

Alberta “Bertie” Preston wants nothing more than to make a name for herself as an artist. In 1920s England, as a single woman, this is almost impossible. However, she receives a commission from the Earl of Wakeford to spend the summer painting at his country home, Castle Braemore. When she gets to Braemore, she discovers that the Earl has not left his room in two years, having received scars and never fully recovered from the Great War. His own siblings, still living with him, haven’t even seen him in that time. She manages to break through his defenses and At Summer’s End she will have to decide what is most important to her, her career or the family she has come to love?

The best way I can describe this is Beauty and the Beast World War I style with artists instead of bookworms. Since that is one of my all-time favorite stories, of course, I loved this and would recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction. Julian was a complex character who struggled to find his place in the world and how to deal well with his trauma. Bertie was the perfect remedy. I loved it.