Mask of Innocence

A tale of love, lust, loyalty and deception

by Marion Shepherd

The Marchant family live in Cedar Grove, a majestic Tudor manor house nestled within the rolling Cotswolds hills.

Upon the untimely death of their tyrannical father, Richard and Francesca Marchant are caught up in a web of dark family secrets, manipulation, murder, abduction and obsessive desires.

Francesca is a rebellious and spirited young girl, despised by her stepmother Catherine, and relentlessly pursued by the obsessive Rufus Donaldson. She becomes the subject of a dangerous conspiracy to force her into an unwanted marriage, jeopardising her future with the man to whom she has given her heart. Can her brother, Richard, rise above his own lustful desires and save his beloved sister?

From the green hills of Gloucestershire to the brothels of Victorian Bristol and the fens of Cumbria, Mask of Innocence is a fast paced novel set against a rich backdrop of Victorian society. A strong moral tale, Mask of Innocence shows how people come together to seek out truth and love against a whirlwind of turmoil and adversity.

Author news

currently reading through draft 2 of my next book, The Ghost of Hearts-Hope

http://www.marionshepherd-author.co.uk/

Book Reviews

It's definitely my kind of book - it has so many different themes to entertain the reader: romance, social hierarchies, greed, revenge and murder, to name but a few.

by Paul

This was an enjoyable romance. I was able to read it in one day. The characters were so engaging & I found myself getting caught up in their stories.

by Mina Verga

I really enjoyed this book. Great plot, unexpected twists, some romance. Easy read, that had everything I look for.

by Marianne Moon

A real historical page turner which twists and turns to the very last page.
The story is about a brother and sister who in their childhood were dominated by a tyrannical father who even after his death still dominates. A mother who committed suicide when the children were young and even a wicked stepmother.
A fantastic read which will leave you wanting more
Five stars all the way

by Penny Cottell

A wonderful romance - the characters really came alive. A story that drew me right in. I would highly recommend!

by Rhonda Lomazow

His was a well paced historical fiction drama / saga following the Marchant family in their Tudor Manor in Gloucestershire.

With a plethora of characters with lots of twists and turns to the plotline.

Really good storyline with many stories intertwining with other characters a very well paced story.

I have never read this author before but will now look for other books by Marion Shepherd.

by Sarah Davies

This book really draws you in fast, but will then slow down and again pick the pace back up. A little bit of a roller coaster, but don't worry - everything ends up neat and tidy.

by Jackie Wright

A very interesting read and one that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. Plenty of twists and turns and everything that i would expect in a good historical drama. I rarely write what a story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do recommend. Loved the cover!

by Jeanette

About the Author

Marion Shepherd

After running her own business as a Professional Practitioner of Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching and Neuro Linguistic Programming, for 11 years, Marion has always been interested in what makes people ‘tick’, their motivations, how the mind works and fuels their behaviours. She has put this knowledge to good use in her characterisation when writing. She has always been interested in reading, writing, art, psychology and history. When she had to finish work due to ill health, she saw this as an opportunity to revisit the keyboard and start writing again.

Visit my website: www.marionshepherd-author.co.uk