
The Fortunes of Ashmore Castle : A captivating period drama for 2026 perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age - Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
- Pages · 480 pages
- Publication Date · 11/06/2026
- Genre · Historical fiction
Whispers in the servants' hall, scandals in the drawing room - at Ashmore Castle, everyone has something to hide... England, 1904. Christmas at Ashmore Castle should be a time of celebration - but scandal arrives with snow. The Earl's uncle returns from Italy with a beautiful young bride on his arm, sending shockwaves through the family and threatening Kitty's already fragile place as mistress of the house. As Kitty wrestles with her marriage and a truth she can't yet reveal, her sister-in-law Rachel risks everything for a forbidden love. Meanwhile, Alice - the Earl's youngest sister - finds herself drawn into a dangerous romance with a man far beneath her station. Downstairs, the staff navigate rivalries, reappointments and suspicions that could ruin more than reputations. As love and loyalty clash with ambition and duty, the foundations of Ashmore Castle begin to tremble. And with her future on the line, Kitty must summon all her strength - because at Ashmore, secrets don't stay buried for long... The fourth book in the captivating Ashmore Castle series. Perfect for fans of sweeping period dramas like Downton Abbey, The Crown and Bridgerton. Fans love the ASHMORE series:'Like a comfy pair of slippers. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles never fails to excel...The saga continues and you are drawn into the upstairs downstairs world...so grab a cuppa, some chocolate biscuits and enjoy!' 5-star Reader Review'I always read anything published by Cynthia! The history is always really well researched, the characters realistic and the story fascinating.' 5-star Reader Review'I have read all 3 books and loved it.' 5-star Reader Review'Well written story and a wonderful read!!' 5-star Reader Review'A great series! Hope there's another instalment.' 5-star Reader Review'If you are a Downton Abbey fan this is for you!' 5-star Reader Review'Loved it. Excellent story. Fabulous characters all blended by a tantalising web. I want to read the next book. Can't wait.' 5-star Reader Review
Only at Gulp Fiction
Book Lovers' Happy Hour
An hour and a half at the bar, with three cocktails matched to your taste and three books chosen for you. Tell us what you like when you book, and we'll have them waiting when you arrive.
- 1½ hours
- £60 per person
- 3 cocktails, 3 books
Up to four of you can come — book a place each and choose the same time slot, then tell us who you're with. For larger groups, email gulpfictionbooks@gmail.com and we'll arrange it.
Collect in store
Order online and pick it up from the shop. It's free, and usually quicker than the post.
Find us
Units 28–29, Covered Market, Oxford OX1 3DU. Mon–Wed 10–5, Thu–Sat 10–10, Sun 11–4.
Book a table
The bar is open late Thursday to Saturday. Reserve a table for a drink among the books.