“Intrigue, adventure and romance are skillfully woven in Secrets of Hawking Manor.  Well researched and historically accurate, Manke’s story weaves a fictional tale that draws the reader from the first page.  The intricate plot travels from an English estate to the wilds of uncharted lands of America and back again.  The characters are well developed with period appropriate language and culture.  The scenes are imaginative and take the reader to the time and place with ease.”
- Teresa Bird, Editor and Publisher of the North Island Gazette

"There is much to ponder in this beautiful tale.  The wealthy Carstairs family strives to maintain benevolence during the 19th century society that is fraught with cruelty and greed.  Secrets of Hawking Manor has a powerful message for all of us.  Readers will find themselves examining their own consciences and will find courage and inspiration in this unique love story, as a courageous Benjamin Carstairs, fueled by his promise to his father’s brother, embarks on a journey that teaches him about life, death, and the power of love that not even wealth can buy."
- Robin Baird

"Manke has written an adventure in the style of Sir Walter Scott.  Hard work, virtue, good fortune, and the timely arrival of his once estranged brother help Benjamin, the hero, to triumph over all adversities.  Secret of Hawking Manor exemplifies the best and the worst of the human spirit."
- Steven Gray

"Secrets of Hawking Manor is a story beautifully told.  Full of actions and adventures, defeats and triumphs, intrigue and suspense, it keeps one glued to its pages.  The reader will find delight in the humor of George Wickendew, the innocence of Rebecca, the virtues found in Melissa and the strength of Clarissa.  Benjamin’s spirit lifts us to the heights of humanity.  We see in Henry’s predisposition for both goodness and wickedness our own reflection.  Eugene, the main antagonist, is a character not easily forgotten. Secrets of Hawking Manor is a great novel, not easily put down until the last page has been turned."
- Lisa Straubing

"I truly enjoyed meeting your characters. I could identify with their joys and heartaches. They are universal and timeless. You have captured the essence of humanity. You have shown that the concerns, loves and feelings of mankind run a common thread throughout the ages. The language you used was rich and strong. Your descriptive imagery conjured up the most delightful scenes. Powerful writing. It is a book I want to reread."
- Chris Reusse

"Only occasionally have I picked up a book and found it hard to put down.  But that was the case with Secrets of Hawking Manor.  I wanted to find out what happened next, and more than once I found myself reading on when I should have been getting my beauty sleep.  It’s that kind of book.  It’s a fictional, English family story written against a historical background and I definitely recommend it.  It’s a book that deserves a sequel."
- Gordon McMann

"From the first page to the last, Secrets of Hawking Manor is an exciting voyage.  W.H. Manke has created fascinating characters, which come alive vividly in our mind, and entice us to join them."
- Angela Bono

"Reading Secrets of Hawking Manor is like viewing a beautiful tapestry with the lives of the characters skillfully woven into a journey spanning two continents.  I enjoyed an array of emotions as the author dropped one thread, picked up another and then tied them all together.  This is a book I will recommend to friends."
- Karen Sessford

"I chuckled, I wept, and always I enjoyed reading Secrets of Hawking Manor.  It’s a wonderful story."
- Melinda Mandleson