Author: Paulette Kennedy
Publication: 01 November 2021
Format: Kindle eBook & paperback
Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.
Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff
In June 1899 Eliza and her sister Lydia arrive in England from New Orleans after Eliza inherits an estate from a great-aunt she last saw over twenty years ago. Both are excited about a fresh start -- free from their past and any societal demands.
There's a catch, though. Because there's almost always a catch. In order to actually lay claim to her full inheritance, Eliza must marry within three months. Eliza, of course, had absolutely no interest in marrying ... until, of course, she encountered the moody lord of the neighboring estate next door.
Next door to Sherbourne House is Havenwood Manor -- still in horrible disrepair from a fire three years prior. The only one remaining in the house (aside from staff) is Malcolm Winfield. His father and brother both perished in the fire. His mother vanished shortly thereafter. Did she run away? Did she fall into the ravine? Or, as so many rumors state, did Malcolm kill her?
In spite of the stories, Eliza is drawn to Malcolm and vice-versa. When it becomes clear that marriage could help her keep her inheritance as well as help Malcolm keep Havenwood, the two elope. Soon after, things begin to happen that make Eliza question everything -- including her own sanity. She began hearing and seeing things that weren't there (or were they?), and her new husband and house were both full of secrets nobody seemed to be willing to talk about.
It's a book full of mysteries and twists ... and oh the twists will have my head spinning for some time. It is deliciously gothic and I had a near impossible time putting it down. I started early Monday morning -- finished less than twenty-four hours later. My biggest complaint? Not nearly enough Lydia.
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3 comments:
This sounds excellent and that cover so atmospheric too.
It sounds really intriguing and I love the cover.
What a delightful sounding read! Great excerpts!
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