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3.7 AVERAGE


Really this should be more like 4.5 stars. It was that good, but it still left me with a couple questions and wanting to know more so not quite a 5.

There was no going back. Time only moved in one direction. And it didn't stop. It never stopped moving, not even to let a person think. The only way back was in one's memories.

This story of time and the timelessness of love and loss over more than a century at Birchwood Manor was quite stunning. It was my first Kate Morton novel (I know....how?) and i feel compelled to find more by her. The writing was elegant and engaging, and the characters were well developed.

Told through multiple perspectives and timelines, the story zigzags across time from when Elodie finds a mysterious leather satchel back to the fateful incidents of 1862, when a group of young artists, led by Edward Radcliffe, visit Birchwood Manor for the summer. Everything in between reveals the personal histories of those who are drawn to the Manor by its mystical call. The multiple voices didn't bother me but there are lot of characters to keep track of. And when things start coming together, the payoff is grand. Without including spoilers, I loved learning about characters like Pale Joe and Ada and even Elodie herself.

I am the hands of the clock and the space in between. I am the noise you hear when you think you're hearing nothing at all. I am the light in the window that you know cannot be there. I am the stars in the dark when you feel yourself alone.

“But it is not so. I do not wish to be set free. I am of this house, this house that Edward loved; I am this house.”

I really liked this book. It got me hooked from the start and I was really interested on the story. The writing is beautiful and i don’t find the change of pov’s confusing, I find the characters very unique and distinct so i never got confused between them and always remembered who they were and their story. They were also very lovable and real which totally helped me actually care about them.

This is the first book by Kate Morton that I read so I can’t compare it to the rest of her writing but this is a book that I really enjoyed and will be recommending!!
hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

3.5 *
I can't say that I hated it, or even that it was bad. It was just plodding. I normally devour Kate Morton's novels, but this one took me forever to finish.
mysterious reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

First let me saw I am a sucker for a British accent. So I whole heartedly dove into this audiobook with great anticipation. And I'm a Kate Morton fan! This book however, is a disappointment. 

Since it is a Kate Morton book, I knew to expect engaging prose and she did not disappoint on that level. What was disappointing though, I found this book to be TEDIOUS. It was very slow paced and I could not give two shits about any of the characters except for those in current day (and they were incredibly minor characters (IMO). The indelible Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates of Downtown) is the narrator and even she could not save this book for me. And for fuck's sake, if I had to hear the name Lily Millington one more time! UGH! If I didn't have a life, I'd almost be interested in finding out how many times the name Lily Millington appeared. 

It also missed the mark on the suspense. There really wasn't a big plot twist. I was bored although I did finish it. I kept expecting a more detailed description of The Following that Edward endured. Come to think of it maybe there was and I was so bored I just zoned out. All and all this book was the equivalent of watching grass grow and considering I haven't had to cut mine in over 2 weeks (no rain and all) that is saying a lot. 

It is a disservice to this book to simply call it historical fiction, or a mystery. The storyline weaves through the mid 1800s up to the present time and brings in numerous characters with seemingly no connection. Until pieces start falling into place and a grandiose house reveals it's secrets through the stories of those who have been touched by it.

Incredibly well organized and deeply written in a way that has you falling in love with an old house, old stories, and the timelessness of human curiosity and passion.

Probably the worst book she has written so far there is no plot it just wavers between characters that seem to be linked and then she just goes on.... and on.... and on.... without ending or explaining why it’s happening. Very disappointing and I am sorry to say I got bored with it
emotional mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Bro this actually mad me cry
dark mysterious sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No