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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A new author to me with a unique mystery set in the past. I would also describe this book as historical fiction and thoroughly enjoyed the author’s note and the education I got on As an added bonus for this reader, there is a family drama and we get to consider modern day motherhood and marriage, and the impact of a neurodiverse child on both. There is a definite gothic feel and Jane Eyre vibes is a good call in the publisher’s blurb.
Ashton Hall is almost a character onto itself and if you like old English homes and their histories, you’ll enjoy this. I really savored the sone, Nicky and his friendships.
I identified very closely with the main character, Hannah, whose perspective informs us of the mystery. We get to see an American woman living in Britain and the author’s own experiences with this make for a highly authentic book. (I was born and raised in Ireland and know that’s there’s a lot more to a culture than a shared language!)
Although the entire book takes place in the present we are transported back in time to the life of Isabella Cresham. There are parallels in history between two main females as far as the choices they make. Hannah sees a lot of her own situation in Isabel. There are other female characters and their choices with motherhood and career are contrasted also.
It’s so interesting how the mystery of the death is solved and for anyone who loves books and libraries this is an excellent history lesson. Such a clever book that has SO much going on. There was a bit of an issue with pacing and some repetition but otherwise, I'd give this a 4.8!
Thanks to the author, Random House and to Net Galley for the advance copy. I will be checking out Belfer’s backlist.
Ashton Hall is almost a character onto itself and if you like old English homes and their histories, you’ll enjoy this. I really savored the sone, Nicky and his friendships.
I identified very closely with the main character, Hannah, whose perspective informs us of the mystery. We get to see an American woman living in Britain and the author’s own experiences with this make for a highly authentic book. (I was born and raised in Ireland and know that’s there’s a lot more to a culture than a shared language!)
Although the entire book takes place in the present we are transported back in time to the life of Isabella Cresham. There are parallels in history between two main females as far as the choices they make. Hannah sees a lot of her own situation in Isabel. There are other female characters and their choices with motherhood and career are contrasted also.
It’s so interesting how the mystery of the death is solved and for anyone who loves books and libraries this is an excellent history lesson. Such a clever book that has SO much going on. There was a bit of an issue with pacing and some repetition but otherwise, I'd give this a 4.8!
Thanks to the author, Random House and to Net Galley for the advance copy. I will be checking out Belfer’s backlist.
An exploration of medieval religious beliefs, set in present-day Cambridge with a made up family and castle (although the ideas were based off a real castle and family of another location). A child on the spectrum discovers bones that was once a women of the historical family and the present-day sets out to learn of her history and why she was bricked into a room with no walls or windows - presumably, left to die.
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very informative, but this felt a bit more essay than novel. I learned a lot about Tudor England though, and the twist at the end was actually the most exciting thing that happened the whole novel.
It was an unexpected pleasure to read this historical fiction story about an American woman and her son who, while visiting an ill relative in England, uncover the skeleton of woman walled off in a small forgotten room. Who is she? Why is she in that room?
In the meantime, Hannah is sorting out her own troubled marriage, her ability to care for their challenging, son Nicky, and her growing attraction to forensic archeologist Matthew. These characters are so engaging and realistic. I loved getting to know all of them, including the mysterious woman Isabella who they've discovered.
Isabella's history, and the mystery surrounding her entombment, unfold gradually as Hannah begins work with researchers and scientists to trace papers and remnants found in the room. I was fascinated by the entire story and loved how individuals worked together to uncover secrets while pulling the reader deep into the story. I loved the gothic feel as well as Isabella's story that causes Hannah to reflect on her own life and future.
This is a wonderfully written, atmospheric story. I loved the author's notes at the end explaining how the story came to life and how she created Nicky's characters - a charismatic, neurodiverse character who defies stereotypes.
Highly recommend this for historical fiction fans looking for something new and fans of Tudor England amid religious turmoil for both Protestant and Catholic Christians alike. Thank you so much to author Lauren Belfer for my complimentary copy of this novel.
In the meantime, Hannah is sorting out her own troubled marriage, her ability to care for their challenging, son Nicky, and her growing attraction to forensic archeologist Matthew. These characters are so engaging and realistic. I loved getting to know all of them, including the mysterious woman Isabella who they've discovered.
Isabella's history, and the mystery surrounding her entombment, unfold gradually as Hannah begins work with researchers and scientists to trace papers and remnants found in the room. I was fascinated by the entire story and loved how individuals worked together to uncover secrets while pulling the reader deep into the story. I loved the gothic feel as well as Isabella's story that causes Hannah to reflect on her own life and future.
This is a wonderfully written, atmospheric story. I loved the author's notes at the end explaining how the story came to life and how she created Nicky's characters - a charismatic, neurodiverse character who defies stereotypes.
Highly recommend this for historical fiction fans looking for something new and fans of Tudor England amid religious turmoil for both Protestant and Catholic Christians alike. Thank you so much to author Lauren Belfer for my complimentary copy of this novel.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great book. Loved the story line of the present day characters intersecting somewhat with characters from 400 years ago. Ms Belfer also accurately described, I think, the life of a parent who has a child who is not “normal”. Great book
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A