A review by karlakayjenniges
The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell

dark emotional mysterious sad 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

5.0

"Death was no stranger to Theodora Corvus. It had gathered at her cradle, whisper-soft and unseen, to take her mother's cooling hand. Upon the eve of her eighth midsummer, beneath the old oaks near the lake as the sun slipped behind the hills, Death also took her father's hand."

Theodora's life has not been one filled with joy. Her life has been surrounded by death and darkness. Living with her grandmother in her father's house, the murky shadows surround her as she hears the whispers from the crumbling walls. She watches the shadows of those once living that hover in the mists from the brakish lake. 

She spends her days as a governess at Kingswood Manor and her nights with her grandmother. When disturbing events occur, Theodora must leave her home and travel far away to Broken Oak Manor where she becomes a governess for little Ottoline Thorne. 

The manor is filled with dark secrets but there are no whispers within the walls. Theodora must settle in to her new life at Broken Oak with sweet little Ottoline, the housekeeper, Ms. Rivers, and the ever elusive and mysterious lord of the manor. 

There are disturbances and a presence wandering in the night that will lead Theodora to believe there is something deeply hidden within, a dark secret she longs to reveal. As she falls in love with the manor and all who dwell within, will the secret be worth revealing? 

I really enjoyed this story. The prose throughout is beautifully written and the character's are endearing. The atmospheric setting is very descriptive. I could feel the deep seeded darkness, the melancholy, and the slowly creeping dread. The deep sorrow that is burrowed into their hearts and souls. I just adore little Ottoline, a sweet little child longing to be loved and cherished. Cassias is very mysterious and his troubles run deep. The love that develops between them all breaks the barriers of loneliness and yet there is something lurking within the depths of their hearts that something is amiss. Their journey reveals all that lies within. 

A story filled with regrets, longing, and love. A forbidden romance that fills their lonely hearts.

The end reveal was flawless and weaves together all the hidden secrets.

Hauntingly wonderful and soulfully tragic!

As always, thank you so much to Quill&Crow Publishing and the author for the advanced readers copy. Much appreciated!!