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A review by jeanninedc
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
4.0
The Widow of Rose House is excellent historical fiction with a dose of romance seasoned with a surprisingly plausible touch of the paranormal. Set in 1875, Alva Webster has returned to the United States in search of a fresh start after the horror and scandal of her marriage and divorce in Europe. But her efforts at rebuilding her life by restoring Liefdehuis mansion are stymied when the scandal follows her, and only the new on again, off again, friendship with inventor Sam Moore, who seems totally unaffected by her reputation, keeps her from being completely ostracized. At the same time, odd things begin to happen at Liefdehuis and Alva has difficulty keeping workers, and even she begins to have strange experiences. It is with Sam's assistance that the two finally discover the truth about the former inhabitants of the house, as well as themselves in the riveting conclusion.
Really excellent historical fiction with a fairly non-intrusive romance - it plays an important role, but doesn't take over the entire plot. There is already a good amount of tension from the incredible cold-shouldering Alva receives from society and her family, but the paranormal elements really ratchet it up. This is most definitely not a happy spirit (giving nothing away here). The limited role women were allowed to play is its usual frustrating reality, and how remarkably easy it was to shatter Alva's reputation. It was quite interesting to see the very beginnings of "Interior Decoration," in action and as a new concept, and Sam and his family of inventors are a pure delight. Recommended.
My copy was an ARC from NetGalley.
Really excellent historical fiction with a fairly non-intrusive romance - it plays an important role, but doesn't take over the entire plot. There is already a good amount of tension from the incredible cold-shouldering Alva receives from society and her family, but the paranormal elements really ratchet it up. This is most definitely not a happy spirit (giving nothing away here). The limited role women were allowed to play is its usual frustrating reality, and how remarkably easy it was to shatter Alva's reputation. It was quite interesting to see the very beginnings of "Interior Decoration," in action and as a new concept, and Sam and his family of inventors are a pure delight. Recommended.
My copy was an ARC from NetGalley.