Overview
An American woman and her son unearth the buried secrets and past lives of an English manor house in this masterful and riveting novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Belfer.
“Infused with the brooding, gothic atmosphere of Jane Eyreor Rebecca . . . a novel that must be savored, one page at a time.”—Melanie Benjamin, author of The Children’s Blizzard
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times
“How many lives can you imagine yourself living?”
So Hannah Larson wonders. When a close relative falls ill, Hannah and her young son, Nicky, decide to join him for the summer at Ashton Hall, a historic manor house outside Cambridge, England. Hannah gave up her academic career to raise her beloved child, who is neurodivergent and experiences the world differently from others, and she’s grateful to escape her life in New York City, where her marriage has been upended by a devastating betrayal.
Soon after their arrival, ever-curious Nicky discovers the skeletal remains of a woman in a forgotten, walled-off wing of the manor, and Hannah is pulled into an all-consuming quest for answers. Working from clues in centuries-old ledgers and the personal papers of the long-departed family, Hannah begins to re-create the Ashton Hall of the Elizabethan era in all its color and conflict. As the secrets of her own life begin to unravel, and the rewards and complications of being Nicky’s mother come into focus, Hannah realizes that Ashton Hall’s women before her had lives not so different from her own. She confronts what women throughout history have had to do to control their own destinies and protect their children.
Rich with passion, strength, and ferocity across the ages, Ashton Hall is a novel that reveals how the most profound hauntings are within ourselves.
Review
Hannah and her son, Nicky, have decided to move to Cambridge, England for the summer. Hannah’s uncle is ill and she is hoping to escape her failing marriage and help take care of him. But, not long after they arrive, Nicky finds a skeleton in a secret area of Ashton Hall. This leads to many questions and unanswered mysteries.
Hannah is a character that frustrated me in places. I wanted her to be tougher and stand up for herself more. This is a minor irritation because this whole story had me captivated. I love the history that unfolded and the family drama….Lord have mercy at the secrets! From her husband, uncle and everywhere Hannah turns…SECRETS!
Y’all! I love a house with hidden passageways and mysteries to discover and this house, Ashton Hall, did not disappoint. Add in the characters and all their covert drama…and you have a pretty, dang good read!
This novel also has a great book quote. I am not one who ever really writes down quotes but I loved this one. “ That’s the point of books, isn’t it? To be passed from hand to hand, until they fall apart. Part of the great river of life.”
Need a wonderful historical mystery with a fabulous house as the setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
Purchase Here
reecaspieces 