It's 1875, and Alva Webster has perfected her stiff upper lip after three years of being pilloried in the presses of two continents over fleeing her abusive husband. Now his sudden death allows her to return to New York to make a fresh start, restoring Liefdehuis, a dilapidated Hyde Park mansion, and hopefully her reputation at the same time. However, fresh starts aren't as easy as they seem, as Alva discovers when stories of a haunting at Liefdehuis begin to reach her. But Alva doesn't believe in ghosts. So when the eccentric and brilliant professor Samuel Moore appears and informs her that he can get to the bottom of the mystery that surrounds Liefdehuis, she turns him down flat. She doesn't need any more complications in her life - especially not a handsome, convention-flouting, scandal-raising one like Sam. Unfortunately, though Alva is loath to admit it, Sam, a pioneer in electric lighting and a member of the nationally-adored Moore family of scientists, is the only one who can help. Together, the two delve into the tragic secrets wreathing Alva's new home while Sam attempts to unlock Alva's history - and her heart. Set during the Gilded Age in New York City, The Widow of Rose House is a gorgeous debut by Diana Biller, with a darkly Victorian Gothic flair and an intrepid and resilient American heroine guaranteed to delight readers.
The Widow of Rose House is a unique mix of historical romance and gothic ghost story. Mrs. Webster has been scandalized and has returned to the States to pick up the pieces of her life. Sam is an eccentric invention who wants to hunt ghosts in his free time. These two are polar opposites but that made the story work. Mrs. Webster is world wary after all she has been through and Sam is kind of clueless of the world since he spends so much time in his own head! The story takes place in the late 1800's in New York City-not a time period I have ever read fiction regarding.
Honestly, The Widow of Rose House is delightful because of Alva and Sam. These two characters are the type you just simply love. To see what Alva has endured (and continues to endure) makes your heart hurt for her. Sam is so endearingly quirky he is a perfect yin to Avla's yang. Their romance is inevitable because you can see right away how perfect they are for one another. Sam is determined to have his best life and pursue whatever he fancies, and Alva needs someone like him in her life. Despite the heaviness of a battered widow and a haunted house, this book had lots of laughs.
While there is a ghost story aspect, it isn't necessarily focus of the story. However, there were a few creepy moments that provided tension to the story.
Honestly, I was really surprised to know The Widow of Rose House was a debut! I think Biller has a wonderful future ahead as an author because her words were emotive and passionate. Overall, this was a delightful surprise of a story!
Reading updates
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Started reading
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6 October, 2019:
Finished reading
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6 October, 2019:
Reviewed