Genre: Historical Romance
My Review - 5 Stars
CW: past domestic violence
This was one of those books where I knew I loved it within a few pages. Where I had to text my friends who had already read it so I could tell them how much I loved it and then I texted other friends to tell them they needed to read it. Where my love for the story only continued to grow as I read and I marveled at the story I was experiencing. Where I immediately knew I was going to have to buy my own copy since I was borrowing it from the library.
So, yes. I absolutely loved this one. My heart grew three sizes whenever I picked it back up to read. When I first heard about this story, I didn’t think it was for me. The cover is rather misleading and I’m not much of a ghost story person. But friend after friend raved about it and Aarya’s wonderful review for Smart Bitches sealed the deal. I’m so glad I gave it a chance!
First, let’s talk about our heroine Alva. I admired her so much. She was failed by everyone in her life, first her parents in marrying her off to an abusive jackhole, and then the man she married, who was only using her for her wealth. She endured the relationship for 10 years before leaving him and he still made her life hell, spreading all kinds of lascivious rumors. Then luckily he died. There are references to the abuse throughout the story so bear that in mind if that is a trigger for you. I was very relieved Alain was dead, although she still has to deal with his vile brother so she’s not fully free of that family.
Liefdehuis is her chance to start over. She has a contract to write an interior design book, in spite of her notoriety. Her interior design philosophy and even learning about the history of interior design, especially upper vs middle class, was so fascinating. Things seem like they’re finally moving in the right direction…only there’s a ghost and now the workers refuse to come near the house. She doesn’t want to ask Sam for help but she has no other option and spending time around him makes her want to hope for more. But it’s such a big risk and Alva doesn’t think she can do it, no matter how much light he brings into her life. The angst of this!
Alva then decides it’s okay to do a little something for herself and suggests they have an affair. But he already knows he’s in love with her and tells her so and that she can have more than what she’s settling for if only she’ll try. But she’s too scared and I totally understood why! He said he was going to believe in a happily ever after for her until she could believe it for herself. Hello, swoon!
He was the purest heart. Alva deserved to be loved by him, even if she didn’t believe love was real. What a gift to watch the evolution of their relationship. And that doesn’t even include the steamy scenes. There are only a couple but they are worth their weight in gold. The anticipation! Sam describing what he wants to do to her! Alva finally experiencing a good lover! Use of contraception in a historical romance! I was here for all of it.
It’s no surprise Sam stole my heart. He’s a sunshiny dream and my absolute catnip. I had forgotten how much I love absent-minded professors/oblivious-to-their-handsomeness-heroes. At 7% in, a maid sighed as he walked in the house and he was like, "aw, she's glad she's back inside where it's warm.” It cracked me up! I was one smitten kitten and he proceeded to win me—and Alva—over time again as the story proceeded. Sam has had a very easy life and it’s hard for him to fully understand what she’s overcome and what is on the line. But he’s so good and patient with her, upfront about his feelings but not pushy. And that patience pays off in the end and I was so happy for them both.
Concerning the ghost, there are a couple of scenes where characters are haunted, one of which did freak me out. I am a wimpy reader and this stayed on the acceptable side of freaked out for me. It helped that Sam was so curious about the ghost and wanted to know more about it and that he had no fears for the ghost to use against him. I really appreciated how the ghost story was resolved and found it to be rather moving. It tied together really well with the story as a whole.
I saw this described as a romcom in the marketing copy (blerg) and I wouldn’t go that far. But there is some great humor throughout, especially when Sam’s marvelous family is on the page. I am very interested in stories for his siblings and for his best friend Henry. It made me laugh out loud a couple of times. But mostly, this was just a super enjoyable reading experience and I will be highly recommending it everywhere.
CW: past domestic violence, ghost, institutionalization (side character), mental health, threats of violence, past gaslighting
Synopsis
A young widow restores a dilapidated mansion with the assistance of a charming, eccentric genius, only to find the house is full of dangerous secrets in this effervescent Gilded Age debut novel
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.
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