Scan barcode
readingonmountains's review
3.0
This book was a bit of a surprise for me. From reading the description, I was expecting a multiple POV historical fiction that went back and forth between the 1870's, 1917 & post-WWII era. The book is divided into three novellas each written by a different author, a point I seemed to miss at first!
I loved taking a historical deep-dive into three different time periods, three different strong women characters, three separate Alnwick men/former soldiers. A common thread being that the stories all take place in idyllic Leedswick Castle in the English countryside. The setting was gorgeous and a strong presence throughout the three stories.
I really enjoyed this different (to me) format, and recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction.
I loved taking a historical deep-dive into three different time periods, three different strong women characters, three separate Alnwick men/former soldiers. A common thread being that the stories all take place in idyllic Leedswick Castle in the English countryside. The setting was gorgeous and a strong presence throughout the three stories.
I really enjoyed this different (to me) format, and recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction.
duchessofreadin's review
4.0
A family under a curse, and three different generations of women who will put their mark on the castle they come to love...
This was a fabulous read, and I appreciated how it was broken down by each generation instead of jumping back and forth between their lives. From Victorian times to more modern day, - the castle holds a secret, and each generation has tried to figure it out, without any luck.
But as they continue their families, each finds that they have a bit more inside of them than they realized.
Loved it! Great weekend beach read!
This was a fabulous read, and I appreciated how it was broken down by each generation instead of jumping back and forth between their lives. From Victorian times to more modern day, - the castle holds a secret, and each generation has tried to figure it out, without any luck.
But as they continue their families, each finds that they have a bit more inside of them than they realized.
Loved it! Great weekend beach read!
hayleyfrtnr's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
4lexa's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Enjoyable read, casual listen. I love the themes and it was fun to follow multiple generations.
farmfreshlisa's review
3.0
This is a trilogy of novellas that each follow the next generation of castle owners. There is an underlying theme of a "curse" that moves through each one and things are sort of resolved in the third one.
Over all, I enjoyed the first novella the best. I liked the female lead of the 2nd novella the best of the three. And I was meh for all three male leads for the books.
I'm going to give it 3 stars because it didn't keep me having to read it. Plus I read a LOT of books and it's not fair to some of the others for this one to have a full 4 stars. LOL
Over all, I enjoyed the first novella the best. I liked the female lead of the 2nd novella the best of the three. And I was meh for all three male leads for the books.
I'm going to give it 3 stars because it didn't keep me having to read it. Plus I read a LOT of books and it's not fair to some of the others for this one to have a full 4 stars. LOL
izzy_reads7's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
thebookishpersuasion's review
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Three generations of the Alnwick family, a crumbling castle in Northumberland, and a family curse! I was so excited to listen to the audiobook version of this novella collection by three amazing authors. I loved the way the stories were all connected. Each generation of the Alnwick men has to deal with injuries and the aftermath of war. The women who love them are brought to Leeds castle for various reasons, but each must help the men overcome their pasts, and solve a mystery.
In 1870, New York socialite Beatrice Holbrook is trying to save face after a disastrous debut. Her family takes her to England hoping their wealth will snag them a British title. She meets Charles Alnwick, future Marquess of Northridge who suffers from wounds sustained in India, and rumors about him abound. They become fast friends and she agrees to a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience. When Charles is accused of a heinous crime, Beatrice must gather her courage to defend her husband.
In 1917, Tobias Alnwick sustained life altering injuries in WWI. His parents have commissioned artist Elena Hamilton to create a life like face mask to cover his disfigured face. Elena is the sunshine to Tobias’ grumpiness and she brings him much needed laughter and enjoyment. But when her past comes back in a threatening way, it will take all of Tobias’ courage to save her.
In 1945, Alec Alnwick is suffering from PTSD. He calls on the beautiful, intelligent Brigitta Mayr, a psychoanalyst, to help him turn his crumbling family castle into a rehabilitation center for those who similarly suffer. As Alec tries to break the curse from the past, it seems his health is in jeopardy and distinguishing truth from reality becomes more difficult. Can Brigitta help him solve the mystery before it’s too late?
I loved all three of these stories and how they each revolved around the mysterious Leeds castle. Each of the romances was so well done and they all tied together brilliantly. I loved the gardens, even the deadly one and how they featured in each story. The mysteries in each time period added a suspenseful element, as well as the supposed curse that bound them all.
The audiobook version was fantastic! The narrator distinguished each story and character in a unique way. I enjoyed how she voiced both male and female characters. She injected just the right amount of emotion and made it an easy to listen to audiobook.
Highly recommend this intriguing, enjoyable, historical novella collection! I received an advanced complimentary listener copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.
In 1870, New York socialite Beatrice Holbrook is trying to save face after a disastrous debut. Her family takes her to England hoping their wealth will snag them a British title. She meets Charles Alnwick, future Marquess of Northridge who suffers from wounds sustained in India, and rumors about him abound. They become fast friends and she agrees to a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience. When Charles is accused of a heinous crime, Beatrice must gather her courage to defend her husband.
In 1917, Tobias Alnwick sustained life altering injuries in WWI. His parents have commissioned artist Elena Hamilton to create a life like face mask to cover his disfigured face. Elena is the sunshine to Tobias’ grumpiness and she brings him much needed laughter and enjoyment. But when her past comes back in a threatening way, it will take all of Tobias’ courage to save her.
In 1945, Alec Alnwick is suffering from PTSD. He calls on the beautiful, intelligent Brigitta Mayr, a psychoanalyst, to help him turn his crumbling family castle into a rehabilitation center for those who similarly suffer. As Alec tries to break the curse from the past, it seems his health is in jeopardy and distinguishing truth from reality becomes more difficult. Can Brigitta help him solve the mystery before it’s too late?
I loved all three of these stories and how they each revolved around the mysterious Leeds castle. Each of the romances was so well done and they all tied together brilliantly. I loved the gardens, even the deadly one and how they featured in each story. The mysteries in each time period added a suspenseful element, as well as the supposed curse that bound them all.
The audiobook version was fantastic! The narrator distinguished each story and character in a unique way. I enjoyed how she voiced both male and female characters. She injected just the right amount of emotion and made it an easy to listen to audiobook.
Highly recommend this intriguing, enjoyable, historical novella collection! I received an advanced complimentary listener copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily given.
rcoffey22's review
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75