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Gather the Bones
England 1923 and the Great War still casts a dark shadow over the lives of ordinary people.
Grieving widow, Helen Morrow and her husband’s cousin, the wounded and reclusive Paul, are haunted not only by the horrors of the trenches but ghosts from another time and another conflict.
The desperate voice of a young woman reaches out to them from the pages of a coded diary and Paul and Helen are bound together in their search for answers, not only to the old mystery but also the circumstances surrounding the death of Helen’s husband at Passchandaele in 1917.
As the two stories become entwined, Paul and Helen will not find peace or happiness until the mysteries are solved.
**This is a revised edition and includes a never before published Epilogue**
Grieving widow, Helen Morrow and her husband’s cousin, the wounded and reclusive Paul, are haunted not only by the horrors of the trenches but ghosts from another time and another conflict.
The desperate voice of a young woman reaches out to them from the pages of a coded diary and Paul and Helen are bound together in their search for answers, not only to the old mystery but also the circumstances surrounding the death of Helen’s husband at Passchandaele in 1917.
As the two stories become entwined, Paul and Helen will not find peace or happiness until the mysteries are solved.
**This is a revised edition and includes a never before published Epilogue**
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2012
52 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
Alison Stuart
25 books366 followersMystery, history, romance and more…
Alison Stuart writes historical romances and short stories set in England and Australia and across different periods of history. She is best known for THE POSTMISTRESS and THE GOLDMINER'S SISTER, stories set in the Victorian goldfields in the 1870s.
She also writes historical mysteries as A.M. Stuart and her popular Harriet Gordon mystery series is set in Singapore in 1910.
She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and a geriatric cat. In a past life Alison worked as a lawyer across a variety of disciplines including the military and emergency services. She has lived in Africa and Singapore and, when circumstances permit, travels extensively - all for research of course!
(This writer is NOT the Alison Stuart who also writes as Kate Tremayne and authored Fateful Shadows, Sin No More, Barefoot Angel, Innocence Betrayed or Loyalty Defiled.)
Alison Stuart writes historical romances and short stories set in England and Australia and across different periods of history. She is best known for THE POSTMISTRESS and THE GOLDMINER'S SISTER, stories set in the Victorian goldfields in the 1870s.
She also writes historical mysteries as A.M. Stuart and her popular Harriet Gordon mystery series is set in Singapore in 1910.
She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and a geriatric cat. In a past life Alison worked as a lawyer across a variety of disciplines including the military and emergency services. She has lived in Africa and Singapore and, when circumstances permit, travels extensively - all for research of course!
(This writer is NOT the Alison Stuart who also writes as Kate Tremayne and authored Fateful Shadows, Sin No More, Barefoot Angel, Innocence Betrayed or Loyalty Defiled.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 3, 2014
Major Paul Morrow, desperately wounded, could hear the voice of his aunt, Evelyn – her grief tore at his heart – but the words she hurled at him cut him to the core. Charlie was dead, but he couldn’t remember the details and for her that wasn’t enough – as the Matron escorted the distraught woman from the ward, Paul felt himself sink into oblivion once again.
When Australian Helen Morrow and her six year old daughter Alice arrived at Holdston in rural England, previous home of her husband Charlie, his mother Evelyn was waiting in the drawing room to greet them. Aloof and erect, nevertheless she seemed happy to see them, especially her granddaughter. Evelyn had invited them to her home to meet her son's wife and daughter for the first time, and Helen had wanted Alice to know her grandmother.
But her meeting with Charlie’s cousin, Paul Morrow was different – withdrawn, reclusive and permanently wounded from the Great War which took her husband – Paul wanted nothing to do with his cousin’s wife and child. Gradually though, as circumstances changed in the old house, it seemed there was a long ago mystery which was clamouring to be solved. And when Helen discovered the diary of Paul’s great grandmother, the tempo increased until Paul and Helen knew that until they found the answers there would be no peace in the lives of the people around them.
Absolutely brilliant! I loved this Historical Fiction novel from Aussie author Alison Stuart. The characters were extremely well drawn, the times of the early 1900s in England – the parties and balls, the way the women dressed, the snobbery of the upper class – all were wonderfully done. I could visualise it all with ease. Alison Stuart is a talented storyteller – I have read a few of hers now, and will continue to read more. I have no hesitation in recommending Gather the Bones highly.
When Australian Helen Morrow and her six year old daughter Alice arrived at Holdston in rural England, previous home of her husband Charlie, his mother Evelyn was waiting in the drawing room to greet them. Aloof and erect, nevertheless she seemed happy to see them, especially her granddaughter. Evelyn had invited them to her home to meet her son's wife and daughter for the first time, and Helen had wanted Alice to know her grandmother.
But her meeting with Charlie’s cousin, Paul Morrow was different – withdrawn, reclusive and permanently wounded from the Great War which took her husband – Paul wanted nothing to do with his cousin’s wife and child. Gradually though, as circumstances changed in the old house, it seemed there was a long ago mystery which was clamouring to be solved. And when Helen discovered the diary of Paul’s great grandmother, the tempo increased until Paul and Helen knew that until they found the answers there would be no peace in the lives of the people around them.
Absolutely brilliant! I loved this Historical Fiction novel from Aussie author Alison Stuart. The characters were extremely well drawn, the times of the early 1900s in England – the parties and balls, the way the women dressed, the snobbery of the upper class – all were wonderfully done. I could visualise it all with ease. Alison Stuart is a talented storyteller – I have read a few of hers now, and will continue to read more. I have no hesitation in recommending Gather the Bones highly.
March 21, 2023
I believe that I stumbled upon this book through a Goodreads recommendation. In addition, the title of the novel and its premise piqued my interest. Our story begins in a hospital in 1917, the patient is Major Paul Morrow, recovering from injuries sustained at Passchendaele. He is soon faced with Lady Evelyn Morrow, his aunt, who has arrived to find out what happened to her precious son, Captain Charles Morrow. Unfortunately, Paul is unable to tell her what she wants to know because Paul cannot remember. It appears that the horrors of the battlefield have erased Paul's memory of his cousin's whereabouts.
Our story then fast forwards eight years into the future with arrival of Charlie's widow, Helen and their eight year old daughter, Alice. At the family estate in Holdston, Helen wishes to finally get some answers as to what happened to the man she loved and who she is still hoping to find. Answers that she believes that Paul, now an archeologist can give her. Helen soon finds herself causing friction among the tightly bound aristocracy but does find a few allies amidst their ranks. Helen cannot also put aside the growing disquiet she feels as ghostly hauntings seem to stock her in the dead of the night. Is it possible that the past can help Helen plan her future??
"Gather the Bones" is a story of love, loyalty, and the family bonds that cannot be shaken. Alison Stuart's novel is an ode to the generation of women and men that were left behind by a war that took much of what they held dear.
Goodreads review published 03/03/15
Our story then fast forwards eight years into the future with arrival of Charlie's widow, Helen and their eight year old daughter, Alice. At the family estate in Holdston, Helen wishes to finally get some answers as to what happened to the man she loved and who she is still hoping to find. Answers that she believes that Paul, now an archeologist can give her. Helen soon finds herself causing friction among the tightly bound aristocracy but does find a few allies amidst their ranks. Helen cannot also put aside the growing disquiet she feels as ghostly hauntings seem to stock her in the dead of the night. Is it possible that the past can help Helen plan her future??
"Gather the Bones" is a story of love, loyalty, and the family bonds that cannot be shaken. Alison Stuart's novel is an ode to the generation of women and men that were left behind by a war that took much of what they held dear.
Goodreads review published 03/03/15
April 27, 2015
This was a delightful story, part mystery, part HF, part supernatural with a strong dose of romance thrown in. I really enjoyed all of the characters and the relationships between them. It was very nicely written and a pleasure to read. This was my first book by this author and I hope to read many more.
December 13, 2012
Gather the Bones popped up on my radar through a group challenge on Goodreads. I didn't know anything about it, but the synopsis enthralled me and I felt like a bit of a change of pace, having not read many historical fantasy/romance books. It also simultaneously surprised and delighted me to find out that Alison Stuart actually lives in Australia too?! Even better! Now I can read a promising sounding book and support a fellow Aussie writer.
The story... well that just blew me away.
The beginning chapters of the story was a little flat, I think it could have been placed somewhere else in the story and worked better, but it quickly flowed past that and drew me in and I became completely engrossed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Helen, the lead female and her sweet daughter (Alice) and I secretly (ok maybe not so secretly now) adored Paul Morrow, our dashing, yet reclusive male lead. Alison brought these characters to life and very eloquently weaved her tale around the reader in such a way that you felt included in it. You weren't just a fly on the wall, you got to see, hear, feel and experience the range of emotions, senses and experiences that each of the characters did.
Because of the historical romance genre, you do get your fair share of the bitchiness and gossiping that was rife in that time/genre. Alison did a fantastic job of bringing all that to the fore without going overboard and drowning out the storyline.
I especially enjoyed the paranormal element to this story. It added brilliantly to the already strong historical romance tale. It didn't overpower the rest of the story, this was a truly well balanced mix of genres which had a surprisingly wicked plot twist I didn't see coming.
So, why 4 stars and not the sought after 5 star review?
The simple answer is, this:
I wanted a little more. There are unanswered questions in my mind, which isn't to say that you have to end a story with a pretty pink bow of closure, but I felt a little let down when I didn't get those answers.
Still, Gather the Bones is a thoroughly enjoyable read (that I was up till midnight reading last night!) that historical romance fans should enjoy, fans of paranormal books might enjoy the light theme too, mystery buffs may find the mystery a little too light, but might enjoy it. I think, your general all-rounder reader will probably enjoy this the most, because of its blend of genres. Ultimately, this is a well written and well executed story.
Thanks for the great trip back in time Alison!
The story... well that just blew me away.
The beginning chapters of the story was a little flat, I think it could have been placed somewhere else in the story and worked better, but it quickly flowed past that and drew me in and I became completely engrossed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Helen, the lead female and her sweet daughter (Alice) and I secretly (ok maybe not so secretly now) adored Paul Morrow, our dashing, yet reclusive male lead. Alison brought these characters to life and very eloquently weaved her tale around the reader in such a way that you felt included in it. You weren't just a fly on the wall, you got to see, hear, feel and experience the range of emotions, senses and experiences that each of the characters did.
Because of the historical romance genre, you do get your fair share of the bitchiness and gossiping that was rife in that time/genre. Alison did a fantastic job of bringing all that to the fore without going overboard and drowning out the storyline.
I especially enjoyed the paranormal element to this story. It added brilliantly to the already strong historical romance tale. It didn't overpower the rest of the story, this was a truly well balanced mix of genres which had a surprisingly wicked plot twist I didn't see coming.
So, why 4 stars and not the sought after 5 star review?
The simple answer is, this:
I wanted a little more. There are unanswered questions in my mind, which isn't to say that you have to end a story with a pretty pink bow of closure, but I felt a little let down when I didn't get those answers.
Still, Gather the Bones is a thoroughly enjoyable read (that I was up till midnight reading last night!) that historical romance fans should enjoy, fans of paranormal books might enjoy the light theme too, mystery buffs may find the mystery a little too light, but might enjoy it. I think, your general all-rounder reader will probably enjoy this the most, because of its blend of genres. Ultimately, this is a well written and well executed story.
Thanks for the great trip back in time Alison!
December 30, 2014
I am not a big fan of paranormal historical romance. A lightly entertainment for a free afternoon.
December 19, 2022
An engrossing historical mystery-romance set in a spooky English manor house in the years after the horrors of the First World War. Lovers of "Downton Abbey" will lap this up!
October 22, 2012
Oh, my goodness. What a wonderful read, I loved this. It had everything I want in a good book. An historical setting, a paranormal theme, attractive if slightly flawed characters.
Books about the great war have always intrigued me and I remember reading them with awe. An entire generation of young men around the world totally destroyed....the Irish ballad 'The Green Fields of France' has the capacity to reduce me to tears - the story of one young Irish man who lost his life on a battlefield in a far away country. Even soldiers and officers from India also perished. Although Ireland has always remained neutral since we got our Independence from the British Empire, hundreds of young Irish men perished on 'the green fields of France.
The plot of the book revolves around Helen, a young Australian woman, in the aftermath of what is now known as the First World War. Helen visits England to spend some time in the house where her late husband grew up, along with her young daughter. The mother-in-law she never knew is not an easy person to live with (are they ever?) and her late husband Charlie's cousin Paul is walking wounded, damaged inside by the terrible things he has seen.
Even as Paul and Helen make peace with the loss of Charlie from their lives, the past impinges on the present....the historical present, because this is only around 1921. Discovering an old diary and reading old letters, Helen comes to know about Suzanna, a former Morrow daughter in law from 1812, who caused a scandal back then by abandoning her husband and young children and running off to the colonies with her lover. Various disturbing happenings around the huge house make it clear that until the past has been laid to rest, the future happiness of the members is in the balance.
Either story is fascinating, and either Helen's or Suzanna's stories would have made a credible novel in themselves. It is the intertwining of the two stories that makes this such a meaty read. It took me twice as long to read this as it would another novel of probably more or less the same length. That's no bad thing. The story was a truly satisfying read, exquisitely written and intricately woven. Go and get it, you'll be glad you did.
Books about the great war have always intrigued me and I remember reading them with awe. An entire generation of young men around the world totally destroyed....the Irish ballad 'The Green Fields of France' has the capacity to reduce me to tears - the story of one young Irish man who lost his life on a battlefield in a far away country. Even soldiers and officers from India also perished. Although Ireland has always remained neutral since we got our Independence from the British Empire, hundreds of young Irish men perished on 'the green fields of France.
The plot of the book revolves around Helen, a young Australian woman, in the aftermath of what is now known as the First World War. Helen visits England to spend some time in the house where her late husband grew up, along with her young daughter. The mother-in-law she never knew is not an easy person to live with (are they ever?) and her late husband Charlie's cousin Paul is walking wounded, damaged inside by the terrible things he has seen.
Even as Paul and Helen make peace with the loss of Charlie from their lives, the past impinges on the present....the historical present, because this is only around 1921. Discovering an old diary and reading old letters, Helen comes to know about Suzanna, a former Morrow daughter in law from 1812, who caused a scandal back then by abandoning her husband and young children and running off to the colonies with her lover. Various disturbing happenings around the huge house make it clear that until the past has been laid to rest, the future happiness of the members is in the balance.
Either story is fascinating, and either Helen's or Suzanna's stories would have made a credible novel in themselves. It is the intertwining of the two stories that makes this such a meaty read. It took me twice as long to read this as it would another novel of probably more or less the same length. That's no bad thing. The story was a truly satisfying read, exquisitely written and intricately woven. Go and get it, you'll be glad you did.
April 22, 2015
As always, Alison Stuart has crafted a lushly romantic, beautifully detailed tale in 'Gather the Bones'. I was engaged in the tale from the moment I picked it up. I love historical romance, and particularly those set in times not often seen in romance fiction. The slow-burning attraction between Helen and Paul is beautifully done, and the glimpses into the lives of those affected by the Great War rang true.
Two very big thumbs up from me. Loved it.
Two very big thumbs up from me. Loved it.
June 16, 2019
I've read and enjoyed other books by Alison Stuart so I thought I would try this one, even though it has a bit of paranormal mixed into the historical romance. The paranormal did not bother me at all but there were a couple of things that prevented it from being a five star for me (would be spoilerish if I were to say). Anyway, definitely something different and well worth reading.
October 6, 2012
GATHER THE BONES by author Alison Stuart and is a October 2012 release by Lyrical Press.
Widow Helen Morrow arrives in England at her mother in laws invitation, so that her daughter could meet her grandmother.
At the family home, Holdston, though she is welcomed, Helen feels disquiet. She wanted some answers to the last minutes of her husband Charlie's live. So she is happy when Paul Morrow, who was in the same unit with Charlie arrived. But Paul was not up to answering any of her questions. How could he, when he had no memory of the last minutes as he, himself was very badly injured in the same explosion.
Then she starts hearing desperate voices in the old house. Is she going mad? But she can't believe that Paul doesn't hear the voices as well even if he denies it.
Then she finds a secret diary and together they start unraveling the mystery of their scandalous ancestor's disappearance.
Would they solve the mystery and let the spirits go to rest? What was the evil they could feel shadowing the house?
GATHER THE BONES is a fast paced, thrilling and keeping me on the edge of seat historical story. It's full of intrigue, tension and danger. Alison Stuart brought this gripping historical tale of second chances, past secrets and unexpected attraction and it's highly worth reading!
December 1, 2013
I loved this book. The blend of historical and paranormal/suspense was intriguing. All the war scenes were incredibly realistic, and rang with great authenticity to me.
October 4, 2019
I liked the writing, but the paranormal/ghosty part of the story wasn’t well done. The romance moved at the pace of a snail, yet lacked spark. 2.5 stars
November 5, 2022
A love story, a mystery and a ghost story all wrapped up with a bow! Historical fiction at its best. This tale of soldiers and their women is set in the aftermath of WW1, known as The Great War. The characters are fully developed and their strife is felt most realistically in this well written novel. Best of all, the ghosts truly come to life! Highly Recommended!
August 4, 2024
Loved. It.
January 21, 2013
It's a few years after the end of WWI, and Helen Morrow has just arrived in England from her native Australia. She and her daughter are to spend some time with her late husband's aristocratic family. Charlie left to join his cousin, Paul, in his regiment when Helen was in the very early stages of her pregnancy, and died before he could see her. Since little Alice will now never know her father, Helen would like her to know her father's family.
After Charlie's death, the title and estate passed to Paul, who's now struggling both with recovering from injuries sustained in the same charge that killed Charlie and with the new responsibilities he's inherited. There's not enough money to keep the house going for very long, and the fact that he's seriously considering selling it does not help his difficult relationship with his aunt Evelyn, Charlie's mother.
For Paul, the sequels from the war are not just physical, but mental, and he's become reclusive. Helen and Alice's arrival start bringing him back to life, and he and Helen soon develop a connection. But that's not all that's going on. Paul and Helen are not just haunted by their memories, but by the Hall's ghosts. Paul has long been aware of them, but with Helen's arrival, their actions become more urgent and purposeful. It becomes clear that there's a secret from 100 years earlier, and Helen and Paul join forces to discover it.
The concept of this book is right up my street. The period is underused and one I find fascinating, and Stuart does make the time and place come alive. I also love plots where the main characters work together to solve a mystery from the past, especially if there are some creepy ghosts involved (I blame this on my love for Barbara Michaels and my obsession with finding more books like hers, now that she hasn't written one for years). I even liked the characters and was interested in their issues.
Other than a particular development near the end, where the romance goes in a tedious and pointless direction right before the HEA (they act like idiots for a little while, and then change their minds with no angst or consequences), there's really nothing wrong with the book. I liked it well enough. It's just that it's all a bit... thin, I guess. The romance, the old family mystery, the mystery of how exactly Charlie died, it's all explored in a way that felt somewhat shallow to me. There's quite a lot here that should have been very traumatic, but it never felt that way. We were just skimming over the surface.
I felt oddly disengaged from it all. Not quite bored, but close. It was the sort of book where I didn't feel any urgency to pick it up when I'd put it down, but was happy enough to keep reading. It was the emotional connection that I missed.
MY GRADE: A C+.
After Charlie's death, the title and estate passed to Paul, who's now struggling both with recovering from injuries sustained in the same charge that killed Charlie and with the new responsibilities he's inherited. There's not enough money to keep the house going for very long, and the fact that he's seriously considering selling it does not help his difficult relationship with his aunt Evelyn, Charlie's mother.
For Paul, the sequels from the war are not just physical, but mental, and he's become reclusive. Helen and Alice's arrival start bringing him back to life, and he and Helen soon develop a connection. But that's not all that's going on. Paul and Helen are not just haunted by their memories, but by the Hall's ghosts. Paul has long been aware of them, but with Helen's arrival, their actions become more urgent and purposeful. It becomes clear that there's a secret from 100 years earlier, and Helen and Paul join forces to discover it.
The concept of this book is right up my street. The period is underused and one I find fascinating, and Stuart does make the time and place come alive. I also love plots where the main characters work together to solve a mystery from the past, especially if there are some creepy ghosts involved (I blame this on my love for Barbara Michaels and my obsession with finding more books like hers, now that she hasn't written one for years). I even liked the characters and was interested in their issues.
Other than a particular development near the end, where the romance goes in a tedious and pointless direction right before the HEA (they act like idiots for a little while, and then change their minds with no angst or consequences), there's really nothing wrong with the book. I liked it well enough. It's just that it's all a bit... thin, I guess. The romance, the old family mystery, the mystery of how exactly Charlie died, it's all explored in a way that felt somewhat shallow to me. There's quite a lot here that should have been very traumatic, but it never felt that way. We were just skimming over the surface.
I felt oddly disengaged from it all. Not quite bored, but close. It was the sort of book where I didn't feel any urgency to pick it up when I'd put it down, but was happy enough to keep reading. It was the emotional connection that I missed.
MY GRADE: A C+.
March 13, 2015
I liked the time the author chose to pay attention to the heavier subjects along with the romantic ones. The effects of war and loss are huge themes in this work; I’d say almost as much as the romance. And I actually liked that balance. It makes the romance all the much sweeter. I also really enjoyed how the author chose to explore the world of Edwardian upper crust society and exploring how they might view this “interloper” from Australia. It was heartbreaking and intriguing all at the same time.
I liked the connection between Helen and Paul. They’re two scarred individuals, both inside and out. They seem to be trying to find their way in this new, post-WWI world where their surroundings and society are changing so quickly. I think the author did a fantastic job in creating a relationship that while a bit stormy, where the two parties balance each other out and create one cohesive whole at the end. There were times where the typical romance cliché of misunderstandings and miscommunication reared its ugly head, but I think the author balance that out with the books other virtues.
The supernatural elements of the book played a nice role in the novel without overpowering it. The author never makes the ghosts center stage but only utilizes them to further the story and romance between Helen and Paul. They add a hint of historical mystery that I enjoyed, yet I can safely say I guessed who the “third” guilty party was far before it was revealed. But that’s not why the ghosts were in the story, I feel. They add a nice spine-tingling mystery and back drop for the main attraction for me, this man and woman who complete each other and their coming together to overcome their obstacles and scars.
Overall, I found this a lovely historical romance with a hint of the supernatural. The author plays with some heavy subjects and creates a heartwarming story of healing and romance against its backdrop. While a few clichés and correct mystery solution guessing occurred, that in no way detracts from this book. I’d definitely recommend it as a historical or paranormal romance to any lover of the genres.
I liked the connection between Helen and Paul. They’re two scarred individuals, both inside and out. They seem to be trying to find their way in this new, post-WWI world where their surroundings and society are changing so quickly. I think the author did a fantastic job in creating a relationship that while a bit stormy, where the two parties balance each other out and create one cohesive whole at the end. There were times where the typical romance cliché of misunderstandings and miscommunication reared its ugly head, but I think the author balance that out with the books other virtues.
The supernatural elements of the book played a nice role in the novel without overpowering it. The author never makes the ghosts center stage but only utilizes them to further the story and romance between Helen and Paul. They add a hint of historical mystery that I enjoyed, yet I can safely say I guessed who the “third” guilty party was far before it was revealed. But that’s not why the ghosts were in the story, I feel. They add a nice spine-tingling mystery and back drop for the main attraction for me, this man and woman who complete each other and their coming together to overcome their obstacles and scars.
Overall, I found this a lovely historical romance with a hint of the supernatural. The author plays with some heavy subjects and creates a heartwarming story of healing and romance against its backdrop. While a few clichés and correct mystery solution guessing occurred, that in no way detracts from this book. I’d definitely recommend it as a historical or paranormal romance to any lover of the genres.
April 1, 2019
4.5***** I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance with some paranormal happenings. I thought the characters were really well written and definitely connected especially well with the two main characters Helen and Paul. Reading Paul's memories of his time in the war, I felt I was there with him and was surprised he was as whole in mind and body as he was. The British upper class isn't one I would fit into and neither did Australian cattle girl Helen, I loved the dressing down she eventually gave her mother-in-law, who wasn't a very likeable character. I can't wait to read more by Alison Stuart.
October 11, 2012
Gather the bones was a paranormal like no other I have come across before. It had mystery behind mystery and I at one point I thought I might be trapped in one of the tales from Ghost Lab,minus all the technical mumbo jumbo.
Yes it was that good and so much more ! There was history,mystery,intrigue and so many interesting and mind blowing secrets that I read it in one sitting.
I read paranormals every now and then but I have never read a paranormal with such a intense level of excitement and thrills ,nor has one ever scared me right out of my socks(I love watching horror movies and not even those scare or speak to me as much as this book did).
The author actually had me thinking I am hearing the voices,someone needs help ! The book was very,very realistic.
It was one of those where you can tell the author packed true emotion into her writing with the eye on not only capturing the readers attention but to also bring across a powerful message...one from beyond that is!
It had the perfect ghostly setting the right dose of "normal" paranormal,not sure what I mean,well you get those books about vampires and demons and it is just so far fetched and unreal that yes you enjoy the book and yes you find it interesting but on a complete different level,yet at the end you think ......happening as in never!
But in Gathering the bones it just had all the elements for a good old fashioned ghost story !
Well done Alison,you will be seeing this reader again !
5/5 star review
Yes it was that good and so much more ! There was history,mystery,intrigue and so many interesting and mind blowing secrets that I read it in one sitting.
I read paranormals every now and then but I have never read a paranormal with such a intense level of excitement and thrills ,nor has one ever scared me right out of my socks(I love watching horror movies and not even those scare or speak to me as much as this book did).
The author actually had me thinking I am hearing the voices,someone needs help ! The book was very,very realistic.
It was one of those where you can tell the author packed true emotion into her writing with the eye on not only capturing the readers attention but to also bring across a powerful message...one from beyond that is!
It had the perfect ghostly setting the right dose of "normal" paranormal,not sure what I mean,well you get those books about vampires and demons and it is just so far fetched and unreal that yes you enjoy the book and yes you find it interesting but on a complete different level,yet at the end you think ......happening as in never!
But in Gathering the bones it just had all the elements for a good old fashioned ghost story !
Well done Alison,you will be seeing this reader again !
5/5 star review
November 26, 2013
I had a Great Uncle who died at Ypres in 1917 so was keen to read this story of WWI survivors from same time and place. And indeed, what I most enjoyed about this post WWI story was the character of Paul Morrow, a WWI survivor who had blocked out the details of his cousin's death at Ypres because it was so shocking. Throughout the story - eight years after the fact - the details become more and more lucid to him as other story lines developed (that of his growing friendship with his cousin's widow and the mystery of the ghosts that haunt the family home.) The book's title - Gather the Bones - is so apt and I found the section when they returned to Flanders after Charlie's bones had been found to be so palpable - a wonderful insight in to what closure (or lack thereof) must have been like for many families after the war and how hard it must have been for veterans to return to the battlefields that took their loved ones. A great read about this scarred war generation and what bound them together
November 9, 2012
IT LEFT ME WANTING...
This really is a 2.5 for me. I liked Helen and I loved Paul yet the story wasn't as richly developed as it should have been. Certainly Robert and Susannah's story added nice parallels but it wasn't flushed out or connected the way it could have been. As a romance it was charming, there was chemistry but it wasn't developed properly. I found plot constructs like Tony and the engagement so awkward. Great premise poor execution.
This really is a 2.5 for me. I liked Helen and I loved Paul yet the story wasn't as richly developed as it should have been. Certainly Robert and Susannah's story added nice parallels but it wasn't flushed out or connected the way it could have been. As a romance it was charming, there was chemistry but it wasn't developed properly. I found plot constructs like Tony and the engagement so awkward. Great premise poor execution.
March 26, 2016
4.5/5.0
Helen and Paul are amazing characters whose strength is impossible to deny.
Read full review in the 2012 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Helen and Paul are amazing characters whose strength is impossible to deny.
Read full review in the 2012 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
April 16, 2022
Another outstanding story by Alison Stuart! Ticks all the boxes for me. A very engaging mystery as well as a wonderful romance. Her characters are likable and the story grabs you at the beginning and doesn't let go even at the end. I'm always left wanting more.
September 15, 2012
This is such a moving story filled with romance mystery and intrigue I loved it from start to finish I highly recommend this one
December 31, 2013
Finally got around to it! Loved it!
September 12, 2022
As wonderful a story as it was when I first read it five years ago. I love this book.
September 1, 2017
Always love Ms Stuart's books.
June 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book as much as I was expecting to!!
I typically am picky with love stories: this one was more interesting to me because of the mystery that is awaiting Helen at Holdston Hall, which was the main aspect of the book that had drawn me to it. I also enjoyed the "Downtown Abbey" flair of the story!
I loved the complexity shown in the characters: how one decided to eventually not do what was expected from them but to follow their heart. I also enjoyed that it showed some characters breaking the society's mould while still being believable.
One another note I did notice some errors in the ebook version (wrong words used for things or people) at times, but not in any way that prevented the understanding of the book and it's enjoyment.
I recommend this book for people who want a love story that has a touch of mystery.
I typically am picky with love stories: this one was more interesting to me because of the mystery that is awaiting Helen at Holdston Hall, which was the main aspect of the book that had drawn me to it. I also enjoyed the "Downtown Abbey" flair of the story!
I loved the complexity shown in the characters: how one decided to eventually not do what was expected from them but to follow their heart. I also enjoyed that it showed some characters breaking the society's mould while still being believable.
One another note I did notice some errors in the ebook version (wrong words used for things or people) at times, but not in any way that prevented the understanding of the book and it's enjoyment.
I recommend this book for people who want a love story that has a touch of mystery.
August 7, 2024
I stumbled across this one when browsing through my book hub suggestions and since I am on holidays this sounded right up my road.
And I wasn't disappointed.
It was good to read, the characters (with a few exceptions but due to their part in the book they had to be like that) very likeable and the settings were great.
There was maybe a bit too much suspense in the end, the "one thing" would have been enough in my opinion but alas! it was a good read!
And I wasn't disappointed.
It was good to read, the characters (with a few exceptions but due to their part in the book they had to be like that) very likeable and the settings were great.
There was maybe a bit too much suspense in the end, the "one thing" would have been enough in my opinion but alas! it was a good read!
February 19, 2024
Ghosts, history and romance!
What's not to love? Very well written and engaging story. Hard to put down and a story that has you thinking about it when not reading. Story does flash back to earlier times, but not so much to be annoying. I love a good ghost story and mystery! I will be looking for other books by same author!
What's not to love? Very well written and engaging story. Hard to put down and a story that has you thinking about it when not reading. Story does flash back to earlier times, but not so much to be annoying. I love a good ghost story and mystery! I will be looking for other books by same author!
December 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the story! The paranormal didn’t seem out of place and I liked the main characters.
My only peeve - and why I gave only 4* - is the large number of typos and mis-spellings (“Help” instead of “Helen”, p. 292, for instance. And “approbation” instead of “disapprobation”, p. 111). Missing periods and commas. I find bad editing very distracting.
My only peeve - and why I gave only 4* - is the large number of typos and mis-spellings (“Help” instead of “Helen”, p. 292, for instance. And “approbation” instead of “disapprobation”, p. 111). Missing periods and commas. I find bad editing very distracting.
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