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House of Dreams: When the soul of an old house meets the house of a new soul, the magic begins!
Tony Lawson is a world-famous dream therapist, but he hasn’t dreamed in years, and he needs more therapy than he can give. On the day his divorce is finalised, he is driving past a village when he sees a large old house for sale. Walking through the gates, he is captivated by its history and mystery. That night, he starts dreaming again.
Drawn by its magic, Tony buys the property and discovers it once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As the house tells more and more of its story in Tony’s dreams, Tony is led by both the living and the dead to a startling and seismic discovery – one that will transform both the house of his soul and the soul of his house.
House of Dreams is a magical tale about a 500-year-old Tudor house - its ghosts, its traumas, its treasures, and its secrets. It may only have two storeys, but it tells many tales.
After reading House of Dreams , you will never see houses in the same way again.
Mark Stibbe has always loved great books. In the early 1980s, he was awarded a senior scholarship in English Literature at Cambridge University. He then wrote a doctoral thesis about storytelling which was published by Cambridge University Press. In 2020, Mark won the Page Turner Award for Fiction for A Book in Time , and in 2023 won the General Fiction Award at the New York Book Festival for Fathers – the Top 7 Dad Skills . He is married to Cherith and lives in Kent with their two much loved Labradors - Bella and Phoebe.
Cover design by Esther Kotecha
Drawn by its magic, Tony buys the property and discovers it once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As the house tells more and more of its story in Tony’s dreams, Tony is led by both the living and the dead to a startling and seismic discovery – one that will transform both the house of his soul and the soul of his house.
House of Dreams is a magical tale about a 500-year-old Tudor house - its ghosts, its traumas, its treasures, and its secrets. It may only have two storeys, but it tells many tales.
After reading House of Dreams , you will never see houses in the same way again.
Mark Stibbe has always loved great books. In the early 1980s, he was awarded a senior scholarship in English Literature at Cambridge University. He then wrote a doctoral thesis about storytelling which was published by Cambridge University Press. In 2020, Mark won the Page Turner Award for Fiction for A Book in Time , and in 2023 won the General Fiction Award at the New York Book Festival for Fathers – the Top 7 Dad Skills . He is married to Cherith and lives in Kent with their two much loved Labradors - Bella and Phoebe.
Cover design by Esther Kotecha
- GenresHistorical Fiction
436 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 27, 2023
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.
House of Dreams is such a magical read! If you're drawn to books about houses and history like I am, you'll love this one too!
The story itself is just genius! I felt like I'd been watching a movie after reading this. Tony, a world-famous therapist, hasn't dreamed for many years. When he comes across a beautiful five-hundred year old tudor house for sale, he starts to dream again. Coincidence or not? All the dreams he has are about the house - its history, mystery, and much more that it has seen over the decades. The history of the house begins with Catherine Parr. I loved that the house itself was a character in itself and made me fall in love with old buildings even more. The book makes you stop and think about who's passed through Homes you've lived in and imprinted on them. What histories each house holds both happy and sad. Tony was a relatable and likeable character, and he did exactly what I would have done, which is research what his dreams meant and the history of the house itself. I couldn't put this book down!
House of Dreams is such a magical read! If you're drawn to books about houses and history like I am, you'll love this one too!
The story itself is just genius! I felt like I'd been watching a movie after reading this. Tony, a world-famous therapist, hasn't dreamed for many years. When he comes across a beautiful five-hundred year old tudor house for sale, he starts to dream again. Coincidence or not? All the dreams he has are about the house - its history, mystery, and much more that it has seen over the decades. The history of the house begins with Catherine Parr. I loved that the house itself was a character in itself and made me fall in love with old buildings even more. The book makes you stop and think about who's passed through Homes you've lived in and imprinted on them. What histories each house holds both happy and sad. Tony was a relatable and likeable character, and he did exactly what I would have done, which is research what his dreams meant and the history of the house itself. I couldn't put this book down!
May 2, 2025
That was god awful
October 18, 2023
This book follows Tony who has found a house he instantly falls in love with. This house causes him to dream again and he begins to dream of the history of the house.
This was a really interesting story. I’ve always been fascinated by dreams and this has inspired me to start keeping my own dream journal again!
This was a nice, easy, magical read.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this to review.
This was a really interesting story. I’ve always been fascinated by dreams and this has inspired me to start keeping my own dream journal again!
This was a nice, easy, magical read.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this to review.
October 16, 2023
My honest thoughts
I absolutely LOVED reading this story, no its not just a story.. its a magical tale!
I loved the facts of Catherine Parr and all the writers that lived in the house.
The dream aspects were inspiring as it really got me thinking about my own dreams and what they truly mean. Yes I did research them lol.. especially the ones I remembered in the morning..
The words just flowed off the page and into my minds eye so it was easy to picture everything that Mark was writing. Im now going into all his other works!!
I absolutely LOVED reading this story, no its not just a story.. its a magical tale!
I loved the facts of Catherine Parr and all the writers that lived in the house.
The dream aspects were inspiring as it really got me thinking about my own dreams and what they truly mean. Yes I did research them lol.. especially the ones I remembered in the morning..
The words just flowed off the page and into my minds eye so it was easy to picture everything that Mark was writing. Im now going into all his other works!!
October 24, 2023
As someone who loves the English renaissance and it’s literature I was excited to read House of Dreams. I have to say the concept really drew me in, I love ghost stories to begin with and I was excited to see how it would all work out. I am pleased to say, for me I loved it. It may be that it ticks a lot of my genre boxes, part historical fiction, part ghost story, part speculative/magical realism and a little bit of psychological thriller.
Now you may think that’s a lot of subgenres and genres but Stibbe merges these genres seamlessly and creates a captivating story that hooks you from the start. I adored that the protagonist, Tony, while being a dream therapist is far from perfect. We meet him while he is in the middle of a divorce and struggling with his own past, particularly childhood trauma. Yet his life seems to marginally change for the better when he stumbles upon a 500 year old house. He just knows he has to buy it and he does. It is after this purchase that Tony begins to dream vividly of the house and its history including all those who had lived there before. Along with his dreams or visions of the past we follow Tony’s journey of healing himself while piecing together the past of the house. I did for one moment think there may even be a ‘Secret Window, Secret Garden’ by Stephen King like twist but in a way I was glad there wasn’t – I think it would have taken from the story itself.
I have to say that Stibbe is a wonderful writer and the way he manages to merge the genres and the stories and lives of the people who inhabited the house and the house itself were enchanting. This actually made me think, not only about my dreams and interpretations of them but of my house and the stories it could tell. While this is a magical tale with history and ghosts it’s also a story about healing, learning about how the past can help the present and personal growth. I think readers of all genres will enjoy this novel and it will definitely stay with you long after you have finished.
Now you may think that’s a lot of subgenres and genres but Stibbe merges these genres seamlessly and creates a captivating story that hooks you from the start. I adored that the protagonist, Tony, while being a dream therapist is far from perfect. We meet him while he is in the middle of a divorce and struggling with his own past, particularly childhood trauma. Yet his life seems to marginally change for the better when he stumbles upon a 500 year old house. He just knows he has to buy it and he does. It is after this purchase that Tony begins to dream vividly of the house and its history including all those who had lived there before. Along with his dreams or visions of the past we follow Tony’s journey of healing himself while piecing together the past of the house. I did for one moment think there may even be a ‘Secret Window, Secret Garden’ by Stephen King like twist but in a way I was glad there wasn’t – I think it would have taken from the story itself.
I have to say that Stibbe is a wonderful writer and the way he manages to merge the genres and the stories and lives of the people who inhabited the house and the house itself were enchanting. This actually made me think, not only about my dreams and interpretations of them but of my house and the stories it could tell. While this is a magical tale with history and ghosts it’s also a story about healing, learning about how the past can help the present and personal growth. I think readers of all genres will enjoy this novel and it will definitely stay with you long after you have finished.
May 2, 2025
Work book club 3
Shocking
Shocking
October 26, 2023
House of Dreams is a captivating and enchanting novel that truly transports readers into a world of magic and mystery. Tony Lawson, a renowned dream therapist, finds himself drawn to a historic house that once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As he explores the property and delves into its past through his dreams, he uncovers shocking revelations that completely transform his own life and the house itself.
The author skillfully weaves together elements of history, ghost stories, and human emotions to create a truly immersive reading experience. The 500-year-old Tudor house becomes a character in its own right, with its own traumas, secrets, and treasures. Each chapter reveals a new facet of the house's story, leaving readers both spellbound and eager for more.
What sets House of Dreams apart is its ability to make readers see houses in a completely new light. The idea that buildings can hold stories and carry the energy of those who have inhabited them is thought-provoking and beautifully portrayed. This novel will make readers reflect on the unseen world around them and perhaps even evoke a newfound appreciation for the homes they live in.
Overall, House of Dreams is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking read that seamlessly blends history, fantasy, and human experiences. Author Mark Stibbe's magical storytelling powers shine through as he takes readers on a journey through the past and into the depths of the human soul. This novel is bound to leave a lasting impression and, as promised, will forever change the way readers perceive houses!
The author skillfully weaves together elements of history, ghost stories, and human emotions to create a truly immersive reading experience. The 500-year-old Tudor house becomes a character in its own right, with its own traumas, secrets, and treasures. Each chapter reveals a new facet of the house's story, leaving readers both spellbound and eager for more.
What sets House of Dreams apart is its ability to make readers see houses in a completely new light. The idea that buildings can hold stories and carry the energy of those who have inhabited them is thought-provoking and beautifully portrayed. This novel will make readers reflect on the unseen world around them and perhaps even evoke a newfound appreciation for the homes they live in.
Overall, House of Dreams is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking read that seamlessly blends history, fantasy, and human experiences. Author Mark Stibbe's magical storytelling powers shine through as he takes readers on a journey through the past and into the depths of the human soul. This novel is bound to leave a lasting impression and, as promised, will forever change the way readers perceive houses!
October 20, 2023
My thoughts: Wow! Have you checked out the cover? It is stunning just like this story. We follow Tony, a dream therapist as he finds a 500 year old house to fix up & move on from his past. He discovers the past history of this house through his dreams. It has beautiful imagery, lovely characters and a winning story. I am now going to be interested in my own dreams going forward. I really think you should check this book out!
Blurb
This was a house with only two storeys, but it told many tales.
Tony Lawson is a world-famous dream therapist, but he hasn’t dreamed in years, and he needs more therapy than he can give. On the day his divorce is finalised, he is driving past a village when he sees a large old house for sale. Walking through the gates, he is captivated by its history and mystery. That night, he starts dreaming again.
Drawn by its magic, Tony buys the property and discovers it once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As the house tells more and more of its story in Tony’s dreams, Tony is led by both the living and the dead to a startling and seismic discovery – one that will transform both the house of his soul and the soul of his house.
House of Dreams is a magical tale about a 500-year-old Tudor house - its ghosts, its traumas, its treasures, and its secrets.
Blurb
This was a house with only two storeys, but it told many tales.
Tony Lawson is a world-famous dream therapist, but he hasn’t dreamed in years, and he needs more therapy than he can give. On the day his divorce is finalised, he is driving past a village when he sees a large old house for sale. Walking through the gates, he is captivated by its history and mystery. That night, he starts dreaming again.
Drawn by its magic, Tony buys the property and discovers it once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As the house tells more and more of its story in Tony’s dreams, Tony is led by both the living and the dead to a startling and seismic discovery – one that will transform both the house of his soul and the soul of his house.
House of Dreams is a magical tale about a 500-year-old Tudor house - its ghosts, its traumas, its treasures, and its secrets.
February 19, 2024
This is the third book that I've read by this author and having recently loved the concept and writing of A Book In Time, I just knew that I'd also love this, their latest novel.
World famous dream therapist, Tony, hasn't dreamed in many years.
When he discovers a beautiful Tudor style house for sale, his dreams return in full force and after buying the house, it shows him, through his dreams, all the beauty, history and the mystery that these walls have held over the years.
I love to overthink my dreams and am fascinated by the secrets that they hold. Not that I've ever had them analysed - but I love to sit and interpret the more memorable ones. So the idea of this book really appealed to me.
Once again, Stibbe creates a likable character who you instantly connect with and enjoy watching develop through the story.
Even the house was a whole character in itself.
I loved all of the history that the house held, even going right back to the Tudor age when Queen Catherine Parr had lived there.
It really made me wonder, even about our own house (which isn't anywhere near that old), just what and who has passed through it. What stories could be told?.
I actually had to pause at one point as I started reminiscing in the memories held over the 12 years we've been here now.
Beautifully written as usual which makes it a compelling read.
World famous dream therapist, Tony, hasn't dreamed in many years.
When he discovers a beautiful Tudor style house for sale, his dreams return in full force and after buying the house, it shows him, through his dreams, all the beauty, history and the mystery that these walls have held over the years.
I love to overthink my dreams and am fascinated by the secrets that they hold. Not that I've ever had them analysed - but I love to sit and interpret the more memorable ones. So the idea of this book really appealed to me.
Once again, Stibbe creates a likable character who you instantly connect with and enjoy watching develop through the story.
Even the house was a whole character in itself.
I loved all of the history that the house held, even going right back to the Tudor age when Queen Catherine Parr had lived there.
It really made me wonder, even about our own house (which isn't anywhere near that old), just what and who has passed through it. What stories could be told?.
I actually had to pause at one point as I started reminiscing in the memories held over the 12 years we've been here now.
Beautifully written as usual which makes it a compelling read.
February 18, 2024
House of Dreams is a magical, mystical and almost evangelical read.
We meet Tony Lawson, an esteemed dream therapist, with a best selling book and TV appearances. Though Tony is not currently dreaming, is about to have his divorce finalised and has an ex friend claiming to be the brains behind Tony's book. Life could not get much worse.
Until he comes across, The Old Rectory - a Tudor house from circa 1530. He is inexplicably drawn to this house. After some quick enquiries he finds out the house is for sale. He drives back to London. That night he dreams.
Over the next year or so we are drawn into Tony's life. He is in serious therapy from trauma that occurred as a child, he has legal challenges, a house restoration, a possible new romance, and dreams about the previous residents of his house that while giving comfort, also raise questions about what has occured in this residence in the past.
This is a story steeped in history, King Henry viii, Catherine Parr, Thomas Seymour, but it is also about the memories that remain in the bones of a house.
There are parallels between dream therapy and the subconscious and the house, it's past occupants and it's physical remains. There were quite a few religious and cultural references that were cleverly wound into the story.
This was quite a contemplative story. I found that as Tony was figuring out the relevance of his dreams, discovering the restorative properties of the house and breaking through his childhood trauma, that I was wondering about my dreams and what they mean and what 'residue' will be in my house after I move out.
All in all, this is a magical read that will have you enchanted and googling the past occupants to find out a bit more about who they were. I loved the author's note about staying in The Old Rectory and the feeling that there was a story to be told.
We meet Tony Lawson, an esteemed dream therapist, with a best selling book and TV appearances. Though Tony is not currently dreaming, is about to have his divorce finalised and has an ex friend claiming to be the brains behind Tony's book. Life could not get much worse.
Until he comes across, The Old Rectory - a Tudor house from circa 1530. He is inexplicably drawn to this house. After some quick enquiries he finds out the house is for sale. He drives back to London. That night he dreams.
Over the next year or so we are drawn into Tony's life. He is in serious therapy from trauma that occurred as a child, he has legal challenges, a house restoration, a possible new romance, and dreams about the previous residents of his house that while giving comfort, also raise questions about what has occured in this residence in the past.
This is a story steeped in history, King Henry viii, Catherine Parr, Thomas Seymour, but it is also about the memories that remain in the bones of a house.
There are parallels between dream therapy and the subconscious and the house, it's past occupants and it's physical remains. There were quite a few religious and cultural references that were cleverly wound into the story.
This was quite a contemplative story. I found that as Tony was figuring out the relevance of his dreams, discovering the restorative properties of the house and breaking through his childhood trauma, that I was wondering about my dreams and what they mean and what 'residue' will be in my house after I move out.
All in all, this is a magical read that will have you enchanted and googling the past occupants to find out a bit more about who they were. I loved the author's note about staying in The Old Rectory and the feeling that there was a story to be told.
February 4, 2024
That cover! It just screams magical and mystery, and that's exactly why I was drawn to this book.
The concept of this book is genius, dreams that turn out to be a re-telling of events past. Obviously, it's so much more than that as we follow Tony’s journey of healing.
This book was a mix of psychological thriller, historical fiction, ghost story, and magical realism. You might think, woah, that's a lot of genres, but honestly, the way it's all woven together is undeniably part of the masterpiece.
I think what I loved most was how the book had me thinking a lot, not only about my own dreams but about the history of Queen Catherine Parr. I felt like I was learning things, and it had me researching to extend my knowledge.
Overall House of Dreams was a thought-provoking read that took me on a journey into the past and has left a mark on my heart.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Mark Stibbe for the gifted book and goodies and for a chance to join in the readalong.
The concept of this book is genius, dreams that turn out to be a re-telling of events past. Obviously, it's so much more than that as we follow Tony’s journey of healing.
This book was a mix of psychological thriller, historical fiction, ghost story, and magical realism. You might think, woah, that's a lot of genres, but honestly, the way it's all woven together is undeniably part of the masterpiece.
I think what I loved most was how the book had me thinking a lot, not only about my own dreams but about the history of Queen Catherine Parr. I felt like I was learning things, and it had me researching to extend my knowledge.
Overall House of Dreams was a thought-provoking read that took me on a journey into the past and has left a mark on my heart.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Mark Stibbe for the gifted book and goodies and for a chance to join in the readalong.
February 19, 2024
"𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓁. 𝒴𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓈."
This was a truly fantastic experience, a unique book filled with dreams, history, love and healing.
I loved reading about the dreams and learning about the history elements of the story. The characters were so lovable, the chapters were short which I always appreciate in a book. The writing style was flawless, so easy to read.
I loved Tiger the greyhound, Tita and Tony they were all so wholesome together!
I absolutely loved Tita’s storyline in this book, she was an absolute amazing character who brought so much the story.
I truly enjoyed this novel, this was my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last one! This became an easy favorite for me and I want everyone to read it!
This was a truly fantastic experience, a unique book filled with dreams, history, love and healing.
I loved reading about the dreams and learning about the history elements of the story. The characters were so lovable, the chapters were short which I always appreciate in a book. The writing style was flawless, so easy to read.
I loved Tiger the greyhound, Tita and Tony they were all so wholesome together!
I absolutely loved Tita’s storyline in this book, she was an absolute amazing character who brought so much the story.
I truly enjoyed this novel, this was my first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last one! This became an easy favorite for me and I want everyone to read it!
November 13, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's just so magical on so many levels!
The story follows Tony while he battles through childhood trauma, a divorce and a psycho guy trying to destroy him.... he happens to stumble across a beautiful house that needs some love, Tony makes the purchase of the beautiful house... together the house and Tony heal!
Tony is a dream specialist and hasn't had a dream in years, then suddenly the house ignites his dreams... it speaks to him and shows him things....
Follow this beautiful magical story to find out how it ends!!
The story follows Tony while he battles through childhood trauma, a divorce and a psycho guy trying to destroy him.... he happens to stumble across a beautiful house that needs some love, Tony makes the purchase of the beautiful house... together the house and Tony heal!
Tony is a dream specialist and hasn't had a dream in years, then suddenly the house ignites his dreams... it speaks to him and shows him things....
Follow this beautiful magical story to find out how it ends!!
November 13, 2023
Have you ever read a book that you connected with so well you couldn't stop thinking about?? This was that book for me. This book was about Tony who was a famous therapist he hasn't had a dream in years until he finds a 500 year old house for sale and all ofa sudden he starts to dream again mainly of the house and it's history. I love learning of the history behind things. Yall this book makes you think. It's so so good. !! Go get this book!!
May 2, 2025
Work book club: book 3
1 star
1 star
November 2, 2023
Having previously read and loved Stibbe's 𝗔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲, which was written from the books POV, I couldn't wait to immerse myself into 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀. To my delight it was written along the same way as it's predecessor and the house had so many stories to tell.
I love deciphering my dreams, so when protagonist Tony started to research both his dreams and the houses history I knew I was going to be absolutely captivated by the stories, and the people who had passed through the doors of the 500yr old Tudor house.
Throughout I kept likening it to the hit BBC series Ghosts, where a young girl inherits a house, its ghosts and it's history.
It certainly got me thinking about the history of where I live and who lived here before.
Highly entertaining, immersive and a another magical story from the pen of Stibbe.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot.
I love deciphering my dreams, so when protagonist Tony started to research both his dreams and the houses history I knew I was going to be absolutely captivated by the stories, and the people who had passed through the doors of the 500yr old Tudor house.
Throughout I kept likening it to the hit BBC series Ghosts, where a young girl inherits a house, its ghosts and it's history.
It certainly got me thinking about the history of where I live and who lived here before.
Highly entertaining, immersive and a another magical story from the pen of Stibbe.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot.
October 30, 2023
What would you do if you didn’t dream? Then you buy an amazingly beautiful house and you not only start to dream, but your dreams take you back in time to the past and past events that happened there. This is where “House of Dreams” takes you. You have his real life where he is fighting a court case and you have his dream life that draws him in to figuring out what happened in the past. One of them is definitely more exciting that the other! It keeps you on the edge while he investigates the past to see if it really happened! The throw in him seeing ghosts in the mix and his developing relationship it really was an exciting read!
October 30, 2023
This book is such an interesting read. I find dreams fascinating anyway so I loved the idea of this novel and I found the whole story to be captivating and magical. I am easily scared and there were definitely a few moments in this novel where I found the ghosts of the past quite spooky. I love the use of history in this story and the house itself. It was all such a good and easy read. I loved the last Mark Stibbe book I read and I also loved this book.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
October 31, 2023
House Of Dreams is a book I absolutely loved reading and one I would read again and again.
The overall story gave me vibes of The House On The Strand by Daphne Du Maurier which is another book I enjoyed but this one just drew me in so much more.
At its heart it’s a bit of a magical mystery but with so many areas touched on it packs a punch. The story has history, relationships, a lead trying to work to understand and accept trauma from a young age, dealing with past relationships and current enemies. But beyond all this it is a love story of levels. About falling in love with someone new, loving yourself, loving friends and old relationships, and loving a new house.
I look forward to reading more from Mark Stibbe who has not only shown he can bring great imagination to a story but with ease take the reader on a magical journey.
The overall story gave me vibes of The House On The Strand by Daphne Du Maurier which is another book I enjoyed but this one just drew me in so much more.
At its heart it’s a bit of a magical mystery but with so many areas touched on it packs a punch. The story has history, relationships, a lead trying to work to understand and accept trauma from a young age, dealing with past relationships and current enemies. But beyond all this it is a love story of levels. About falling in love with someone new, loving yourself, loving friends and old relationships, and loving a new house.
I look forward to reading more from Mark Stibbe who has not only shown he can bring great imagination to a story but with ease take the reader on a magical journey.
October 30, 2023
When I saw the blurb for this I knew it was for me and when I saw the author I was delighted as I’ve read a brilliant book by him before! The short chapters left me wanted to read on quicker and the book flew by. I felt for Tony in parts of the book as life was clearly taking its emotional toll on him. The writing was excellent. I will be reading more by this author in the future and the blurb is absolutely right: you will never see houses the same way again!
October 26, 2023
What I loved most was the history that the house is divulging to Tony. I'm not Tony's biggest fan, through most of the story, but towards the end, i underatand him better. I don't generally enjoy historical fiction, but I love learning about Queen Catherine and her family in this novel, its fascinating, and the author clearly did his research. The restoration of the house and Tony's job make for really interesting reading. The cover, while simple, is visually stunning. I really enjoy the authors writing style, I discovered that in his previous book, and that has continued throughout this. It is a really lovely read that I'm sure at least one part will resonate with many.
October 24, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the moment I started it.
We follow the life of Tony, who is a dream therapist, as he makes the decision to move house. Little does he know the house he is about to move into holds many secrets, many of which he gets to see through his dreams. The house in question had a well known Tudor owner, and we get more of a glimpse into the house at Tudor times.
Not only do we follow Tony through his dreams about the house, we follow his personal life as he deals with some trauma and finds love again. I felt myself routing for Tony during the book, he was a likeable character that was surrounded by many other great characters who all helped in bringing his personality out. I felt Tita was a great and loveable character, who really brought Tony to the forefront of this story and tied everything in nicely together.
We follow the life of Tony, who is a dream therapist, as he makes the decision to move house. Little does he know the house he is about to move into holds many secrets, many of which he gets to see through his dreams. The house in question had a well known Tudor owner, and we get more of a glimpse into the house at Tudor times.
Not only do we follow Tony through his dreams about the house, we follow his personal life as he deals with some trauma and finds love again. I felt myself routing for Tony during the book, he was a likeable character that was surrounded by many other great characters who all helped in bringing his personality out. I felt Tita was a great and loveable character, who really brought Tony to the forefront of this story and tied everything in nicely together.
October 26, 2023
I really loved the concept behind this book. The idea of exploring a house’s history and the house having a soul made for an interesting read. Then there is the other side of exploring dreams and how they are a link to a subconscious.
The historical parts of the novel focused on Henry VIII’s last wife Catherine Parr. I love anything relating to the Tudors so this was right up my street!
A beautifully written novel, well worth a read!
The historical parts of the novel focused on Henry VIII’s last wife Catherine Parr. I love anything relating to the Tudors so this was right up my street!
A beautifully written novel, well worth a read!
October 23, 2023
House of Dreams follows dream therapist, Tony, as he stumbles across an old house with a for sale sign. That night, still captivated by the house’s mystery, Tony starts to dream for the first time in years.
Firstly, I must mention the beautiful cover. It really if so pretty and captures the essence of the book perfectly. I haven’t read any books from this author before but will certainly be seeking them out in the future. House of Dreams is a lovely story; while there is a fantasy/supernatural feel to the dreams, there is nothing eerie to them and got me thinking about my own dreams.
The story is really well written, flows smoothly and has good character development. Would recommend.
Firstly, I must mention the beautiful cover. It really if so pretty and captures the essence of the book perfectly. I haven’t read any books from this author before but will certainly be seeking them out in the future. House of Dreams is a lovely story; while there is a fantasy/supernatural feel to the dreams, there is nothing eerie to them and got me thinking about my own dreams.
The story is really well written, flows smoothly and has good character development. Would recommend.
October 26, 2023
This was a brilliant read and a great concept for a story. I loved how history was told with a modern perspective and through dreams. I can understand how Tony could fall in love at first sight with a house- we did ours. Tony’s connection with the house, helping him dream again, was really good. The book is well written and a lovely read. I enjoyed the fact that it was paranormal but not scary, perfect for me.
October 23, 2023
House of Dreams is a beautifully written story about ghosts, love, magic, mystery, and plenty of history. I fell in love with this story from the very beginning, and I couldn't put it down. From the plot to the writing style, you will fall in love with House of Dreams.
The dreams and the story behind the beautiful Tudor house were just intriguing, and I really enjoyed Tony's character.
This was my first read by the author, and I am looking forward to reading more of Stibbe's work. Definitely recommend this magical read.
The dreams and the story behind the beautiful Tudor house were just intriguing, and I really enjoyed Tony's character.
This was my first read by the author, and I am looking forward to reading more of Stibbe's work. Definitely recommend this magical read.
October 24, 2023
The cover is from out of a dream, that title, and once I read the blurb... I could not wait to read this book!
It was a beautiful magical read... simple, yet compelling... Tony's dreams bridging the present to the past - and Catherine Parr's life... As I read the book, I wanted to live in that house, and to dream those dreams.
The author's words created so much atmosphere, my reading experience felt very immersive. Especially clever was the way he wove all these different genres together seamlessly.
It was a beautiful magical read... simple, yet compelling... Tony's dreams bridging the present to the past - and Catherine Parr's life... As I read the book, I wanted to live in that house, and to dream those dreams.
The author's words created so much atmosphere, my reading experience felt very immersive. Especially clever was the way he wove all these different genres together seamlessly.
October 19, 2023
This book was absolutely hands down amazing. What initially drew me in was the captivating cover, however, I quickly found the book itself to be every single bit as captivating as the cover. It is part magical realism, part historical fiction, and part ghost story. The story was mesmerizing and at times whimsical in that I had such a hard time putting it down and literally flew through it. Tony is a world famous therapist and author who interprets dreams. We meet him while he’s in the middle of a divorce, struggling with his own personal past trauma from his childhood, when stumbles upon this 500 year old Tudor house that just magically pulls him into buying it. Along with the purchase of the house, Tony starts dreaming again. His dreams are filled with the fascinating and rich history of the house and all the people that lived in it including a King, a Queen, and so many historical authors. It’s a story of healing, growing, and learning about your past to help with your future. It’s clear in the end that the house and Tony help each other in such a beautiful way. This would be a perfect recommendation for readers of all genres. Seriously I cannot recommend it enough.
October 19, 2023
In House of Dreams, we follow Tony who has found a house he instantly falls in love with. This house causes him to have continual dreams, again and again and he begins to dream of the history of the house.
I've always been absolutely fascinated with dreams so I found this book to be very interesting.
I found House of Dreams to be a beautifully nice, easy, magical read and I really did fly through it in two sittings.
I thought the concept was an interesting one, I found it to be was well written, with good character development and I just really enjoyed the read.
You get a sense of the paranormal without any creepiness.
It's a story rich in history, being centered around a 500-year-old house, with no end to the stories it can tell.
What can I say about the cover? It's jud absolutely stunning and really sets the tone for the story.
So overall, I give House of Dreams a big four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's.
I've always been absolutely fascinated with dreams so I found this book to be very interesting.
I found House of Dreams to be a beautifully nice, easy, magical read and I really did fly through it in two sittings.
I thought the concept was an interesting one, I found it to be was well written, with good character development and I just really enjoyed the read.
You get a sense of the paranormal without any creepiness.
It's a story rich in history, being centered around a 500-year-old house, with no end to the stories it can tell.
What can I say about the cover? It's jud absolutely stunning and really sets the tone for the story.
So overall, I give House of Dreams a big four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's.
October 17, 2023
This book has it all, dreams and their translations, drama, ghosts, love, house restoration, dual timelines and history - lots of history.
Tony is a dream therapist, helping people find out their dream interpretations and helping them via his podcast and live shows. He gets inexplicably drawn to a house in a sleepy village and decides he wants it. He finds out the house was owned by royalty and starts to dream about her life and the others that have lived in the house since it was built in the 1500’s.
I really loved this one, difficult to put down and so well written, a lot of research has clearly gone into this one. I really liked Tony as a character, he had a lot of baggage that he clearly needed help with, too busy helping others.
I’ve read Mark’s other book, A Book In Time, and this one was just as good. I’m keeping Mark on my radar for more books in the future.
Tony is a dream therapist, helping people find out their dream interpretations and helping them via his podcast and live shows. He gets inexplicably drawn to a house in a sleepy village and decides he wants it. He finds out the house was owned by royalty and starts to dream about her life and the others that have lived in the house since it was built in the 1500’s.
I really loved this one, difficult to put down and so well written, a lot of research has clearly gone into this one. I really liked Tony as a character, he had a lot of baggage that he clearly needed help with, too busy helping others.
I’ve read Mark’s other book, A Book In Time, and this one was just as good. I’m keeping Mark on my radar for more books in the future.
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