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The Orange House
Henry and Violet first met in the garden of The Orange House on the beautiful island of Mallorca.
They promised their lives to each other, poured their love into restoring the house and built the foundations of their marriage within its walls. First it was their private idyll, then a place to escape with their son, Luke - but now it has become a battleground.
As the years have passed, cracks have appeared and secrets have built barriers between them.
Finally, on the brink of divorce, they have come back to Mallorca to sell up. Will this final summer together be the end - or a new beginning?
Twenty years ago, The Orange House brought them together.
Now, will it be reason they part?
They promised their lives to each other, poured their love into restoring the house and built the foundations of their marriage within its walls. First it was their private idyll, then a place to escape with their son, Luke - but now it has become a battleground.
As the years have passed, cracks have appeared and secrets have built barriers between them.
Finally, on the brink of divorce, they have come back to Mallorca to sell up. Will this final summer together be the end - or a new beginning?
Twenty years ago, The Orange House brought them together.
Now, will it be reason they part?
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2024
52 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Broom
19 books450 followersIsabelle Broom also writes as Izzy Broom. She is the award-winning author of 13 novels and is published in 14 overseas territories. Having left heat magazine in 2018, where she’d spent over five years as book reviews editor, she began writing full-time alongside continued freelance work. She lives in Suffolk, surrounded by books, family, unruly dogs, and a rooster from the farm next door, which has inexplicably fallen in love with her. Her most recent novel, The French Guesthouse, is arriving on 6 November 2025.
You can follow Izzy on Twitter/X and Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.
You can follow Izzy on Twitter/X and Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 1, 2024
Escape to Mallorca and The Orange House with Isabelle Broom’s new novel. This books feels like a departure from her usual style, it covers male mental health and I found it to be an utterly compelling novel. It’s thought provoking and will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. There are some very likeable characters and you do feel as if you’ve been transported to the Mallorcan sunshine. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
May 13, 2024
It might look like it's going to be your typical holiday romance, but it's a story that's far more moving than that. As you'd expect from an Isabelle Broom novel, the island and the house are beautifully described (it's easy to imagine yourself there), and Violet and Henry are engaging characters.
The story of their relationship is told by Violet in the present, interspersed with chapters set in the past told from Henry's point of view. There are lots of hints about the events that happened to them and their son, Luke, which are eventually revealed towards the end of the story. Overall, an interesting read about the challenges of being in a long-term relationship with a child with mental health issues.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story of their relationship is told by Violet in the present, interspersed with chapters set in the past told from Henry's point of view. There are lots of hints about the events that happened to them and their son, Luke, which are eventually revealed towards the end of the story. Overall, an interesting read about the challenges of being in a long-term relationship with a child with mental health issues.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
4.5⭐
I really enjoy Isabelle's books and how each transports the reader to a different location.
This time it was to Mallorca and then long term holiday home of Henry and Violet. I appreciated the fact they were a couple in their 40s and not young 20 somethings for who everything is perfect! Isabelle really sensitively handled the mental health issues of their son Luke and always avoids clichés.
The story really warmed by heart and I thought it was a lovely read.
My favourite quote:
".....The sun's golden light spread like honey across the baked clay roof tiles of the old town."
I really enjoy Isabelle's books and how each transports the reader to a different location.
This time it was to Mallorca and then long term holiday home of Henry and Violet. I appreciated the fact they were a couple in their 40s and not young 20 somethings for who everything is perfect! Isabelle really sensitively handled the mental health issues of their son Luke and always avoids clichés.
The story really warmed by heart and I thought it was a lovely read.
My favourite quote:
".....The sun's golden light spread like honey across the baked clay roof tiles of the old town."
April 22, 2024
A really great read. A sensitive novel about a family dealing in mental health and the extra dynamic that brings to family life and relationships. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Mallorca, a journey of love, struggles with elements that just make you smile.
April 30, 2025
A beautiful book I loved the destination it took me to. The description of the town brought the story to life. Telling the story of Henry and Violet and the struggle to bring up thier son Luke.
Showing how 2 different parents with the same goal are almost pulled apart.
An emotion read which I enjoyed throughout the book.
Showing how 2 different parents with the same goal are almost pulled apart.
An emotion read which I enjoyed throughout the book.
July 4, 2024
Wow, this is the perfect summer read! I loved every page of it and am only sad that I have finished this wondrous read. For this latest book by Broom we are immersed in the world of Mallorca. Broom really has a talent for bringing places to life and I always feel like I have travelled to these wondrous locations with the characters. Mallorca was a joy to read about and the Orange House sounds like the perfect house to stay in!
Back to the plot and Broom has written a family oriented, heartfelt read. There are so many different emotions throughout this and Broom has crafted them expertly and sensitively. Without giving spoilers, there are some hard hitting subjects covered in this book and Broom has written them very well and they only added to the emotion and beauty of the plot. The plot for this is quite simple but when it is crafted this well, that does not matter and I never wanted this book to end.
Broom's characters are wonderful and I loved getting to know Violet and Henry and their backstory. I really took these characters and their family and friends into my heart and cared about them and what was happening to them. As I read this I felt like I had known them for a long time.
Everything about 'The Orange House' is just perfection, this really is the ultimate summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
Back to the plot and Broom has written a family oriented, heartfelt read. There are so many different emotions throughout this and Broom has crafted them expertly and sensitively. Without giving spoilers, there are some hard hitting subjects covered in this book and Broom has written them very well and they only added to the emotion and beauty of the plot. The plot for this is quite simple but when it is crafted this well, that does not matter and I never wanted this book to end.
Broom's characters are wonderful and I loved getting to know Violet and Henry and their backstory. I really took these characters and their family and friends into my heart and cared about them and what was happening to them. As I read this I felt like I had known them for a long time.
Everything about 'The Orange House' is just perfection, this really is the ultimate summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy.
June 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC.
As a long term fan of Isabelle Broom, every book is an exciting new journey for me and something I really look forward to. Broom’s writing and storytelling has improved with each book, The Orange House has been an excellent addition to her growing works.
The Orange House covers themes of love and trust, as well as mental health and the strains it can put on a family. We see how stress, depression, anxiety and grief change relationships between the characters and how it can also bring them closer in the hardest times. I love seeing Broom explore these themes across books and how different families can be.
The romance was rewarding, seeing a couple on the brink of divorce really pick their problems apart and learn how to love and grow together again whilst working on themselves over the course of the book. I really enjoyed this book and how really the relationships and characters felt, exploring love in all its forms.
As a long term fan of Isabelle Broom, every book is an exciting new journey for me and something I really look forward to. Broom’s writing and storytelling has improved with each book, The Orange House has been an excellent addition to her growing works.
The Orange House covers themes of love and trust, as well as mental health and the strains it can put on a family. We see how stress, depression, anxiety and grief change relationships between the characters and how it can also bring them closer in the hardest times. I love seeing Broom explore these themes across books and how different families can be.
The romance was rewarding, seeing a couple on the brink of divorce really pick their problems apart and learn how to love and grow together again whilst working on themselves over the course of the book. I really enjoyed this book and how really the relationships and characters felt, exploring love in all its forms.
September 2, 2024
It has romance at the heart of the story
Violet and Henry met at the garden of the Orange House in Majorca 20 years ago and quickly fell in love
A year later they have their son, Luke and although young they soon become a solid family unit while renovating the Orange House
But as the years pass, cracks in the relationship appear
They are now on the brink of divorce - will this summer be their final together or can they embark on a new beginning
Sensitively written, very thought provoking and emotional.
Particularly loved Luke’s girlfriend, Eliza who stemmed to glue the family together even when they were constantly arguing
Thanks @isabelle-broom @hodderbooks @netgalley for the emotional read
Violet and Henry met at the garden of the Orange House in Majorca 20 years ago and quickly fell in love
A year later they have their son, Luke and although young they soon become a solid family unit while renovating the Orange House
But as the years pass, cracks in the relationship appear
They are now on the brink of divorce - will this summer be their final together or can they embark on a new beginning
Sensitively written, very thought provoking and emotional.
Particularly loved Luke’s girlfriend, Eliza who stemmed to glue the family together even when they were constantly arguing
Thanks @isabelle-broom @hodderbooks @netgalley for the emotional read
May 10, 2024
Henry and Violet first met in the garden of The Orange House on the beautiful island of Mallorca.
They promised their lives to each other, poured their love into restoring the house and built the foundations of their marriage within its walls. First it was their private idyll, then a place to escape with their son, Luke - but now it has become a battleground.
I really loved this book, I felt I had escaped to Mallorca, a really good read.
They promised their lives to each other, poured their love into restoring the house and built the foundations of their marriage within its walls. First it was their private idyll, then a place to escape with their son, Luke - but now it has become a battleground.
I really loved this book, I felt I had escaped to Mallorca, a really good read.
July 5, 2024
A slight change to this author’s usual style. It was a pretty challenging read and at times it was so sad and angsty that I very nearly gave up.
Thought provoking certainly regarding mental illness.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
Thought provoking certainly regarding mental illness.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
April 19, 2024
I love everything Isabelle writes 🧡
July 4, 2024
Henry and Violet are on the brink of divorce.
From the first page it is obvious that The Orange House is a very special book. It shimmers with tangible emotion so that the reader is ensnared immediately.
Initially, The Orange House might appear to be a relatively simple story of a failed marriage, but my goodness, wonderful as that element is, that description is to do it an injustice. This is a mature, affecting and sensitively written exploration not just of marriage, but of family and the very essence of what makes us human. Isabelle Broom peels away the layers of identity and mental health so that I found the story emotionally stunning.
I confess that I found Violet hard to like at times. Her constant wariness around Luke, her self-deception and the secrets she keeps from others made me want to shake her, but by the end of The Orange House I could not have cared more for her. The reader goes on the journey of self-realisation with her, getting to know every aspect of her flawed, fragile and yet incredibly resilient personality. She’s one of the most well rounded characters I think I’ve encountered in fiction.
That said, both Luke and Henry are real triumphs too. With a family member of my own suffering the same kind of issues as Luke, The Orange House felt all the more authentic to me. My heart ached for Henry as he tried to find his role within the family unit, but he too has faults and stubbornness so that he contains true depth. I loved the way Eliza is a touchstone and pivot around whom the dysfunctional relationships between Violet, Henry and Luke revolve. She provides distance and perspective, despite her youth.
The plot is brilliantly constructed and whilst I’m not usually a huge fan of dual time lines, I loved the way Isabelle Broom gradually uncovered the past leading to the impasse Violet and Henry now find themselves in. There’s a touch of mystery too that heightens the tension so that the story is gripping and immersive.
Speaking of immersive, the Majorcan setting is quite perfect. Descriptions are vivid, and with everything from food to rooftops woven in with true dexterity, it is as if the reader is on the island.
But it is the range of emotion and theme that makes The Orange House so mesmerising and moving. It’s a story resonating with the depths of despair and sadness, and yet it remains hopeful and uplifting so that it lifts the spirits even as it entertains.
The Orange House is a profound book. It’s steeped in humanity. It’s mature and intelligent and I loved it.
From the first page it is obvious that The Orange House is a very special book. It shimmers with tangible emotion so that the reader is ensnared immediately.
Initially, The Orange House might appear to be a relatively simple story of a failed marriage, but my goodness, wonderful as that element is, that description is to do it an injustice. This is a mature, affecting and sensitively written exploration not just of marriage, but of family and the very essence of what makes us human. Isabelle Broom peels away the layers of identity and mental health so that I found the story emotionally stunning.
I confess that I found Violet hard to like at times. Her constant wariness around Luke, her self-deception and the secrets she keeps from others made me want to shake her, but by the end of The Orange House I could not have cared more for her. The reader goes on the journey of self-realisation with her, getting to know every aspect of her flawed, fragile and yet incredibly resilient personality. She’s one of the most well rounded characters I think I’ve encountered in fiction.
That said, both Luke and Henry are real triumphs too. With a family member of my own suffering the same kind of issues as Luke, The Orange House felt all the more authentic to me. My heart ached for Henry as he tried to find his role within the family unit, but he too has faults and stubbornness so that he contains true depth. I loved the way Eliza is a touchstone and pivot around whom the dysfunctional relationships between Violet, Henry and Luke revolve. She provides distance and perspective, despite her youth.
The plot is brilliantly constructed and whilst I’m not usually a huge fan of dual time lines, I loved the way Isabelle Broom gradually uncovered the past leading to the impasse Violet and Henry now find themselves in. There’s a touch of mystery too that heightens the tension so that the story is gripping and immersive.
Speaking of immersive, the Majorcan setting is quite perfect. Descriptions are vivid, and with everything from food to rooftops woven in with true dexterity, it is as if the reader is on the island.
But it is the range of emotion and theme that makes The Orange House so mesmerising and moving. It’s a story resonating with the depths of despair and sadness, and yet it remains hopeful and uplifting so that it lifts the spirits even as it entertains.
The Orange House is a profound book. It’s steeped in humanity. It’s mature and intelligent and I loved it.
December 30, 2024
2.5 stars
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨
Young love makes a girl completely unlikeable
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Kept me intrigued to know what happened
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Some small errors
Violet
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨
Second chance
Marriage in strife
Force proximity
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
Violet receives a message from her estranged husband that he’s put their Spanish holiday home on the market. Horrified, she impulsively flies out there to try and stop him from selling. I think.
Now did this keep me intrigued to find out what had happened in the past to get them to this point. I wanted to know how the side characters fit in, how Henry got his scars, what on earth she had done that was so ominously on the fence of being illegal…
I’ll be honest though, I really struggled with Violet. She just wasn’t a likeable character for about 95% of the book. She constantly made stupid decisions, blamed Henry for things that weren’t his fault, was horrible to him and flirting with the neighbour, lied to everyone about the stupid shit she’d done for the sake of pride. There were fleeting moments of clarity when she realised she’d been a dick, but then she’d do something else to piss me off.
Most of the side characters were great though. Luke felt like a genuinely flawed, 3D human being, and Eliza was so good for him.
I liked that the book had such a strong theme of mental health and how different conditions might manifest in a person and be misconstrued by those that don’t know the situation. There’s no one size fits all and I think it was a deep and poignant look into how it affects everyone involved.
Sadly, I’m just not sure I believed Violet and Henry belonged together, or actually loved one another. Yes we were told that they did, repeatedly, but I didn’t really feel their chemistry past their meet cute.
I did enjoy Broom’s writing style for the most part, but I found myself skimming a lot of the imagery because there was quite a lot of it and I just wanted to get to the point.
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
🤤🤤
🤣
😭😭
🌟🌟💫
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨
Young love makes a girl completely unlikeable
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Kept me intrigued to know what happened
𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛
Some small errors
Violet
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨
Second chance
Marriage in strife
Force proximity
𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨
Violet receives a message from her estranged husband that he’s put their Spanish holiday home on the market. Horrified, she impulsively flies out there to try and stop him from selling. I think.
Now did this keep me intrigued to find out what had happened in the past to get them to this point. I wanted to know how the side characters fit in, how Henry got his scars, what on earth she had done that was so ominously on the fence of being illegal…
I’ll be honest though, I really struggled with Violet. She just wasn’t a likeable character for about 95% of the book. She constantly made stupid decisions, blamed Henry for things that weren’t his fault, was horrible to him and flirting with the neighbour, lied to everyone about the stupid shit she’d done for the sake of pride. There were fleeting moments of clarity when she realised she’d been a dick, but then she’d do something else to piss me off.
Most of the side characters were great though. Luke felt like a genuinely flawed, 3D human being, and Eliza was so good for him.
I liked that the book had such a strong theme of mental health and how different conditions might manifest in a person and be misconstrued by those that don’t know the situation. There’s no one size fits all and I think it was a deep and poignant look into how it affects everyone involved.
Sadly, I’m just not sure I believed Violet and Henry belonged together, or actually loved one another. Yes we were told that they did, repeatedly, but I didn’t really feel their chemistry past their meet cute.
I did enjoy Broom’s writing style for the most part, but I found myself skimming a lot of the imagery because there was quite a lot of it and I just wanted to get to the point.
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
🤤🤤
🤣
😭😭
🌟🌟💫
July 7, 2024
I love a new Isabelle Broom book. You can always rely on her to transport you away and usually to somewhere gorgeous.
It's no different in her latest book, The Orange House. Beautiful Mallorca provides the backdrop for the story of Henry and Violet and their 20 year relationship.
Henry and Violet met and fell in love on the island in fact in the very grounds of the gorgeous house they now own. However now their marriage lies in tatters and they have to decide whether to walk away or if they can find their way back to each other.
By no means the only issue they have but one of the biggest is their son Luke. Now an adult, he has been a challenging child and his extreme anger issues have coloured his relationship with each of his parents and their relationship with each other. I thought this was really well handled. Sensitively done it gave a real insight into the family and felt like a really honest take on mental health issues and their impact.
I have to say I didn’t initially warm to Violet. From early on in the story it’s clear she is hiding something and I wasn’t sure whether I could trust her. However as the story unfolds and you get to know her I found myself empathising with her. I loved Eliza, Lukes girlfriends and how her calmness and maturity anchored the family even as they are at each others throats.
Another excellent read from Isabelle and one that goes a bit deeper than you might first expect.
Oh and I've added Mallorca to my list of holiday destinations - she makes its sound so gorgeous!
It's no different in her latest book, The Orange House. Beautiful Mallorca provides the backdrop for the story of Henry and Violet and their 20 year relationship.
Henry and Violet met and fell in love on the island in fact in the very grounds of the gorgeous house they now own. However now their marriage lies in tatters and they have to decide whether to walk away or if they can find their way back to each other.
By no means the only issue they have but one of the biggest is their son Luke. Now an adult, he has been a challenging child and his extreme anger issues have coloured his relationship with each of his parents and their relationship with each other. I thought this was really well handled. Sensitively done it gave a real insight into the family and felt like a really honest take on mental health issues and their impact.
I have to say I didn’t initially warm to Violet. From early on in the story it’s clear she is hiding something and I wasn’t sure whether I could trust her. However as the story unfolds and you get to know her I found myself empathising with her. I loved Eliza, Lukes girlfriends and how her calmness and maturity anchored the family even as they are at each others throats.
Another excellent read from Isabelle and one that goes a bit deeper than you might first expect.
Oh and I've added Mallorca to my list of holiday destinations - she makes its sound so gorgeous!
July 29, 2024
I was lucky enough to win a copy of The Orange House on X/Twitter and am extremely grateful to Isabelle for my copy.
A wonderful story set on the beautiful Mallorca, perfect for reading on a lazy summer day (or any time of year of course if your looking for a getaway in your armchair!)
There are some difficult themes tackled in The Orange House such as losing a job, divorce, injury, death, autism and tricky family dynamics. These are all dealt with lovingly and carefully but by Isabelle and She still manages to keep a loving, cosy feel to the book.
Vee/Violet is a complicated protagonist. It feels unkind to say I didn't like her at the start of the novel but I feel that as I learned more about her character and why She behaves in certain ways, her vulnerability shone through and She comes across as a strong, complex, women who fiercely loves her family and friends and as I result, She's a fabulously flawed human (as are we all, I'm sure!) who we come to root for.
Each character is well plotted and we find out more about them as we go along and their dynamics with the family.
A heartfelt and heartwarming book! Highly recommend!
A wonderful story set on the beautiful Mallorca, perfect for reading on a lazy summer day (or any time of year of course if your looking for a getaway in your armchair!)
There are some difficult themes tackled in The Orange House such as losing a job, divorce, injury, death, autism and tricky family dynamics. These are all dealt with lovingly and carefully but by Isabelle and She still manages to keep a loving, cosy feel to the book.
Vee/Violet is a complicated protagonist. It feels unkind to say I didn't like her at the start of the novel but I feel that as I learned more about her character and why She behaves in certain ways, her vulnerability shone through and She comes across as a strong, complex, women who fiercely loves her family and friends and as I result, She's a fabulously flawed human (as are we all, I'm sure!) who we come to root for.
Each character is well plotted and we find out more about them as we go along and their dynamics with the family.
A heartfelt and heartwarming book! Highly recommend!
November 23, 2025
The Orange House is a powerful, vivid, and affecting novel that transports the reader straight into the heart of a community shaped by conflict, resilience, and the fragile threads that hold people together. From the very first pages, the story immerses you in a world where history, trauma, and hope coexist in uneasy balance.
The strength of the book lies in its characters. Each resident of the Orange House carries a story that feels deeply personal, and the intertwining perspectives create a rich mosaic of lives touched by war and survival. The author’s ability to capture both the tenderness of small moments and the harshness of daily realities makes the narrative compelling and emotionally resonant.
At times, the pacing can feel uneven—certain chapters linger a little too long, while others rush past moments you wish had more space. But even with these shifts, the overall experience is immersive and rewarding.
Beautifully observed, emotionally layered, and grounded in a strong sense of place, The Orange House is a thoughtful and memorable read. Four stars for its heart, its humanity, and its honest portrayal of life in the shadow of conflict.
December 6, 2024
It is always pleasure to sit down with a new Isabelle Broom novel, and to discover where she will transport her readers this time.
Well its Pollensa in Mallorca, an island I know fairly well, but I know the port area of Pollensa better.
Even so I was totally transported to the island, and to The Orange House.
Henry and Violet are separated and need to decide what to do with the house, whether to sell or not.
We get flashbacks to key points of the previous 20 summers spent on the islands. From their first meeting, to Luke's birth and we inklings into what may have gone wrong between the pair.
But it was Luke that fascinated me the most and the character that I found myself reading and wanting to know more about.
Over the course of a summer, we see big changes for this family and I was totally there for all of them.
Really enjoyable, this is a fabulous summer read.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have review honestly and voluntarily.
Well its Pollensa in Mallorca, an island I know fairly well, but I know the port area of Pollensa better.
Even so I was totally transported to the island, and to The Orange House.
Henry and Violet are separated and need to decide what to do with the house, whether to sell or not.
We get flashbacks to key points of the previous 20 summers spent on the islands. From their first meeting, to Luke's birth and we inklings into what may have gone wrong between the pair.
But it was Luke that fascinated me the most and the character that I found myself reading and wanting to know more about.
Over the course of a summer, we see big changes for this family and I was totally there for all of them.
Really enjoyable, this is a fabulous summer read.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have review honestly and voluntarily.
May 12, 2025
This book was gripping but I wasn’t overly fond of the characters and story - the thrill and the drama of it was what kept me hooked.
I thought this was going to be a romance - I’ll be honest it didn’t really feel like it until the very end. I enjoyed seeing how both Violet and Henry were similar to Luke and likely contributed to his behaviour - Violet had a fearful streak - so many fears about roughhousing, even when Luke was a baby, which she projected on to him - Henry had a more controlling streak.
I found Violet’s character quite unlikeable as she constantly interpreted every conversation as a personal attack and pushed everyone away. In her private monologue she felt like a failure but in her conversational dialogues she victimised herself. The brushing over of everything was also infuriating, she had an inability to be real. I would have been scared of Luke too!
I don’t think these two should have ended up together.
It’s not a bad book but way more dark and thrilling than a typical romance - there’s not much romance going on either.
I thought this was going to be a romance - I’ll be honest it didn’t really feel like it until the very end. I enjoyed seeing how both Violet and Henry were similar to Luke and likely contributed to his behaviour - Violet had a fearful streak - so many fears about roughhousing, even when Luke was a baby, which she projected on to him - Henry had a more controlling streak.
I found Violet’s character quite unlikeable as she constantly interpreted every conversation as a personal attack and pushed everyone away. In her private monologue she felt like a failure but in her conversational dialogues she victimised herself. The brushing over of everything was also infuriating, she had an inability to be real. I would have been scared of Luke too!
I don’t think these two should have ended up together.
It’s not a bad book but way more dark and thrilling than a typical romance - there’s not much romance going on either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
I loved the Beach Holiday by Isabelle Boom last summer and was excited to hear her talk about her newest book The Orange House at an event in Manchester. I was happy to get an early copy on Netgalley.
Thankfully I read this book sat in the garden on one of our recent sunny days, and set in beautiful Majorca it deserves sunshine and would be the perfect holiday read treat. That said it’s not a light and fluffy read, with themes of grief, divorce and mental health, it hits hard in places, but all those topics are dealt with sensitively.
The story is told in both the present day, with Henry and Violet on the verge of divorce and in memories from both perspectives from their meeting at university.
A thought provoking and emotional read that I’d very much recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this early copy
Thankfully I read this book sat in the garden on one of our recent sunny days, and set in beautiful Majorca it deserves sunshine and would be the perfect holiday read treat. That said it’s not a light and fluffy read, with themes of grief, divorce and mental health, it hits hard in places, but all those topics are dealt with sensitively.
The story is told in both the present day, with Henry and Violet on the verge of divorce and in memories from both perspectives from their meeting at university.
A thought provoking and emotional read that I’d very much recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this early copy
August 15, 2024
Isabelle Broom whisks you away to the sun-drenched island of Majorca in her new book The Orange House.
The spirit and beauty of the island is captured on the pages, making the book come alive and pulling you into the story.
This is an emotional journey for Violet and Henry whose son Luke is dealing with metal health issues, but this is dealt with in a very sensitive manner.
However, while the setting and character development are exceptional, the pacing of the novel occasionally felt slow, with some sections dragging slightly, but that could be down to my impatience to know what was going to happen!
Fans of emotional, character-driven stories set against stunning backdrops will find much to love in this book.
A solid four-star read!
The spirit and beauty of the island is captured on the pages, making the book come alive and pulling you into the story.
This is an emotional journey for Violet and Henry whose son Luke is dealing with metal health issues, but this is dealt with in a very sensitive manner.
However, while the setting and character development are exceptional, the pacing of the novel occasionally felt slow, with some sections dragging slightly, but that could be down to my impatience to know what was going to happen!
Fans of emotional, character-driven stories set against stunning backdrops will find much to love in this book.
A solid four-star read!
July 23, 2024
Wow! This latest one from Isabelle Broom really touched a lot of issues. I'd love to say it was a delightful read because being set in Mallorca makes it an automatic delight! But this story also deals with some tough issues in a realistic and pragmatic way. Generations of families, both Spanish and British are involved here and there's a seamless transition from one to the other as the story progresses. This is not easy to achieve, but Isabelle Broom is a master at this. Brava! Isabelle.
August 19, 2024
Isabelle Broom has once again transported her readers to another exotic location, this time it is Mallorca where it is set, with beautiful colourful descriptions of island life.
This is another well written, compelling and thought provoking story touching on the effects mental health has on the people around them. With well-drawn and likeable characters it is a story that will whisk you away to the Spanish sunshine and warm your heart.
This is another well written, compelling and thought provoking story touching on the effects mental health has on the people around them. With well-drawn and likeable characters it is a story that will whisk you away to the Spanish sunshine and warm your heart.
May 20, 2025
Off to a quick and easy start; the frustration with the characters just not speaking up set in.. just like real life I guess. Curiosity kept the page turning to find out little by little what had happened in the past which led to a disappointing saccharine HEA. It had been real for most part but then fantasy took over right at the end which undid the realism of the relationships/characters and even the book. Despite this, an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2024
she should have done some research on Spanish inheritance laws. According to Spanish laws, Antonio would not have been able to write the will he does, which would have significantly impacted the development of the novel. And she could have researched as well her Spanish expressions that sound awkward.
June 5, 2025
Good plot
After Violet fell pregnant with Luke she and Henry married young , dividing their life between Spain.and Uk. Unfortunately, Luke had problems and this has a devastating impact on their marriage.
I loved the story line and the pilot's construction but not some of the mills and boon descriptions, and the "happy ever after ending".
After Violet fell pregnant with Luke she and Henry married young , dividing their life between Spain.and Uk. Unfortunately, Luke had problems and this has a devastating impact on their marriage.
I loved the story line and the pilot's construction but not some of the mills and boon descriptions, and the "happy ever after ending".
July 4, 2024
I clearly remember the day that I heard that Isabelle Broom had a publishing contract. She's always been a writer, best know for her book reviews in Heat magazine, and now almost ten years on and eleven novels later, we certainly know that she is an absolutely talented novelist too. What I enjoy most about her books are the settings. Each one set in a different location and the amount of research that the author does is so easy to see.
In The Orange House, the reader is transported to the sunshine of the beautiful island of Majorca.
The novel opens as Violet returns to The Orange House from England. This house means so much to her, it's been the central point of her meeting her husband Henry and raising their son Luke. However, this is not a happy visit. Henry and Violet have separated and Henry has put their beloved house on the market. Violet is both devastated and also a little relieved, she has her own personal issues that she's not shared with anyone, and the sale of the house may go some way to solving those.
With style and elegance, Isabelle Broom relates the early story of Violet and Henry, how they met in the garden of the Orange House, when it was just a shell, with an overgrown garden. Henry's father gifted the house to him, he had great plans for the house and meeting Violet was the spur that he needed. They fell instantly in love. However, they were both so young, and the unexpected arrival of baby Luke changed their plans.
It is clear from the present-day aspect of the story that there has been so much hurt in this marriage. Not only does Henry bear the physical scars of what has happened, they also have the emotional scars of having to deal with Luke's vulnerabilities. He's now a man, but has always been troubled, over protected by Violet, misunderstood by Henry, with violent outbursts and incredibly hurtful comments, living with Luke has always been like walking on eggshells.
Slowly and surely and with such emotional depth and sensitivity, Broom tells the story of this fractured family. Three people who hurt and love but don't know which way to turn. Luke's girlfriend Eliza, as young as she is, has a steadying effect on the family, both Violet and Henry learn a great deal from her handling of Luke and his emotional health.
It is a stunning story, in a beautiful sunshine setting. The streets of Pollensa come alive through Brooms exquisite prose, her characterisation is exceptional, with characters to love and some to detest.
For me, this is Isabelle Broom's best novel to date. There's such depth to the story, and I really enjoy reading about characters who are a little older than those featured in most novels of this genre. Her insight into mental health and Luke's troubles is outstanding. Beautifully done with skill and gentleness.
A wonderful story. Highly recommended by me.
In The Orange House, the reader is transported to the sunshine of the beautiful island of Majorca.
The novel opens as Violet returns to The Orange House from England. This house means so much to her, it's been the central point of her meeting her husband Henry and raising their son Luke. However, this is not a happy visit. Henry and Violet have separated and Henry has put their beloved house on the market. Violet is both devastated and also a little relieved, she has her own personal issues that she's not shared with anyone, and the sale of the house may go some way to solving those.
With style and elegance, Isabelle Broom relates the early story of Violet and Henry, how they met in the garden of the Orange House, when it was just a shell, with an overgrown garden. Henry's father gifted the house to him, he had great plans for the house and meeting Violet was the spur that he needed. They fell instantly in love. However, they were both so young, and the unexpected arrival of baby Luke changed their plans.
It is clear from the present-day aspect of the story that there has been so much hurt in this marriage. Not only does Henry bear the physical scars of what has happened, they also have the emotional scars of having to deal with Luke's vulnerabilities. He's now a man, but has always been troubled, over protected by Violet, misunderstood by Henry, with violent outbursts and incredibly hurtful comments, living with Luke has always been like walking on eggshells.
Slowly and surely and with such emotional depth and sensitivity, Broom tells the story of this fractured family. Three people who hurt and love but don't know which way to turn. Luke's girlfriend Eliza, as young as she is, has a steadying effect on the family, both Violet and Henry learn a great deal from her handling of Luke and his emotional health.
It is a stunning story, in a beautiful sunshine setting. The streets of Pollensa come alive through Brooms exquisite prose, her characterisation is exceptional, with characters to love and some to detest.
For me, this is Isabelle Broom's best novel to date. There's such depth to the story, and I really enjoy reading about characters who are a little older than those featured in most novels of this genre. Her insight into mental health and Luke's troubles is outstanding. Beautifully done with skill and gentleness.
A wonderful story. Highly recommended by me.
October 2, 2024
Beautiful
I really loved this book and read it so quickly. The timelines are captivating and the Mallorca setting is beautiful.
I can’t wait for the next book from this amazing author
I really loved this book and read it so quickly. The timelines are captivating and the Mallorca setting is beautiful.
I can’t wait for the next book from this amazing author
October 5, 2024
I found this book so powerful, with regard to mental health and relationships, and how badly you can mess up while doing your best. I recommend this to anyone who has struggled with parenting ... you are doing your best and ... failing. So healing. much appreciated.
February 1, 2025
I felt as though the pacing of this book could have been better. The switch between past and present often meant, for me, the story felt sluggish. However, the end really pulled everything in the story together with a conclusion that was very needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
A beautifully moving story of love, loss, and second chances. The Orange House is the perfect backdrop for Henry and Violet’s journey, and their emotional struggle kept me hooked. Heartfelt and unforgettable!
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