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Secrets and Love #4
The House of Light and Shadows
An atmospheric and captivating old-house mystery, layered with romance and secrets. Secrets lurk in the shadows at Rookswood House...
When Kate goes to look after her estranged sister’s children in their creepy old house, she takes a photo of what seems to be a ghost. Frightened yet intrigued, Kate undertakes to uncover the secrets of the house and the two mysterious sisters who lived there over a hundred years before.
But like the illusions of light and shadow in the sisters’ strange and disturbing Victorian post-mortem photography, Kate discovers that all is not what it seems. Someone – or something – has their own plans for Rookswood House – and for Kate.
With a potential developer circling around, her teenage niece in danger from an unseen force, and new love on the horizon, Kate must unravel the secrets and lies of her own and Rookswood’s past before she loses everything she holds dear.
When Kate goes to look after her estranged sister’s children in their creepy old house, she takes a photo of what seems to be a ghost. Frightened yet intrigued, Kate undertakes to uncover the secrets of the house and the two mysterious sisters who lived there over a hundred years before.
But like the illusions of light and shadow in the sisters’ strange and disturbing Victorian post-mortem photography, Kate discovers that all is not what it seems. Someone – or something – has their own plans for Rookswood House – and for Kate.
With a potential developer circling around, her teenage niece in danger from an unseen force, and new love on the horizon, Kate must unravel the secrets and lies of her own and Rookswood’s past before she loses everything she holds dear.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2025
411 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Westwood
21 books123 followersLauren Westwood is my pen name for writing women's fiction. Thanks for taking the time to look me up and I hope you enjoy my books, which are a blend of romance, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 19, 2025
Hoped for a gothic mystery, got a Scooby Doo special. (Except that haunted house would’ve been a lot more atmospheric!) Pleasant enough at first, but eventually revealed itself as being pretty surface, lacking in deep feeling and complexity, and very, very predictable, with writing and characters that aren’t compelling enough to make up for its shortcomings.
Also docking this an extra half star for the bizarre number of times the words “cupola” and “Occam’s razor” are referenced. Almost took away a whole star, may still adjust my rating depending on how long I feel cranky pants over the egregious repetition.
2.5 stars
Also docking this an extra half star for the bizarre number of times the words “cupola” and “Occam’s razor” are referenced. Almost took away a whole star, may still adjust my rating depending on how long I feel cranky pants over the egregious repetition.
2.5 stars
May 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this read from Westwood, making this another new author on my radar.
Definitely haunting and atmospheric, this tells the tale of the delipidated Rookswood house, where its history doesn’t seem to want to leave the present behind. Rookswood house used to be the home of the ‘Weird Sisters’, Ada and Camile, who specialised in unusual photography and early special effects. With the Victorians fascinated by the macabre and unusual, the sisters made a name for themselves until tragedy struck, and they were never seen again.
Yet, Kate is convinced she feels a presence at the abandoned house. Coming to look after her sister’s children, Rookswood house draws her in – which isn’t helped by young Izzy’s sleepwalking antics. Strange, dusty apparitions, locked basement doors and the chills, Westwood creates a setting that would delight all Halloween fans. Except, Kate cannot escape Rookswood’s pull and she soon learns more about the history of the ‘Weird Sisters’.
I appreciated how the writer creates parallels between the two timeframes. Featuring two sets of sisters, both have become estranged and the reason for both is similar. Light and dark, fragile and strong, the sisters need the other to create a balance and synergy. It almost became a case of history repeating itself, especially as familial and romantic love almost causes Kate’s relationship with her sister to never heal.
The narrative is interspersed with mysterious chapters that turn out to be a ghost’s recollections. I enjoyed this element of the story because it made the history of Rookswood even more relevant. To be honest, I think this could have been explored even further as some of the chapters were quite short. If Ada’s voice had had more development, I think this would have added to the juxtaposition of the timeframes, as well as making the past of Rookswood more prominent.
Paranormal, history and a sprinkling of romance, this book was a real page turner and I enjoyed it immensely. I could not have predicted how the story would develop and I liked how Westwood creates such an unsettling atmosphere. It was equally haunting and compelling as I was keen to discover the truth of Rookswood and its previous occupants.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely haunting and atmospheric, this tells the tale of the delipidated Rookswood house, where its history doesn’t seem to want to leave the present behind. Rookswood house used to be the home of the ‘Weird Sisters’, Ada and Camile, who specialised in unusual photography and early special effects. With the Victorians fascinated by the macabre and unusual, the sisters made a name for themselves until tragedy struck, and they were never seen again.
Yet, Kate is convinced she feels a presence at the abandoned house. Coming to look after her sister’s children, Rookswood house draws her in – which isn’t helped by young Izzy’s sleepwalking antics. Strange, dusty apparitions, locked basement doors and the chills, Westwood creates a setting that would delight all Halloween fans. Except, Kate cannot escape Rookswood’s pull and she soon learns more about the history of the ‘Weird Sisters’.
I appreciated how the writer creates parallels between the two timeframes. Featuring two sets of sisters, both have become estranged and the reason for both is similar. Light and dark, fragile and strong, the sisters need the other to create a balance and synergy. It almost became a case of history repeating itself, especially as familial and romantic love almost causes Kate’s relationship with her sister to never heal.
The narrative is interspersed with mysterious chapters that turn out to be a ghost’s recollections. I enjoyed this element of the story because it made the history of Rookswood even more relevant. To be honest, I think this could have been explored even further as some of the chapters were quite short. If Ada’s voice had had more development, I think this would have added to the juxtaposition of the timeframes, as well as making the past of Rookswood more prominent.
Paranormal, history and a sprinkling of romance, this book was a real page turner and I enjoyed it immensely. I could not have predicted how the story would develop and I liked how Westwood creates such an unsettling atmosphere. It was equally haunting and compelling as I was keen to discover the truth of Rookswood and its previous occupants.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2025
Kate and her sister have been estranged for years. However that doesn’t stop her from coming to her rescue.
This is a story about two sets of sisters. One in the present and the other in the past. I thought this was a really good story. The information about older photography was interesting too.
This is a story about two sets of sisters. One in the present and the other in the past. I thought this was a really good story. The information about older photography was interesting too.
January 10, 2025
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The House of Light and Shadows has everything I could ever want - strong, independent female MC. Spooky old mansion. A centuries-old mystery. A forbidden lesbian romance. Creepy Victorian photography. Positive autistic representation. GHOSTS!!! This book has it ALL. I got chills... I cried happy tears... I am OBSESSED with this book!
NetGalley and Boldwood books, thank you so much for the ARC!
The House of Light and Shadows has everything I could ever want - strong, independent female MC. Spooky old mansion. A centuries-old mystery. A forbidden lesbian romance. Creepy Victorian photography. Positive autistic representation. GHOSTS!!! This book has it ALL. I got chills... I cried happy tears... I am OBSESSED with this book!
NetGalley and Boldwood books, thank you so much for the ARC!
January 22, 2025
The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a stunning historical paranormal mystery that has more flips, turns and twists than you can imagine! This clever author kept me guessing right up until the final chapters. The riveting journey left me breathless, anxious and pinned to the pages! I love stories where old houses are the prime characters with tales to tell of its past inhabitants. Yes, the old saying of ‘if these walls could speak’ suits The House of Light and Shadows extremely well. Rookswood House presents its mysterious past through a heartbroken ghost, various photos and other belongings left behind within its dilapidated frame.
Ultimately The House of Light and Shadows is about relationships—particularly between sisters who have a falling out: two from the past and two in the present. The parallels between these four women are quite uncanny with the current day characters learning from the past sisters—of how important it is to make amends while you can. Love, forgiveness and understanding are the required ingredients and this becomes obvious as the tangle of complex threads come together in this mesmerising tale. I felt the paranormal mystery elements to be quite original in many ways. There were times the events pulled me off centre and what happened was not what I expected. And there were lots of spooky occurrences that kept me on the edge of my seat! But as is often the case, with smoke and mirrors, light and shadows, things aren’t always as they appear. It was an unusual reading experience to say the least. But by the close of the story everything made sense. I loved the ending! It exudes incredible warmth and healing, once the supernatural and physical realm are united.
I enjoyed both threads of the story: past resident sisters Adaline and Camille plus current day sisters Kate and Emma. Both elder sisters, Adaline and Kate, tell their stories. Each experience a falling out or separation from their younger sibling. The importance of re-establishing those past connections becomes the focal point. Romances are in the mix, too, but more as a smouldering backdrop than centerstage.
Kate has been estranged from her sister for many years. But when Emma has an accident, Kate is called to care for Emma’s teenage children, Max and Izzy. Emma’s husband is overseas and we slowly learn more about the reasons for his absence. Initially Kate is hesitant to take up the task, for obvious reasons, but the pull on her heart is stronger. She temporarily leaves her lawyer practice to dutifully care for her sister’s children. She has not seen them since they were small, so their re-acquaintance is a bit awkward. Rebellious Izzy is compared to a younger Kate while Max appears to have his father’s charm. Even worse is the fact Kate must visit her sister in hospital, face her emotions and overcome the hurdles of what tore them apart.
Adaline and Camile, also known as the Weird Sisters for their penchant for the sensational and the macabre, were very close in the past. But something happened that caused a tear in their sibling relationship. Camile disappears and Adaline’s never hears from her again. This breaks Adaline’s heart and she is never able to fine peace even after she passes. Much of her paranormal activity is related to this but when she connects with Kate, things begin to take shape.
Special effects photography is an important part of the story’s plot and it was the Weird Sisters’ specialty that draws us like a moth to their light. I found the research on ‘photoshopping’ techniques of the Victorians quite informative, sicnce I personally have an interest in photography. The novel demonstrates the talent these two women and others had at the time and how difficult it was to recreate their exclusive works.
This is a very creative and unusual story. One I am sure I will never forget. I enjoyed The House of Light and Shadows, its leading and supporting characters and twisty plot! I look forward to reading more of this author’s romantic historical house mysteries—filled with thrills, chills and haunting atmosphere! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Ultimately The House of Light and Shadows is about relationships—particularly between sisters who have a falling out: two from the past and two in the present. The parallels between these four women are quite uncanny with the current day characters learning from the past sisters—of how important it is to make amends while you can. Love, forgiveness and understanding are the required ingredients and this becomes obvious as the tangle of complex threads come together in this mesmerising tale. I felt the paranormal mystery elements to be quite original in many ways. There were times the events pulled me off centre and what happened was not what I expected. And there were lots of spooky occurrences that kept me on the edge of my seat! But as is often the case, with smoke and mirrors, light and shadows, things aren’t always as they appear. It was an unusual reading experience to say the least. But by the close of the story everything made sense. I loved the ending! It exudes incredible warmth and healing, once the supernatural and physical realm are united.
I enjoyed both threads of the story: past resident sisters Adaline and Camille plus current day sisters Kate and Emma. Both elder sisters, Adaline and Kate, tell their stories. Each experience a falling out or separation from their younger sibling. The importance of re-establishing those past connections becomes the focal point. Romances are in the mix, too, but more as a smouldering backdrop than centerstage.
Kate has been estranged from her sister for many years. But when Emma has an accident, Kate is called to care for Emma’s teenage children, Max and Izzy. Emma’s husband is overseas and we slowly learn more about the reasons for his absence. Initially Kate is hesitant to take up the task, for obvious reasons, but the pull on her heart is stronger. She temporarily leaves her lawyer practice to dutifully care for her sister’s children. She has not seen them since they were small, so their re-acquaintance is a bit awkward. Rebellious Izzy is compared to a younger Kate while Max appears to have his father’s charm. Even worse is the fact Kate must visit her sister in hospital, face her emotions and overcome the hurdles of what tore them apart.
Adaline and Camile, also known as the Weird Sisters for their penchant for the sensational and the macabre, were very close in the past. But something happened that caused a tear in their sibling relationship. Camile disappears and Adaline’s never hears from her again. This breaks Adaline’s heart and she is never able to fine peace even after she passes. Much of her paranormal activity is related to this but when she connects with Kate, things begin to take shape.
Special effects photography is an important part of the story’s plot and it was the Weird Sisters’ specialty that draws us like a moth to their light. I found the research on ‘photoshopping’ techniques of the Victorians quite informative, sicnce I personally have an interest in photography. The novel demonstrates the talent these two women and others had at the time and how difficult it was to recreate their exclusive works.
This is a very creative and unusual story. One I am sure I will never forget. I enjoyed The House of Light and Shadows, its leading and supporting characters and twisty plot! I look forward to reading more of this author’s romantic historical house mysteries—filled with thrills, chills and haunting atmosphere! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
February 18, 2025
Kate Goodman is about to go into an interview where she is hoping to be made a partner in her London law firm when she receives an urgent phone call asking her to come to East Sussex to look after her sister's children, Isobel and Max. Given that Kate has been estranged from her sister for 15 years, she is most surprised to find out that she has been named as their emergency contact.
Kate drops everything, heads to their fancy school and finds out that the teenagers have basically been fending for themselves for a couple of months since her sister fell and injured herself in the old house that she owns, Rookswood House. Now her sister, Emma, is in long term care due to her mental health and addiction issues. Kate has no idea what has happened, or where Emma's husband is, but she does agree to stay and care for them.
Rookswood House itself is somewhat derelict, so Emma and her family live in the nearby gatehouse. Originally the house was home to Ada and Camille, known locally as the Weird Sisters. Ada, in particular, was well known for being a pioneering photographer, indulging in what we would see today as truly macabre photography. For example, early in the book there is a photo taken which is then developed in such a way so that the family is all neatly lined up as normal except the father is holding his head under his arm.
Despite the dangers in the derelict house, Emma finds herself drawn to the house over and over and, despite being a very practical person, soon believes that there is someone or something in the house that is trying to give her a message.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
Kate drops everything, heads to their fancy school and finds out that the teenagers have basically been fending for themselves for a couple of months since her sister fell and injured herself in the old house that she owns, Rookswood House. Now her sister, Emma, is in long term care due to her mental health and addiction issues. Kate has no idea what has happened, or where Emma's husband is, but she does agree to stay and care for them.
Rookswood House itself is somewhat derelict, so Emma and her family live in the nearby gatehouse. Originally the house was home to Ada and Camille, known locally as the Weird Sisters. Ada, in particular, was well known for being a pioneering photographer, indulging in what we would see today as truly macabre photography. For example, early in the book there is a photo taken which is then developed in such a way so that the family is all neatly lined up as normal except the father is holding his head under his arm.
Despite the dangers in the derelict house, Emma finds herself drawn to the house over and over and, despite being a very practical person, soon believes that there is someone or something in the house that is trying to give her a message.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
June 19, 2025
3.75/5 – A Quiet Haunting of the Familial Kind 👻🏡💔
The House of Light and Shadows wasn’t a jaw-dropper or page-burner… but it was exactly what I needed in this moment. Was it the most suspenseful thing I’ve read? No. Did it have enough emotional grit, sisterhood messiness, and gothic unease to keep me engaged? Absolutely. ✨
This June, I’ve been living in a strange limbo—no longer a student, not quite in the next chapter yet. On top of that, with my brother getting married 👰♀️🤵 and family dynamics shifting around me, I’ve found myself gravitating toward stories that dig into the knots of love, commitment, estrangement, and everything in between. This book slipped right into that current. 🌊
It’s a slow-burn gothic mystery layered with grief, legacy, and maternal echoes. The “haunting” isn’t just the literal ghost-in-the-house variety—it’s the lingering ache of family regrets, secrets never said aloud, and sisters trying to claw their way back to each other across decades and dimensions. 💭🕯️
Some parts dragged 🐌 and I won’t pretend the plot structure was anything groundbreaking, but the emotional moments? They hit. From surrogate motherhood pride 🐣 to Shakespearean references 📚 to the recurring idea that “energy is never destroyed, only transferred” 🔁—this book snuck up on me with its quiet resonance.
It’s not a thriller to scream about, but it is a reflective read if you’re in that space of emotional excavation. If you’re processing your own shifting family dynamics, healing wounds, or just vibing with liminal summer energy 🌙☀️, this might gently haunt you in the best way.
The House of Light and Shadows wasn’t a jaw-dropper or page-burner… but it was exactly what I needed in this moment. Was it the most suspenseful thing I’ve read? No. Did it have enough emotional grit, sisterhood messiness, and gothic unease to keep me engaged? Absolutely. ✨
This June, I’ve been living in a strange limbo—no longer a student, not quite in the next chapter yet. On top of that, with my brother getting married 👰♀️🤵 and family dynamics shifting around me, I’ve found myself gravitating toward stories that dig into the knots of love, commitment, estrangement, and everything in between. This book slipped right into that current. 🌊
It’s a slow-burn gothic mystery layered with grief, legacy, and maternal echoes. The “haunting” isn’t just the literal ghost-in-the-house variety—it’s the lingering ache of family regrets, secrets never said aloud, and sisters trying to claw their way back to each other across decades and dimensions. 💭🕯️
Some parts dragged 🐌 and I won’t pretend the plot structure was anything groundbreaking, but the emotional moments? They hit. From surrogate motherhood pride 🐣 to Shakespearean references 📚 to the recurring idea that “energy is never destroyed, only transferred” 🔁—this book snuck up on me with its quiet resonance.
It’s not a thriller to scream about, but it is a reflective read if you’re in that space of emotional excavation. If you’re processing your own shifting family dynamics, healing wounds, or just vibing with liminal summer energy 🌙☀️, this might gently haunt you in the best way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
Lauren’s latest offering is an interesting combination of family drama, historical fiction and ghost story. It unfolds over a dual timeline and tells the story of two sets of sisters. In the modern day timeline Emma and Kate haven’t spoken for fifteen years, Emma has an accident and Kate is called up to help look after her children. She finds that Emma and her husband and have bought an old property called Rookswood House which they intended to renovate but it’s been put on hold after they split and Emma had her accident.
Kate is drawn to the house and experiences a number of spooky events. She discovers it once belonged to ‘The Weird Sisters’ and sets out to find more about them. I enjoyed learning about Victorian photography and the special effects of the time and meeting both sets of sisters and seeing their stories play out and connect. Lauren did a great job of creating a spooky atmosphere. It was nice to see that the romance element wasn’t quite the one you predicted at the beginning. An engaging story of sisters and mystery.
Kate is drawn to the house and experiences a number of spooky events. She discovers it once belonged to ‘The Weird Sisters’ and sets out to find more about them. I enjoyed learning about Victorian photography and the special effects of the time and meeting both sets of sisters and seeing their stories play out and connect. Lauren did a great job of creating a spooky atmosphere. It was nice to see that the romance element wasn’t quite the one you predicted at the beginning. An engaging story of sisters and mystery.
January 25, 2025
Families are messy enough, but a pair of sisters in current and past dimensions is a nightmare. Each pair is contentious with each other and connected by shared trauma.
The historical facts on photography which were slipped into the story effectively are the most interesting parts of the story.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
Avail Feb 18, 2025
#TheHouseofLightandShadows by @lwestwoodwriter @theboldbookclub #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble **** Review #booksamillion @bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #historicalNovel #dualTimeLines #Discord #supernatural
The historical facts on photography which were slipped into the story effectively are the most interesting parts of the story.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
Avail Feb 18, 2025
#TheHouseofLightandShadows by @lwestwoodwriter @theboldbookclub #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble **** Review #booksamillion @bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #historicalNovel #dualTimeLines #Discord #supernatural
February 3, 2025
The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood
I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
In this well-written mystery thriller, we follow Kate, whose life turns upside down after she receives a phone call. She steps into an unexpected situation where she grapples with family, love, and a bit of horror.
I decided to read this book purely on a gut feeling, which, after finishing it, turned out to be a great decision. Lauren is a fantastic author; she writes in a way that makes it easy for readers to follow the story, and she ties the entire book together in a satisfying way. I both laughed and got emotional while reading it.
I highly recommend this book, which is why it gets a 4.5/5. This is a book I could read again.
I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
In this well-written mystery thriller, we follow Kate, whose life turns upside down after she receives a phone call. She steps into an unexpected situation where she grapples with family, love, and a bit of horror.
I decided to read this book purely on a gut feeling, which, after finishing it, turned out to be a great decision. Lauren is a fantastic author; she writes in a way that makes it easy for readers to follow the story, and she ties the entire book together in a satisfying way. I both laughed and got emotional while reading it.
I highly recommend this book, which is why it gets a 4.5/5. This is a book I could read again.
January 5, 2025
A dual timeline novel featuring 2 sisters years apart and the haunted house that links them.
I preferred reading Ada's story, her gothic, slightly macabre interests.
The present day characters came across as self centered, Kate especially was pompous in her beliefs, more so at the beginning.
A fairly easy, light read
I preferred reading Ada's story, her gothic, slightly macabre interests.
The present day characters came across as self centered, Kate especially was pompous in her beliefs, more so at the beginning.
A fairly easy, light read
March 4, 2025
This is one of my favorites I've read this year! The characters are all well developed even though this is very fast paced. There is an eerie vibe throughout and I had a hard time putting this down. The ending is good. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Lauren Westwood, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2025
First off thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book.
I devoured this book.
The House of Light and Shadows is a wonderful story about family, love and forgiveness. Not everything is as it seems when Kate arrives at Rookswood to look after her niece and nephew while her sister recovers from an accident.
Kate starts to really grow in confidence and come into her own in this new life in the country versus her career driven life in London.
The plot is both cosy and mildy thrilling at once. The pace is just right. I do think the book may be a difficult for all readers to enjoy. At times i felt the descriptive words in the book had been conjured from a thesaurus. That aside I really enjoyed this book and felt it was well written. The historical facts on photography were well integrated without being too dry or too much.
I just loved the whole growth of Kate as a person and the wonderful group of family and friends that come together through a series of events.
I feel this book was such a wonderful tale and really a beautiful lesson for all of us on forgiveness.
I devoured this book.
The House of Light and Shadows is a wonderful story about family, love and forgiveness. Not everything is as it seems when Kate arrives at Rookswood to look after her niece and nephew while her sister recovers from an accident.
Kate starts to really grow in confidence and come into her own in this new life in the country versus her career driven life in London.
The plot is both cosy and mildy thrilling at once. The pace is just right. I do think the book may be a difficult for all readers to enjoy. At times i felt the descriptive words in the book had been conjured from a thesaurus. That aside I really enjoyed this book and felt it was well written. The historical facts on photography were well integrated without being too dry or too much.
I just loved the whole growth of Kate as a person and the wonderful group of family and friends that come together through a series of events.
I feel this book was such a wonderful tale and really a beautiful lesson for all of us on forgiveness.
January 18, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The House of Light & Shadows follows main character Kate who gets a call that her estranged sister has been hurt and her kids need a caretaker. Kate meets her teenage niece and nephew, and learns they live in a gatehouse near a (super creepy) historic home. In the house, Kate experiences some haunting moments that lead her on a surprising path to healing old family wounds.
Readers who love good/evil, women in STEM, and books with several (!!) suspicious charters will enjoy this book.
The House of Light & Shadows follows main character Kate who gets a call that her estranged sister has been hurt and her kids need a caretaker. Kate meets her teenage niece and nephew, and learns they live in a gatehouse near a (super creepy) historic home. In the house, Kate experiences some haunting moments that lead her on a surprising path to healing old family wounds.
Readers who love good/evil, women in STEM, and books with several (!!) suspicious charters will enjoy this book.
May 27, 2025
lovely storyline, and really 2 stories in one
January 12, 2025
This is a story about sisters, mistakes, love and forgiveness. In the present day, Kate and Emma are estranged, but as events unfold, it seems both of them were ill treated by the same man. In the beginning, I found a bit pompous and quick to jump to conclusions, so it was good to see her character evolve. Equally intriguing is the story of the sisters Ada and Camille and their photography career, which went pear shaped after a fire incident. They lived in an old house that Emma now owns, and strange things are happening. All in all, it was an interesting story, with lovely characters and a strong message about the value of family. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC to read and review.
February 16, 2025
The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a gothic thriller that promised more than it delivered. Told mostly through the viewpoint of Kate Goodman with introductory chapters, by the ghost haunting Rookswood, I found the book to be simple and readable. What brought the rating down for me was the lack of coherent characterization. Kate's character arc seemed to swing back and forth based on what Westwood wanted to do in trying to establish parallels between the two sisters in each timeline. The big reveal of the fallout cause for Kate and her sister Emma was easy to see coming, but Kate's reaction during the current timeline didn't make sense. Westwood having Kate act like the blame was all hers was just a weird choice and it threw me completely out of the story.
My other issue was that this was a ghost story. It lacked atmosphere and I found it hard to get engaged in the spooky scenes. There was no air of menace or fear and it was like ho hum, there's a ghost. The side characters felt like cardboard cutouts and even Kate's romances lacked heat.
Overall, I was just not impressed with The House of Light and Shadows.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review purposes.
My other issue was that this was a ghost story. It lacked atmosphere and I found it hard to get engaged in the spooky scenes. There was no air of menace or fear and it was like ho hum, there's a ghost. The side characters felt like cardboard cutouts and even Kate's romances lacked heat.
Overall, I was just not impressed with The House of Light and Shadows.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review purposes.
March 24, 2025
Modern day ghost story with romance and twists in the human life! Both for the living and the passed.
December 30, 2025
The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a stunning fusion of romance, paranormal mystery, and historical fiction. This book tells tales of love, forgiveness, and otherworldly themes by alternating between the past and present in the setting of an old, enigmatic house. Good reading is produced by Lauren Westwood's vivid storytelling abilities and well-developed characters.
The plot revolves around two pairs of sisters: Adaline and Camile from the past, and Kate and Emma from the present. As the story switches between their accounts, it becomes clear how Rookswood House's mysteries affect both of their timelines. After an accident, Kate finds out about the house's eerie past and the unsolved problems between her sister Emma and her children. Injecting paranormal elements give the story a spooky, exciting distinctive dimension that will have readers on the tip of their seats.
The book examines a number of important topics, such as: The mansion harbors numerous secrets that have affected generations; in order to find peace, the protagonists must confront these hidden realities. As sisters deal with the past and present aspects of their separations, forgiveness and healing shattered relationships emerge as a recurrent topic. The growth of entwined relationships and the trauma brought on by family member loss lend credence to this story. As the plot is driven by mysterious incidents and ghostly experiences, paranormal mystery aspects heighten the tension and interest.
One can't help but grow close to Westwood's characters since they are so masterfully written. The difficulties andAdaline, Camile, Kate, and Emma all have very deep and delicate growth. Themes of reconciliation and the enduring power of familial ties, in particular, mirror the sisterly entanglements between the two sets of sisters.
As a writer, Westwood skillfully crafts a mood and draws her audience into the creepy environment of the old house. The reader is transported to the novel by the rich descriptions of the characters and surroundings provided by the fictitious descriptive prose. The novel's rhythm is so well-balanced with tense and reflective times that keep the reader interested.
The plot revolves around two pairs of sisters: Adaline and Camile from the past, and Kate and Emma from the present. As the story switches between their accounts, it becomes clear how Rookswood House's mysteries affect both of their timelines. After an accident, Kate finds out about the house's eerie past and the unsolved problems between her sister Emma and her children. Injecting paranormal elements give the story a spooky, exciting distinctive dimension that will have readers on the tip of their seats.
The book examines a number of important topics, such as: The mansion harbors numerous secrets that have affected generations; in order to find peace, the protagonists must confront these hidden realities. As sisters deal with the past and present aspects of their separations, forgiveness and healing shattered relationships emerge as a recurrent topic. The growth of entwined relationships and the trauma brought on by family member loss lend credence to this story. As the plot is driven by mysterious incidents and ghostly experiences, paranormal mystery aspects heighten the tension and interest.
One can't help but grow close to Westwood's characters since they are so masterfully written. The difficulties andAdaline, Camile, Kate, and Emma all have very deep and delicate growth. Themes of reconciliation and the enduring power of familial ties, in particular, mirror the sisterly entanglements between the two sets of sisters.
As a writer, Westwood skillfully crafts a mood and draws her audience into the creepy environment of the old house. The reader is transported to the novel by the rich descriptions of the characters and surroundings provided by the fictitious descriptive prose. The novel's rhythm is so well-balanced with tense and reflective times that keep the reader interested.
January 17, 2025
This is a great example of a book that I wanted to enjoy way more than I actually ended up.
The central premise of the story is really intriguing as it follows the lives of two pairs of sisters from different time periods connecting by an old house in an England. The relationships between the sisters are a clear mirror of each other which sets the reader up to prematurely jump to conclusions which initially keeps you guessing.
Unfortunately, for me, outside of the main premise the book starts to flounder. The main character in the modern era, Kate, just comes across as poorly written. She is a successful London based lawyer yet her interactions with people come across consistently bratty and immature with her constantly jumping to conclusions and making snide comments. On top of this there are two male characters both of whom she immediately seems to chase romance with which just seem unnecessary to the plot.
The other set of sisters are much better written in my eyes and I found myself significantly favouring their chapters. I found myself reading up on Victorian photography methods and effects in response.
The conclusion, when it comes, feels a tad rushed and predictable in the end. It’s a shame really because it definitely has the bones of a great story. That being said I can definitely see it making a good holiday read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC
The central premise of the story is really intriguing as it follows the lives of two pairs of sisters from different time periods connecting by an old house in an England. The relationships between the sisters are a clear mirror of each other which sets the reader up to prematurely jump to conclusions which initially keeps you guessing.
Unfortunately, for me, outside of the main premise the book starts to flounder. The main character in the modern era, Kate, just comes across as poorly written. She is a successful London based lawyer yet her interactions with people come across consistently bratty and immature with her constantly jumping to conclusions and making snide comments. On top of this there are two male characters both of whom she immediately seems to chase romance with which just seem unnecessary to the plot.
The other set of sisters are much better written in my eyes and I found myself significantly favouring their chapters. I found myself reading up on Victorian photography methods and effects in response.
The conclusion, when it comes, feels a tad rushed and predictable in the end. It’s a shame really because it definitely has the bones of a great story. That being said I can definitely see it making a good holiday read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
Toxic Sisters: A Novel
I think the worst thing about this book was the predictability of why both sets of sisters were estranged: a man. Because instead of talking things through, hearing your siblings side of things, you just yell and tell them you hate them and never want to see them again. Over a boy. Like you're in high school.
The whole climax of the book fell way short. Yes there's a ghost, but there are also a couple teens who desperately need therapy. Kate finds out what happened to Ada's sister and their spirits join together to move on. Kate gets a new man, her and her sister make amends (after 15 years of estrangement) after about an hour of talking, and pretty much nothing happens to Charlie. And Max sets his sister on fire, but it's okay because he went to a shrink a few times??
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I think the worst thing about this book was the predictability of why both sets of sisters were estranged: a man. Because instead of talking things through, hearing your siblings side of things, you just yell and tell them you hate them and never want to see them again. Over a boy. Like you're in high school.
The whole climax of the book fell way short. Yes there's a ghost, but there are also a couple teens who desperately need therapy. Kate finds out what happened to Ada's sister and their spirits join together to move on. Kate gets a new man, her and her sister make amends (after 15 years of estrangement) after about an hour of talking, and pretty much nothing happens to Charlie. And Max sets his sister on fire, but it's okay because he went to a shrink a few times??
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
“Atmospheric” and “captivating” certainly sum up my reading experience with this rather stunning book – a particularly compelling dual time story centred on a dilapidated mansion, with exceptionally well-handled paranormal elements, the stories of both pairs of sisters – in the past and present day – perfectly balanced and equally compelling.
Although long estranged, a phone call from their school summons Kate to care for her sister Emma’s children, Max and Izzy – a pair of sometimes difficult teens who she really doesn’t know – while her sister recovers in hospital following a freak accident. The reasons for the distance between them gradually emerges – and the situation that forced them apart remains painful as they attempt to rebuild their relationship. Emma and the children are living in the gatehouse of Rookwood House – a near ruin that she and her now absent husband have purchased with a view to restoring it to its former glory, but those plans are now in tatters.
The former residents of Rookwood House were two sisters, Adaline and Camille, pioneers in the world of Victorian photography, who became known as the Weird Sisters because of the nature of their work. And when Kate finds exploring their mysterious home irresistible, it seems that one of their spirits might still be present – although there could be more prosaic reasons for some of the more disturbing moments – and that there is a mystery to solve before they can finally leave.
The story is told from two viewpoints – Kate herself as she uncovers the secrets of the past while dealing with the challenges of the present, and the eldest Victorian sister Adaline as she enlists her help in resolving the mystery that has prevented her from finding rest. While there are those who are as committed as Kate to untangling the complex threads, there are others who are less scrupulous and with a vested interest in driving ahead with demolition of the property that Emma can no longer afford, willing to resort to dirty tricks to achieve their ends. And things are further complicated for Kate by the need to look after Max and Izzy – one of them apparently smiling and compliant, the other considerably more resistant and difficult to engage with.
Through Adaline’s story, we learn a lot about the Victorian appetite for photographs using special effects – while her father’s work catered to more salacious appetites, her speciality became taking on individual commissions, often involving an edge of danger in achieving the effects demanded. The author’s depth of research is clearly evident – and the depth of detail absolutely fascinating.
There’s an element of romance in both stories – in Adaline’s case it’s more akin to obsession, leading to a rift with her sister that was never resolved before their death. In Kate’s case, the romance is rather gentler, distinctly unexpected but particularly convincing and nicely handled. But the book’s main emphasis is on those damaged sisterly relationships – nicely mirrored in both stories – focusing on the bonds that tie them together, the events that drove them apart, and the forgiveness that’s needed to move on.
The supernatural elements are superbly done, more than a tad unsettling – in fact, if you’re of a nervous disposition, there are a few moments that you might find rather disturbing (I certainly did… so do learn from my experience, and don’t start reading this one at night!). But as the story developed, I could instead appreciate how skilfully the author managed the story’s twists and turns, built the atmosphere with events grounded in present day reality but with others defying rational explanation, providing Kate with the clues she needed to disentangle the full story. The author also builds a lot of sympathy with the restless presence – and the story’s conclusion was both emotional and entirely perfect.
I’ll admit that had I realised the extent of the book’s supernatural content, it might not have been a book I’d have chosen to read – but I’m so delighted I did, because I’ve found an author whose sheer originality and superb writing impressed me at every turn. Setting aside the nightmares – and things did get considerably more comfortable after that first sleepless night – this was a book I very much enjoyed and would thoroughly recommend to others.
Although long estranged, a phone call from their school summons Kate to care for her sister Emma’s children, Max and Izzy – a pair of sometimes difficult teens who she really doesn’t know – while her sister recovers in hospital following a freak accident. The reasons for the distance between them gradually emerges – and the situation that forced them apart remains painful as they attempt to rebuild their relationship. Emma and the children are living in the gatehouse of Rookwood House – a near ruin that she and her now absent husband have purchased with a view to restoring it to its former glory, but those plans are now in tatters.
The former residents of Rookwood House were two sisters, Adaline and Camille, pioneers in the world of Victorian photography, who became known as the Weird Sisters because of the nature of their work. And when Kate finds exploring their mysterious home irresistible, it seems that one of their spirits might still be present – although there could be more prosaic reasons for some of the more disturbing moments – and that there is a mystery to solve before they can finally leave.
The story is told from two viewpoints – Kate herself as she uncovers the secrets of the past while dealing with the challenges of the present, and the eldest Victorian sister Adaline as she enlists her help in resolving the mystery that has prevented her from finding rest. While there are those who are as committed as Kate to untangling the complex threads, there are others who are less scrupulous and with a vested interest in driving ahead with demolition of the property that Emma can no longer afford, willing to resort to dirty tricks to achieve their ends. And things are further complicated for Kate by the need to look after Max and Izzy – one of them apparently smiling and compliant, the other considerably more resistant and difficult to engage with.
Through Adaline’s story, we learn a lot about the Victorian appetite for photographs using special effects – while her father’s work catered to more salacious appetites, her speciality became taking on individual commissions, often involving an edge of danger in achieving the effects demanded. The author’s depth of research is clearly evident – and the depth of detail absolutely fascinating.
There’s an element of romance in both stories – in Adaline’s case it’s more akin to obsession, leading to a rift with her sister that was never resolved before their death. In Kate’s case, the romance is rather gentler, distinctly unexpected but particularly convincing and nicely handled. But the book’s main emphasis is on those damaged sisterly relationships – nicely mirrored in both stories – focusing on the bonds that tie them together, the events that drove them apart, and the forgiveness that’s needed to move on.
The supernatural elements are superbly done, more than a tad unsettling – in fact, if you’re of a nervous disposition, there are a few moments that you might find rather disturbing (I certainly did… so do learn from my experience, and don’t start reading this one at night!). But as the story developed, I could instead appreciate how skilfully the author managed the story’s twists and turns, built the atmosphere with events grounded in present day reality but with others defying rational explanation, providing Kate with the clues she needed to disentangle the full story. The author also builds a lot of sympathy with the restless presence – and the story’s conclusion was both emotional and entirely perfect.
I’ll admit that had I realised the extent of the book’s supernatural content, it might not have been a book I’d have chosen to read – but I’m so delighted I did, because I’ve found an author whose sheer originality and superb writing impressed me at every turn. Setting aside the nightmares – and things did get considerably more comfortable after that first sleepless night – this was a book I very much enjoyed and would thoroughly recommend to others.
February 23, 2025
This book is a gem of a discovery for anyone who loves historical romance, gothic fiction, family dramas or books where a house is one of the main characters, because this book beautifully blends all of the above to create something that is more than a sum of its individual parts. This is a book you can really get your teeth into and it will pay you back in spades.
This is a dual timeline story which tells the story of two sets of sisters, separated by a century but joined by familial strife. Times may change but relationships play out similarly through the ages. In the modern day, single and career-focused London lawyer, Kate, has her neatly ordered world upended by a phone call from the headmaster of her niece and nephew’s school. Kate’s estranged sister is in hospital and there is no one else to take care of the children, Kate must drop everything and rush to Sussex to pick up the threads of her sister’s life, whether she wants to or not. She soon finds herself not only having to manage two teenage children she doesn’t know but also the creepy old house her sister and brother-in-law were trying to restore before their lives fell apart. And the house may not be as abandoned as it seems…
Because the house remain imbued with the spirit of the two ‘Weird Sisters’ who lived there a century ago. It was where they carried out their experiments in the strange trends popular in Victorian photography, and where their relationship was torn about but tragic events, in echoes of the rift that would later form between Kate and her sister, Emma. Despite being warned to keep away, Kate is inexplicably drawn to the house and the secrets that haunt its shadows, and she is determined to find out what happened in the house and between the sisters a hundred years before, particularly because the house also seems to have a dangerous hold on her niece, Izzy.
This book was a compelling read that hooked me in so I could not put it down until it was finished. I read it cover to cover in a single sitting and was completely engrossed in the story from beginning to end. The character of Kate is a strong and complex character to carry the story and I could feel her conflict throughout. As someone with three sisters, I understand how complicated sibling relationships can be and this dynamic was beautifully illustrated throughout the story. I could feel the pain of both Kate and Ada in their estrangement from their sisters.
The historical aspects of the novel featuring the Victorian proclivities for bizarre photography were fascinating, if not a little creepy, and formed the ideal back drop for this story, giving it a perfect Gothic touch. This, coupled with the descriptions of the house – which is a character in itself – make this book fairly chilling and i would advise anyone of a delicate disposition not to read it late at night. However, if you like to feel chills in your reading, this book will provide plenty. The balance of supernatural spookiness with modern day problems and a touch of romance in both timelines was perfectly done. Each element gets equal weight so that lovers of each of these elements will find enough to appeal to them.
I really enjoyed this book. It will appeal to fans of Laura Purcell, I think, or anyone who has enjoyed Henry James or Wilkie Collins and wants a familiar feel in a modern novel. Highly recommended.
This is a dual timeline story which tells the story of two sets of sisters, separated by a century but joined by familial strife. Times may change but relationships play out similarly through the ages. In the modern day, single and career-focused London lawyer, Kate, has her neatly ordered world upended by a phone call from the headmaster of her niece and nephew’s school. Kate’s estranged sister is in hospital and there is no one else to take care of the children, Kate must drop everything and rush to Sussex to pick up the threads of her sister’s life, whether she wants to or not. She soon finds herself not only having to manage two teenage children she doesn’t know but also the creepy old house her sister and brother-in-law were trying to restore before their lives fell apart. And the house may not be as abandoned as it seems…
Because the house remain imbued with the spirit of the two ‘Weird Sisters’ who lived there a century ago. It was where they carried out their experiments in the strange trends popular in Victorian photography, and where their relationship was torn about but tragic events, in echoes of the rift that would later form between Kate and her sister, Emma. Despite being warned to keep away, Kate is inexplicably drawn to the house and the secrets that haunt its shadows, and she is determined to find out what happened in the house and between the sisters a hundred years before, particularly because the house also seems to have a dangerous hold on her niece, Izzy.
This book was a compelling read that hooked me in so I could not put it down until it was finished. I read it cover to cover in a single sitting and was completely engrossed in the story from beginning to end. The character of Kate is a strong and complex character to carry the story and I could feel her conflict throughout. As someone with three sisters, I understand how complicated sibling relationships can be and this dynamic was beautifully illustrated throughout the story. I could feel the pain of both Kate and Ada in their estrangement from their sisters.
The historical aspects of the novel featuring the Victorian proclivities for bizarre photography were fascinating, if not a little creepy, and formed the ideal back drop for this story, giving it a perfect Gothic touch. This, coupled with the descriptions of the house – which is a character in itself – make this book fairly chilling and i would advise anyone of a delicate disposition not to read it late at night. However, if you like to feel chills in your reading, this book will provide plenty. The balance of supernatural spookiness with modern day problems and a touch of romance in both timelines was perfectly done. Each element gets equal weight so that lovers of each of these elements will find enough to appeal to them.
I really enjoyed this book. It will appeal to fans of Laura Purcell, I think, or anyone who has enjoyed Henry James or Wilkie Collins and wants a familiar feel in a modern novel. Highly recommended.
February 3, 2025
Synopsis: Kate is living a life of intense ambition as a lawyer seeking a partnership at a law firm in London. She hasn’t seen her sister, Emma, for years since they had a terrible, hurtful argument. She is at work when she receives word that Emma has suffered injuries after an accident and needs Kate immediately. Despite her misgivings, Kate drops everything and goes to Emma’s country property, Rookswood House, to look after her niece and nephew and help her sister. Kate discovers that Rookswood House is a huge, dilapidated Victorian mansion in need of major repairs, while Emma and her children have been living in the smaller coach house. The mansion seems to have a mysterious hold on the entire family, and is full of bizarre Victorian era photographs and photographic equipment belonging to the “Weird Sisters” that lived in the house. Kate has her hands full, with misbehaviour from the teens, Izzy and Max, ghostly activity at the mansion, a devious developer intent on tearing down Rookswood, and efforts to repair her rocky relationship with her sister. Will Kate be able to hold her family together and prevent the destruction of Rookswood?
Commentary: This novel tells the story of two sets of sisters, set in two different eras, that have a falling out and go their different ways. It is the modern-day story of Emma and Kate, as well as the Victorian story of Ada and Camille. The sets of sisters allow their differences to tear them apart, and they all learn to regret their choices. The history of photography and the story of Ada as a female photography pioneer is quite interesting and provides the background for much of the ghostly intrigue that surrounds Rookswood House. There is also a theme in both narratives of false and untruthful lovers that manipulate and use the sisters to their own advantage. Both Kate and Ada are cast as the older, more controlling sister while Emma and Camille are younger and more vulnerable, even though they all exhibit unlikeable behaviours and fully share the blame in their quarrels. The moral of the story is that family matters and no falling-out should be carried to the grave. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the copy to read.
Commentary: This novel tells the story of two sets of sisters, set in two different eras, that have a falling out and go their different ways. It is the modern-day story of Emma and Kate, as well as the Victorian story of Ada and Camille. The sets of sisters allow their differences to tear them apart, and they all learn to regret their choices. The history of photography and the story of Ada as a female photography pioneer is quite interesting and provides the background for much of the ghostly intrigue that surrounds Rookswood House. There is also a theme in both narratives of false and untruthful lovers that manipulate and use the sisters to their own advantage. Both Kate and Ada are cast as the older, more controlling sister while Emma and Camille are younger and more vulnerable, even though they all exhibit unlikeable behaviours and fully share the blame in their quarrels. The moral of the story is that family matters and no falling-out should be carried to the grave. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the copy to read.
August 29, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The House of Light and Shadows is a dual timeline atmospheric gothic mystery by Lauren Westwood. Released 18th Feb 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 298 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first 3 books in the series are also currently available on KU.
The author uses an interesting storytelling device; each of the books is a standalone based around an actual (fictional) house and the mysteries of the past contained in it. In this case, a dilapidated stately house with secrets and echoes from sisters who lived there a century before and modern day estranged sisters tied to the house.
The author is quite adept at scenery and descriptive prose. It's not very flowery or overblown, but there's a palpable sense of dread and creepy atmosphere. There's an element of paranormal/magical realism, and although it's integral to the story, it doesn't overwhelm the plot.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 12 minutes and is expertly read by Laura Kirman. She has a well modulated rich alto voice and does a great job of switching between a range of accents (from RP cut-glass precision to broad countryside) and a range of ages and both male and female without hiccups. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Three and a half stars. Recommended for fans of gothic romance/mystery with paranormal elements.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The House of Light and Shadows is a dual timeline atmospheric gothic mystery by Lauren Westwood. Released 18th Feb 2025 by Boldwood Books, it's 298 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first 3 books in the series are also currently available on KU.
The author uses an interesting storytelling device; each of the books is a standalone based around an actual (fictional) house and the mysteries of the past contained in it. In this case, a dilapidated stately house with secrets and echoes from sisters who lived there a century before and modern day estranged sisters tied to the house.
The author is quite adept at scenery and descriptive prose. It's not very flowery or overblown, but there's a palpable sense of dread and creepy atmosphere. There's an element of paranormal/magical realism, and although it's integral to the story, it doesn't overwhelm the plot.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 12 minutes and is expertly read by Laura Kirman. She has a well modulated rich alto voice and does a great job of switching between a range of accents (from RP cut-glass precision to broad countryside) and a range of ages and both male and female without hiccups. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Three and a half stars. Recommended for fans of gothic romance/mystery with paranormal elements.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 23, 2025
Finance solicitor Kate is wrenched from her legal firm when her estranged sister is admitted to hospital. Sibling Emma’s children need someone to take care of them until their mother is well enough to take over. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two sisters is not on an even keel, and due to a falling out several years earlier, Kate hasn’t even seen her sister or Emma’s offspring for some time. Picking up the children, Kate takes them home—to a gatehouse in the grounds of a creepy old house. Exploring Rookswood House, Kate discovers something of the history of the two sisters who lived there. But the house isn’t all it seems, and a spooky photograph leads Kate to think the place may be haunted. Along with a potential developer, Kate begins to dig into the secrets of the house, as well as coming to terms with her own difficult past…
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m happy to report that for the most part it is very well written, imaginative, and gripping. There were a couple of issues, but we’ll come to those in a moment. Ms Westwood has an engaging writing style, and the story drew me in from the first page. The plot is intriguing, and it was hard to see where it might lead. All the characters, particularly Kate and the scary head teacher, are totally believable and the twisty turny bits were a nice surprise when they came up. The author manages to keep the tension simmering away all the way through and while the clues are there, the denouement wasn’t at all obvious.
Having said that, there were a couple of Americanisms (e.g. ‘Me either’), which jarred in an otherwise very English setting. The other point (which I’m sure is just me being picky) is that the voice of the ‘weird sister’ seemed unnecessary. I think the book would’ve work just as well (perhaps better) without it.
Anyway. An entertaining and clever tale that kept me reading right to the end.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m happy to report that for the most part it is very well written, imaginative, and gripping. There were a couple of issues, but we’ll come to those in a moment. Ms Westwood has an engaging writing style, and the story drew me in from the first page. The plot is intriguing, and it was hard to see where it might lead. All the characters, particularly Kate and the scary head teacher, are totally believable and the twisty turny bits were a nice surprise when they came up. The author manages to keep the tension simmering away all the way through and while the clues are there, the denouement wasn’t at all obvious.
Having said that, there were a couple of Americanisms (e.g. ‘Me either’), which jarred in an otherwise very English setting. The other point (which I’m sure is just me being picky) is that the voice of the ‘weird sister’ seemed unnecessary. I think the book would’ve work just as well (perhaps better) without it.
Anyway. An entertaining and clever tale that kept me reading right to the end.
November 14, 2025
𝐀 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.
Two sets of sisters. One present, one past. But both marked by the painful space that grows between people who once loved each other deeply.
Kate Goodman, estranged from her sister, Emma, is shocked when she receives a sudden call asking her to care for Emma’s children. Not knowing the extent of Emma’s injuries or why their father is absent, Kate steps into a role she never expected to fill.
Emma and her children live in the old groundskeeper’s cottage on the Rookswood House estate. Rookswood’s history surrounds Victorian sisters, Ada and Camille, remembered as the “Weird Sisters” due to their eerie, macabre fascinations and experimental photography.
Emma’s children along with Rookswood itself begin to pull Kate into a world thick with emotion, mystery, and unresolved trauma. As Kate begins to unravel not only her sister’s current struggles but also the haunting past of Rookswood House, the two timelines begin to mirror one another in powerful, emotional ways.
Westwood excels at crafting a haunting environment without overwhelming the story and the ghostly echoes of the past enhances the tension while never overshadowing the human heart at the center of this enchanting read.
Kate’s relationship with Emma is raw and real, depicting the complicated push and pull of sisterhood through resentments, misunderstandings, loyalty, and ultimately love. Both sets of sisters are wonderfully developed, each going through their own transformations that reflect the book’s deeper themes: forgiveness, reconciliation, inherited wounds, and the courage it takes to break cycles instead of repeat them.
“𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, “𝒘𝒆’𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 - 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 - 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.”
Two sets of sisters. One present, one past. But both marked by the painful space that grows between people who once loved each other deeply.
Kate Goodman, estranged from her sister, Emma, is shocked when she receives a sudden call asking her to care for Emma’s children. Not knowing the extent of Emma’s injuries or why their father is absent, Kate steps into a role she never expected to fill.
Emma and her children live in the old groundskeeper’s cottage on the Rookswood House estate. Rookswood’s history surrounds Victorian sisters, Ada and Camille, remembered as the “Weird Sisters” due to their eerie, macabre fascinations and experimental photography.
Emma’s children along with Rookswood itself begin to pull Kate into a world thick with emotion, mystery, and unresolved trauma. As Kate begins to unravel not only her sister’s current struggles but also the haunting past of Rookswood House, the two timelines begin to mirror one another in powerful, emotional ways.
Westwood excels at crafting a haunting environment without overwhelming the story and the ghostly echoes of the past enhances the tension while never overshadowing the human heart at the center of this enchanting read.
Kate’s relationship with Emma is raw and real, depicting the complicated push and pull of sisterhood through resentments, misunderstandings, loyalty, and ultimately love. Both sets of sisters are wonderfully developed, each going through their own transformations that reflect the book’s deeper themes: forgiveness, reconciliation, inherited wounds, and the courage it takes to break cycles instead of repeat them.
“𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, “𝒘𝒆’𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 - 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 - 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.”
January 26, 2025
4 stars
Kate has been estranged from her sister Emma for years, but an accident in the house her sister had recently purchased brings Kate to town to temporarily care for her teenaged niece and nephew, Izzy and Max. Rookswood House - the Victorian manse Emma bought - had fallen into terrible disrepair; despite the physical dangers, Kate is inexplicably drawn in to its dark energy and the strange history regarding the Weird Sisters that once lived there...
Adaline and Camile are sisters, polar opposites yet fiercely devoted to one another. Their rather famous father pioneered some strange and unusual photography techniques for his clients, and took Ada under his wing to train her when she showed a precociousness for the creative medium. Even after their father left, the women continued the family business. "Spirit Photography" became their main stock and trade, and Ada was eccentric but brilliant at what she did. Quiet Camile would take care of the clients, and together they became known as the Weird Sisters.
This was a pretty excellent read; I enjoyed the storyline bouncing back and forth between characters and timelines to create a twisting, flowing narrative. The parallels in the sisters' stories were rather predictable (sigh, a man coming between two sisters?) but their situations treated differently enough that their outcomes were interesting and a worthwhile read. The other characters that revolve around the two sets of sisters are well-rounded and actually had me questioning what was truly going on. There's a plethora of atmospheric spooky vibes, some ghostly action, but can everything that's going on in Rookswood House really be attributed to the paranormal or is something happening a bit 'closer to home'?
Thanks to NetGalley, author Lauren Westwood, and Boldwood Books for giving me access to a digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
Kate has been estranged from her sister Emma for years, but an accident in the house her sister had recently purchased brings Kate to town to temporarily care for her teenaged niece and nephew, Izzy and Max. Rookswood House - the Victorian manse Emma bought - had fallen into terrible disrepair; despite the physical dangers, Kate is inexplicably drawn in to its dark energy and the strange history regarding the Weird Sisters that once lived there...
Adaline and Camile are sisters, polar opposites yet fiercely devoted to one another. Their rather famous father pioneered some strange and unusual photography techniques for his clients, and took Ada under his wing to train her when she showed a precociousness for the creative medium. Even after their father left, the women continued the family business. "Spirit Photography" became their main stock and trade, and Ada was eccentric but brilliant at what she did. Quiet Camile would take care of the clients, and together they became known as the Weird Sisters.
This was a pretty excellent read; I enjoyed the storyline bouncing back and forth between characters and timelines to create a twisting, flowing narrative. The parallels in the sisters' stories were rather predictable (sigh, a man coming between two sisters?) but their situations treated differently enough that their outcomes were interesting and a worthwhile read. The other characters that revolve around the two sets of sisters are well-rounded and actually had me questioning what was truly going on. There's a plethora of atmospheric spooky vibes, some ghostly action, but can everything that's going on in Rookswood House really be attributed to the paranormal or is something happening a bit 'closer to home'?
Thanks to NetGalley, author Lauren Westwood, and Boldwood Books for giving me access to a digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
January 26, 2025
This was a new, unknown author to me, BUT literally, within minutes of finishing this book, I was downloading her back catalogue.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book that elicited such atmosphere, I felt like I was there, alongside Kate, feeling every breath, every cold brush of the skin, every goosebump but also every warmth of energy and every burst of protectiveness she felt towards Rookswood House and it’s tenants.
Kate is an independent, strong-willed, and hardworking solicitor. Her job is her life, which she lives quite solitary. She loves her job and is happy with her lot, that is, until she receives a phone call from a headmaster of a private school.
Estranged from her younger sister for many years, she is now in hospital, and her niece and nephew need caring for. Dropping everything, even her meeting to become the next partner at her firm, she does what every aunt would do and takes the reigns of her sisters family.
Unbeknown to Kate, her sister and (ex)husband have bought Rookswood House, once a beautiful family home, now a crumbling dilapidated property, needing extensive repair... and funding!
Curious, Kate visits the property and whilst taking photos is shocked to see the face of a woman. This will be her first ‘meeting’ with its last known resident, Ada.
Told over dual timelines, that of Kate in the present day and Ada from over 100 years previously, not only do you get to know the characters in depth, but also the property and the memories it holds.
I absolutely loved the historical facts on photography and the ‘trends’ of the times, the illusions created, and the ‘magic’ behind them.
A tale of sisters, dark and light, betrayal, kinship, and the heart of everything, love.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t recommend it highly enough.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book that elicited such atmosphere, I felt like I was there, alongside Kate, feeling every breath, every cold brush of the skin, every goosebump but also every warmth of energy and every burst of protectiveness she felt towards Rookswood House and it’s tenants.
Kate is an independent, strong-willed, and hardworking solicitor. Her job is her life, which she lives quite solitary. She loves her job and is happy with her lot, that is, until she receives a phone call from a headmaster of a private school.
Estranged from her younger sister for many years, she is now in hospital, and her niece and nephew need caring for. Dropping everything, even her meeting to become the next partner at her firm, she does what every aunt would do and takes the reigns of her sisters family.
Unbeknown to Kate, her sister and (ex)husband have bought Rookswood House, once a beautiful family home, now a crumbling dilapidated property, needing extensive repair... and funding!
Curious, Kate visits the property and whilst taking photos is shocked to see the face of a woman. This will be her first ‘meeting’ with its last known resident, Ada.
Told over dual timelines, that of Kate in the present day and Ada from over 100 years previously, not only do you get to know the characters in depth, but also the property and the memories it holds.
I absolutely loved the historical facts on photography and the ‘trends’ of the times, the illusions created, and the ‘magic’ behind them.
A tale of sisters, dark and light, betrayal, kinship, and the heart of everything, love.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t recommend it highly enough.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
February 14, 2025
Emma and Kate are sisters, who have been estranged for the past 15 years. However, when Kate learns that Emma is in hospital and her two children are alone, and likely to come to the attention of Social Services, she rushes off to the small cottage in the grounds of Rookswood House where they live. Izzy and Max are initially quite hostile to their absent aunt, and are very good at quarrels and mischief ,more than Kate anticipates, but family comes first, she thinks through gritted teeth.
Rookswood House was the Victorian residence of the Havelock family. Ada and Camile were sisters, who also suffered a falling out. Their father was a photographer, who experimented with new scientific ways to produce unusual photographs, using themes of the occult, and, later on, photos, strictly of the “ under the counter” variety.
Rookswood House has character, but not one that Estate Agents would happily admit to, it is a house full of ghosts, sadness and deep longings. The house is now under threat from modern developers, but Ada, has her story to tell and she is on a quest to find out what happened to Camile. Ada impacts upon the present day in many unusual and helpful ways, her escapades help to lift the level of unease and tension for all those close to the many secrets hidden within the house.
I loved the strong willed characters of Ada and Kate, they combine their energy to bring about a well deserved happy conclusion.
This novel uses both historical facts and fiction, there is a great deal of smoke and mirrors before this mystery adds up to make a wonderful , slightly scary read.
I rated this a five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers, Boldwood Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
Rookswood House was the Victorian residence of the Havelock family. Ada and Camile were sisters, who also suffered a falling out. Their father was a photographer, who experimented with new scientific ways to produce unusual photographs, using themes of the occult, and, later on, photos, strictly of the “ under the counter” variety.
Rookswood House has character, but not one that Estate Agents would happily admit to, it is a house full of ghosts, sadness and deep longings. The house is now under threat from modern developers, but Ada, has her story to tell and she is on a quest to find out what happened to Camile. Ada impacts upon the present day in many unusual and helpful ways, her escapades help to lift the level of unease and tension for all those close to the many secrets hidden within the house.
I loved the strong willed characters of Ada and Kate, they combine their energy to bring about a well deserved happy conclusion.
This novel uses both historical facts and fiction, there is a great deal of smoke and mirrors before this mystery adds up to make a wonderful , slightly scary read.
I rated this a five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers, Boldwood Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
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