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Echoes of the Oval Portrait
An isolated manor. A portrait haunted by whispers. A love that refuses to die.
After a crushing breakup, Nora flees to Harcourt Manor, a sprawling island estate in Northeast Wisconsin, hoping to lose herself in its extensive library. But the past refuses to stay buried. A portrait of a woman, painted just before her tragic death, pulls Nora into a century-old mystery.
Anna, the young bride immortalized on canvas, leaves behind whispers of a curse that still cling to the Harcourt family. Whispers and shifting shadows follow Nora through the halls and unsettling dreams lead her deeper into Anna’s story, a past entwined with a mysterious painter.
When these ghostly encounters turn dangerous, Nora finds an unlikely ally in Luke, the brooding, fiercely loyal groundskeeper, who she tries not to think about. He warns her to leave the past alone, but she’s already in too deep.
To break the curse, Nora must unravel the secrets of the portrait. But confronting Anna’s fate means facing her own buried past before it consumes her.
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Oval Portrait,” this atmospheric Gothic romance weaves a tale of sacrifice, forbidden love, and the power of self-discovery.
Perfect for fans of Wendy Webb, Simone St. James, and Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, this clean, atmospheric Gothic romance delivers ghosts, secrets, and a love that refuses to die.
After a crushing breakup, Nora flees to Harcourt Manor, a sprawling island estate in Northeast Wisconsin, hoping to lose herself in its extensive library. But the past refuses to stay buried. A portrait of a woman, painted just before her tragic death, pulls Nora into a century-old mystery.
Anna, the young bride immortalized on canvas, leaves behind whispers of a curse that still cling to the Harcourt family. Whispers and shifting shadows follow Nora through the halls and unsettling dreams lead her deeper into Anna’s story, a past entwined with a mysterious painter.
When these ghostly encounters turn dangerous, Nora finds an unlikely ally in Luke, the brooding, fiercely loyal groundskeeper, who she tries not to think about. He warns her to leave the past alone, but she’s already in too deep.
To break the curse, Nora must unravel the secrets of the portrait. But confronting Anna’s fate means facing her own buried past before it consumes her.
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Oval Portrait,” this atmospheric Gothic romance weaves a tale of sacrifice, forbidden love, and the power of self-discovery.
Perfect for fans of Wendy Webb, Simone St. James, and Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor, this clean, atmospheric Gothic romance delivers ghosts, secrets, and a love that refuses to die.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
10 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Meadoe Hora
15 books52 followersMeadoe Hora is the author of books for teens and kids, including the new Furious Legacy series, Ariadne's Crown, and the Superhero Kick team children's book series. She is a middle of the night reader and lover of beautiful words.
Her website is www.meadoehora.com. She also writes about her health and fitness journey on her blog at www.meadoeoutonalimb.com. She lives in WI with her family, a spoiled basset hound and a crazy black lab.
Her website is www.meadoehora.com. She also writes about her health and fitness journey on her blog at www.meadoeoutonalimb.com. She lives in WI with her family, a spoiled basset hound and a crazy black lab.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 8, 2025
This book was the perfect combination of creepy (keeping with the Edgar Allen Poe vibes) and cozy (making for a great winter read). Nora was a fantastic character and several of the side characters really stood out as well. The emotional growth Benedict shows by the end was really well done and I felt like added a lot to the story. The plot was great, ghostly, but not overly creepy. My heart broke for Anna as her story (and Madeline’s) unraveled.
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘It’s just drafts and creaks’
A chilly & chilling cozy mystery in which ‘the past refuses to stay buried’. This cursed island manor is chock full of flickering shadows and musty secrets that whisper of a dormant and long-forgotten tragedy.
I really enjoyed these life lessons:
*We all need to be seen
Thrust from her homeland and into marriage, our lovely Anna has no guiding hand in navigating the townsfolk and their ways. Add Anna’s isolation and veritable seclusion in a strange town to the coldness with which she was treated in her own home, no wonder Nora’s dreams turn into nightmares of the ghosts haunting the manor in a desperate plea to no longer be ignored.
*Oh, to grow up surrounded by nature! One of the characters was raised with Mr. Benedict and they’d get all muddy doing things all kids should be doing: bathing in the lake, collecting rocks, picking up sticks, staring up at the stars, wandering off on adventures, etc. Unfortunately, some teenage issues broke the spell of childhood and colors their adult lives…
*Life is about togetherness. Building a business, community, family, legacy, relationship. It definitely helps when the people involved are of a similar mind; have somewhat common interests, similar goals, and shared values. We need to work through negativities such as distrust, suspicion, and wariness in order to pool resources for making this world a wonderful place to live.
Fave line:
‘Let your truth come through.’
Now, off to watch The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix (per the book description’s mention) before delving into the next in this multi-author series - ‘Temptation of a Haunted Heart’ by Sophia-Rose Johnson.
I'll be brushing up on my Poe as I await the rest of this multi-author collection:
Masquerade of Vengeful Hearts (#4) - Sara Sines
Serenade of the Spectral Heart (#5) - Stephanie B. Whitfield
House of Hollow Graves (#6) - Mackenzie Kate
Beneath the House of Usher (#7) - Airicka Phoenix
Whispers from the Abyss (#8) - M.S. Weaver
Shadows of the Raven's Wing (#9) - K. Rose
Silence of the Damned (#10) - Elise Knight
Ballad of the Broken Mirror (#11) - Hayley Whitely
A chilly & chilling cozy mystery in which ‘the past refuses to stay buried’. This cursed island manor is chock full of flickering shadows and musty secrets that whisper of a dormant and long-forgotten tragedy.
I really enjoyed these life lessons:
*We all need to be seen
Thrust from her homeland and into marriage, our lovely Anna has no guiding hand in navigating the townsfolk and their ways. Add Anna’s isolation and veritable seclusion in a strange town to the coldness with which she was treated in her own home, no wonder Nora’s dreams turn into nightmares of the ghosts haunting the manor in a desperate plea to no longer be ignored.
*Oh, to grow up surrounded by nature! One of the characters was raised with Mr. Benedict and they’d get all muddy doing things all kids should be doing: bathing in the lake, collecting rocks, picking up sticks, staring up at the stars, wandering off on adventures, etc. Unfortunately, some teenage issues broke the spell of childhood and colors their adult lives…
*Life is about togetherness. Building a business, community, family, legacy, relationship. It definitely helps when the people involved are of a similar mind; have somewhat common interests, similar goals, and shared values. We need to work through negativities such as distrust, suspicion, and wariness in order to pool resources for making this world a wonderful place to live.
Fave line:
‘Let your truth come through.’
Now, off to watch The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix (per the book description’s mention) before delving into the next in this multi-author series - ‘Temptation of a Haunted Heart’ by Sophia-Rose Johnson.
I'll be brushing up on my Poe as I await the rest of this multi-author collection:
Masquerade of Vengeful Hearts (#4) - Sara Sines
Serenade of the Spectral Heart (#5) - Stephanie B. Whitfield
House of Hollow Graves (#6) - Mackenzie Kate
Beneath the House of Usher (#7) - Airicka Phoenix
Whispers from the Abyss (#8) - M.S. Weaver
Shadows of the Raven's Wing (#9) - K. Rose
Silence of the Damned (#10) - Elise Knight
Ballad of the Broken Mirror (#11) - Hayley Whitely
December 15, 2025
4.25 stars
This Poe-inspired gothic romance was both chilling and cozy/sweet.
I got chills at one point and also stopped reading after a certain chapter that led to a nightmare. Ooops. So creepy/chilling vibes were on point!
There's also a variety of heartiness build into the story with a focus on being truly seen. We all want that. To be seen and appreciated.
Nora is finding herself. She's figuring out who she is. She takes a job cataloging books and items in a manor on an island in Lake Michigan during the winter. There's a striking portrait in her room of a woman named Anna and Nora finds herself wanting to know more as she is also experiencing unusual shadows and strange dreams.
I enjoyed the chapters that go back in time to make the story have more depth. I also enjoyed the characters as they step away from fears, grudges, and the voices of others to step into uncomfortable places in order to grow and love.
It's a definite recommendation for a good winter vibes read. #2 of 12 in the "Once Upon A Midnight Dreary" anthology.
I am incredibly grateful for the ARC and these opinions are my own.
This Poe-inspired gothic romance was both chilling and cozy/sweet.
I got chills at one point and also stopped reading after a certain chapter that led to a nightmare. Ooops. So creepy/chilling vibes were on point!
There's also a variety of heartiness build into the story with a focus on being truly seen. We all want that. To be seen and appreciated.
Nora is finding herself. She's figuring out who she is. She takes a job cataloging books and items in a manor on an island in Lake Michigan during the winter. There's a striking portrait in her room of a woman named Anna and Nora finds herself wanting to know more as she is also experiencing unusual shadows and strange dreams.
I enjoyed the chapters that go back in time to make the story have more depth. I also enjoyed the characters as they step away from fears, grudges, and the voices of others to step into uncomfortable places in order to grow and love.
It's a definite recommendation for a good winter vibes read. #2 of 12 in the "Once Upon A Midnight Dreary" anthology.
I am incredibly grateful for the ARC and these opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
The Echoes of the Oval Portrait is a quietly haunting gothic tale that lingers long after the final page. Set against the backdrop of a decaying Victorian manor, the story feels steeped in history and longing. It is as if the house itself is breathing...aching to be understood, dying to spill its secrets and hoping to be set free.
I think one of this books greatest strengths is its sense of atmosphere. The manor isn’t just a setting; it’s a living presence, whispering its secrets to the FMC through subtle signs and eerie echoes of the past.
The romance, clean and closed-door, is refreshingly tender. Rather than overpowering the story, it weaves gently through the narrative. This enhances the emotional weight without distracting from the mystery at its core. Every character plays a meaningful role in unraveling the house’s history.
What stayed with me most was the bittersweet melody of love lost. It hangs in the air like a sad song. Soft, mournful and beautiful. If you love gothic settings, quiet romance, and mysteries that unfold with elegance and heart...then this book is for you!
I think one of this books greatest strengths is its sense of atmosphere. The manor isn’t just a setting; it’s a living presence, whispering its secrets to the FMC through subtle signs and eerie echoes of the past.
The romance, clean and closed-door, is refreshingly tender. Rather than overpowering the story, it weaves gently through the narrative. This enhances the emotional weight without distracting from the mystery at its core. Every character plays a meaningful role in unraveling the house’s history.
What stayed with me most was the bittersweet melody of love lost. It hangs in the air like a sad song. Soft, mournful and beautiful. If you love gothic settings, quiet romance, and mysteries that unfold with elegance and heart...then this book is for you!
September 15, 2025
Okay... So this story is a fantastic retelling of Poe's "The Oval Portrait." Hora blended a modern-day cast of characters with some events that happened more than a century ago. There are hints of a love triangle and then a really sweet romance that develops out of the whole situation.
I adored the way the mystery of what happened in 1910 unfolds. I definitely recommend this to people who love ghost stories with a side of romance, and even ones who enjoy historical fiction. There is a bit of dual timeline activity happening in the novel, and the parallel stories are fascinating.
I adored the way the mystery of what happened in 1910 unfolds. I definitely recommend this to people who love ghost stories with a side of romance, and even ones who enjoy historical fiction. There is a bit of dual timeline activity happening in the novel, and the parallel stories are fascinating.
December 28, 2025
📚🩷 ARC Thoughts and First Impressions 🩷📚
This book pulled me in slowly and refused to let go.
From the very first chapters, the setting sets the tone—isolated, heavy with history, and filled with an unsettling stillness that makes you feel like you’re never truly alone. There’s a constant sense of something watching, waiting, remembering… and I loved that slow, creeping tension.
At the heart of the story is a tragic past that unfolds piece by piece. The way the mystery is revealed kept me turning pages, eager to understand what really happened and why the echoes of that story still linger. It’s haunting without being overwhelming, emotional without being dramatic.
The romance is subtle and beautifully restrained. Think meaningful glances, quiet protection, and a connection that grows naturally in the midst of uncertainty. The broody energy? Absolutely delivered.
What stood out most for me was the emotional journey. Beneath the gothic atmosphere and ghostly elements lies a story about grief, healing, and finding strength after heartbreak. It’s thoughtful, atmospheric, and lingers long after you finish.
If you enjoy moody settings, slow-burn romance, and stories where the past refuses to stay silent, this one deserves a spot on your TBR 🖤✨
This book pulled me in slowly and refused to let go.
From the very first chapters, the setting sets the tone—isolated, heavy with history, and filled with an unsettling stillness that makes you feel like you’re never truly alone. There’s a constant sense of something watching, waiting, remembering… and I loved that slow, creeping tension.
At the heart of the story is a tragic past that unfolds piece by piece. The way the mystery is revealed kept me turning pages, eager to understand what really happened and why the echoes of that story still linger. It’s haunting without being overwhelming, emotional without being dramatic.
The romance is subtle and beautifully restrained. Think meaningful glances, quiet protection, and a connection that grows naturally in the midst of uncertainty. The broody energy? Absolutely delivered.
What stood out most for me was the emotional journey. Beneath the gothic atmosphere and ghostly elements lies a story about grief, healing, and finding strength after heartbreak. It’s thoughtful, atmospheric, and lingers long after you finish.
If you enjoy moody settings, slow-burn romance, and stories where the past refuses to stay silent, this one deserves a spot on your TBR 🖤✨
January 9, 2026
I thought I enjoyed the first book in the series but this one was a thousand times better. It was a tad bit shorter, which I think made the stakes higher. Plus Nora's voice was so relatable. She was terrified, compassionate, and determined to find the truth. She questioned what was happening but also accepted things. Her voice was a bit more mature than Lila's had been.
The story of Madeline and Anna was so devastating. With each work and each moment written, I could feel the devastation. The story was covered in it. Its truly heartbreaking when two souls are ripped apart because of societal expectations, time, and abuse. While I love Nora, Anna and Madeline were the stars. The women in this book made the story even more beautiful. Alison, Nora, Madeline, Anna, even Marie.
I hated how dismissive both Benedict and Luke were. But isnt always the way? Men dismissing women's intuition and opinions because it doesnt fit the norm? While they do get over themselves, I'm still not of fan of them. Nora deserved better. She's gifted and intelligent. But I really loved this book!
The story of Madeline and Anna was so devastating. With each work and each moment written, I could feel the devastation. The story was covered in it. Its truly heartbreaking when two souls are ripped apart because of societal expectations, time, and abuse. While I love Nora, Anna and Madeline were the stars. The women in this book made the story even more beautiful. Alison, Nora, Madeline, Anna, even Marie.
I hated how dismissive both Benedict and Luke were. But isnt always the way? Men dismissing women's intuition and opinions because it doesnt fit the norm? While they do get over themselves, I'm still not of fan of them. Nora deserved better. She's gifted and intelligent. But I really loved this book!
December 16, 2025
This Poe inspired tale is a nod to the affable people and gorgeous winterscapes of snowy Wisconsin. The cafes and home kitchens are alive with good cheer and even better vittles. It's a cozy world in sharp contrast to the dark manor with carved wood and leather-bound books. The FMC questions her sanity as she's pulled into a century old world beyond the veil that gets more dangerous the deeper she delves into clues revealed only to her. She's working to solve a rumored curse, and readers are left wondering which of her new acquaintances are friends or foes. I'm not a fan of love triangles, but I do admire the heroine's bravery and the unexpected solution. Recommended for gothic, cozy romance readers who like a jolt of paranormal doom.
February 18, 2026
What a surprise! I've read some of this author's short stories, but this is my first novel and, wow! I was swept up in Nora's story, completely absorbed by the mystery and absolutely loved how a deep and meaningful relationship budded with Luke. The spooky vibes were so good! And I absolutely love the ghost mystery that unfolds in this fun reworking of Edgar Allan Poe's The Oval Portrait. There are some fabulous twists on the original story, and the explorations of art, life, and relationships add a depth to this novel that not only highlight Poe's short message from the original story, but also build on it and turn it into something even more memorable.
I'm absolutely loving this series!
I'm absolutely loving this series!
December 16, 2025
Never did I think that I'd use the words "creepy" and "cozy" to describe a Gothic romance, but Echoes of the Oval Portrait is perfectly described by them. The cursed manor, the secrets from the past, and the sweet romance combine for the perfect late night, post long day read. While it was cozy, there was still amazing character development, rich setting, and a robust plot. Absolutely loved this!!!
ARC Review
ARC Review
January 3, 2026
This book, from the moment that I started reading I knew that I was going to be in for one heck of a story. It grabbed me and kept me sitting and reading until the very last page was done. This book does not disappoint, from the story , to the characters and the suspence throughout and the way that it all flows together, this book is a must read. It needs to be on your TBR list, you will not be sorry.
December 19, 2025
I found myself being just as curious about the ghostly story as Nora was. This book is hunting and beautifully woven. My lights stayed on while reading this one. The flash back point of veiws provide a nice insight into a forgotten time.
February 13, 2026
This was an intriguing story with a mystery to solve. I loved the haunting and spooky vibes, gothic setting and the emotional weight of the story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a great retell of Poe’s “The Oval Portrait.” I love the spooky and the mix of cozy the book gives. But the modern-day characters and the added depth of the book was a great touch.
December 22, 2025
I loved this book full of romance suspense and hauntings!!!
January 1, 2026
The echoes of the oval portrait by meadoe hora is a gothic romance with creepy vibes and I loved every minute of it!
It is a closed door romance!
I highly recommend this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It is a closed door romance!
I highly recommend this one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 1, 2026
So this is the first Edgar Allen Poe and I will say I enjoyed this a lot, the characters are enjoyable and well written.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2026
A love story within a love within a ghost story is the best way to describe this? It was very heavy on mystery and the ghost story of it all. And although I would call it dark I wouldn't say that it was dark in the trigger warning sense. Very good read, I cried and I laughed. Definitely not smut at all. I've had an ending that I was happy with.
December 12, 2025
I flew through this! This was spooky but did not give me nightmares (TG). The occasional flashback chapter was a nice touch, adding depth and more character detail, and kept me interested without confusing POVs. The romance was sweet and the author created a FMC who was more than this relationship!
I also appreciated that there are years of hurt that each character is working through and they lose their temper but apologize! The world needs more of that.
I also appreciated that there are years of hurt that each character is working through and they lose their temper but apologize! The world needs more of that.
January 31, 2026
True to the theme, this book circles around a small town and it's suspected to be haunted mansion on the hill.
The story wasn't my favorite because it gears around a romance but I really didn't feel the connection with that. I DID however enjoy the mystery surrounding the haunting and the history of the family that lives in the mansion.
This book didn't really stick with me and I had to push through it but it still earned 4 stars from me because I can't fault the book on my not enjoying the romance.
The story wasn't my favorite because it gears around a romance but I really didn't feel the connection with that. I DID however enjoy the mystery surrounding the haunting and the history of the family that lives in the mansion.
This book didn't really stick with me and I had to push through it but it still earned 4 stars from me because I can't fault the book on my not enjoying the romance.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews