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The House in the Clouds #3

by Victoria Connelly, Raili Puskar (Translator)

Kui Abigailist ja Edwardist said kaunis Sussexi maakohas asuva ajaloolise Winfield Halli kaasomanikud, ei osanud nad aimata, mida tulevik võib tuua. Aga sedamööda, kuidas suvepäevad lähevad pikemaks, kasvavad nende tunded teineteise vastu ja lööb lõkkele armastus.

Harry ja Aura on olnud nüüdseks aasta aega paar ja kuna läheneb suvine pööripäev, peab Harry väga erilist plaani. Ta loodab vaid, et päike, kuu ja tähed on talle toeks.

Ent kõik ei lähe plaanipäraselt. Elul on tavaks teha oma korrektuurid ja Abi saab peagi teada, et Edward pole talle oma mineviku osas tõtt rääkinud, ning nüüd ähvardavad Abi eest varjatud pereprobleemid nende õnne rikkuda. Kas Edward suudab eksimuse heastada ja kas Abi suudab talle üldse kunagi andestada ja teda uuesti usaldada?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit

247 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2025

About the author

Victoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.

In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!

Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.

Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.

The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.

Reviews

[Helen Gaye Brewster · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost didn’t finish this book. I’ll tell you what I liked and why I originally gave it three stars then had to be honest and take it down to two.

The writer did an amazing job of describing the Sussex countryside in summer and the gorgeous Winfield with its walled gardens and tranquil spaces, just like in the first two books. I felt like I was there. Ronnie’s cottage and garden came to life for me. I wanted to be in Sussex and relax into the summer and the lush English gardens and swim in the river that Abi and Edward loved.

I also enjoyed Harry and Aura’s love story. They are tenants of Edward and Abi’s at Winfield that were in other books in the series. They were engaging characters and I felt the chemistry between them and couldn’t wait to see how their sweet story ended. It was more interesting to me than Abi and Edward’s story.

Now on to why I gave this book a low rating. Big parts of the story are Abi’s past and how little she remembers of a childhood trauma, and her relationship with her sister who struggles with her mental health. I’m someone who has struggled with mental health and am also a volunteer at an organization that advocates for those with mental illness. So maybe that’s why I wanted to just close the book and put it away. I didn’t like the way mental health issues were portrayed. I realize this is fiction, but I felt that the sister’s struggles with her mental health were minimized and though her experiences were portrayed as being at crisis level her husband and Abi didn’t suggest professional help. They tried to help her themselves and waited till her sister asked for professional help. Then when the sisters went to therapy, it was implied that they’d have a few sessions and the problem would be solved. Once again, this is fiction, but I felt it was a very unrealistic portrayal of how childhood trauma in adults would and should be treated. Maybe it’s a cultural difference because this book is written by an author from the UK and I’m an American so therapy practices may be different. Anyway, enough about that.

Another thing that made me lower my rating is that I never felt much chemistry between Abi and Edward. That was true for me in all three books. I couldn’t get very interested in their love story. I liked Edward and was empathetic about his poor relationship with his brother and father. And I loved Abi and her creativity and her sweet relationship with her nieces. But I couldn’t get invested in wanting them to be together. There just was no spark between them for me.

So why did I finish the series? I almost didn’t read the third book. But it kept coming up as a recommendation on my Kindle, and I kept thinking about how much I loved the beautiful descriptions of Sussex and Winfield in the first two books. So I got some satisfaction from completing the series and definitely enjoyed the beautiful descriptive writing.

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer has come to Winfield Hall, but there are many changes ahead.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

It was lovely to return to Winfield Hall. As in the last book, The Colour of Summer is shared between four narrators.
Abi has never been happier, but her happiness is about to be tested.
A dark secret from her past is causing unrest; and she loses someone close to her.

Edward also loses someone, but has a vastly different experience. His own secrets threaten his friendship with Abi.

Harry and Aura have now been together for a year, and their future is looking brighter than ever.

This book follows on from where the last one left off. The relationships that have already been established are followed, as they develop further.
Most of them are very sweet, and I couldn't help but be happy for the characters I've been following, as Harry and Aura get their happy ever after; and Edward and Abi's will-they-won't-they friendship finally comes to a head.
I also liked how some of the side character's relationships were developed. Like Harry's mum and Aura, after the prejudices in the last book, they finally come together and Aura finally gets a mother-figure that appreciates her.

It further explores the very different and difficult connections between family members.
I thought it tackled mental health well. Abi's sister is reluctant to get help, which I can understand, as even though society has improved, it's still hard to admit you need help.

I also really liked how the house, the gardens and the English countryside all play a big part in this series.

The not-so-good.
I felt that this book was just focussed on wrapping up the lives of the main four characters. it was very pleasant to read, but it felt like it was missing its own plot, that helps differentiate it from High Blue Sky.
I was excited to see what part newcomers Tim and Samantha would play, and I was a little disappointed that they are only background characters that you learn nothing about.

Overall, this has been a nice series, and it has been lovely to see the characters embrace their next steps.

[Jane Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in the trilogy and some quite emotional parts in this one but all ended happily so that was good.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back in the beautiful Sussex Downs in The Colour of Summer by Victoria Connelly.

Thank you to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me an ARC of The Colour of Summer in return for an honest review.

Abi, Edward, Aura and Harry are still living in Winfield Hall in the Sussex Downs. They have been welcomed by two new tenants, Samantha and Tim — while Tim is settling in well, Samantha is causing difficulties with her noisy lifestyle. And Edward and Abi still have yet to confess their feelings for each other!

It was wonderful to get back to Winfield Hall — as before, Victoria really captures the essence of the house as being bright and airy, and the books feel warm and comforting (even in the scary, dramatic moments, of which there are a few!). I really enjoyed this final installment.

This book switches between perspectives from all four main characters: Edward, Harry, Abi and Aura. All four are very likeable and relatable. We learn more about each character’s past, too — Aura visits her mother for the first time in the books. Edward’s wayward brother, Oscar, is also back in this book (and no, he hasn’t changed after the events of High Blue Sky!).

I loved seeing Aura and Harry’s romance develop, and how Aura’s relationship with his family has deepened. It was really touching how they have embraced Aura as part of their family, and I loved that his mother apologies for her previous behaviour.

But the main thing I wanted to know was, will Abi and Edward finally confess their feelings for each other? For the last two books they have been skirting around the question, with both too scared to open up about how they feel. And when Abi started dating Oscar in High Blue Sky it looked like their romance might never happen. But at the start of The Colour of Summer, Edward is determined to change that. I absolutely loved Edward and Abi’s sections because I just wanted to know what might happen. I have loved following their journey.

This is such a fantastic, romantic and touching series. The characters are so well-written, relatable and likeable. The whole setting just felt soothing, relaxing and cozy — I love seeing Sussex through Victoria’s eyes! If you are looking for a perfect summer read, I can’t recommend this series more. And it’s the perfect time to read the books too as now the series is completed, so no waiting to find out what happens next!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Dramatic, enchanting and completely irresistible, Victoria Connelly concludes her House in the Clouds trilogy with the fantastic final installment: The Colour of Summer.

When Abigail and Edward found themselves co-owners of the historic Sussex manor house Winfield Hall, they never imagined that they would find themselves the happiest they’ve been in a very long time. As their feelings for one another intensified, love began to blossom at Winfield, but it is not all plain sailing as they soon discovered. Abi thinks that she has finally found somewhere to belong and somebody to be by her side through the good times and the bad, but she soon discovers that Edward has been lying about his past and keeping secrets from her. Secrets that could end up tearing them apart forever…

Edward has got a lot to lose. He daren’t risk losing Abi, but he must do something or else his last chance of happiness could end up slipping through his fingers forever. Edward needs to make amends for his past mistakes – fast! But having betrayed her trust, will Abi ever manage to forgive him? Or will she find herself unable to trust him ever again?

Meanwhile, Harry and Aura have been together for a year and with the summer solstice fast approaching, Harry has something very special up his sleeve. Will the sun, moon and the stars align? Or is it all about to go wrong for Harry?

Victoria Connelly’s books are just magical. She always makes her readers feel invested in the stories she tells and she evokes the landscape she sets her books in so brilliantly that reading one of her books is like watching a film unfold.

The Colour of Summer is a lovely feel-good read that held me spellbound from start to finish. A story about second chances, old ghosts and healing from past wounds, The Colour of Summer simply cannot fail to strike a chord with readers everywhere and will make them fall in love with her characters and, of course, Winfield Hall.

Heartwarming, uplifting and life-affirming, Victoria Connelly has written another winner with The Colour of Summer.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and uplifting, but also totally delightful – infused with the warmth of summer sunshine, well drawn and sympathetic characters, some gentle conflict to drive the story, a little loss and sadness, moments of joy and laughter, a few secrets to make things difficult at times, and a couple of romances that developed into everything I wanted them to be.

Winfield Hall really is the most glorious location – vividly described, home to its joint owners Abi and Edward, and the other four flats now occupied too. Harry and Aura’s relationship is now a year on, and in one thread of the story their story is picked up once more – and it’s just perfect, the loveliest romance as the family issues of the past are overcome and they look forward to a happy future together. As for Abi and Edward – the barriers are coming down nicely, but when he won’t fully share the secrets in his life it just doesn’t look as if things will work out between them. And all’s not well with the new tenants – Tim the author is no problem (until he takes on a sideline), but Samantha’s attitude and lack of consideration for others begins to cause real problems.

There was nothing about this book that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy – I was totally invested in both the central relationships, really hoping they’d all have their happy endings. The secondary characters are excellent too – Edward’s feckless brother, Abi’s friend and confidant Ronnie in his beautiful cottage a short bicycle ride away, her struggling sister Ellen, Harry’s parents now far more in tune with his new relationship. There are secrets in Abi’s past too, a little angst at times, some real moments of sadness that bring a tear or two, more than a little drama – the author’s storytelling is superb, and her emotional touch quite perfect.

One striking thing about this lovely book – and about the whole series – is the characters’ relationship with the natural world, the calmness and solace it brings. The garden at the hall is a wonderful sanctuary, beautifully drawn – I’d like to slip off my shoes like Harry and feel that connection. And I enjoyed Abi’s creative endeavours too – jewellery design this time, inspired by a gift from a particularly special friend.

Should you be concerned about picking up the third book in a series, it really would work just perfectly as a stand-alone – there’s just enough scene-setting and background to make it easy to feel entirely at home at Winfield Hall and to understand what’s gone before. But why not try the whole series? This book was just gorgeous – highly recommended by me.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and charming book, the final in the trilogy, brimming with the bluest skies of summer; a houseful of noisy, dusty renovations; budding romances; troublesome tenants; family secrets, loss and grief, and last but certainly not least, forgiveness, love and the long-overdue tranquility of solace.

Abigail Carey, winding down her second year at Winfield Hall, the Georgian sandstone mansion she shares with co-owner Edward Townsend, is finally fulfilling her dream of offering a haven to deserving and creative tenants, as she works on the next phase of her own artistic design business. Abi is a kind and compassionate landlord - characteristics that spill over into her private life as she struggles to offer support to her difficult and deeply unhappy sister Ellen, amidst a backdrop of what can only be seen as buried family trauma centering on their mother’s death and their secretive and dismissively-unfriendly Aunt Claire.

Edward Townsend, a somewhat gentle man who hates confrontation in any form, is challenged with all-the-more difficult tenants as well as a continuing long-term crisis with his own troubled brother and father.

As the summer skies lengthen, and Abi and Edward may or may not finally begin to realize their blossoming feelings for each other, could it be that the “House in the Clouds”, their own hard-earned personal paradise, has finally helped lead them (and those they love) to a place of healing, grace and recovery?

A great big thank you to the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Esther Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House in the Clouds Book 1 of 3 by Victoria Connelly
Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the country, and when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she's desperate to make the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has precisely the same idea.
But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to reveal the secret he's been hiding for so long?
High Blue Sky is the second novel in the heart-warming trilogy. Summer has woven its spell over Edward and his brother Oscar, and both are making a play for Abi.
The Colour of Summer is the conclusion of The House in the Clouds trilogy.
This could be read as a stand-alone, but I would advise reading the trilogy to really appreciate the entire experience.
Victoria Connelly has written a delightfully satisfying engaging trilogy. The stories combine well, and it was great to follow the development of the characters to the conclusion of their journey and relationships as the stories progressed.
Family, friendship, love and trust are just a few of the emotions covered in these stories.
The trilogy is an absolute page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
I want to thank author Victoria Connelly and Rachel's Random Resources for a copy to read and review as part of the Book Tour.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail and Edward are co-owners of Winfield Hall and are renting out apartments with varying degrees of success. Romance flutters in the air but secrets lurk in the shadows...
The Colour of Summer is the third and final book in Victoria Connelly's series and I have reviewed the first book in the series The House in the Clouds.
Abi and Edward were thrown together by their ownership of the house. Their friendship teeters on romance with neither willing to make the first move. Harry and Aura are the other couple to feature in this book. Their relationship is ready to move to the next stage and a wedding is planned. This makes Abi and Edward consider their own relationship.
Things do not run smoothly for the couple even though I was eager to finally get them together. The pair are having trouble with one of their tenants and this really struck a chord with me as we have noisy neighbours. They also have secrets from the past and I wrote in my review of the first book that they were both haunted and vulnerable.
The tone of the book is gentle and the author treats her characters with warmth. I enjoyed the descriptons of the setting which supported the plot and characters.
The Colour of Summer is a warm and enjoyable romance novel.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a moving finale this proved to be
The third book in The House in the Clouds trilogy....
As Abigail and Edward discover the problems secrets can cause
And how to accept others, including their flaws.

With grief, loss and funerals, it could be so sad
But as things work out it leaves you feeling glad.
The saddest thing for me is that this is the last
I'd love to return to see just what else has passed!

With Harry and Aura, and his parents, too,
Along with other family members introduced to you,
It shares the need for the truth, exploring what happened before
And the help from therapy enabling you to talk once more.

This is a close knit community where dreams come true
Leaving you wishing you also could live there, too.
The House in the Clouds is a great series to read
Truly uplifting, a tonic and inspiring indeed.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a satisfying final novel in the trilogy. As ever, the house, Winfield Hall is at the centre of the story and the lives oft its inhabitants are played out, at times, overlapping and affecting each other. There are several love stories playing out, none more so than the relationship between the two owners of Winfield Hall, Edward and Abigail.

Edward's background has been a mystery from the first in the series and a secret he has been carrying with him threatens to derail his relationship with Abigail. This series has always been about giving people a fresh start and accepting differences. As ever at the end of a series, there is a certain regret that it has finished but as in the first two, the sounds and colours of Summer suffuse the story and gives it a heart-warming and optimistic feel.

In short: Starting again

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winfield weddings

Aura and Harry have been together almost a year and his parents have also fallen in love with her. Harry knows Aura is his future and the girl he wants to marry. But can he convince Aura.
Abi and Edward have developed a tentative friendship but are both afraid of admitting their real feelings for each other.
Ellen and Abi realise that they need to confront Aunt Claire if they want to know the truth about their mother's death and be able to come to terms with their upbringing.
An interesting story about friendship, love and letting go of the past if it's just too painful.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice cozy romance

I think it is maybe good the story touches on less than rosy themes, but I do think the characters get over some pretty significant trauma a but unrealistically quickly. All three books were ok, and the premise was great. I could have done with more description of Winfield as I had some trouble picturing it…

[patricia mctaggart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Came aburtly to stop .Why not finish the story .It was great .But so much left to finish .Did actually get married ,did they open a teaching place, did his brother cause more problems. And did the Aunt get help for the years of of keeping her grief in ,Did the family really get sorted out Ellen Douglas, and the girls, sudden . Finish

[MRS R GOODLAND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Great story, lovely characters and very easy reading.
Loved it!
The settings and details make you want to keep reading as drama, excitement, sadness and eventually happiness get revealed.

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of The Colour of Summer can be found on my blog...

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to the House in the Clouds series, this was heavy on the angst that had been building in the first 2 books, but was resolved by the end. Highly enjoyable.

[Kate Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant

This is the third book of 3 in the series. And as always a brilliant read. Love and laughter with a touch of difficult times. A must read.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the series has a lot of emotional turmoil and ends a bit abruptly, but positively.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Beautiful

I absolutely loved this book. I would recommend it to any reader who likes a story that continues after the first book.

I love the characters, and how you can recognise all the moods, the highs and the lows.

A beautiful book, that makes you feel richer for reading it x

[Suzy Topping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for the last in the trilogy.