The Whispers of Hideaway House

by Alexandra Barber

A captivating tale of love, loss and second chances, where the past and present intertwine to create magic that transcends time itself...

When midwife Jules arrives on the Isle of Wight, she's nursing a broken heart after being betrayed by the man she thought she loved. But the enchanting 200-year-old Hideaway Cottage seems determined to heal her wounded spirit. As Jules untangles the mystery at the centre of the house's tragic history, she begins to wonder if some places are simply meant to mend what's been broken...

Surrounded by a community of unexpected friends – including a handsome and talented potter with secrets of his own – Jules discovers that sometimes healing comes not from running away, but from opening your heart to new possibilities. Yet as she uncovers the cottage's haunting past, she must confront her own fears and learn that true strength lies in vulnerability, forgiveness and the courage to love again.

What readers are saying about this

'This book will wrap itself around any reader who opens its pages... one of those stories that we all need. One that will make you feel better with every new sentence you read.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I was unable to put it down until I finished it. More please!!!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An absolutely delightful read... Magic, enchantment, mystery and a past tragedy all came together to create a special, poignant read. Highly recommended.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A pleasure to read from start to finish... a perfect story to read during the holiday season.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I really didn't want this story to end as I enjoyed it so much.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'What a wonderful, cosy story! The house and community are like a comforting blanket.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Another cracker in this series. The books are beautiful, full of garden flowers, historic sites and country lanes.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The novel resonated deeply with me, touching my heart with its empathetic and beautifully crafted narrative.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2025

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well....review to come😑!!!!!!

This one was all over the place for me!!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

After her ex-boyfriend breaks her heart and her trust in humanity, Jules locks herself in her apartment, depressed and hating the thought of being near people again. But when her friend comes and drags her to Hideaway Cottage, Jules begins to wonder if the magic of the small cottage and the town will heal her wounds, all the while discovering secrets the cottage is trying to hide.

Sounds great, right? When I read the blurb, my interest was immediately piqued, and Cara and I were SO excited to read this beautiful book. But once I started reading, my smile faded when I realized that the story is not as great as the cover. 😅

Jules, why? Like, seriously. Why? Why must you be…you? From the very beginning, Jules got on my nerves and made me so angry. She was so childish and rude when she had no reason to be! I get it. Her crappy boyfriend broke her trust and her heart, but that happens all the time, and she is certainly not the first woman to deal with something like that. But they move on. Sure, the pain is still there, and that’s totally understandable, but Jules was holding onto that hurt and let it turn into bitterness, which then affected her other relationships and new friendships because she was being (I’m so sorry for swearing) bitchy.

I genuinely don’t understand her or her need to be immature like that. I mean, I can be a bitter and distrustful person, but even I know that you shouldn’t be rude to good people who are only trying to help you. I also know that not everyone is out to hurt you and that the only way to heal is to allow good people to be there for you, not isolate yourself. And she’s a nurse for goodness sake! She knows this, yet she refuses to listen to reason from her best friend or her mom (who she was egregiously rude to, but I’m not going to get into that because that makes me even angrier), and move on with her life as any adult would. Jules seriously needed a good, swift kick in the pants because, good grief, this girl was infuriating me. 😭

But besides the main character being so annoying, everything else about the book was okay. The story was interesting, the side characters like Tasha, Erin, Lance, and Rite (ugh, Rita’s the best 🥹❤) were absolutely amazing, and I loved them, and the “whispers” of Hideaway Cottage were also interesting, and their story was so sad as well. I’ll never understand why you did what you did, Issac, but whatever. 😅😭

Another problem I had was the writing. It was kind of…awkward? It didn’t flow well, the dialogue felt forced and stiff, and there was just so much filler that made the chapters so, so long. There was no need to make chapters as long as they were. 😅 Oh, and the ending was also disappointing. It was so abrupt and left me wondering what in the world was going to happen to Jules. I think it’s because there’s going to be another book in the series, but I won’t know what that’s going to be about because I’m not going to read it. 😭

Do I recommend this book? Honestly, no. There are a lot of good reviews for this book, so I would definitely check those out before making a decision. 💜

This was a buddy read with my beautiful best friend, Cara, so be on the lookout for her review! I know for a fact she’s going to explain the issues we had with this book way better than I did. 😂❤

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.

❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions loss of a spouse & loss of a child.
Swearing: I don’t remember, good grief! 😂🤦‍♀
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning sex. (🌶/5)

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbroken and grieving, Jules succumbed to her best friend Carrie's wishes that she accompany her to the Isle of Wight, to recover somewhat. Leaving Manchester, with six weeks leave from her midwife position at the local hospital, the small cottage she was to stay in beckoned. Two hundred year old Hideaway House was delightful, with a calming magic which reached into her soul. Gradually, her panic attacks lessened, and her desire to lock herself away day in and day out, eased. She met Rita who lived next door, a wonderful old lady with a caring nature. Tansy, her granddaughter, was a fraught spirit, with her mother always putting her down.

As Jules did the touristy things with Carrie, her heart slowly mended; Tansy and her best friend Erin, kept them company sometimes, while Lance, Erin's father and local potter, helped her become more involved in local activities. When a discovery was made under a big old tree in the back yard, everyone was shocked. Was this connected to the cottage's past? Could they find out more details of the mystery?

The Whispers of Hideaway House is an absolutely delightful read by Alexandra Barber, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Magic, enchantment, mystery and a past tragedy all came together to create a special, poignant read. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen months ago, Carrie Adams looked forward to what she believed would be the best day of her life. However, it turned out to be a pivotal day in the most unexpected way. That day led her to accept an invitation to stay at a refurbished 200-year-old cottage on the tranquil Isle of Wight. This time of new beginnings would not have been possible without Jules and her mother, Beulah.

After a call from Beulah and learning Jules is devastated by a man's betrayal, Carrie knew exactly what to do. She needed to return to Manchester and persuade Jules to stay at Hideaway Cottage for as long as it took to heal from the betrayal that had turned Jules's world upside down. Hideaway Cottage is unique not only for its natural beauty, thoughtful refurbishment, and Rita's nurturing visits, but for so much more.

This character-driven story beautifully explores the themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, healing, and rediscovery, inviting readers to find hope and reassurance in the characters' journeys. It emphasizes the nurturing power of stepping outside ourselves to help others and reveals new opportunities to pursue interests that extend beyond our broken hearts. This alternative path can often shine brighter than we ever imagined, uplifting our spirits and helping us recognize the hidden talents that others see in us. Sometimes, we rediscover these talents after setting them aside for someone else, or perhaps we find them again because a caring friend gently suggested they might bring us comfort and peace.

The novel resonated deeply with me, touching my heart with its empathetic and beautifully crafted narrative. Book 1 unfolds Carrie's story, while Book 2 invites us into Jule's journey. The author's expressive writing captures a wide range of emotions, reflecting the weight of disappointment while also encouraging us to embrace hope and the joyful possibilities that lie ahead.

Thank you to Alexandra Barber, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Alexandra Barber novel, and Jules swept me away to Hideaway House right along with her.

It was a sweet, comforting read that offered a lovely sense of escape. That said, I did find myself wishing a few of the loose ends had been tied up more fully. I enjoyed the cast characters in the book - especially Tasha, Rita, Erin, and Eliza, but I was left wanting a bit more development when it came to Lance.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book for a long-weekend read, and I would happily pick up another title by Barber!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. It seems to stand alone but you may want to read the previous one first. Just to have a sense of some of the other characters.
I thought this was a bit of a slow moving story. I did like the spirit couple that watches over Hideaway House.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to love about this story. Jules goes to her friend on an island to Hideaway House after a devastating break up. The House is magical and spirited. She makes so many new, delightful friends. So healing. The pacing of this story was just perfect. The author’s writing is so descriptive, I felt the raw emotion. This is her second book and I plan to read the first soon. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Storm publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Stormi Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whispers of Hideaway House
By: Alexandra Barber

5 Stars

*While this can be read as a stand-alone novel, I would advise if you haven't read The Sanctuary Keepers to do so first. When I first began this book, it felt as if I was missing a part of the story. That was the only "issue" I had because that first book made me fall in love with this beautiful island and all the characters that come with it. I loved this story more because of that.*

In this story, the house is once again a balm to a broken heart, but this time for Jules, Carrie's best friend. Jules has come to the Isle of Wight to get over Gavin after he steals money and abandons her to deal with loan sharks. She has also battled anxiety that even caused her to take a long sabbatical. Carrie swoops in and drags Jules to the place she healed and found herself again. With the beautiful scenery, the hidden and mysterious caretakers, and friendship of both Hideaway Cottage and the Island, Jules will be on the mend in no time.

I absolutely adored this story and I am so glad I went back and read the first book. It really helps to set the scene for this one. It is absolutely magical in the way it just makes you feel good. While Jules begins her trip anxious and sad, Hideaway Cottage works its magic fast and begins to heal her. You can almost feel the magic coming off the pages. The friendship and love between these two friends really paints a beautiful picture. It was also very relatable because who hasn't been in Jules' or even Carrie's steps? Losing a job, losing a lover, losing a parent are all so real, soul touching, and sometimes, soul crushing. I know when they go to the pottery for the first time, the anxiety, the noise it all hit me and was so easy to relate too. I could be Jules!

This book, well both of them really, are magical, but also they are so much more. It was mysterious with the resident "ghosts", but it was also full of drama, hope, friendship, and love. Reading this book will not disappoint. This little island and all the many people on it will win your heart and soul. It definitely did mine. I can't wait for the next story.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric, haunting, and quietly captivating.
The Whispers of Hideaway House is a beautifully written story that draws you in slowly and then refuses to let go. Alexandra Barber has created a wonderfully moody atmosphere, rich with secrets, emotion, and that delicious sense that the past is never quite finished with the present. From the start, there’s an undercurrent of unease that kept me turning pages, eager to uncover what Hideaway House was holding onto.
One of the things I loved most was how the paranormal elements were handled. They aren’t just there to add atmosphere — they have their own story and purpose, woven meaningfully into the narrative. The whispers, the echoes of the past, and the sense of presence all felt intentional and emotionally grounded, adding depth rather than distraction. I really appreciated how subtle and respectful the supernatural aspects were, making them feel both haunting and believable.

The characters are thoughtfully drawn, and their personal journeys unfold beautifully alongside the mystery. Themes of grief, healing, and resilience are explored with care, giving the story real heart. The pacing is steady and immersive, building tension naturally and leading to a satisfying conclusion, though I would have loved just a little more time at the end to sit with everything once the truth was revealed.

A haunting, emotionally rich story where the paranormal and the human are perfectly intertwined. A wonderful read I truly enjoyed.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this book.

[Jan Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whispers of Hideaway House
Alexandra Barber
December 15, 2025

Barber’s second in her Hideaway House series was an absolutely delightful book. It was a pleasure to read from start to finish. Jules is a midwife who lives in Manchester. She works many nights bringing babies into the world. She started to date Gavin, a man who electrified her life. Unfortunately she was not astute enough in the complex of her many working hours that what he was doing to her financially and personally swept by her. One day he just disappeared. It cost her keeping herself together. She was destroyed yet still kept looking for him. Her best friend, Carrie decided enough was enough. Jules had helped her when things went sideways, now it was her turn to help. She arranged for Jules to come to The Isle of Wight. Carrie and her partner, Guy set her up to live in Hideaway House to start again.
The Whispers of Hideaway House will be published by Storm Publishing on December 15, 2025. I was able to read and review Barber’s latest novel via NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of the villagers living the Isle.They are kind, thoughtful and when things go wrong help each other. It is a perfect story to read during the holiday season. It takes place in the summer however the acts of characters are generous and compassionate. I look forward to reading the first in the series, The Sanctuary Keepers. It was such a pleasure to read this novel.

[Angela Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Alexandra Barber - I hadn’t realised it was the second in a series but to be honest it didn’t make a difference. I don’t feel the need to rush to read book 1 really.

It is also partly a ghost story - which again I hadn’t realised as this is something I don’t particularly enjoy. It did take me a while to work this out - something maybe I might have realised if I had read book 1.

Jukes had been duped by a man in Manchester where she works as a midwife. Her friend Carrie - again about whom book 1 is centred it seems- talks her into a recuperative rest in Hideaway Cottage on the Isle of Wight. I had expected Jules to go back to her precious career and was slightly disappointed this wasn’t the case. I had envisaged that this would have been more about midwifery -something that would have held my interest more.

It was slow at times, slightly repetitive and there were moments when I could have given Jules a shake and told her to feel less sorry for herself. There are lots of characters who Jules becomes involved with - the most important and obvious being Lance - a widower with 2 children - one of whom we never encounter.

At times it was saccharinely sweet, romantic, predictable but also showed how kindness, love and empathy can help heal emotional wounds.

The story regarding Eliza and Issac was very sad, poignant and at the end a real tear jerker.

Unsure if I would seek out book 3 - though part of me would like to see how the characters develop.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Barber’s The Whispers of Hideaway House is a tender, atmospheric tale that blends heartbreak, mystery, and the quiet magic of second chances. From the moment Jules arrives on the Isle of Wight, carrying the weight of betrayal and loss, the story wraps around you like a comforting shawl. The 200-year-old Hideaway Cottage is more than a setting—it feels alive, a character in its own right, gently nudging Jules toward healing while guarding secrets of its own.

The novel moves with a graceful rhythm, weaving together past and present in a way that feels both haunting and hopeful. As Jules unravels the tragic history at the heart of the cottage, the narrative reminds us how places can hold memory, pain, and ultimately, the power to restore what’s broken. Barber’s prose is warm and evocative, painting the Isle of Wight with a sense of enchantment that lingers long after the final page.

This is a story for anyone who believes in the quiet resilience of the human heart, and in the idea that sometimes, the places we stumble upon are exactly the ones meant to mend us.

With thanks to Alexandra Barber, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Alexandra Barber novel. I did not realize that it is the second book in a series! However, I was able to jump right into this one!

Jules has been betrayed by a man and is devastated. Her friend Carrie visits and urges Julia to go and stay at Hideaway House to heal and regroup. Hideaway House is a very unique place for the hurting!

This story is a comforting read that focuses on characters. The themes of love, loss, betrayal, healing, and rediscovering oneself bring a hopeful reading experience, along with some bittersweet moments. It is so beautifully written, and I was invested in the characters and plot. There was a lot going on in the story, but I was able to keep up! However, I am struggling with how to explain the plot cohesively!

If you want a comforting, sweet, hopeful story that focuses on connections, relationships and growth I think you would love this story! There are a few loose ends left at the end, and this frustrated me a bit. I understand that this is a series, but I do like each installment (unless it is a mystery series!) wrapped up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules was living with the man who she considered a strong contender to be "the one." Then she found out that he not only wasn't the one, he had done her very wrong. She was devastated and reached out to her longtime friend, who had been healed by the Hideaway House. Jules was able to get time to have an extended time there to reflect and heal.

She found the people on the island to be friendly and warm - with very few exceptions. Also on the island lived a widower and his daughter. He was just starting to come out of his grief for his lost wife. Jules reluctantly struck up a friendship (and nothing more) with him and she loved his daughter.

Also living in the house are the spirits of the original owners of the house. They are benevolent and try to heal Jules.

This is a story about self examination, regaining confidence in yourself, and opening yourself to new experiences. I enjoyed coming back to Hideaway House after my previous visit with the Sanctuary Keepers. You do not need to have read that book to enjoy this one.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early copy of this book.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in the series and I kind of wish that I had, just to add a bit more context to this story, but it can still be enjoyed as it is :)

Jules finds herself living in an old cottage on the Isle of Wight. She is nursing a broken heart and this place is the perfect spot to promote healing. Between her friend Carrie and friendly local Rita as well as a lovely potter and his daughter, she slowly starts to feel better. There are also whispers in the cottage at times, and things that can't be explained rationally.....

This was a gentle read and I enjoyed the meandering of it all.

Could I have done with a bit more information about the elderly couple that were keeping watch? Yes. I am sure that was covered more in the first book. And I would have liked a bit more character development of Lance as well, he was such a sweetie :)

Overall, I give this book 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

[MJ Symmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Whispers of Hideaway House is my first read by this author and I wish I had realized that this was the second book in a series of standalones. I don't think I ruined anything by not reading the first book however there were some things I feel would have been clearer had I read it

I thoroughly enjoyed escaping to the Isle of Wight where Jules goes to escape a relationship gone very wrong and get on the road to healing her broken self and heart. There is a little bit of nudging from a supernatural aspect to help lead her on the right path.

Soon she is cocooned and embraced by the lovely people of the Isle of Wight and her stay at Hideaway House is a balm to her shattered heart and soul.

The supporting cast of characters were such a lovely addition to her story and really rounded out the whole tale.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed. **

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the first I'd read about Hideaway House but that didn't detract from the story at all. Based on the Isle of Wight Hideaway House seems to be the ideal place for those with a broken heart to go to heal. There is an element of the supernatural to the story but not too much. Mainly the emphasis is on healing, be it grief, sadness or heartbreak that has caused the problem. The relationships between the characters of all ages is lovely, but sickly sweetness is avoided by characters like Christabel who I found hilarious in her attempts to warn Jules off Lance despite not being free herself. A very pleasant read that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, cosy story! Jules has her heart broken by a con-artist. It destroys her confidence and her spirit. She goes to the Isle of Wight, to stay in Hideaway House to recover. The house and community are like a comforting blanket, helping her find her feet again. With help from her new friends and a little touch of the supernatural, Jules slowly rediscovers what she thought she'd lost. The descriptions of the people and places are beautiful and I really enjoyed this one. It is the second book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Alexandra Barber for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was delightful to read the second book in the Hideaway House series. The characters in this book are so genuine. There is a focus on grief and loss, and how to cope with that. The mystery of what happened to Eliza and Isaac is solved. I hope there is another book to let us know what happens to Jules and Lance, Rita , Tasha and the others. It is wonderful to escape to a world where there is kindness and compassion ( most of the time). Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sharing this series with me.

[Brenda S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the series but it was a struggle to get through this one. The MFC was annoying and hard to like. I understand she had been hurt but the way she treated people who were trying to help her was ridiculous. This book had a lot more of the ghost/spiritual/new age stuff than the first one which I did not enjoy. I also did not like how the MFC went from not wanting to even try a romance with the MMC, to literally 2 min later kissing and planning a future together. It was way too fast and unrealistic. That part of the story should have had better development.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this gentle, predictable story. It is a PG rated romance with a Christian sentiment and a bit of mysticism. Frankly, not at all the type of book I normally read but in these days of an endless stream of bad world news it was nice to read. The Whispers of Hideaway House is the second in a series by the author. I probably will not continue with the series but this is not a reflection on the writing. More that I prefer other genres.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treat to read, The Whispers of Hideaway House met all the boxes for cozy women's fiction. Yes, some super hard experiences at the beginning that led to the 'retreat' at the Hideaway House, but the healing and growth that happens while there was soothing. Wasn't expecting ghosts to play a part, but they served the story well, contributing to both ambiance and mystery.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I found it slow to start with and I wasn't particularly interested in reading on. However, I did continue to the end. The story grew on me. Jules, was exactly as I imagined a girl in her position would be, after a relationship like hers had been. I particularly liked Tasha and Erin the 2 teenagers. What lovely supportive girls they were. An easy read gor many with a romantic slant. Im sure many will enjoy it.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely novel of recovery from painful hurt and deceit. Hideaway House on the Isle of Wight offers safe shelter for those in need of care and love. It is a peaceful respite protected by a ghost couple that once lived there.
It is a novel to cherish as one character finds the rest, recovery and friendship she sorely needs.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book.All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in this series and this was a delightful as the first, I really did enjoy the story and the characters, loving the little helpers who bring the story together, I did like that there was characters that were briefly in the first book came into the second, my only gripe would be that the story between Jules and Lance came to an fast and abrupt end, but I think they will be in the third ........ if there is one!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another touching, feel good story about the inhabitants of Hideaway House which I enjoyed every bit as much as the first one. Jules is suffering from a recent heartbreak and heads to the holiday home on the Isle of Wight to spend time with her best friend, Carrie. Friendship, community, love and romance all feature along with a touch of spirituality to create a great story.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules has been living with Gavin who she believed was her dream man. Until he disappears along with all the money he “borrowed “. Jules burrows into her house calling out from work. But her friend Callie wouldn’t let her alone. She comes to Jules and takes her back to the Isle of Wight, where Carrie recently healed. The story is in part predictable but the book is a good read.

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sad story, with a happy ending. Some great characters who kept the story moving along with some unexpected occurrences. There were lots of ups and downs, secrets and friendships all mixed together. A nice peaceful conclusion.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

first and only book I read in this series but has fantastic plotting and impeccable vibes throughout. there is some supernatural element to it but it works well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, gentle story. The cottage where shattered people heal. Sounds wonderful. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.