Some houses beg to be saved. Others demand justice—no matter the cost…
All renowned restorer Riggs McClaine wanted to do was renovate his family’s long-abandoned mansion and put Jasper Lake in his rearview. It’s just his misfortune that fate—and the ghost of Gloria Radcliff—have other plans…
Ashlee Radcliff had heard the gossip about her great-aunt Gloria’s mysterious death, but she’d never believed any of it. Until the distractingly sexy Riggs shows up at her bed-and-breakfast and makes her rethink everything she thought she knew about her family…
While Riggs and Ashlee are drawn together by an attraction as inexplicable as the supernatural mystery surrounding them, the mansion grows darker, the hauntings more ominous. In a house built on shattered memories, is love powerful enough to silence the past?
The House of Shattered Memories, Book 1 in the Jasper Lake Series, is an emotional, slow-burn romantic suspense/gothic romance with paranormal elements. Grab your copy today and discover Jasper Lake, where restoration means breaking open the walls—and the heart—to let the truth in.
Maeve Garner grew up in a small Midwestern town, where front porches, winding backroads, and close-knit communities sparked her love for small town romance. When she’s not writing, Maeve enjoys cooking for her family, tending to her flowers, and planning her next adventure—preferably somewhere with beautiful views and a cozy place to relax. She has a soft spot for dogs and happily-ever-afters, and most days you’ll find her in her favorite chair, dreaming up swoon-worthy heroes and spirited heroines who always find their way home.
I never read a book that was so full of mystery, love and full of suspsene till the end like the new one by Maeve Garner in The House of Shattered Memories. This is book 1 and boy did it kick off in a way that just rocked me till the end. Not only do we have an abandoned mansion screaming to live again but a mystery that happened years ago never fully resolved. The book may have been instigated by Riggs Great Aunt but the whole book is all about Gloria. You see just like the house being alone and neglected we have Gloria just wanting to be seen or in this case heard. For years she has visited the place making the rumors about a ghost roaming around real even though she means well. It takes a strong man like Riggs to bring her story to life along with the house that demands to be seen again. Then we have Ashlee who by all counts can be Gloria's reincarnation see that there is more to life than the B&B Inn. These two may seem from different lifestyle but beneath their rough exteriors are two loves yearning for each other. This house definitely has a lot to say and boy the mystery of Gloria just intensifies making you want more. One thing for sure Maeve Garner sure knows how to keep the story going can't wait to see what else happens on Jasper Lake.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Restoration, revelation, and one fiery connection 🤩
4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️
Maeve Garner’s The House of Shattered Memories is an addictive blend of paranormal mystery, small-town secrets, and slow-burn romance that hits all the right emotional beats. As the first instalment in the Jasper Lake series, it pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go.
Riggs McClaine only wanted to restore his family’s long-abandoned mansion and move on from Jasper Lake but fate (and the ghost of Gloria Radcliff) have other ideas. When he crosses paths with Ashlee Radcliff, the down-to-earth B&B owner with her own connection to the past, their chemistry is instant but impossible to ignore. The slow tension between them simmers beautifully while the house itself becomes a character: full of whispers, memories, and unresolved pain that demands to be heard.
Garner’s writing perfectly balances heart-pounding suspense with heartfelt emotion. The paranormal moments are chilling without being over the top, and the romance feels genuine and deeply earned. It’s one of those stories that keeps you turning the pages long after midnight, needing to know both how the mystery unravels and whether love can truly conquer the shadows of the past.
The tension, both emotional and supernatural, is absolutely finger-licking good. If you love your romance with secrets, ghosts, and a slow-burn spark that turns into full-on heat, this one’s for you.
Huge thanks to Grey’s Promotion for the e-ARC and congratulations to Maeve Garner on her upcoming release day (October 28th)! I’ll be first in line for book two in the Jasper Lake series. 👻💜
Oh my gosh. This book was amazing and I really needed this book. I loved the writing of this book. I loved Ashlee and Riggs. Ashlee did get on my nerves cause she was just so silly and I wanted to shake her !!! I loved the ghost story and how Gloria was. She had so much personality and I loved it. I kept turning the pages I had to know what was happening next. I devoured this book in a day and a half. I really like great aunt Mariam I like how she was so old school and only wanted to communicate by letters. Love that !!! The steamy scenes chefs kiss. Pure perfection and I loved it. I wanted more. I really like how descriptive this book was. Like I really felt like I in this book. Theo is such a joy he is the type of old man I would love to listen to and hear his stories. This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last !!! Nope. I need more for sure !! Yall go get this book ! You won’t regret it.
I am still reeling after finishing this one. It was haunting, romantic, and beautifully written in a way that stayed with me long after I closed it. The story blended love, loss, and family secrets with just enough of the supernatural to make it feel both emotional and eerie.
Riggs and Ashlee had a connection that built so naturally it almost hurt to watch. Every small moment between them carried so much meaning. Gloria’s presence was unforgettable. She was more than a ghost; she was the thread that tied everything together, a symbol of how love and grief can hold on long after life moves on.
The setting was incredible. The mansion felt alive, filled with whispers and shadows that seemed to remember everything. The writing was rich and emotional, creating a world that felt impossible to leave.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (slow burn and emotional) Cozy: ☕☕☕☕ (comfort with a touch of mystery) Chills: 👻👻👻👻👻 (ghostly perfection) Tears: 💧💧💧💧 (beautifully heartbreaking)
Hello, people! First of all, let me mention that this book is the first book in the Jasper Lake series. This book literally chose me. As soon as I saw the cover, my heart skipped a beat. As soon as I read the phrase "paranormal mystery", it was enough. It was calling me to read it. The author managed to get me into the story from the first page. The main characters were Ashlee and Riggs. Their chemistry was explosive, unique and wonderful. And her writing was fantastic, warm, balanced and emotional. This book is worth a thousand reads.
Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions for the eARC! This is my honest review!
Some houses beg to be saved. Others just want revenge...and this one definitely has opinions. 🏚️💀
The House of Shattered Memories is everything I love about gothic romance: creaky floors, family secrets, and sexual tension you could cut with a ghost’s fingernail. Riggs McClaine shows up thinking he’s just gonna fix some drywall and make peace with his past....plot twist, the house (and its resident ghost, Gloria Radcliff) had other renovation plans.
Then there’s Ashlee, who thought the stories about her great-aunt’s death were small-town gossip… until Riggs rolls into her B&B looking all broody-contractor-meets-tragic-hero and suddenly the walls start whispering. Literally.
What follows is equal parts haunting and heartache: slow-burn romance, buried truths, and enough eerie atmosphere to fog up your Kindle. It’s gothic with grit, emotional without being sappy, and spooky enough to make you question that weird creak in your house.
If you like your love stories with ghosts, secrets, and a little home improvement trauma....welcome to Jasper Lake. Just, uh… maybe don’t go in the basement. 👀
This stoy was definitely new and different! I enjoyed the love story but the mystery is what kept me reading. I've not read a romance that's taken the time to build the relationship between the main characters in a long time. I definitely plan to read the next book, need to know what mysteries lie with the McClaine family.
beautifully written, haunting story that blends small-town mystery, romance, and the supernatural in the best way. This book has such a strong gothic atmosphere — the house feels alive, the romance is slow-burn perfection, and the emotional depth hits hard. It’s not just about fixing a house; it’s about rebuilding broken pieces of the heart and facing what we’ve buried. If you love stories with haunted houses, emotional healing, and romance that feels earned, this one’s a must-read. I can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to Maeve Garner and Grey's Promotions for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I did not want to put this book down and can not wait for book 2! The mystery of the Ghost haunting the mansion was very intriguing. I do wish there was more to it, but understand she's leaving the mystery there for book 2. But ugh, the wait!! Lol! I enjoyed the romance too. A little faster than some of the other slow burns I've read, but the angst is definitely there! Would absolutely recommend!
I loved this book so much! it was absolutely adorable and I cant wait to keep reading the series! My heart went through an emotional roller-coaster reading this. Thank you Maeve Garner for the chance to read this book early!
Romance. Mystery. Ghost(s)? What is up with the house? Why the secret passages? How did she die? Cliff hanger at end and cannot wait until the next book.
Old mansions, eerie whispers, hidden family secrets, and more!!! Yes, please!
The haunting mystery surrounding the Radcliff mansion gave off great gothic vibes! Ashlee and Riggs had the kind of chemistry that makes you forget that you’re reading.
Perfect for readers who love a mix of mystery, ghosts, and just the right amount of spice and suspense!
The story drew me in quickly and didn’t let up. I enjoyed the interplay between Gloria and others. The tension was palpable and reactions genuine. Cannot wait to read more of this series. I read the book within two days of receiving it.
The title lives up to the book. Love. Memories. Trying to figure out the last. But the romance between Ashlee and Riggs feels unreal. Keeps you on the edge too to see how Gloria died and what her past ties are to the house. Cannot wait for the second book to come out!!
Thank you to Maeve Garner and Grey’s Promotions for providing me with the opportunity to read and with this ARC. I wanna start this off by saying I need the second book ASAP, I am completely obsessed with this story and can’t wait to see where it goes. I loved the romance aspect, however It felt a little fast for a slow-burn. Overall, I definitely would recommend this book!
The premise of the story is an interesting one, with Gloria’s ghost haunting the old mansion which Riggs is tasked to renovate. As he remains in town to do so, it brings him into close proximity with Ashlee, the owner of the town’s B&B.
The romance between them was more of a slow burn, and the ending was a satisfying one for them. However, the mystery behind the haunted mansion remains a mystery as the book ends on a cliffhanger. I definitely hope to read the second book in the series as the mansion’s secrets are gradually revealed.
This book is undeniably a paranormal romance with an intriguing gothic edge. I love the premise, there’s something captivating about a mysterious great-aunt who requests her nephew to renovate her old mansion, conveniently leaving out the part about the resident ghosts and lingering secrets. From the start, the atmosphere is moody yet engaging, blending the eerie charm of a haunted house with the warmth of unexpected connections.
Riggs, one of our protagonists, is immediately likable. It’s refreshing to see a character who doesn’t shy away from the supernatural or cower at ghostly encounters. His calm, matter-of-fact approach to the hauntings contrasts nicely with the mansion’s unsettling energy. The setting feels alive, its walls practically whispering stories, and the lighthearted moments scattered throughout balance out the otherwise tense, haunted backdrop.
The introduction of Ashlee and her connection, along with her family’s, to both Riggs and the house, adds another layer of depth to the story. The chemistry between Riggs and Ashlee feels natural yet charged, and their relationship develops amid the hauntings and the chatty small-town. The side characters are equally well-crafted, adding personality and humor to the story while helping to shape the emotional and supernatural landscape.
As the story unfolds, we get a blend of romance and paranormal mystery, Riggs trying to uncover what really happened to Gloria while also taking on the daunting task of restoring the mansion. However, as the plot progresses, the balance starts to tilt more heavily toward the romance. The haunting elements, while intriguing, begin to feel like background noise or plot devices to move the relationship forward rather than mysteries in their own right. We do get snippets of answers, tantalizing hints, and brief revelations, but each one seems to open another door, adding more questions and deepening the sense of mystery.
That said, the pacing is smooth and keeps the reader invested. The interactions between Gloria and those who she communicates with her are especially charming, witty, poignant, and at times surprisingly heartwarming. The banter, tension, and slow-burn attraction between Riggs and Ashlee make their romance engaging, even as the ghostly mysteries swirl in the background.
The story ends on a cliffhanger that promises more secrets in the next installment. While I would have loved a bit more closure on the supernatural side, the blend of haunting, humor, and heart makes this an enjoyable read. It’s a story about love, legacy, and the echoes that linger, both in old houses and in the people bound to them.
Thank you for allowing me to read this before publication
Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and the author for providing me with an ARC!
This was an enjoyable enough quick read that felt like you were in a mash up of a Hallmark Channel movie and a Nancy Drew novel. Riggs & Ashlee are both really decent rich kids that have branched out to do their own things - Ashlee runs a B&B in the town both their families have a history with and Riggs is in the home restoration business. In terms of the ghost story - we pretty much meet the resident ghost, Gloria, immediately but she’s soon relegated to the background when the focus shifts to Riggs and Ashlee’s love story. I liked Riggs and Ashlee together, but I don’t feel like I really got to know either character too well throughout the book. Everything was very surface level. I did find Ashlee’s fixation on everyone finding out she was with Riggs pretty strange. I don’t see how her being in a relationship with a long-term guest would have any impact on her getting/keeping bookings. Maybe if she was banging married guests or something, then sure. But falling for ONE, long-term guest isn’t scandalous. I also thought it was really dumb of her to break things off with Riggs because he’d eventually have to leave…it was pretty obvious he wasn’t going anywhere after getting together with her. I hate when the miscommunication trope is used for something that could have been solved/saved a lot of heartbreak if someone had just spoken up. And now back to the basically forgotten ghost story…I feel like the author either changed her mind about that storyline or edited out way too much information because the (unsolved) ghost story makes no sense. If there had been rumors of the place being haunted BEFORE Gloria died then ok…but at the last minute is basically like, “well, there’s an evil entity that actually haunts this place…not just Gloria…and that’s why she can read Riggs’ mind?” It just felt very disjointed. We also didn’t get even a remote hint at what happened to Gloria, which I found annoying. Is Uncle Theo’s lurch-like groundskeeper Gloria’s murderer? Does he hate Ashlee because she looks so much like Gloria? I think this book would have been better if it had leaned more into the ghost aspect or removed it altogether and just had Gloria’s death be something that’s haunted the town/families and by renovating the house Riggs unintentionally digs everything up.
With all that said, I will be reading book two so I can hopefully find out what actually happened to Gloria and what this mysterious “other” entity is.
When restorer Riggs McClaine returns to Jasper Lake to renovate his family’s long-abandoned mansion, he doesn’t expect to awaken the ghost of Gloria Radcliff or stir up the truth behind her mysterious death. With the help of Gloria’s great-niece, Ashlee, Riggs uncovers secrets buried deep within the mansion’s walls. As their connection deepens, so does the danger surrounding them. The House of Shattered Memories is a haunting gothic romance about love, loss, and the ghosts that refuse to stay buried.
“Some houses beg to be saved. Others demand justice—no matter the cost.”
The House of Shattered Memories, the first installment in the Jasper Lake Series, is a richly atmospheric blend of gothic tension, emotional romance, and slow burning suspense. From the first page I was drawn into a story that feels both intimate and unsettling a tale where the echoes of the past shape the lives of those brave enough to listen. The romance between Riggs and Ashlee is beautifully written balancing passion with vulnerability. Their relationship unfolds naturally, shaped by shared loss and an unspoken need for redemption. The haunting elements are eerie without being gratuitous, grounding the story in emotional realism while maintaining a steady undercurrent of suspense. The author’s prose is evocative and cinematic, with vivid descriptions that make Jasper Lake and its mansion feel like characters in their own right. Each scene hums with atmosphere—stormy nights, candlelit halls, and whispers of the past that blur the line between memory and haunting. While the pacing is intentionally measured, it suits the tone of the novel. The final chapters deliver a satisfying blend of revelation, heartbreak, and hope—leaving readers eager to return to Jasper Lake for whatever secrets lie ahead.
A poignant and immersive gothic romance, The House of Shattered Memories captures the essence of love, legacy and power of revisiting the past.
I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment to discover more secrets of the past and to read this fascinating story as it evolves further.
Highly recommended for those who love stories that entwine mystery, romance, and the supernatural.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was the loveliest, most enjoyable surprise read I’ve had in quite a while. The story centers around McClaine and Radcliff families. At one time they were the closest of friends, until the mysterious death of Gloria Radcliff. Since then the McClaine mansion on Jasper Lake has been shuttered and now sorely in need of a rehabilitation before the McClaine matriarch, Muriel, can visit for one final summer. Enter Riggs McClaine, Muriel’s grand nephew and contractor specializing in historic rehabilitations. While working on the Mansion, Riggs stays at the local B&B, owned and operated by Ashlee Radcliff. While Riggs and Ashlee traverse the bumpy road to their HEA, they delve deeper into Gloria’s mysterious death and why her spirit is still attached to site, but will the house let them solve the mystery? I loved Ashlee and Riggs story. Both characters were relatable, even though they came from a wealthy background, and the slow-burn was just the right amount of angst. While I’m not a fan of the third-act break up, it did fit the story and the development of the characters. The interwoven paranormal story was intriguing and incredibly well done. Nothing was outlandish or unbelievable, and it kept the plot fresh. I was really surprised at the end when I realized this paranormal mystery wasn’t going to be solved, but would continue through the series. Make no mistake, I’ll be reading to find out what happens! The one part I really had a hard time with was some of the architectural descriptions and the rehab techniques described. For the general read, this won’t impact your understanding or experience with the story. If you’re like me and professionally work in the historic preservation field, try to look past it. The story is worth it and the book truly enjoyable.
Definitely read if you love: 🏚️ Slow burns 🏚️ Romantic suspense 🏚️ Paranormal elements 🏚️ Millionaire families 🏚️ Eccentric Uncles
The House of Shattered Memories was such a cute and mysterious read. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of the haunted mansion and the 'what happened?' of it all. I am beyond ready for book two!
Riggs McClaine was a pleasant surprise. When his Great Aunt Muriel writes to him to ask him to restore the family mansion he heads to Concetta, Michigan. While perusing the McClaine family mansion grounds Gloria Radcliff, the ghost that haunts the mansion, reveals herself to Riggs. He's the only person she has ever spoken to. So that instant connection between the mansion and both families is shrouded in mystery.
Ashlee runs the bed & breakfast that Riggs is living in for the next 3 months. She keeps her head down and she does her work, day in and day out. Ashlee instantly feels a pull to Riggs but doesn't want to tarnish her business by having a relationship with a patron. It doesn't take long before the pair can't resist the pull toward each other.
The more Riggs restores the mansion, the more secrets are brought to light. What happened to Gloria and why does she haunt McClaine Manson. And what deeper, darker, spirit is lurking beneath it all?
Honestly, I loved Riggs and Ashlee together. Their relationship was seamless. They complimented each other well and brought out the best in each other. And while the romance was nice it didn't drown out the mystery surrounding the McClaine mansion and Gloria's death. By the end of THOSM I was on the edge of my seat, chomping at the bit for any details about Gloria's life and death.
AHHHHH I LOVED THIS SO MUCH, OH MY GOD!!! The mix of romance, paranormal vibes, and all that delicious suspense in between? Absolute perfection!
Riggs McClaine gets a request from his great-aunt Muriel to restore the McClaine Mansion, a house frozen in time, in Cocetta, Michigan, so she can spend one last summer there. What he didn’t expect? The ghost of Gloria Radcliff, Muriel’s childhood best friend, haunting the mansion. Ashlee Radcliff, Gloria’s grandniece, owns a cozy B&B in Cocetta where Riggs will be staying during the renovation. And when they meet? Sparks. Fly. Everywhere. This was just… so, so good! I adored the story, the characters, the chemistry between Ashlee and Riggs, and of course, Gloria herself.
One thing I didn’t expect was how much I’d love the suspense element. The paranormal twist already made the story unique, but the added mystery and tension tied everything together perfectly! I was on the edge of my seat with all the twists and revelations, and that ending?! The cliffhangers, the unanswered questions, I need the next book right now!
Highly recommend if you enjoy romance with paranormal/gothic elements, rounded out with a pinch of suspense! ^-^
~Thank you to Maeve Garner and Grey’s Promotions for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.~
The House of Shattered Memories is book one in the Jasper Lake series with paranormal, gothic, spooky vibes. Riggs is to renovate his family’s long-abandoned mansion. While doing revocations on the mansion, he decides to stay at a local bed and breakfast nearby, where he will be staying for the next 3 months. The bed and breakfast is owned by Ashlee Radcliff. Right away Riggs tells her that he already met her back at the mansion, but then Ashlee clarifies that it wasn't her that he met, it was her Great aunt, Gloria Radcliffe, who died quite some time ago. Riggs isn't one to believe in ghosts, but after seeking out Gloria's ghost, he may have no choice. I was so invested in this story and finding out what happened to Gloria, but I just wish there was more to this. I'm hoping there will be more in book 2. I also really liked the characters Ashlee and Riggs, but I just couldn't connect with them. I loved the attraction and connection they had, but there was just something about them that wasn't making me absolutely love them. This story also ends on a cliffhanger and I really do want to read the new tin the series.
A cute, small-town contemporary romance with a haunted house, ghost story twist!
This book follows Riggs McClaine as he begins work to restore an old mansion belonging to his great aunt. Others have tried over the years to fix up the house, only to be run out of town by the ghost that haunts the home. After beginning the restoration, Riggs encounters many strange happenings- from odd notes that appear to a very suspicious fire, it turns out that there just might be more than one ghost occupying the old McClaine mansion.
This was a super fun and fitting read for Halloween week! It has suspense, spice, cutesy romance, and is a quick, easy read. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’ll have to look for book two in this series to find out what’s next for the ghosts of the McClaine estate.
Thank you to Maeve Garner and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. 🩷
Okay, so right off the bat wow, this one hooked me way faster than I expected. You know when a story gives you that cozy “curl up and read with a blanket” vibe but also makes you keep glancing at the corner of your room because something feels off? Yeah, that’s the energy here.
It’s got this perfect mix of spooky atmosphere and emotional pull. Like, one minute you’re all wrapped up in the tension between the characters, and the next you’re getting chills because the house is basically its own moody, unpredictable character. The chemistry between the leads? So good. It’s that slow, simmering kind of connection that makes every little glance or touch hit a hundred times harder.
And the mystery running underneath it all ugh, it’s so well done. Nothing feels rushed, and every piece adds to the “what the hell is actually happening here?” feeling in the best way.
This will make your chest ache a little in a good way.
Ashlee runs a bed and breakfast on an island her family has been tied to for many generations. Her latest guest is Riggs, a contractor whose aunt has tasked him with remodeling their family’s vacation home; she wants to return one last time. As Riggs works on the house, he slowly uncovers more of his aunts past on the island and the friend she left behind. Her friend is a member of Ashlee’s family and happens to be a ghost. Something tragic happened, and everyone wants her to be at peace, including her brother who lives in his family’s house near Riggs’. While restoring the house, Ashlee and Riggs grow closer. I really enjoyed their story and their ties to the past, but I wish there was a bit more of a conclusion, especially in relation to the house. I’m excited to read the 2nd book.
I enjoyed Ashlee and Riggs story and their journey through their romance. The book has a good balance of romance and paranormal. I personally didn't find it very gothic. It was a good paranormal that didn't reach into the scary/horror side. But maybe we will see a little more sinister events in the next book(s).
I do wish there was a tad bit more of the paranormal, but I enjoy the ghost side of the book a bit more than the romance. Plus, I really enjoyed the sassy side of Gloria. Their romance was sweet without any big baggage that they needed to unpack. I also really enjoyed the addition of the letters between Riggs and his aunt.
The story does leave off at a cliffhanger which was a bummer for me because I am now impatient to read the rest of the story and find out the truth behind Gloria's murder.
Very interesting read. This one hooked you at the beginning and kept you guessing. It was the perfect mix of romance and spooky atmosphere. The descriptions were a little much. It didn’t leave much to the imagination. I would have liked to learn more about Gloria. The main characters were interesting and had chemistry and you could see the slow burn igniting between them. The house had its own character in the story, which was a nice touch. Gloria’s spirit is tied to the house, and the MCs want to figure out why. The mystery aspect of the story was not front and center as much as the romance was. I understand this is a series and will have to continue the series to hopefully find the answers. Overall, it was a good read.