Snow Hall

Deerness #2

by Elizabeth Gill

From the bestselling author of Miss Appleby's Academy and Doctor of the High Fells comes a gritty novel of one woman's determination, perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Anna Jacobs and Ellie Dean.Lorna Robson works long and tiring hours in her aunt's hat shop in County Durham. Although she tries not to complain, the genteel poverty her family live in depresses her. But when she discovers that a relation has left her a large but dilapidated property, her aunt is strangely furious, and they part on bad terms. Lorna knows she can never return to the life she has made herself. And it is only when she sees Snow Hall that her situation truly dawns on selling the house is unthinkable, but how can she survive without money or help? this book was previously published under the title Snow Hall.

Genres: Historical Fiction

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

https://www.facebook.com/Elizabeth-Gi...

http://elizabethgill.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth, formerly a journalist and house journal editor, has a daughter Katy and lives in Durham City. She began writing at four and had a poem published at twelve and a short story accepted at age twenty. Her first book was published when she was thirty and subsequently has had a total of 40 novels published.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was too predictable for me. Young woman living a very hard life with her aunt who has a hat-making shop. She is isolated and life is drugery. Along comes a lawyer saying she is inheriting from her grandfather who she didn’t know about. She is taken away from this impoverished life and has a chance at something different. Her parents are dead, but her father was a Carlyle, a once reputable family.

Of course she was lured into the life of a wealthy family - Ralph the cousin courts her, but his ulterior motive is to get access to the house that has been left to Lorna.

In the end, the cousin dies and Lorna is able to live her life with the lawyer and live happily ever after!

[Judie Apt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the audio book version.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I chose to read this book I did not remember that I had tried to read one of this author's books before. I am glad that I did not remember, because if I had, I might not have read this book at all. I actually rather liked this book, but I only gave it two stars because of how much I disliked the lead heroine.
Lorna seemed very unaware of what she was doing, and what might come of her actions. I didn't really understand her character at first, but I had the impression that she was at least moderately intelligent, just stuck in the rut of her life with seemingly no escape. I didn't fully realize that she was possibly socially inept until I got further into the book, where Lorna began to make some bad and frankly, disappointing choices. But I didn't blame Lorna for her lack of social skills. I blamed her aunt, who seemed to have disabled her in a way, needlessly. That really made me feel bad for Lorna, and although that did help me understand her better, it still didn't quite explain her lack of common sense, or more accurately, her lack of choice to use it.
When Lorna arrives at Snow Hall she feels an almost instant connection to the beautiful old house. However, it is rundown and in need of great repair. Without the funds to do this, Lorna's solicitor strongly suggests that she sell it and move on with her life. One of her desires in particular, to open and run her own stationary shop. I began to really worry and yet enjoy the curve balls in the story being thrown by the author at what happens next, when her charming cousin she did not even know existed, shows up at Snow Hall, and invites her to meet even more members of her family. Lorna immediately trusts him and takes his offer, not knowing that it will be one of the most ultimate mistakes that lead her on an unsure path of seemingly ruthless betrayal and self-discovery.
I found myself liking the story itself. I read it quickly, and throughout I felt it had a gothic feel to it. The pace was good, and I actually liked the character development, and the characters in it, good and bad. They all made me feel something, which is always a good sign. Ultimately, I am glad I picked this book up, and I even plan to read another by this author, and re-try the one that turned me away from her initially, now that I see what kind of a story she can write.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel Snow Hall by Elizabeth Gill was an enjoyable read. The setting is 1907 in rural England. It tells the story of a young woman who, raised in poverty by a spinster aunt, inherits a property named Snow Hall and how it drastically changes her life. Although she becomes a victim to her cousin Ralph who has always wanted this family property for himself and will do anything to get possession of it, she has the help, support and eventually love of a young lawyer. Together they find answers to the mysteries behind the secret relationship between her father and mother. I found their search for clues to her mother and father added much interest to the plot as well as the changes in Lorna from a very naive young woman who falls prey to the seduction of her cousin Ralph to a woman who determines to find out about her past and finds strength within herself to face that past. Although entrapped in a disastrous marriage, she also shows courage to withstand her difficult circumstances.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story - it wasn't your usual story of romance. There were times when I didn't know what to expect, which, in itself, is unusual. Most romance stories I read are somewhat predictable, but in this one we didn't quite get the storyline that was expected. I would recommend this book to others who like a good romance.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I came across by accident at the library. This is the first book I've read by Ms Gill and shall be reading some of her others. The story was much better than I expected. If you like period dramas you'll like this. The Gentleman in the story reminded me a little bit like Mr Darcy so yes, there is some romance in it. Non predictable so worth a read.

[LInda L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this -- it was nice to see the heroine grow stronger and think for herself.

[Michele Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing book. I read it in one day.

[Gene Ann]

Enjoyed