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Through the Mirror Door
Since the accident, Angela has been alone. When she is invited on holiday with her cousins, it is her chance to be part of a family again if she promises to behave herself. But secrets lie in the walls of the crumbling French holiday home and the forbidden rooms draw Angela in. Soon night-time footsteps, flickering candlelight and shadows in windows lead her to a boy who needs her help. To save him Angela must discover the truth about what happened in the house all those years ago . . . and face the terrible secret of her own past.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2016
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228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 25, 2021
This was AMAZING! It was a spooky, creepy read..& at the same time a beautiful read. Such a great story! Another 1 I just couldn’t put down! I read the last 70% in 1 sitting! Since the accident, Angela has been alone. Sent from 1 “home” to another. Then her Aunt, Uncle, & 2 cousins show up 1 day & all of a sudden want her-if she promises to behave herself. They take her on their holiday to a crumbling French manor. But the secrets in the walls & the forbidden rooms draw Angela in. It all leads her to a boy who needs her help. To save him she must find out the truth of what happened in the house all those years ago, & also face the terrible secret of her own past. The “hidden doorway” in this is so creative & fascinating. I loved the backstory of the boy, & Angela’s own backstory. She’s been through so much already, & carries a lot of pain w/her. Her aunt & cousins are horrible! Well, 1 cousin is kind of ok. But the other one. Brats! The owners of the house are amazing-Herman is the best. The boy Julien is so interesting, & I loved reading his parts. He & Herman definitely have my heart. I found the parts about walnuts amazing! W/the added info the author put in the back I learned so much that I had no idea about! Loved that. This has time travel(in a way), ghosts(but not who you think), & important messages that touch on survivors guilt, family, forgiveness, & bravery. I loved this so much. The ending was so good. I wish there were going to be more books from this, just b/c I’m so interested in what happens in the future lol Highly recommend. Love this cover by Jessica Courtney-Tickle too!💜
May 31, 2017
Everyone should read this book because ja this is just amazing, like woooahh, recommend it to people that love ghosts, mysteries, haunted houses, and any thing really. About an orphan that has an evil aunt. Read this it find out how she saves the wooorrllldd!!!! It's a really good book overall and read it cos it's funn!!
Yaaay, happy reading
Ppsssssst, read this book
Yaaay, happy reading
Ppsssssst, read this book
April 9, 2021
Spooky and creepy but beautiful story.
September 15, 2016
Beautiful, time less classic. If you love Emma Carroll's books, you will love this.
December 10, 2020
This book is about Angela, an orphan girl who's invited for a holiday stay with her aunt, uncle, and two female cousins. They visit a big house (manor?) in France for several days. And like other big houses in stories, this one is also dark and mysterious. And our heroine gets to unravel the mystery.
Angela finds a portal into the past, where she meets a sick boy named Julien. Angela tries to help Julien, and in doing so, she also helps herself.
There's a little bit of sweet and innocent romance between Angela and Julien.
.
The premise about time travelling, I've already mentioned it somewhere before, is tricky to execute. This story attempts to do that, and I can say the result is okay, and still makes sense.
.
As the main character, Angela is not very lovable, but it's understandable, considering she suffers from a huge emotional scar. Her telling lies is her defense mechanism. At the beginning of the story, she cannot accept reality and search for a way to escape. But of course this problem will be solved in the end.
.
Through the Mirror Door is a standalone (I think), but there's a potential that there'll be a sequel, because there is a hint that more mysteries can be unraveled about the house.
Too bad this book doesn't have inside illustrations.
.
Worth reading if you enjoy middle grade novels.
.
I don't know why I seem to keep reading middle grade stories about dealing with loss/death. It's kinda depressing ... Though it also reminds me to be grateful.
Angela finds a portal into the past, where she meets a sick boy named Julien. Angela tries to help Julien, and in doing so, she also helps herself.
There's a little bit of sweet and innocent romance between Angela and Julien.
.
The premise about time travelling, I've already mentioned it somewhere before, is tricky to execute. This story attempts to do that, and I can say the result is okay, and still makes sense.
.
As the main character, Angela is not very lovable, but it's understandable, considering she suffers from a huge emotional scar. Her telling lies is her defense mechanism. At the beginning of the story, she cannot accept reality and search for a way to escape. But of course this problem will be solved in the end.
.
Through the Mirror Door is a standalone (I think), but there's a potential that there'll be a sequel, because there is a hint that more mysteries can be unraveled about the house.
Too bad this book doesn't have inside illustrations.
.
Worth reading if you enjoy middle grade novels.
.
I don't know why I seem to keep reading middle grade stories about dealing with loss/death. It's kinda depressing ... Though it also reminds me to be grateful.
July 29, 2023
Thank you to Susan for picking this up for me — in Spain of all places, and based on nothing other than the charming cover. Haven’t read a YA novel in a long time and I quite enjoyed this. Suspenseful setting, fun characters, and well-constructed plot.
August 22, 2023
A truly wonderful book. Fast Paced, and also fills the reader with warmth. Clever plotting and a pinch of fantasy makes the book a must read.
July 5, 2018
An absolutely delightful spooky take set in an old haunted house, for ages 12 to 90. I loved it.
August 22, 2016
I need to tell you a little bit about the background of this review. I was originally offered a review copy of Through The Mirror Door, which I declined. The reason for that is because I share an agent with Sarah Baker and it all felt a little bit too close to home. One of the great things I value about my blog is that it is honest and objective. I think it's very important to maintain that standard, and the thought of reviewing something that was so near to me felt a little weird (and indeed, forms one of the points on this list of why I don't review things.).
I debated for a long time over accepting the review copy but I declined. Reluctantly. But then I ordered it from the library, because I suspected that was a way around things for me. I could read it in private and figure out if I could write about it. If I should. And I could also give my library some issue statistics at the same time.
And so here I am, writing a review about a book that I didn't think I could write, and I'm writing it because that book is really rather lovely. Through The Mirror Door fits squarely into the very golden tradition of adventure stories and speaks quite distinctly to Philippa Pearce and Tom's Midnight Garden, but also that E Nesbit vibe of strong and distinct heroines who can Solve Problems and Face Up To Things and Be Rather Plucky About IT All.
This is such a lovely story. It's set in an atmospheric, crumbly old French house. The orphaned Angela is on holiday there with her 'maybe-new-family' of distant relatives, and she discovers a secret in the house. And it's a secret that needs saving...
Through the Mirror Door is quietly accomplished and some of the plot twists in it were immensely well handled. Subtlety is a gift that a lot of people lack, they signpost things, but Baker doesn't. She has such a warm and genuine style, that much of this reads like a much more sympathetic Famous Five adventure. Creaking doors. Shadows in the night. Horrible relatives. I will always love books that do what they do with such aplomb. And here's the thing; I suspect that Through The Mirror Door isn't the limit of Baker's writing. I suspect that there's more to come.
Good books will always make me write about them.
I debated for a long time over accepting the review copy but I declined. Reluctantly. But then I ordered it from the library, because I suspected that was a way around things for me. I could read it in private and figure out if I could write about it. If I should. And I could also give my library some issue statistics at the same time.
And so here I am, writing a review about a book that I didn't think I could write, and I'm writing it because that book is really rather lovely. Through The Mirror Door fits squarely into the very golden tradition of adventure stories and speaks quite distinctly to Philippa Pearce and Tom's Midnight Garden, but also that E Nesbit vibe of strong and distinct heroines who can Solve Problems and Face Up To Things and Be Rather Plucky About IT All.
This is such a lovely story. It's set in an atmospheric, crumbly old French house. The orphaned Angela is on holiday there with her 'maybe-new-family' of distant relatives, and she discovers a secret in the house. And it's a secret that needs saving...
Through the Mirror Door is quietly accomplished and some of the plot twists in it were immensely well handled. Subtlety is a gift that a lot of people lack, they signpost things, but Baker doesn't. She has such a warm and genuine style, that much of this reads like a much more sympathetic Famous Five adventure. Creaking doors. Shadows in the night. Horrible relatives. I will always love books that do what they do with such aplomb. And here's the thing; I suspect that Through The Mirror Door isn't the limit of Baker's writing. I suspect that there's more to come.
Good books will always make me write about them.
July 10, 2016
Did you love Tom's Midnight Garden?
Have you ever thought what might be different in the 21st century if you travelled back in time, even without trying to change the course of events?
Does your spine tingle at the thought of a good ghost story?
Might the romance of an almost ruinous French manor house seduce you?
Answer yes to any of these questions and Through the Mirror Door could well be just the book for you.
Relatives who have never previously shown an interest in Angela suddenly turn up to take her on holiday from her foster home, where she has been having a hard time since being orphaned in an accident she believes she was responsible for. Why this sudden interest in Angela? Why do they take her to a crumbling French château? And how can any of this help her find a new family to be part of?
Desperate to escape her taunting cousins, Angela explores the almost derelict house and stumbles across a secret doorway which leads her - eventually - to a whole new understanding of who she is, where she's come from and how she wants to shape her future.
This time-slip novel mixes intrigue, friendship, hope, fear and a dash of spookiness to great effect. Well paced throughout, with an increasingly tightly coiled onwards draw towards the final pages, Baker's book successfully mixes a fresh modern sensibility with a historically rooted yet timeless story about our need to face our demons and our desire to feel a secure sense of "home", however we define it.
With a dash of romance in both senses and a light touch exploration of empowerment and how a young person can make their own choices to create the future what they want, 'Through the Mirror Door' delivers a wonderful dose of escapism along with something a little meatier to feel inspired by. An accomplished début I'll be recommending to many 9-13 year olds.
Have you ever thought what might be different in the 21st century if you travelled back in time, even without trying to change the course of events?
Does your spine tingle at the thought of a good ghost story?
Might the romance of an almost ruinous French manor house seduce you?
Answer yes to any of these questions and Through the Mirror Door could well be just the book for you.
Relatives who have never previously shown an interest in Angela suddenly turn up to take her on holiday from her foster home, where she has been having a hard time since being orphaned in an accident she believes she was responsible for. Why this sudden interest in Angela? Why do they take her to a crumbling French château? And how can any of this help her find a new family to be part of?
Desperate to escape her taunting cousins, Angela explores the almost derelict house and stumbles across a secret doorway which leads her - eventually - to a whole new understanding of who she is, where she's come from and how she wants to shape her future.
This time-slip novel mixes intrigue, friendship, hope, fear and a dash of spookiness to great effect. Well paced throughout, with an increasingly tightly coiled onwards draw towards the final pages, Baker's book successfully mixes a fresh modern sensibility with a historically rooted yet timeless story about our need to face our demons and our desire to feel a secure sense of "home", however we define it.
With a dash of romance in both senses and a light touch exploration of empowerment and how a young person can make their own choices to create the future what they want, 'Through the Mirror Door' delivers a wonderful dose of escapism along with something a little meatier to feel inspired by. An accomplished début I'll be recommending to many 9-13 year olds.
January 4, 2023
This has been one of my favourite books back in 2020. Re-reading it now, I've realized I don't necessarily love everything about it. I love the plot, the storyline, but of course, there would be some downsides to it.
First and foremost, the plot is really good. The idea of having this portal that allows you to travel back to a certain period in time, it's one of the plots that make me think "oh, I wish I have thought of this and wrote a book about it".
Also, the storyline is good. Initially, I had a lot of questions about a lot of things. Why did Cece and Vaughn decide to take Angela to a "holiday"? If they didn't like her so much, why did they take her? Why in that awful rundown French manor? What does Angela mean by "if only they knew what I'd done"? What happened? Why was there a portal in the house? Does Armuth know about it? Why Angela? And the list of questions goes on and on. Baker was able to keep the mystery until the end, keeping readers hooked, curious to know the answers to most (if not all) the questions.
But I still feel some parts of the story were lacking in some sort of way.
The story could have been plotted better. One of my biggest concerns is the fact that Angela's alteration of history only caused the Maison de Noyer to be in perfect state henceforth "saving" it, and the walnut oil extraction to be successful. But I believe Angela's doing could have had a bigger impact on the "present" time. It's not as if Julien was just always locked up in the room for him to not have met people, alter their lives in some sort of way as well. That's one loophole I wish was addressed in the book.
Another one is Julien and Angela's "love story". It was so weird for me to have them be love interests because they've only known each other for a few days and in possibly the worst of all the worst moments--with Julien sick with a fatal and contagious disease, and Angela just popping out of nowhere. Well, maybe it's because of the fact that they're literally both kids. Angela, twelve (?) and Julien, fourteen. Which made it honestly weirder.
I've just realized that maybe the fact that Angela was an orphan, used to not having people like her, I think she really liked the attention (and friendship) that Julien gave her. That finally she has a friend. But still, the love interest part was so weird.
Overall, I give this book a 4-star rating, mostly because I love the 1989 setting and the mirror door part, and it did keep me on the edge of my seat. I'd recommend this book to children, perhaps, or those in their early teens.
First and foremost, the plot is really good. The idea of having this portal that allows you to travel back to a certain period in time, it's one of the plots that make me think "oh, I wish I have thought of this and wrote a book about it".
Also, the storyline is good. Initially, I had a lot of questions about a lot of things. Why did Cece and Vaughn decide to take Angela to a "holiday"? If they didn't like her so much, why did they take her? Why in that awful rundown French manor? What does Angela mean by "if only they knew what I'd done"? What happened? Why was there a portal in the house? Does Armuth know about it? Why Angela? And the list of questions goes on and on. Baker was able to keep the mystery until the end, keeping readers hooked, curious to know the answers to most (if not all) the questions.
But I still feel some parts of the story were lacking in some sort of way.
The story could have been plotted better. One of my biggest concerns is the fact that Angela's alteration of history only caused the Maison de Noyer to be in perfect state henceforth "saving" it, and the walnut oil extraction to be successful. But I believe Angela's doing could have had a bigger impact on the "present" time. It's not as if Julien was just always locked up in the room for him to not have met people, alter their lives in some sort of way as well. That's one loophole I wish was addressed in the book.
Another one is Julien and Angela's "love story". It was so weird for me to have them be love interests because they've only known each other for a few days and in possibly the worst of all the worst moments--with Julien sick with a fatal and contagious disease, and Angela just popping out of nowhere. Well, maybe it's because of the fact that they're literally both kids. Angela, twelve (?) and Julien, fourteen. Which made it honestly weirder.
I've just realized that maybe the fact that Angela was an orphan, used to not having people like her, I think she really liked the attention (and friendship) that Julien gave her. That finally she has a friend. But still, the love interest part was so weird.
Overall, I give this book a 4-star rating, mostly because I love the 1989 setting and the mirror door part, and it did keep me on the edge of my seat. I'd recommend this book to children, perhaps, or those in their early teens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2018
One of the great pleasures of reading is stumbling across a book that you hadn’t meant to find. I found Sarah Baker’s debut novel in the library. Someone had obviously been looking at it and not put it back in the correct place so it stood out. What’s more is that it appears no-one else had read the copy as it was in pristine condition. I thought it was only fair to grab a copy and give it a chance – I’m glad I did!
Angela lives in children’s home and is always in trouble. It seems her life will be a never-ending downward spiral until she unexpectedly gets a chance to go on holiday with Aunt and Uncle. This is her chance to prove she deserves to live with them, rather than move to yet another children’s home. However, things don’t pan out the way she expects.
This is an atmospheric time-travelling novel, set in an aging French mansion. As the fast-paced plot progresses, there is a gentle spookiness brought about by things that go bump in the night and the building of suspense. Baker’s control of the time travel element is seamless, allowing the reader to buy into the shifts between eras. Those who are familiar with time travel stories will be glad to see that Angela’s actions in the past do affect the present – a mistake that often irks me.
Baker’s control of the story shines through the numerous sub-plots which exist in the story. At times I found myself doing a double-take when an element didn’t make sense. However, as many sub-plots become intertwined, more and more is revealed. By the end, everything is tied up nicely with no loose ends. Leaving the reader with a satisfaction that is so often missing.
I surprised myself as I initially didn’t think I was going to get on with the character of Angela. However, I warmed to her as the story progressed. Her actions seemed genuine and her various predicaments allowed me to build empathy towards her. Other characters all had their part to play in the plot, although I did find the odd one a bit flat and undeveloped. This is a minor qualm and one that I’m sure won’t bother younger readers.
By the end, I was gripped by the story and likewise so will younger readers. The pace of the plot, the tenacity of Angela and the ease of reading will hook children and keep them reading.
www.mrdaviesreads.co.uk
Angela lives in children’s home and is always in trouble. It seems her life will be a never-ending downward spiral until she unexpectedly gets a chance to go on holiday with Aunt and Uncle. This is her chance to prove she deserves to live with them, rather than move to yet another children’s home. However, things don’t pan out the way she expects.
This is an atmospheric time-travelling novel, set in an aging French mansion. As the fast-paced plot progresses, there is a gentle spookiness brought about by things that go bump in the night and the building of suspense. Baker’s control of the time travel element is seamless, allowing the reader to buy into the shifts between eras. Those who are familiar with time travel stories will be glad to see that Angela’s actions in the past do affect the present – a mistake that often irks me.
Baker’s control of the story shines through the numerous sub-plots which exist in the story. At times I found myself doing a double-take when an element didn’t make sense. However, as many sub-plots become intertwined, more and more is revealed. By the end, everything is tied up nicely with no loose ends. Leaving the reader with a satisfaction that is so often missing.
I surprised myself as I initially didn’t think I was going to get on with the character of Angela. However, I warmed to her as the story progressed. Her actions seemed genuine and her various predicaments allowed me to build empathy towards her. Other characters all had their part to play in the plot, although I did find the odd one a bit flat and undeveloped. This is a minor qualm and one that I’m sure won’t bother younger readers.
By the end, I was gripped by the story and likewise so will younger readers. The pace of the plot, the tenacity of Angela and the ease of reading will hook children and keep them reading.
www.mrdaviesreads.co.uk
October 31, 2021
Through the Mirror Door tells of a young girl called Angela whose parents and baby brother died in tragic circumstances, and who now resides in a children's home, where she is something of a misfit. Angela is under threat of being moved on again, until her Aunt and Uncle and two cousins arrive to take her on away with a view to taking her in permanently... if she can learn to behave. However, the house in France where they are to spend their holidays hides secrets. Can Angela fit in and find a home with her family, or does fate have something else in store for her?
I love a good time-slip book. This was recommended by a friend who thought I'd like it - which I did!
I love a good time-slip book. This was recommended by a friend who thought I'd like it - which I did!
February 9, 2023
2.5 stars
Not since The Secret Life of Violet Grant has a mediocre book so dramatically ruined itself with a worse-than-mediocre ending 🙃
That was SO unsatisfying!! at least we get a tiny hint that maybe things could be improved later? I have to cling to that, because otherwise - YEESH.
CW: Grief, fire, loss of child, illness, bullying
Not since The Secret Life of Violet Grant has a mediocre book so dramatically ruined itself with a worse-than-mediocre ending 🙃
That was SO unsatisfying!! at least we get a tiny hint that maybe things could be improved later? I have to cling to that, because otherwise - YEESH.
CW: Grief, fire, loss of child, illness, bullying
July 31, 2017
I don't think there are a lot of books I could describe as both 'delightfully creepy' and 'lovely', but this is one of them. I picked up Through The Mirror Door hoping for a good creepy middle-grade read, and that's what I got. But it's also a wonderful tale about love and loss and guilt and grief. It's about finding friendship and family in unexpected places.
It's also a good old fashioned ghost story with a nice strong timey-wimey element too.
It's also a good old fashioned ghost story with a nice strong timey-wimey element too.
April 21, 2021
"Home is wherever youare."
I don't care how old I get, I will always enjoy a good middle grade read. There is something about these books. They make me wax nostalgia and fill me with warmth and memories of better, easier days.
I loved this book. It had so many wonderful elements to it. The spunky, loveable heroine; a ghost story in a manor in France, horrible relatives. I enjoyed every minute.
I don't care how old I get, I will always enjoy a good middle grade read. There is something about these books. They make me wax nostalgia and fill me with warmth and memories of better, easier days.
I loved this book. It had so many wonderful elements to it. The spunky, loveable heroine; a ghost story in a manor in France, horrible relatives. I enjoyed every minute.
October 30, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book! The chapters are very short which is why it was such a page turner for me. It’s a great read for October or November.
It’s a middle grade spooky book and I was completely hooked 😄
It’s a middle grade spooky book and I was completely hooked 😄
July 3, 2021
A fun, twists and turns historical adventure! Reminded me of Coraline and Journey to the River Sea. At first I found the villains too evil, and the touch of romance was quite sweet but a little annoying. It came together really well at the end though, and I enjoyed it more and more as it went on
October 28, 2019
This was a delightfully-creepy time-slip story set in a crumbling French estate, full of mysteries, ghosts, family and romance. An overlooked book which deserves more attention and more readers!
March 19, 2021
3,5/5.
Actually I would like to give 4/5 stars, but at the end of the story why it has just to be like that? I NEED MORE EXPLANATION!!
Actually I would like to give 4/5 stars, but at the end of the story why it has just to be like that? I NEED MORE EXPLANATION!!
July 7, 2021
Very bet
November 16, 2022
Loved this story. Reminded me of The Secret Garden. I love creepy old houses with secrets.
January 11, 2023
It was really easy to read, and the story was good!
April 12, 2024
why didnt u die julien
January 2, 2025
First book that got me into reading
Read
July 29, 2016Angela lives in a children’s home and is moved around often. She makes up stories, makes her own clothing, and tends not to get along with the other children. Then the news comes that her aunt, uncle, and two cousins are coming to collect her and taking her on holiday with them to France, which comes with the chance of a permanent family if she can behave. But something seems off because the family didn’t seem interested in her before . . .
This is an atmospheric and elegant story set in an old French countryside manor. With a hint of paranormal, the history of the house is weaved into Angela’s story. The then and now collide as Angela tries to save a boy from the past and save her own future at the same time. I adored the setting and became really attached to Angela and her journey. Heartwarming and thoughtful – there’s a lot to love here. I’d recommend this to fans of Kendra Leighton’s Glimpse.
This is an atmospheric and elegant story set in an old French countryside manor. With a hint of paranormal, the history of the house is weaved into Angela’s story. The then and now collide as Angela tries to save a boy from the past and save her own future at the same time. I adored the setting and became really attached to Angela and her journey. Heartwarming and thoughtful – there’s a lot to love here. I’d recommend this to fans of Kendra Leighton’s Glimpse.
May 12, 2024
This was such a sweet spooky story, I really enjoyed this read. When I picked this book up I had no idea it was a Middle Grade read, I was expecting some type of romance or plot but it ended on a sweet note.
July 11, 2016
Book review will be posted first on www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
August 30, 2016
Oh oh oh!!! So lovely, feels like a classic - a ghost story without being creepy, a love story without being creepy, a grief story without being depressing. Delicious, perfect for young adolescents.
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May 24, 2017Full of mystery and suspense a plot twist you would never imagine in a historic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews