The Secret of Haversham House

by Julie Matern

Francesca Haversham is eighteen years old and about to step into a glittering future--all she has to do is secure her wealth with an advantageous marriage. Then she learns the her entire identity is a lie. Now Francesca faces a horrible choice. Will she give up all she knows or continue to lie about her past and risk everything, including her heart?

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical, Fiction, Adoption, Historical Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 2018

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like the bones of a decent story are present here, but that they're smothered under an accumulation of stuff heaped up around them. For example, the entire first chapter should have been cut as irrelevant to the story being told. It not only introduces characters we aren't meant to attach strongly to, but it gives away details of the main character's background that would have been better given when they became relevant and present. Another chapter detailing goings-on in Italy should likewise have been cut for the same reason—it neuters any potential tension and lets the reader know not only what will happen but also the likely how.

There are additional issues that should have been caught by a competent editor. The narrative point of view transfers between characters and seems to be determined almost at random (the first scene with the ostensible heroine starts from the perspective of her cousin, for example). And sometimes the narrative pulls back to omniscient where we're told what to think about a given person and/or how to interpret a just-played piece of dialogue.

These are correctible missteps (though likely not without considerable effort) but there are a lot of them and they ended up bogging the story down to the point that continuing just felt ponderous. It's a shame because the good bits might have added up to something interesting if only I hadn't needed so much excavation to get at it.

Because I hate to dump on an obviously new(ish) author, I debated writing this review at all or just letting it go. My investment is light as I'm abandoning it at just over 10% and I'm frankly taking more time thinking this through and writing this review than I did reading the story. It would have been easier to gripe to Melissa to get it out of my system and then move on with my evening. But . . . Well. I don't like hoarding information. And others deserve to know if a $7 ebook/$14 paperback stacks up to others at that price point and I have information that may help in that decision. And I can't help feeling that both the author and publisher are capable of better and my honest feedback may help. Maybe. If my experience is representative...

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets abound at Haversham House and Matern does a fantastic job of creating vivid characters. The prim British society is richly described and the settings have such an authentic feel. Although there are the normal balls and flirtations that will hopefully result in a proposal, there is an integral thread that isn't found in your every day Regency story and it really planted something deep within me. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll end here.

Francesca is a mature eighteen year old and is very delightful. Although this is ultimately her story, there are several other characters who come to life and the tapestry that Matern weaves is charming, sweet, and enlightening. And the settings are realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Content: mild romance; very vague talk of premarital relations; mild religious elements.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I might be a bit biased but I did actually enjoy this book 😉

I’ve read it twice and was entertained both times. Not only is this a clean regency romance, but it’s not a fluffy one. There is intrigue and more about how stuffy society is. Not only that, you get to travel to England, France and Italy!
This book isn’t just about the romance, it’s also about finding out who each character really is. It’s more of a romantic drama like Downton Abbey rather than a chick lit.
I also like how religion isn’t shoved down your throat in this book. Everyone in those days said they were Christian, but you get to see who actually lives a Christian life and who just says they do.

If you want a clean regency romance that actually has substance, then pick up this book and give it a chance.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, clean romance with a touch of intrigue for some book characters.

I won this book in a giveaway and finally had a chance to read it. I think it had several moral to the story elements. The secret the Havershams have kept is no secret to the reader as we are told from the beginning and then watch to see how things play out. The secret would be no big deal in modern times so it caused me to wonder how I would have responded in a like situation since I can't fully relate to theirs. What are the consequences of keeping a secret? Is complete honesty always necessary? With my own modern biases I think I would have kept the secret just between parents and daughter, taking her to Italy to find her identity but are my biases fully honest? I think that way simply because I feel like the truth in this case doesn't and shouldn't matter to anyone else. But in that time period, in England it would have mattered greatly, right or wrong, among the upper crust.

Prejudice is an ongoing issue in this story. Some, like Francesca's grandmother hold tight to their prejudices and even hold them up as a trophy for all to see. The moral is that we reap what we sow. For others, they recognize the prejudice for what it is and work to overcome it, in one case at least relying on God to assist in purging it from them. The former example brings only sorrow in the end and the latter brings true joy.

It takes a mature 18 year old to deal with all the nuances and repercussions of the choices Francesca had to make. I loved that her parents were so supportive in whatever she would decide.

I loved Phillip as he is devoted to Francesca and too honorable to try dishonesty to dissuade her from seeking her happiness elsewhere. He just persevered in learning truth and became her hero. That was why I was a little surprised at one point in the book but - no spoilers.....

As Francesca's birth grandfather follows his quest to discover the whereabouts of his granddaughter I wondered how in the world he could possibly find her. There could be no way for that to happen in my mind but the authors weaves the clues in one at a time as he depletes his health in this seemingly futile quest. I thought it was a sweet aspect to the story.

I saw in other reviews that some did not care for the POV in this book. I have to say that I liked it. I'm not sure how one could have told this story from only one or two points of view. It didn't bother me at all that the storyteller moved to and from people as needed. If it had been in first person it would have been hard to follow but as written the storyteller told us who was being talked about and I didn't have trouble keeping up.

Overall this was an enjoyable read if maybe a little simplistic in some ways. It is clean even though it has mention of women being ruined etc.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: no

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is titled The Secret of Haversham House, but instead of using the word Secret, I think Secrets would be appropriate.

I loved the start of the book. A couple who have longed and prayed for a baby are unexpectedly given the opportunity to be parents to a beautiful baby girl. The problem is that they are British Nobility and blood lines are everything to the peerage.

I found myself thinking about love and loyalty while reading this book. Who are the people who will stay close to you when they find out that you are not exactly what they imagined you to be? Does birth parents compared to adopted parents really matter? Who will try to take advantage of you for their own gain? There are many points to contemplate.

I enjoyed the fact that this is a book about love. There is romantic love, but there is so much more. There is love and acceptance from family near and far. Francesca has many more people who care about her for who she is that who would ridicule her for her birth circumstances.

This book is well written. It has a feeling and a flow to it that you would expect to find in a book written years ago, rather than recently. The main secret is revealed from the start, so I didn't feel it was a spoiler to discuss it in this review. There are many more secrets that are revealed one at a time. A title does not mean someone is a good person, while someone of lowly birth can be full of integrity and honor.

This book discusses pre-marital relations and a person who ruins women's reputations on purpose. I found this to be clean and thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Stinavc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this epic and rich romantic story. The characters came so alive for me that I could not put the book down and relived it over and over for days to follow.
Highly recommend!!

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved this novel. The main character Francesca is so likable, but she is not perfect, but very endearing. I loved her attitude about life and when unseen circumstances came to light, she accepted things with grace and dignity. I also loved the character of Phillip, her good friend who was secretly in love with Francesca. I loved and admired Francesca's loving parents. My heart also couldn't help but love the Italian grandfather Giorgio. Two un-named characters I disliked greatly for different reasons and one is related to Francesca. Her behavior was appalling.

The idea that society rules in England overruled heart and smart thinking was so true. It plays a huge part in this story. I'm happy to say, the people who appeared to be the biggest snobs gained their just rewards. Even though the readers knows about the big reveal that will happen in the book this doesn't take away at all from the slight angst you go through wondering how it all will be revealed.

I highly recommend this Pure Romance book that's clean, well written,and has wonderful characters both good and evil. This novel would be enjoyed by older teens and adults.

[Kristi Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was surprised how often I was thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading and found myself looking for any opportunity to sneak a page or two in.
Matern has a gift for describing scenes which helped me to feel like I could really see what was happening.
I would recommend this book to all.

[Kendra Cusworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. At the end of every chapter, you are left wanting to know more. Beautifully written in the most charming way that makes the story come to life. Read this book!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Secret of Haversham House is rich with language and atmosphere, the Regency setting coming alive across England, France, and Italy. Readers will definitely be immersed in the time period with the vocabulary, activity, and attitudes of the era. There are also several Austen nods throughout the novel, including a Willoughby-esque character and delicious language like ‘ineffable’, so fans of her books will enjoy the mood and cadence of the story.

I enjoyed visiting France and Italy in this story, during this time period. We so often in Regency novels spend the most time in England, but there was such layered cultural and societal expectations in these other countries as well. I also really liked the first chapter – it’s a bit different in that it reads as though someone has sat down next to you to tell you a story – and i LOVE that technique! If this were a movie, the first chapter would be the quavery voice that introduces you to the backstory as scenes go along with it play on screen. It set the tone of the story and made me want to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate to read the rest.

However, the story does tend to get bogged down in needless detail and scenes that don’t really advance the plot. There’s also a lot of head hopping (where the narrative switches to another character’s perspective with little or no transition) and a good deal of telling instead of showing. Sometimes, too, a scene with one character as its focus starts out from the perspective of another, more minor, character and the transition back to the main character isn’t always clear. All in all these aren’t critical problems but they were distracting and made some portions of the story a bit tedious.

Bottom Line: Less of a romance and more of a coming-of-age story, The Secret of Haversham House is also a sweet story of embracing who you are and being true to your heart, regardless of what outside observers have to say. Despite some problems with pacing and perspective, Matern nevertheless delivers characters with whom readers will want to spend time as the secrets of Haversham house are revealed.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of Haversham House is a story about family, prejudice due to class and family distinctions, and love that does not shrink away. A blue-blooded family in England, who has everything they could buy, is without the one thing they want most; a child that they could love on and call their own. A fateful trip to France brings into their acquaintance a young noblewomen from Italy with a secret all her own. What happens afterwards is a secret that stays hidden for 18 years until a death bed confession brings this family to their knees.

This story was an interesting read as we were given an intimate look at a family who comes from a long line of ancestors who value money and pure blood over people and their circumstances. There are a few characters and storylines to keep track of, but the author weaved her story in such a way that there was no confusion as to what was going on. There were some abominable rakes and always the love of money and power would separate some for good.

I liked that the hero in this story realized he too was bound by hypocrisy and realized that he, due to some revelations of his love, faltered in his belief that all people are equal in the sight of God. This was a clean read that shows how one’s choices can affect a lot of people, even families from two different countries and that more than one secret resided at the Haversham House.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Sbrailsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Haversham House is a delightful Regency Romance which kept me turning pages in anticipation of the next plot twist. It is rich in language and is told from each characters’ point of view which allows an in depth intimacy with the dispositions, emotions and personalities of all involved in this romantic drama. This book by Julie Matern was a worthy read and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise this book was! I started the book not having read the the back summary. As the title forecasts, the English Haversham family have a secret that will put their family name as a blue blooded aristocrat is jeopardy

This book brings into discussion keeping the bloodlines pure between classes, family inheritance, and the power of parental love, the worth of a person, and forgiveness. It’s clean and a page turner!

[Todd Matern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the fast action of the book and the different points of view. It was very easy to follow and certainly kept me turning to the next page so I could see how it would play out. It also allowed me to reminisce about my trips to France and Italy. I really enjoyed how I knew what Francesca did not so I would try to anticipate what the next steps would be but the author kept you guessing with interesting twists and turns.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was full of mystery and a love story combined. I loved the plot and the characters. It showed how we look at things in society and how important such imagined self imposed requirements are made of us. I enjoyed the main character and her great morals to go against this. I am glad I read this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read by a wonderful author!

[Sari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! The characters were so endearing and the story engaging. Made me want to go to Italy! It is very clean which is refreshing. Perfect summer read.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Haversham House
By Julie Matern

Francesca Haversham is society's newest debutante and her family is one that all would love to be aligned with through a marital match. Francesca has hopes of a marriage like her parents one in which title and financial holdings play no part in the decision.

When Francesca coming-out introduces her to Langley Ashbourne, an acquaintance of her paternal grandparents, she is intrigued. And his seeming indifference to her is all the more baffling. But Francesca is determined to learn all she can about this man of mystery and enlists the aid of her childhood friend Phillip Waverly to learn more about him.

But a long-held secret is slowly making its presence known. And if this secret comes to light the Haversham family could be scorned by polite society. And with it, any hopes Francesca has of marriage could be utterly crushed in an instant.

The Secret of Haversham House is truly a delight to read. There is more than one secret that is being held tight in this family but each could have dire results if and when they come to be known.

This is, at its heart, a story about family. Does one stand by the one who has fallen beneath society's notice? Or does one rather embrace the rules and cast out one who was once held dear? These are the questions that are soon asked when the truth is used as a weapon.

I really enjoy Francesca - yes her head is easily turned with a few flattering words but she is only eighteen years old. Her mother Emily is perhaps one of the nicest characters as she sees with her heart and not through the dictates of society.

I find the prejudices against those of another class to be something though not as outwardly common today to still be in play in the ideals of some. For some money or power is the only consideration when looking for a potential marriage partner.

I found this to be an easy read. The various storylines all came together in a most satisfying conclusion. The story is one that has a steady pace that doesn't drag or rush the reader - it is just right. Fans of clean Regency period books will love this offering. And if you're looking for some Jane Austen in-between fillers give this one a try. I for one look forward to more works by Julie Matern in the future.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review - All opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, definitely a lot going on in this book and a lot of secrets, not just at Haversham House either. Francesca is a sweet young woman just coming out. In the first part of the book I felt she was naive and judgemental, but I still was drawn to her. As things progress she seems to grow out of those tendencies. Phillip is such a good guy and a good friend to Francesca. You can't help but root for him. Things get a little crazy as different secrets come to life, but I liked the way most of them were handled. Regency society is awful and this book definitely portrays how fickle it can be. I am so glad I was not born during that time. I agree with others that the many different points of view were sometimes distracting and overboard. I do like having the hero and heroine's point of view, so I appreciated that, but I don't know that all the others were always necessary, especially the Haversham grandparents. Overall a good interesting read and I enjoyed the thought provoking discussion questions at the end.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a few chapters to get invested in this book, but then it was easy to keep turning page after page to find out what would happen next. The characters were very well written, some extremely likeable and some I detested. Parts of the plot were unique and were weaved in with other parts that showed the prejudice of Regency England's social hierarchy. I appreciated that it was a clean romance!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful read!

I loved reading ‘The Secret of Haversham House’. It was a delightful read and I enjoyed the variety of characters and the different layers to each of them. I also really enjoyed the complexity of the situations of that time period and the descriptions of the travel to France and Italy. How refreshing to see that all received their just rewards.

[Angie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable regency novel that focuses on the importance of the individual and what really gives a person value, surrounded by a fun romantic subplot and familial mysteries, which threaten each character's identity's foundation.

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Haversham House

Julie certainly knows how to weave a good story by pulling her readers into the story immediately. I’m quite impressed with this historical romance that has an underlying foundation of faith.

[Leslie McKee]

Review to come.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, well developed characters. I enjoyed the journey the book took me on.

[Sarah]

DNF at 25% mid-2021. Tropey romance in the sense that everyone’s waking breaths revolve around discussing and thinking about who each main character is attracted to. The setting of each scene was pretty vague, a lot of dialogue was just described instead of written out, and there was a lot of telling. Some glimpses of real showing popped up now and then, but otherwise what I read was a long list of emotions and info dumping. Could have been good if we saw more personality before the love interests showed up, or if the “mystery” had actually been one... a lot of potential but not for me.

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was almost a 3 star book. I don't know anything about this author, but my guess would be she is a new author. The first half of the book needed better editing. There were two many back stories about characters that I didn't really need or want back stories on, and there was just two much unnecessary "stuff" weighing the story down. The second half of the story was better. The story just flowed better.
I did like the concept of the story, I just need a bit more work in my opinion.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're looking for the typical regency/pride and prejudice book, this checks all the boxes. The beginning is slow as you are introduced to all the different characters and have to wade through the different balls and get-togethers as the connections are established. I felt like the characters needed more development and more substance. The whole thing felt very surface-level. And though the pace picked up, I found myself wishing for more depth.

[Keshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it would be more suspenseful and Gothic, based on the title and description. But the big secret of the family is shown to readers in the first chapter and the other "secrets" or plot twists are handled easily. I didn't care for the hero, Philip, and the heroine was kind of a secondary character for much of the book.

[Kriss Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Book!

This book was darling! I loved the storyline! It was such a breath of fresh air! I loved that it had romance but that it wasn’t the main idea.