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The Woman in the Mirror
Governess Alice Miller loves Winterbourne the moment she sees it. Towering over the Cornish cliffs, its dark corners and tall turrets promise that, if Alice can hide from her ghosts anywhere, it’s here.
And who better to play hide and seek with than twins Constance and Edmund? Angelic and motherless, they are perfect little companions.
2018
Adopted at birth, Rachel’s roots are a mystery. So, when a letter brings news of the death of an unknown relative, Constance de Grey, Rachel travels to Cornwall, vowing to uncover her past.
With each new arrival, something in Winterbourne stirs. It’s hiding in the paintings. It’s sitting on the stairs.
It’s waiting in a mirror, behind a locked door.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
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August 9, 2020
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James is a 2020 Minotaur publication.
An eerie tribute to supernatural Gothic tales!
It’s 1947 and Alice Miller has just arrived at Winterbourne Hall to start her new job as governess for Jonathan de Grey’s twins. Alice is hoping this position will help her move beyond her haunted past as she works to keep her own secrets buried.
However, Jonathan is not a very warm person, at all, and the bond she initially forges with the children quickly sours. Not only that, the house itself appears to have an evil intent- its purpose to drive Alice to the brink of insanity…
Fast forward to present day New York, where Rachel Wright discovers she has inherited Winterbourne. Because she was adopted at birth, Rachel feels this may be the perfect opportunity to learn more about her heritage.
Yet, upon arrival, she finds that Winterbourne’s history is far from romantic, and despite her determination to stay and uncover all the long buried secrets of its past, the house and its tragic legacy prove to be more of a formidable opponent than she bargained for...
This book had my name on it! Rebecca James did a fantastic job of creating the intense uneasiness of a good spooky Gothic tale of terror, without lapsing into ridiculous clichés. The book is in some ways an homage to some of the greats, replete with the Cornish setting, the governess, the imposing house, and all those dark secrets, and of course, the requisite touch of the supernatural.
While the story is true to the classics, the modern- day timeline, allows James to put her own contemporary stamp on the story. The suspense is taut, the atmosphere heavy and malevolent, seamlessly blending the past with the present.
This is my kind of Gothic story! I loved it! I am so happy to see the traditional themes given a seat of honor is this topical tale of Gothic suspense!! Well done!
4.5 stars
An eerie tribute to supernatural Gothic tales!
It’s 1947 and Alice Miller has just arrived at Winterbourne Hall to start her new job as governess for Jonathan de Grey’s twins. Alice is hoping this position will help her move beyond her haunted past as she works to keep her own secrets buried.
However, Jonathan is not a very warm person, at all, and the bond she initially forges with the children quickly sours. Not only that, the house itself appears to have an evil intent- its purpose to drive Alice to the brink of insanity…
Fast forward to present day New York, where Rachel Wright discovers she has inherited Winterbourne. Because she was adopted at birth, Rachel feels this may be the perfect opportunity to learn more about her heritage.
Yet, upon arrival, she finds that Winterbourne’s history is far from romantic, and despite her determination to stay and uncover all the long buried secrets of its past, the house and its tragic legacy prove to be more of a formidable opponent than she bargained for...
This book had my name on it! Rebecca James did a fantastic job of creating the intense uneasiness of a good spooky Gothic tale of terror, without lapsing into ridiculous clichés. The book is in some ways an homage to some of the greats, replete with the Cornish setting, the governess, the imposing house, and all those dark secrets, and of course, the requisite touch of the supernatural.
While the story is true to the classics, the modern- day timeline, allows James to put her own contemporary stamp on the story. The suspense is taut, the atmosphere heavy and malevolent, seamlessly blending the past with the present.
This is my kind of Gothic story! I loved it! I am so happy to see the traditional themes given a seat of honor is this topical tale of Gothic suspense!! Well done!
4.5 stars
February 3, 2020
Gothic, Atmospheric, creepy tale which takes place during dual timelines in an English Castle. A family haunted by the past, a woman in the present searching for answers about her past...oh how beautifully they collide!!!
Winterbourne Hall has always stood high on the bluffs overlooking the Ocean, hasn't it? Well, for at least two centuries it did, but before that.......
In 1947, Alice Miller accepted a job as a governess of Captain Jonathan de Grey’s twin children. Alice is immediately taken with the two children. She views them as absolute darlings and embraces them and throws herself into teaching them and proving for their care. Naturally, she is interested in learning more about the twin's deceased mother and their intriguing yet distant father. She doesn't understand the housekeeper's warnings about the children. Soon, things begin to change. The twins are no longer as loving and in fact, they become quite the opposite. Then there are things she notices about painting in her room, something isn't quite right. She no longer feels welcome in her new home.... but she also doesn't want to leave - not now - she is in love - she.......(sorry, I'm not saying anything else about Alice).
In the present day in NYC, Rebecca Wright is enjoying success as an art gallery curator. She just had a successful showing and her future looks bright. Then one day she receives a letter informing her that she is the descendant of the de Greys and heir to Winterbourne. Intrigued and wanting answers about her biological family, she decides to go to England. She always knew she was adopted and loved her parents but a part of her always wanted to know about why and who placed her for adoption. Will Winterbourne Hall provide her with the answers she always sought?
I love Gothic tales and Rebecca James got it right with this one. This was a pleasure from the very first page. Fans of Gothic tales will not be disappointed. It begins with a witch and ends with.... read it to find out. I loved how dark and atmospheric this book was without being over the top. There was just enough of those elements to keep the tale feeling dark and chilling without being scary. What is it that lurks in the dark corners, whispering, prodding and wishing harm to the women who find happiness there?
Will either woman ever find happiness? Will Rachel finally learn the truth about her origins? Is the home cursed?
The dual timelines worked beautifully for me. I did enjoy the past storyline much more than the present; however, the present one was enjoyable - it just didn't feel as dark or atmospheric as the past storyline. Toward the end, I wondered if this book was going off the rails, but James managed to bring it all together and I enjoyed how the book ended. I found this book to be well thought out, perfected paced, and enjoyed how everything came together.
Gothic tale fans - this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Winterbourne Hall has always stood high on the bluffs overlooking the Ocean, hasn't it? Well, for at least two centuries it did, but before that.......
In 1947, Alice Miller accepted a job as a governess of Captain Jonathan de Grey’s twin children. Alice is immediately taken with the two children. She views them as absolute darlings and embraces them and throws herself into teaching them and proving for their care. Naturally, she is interested in learning more about the twin's deceased mother and their intriguing yet distant father. She doesn't understand the housekeeper's warnings about the children. Soon, things begin to change. The twins are no longer as loving and in fact, they become quite the opposite. Then there are things she notices about painting in her room, something isn't quite right. She no longer feels welcome in her new home.... but she also doesn't want to leave - not now - she is in love - she.......(sorry, I'm not saying anything else about Alice).
In the present day in NYC, Rebecca Wright is enjoying success as an art gallery curator. She just had a successful showing and her future looks bright. Then one day she receives a letter informing her that she is the descendant of the de Greys and heir to Winterbourne. Intrigued and wanting answers about her biological family, she decides to go to England. She always knew she was adopted and loved her parents but a part of her always wanted to know about why and who placed her for adoption. Will Winterbourne Hall provide her with the answers she always sought?
I love Gothic tales and Rebecca James got it right with this one. This was a pleasure from the very first page. Fans of Gothic tales will not be disappointed. It begins with a witch and ends with.... read it to find out. I loved how dark and atmospheric this book was without being over the top. There was just enough of those elements to keep the tale feeling dark and chilling without being scary. What is it that lurks in the dark corners, whispering, prodding and wishing harm to the women who find happiness there?
Will either woman ever find happiness? Will Rachel finally learn the truth about her origins? Is the home cursed?
The dual timelines worked beautifully for me. I did enjoy the past storyline much more than the present; however, the present one was enjoyable - it just didn't feel as dark or atmospheric as the past storyline. Toward the end, I wondered if this book was going off the rails, but James managed to bring it all together and I enjoyed how the book ended. I found this book to be well thought out, perfected paced, and enjoyed how everything came together.
Gothic tale fans - this is the book for you!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2020
3.5 Winterbourne. The haunting edifice, ancestral home of the De Grey's, situated on the cliffs of Cornwall. The place where a young woman, with her own secret past, is hired to be the governess to the young, motherless De Grey twins.
Well, who can resist. A haunted estate, but haunted by whom and why? Strong gothic tones, secrets, where things are not always as they appear. Manderly, anyone? What is true, what is not? Two timelines, present and past. The future plot brings another young woman to a now shadow of the estate it once was. This young woman trying to find the clues to her own life, or own ancestry. Though I seldom find both timelines of equal interest, this one was quite close.
Dark, gloomy outside, curled up on my couch in s comfy fleece, what could be better than to find oneself immersed in a dark, gloomy book? It's gothicly delicious.
Well, who can resist. A haunted estate, but haunted by whom and why? Strong gothic tones, secrets, where things are not always as they appear. Manderly, anyone? What is true, what is not? Two timelines, present and past. The future plot brings another young woman to a now shadow of the estate it once was. This young woman trying to find the clues to her own life, or own ancestry. Though I seldom find both timelines of equal interest, this one was quite close.
Dark, gloomy outside, curled up on my couch in s comfy fleece, what could be better than to find oneself immersed in a dark, gloomy book? It's gothicly delicious.
October 18, 2021
The Woman in the Mirror ticked all the right boxes for my interest. The gothic English manor on the cliffside by the sea. Wicked twins, a cruel father, a dead mother. A new governess’ arrival. A woman adopted as an infant, haunted by not knowing her ancestors. Secrets. I thought this would be an atmospheric book perfect for a seasonal read. And it was okay. I just didn’t like it nearly as much as I expected.
I listened to an audio narrated by Charlotte Newton-John and Katharine Mangold. I was glad for both narrators because there were two timelines and having distinctly different voices helped me keep the transitions separated. As far as audios go, it was good not great. I preferred the 1947 narrator best.
In the 1947 time, you have Alice Miller the new governess to the twins of Winterbourne, the manor on the seaside. And the twins’ father, Captain Jonathan de Grey. Alice had secrets in her past she wanted to forget. It appeared that the twins liked to play wicked games on Alice. The result of the games put Alice out of favor with the captain. Then, Alice experienced uncanny things she could not explain. Could something other than the twins be responsible?
In the present time, you have Rachel Wright, a New York gallery owner. She was troubled by not knowing about her birth parents. She had experienced loss in her life as an adult too. It was a shock when Rachel learned about inheriting her birth family’s manor in England. Would she finally know the truth about her ancestors?
As the story unfolded, the connect between the timelines became clear. This was interesting, yet the flip to a different period felt jarring. It was like reading two books at the same time. Each period had their own characters to keep straight. I didn’t engage with either Alice or Rachel.
If I had to choose one “biggie” that did not work for me, it would be the writing. It was on the dramatic side and tended to be flowery. It didn’t build suspense or foreboding.
However, I did think both timelines concluded well. One had a sudden twist that was over quickly.
In the end, The Woman in the Mirror just did not work for me. It seemed like a story that would be ideal. I can’t offer more explanation because I don’t know what to say. Based on ratings, there is a good chance you will like this book much better than me.
I listened to an audio narrated by Charlotte Newton-John and Katharine Mangold. I was glad for both narrators because there were two timelines and having distinctly different voices helped me keep the transitions separated. As far as audios go, it was good not great. I preferred the 1947 narrator best.
In the 1947 time, you have Alice Miller the new governess to the twins of Winterbourne, the manor on the seaside. And the twins’ father, Captain Jonathan de Grey. Alice had secrets in her past she wanted to forget. It appeared that the twins liked to play wicked games on Alice. The result of the games put Alice out of favor with the captain. Then, Alice experienced uncanny things she could not explain. Could something other than the twins be responsible?
In the present time, you have Rachel Wright, a New York gallery owner. She was troubled by not knowing about her birth parents. She had experienced loss in her life as an adult too. It was a shock when Rachel learned about inheriting her birth family’s manor in England. Would she finally know the truth about her ancestors?
As the story unfolded, the connect between the timelines became clear. This was interesting, yet the flip to a different period felt jarring. It was like reading two books at the same time. Each period had their own characters to keep straight. I didn’t engage with either Alice or Rachel.
If I had to choose one “biggie” that did not work for me, it would be the writing. It was on the dramatic side and tended to be flowery. It didn’t build suspense or foreboding.
However, I did think both timelines concluded well. One had a sudden twist that was over quickly.
In the end, The Woman in the Mirror just did not work for me. It seemed like a story that would be ideal. I can’t offer more explanation because I don’t know what to say. Based on ratings, there is a good chance you will like this book much better than me.
March 10, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
I emerge from beneath my covers to tell you that I haven't been genuinely so terrified in quite awhile. As a malevolent spirit takes old of a British manor, it has devastating consequences for the women who try to live happily under its roof. Right from the very beginning of this tale, "she" wrapped her cold hands around my neck and just wouldn't let go.
In 1947, Alice Miller escapes from war scarred London to take a job as a governess for the twin children of Captain de Grey. Instantly, Alice is enamored by Winterbourne, Constance and Edmund and the scar-faced patriarch. But the dark spirits that surround the house soon sense that they can use Alice's own secrets against her.
In 2018, New York art gallery owner, Rachel receives a suprising letter that informs her that through a biological parent, she is related to the people of Winterbourne so she decides to journey to Cornwall to uncover her family's past.
Let me address that this tale is reminiscent of The Turn of The Screw and The Woman in Black but it didn't lessen the tension that I felt as I held my breath and worried about Alice and Rachel in that house. Hands down, a favorite of 2020!
Goodreads review published 07/03/20
Expected publication. 17/03/20
I emerge from beneath my covers to tell you that I haven't been genuinely so terrified in quite awhile. As a malevolent spirit takes old of a British manor, it has devastating consequences for the women who try to live happily under its roof. Right from the very beginning of this tale, "she" wrapped her cold hands around my neck and just wouldn't let go.
In 1947, Alice Miller escapes from war scarred London to take a job as a governess for the twin children of Captain de Grey. Instantly, Alice is enamored by Winterbourne, Constance and Edmund and the scar-faced patriarch. But the dark spirits that surround the house soon sense that they can use Alice's own secrets against her.
In 2018, New York art gallery owner, Rachel receives a suprising letter that informs her that through a biological parent, she is related to the people of Winterbourne so she decides to journey to Cornwall to uncover her family's past.
Let me address that this tale is reminiscent of The Turn of The Screw and The Woman in Black but it didn't lessen the tension that I felt as I held my breath and worried about Alice and Rachel in that house. Hands down, a favorite of 2020!
Goodreads review published 07/03/20
Expected publication. 17/03/20
March 14, 2020
Intense, sinister, and mystical!
In this debut novel by James, The Woman in the Mirror, she transports us to the rugged cliffside of Cornwall, England during 1947, as well as present-day, and into a family manor where powerful emotions swirl, tragic memories reside, and long-buried skeletons and secrets are in abundance.
The prose is ominous and dark. The characters are complex, lonely, and troubled, with the setting, Winterborne Hall, being a character itself with its dereliction and isolation. And the plot told from alternating timelines is a gripping, suspenseful tale full of familial drama, heartache, tension, obsession, death, revenge, cruelty, desperation, and violence, all interwoven with a sliver of the supernatural.
Overall, The Woman in the Mirror is a gothic, atmospheric, eerie tale that captivates from the very first page and ultimately leaves you chilled, mystified, and entertained.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this debut novel by James, The Woman in the Mirror, she transports us to the rugged cliffside of Cornwall, England during 1947, as well as present-day, and into a family manor where powerful emotions swirl, tragic memories reside, and long-buried skeletons and secrets are in abundance.
The prose is ominous and dark. The characters are complex, lonely, and troubled, with the setting, Winterborne Hall, being a character itself with its dereliction and isolation. And the plot told from alternating timelines is a gripping, suspenseful tale full of familial drama, heartache, tension, obsession, death, revenge, cruelty, desperation, and violence, all interwoven with a sliver of the supernatural.
Overall, The Woman in the Mirror is a gothic, atmospheric, eerie tale that captivates from the very first page and ultimately leaves you chilled, mystified, and entertained.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2020
YOU guys. This book was so spooky. Definitely one of the spookiest books I’ve read in the longest time. I loved every second of it, even though i was terrified half the time. But it’s fine, I’ll just ignore the scary parts and hope I don’t have nightmares. Definitely read this and include it especially in any spookathon lists!
July 31, 2024
Peak gothic, paranormal, haunted, cursed, witchy, romantic vibes! I love this book and I don't think Rebecca James has gifted us with any other books like this one which is crushing my soul this day.
I will write up a full review for my Patreon on Monday!
This is available on Kindle Unlimited but I just bought myself a paperback for my library.
Literally every trope you could possibly want from a traditional (yet feminist) Gothic novel.
xo
I will write up a full review for my Patreon on Monday!
This is available on Kindle Unlimited but I just bought myself a paperback for my library.
Literally every trope you could possibly want from a traditional (yet feminist) Gothic novel.
xo
November 16, 2019
I am loving the continued revival of gothic tales following the success of The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware and The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths- two fabulous books that you should read if you haven’t yet. One of my favorite new additions to the genre is The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James - it’s deliciously creepy and so much fun to read. If you like a good solid ghost story with a definite gothic feel- this is the book for you.
For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
For more reviews, check out my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
March 21, 2025
DNF around 50%!
I've tried for several days to finish the audio version of this book, but I just can't find myself taking to the story. Today was at least the third time I tried to listen to it, but I find myself almost depressed with the thought of listening to it. So, now I'm giving up and I will pick something else to listen to!
I've tried for several days to finish the audio version of this book, but I just can't find myself taking to the story. Today was at least the third time I tried to listen to it, but I find myself almost depressed with the thought of listening to it. So, now I'm giving up and I will pick something else to listen to!
January 13, 2020
For more than two centuries, Winterbourne Hall has stood atop of a bluff overseeing the English countryside of Cornwall.
In 1947, Alice Miller accepts a post as governess at Winterbourne, looking after Captain Jonathan de Grey's two children. When she arrives, she immediately falls in love with the house, the children, and the Captain. But then sinister things start happening to Alice. And the twins' adoration becomes almost hateful and they start believing that Alice is not to be trusted. As the weeks go by, the manor seems to be turning on her, it resents her and is clouding her judgment. Or is it? Can we trust Alice, a girl with a damaged past?
In present-day New York, Artist Rachel Wright learns that Captain Jonathan de Grey was her grandfather, and she's now the heir to Winterbourne. Rachel, who was adopted as an infant, travels to Cornwall to learn more about her identity. But what she finds is a horrible legacy that has haunted the de Grey family for over two hundred years.
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James is a gripping Gothic story of love, obsession, and madness. Set in the rural Cornish countryside, the story's foreboding atmosphere quickly drew me in and held my interest until the last page. The story switches between the two timelines and is told from the perspectives of Alice and Rachel. I found Alice to be a very likable character. The author does a brilliant job of making the reader question Alice's sanity and making you feel like you're going crazy right along with her.
I really didn't care for Rachel's character in the beginning but warmed to her as the story progressed. With each chapter, more dark secrets come to light and the tension and suspense slowly build until we finally get some answers to the Winterbourne house. Is it haunted, or is there something wrong with the de Grey family? I really like how everything tied together and thought the ending was brilliant. I highly recommend this book, it's the perfect story to curl up with on a rainy day.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In 1947, Alice Miller accepts a post as governess at Winterbourne, looking after Captain Jonathan de Grey's two children. When she arrives, she immediately falls in love with the house, the children, and the Captain. But then sinister things start happening to Alice. And the twins' adoration becomes almost hateful and they start believing that Alice is not to be trusted. As the weeks go by, the manor seems to be turning on her, it resents her and is clouding her judgment. Or is it? Can we trust Alice, a girl with a damaged past?
In present-day New York, Artist Rachel Wright learns that Captain Jonathan de Grey was her grandfather, and she's now the heir to Winterbourne. Rachel, who was adopted as an infant, travels to Cornwall to learn more about her identity. But what she finds is a horrible legacy that has haunted the de Grey family for over two hundred years.
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James is a gripping Gothic story of love, obsession, and madness. Set in the rural Cornish countryside, the story's foreboding atmosphere quickly drew me in and held my interest until the last page. The story switches between the two timelines and is told from the perspectives of Alice and Rachel. I found Alice to be a very likable character. The author does a brilliant job of making the reader question Alice's sanity and making you feel like you're going crazy right along with her.
I really didn't care for Rachel's character in the beginning but warmed to her as the story progressed. With each chapter, more dark secrets come to light and the tension and suspense slowly build until we finally get some answers to the Winterbourne house. Is it haunted, or is there something wrong with the de Grey family? I really like how everything tied together and thought the ending was brilliant. I highly recommend this book, it's the perfect story to curl up with on a rainy day.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
Mi-au plăcut surprinzător de mult atmosfera întunecată și misterul care înconjoară conacul. Dacă nu aș fi crescut cu serialul Criminal Minds, pe care îl urmăream noaptea, m-aș fi zgribulit de câteva ori. Însă romanul e stricat de faptul că accentul se pune pe două femei neinteresante. Incredibil cum două muieri au reușit să transforme o poveste gotică într-o miorlăială. Miau, vreau o familie cu ăla! Miau, m-am săturat de succes și vreau să stau izolată în conac. Miau, uite un bărbat, trebuie să mă îndrăgostesc de el în câteva zile!
A fost o lectură OK, potrivită pentru vremea asta, pentru că o parte din acțiune se desfășoară chiar în această perioadă. Însă pare scrisă mai degrabă pentru femeile care își iau halatul pufos și se bagă sub plapumă să o citească, încercând să fie curajoase. Apreciez intenția, însă prea multă dragoste din toate părțile pentru un roman care se vrea a fi misterios și macabru. Decentă încercare, totuși.
,,Dar sunt femeie, nu lup. Poate sunt ceva între."
,,El era precum nopțile târzii, precum cafeaua, precum termenele limită, o soluție rapidă care o făcea să meargă mai departe, nimic permanent sau serios, o pierdere după care nu ar fi suferit."
A fost o lectură OK, potrivită pentru vremea asta, pentru că o parte din acțiune se desfășoară chiar în această perioadă. Însă pare scrisă mai degrabă pentru femeile care își iau halatul pufos și se bagă sub plapumă să o citească, încercând să fie curajoase. Apreciez intenția, însă prea multă dragoste din toate părțile pentru un roman care se vrea a fi misterios și macabru. Decentă încercare, totuși.
,,Dar sunt femeie, nu lup. Poate sunt ceva între."
,,El era precum nopțile târzii, precum cafeaua, precum termenele limită, o soluție rapidă care o făcea să meargă mai departe, nimic permanent sau serios, o pierdere după care nu ar fi suferit."
August 7, 2018
This was an oddly frustrating book. I found it compelling enough to keep me turning pages and I rather enjoyed the Gothic aspects of it, but I had a problem with the two (or three if you count the dead) female protagonists. I like dual narrative fiction especially if one or both are set historically. But neither of them quite came off for me, unfortunately. I’ll go into why in a moment.
In the present day, gallery owner, Rachel Wright, has always felt rejected by life on some basic level. Other people had families but as an adoptee it seems the universe never meant that to be for her. After a personal tragedy, she has shut down determined not to allow love in again. It comes as a surprise when the death of an unknown relative leaves her mistress of a great Cornish estate, the Gothic looking Winterbourne.
Alice Miller has lived a life somewhat devoid of or at least sparse in love, both before and after WWII. Taking a chance on a governess position at a remote Cornish residence, it seems she may have finally found a place to belong at last. But Winterbourne doesn’t like intruders. Especially women…
Clearly this draws on Gothic classics such as Rebecca, Jane Eyre, the Turn of the Screw and on a huge body of haunted house folk tales. However it lacked the cohesion you find in the gothic elements of those stories. The supernatural has its own logic and James does not make the connection but instead leaves gaping holes. There's a sense of including too many ghostly elements without this chain of logic too. Is Alice, the governess, tormented by the eerily beautiful and well behaved twins? How much of it is The Yellow Wallpaper and The Tell Tale Heart, and how much is done to her? Conversely why doesn't Rachel experience similar feelings of obsession and imbalance? Just which household item is haunted? Is there a ghost? You wouldn't normally need pat answers but some of it just doesn't make sense.
Add to that the lack of agency both women display. The fact that neither is complete without a man. The sudden and convenient pregnancies (eye roll - we are more than baby machines!)
Alice became downright unlikeable. I think we're meant to believe her begaviour is due to the curse affecting her but she came off as the worst parts of Mrs De Winter - a paranoid, obsessive and jealous woman, somewhat misogynistic and hateful towards imagined rivals. Rachel was a bit blank. I honestly don't know what the draw was for her love interest. I dispised the way she caved to the man she'd been on and off sleeping with but hadn't been bothered about. When a woman sends a man packing in a book for the reasobs Rachel does, I want her to stick to that decision. Not start thinking of how she will maje gerself love him. And then the answer to the mystery was so easily found it was a bit too neat. It fell a bit flat.
So all in all I did like it and enjoy most of it but I really wanted the MCs to do things nit just constantly be done to. There's no excuse for such passive female characters anymore.
And there is the troubling presentation of historical detail. Witch hunts were quite uncommon even in Cornwall in the 1800s. And then Alice, whose narrative is set in 1948, reads like an 18th character. It was very jarring. Maybe it was a stylistic choice but it didn't work for me.
Glad I read it but if someone wanted a Gothic read recommendation this wouldn't be my first choice.
In the present day, gallery owner, Rachel Wright, has always felt rejected by life on some basic level. Other people had families but as an adoptee it seems the universe never meant that to be for her. After a personal tragedy, she has shut down determined not to allow love in again. It comes as a surprise when the death of an unknown relative leaves her mistress of a great Cornish estate, the Gothic looking Winterbourne.
Alice Miller has lived a life somewhat devoid of or at least sparse in love, both before and after WWII. Taking a chance on a governess position at a remote Cornish residence, it seems she may have finally found a place to belong at last. But Winterbourne doesn’t like intruders. Especially women…
Clearly this draws on Gothic classics such as Rebecca, Jane Eyre, the Turn of the Screw and on a huge body of haunted house folk tales. However it lacked the cohesion you find in the gothic elements of those stories. The supernatural has its own logic and James does not make the connection but instead leaves gaping holes. There's a sense of including too many ghostly elements without this chain of logic too. Is Alice, the governess, tormented by the eerily beautiful and well behaved twins? How much of it is The Yellow Wallpaper and The Tell Tale Heart, and how much is done to her? Conversely why doesn't Rachel experience similar feelings of obsession and imbalance? Just which household item is haunted? Is there a ghost? You wouldn't normally need pat answers but some of it just doesn't make sense.
Add to that the lack of agency both women display. The fact that neither is complete without a man. The sudden and convenient pregnancies (eye roll - we are more than baby machines!)
Alice became downright unlikeable. I think we're meant to believe her begaviour is due to the curse affecting her but she came off as the worst parts of Mrs De Winter - a paranoid, obsessive and jealous woman, somewhat misogynistic and hateful towards imagined rivals. Rachel was a bit blank. I honestly don't know what the draw was for her love interest. I dispised the way she caved to the man she'd been on and off sleeping with but hadn't been bothered about. When a woman sends a man packing in a book for the reasobs Rachel does, I want her to stick to that decision. Not start thinking of how she will maje gerself love him. And then the answer to the mystery was so easily found it was a bit too neat. It fell a bit flat.
So all in all I did like it and enjoy most of it but I really wanted the MCs to do things nit just constantly be done to. There's no excuse for such passive female characters anymore.
And there is the troubling presentation of historical detail. Witch hunts were quite uncommon even in Cornwall in the 1800s. And then Alice, whose narrative is set in 1948, reads like an 18th character. It was very jarring. Maybe it was a stylistic choice but it didn't work for me.
Glad I read it but if someone wanted a Gothic read recommendation this wouldn't be my first choice.
March 1, 2020
In 1947, Alice Miller comes to Winterbourne to be a governess for Cpt. Jonathan de Grey's twins. At first, the situation is idyllic. The isolated mansion on top a cliff by the sea is beautiful...but frightening or even threatening as well. The children's strange affection for her starts to turn dark. And their father slowly turns spiteful and mean. Flash forward several decades....orphan Rachel Wright finally discovers who her parents were and that she is the heir of Winterbourne. Excited that she finally has knowledge she wanted all her life, she discovers the old mansion hides secrets and mysteries that might have been best left alone.
This story is very gothic in feel. Very Victoria Holt-esque. I loved it! The story sucked me right in and I enjoyed every twist and turn. I'm not usually big on plots that skip back and forth in time, but for this sort of tale, it works. This sort of story has been done many times before.....governess finds herself isolated in a dangerous, mysterious situation....and a later resident of the house discovers what happened. But, Rebecca James does a superb job at re-visiting an old, tried and true gothic plot. She never allows the story to fall into melodrama or theatrics. This story is very well written. Great character development. And, some good twists along the way.
This is the first book by Rebecca James that I have read. I will definitely be coming back for more! Very enjoyable read!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This story is very gothic in feel. Very Victoria Holt-esque. I loved it! The story sucked me right in and I enjoyed every twist and turn. I'm not usually big on plots that skip back and forth in time, but for this sort of tale, it works. This sort of story has been done many times before.....governess finds herself isolated in a dangerous, mysterious situation....and a later resident of the house discovers what happened. But, Rebecca James does a superb job at re-visiting an old, tried and true gothic plot. She never allows the story to fall into melodrama or theatrics. This story is very well written. Great character development. And, some good twists along the way.
This is the first book by Rebecca James that I have read. I will definitely be coming back for more! Very enjoyable read!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
September 1, 2020
I absolutely love a Gothic tale and couldn't resist The Woman in the Mirror. It provided everything I look for in a bit of horror - okay, a lot of horror: spooky house, suspense, atmospherically dark and ominous. I really loved it from start to finish.
Told in a dual timeline, primarily the story is set at Winterbourne in the 1940s so it has that mid-century, post war feel that surrounds it. The characters are well told, the prose is perfect and the story itself, well, the ending was quite surprising. All the elements that are needed for a perfect gothic tale.
Told in a dual timeline, primarily the story is set at Winterbourne in the 1940s so it has that mid-century, post war feel that surrounds it. The characters are well told, the prose is perfect and the story itself, well, the ending was quite surprising. All the elements that are needed for a perfect gothic tale.
September 22, 2020
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James is going to be the perfect fall read if you are looking for creepy, gothic, and supernatural suspense all in one. I listened to the audio which is read by Charlotte Newton-John and Katharine Mangold, and they both did such an amazing job as Alice and Rachel which are the two viewpoints in the novel. I love anything with a supernatural element and this one did not disappoint. I loved the switches between Alice in 1947, and Rachel's present-day viewpoint, and Winterbourne is a character in and of itself which is just another thing to love. It was super gothic and definitely the kind of place you wouldn't want to be alone in at night, if you know what I mean...
I thought the entire book was pretty suspenseful and there are a few parts that are positively chilling. The Woman in the Mirror has all the Halloween vibes you could want and then some, and I highly recommend it if you are looking for something spooky. There is an uneasiness that permeates the entire book, and I loved James's writing style. The Woman in the Mirror immediately drew me in and I think a lot of people will want to read it in one sitting just to find out what the heck is going to happen with both of our female leads.
The Woman in the Mirror is a bit of a slower burn, but the creepiness of it made it relatively hard to put down. And I thought the audio was well done so I would recommend going that route if you are a fan of audiobooks. There weren’t any sound effects which was a little disappointing, but frankly this book doesn't even need them since it is creepy enough on its own. I wouldn't go so far as to say that you can't read it at night or alone, but if you aren't used to the genre maybe it will be different for you. Overall, The Woman in the Mirror is a stunning debut, and I can't wait to see what James writes next!
Thank you to the publisher for my advance review copy via Edelweiss. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I thought the entire book was pretty suspenseful and there are a few parts that are positively chilling. The Woman in the Mirror has all the Halloween vibes you could want and then some, and I highly recommend it if you are looking for something spooky. There is an uneasiness that permeates the entire book, and I loved James's writing style. The Woman in the Mirror immediately drew me in and I think a lot of people will want to read it in one sitting just to find out what the heck is going to happen with both of our female leads.
The Woman in the Mirror is a bit of a slower burn, but the creepiness of it made it relatively hard to put down. And I thought the audio was well done so I would recommend going that route if you are a fan of audiobooks. There weren’t any sound effects which was a little disappointing, but frankly this book doesn't even need them since it is creepy enough on its own. I wouldn't go so far as to say that you can't read it at night or alone, but if you aren't used to the genre maybe it will be different for you. Overall, The Woman in the Mirror is a stunning debut, and I can't wait to see what James writes next!
Thank you to the publisher for my advance review copy via Edelweiss. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 2, 2021
"Down the cliffs, low to the ground, the sky watches, patient and indifferent. Stars are frozen. Moon observes. I cannot turn back: my home lost."
A page-turner right from the get-go, THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR, is a gloomy tale told over duo timelines; both storylines perfectly weaved. It's atmospheric, secretive and eerie. The pacing is even; the ending was satisfying and not rushed. This book is a definite recommendation.
A page-turner right from the get-go, THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR, is a gloomy tale told over duo timelines; both storylines perfectly weaved. It's atmospheric, secretive and eerie. The pacing is even; the ending was satisfying and not rushed. This book is a definite recommendation.
August 22, 2023
داستانش برام کلیشهای و خستهکننده و معمولی بود. هیچ چیزی توجهم رو جلب نکرد.
---------------------
یادگاری از کتاب:
چیزهایی توی زندگی آدم پیش میآید که ادامه دادن بعد از آن خیلی سخت میشود. بعضی چیزها خیلی دردناکاند؛ کارهایی که کردیم، اتفاقهایی که اجازه دادیم بیفتند.
...
باید رنجی رو که همیشه همراهته رها کنی عوض اینکه وانمود کنی رنجی وجود نداره.
...
میخواهم بیفتم و بیفتم و هیچکس هرگز مرا نگیرد.
---------------------
یادگاری از کتاب:
چیزهایی توی زندگی آدم پیش میآید که ادامه دادن بعد از آن خیلی سخت میشود. بعضی چیزها خیلی دردناکاند؛ کارهایی که کردیم، اتفاقهایی که اجازه دادیم بیفتند.
...
باید رنجی رو که همیشه همراهته رها کنی عوض اینکه وانمود کنی رنجی وجود نداره.
...
میخواهم بیفتم و بیفتم و هیچکس هرگز مرا نگیرد.
December 20, 2019
The Woman in the Mirror
really catches you off guard in the best way possible!
This gothic historical fiction novel alternates between England in the late 1940s, post-World War II; and the current day between New York and England. However, the majority of the story takes place at this massive, beautiful, England countryside estate in Cornwall, England called Winterbourne Hall. In 1947, Alice Miller takes a job as governess (basically a nanny) at Winterbourne Hall for the de Gray family. This family is rather small—Captain Jonathan de Gray and his two children Edmund and Constance. However, Jonathan's children are a full time job which includes teaching and day care. As Alice continues to educate and thrive with the children, she begins to notice peculiarities around the mansion that she can't seem to shake. As Alice begins to try and uncover the truth behind the de Gray family and their estate, she starts realizing that maybe she should've left things alone.
In the present day, art gallery dealer Rachel Wright receives an official notice—she is the direct descendant of the de Gray family and has been given Winterbourne Hall as part of an estate agreement. Rachel decides to venture to England and find out more information about her long lost family, as she was adopted as a child and never got to know more information. Once Rachel gets the Winterbourne Hall, she starts finding answers that will completely change her life. Was she better off in New York?
I can't divulge anymore information than that, sorry everybody! You will find out why the title is named the way it is, and what develops as you venture into the story. The Woman in the Mirror is a stunning and masterfully written gothic suspense novel. If you enjoyed The Death of Mrs. Westaway or The Broken Girls, you'd definitely be interested in picking up this supernatural tale. It truly is a one-of-a-kind story that I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. It's a bit of a slow burn, otherwise this would've been a full five stars for me. Once you get to the thick of it, the book will be hard to put down—you just want to know what happens. I really think this book will resonate well with fans, and also create a lot of Rebecca James fans—just like it did with me.
This gothic historical fiction novel alternates between England in the late 1940s, post-World War II; and the current day between New York and England. However, the majority of the story takes place at this massive, beautiful, England countryside estate in Cornwall, England called Winterbourne Hall. In 1947, Alice Miller takes a job as governess (basically a nanny) at Winterbourne Hall for the de Gray family. This family is rather small—Captain Jonathan de Gray and his two children Edmund and Constance. However, Jonathan's children are a full time job which includes teaching and day care. As Alice continues to educate and thrive with the children, she begins to notice peculiarities around the mansion that she can't seem to shake. As Alice begins to try and uncover the truth behind the de Gray family and their estate, she starts realizing that maybe she should've left things alone.
In the present day, art gallery dealer Rachel Wright receives an official notice—she is the direct descendant of the de Gray family and has been given Winterbourne Hall as part of an estate agreement. Rachel decides to venture to England and find out more information about her long lost family, as she was adopted as a child and never got to know more information. Once Rachel gets the Winterbourne Hall, she starts finding answers that will completely change her life. Was she better off in New York?
I can't divulge anymore information than that, sorry everybody! You will find out why the title is named the way it is, and what develops as you venture into the story. The Woman in the Mirror is a stunning and masterfully written gothic suspense novel. If you enjoyed The Death of Mrs. Westaway or The Broken Girls, you'd definitely be interested in picking up this supernatural tale. It truly is a one-of-a-kind story that I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. It's a bit of a slow burn, otherwise this would've been a full five stars for me. Once you get to the thick of it, the book will be hard to put down—you just want to know what happens. I really think this book will resonate well with fans, and also create a lot of Rebecca James fans—just like it did with me.
April 30, 2025
The Woman in the Mirror🪞is a prime example of why I love to read so much. It’s one of my favourite genres, historical fiction, and this one is brimming with gorgeous gothic themes, troubled characters and spooky, witchy vibes.
When I pick up a new book, I’m always searching for that extra something in a story that makes my reading experience special and this one did just that.
The characters were brilliantly crafted, the descriptions were rich and haunting and the mystery simmering throughout the entire story had me absolutely hooked.
What’s not to love about an old mansion, with corridors of mystery at every turn. The secrets of the de Grey family were slowly drip-fed in a way that I found utterly compelling. I’m not a massive fan of multiple timelines, but this dual narrative was clear and I didn’t struggle with whose POV I was reading at any point.
I loved how the story finished, all my questions were answered and I got a conclusion that satisfied me fully.
5 ⭐ - Brilliant. I loved it.
When I pick up a new book, I’m always searching for that extra something in a story that makes my reading experience special and this one did just that.
The characters were brilliantly crafted, the descriptions were rich and haunting and the mystery simmering throughout the entire story had me absolutely hooked.
What’s not to love about an old mansion, with corridors of mystery at every turn. The secrets of the de Grey family were slowly drip-fed in a way that I found utterly compelling. I’m not a massive fan of multiple timelines, but this dual narrative was clear and I didn’t struggle with whose POV I was reading at any point.
I loved how the story finished, all my questions were answered and I got a conclusion that satisfied me fully.
5 ⭐ - Brilliant. I loved it.
October 5, 2019
3,5/5 αστεράκια
April 21, 2020
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/04/16/...
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James genuinely surprised me. Normally I am skeptical whenever I see books described as “modern Gothic” because often I find the term never means what you think it means, but whether it was because I had no expectations or something else, I really enjoyed this one.
Told through alternating past and present timelines, this haunting novel takes us to the Cornwall coast, where an old ruined estate called Winterbourne Hall sits overlooking the sea. Rumored to be cursed because of its unusual provenance in the early 19th century and the strange stories which have surrounded the mansion since its construction, it was home to Captain Jonathan de Grey in 1947, who hired a young governess named Alice Miller to look after his son and daughter following the death of their mother. Upon arrival, Alice immediately falls under the house’s quiet and alluring spell, becoming infatuated with her handsome new employer. She also becomes charmed by his twin children Edmund and Constance, despite their troubled and sometimes mean-spirited natures.
Skip forward to the present day, New York City art gallery curator Rachel Wright has always felt adrift, longing for a family history she’ll never know, having been adopted. After discovering that her birth mother had died years ago, Rachel had long since given up hope of finding out where she came from, until out of the blue one day, she receives a letter of inheritance from across the ocean from an unknown English aunt, leaving her Winterbourne Hall. Seizing at this opportunity to learn more about her heritage, Rachel travels to Cornwall to see the house that now belongs to her, hoping to reveal the secrets of the past and how she is connected to the de Grey family who used to live there.
But within Winterbourne, Rachel uncovers a lot more than her family history. Tragedy and madness once lurked here, the decades of rage and grief trapped in the mansion’s dark halls. At times, Rachel feels like there’s a presence in the house with her, even when she knows she’s alone.
I had no idea what I was walking into when I picked up The Woman in the Mirror, but it certainly wasn’t this fascinating mix of mystery and suspense, with even a touch of horror thrown in. Initially, I found myself preparing to settle in with what I thought was a post-war historical drama, following naïve and starry-eyed Alice Miller as she takes on her new position as the de Grey governess. Having experienced her own losses during the war, she is looking forward to starting her life over in this idyllic setting, and soon even begins to regard Jonathan, Edmund, and Constance as her new family. Before long though, there’s a noticeable shift in the tone of the novel as Alice’s thoughts gradually turn from optimistic hope to disturbing obsession. That, and the spooky environment of the house starts playing tricks on her mind, making her hear and see things that might not be there. Oh, and we certainly can’t forget about the twins. Those creepy, creepy twins. Seriously, why do children in these Gothic novels always have to be so freaky?
Then, interspersed with these 1947 chapters are the ones following Rachel Wright in the present. Again, things in her storyline start off rather innocuously, painting a picture of a successful but unsatisfied woman. Winterbourne was supposed to be her chance to find some answers and finally move on, yet instead she finds herself drawn deeper into the estate’s secrets, unable to leave even when urged by her boyfriend to sell the land and return to New York. As more is revealed about Winterbourne’s complicated past, Rachel is determined to see this mystery through to the end, even though she risks the house’s malicious essence seeping deeper into her bones. I was pleasantly surprised to find a speculative element, however light it might be, threaded through the storyline, just a hint of ghostly paranormal horror to spice things up. The final parts of the book were also worthy of a pulse-pounding thriller, complete with a twist and too conveniently explained ending, but at least it was satisfying.
Overall, I was impressed with Rebecca James’ ability to create this dark, suspenseful and eerie mood, the way it creeps up on you when you least expect it. The sense of mystery was well-maintained, driving my interest in the dual storylines unfolding. The Woman in the Mirror was a good read, living up to its Gothic atmosphere, and I will be interested to see what the author writes next.
The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James genuinely surprised me. Normally I am skeptical whenever I see books described as “modern Gothic” because often I find the term never means what you think it means, but whether it was because I had no expectations or something else, I really enjoyed this one.
Told through alternating past and present timelines, this haunting novel takes us to the Cornwall coast, where an old ruined estate called Winterbourne Hall sits overlooking the sea. Rumored to be cursed because of its unusual provenance in the early 19th century and the strange stories which have surrounded the mansion since its construction, it was home to Captain Jonathan de Grey in 1947, who hired a young governess named Alice Miller to look after his son and daughter following the death of their mother. Upon arrival, Alice immediately falls under the house’s quiet and alluring spell, becoming infatuated with her handsome new employer. She also becomes charmed by his twin children Edmund and Constance, despite their troubled and sometimes mean-spirited natures.
Skip forward to the present day, New York City art gallery curator Rachel Wright has always felt adrift, longing for a family history she’ll never know, having been adopted. After discovering that her birth mother had died years ago, Rachel had long since given up hope of finding out where she came from, until out of the blue one day, she receives a letter of inheritance from across the ocean from an unknown English aunt, leaving her Winterbourne Hall. Seizing at this opportunity to learn more about her heritage, Rachel travels to Cornwall to see the house that now belongs to her, hoping to reveal the secrets of the past and how she is connected to the de Grey family who used to live there.
But within Winterbourne, Rachel uncovers a lot more than her family history. Tragedy and madness once lurked here, the decades of rage and grief trapped in the mansion’s dark halls. At times, Rachel feels like there’s a presence in the house with her, even when she knows she’s alone.
I had no idea what I was walking into when I picked up The Woman in the Mirror, but it certainly wasn’t this fascinating mix of mystery and suspense, with even a touch of horror thrown in. Initially, I found myself preparing to settle in with what I thought was a post-war historical drama, following naïve and starry-eyed Alice Miller as she takes on her new position as the de Grey governess. Having experienced her own losses during the war, she is looking forward to starting her life over in this idyllic setting, and soon even begins to regard Jonathan, Edmund, and Constance as her new family. Before long though, there’s a noticeable shift in the tone of the novel as Alice’s thoughts gradually turn from optimistic hope to disturbing obsession. That, and the spooky environment of the house starts playing tricks on her mind, making her hear and see things that might not be there. Oh, and we certainly can’t forget about the twins. Those creepy, creepy twins. Seriously, why do children in these Gothic novels always have to be so freaky?
Then, interspersed with these 1947 chapters are the ones following Rachel Wright in the present. Again, things in her storyline start off rather innocuously, painting a picture of a successful but unsatisfied woman. Winterbourne was supposed to be her chance to find some answers and finally move on, yet instead she finds herself drawn deeper into the estate’s secrets, unable to leave even when urged by her boyfriend to sell the land and return to New York. As more is revealed about Winterbourne’s complicated past, Rachel is determined to see this mystery through to the end, even though she risks the house’s malicious essence seeping deeper into her bones. I was pleasantly surprised to find a speculative element, however light it might be, threaded through the storyline, just a hint of ghostly paranormal horror to spice things up. The final parts of the book were also worthy of a pulse-pounding thriller, complete with a twist and too conveniently explained ending, but at least it was satisfying.
Overall, I was impressed with Rebecca James’ ability to create this dark, suspenseful and eerie mood, the way it creeps up on you when you least expect it. The sense of mystery was well-maintained, driving my interest in the dual storylines unfolding. The Woman in the Mirror was a good read, living up to its Gothic atmosphere, and I will be interested to see what the author writes next.
May 7, 2020
After weeks of not being able to concentrate on reading, I finally found a book to hold my interest, The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James. This haunting and mesmerizing gothic mystery is going straight to my favorites shelf. It has all the elements that I love in this genre: a dilapidated old mention, a brooding hero, supernatural happenings, and plenty of secrets.
The writing is captivating and the characters are well-developed, even though the story takes place in two timelines: 1947 and present-day. The last two chapters of the book left me shaken! I know I'll be thinking about the ending for a long time. If you love chilling gothic thrillers, don't miss this exceptional debut!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
The writing is captivating and the characters are well-developed, even though the story takes place in two timelines: 1947 and present-day. The last two chapters of the book left me shaken! I know I'll be thinking about the ending for a long time. If you love chilling gothic thrillers, don't miss this exceptional debut!
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
January 15, 2020
Rebecca James is a new author to this reader and hardly ever read gothic or dark thrillers. However, “The Woman in the Mirror" is a very creative and compelling story that captured my attention to the very end. The plot and scenery described were exceptional...i.e., the cliffside manor and moors. The author manages to draw the reader into the story from beginning to end. I got a feel of uneasiness and a bit of fear when reading which was excellent and what I thought was necessary to keep me captivated. The transition between the timelines were easy and I didn’t have a problem following.
Overall, this is typically not my cup of reading tea but somehow managed to be a nice comfy read for me.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.0 Stars
Overall, this is typically not my cup of reading tea but somehow managed to be a nice comfy read for me.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.0 Stars
May 14, 2020
Enjoyment of this book will hinge entirely on whether you consider Gothics genre fiction. I do. They're an amalgamation of genre - suspense, horror, romance - but they're genre. And genre is all about making a promise to the reader. Gothic's promise? That evil will be vanquished. Whether it's human or supernatural evil, our protagonists are going to defeat evil. And this book? Yeah, the author does that and then decides to tack on a final couple of chapters that basically serve as a Gotcha! So...yeah. What was a creepy satisfying read ends on a downbeat that only serves to leave me listless and depressed. Bother.
March 16, 2020
When I started to read this I hadn't realized we would be switching from 1947 to the current day. Time switching novels are really not at the top of my favourite list, with a few notable exceptions. However I had been drawn to the location of this gothic read.
Winterbourne Hall in Cornwall is eerie enough for even the hardiest souls' blood to run a little cold. I did love the description of the hall.
As we weave between the lot of governess Alice Miller (I am reminded of Deborah Kerr and The Innocents) and the current heir to Winterbourne Hall; New York, art gallery curator Rachel Wright, the story of the Hall and generations of its inhabitants--the de Grey's, the malevolency and horror that afflicted all is played out.
Maybe my expectations were too high. I must admit this gothic inspired story left me wanting.
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
Winterbourne Hall in Cornwall is eerie enough for even the hardiest souls' blood to run a little cold. I did love the description of the hall.
As we weave between the lot of governess Alice Miller (I am reminded of Deborah Kerr and The Innocents) and the current heir to Winterbourne Hall; New York, art gallery curator Rachel Wright, the story of the Hall and generations of its inhabitants--the de Grey's, the malevolency and horror that afflicted all is played out.
Maybe my expectations were too high. I must admit this gothic inspired story left me wanting.
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
August 29, 2022
YES...OH YES…. YES…YES…YES…
This is one book where each and every thread in the story enthralled me completely.
Immersive and utterly addictive Rebecca James captures the very essence of a chilly gothic story with more than its share of spices which raises goosebumps on our skin. The story is in fact quite wholesome with a dual timeline narrative, and different styles of romances in both eras, one showing the neediness and hunger for love, the other showing manipulation in the name of love, murder, and secrets, and then, of course, the keystone of this story, the ghostly witch haunting Winterbourne Hall.
The Woman In The Mirror is the story of Winterbourne Hall, told thru the POVs of two generations of women, Alice in 1947 and Rachel in the present. The author has very skilfully sketched the story of these two women thru the events that occur in their lives. Alice, suffering from more than one trauma, is desperately seeking love and acceptance being denied the same from her parents. Rachel knowing her adopted status has never felt adequate. It is their story, how coming to Winterbourne Hall affects both of them, how things begin to fall apart for ALice with no way out while Rachel seemingly very decisive and focused in her work fails to find the same rhythm in her personal space. Rebecca James introduces the past of both characters and makes the readers understand what makes them tick in a tantalizing fashion. Bits and pieces get revealed but more than their past, Winterbourne Hall by itself has a score to settle with all the women residing inside its walls.
The writing by the author felt insidious, there is no ‘on your face’ ghostly menace, but like the painting that keeps changing and the marks left on the women, the darkness is always just THERE. This is probably one of the best gothic thrillers out there that reminds us of the greats in the genre with the Cornish mists and the spooky setting, the supernatural presence, the governess, and a character like Jonathan whom it is easy to cast as a villain in this story, the children at times loving but most times cunning and scheming, the house all warm and inviting initially but becoming foreboding and eerie as the story progresses, The Woman In The Mirror is the quintessential gothic classic and with a present timeline seamlessly woven thru the story, Rebecca James turns it into a spectacular feast appeasing my craving.
I listened to the audio narrated by Charlotte Newton-John and Katharine Mangold and it needs to be said that the different voices raise goosebumps whilst listening and honestly left me with chills, especially with that ending! Phew!
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
This is one book where each and every thread in the story enthralled me completely.
Immersive and utterly addictive Rebecca James captures the very essence of a chilly gothic story with more than its share of spices which raises goosebumps on our skin. The story is in fact quite wholesome with a dual timeline narrative, and different styles of romances in both eras, one showing the neediness and hunger for love, the other showing manipulation in the name of love, murder, and secrets, and then, of course, the keystone of this story, the ghostly witch haunting Winterbourne Hall.
The Woman In The Mirror is the story of Winterbourne Hall, told thru the POVs of two generations of women, Alice in 1947 and Rachel in the present. The author has very skilfully sketched the story of these two women thru the events that occur in their lives. Alice, suffering from more than one trauma, is desperately seeking love and acceptance being denied the same from her parents. Rachel knowing her adopted status has never felt adequate. It is their story, how coming to Winterbourne Hall affects both of them, how things begin to fall apart for ALice with no way out while Rachel seemingly very decisive and focused in her work fails to find the same rhythm in her personal space. Rebecca James introduces the past of both characters and makes the readers understand what makes them tick in a tantalizing fashion. Bits and pieces get revealed but more than their past, Winterbourne Hall by itself has a score to settle with all the women residing inside its walls.
The writing by the author felt insidious, there is no ‘on your face’ ghostly menace, but like the painting that keeps changing and the marks left on the women, the darkness is always just THERE. This is probably one of the best gothic thrillers out there that reminds us of the greats in the genre with the Cornish mists and the spooky setting, the supernatural presence, the governess, and a character like Jonathan whom it is easy to cast as a villain in this story, the children at times loving but most times cunning and scheming, the house all warm and inviting initially but becoming foreboding and eerie as the story progresses, The Woman In The Mirror is the quintessential gothic classic and with a present timeline seamlessly woven thru the story, Rebecca James turns it into a spectacular feast appeasing my craving.
I listened to the audio narrated by Charlotte Newton-John and Katharine Mangold and it needs to be said that the different voices raise goosebumps whilst listening and honestly left me with chills, especially with that ending! Phew!
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March 21, 2020
4.5 stars
By all accounts this book was practically guaranteed a five star review. It had all the things I love in a Gothic tale…..the wild Cornish coast with foggy/misty mornings, a broken hero, a dark secret, an innocent but curious heroine, and so much atmosphere.
It sounded like a modern Victoria Holt novel and I just couldn’t wait to crack it open! I have read only one other book by this author, Sweet Damages, but it was so long ago that I read it, that I can’t quite recall all the details but I remember that it was more of a modern Gothic tale.
This book mixes modern Gothic with classical Gothic in the duel storylines so I think it will appeal to a lot of readers, especially if you love the Gothic and ghosts!
I should have read this book in a matter of days but instead I found myself slowly reading it rather than devouring it. At first that wasn’t intentional, as it started a little slow at first, but then as I started to really get into the meat of the story, I found that I wanted to pace myself rather than rush through it. This one is full of all the classic Gothic elements that readers will love, especially fans of Rebecca! It was layered with atmosphere as I was expecting and the ghost element was genuinely terrifying. I had to put down my book on occasion because I was freaked out about the ghost!
I liked how James really made this one so creepy and really highlighted the setting for atmosphere. I wasn’t really a fan of Alice or Rachel for most of the book though. At first I was kind of put out because I really hoped to feel a connection to at least one of them but I just couldn’t. But I supposed that’s the point of a true Gothic novel where you just don’t like anyone.
While I might not have loved the two main characters, as soon as the story got going, I found myself wanting to read so much later into the night, but I was so scared that I had to force myself to put it down and read something else or just go to bed while I still could! I loved how uneasy this one made me and I loved all the ghost parts so so much!
If you love classic Gothic novels like Rebecca or The Turn of the Screw you will love this more modern take. I loved this one and even if it started a bit slow, I thought it was engaging, chilling, and utterly thrilling to read!
See my full review here
By all accounts this book was practically guaranteed a five star review. It had all the things I love in a Gothic tale…..the wild Cornish coast with foggy/misty mornings, a broken hero, a dark secret, an innocent but curious heroine, and so much atmosphere.
It sounded like a modern Victoria Holt novel and I just couldn’t wait to crack it open! I have read only one other book by this author, Sweet Damages, but it was so long ago that I read it, that I can’t quite recall all the details but I remember that it was more of a modern Gothic tale.
This book mixes modern Gothic with classical Gothic in the duel storylines so I think it will appeal to a lot of readers, especially if you love the Gothic and ghosts!
I should have read this book in a matter of days but instead I found myself slowly reading it rather than devouring it. At first that wasn’t intentional, as it started a little slow at first, but then as I started to really get into the meat of the story, I found that I wanted to pace myself rather than rush through it. This one is full of all the classic Gothic elements that readers will love, especially fans of Rebecca! It was layered with atmosphere as I was expecting and the ghost element was genuinely terrifying. I had to put down my book on occasion because I was freaked out about the ghost!
I liked how James really made this one so creepy and really highlighted the setting for atmosphere. I wasn’t really a fan of Alice or Rachel for most of the book though. At first I was kind of put out because I really hoped to feel a connection to at least one of them but I just couldn’t. But I supposed that’s the point of a true Gothic novel where you just don’t like anyone.
While I might not have loved the two main characters, as soon as the story got going, I found myself wanting to read so much later into the night, but I was so scared that I had to force myself to put it down and read something else or just go to bed while I still could! I loved how uneasy this one made me and I loved all the ghost parts so so much!
If you love classic Gothic novels like Rebecca or The Turn of the Screw you will love this more modern take. I loved this one and even if it started a bit slow, I thought it was engaging, chilling, and utterly thrilling to read!
See my full review here
March 7, 2020
I was drawn to this book by its Gothic setting and the promise of a creepy read. The setting is perfect - an old mansion with its own secrets and past, that overlooks the beautiful but treacherous coastline of Cornwall. When that locale is paired with sinister happenings, possible hauntings and a couple of deaths, I was expecting a truly ominous read.
But what I got was a story with a good premise but the way it was told was underwhelming. I was intrigued enough to keep reading but I was disappointed in how little the creepy Gothic aspect was used. There are a couple of truly sinister scenes but the story itself is sluggish with the intrigue not picking up until the last ten percent of the book. The story was also more complicated than it had to be making it feel like the author tried to add too much to her plot without allowing time to flesh out these ideas fully - especially Alice's outbursts that seemed to come out of nowhere.
I also found the storytelling and dialogue a bit clumsy, particularly the anatopisms early in the book when Rachel used very British phrases for a woman who was raised in the US. They just didn't fit, and a better edit would have weeded those out.
The setting is well described bringing readers onto the remote shores of Cornwall. The author uses dual timelines and multiple POVs and this back and forth was done smoothly. Rachel and Alice tell most of the story but unfortunately I found them both to be unlikable and I wasn't a fan of the romantic focus later in the book because it took page time away from the suspense which is why I picked up this book in the first place.
While I had intended to love this book, it didn't captivate me like I had expected. It had an interesting premise and I liked the pacing of the ending but wish that energy had been used throughout the book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
But what I got was a story with a good premise but the way it was told was underwhelming. I was intrigued enough to keep reading but I was disappointed in how little the creepy Gothic aspect was used. There are a couple of truly sinister scenes but the story itself is sluggish with the intrigue not picking up until the last ten percent of the book. The story was also more complicated than it had to be making it feel like the author tried to add too much to her plot without allowing time to flesh out these ideas fully - especially Alice's outbursts that seemed to come out of nowhere.
I also found the storytelling and dialogue a bit clumsy, particularly the anatopisms early in the book when Rachel used very British phrases for a woman who was raised in the US. They just didn't fit, and a better edit would have weeded those out.
The setting is well described bringing readers onto the remote shores of Cornwall. The author uses dual timelines and multiple POVs and this back and forth was done smoothly. Rachel and Alice tell most of the story but unfortunately I found them both to be unlikable and I wasn't a fan of the romantic focus later in the book because it took page time away from the suspense which is why I picked up this book in the first place.
While I had intended to love this book, it didn't captivate me like I had expected. It had an interesting premise and I liked the pacing of the ending but wish that energy had been used throughout the book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2020
Enjoyed this gothic mystery with a touch of the paranormal. Captured me from the beginning and had a satisfying ending.
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