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The Secret Of Eveline House
“This atmospheric page-turner is alive with intrigue and mystery from first sentence to last” Niamh Boyce
It’s 1949 and playwright Violet Ward has returned from London with her husband Henry and young daughter Sylvia, to take up residence in Eveline House in County Wicklow.
Her plays are banned in Ireland and the people of the small country town are hostile to her. Then timid little Sylvia receives a threatening letter calling her ‘the daughter of the Devil’. Horrified, Violet wants to return to London. But Henry is violently opposed to leaving Ireland again.
In 2019 Emily O’Connor buys her dream house. Eveline House is like a time capsule, locked up since 1950, still full of personal possessions and hauntingly beautiful photographs of the family that once lived there. A family that seems to have abruptly walked out of their life and disappeared through the cracks of time.
Emily realises that the town has hidden cruel secrets – secrets which will impact on her life in ways she could never have imagined. Soon questions about the fate of the lost family again demand to be answered.
It’s 1949 and playwright Violet Ward has returned from London with her husband Henry and young daughter Sylvia, to take up residence in Eveline House in County Wicklow.
Her plays are banned in Ireland and the people of the small country town are hostile to her. Then timid little Sylvia receives a threatening letter calling her ‘the daughter of the Devil’. Horrified, Violet wants to return to London. But Henry is violently opposed to leaving Ireland again.
In 2019 Emily O’Connor buys her dream house. Eveline House is like a time capsule, locked up since 1950, still full of personal possessions and hauntingly beautiful photographs of the family that once lived there. A family that seems to have abruptly walked out of their life and disappeared through the cracks of time.
Emily realises that the town has hidden cruel secrets – secrets which will impact on her life in ways she could never have imagined. Soon questions about the fate of the lost family again demand to be answered.
450 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2020
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523 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Forsey
4 books26 followersSheila Forsey is an Irish Times bestselling author living in County Wexford. Her debut novel, Mending Lace, reached number 4 in the Irish Times bestsellers for mass paperback fiction in October 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 17, 2020
In this novel, Forsey provides an insight into the dominance of the Catholic church during 1950s Ireland. It’s not something I had truly considered before and I liked this unique perspective on a topic I knew little about. The idea of Church censorship and the subsequent fear of literature in society was interesting and it did remind me of the Salem witch trails that happened in the previous century.
Violet, the playwright, is shunned by all of those around her. Not only damning her provocative plays, but the local women are jealous of Violet’s beauty. Whilst Violet wishes to return to London her husband, Henry, is determined to establish themselves and this leads to conflict between the two. However, most significant of all is the ghostly behaviour of Sylvia. It is like she has been possessed, especially after receiving anonymous, threatening letters about her mother.
It was this element that I wished the writer had elaborated upon. I thought the secret of Eveline House would focus on the supernatural and what caused Sylvia’s odd behaviour (like something out of 'The Exorcist' film). However, the secret is more about Violet’s disappearance and, whilst equally important, I was surprised that Sylvia’s actions were almost glossed over. I thought this was a shame because Forey had created such a powerful image of Sylvia, particularly the episode that leads to her hospitalisation. I was hoping for some more connections made to the Church to perhaps reflect the town’s own damnation of the family.
The narrative itself is structured in significant parts: the first half of the novel is all about Violet and the events leading up to her disappearance. The next part is set in present day when Eveline House is to be sold. Finally, as events reach a climax, the final section reveals all the answers to the readers about what really happened to Violet. As such, the secret was more about the woman who lived at the house, rather than the building itself.
I did enjoy this read because of it felt different to other books. I enjoy novels set in Ireland – it’s such a beautiful country! However, I think I was yearning for a more ghostly, supernatural element that seemed to be implied by the title. This lessened my enjoyment because I think a part of the narrative was missing and, although this book was quite lengthy without it, I think adding this genre to the story would have made it an even more powerful read as a result.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Violet, the playwright, is shunned by all of those around her. Not only damning her provocative plays, but the local women are jealous of Violet’s beauty. Whilst Violet wishes to return to London her husband, Henry, is determined to establish themselves and this leads to conflict between the two. However, most significant of all is the ghostly behaviour of Sylvia. It is like she has been possessed, especially after receiving anonymous, threatening letters about her mother.
It was this element that I wished the writer had elaborated upon. I thought the secret of Eveline House would focus on the supernatural and what caused Sylvia’s odd behaviour (like something out of 'The Exorcist' film). However, the secret is more about Violet’s disappearance and, whilst equally important, I was surprised that Sylvia’s actions were almost glossed over. I thought this was a shame because Forey had created such a powerful image of Sylvia, particularly the episode that leads to her hospitalisation. I was hoping for some more connections made to the Church to perhaps reflect the town’s own damnation of the family.
The narrative itself is structured in significant parts: the first half of the novel is all about Violet and the events leading up to her disappearance. The next part is set in present day when Eveline House is to be sold. Finally, as events reach a climax, the final section reveals all the answers to the readers about what really happened to Violet. As such, the secret was more about the woman who lived at the house, rather than the building itself.
I did enjoy this read because of it felt different to other books. I enjoy novels set in Ireland – it’s such a beautiful country! However, I think I was yearning for a more ghostly, supernatural element that seemed to be implied by the title. This lessened my enjoyment because I think a part of the narrative was missing and, although this book was quite lengthy without it, I think adding this genre to the story would have made it an even more powerful read as a result.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
“The Secret of Eveline House” by Sheila Forsey is a fast paced historical novel taking
reader’s to an Ireland where the influence of the Church was oftentimes caused great harm when intending to do goo.
Main character, Violet Ward ran away from home to the UK and dreamed of bigger things.
Rebellious Violet truly loved the land of Ireland but not the uber-restrictive environment. Soon her successful but controversial plays were banned in Ireland. Next, her family disowns her.
After marriage to Henry Ward and a child they return to Ireland and buy Eveline House.
In 2019 and dress designer Emily O’ Connor falls in love with the house and puts in a successful bid. Nothing had changed since the 1950s. Emily soon discovers that all is not as it seems at Eveline House.
The descriptions of the landscape and the entire Irish environment are very well crafted and memorable. It brought me back to my visits to the Irish countryside and cities.
The pacing was almost perfect as seen by seeing the author reveals little bit more of what is happening in the story. Don’t be deceived it is a suspenseful twisting and even dark read from time to time. There is a mystery in that house.
I highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
reader’s to an Ireland where the influence of the Church was oftentimes caused great harm when intending to do goo.
Main character, Violet Ward ran away from home to the UK and dreamed of bigger things.
Rebellious Violet truly loved the land of Ireland but not the uber-restrictive environment. Soon her successful but controversial plays were banned in Ireland. Next, her family disowns her.
After marriage to Henry Ward and a child they return to Ireland and buy Eveline House.
In 2019 and dress designer Emily O’ Connor falls in love with the house and puts in a successful bid. Nothing had changed since the 1950s. Emily soon discovers that all is not as it seems at Eveline House.
The descriptions of the landscape and the entire Irish environment are very well crafted and memorable. It brought me back to my visits to the Irish countryside and cities.
The pacing was almost perfect as seen by seeing the author reveals little bit more of what is happening in the story. Don’t be deceived it is a suspenseful twisting and even dark read from time to time. There is a mystery in that house.
I highly recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 24, 2024
The Secret of Eveline House is a dual timeline story, the first set in 1949 and the present day storyline in 2019. Violet runs away from home when she is a teenager and heads to London. She becomes a well known play write and has two of her plays performed. She meets and marries Henry Ward and they are extremely happy. They have a little girl, Sylvia, who has trouble making friends and feeling comfortable around others. Henry really wants to return to Ireland and he convinces Violet to move to the small village of Draheen. They purchase Eveline House and should be happy. The Catholic Church had much influence at that time, especially in small communities and Violet was not welcome. Her play was blasphemous and the first priest made no bones about her being evil. This rubbed off on the residents and both Violet and Sylvia receive terrible notes. Violet wants to go back to London, but Henry won't hear of it until it is too late. Seventy years later, dress designer Emily O’ Connor is trying to find a new place for her business. A large home where she can live, work and have display and changing areas. She looks online and finds a house in a small village just outside Dublin, that is going up for auction. The house has been empty for 70 years and is being sold as it. You guessed it, Eveline House. Emily loves the house and wins the auction. It is then that she finds out about the mystery of the Ward family. As well, her mother is frantic about her buying the house and actually gets so worked up she has a stroke. How do these two storylines come together? What does Emily's mom know.
This was a very interesting story. I don't normally read stories that could be considered gothic thrillers, but I found this story intriguing. I didn't realize what a hold the catholic church had on the small villages and their inhabitants. Those women were cruel and as far as I was concerned, evil. I felt terrible for Violet. She didn't deserve the way she was treated, and neither did Sylvia. Sylvia has an episode of a psychotic break/possible schizophrenia, that is interpreted as being possessed that makes matters worse. I absolutely loved Betsy, their cook/housekeeper. She stood up to the bullies and took such good care of the family, but to no avail. This is a book that shares a picture of a time in Ireland when life moved very differently and had very different attitudes. The attitudes have changes, but the effects are still lasting. This book also has a mystery about what happens to the Ward Family and I really liked the way the author brought closure to that as well. A couple of niggles: what really happened to Sylvia when she went into the hospital? The story could have used an epilogue. I did enjoy this one more than I had anticipated when I started it.
This was a very interesting story. I don't normally read stories that could be considered gothic thrillers, but I found this story intriguing. I didn't realize what a hold the catholic church had on the small villages and their inhabitants. Those women were cruel and as far as I was concerned, evil. I felt terrible for Violet. She didn't deserve the way she was treated, and neither did Sylvia. Sylvia has an episode of a psychotic break/possible schizophrenia, that is interpreted as being possessed that makes matters worse. I absolutely loved Betsy, their cook/housekeeper. She stood up to the bullies and took such good care of the family, but to no avail. This is a book that shares a picture of a time in Ireland when life moved very differently and had very different attitudes. The attitudes have changes, but the effects are still lasting. This book also has a mystery about what happens to the Ward Family and I really liked the way the author brought closure to that as well. A couple of niggles: what really happened to Sylvia when she went into the hospital? The story could have used an epilogue. I did enjoy this one more than I had anticipated when I started it.
April 3, 2020
The Secret of Eveline House by Sheila Forsey was published April 2nd with Poolbeg Books. It is a very intriguing historical novel taking the reader back to a different Ireland, a time where the influence of the Church was very evident and where censorship was rife.
Playwright Violet Ward ran away from home to the UK in her teens. Suffocated by her life and all the rules that surrounded it, Violet dreamed of bigger things. Violet was never going to settle for marriage and life as a homemaker. She had plans, big ones. Over the years she settled in London, relishing in the freedom it offered her but it came at a cost. Violet had loved her family and although from a young age she rebelled the stifling daily regiment, she loved Ireland. She loved the smells, the scenery, the seasons but she just could not be herself in this restricted environment.
Violet established herself as a playwright and in time became quite successful. Her plays were banned in Ireland due to their content and her mother refused to have anything at all to do with Violet. She was disowned by her own.
In London Violet met Henry Ward, an Irish emigrant making his name as a much lauded goldsmith. Henry had left Ireland with his father and brother years previously but always held a longing to return to the homeland. Violet was the perfect woman for him. She was different, independent, everything and more he looked for in woman. They married and their daughter Sylvia was born soon after. With the family complete a decision was made to return to Ireland, a decision that Violet was never completely comfortable with.
They moved into the beautiful Eveline House in a small town in Co. Wicklow in 1949 but from the beginning it was clear that Violet was not welcome. The locals were increasingly inhospitable toward her. Her name was mentioned in whispers as they discussed with fervour her writing and her plays. With her work censored the locals were feasting on rumours. Tongues wagged and attitudes changed as her reputation spread across town. Violet feared for her daughter’s safety and wished to leave Ireland and go back to London but Henry refused to be chased away by such bullying behaviour.
Seventy years later, 2019 and dress designer Emily O’ Connor attends an auction. Emily lives in Dublin city and is looking for a bigger home, one with character and a place where she can showcase her bridal creations. Immediately Emily falls in love with the house and puts in a successful bid. The house becomes hers. Eveline House is to be her new home. Something about Eveline House captured Emily’s attention. It was like a house that the previous owners had just walked out of. Nothing had changed since the 1950s.
Emily soon discovers that all is not as it seems at Eveline House. What secrets are hidden in the shadows? What stories are secreted away in the annals of the past?
The Secret of Eveline House is a book that completely surprised me. I was intrigued by the mystery and quite shocked by the discoveries that were slowly revealed. Sheila Forsey very subtly provides clues drip-feeding the story of Eveline House to the reader, completely capturing the attention. This is a book that is full of beautiful imagery with gorgeous descriptions of the glamour of Violet Ward and the scent and colours of the surrounding area, but it is also a threatening, suspenseful read, leaving the reader in no doubt that there is a mystery to be unveiled.
The Secret of Eveline House is a novel that completely captivates. It paints a very vivid picture of a time in Ireland when life moved in a very different fashion and at a very different pace. Society has moved on, attitudes have changed but memories are very long. Most certainly a book for all who are fans of Daphne du Maurier, The Secret of Eveline House is full of mystery, intrigue and suspense with some wonderfully depicted characters and a stunning descriptive narrative.
‘She stepped into the rear garden. It was completely wild but was surrounded by a stone wall with a wild white rose rambling across it. The garden had a clear view of the Wicklow Mountains. A pink rhododendron was in full bloom and wisteria wrapped itself around the back of the house. The smell of violets filled the air. She was sold in that moment….Her instinct was that this was the house. She knew she had utterly fallen in love with Eveline House.’
Playwright Violet Ward ran away from home to the UK in her teens. Suffocated by her life and all the rules that surrounded it, Violet dreamed of bigger things. Violet was never going to settle for marriage and life as a homemaker. She had plans, big ones. Over the years she settled in London, relishing in the freedom it offered her but it came at a cost. Violet had loved her family and although from a young age she rebelled the stifling daily regiment, she loved Ireland. She loved the smells, the scenery, the seasons but she just could not be herself in this restricted environment.
Violet established herself as a playwright and in time became quite successful. Her plays were banned in Ireland due to their content and her mother refused to have anything at all to do with Violet. She was disowned by her own.
In London Violet met Henry Ward, an Irish emigrant making his name as a much lauded goldsmith. Henry had left Ireland with his father and brother years previously but always held a longing to return to the homeland. Violet was the perfect woman for him. She was different, independent, everything and more he looked for in woman. They married and their daughter Sylvia was born soon after. With the family complete a decision was made to return to Ireland, a decision that Violet was never completely comfortable with.
They moved into the beautiful Eveline House in a small town in Co. Wicklow in 1949 but from the beginning it was clear that Violet was not welcome. The locals were increasingly inhospitable toward her. Her name was mentioned in whispers as they discussed with fervour her writing and her plays. With her work censored the locals were feasting on rumours. Tongues wagged and attitudes changed as her reputation spread across town. Violet feared for her daughter’s safety and wished to leave Ireland and go back to London but Henry refused to be chased away by such bullying behaviour.
Seventy years later, 2019 and dress designer Emily O’ Connor attends an auction. Emily lives in Dublin city and is looking for a bigger home, one with character and a place where she can showcase her bridal creations. Immediately Emily falls in love with the house and puts in a successful bid. The house becomes hers. Eveline House is to be her new home. Something about Eveline House captured Emily’s attention. It was like a house that the previous owners had just walked out of. Nothing had changed since the 1950s.
Emily soon discovers that all is not as it seems at Eveline House. What secrets are hidden in the shadows? What stories are secreted away in the annals of the past?
The Secret of Eveline House is a book that completely surprised me. I was intrigued by the mystery and quite shocked by the discoveries that were slowly revealed. Sheila Forsey very subtly provides clues drip-feeding the story of Eveline House to the reader, completely capturing the attention. This is a book that is full of beautiful imagery with gorgeous descriptions of the glamour of Violet Ward and the scent and colours of the surrounding area, but it is also a threatening, suspenseful read, leaving the reader in no doubt that there is a mystery to be unveiled.
The Secret of Eveline House is a novel that completely captivates. It paints a very vivid picture of a time in Ireland when life moved in a very different fashion and at a very different pace. Society has moved on, attitudes have changed but memories are very long. Most certainly a book for all who are fans of Daphne du Maurier, The Secret of Eveline House is full of mystery, intrigue and suspense with some wonderfully depicted characters and a stunning descriptive narrative.
‘She stepped into the rear garden. It was completely wild but was surrounded by a stone wall with a wild white rose rambling across it. The garden had a clear view of the Wicklow Mountains. A pink rhododendron was in full bloom and wisteria wrapped itself around the back of the house. The smell of violets filled the air. She was sold in that moment….Her instinct was that this was the house. She knew she had utterly fallen in love with Eveline House.’
April 5, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm blown away!! A fantastic read. The last few chapters of the first part were thrilling. It has it all. Mystery, intrigue and the dark side of life.
The author has done a wonderful job of depicting Ireland of the 1950's. The small mindedness of people, especially those living in small towns and villages. She describes exactly the kind of hold the Catholic church had on the people and the country and it certainly was with an iron fist. Cruelty and fear seemed to be the order of the day.
There are three parts to the story and the first part was my favorite. This laid the plot and introduced all the characters. The house is a central character to the story. I would love to visit it if it was a real place.
A fabulous read and I'd highly recommend it!
The author has done a wonderful job of depicting Ireland of the 1950's. The small mindedness of people, especially those living in small towns and villages. She describes exactly the kind of hold the Catholic church had on the people and the country and it certainly was with an iron fist. Cruelty and fear seemed to be the order of the day.
There are three parts to the story and the first part was my favorite. This laid the plot and introduced all the characters. The house is a central character to the story. I would love to visit it if it was a real place.
A fabulous read and I'd highly recommend it!
August 10, 2020
‘You will be cursed to damnation if you even talk about this play or to this woman who has penned such filth! I believe an illegal copy of this ungodly script has found its way to our town. I forbid any of my parishioners to have anything to do with it – or the writer of it, I might add. If you do, you should never enter this church again. In fact, I forbid you to!’
In 1949 playwright Violet Ward has returned from London with her husband Henry and young daughter Sylvia, to take up residence in Eveline House in County Wicklow. But from the beginning, it was clear that Violet was not welcome. Her plays are banned in Ireland and the locals were increasingly inhospitable toward her. Tongues wagged and attitudes changed as her reputation spread across town. As strange and disturbing things start happening to young Silvia, Violet pleaded with her husband to return to London, but Henry is adamant not to leave Ireland again. Then one morning suddenly, Violet disappears.
In 2019 wedding dress designer Emily O’Connor buys her dream house. But Eveline House is like a time capsule, locked up since 1950, still full of personal possessions and hauntingly beautiful photographs of the family that once lived there and seems to have abruptly disappeared through the cracks of time. Emily soon discovers that all is not as it seems at Eveline House. As she investigates about its previous owner, dark secrets of the town began to resurface -- secrets that will impact her life in such a way she could never have imagined.
‘I have never told anyone what happened, Max. To be honest it was too difficult to process. When I was only eight years old the life I knew changed forever. But for some reason, it is as if the past has come back to me. Draheen was a town full of secrets. Secrets that now need to be unearthed. But I am very frightened of what the truth might hold.’
🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
🏡The beautiful cover of Eveline house & the title apt to the story.
🏡The book is full of mystery, intrigue, and suspense with some unexpected twist and tragedies which hooks the reader's attention from beginning to end. I loved how subtle clues in small doses are sprinkled in the book which raised the suspense level and leaves the reader in no doubt that there is a mystery to be unveiled.
🏡The author's writing is lyrical and enchanting. Her stunning descriptions paint a vivid picture of Ireland of the 1950s when the Catholic Church controlled the entire country with an iron fist and the people were subdued, oppressed, and religious to the point of fanaticism. Cruelty and fear seemed to be the order of the day.
🏡No doubt that the Eveline house is a central character in the story. Other characters - Violet, Besty, Sylvia, Peggy, and Emily - through whose perspective the entire story is narrated are equally engaging. However, I didn't like the constant flashbacks of each and every character. This severely slowed the pace of the book and added little value.
🏡The ending of the books is certainly painful. However, a few pieces of Silvia's story is still missing for the readers to make their own assumptions. The last few pages of the events felt like it was written hastily to close all the open threads.
This is the 1st book I've read by this author. Thank you Book Sirens for the opportunity to read and review this book. I would recommend every reader who loves to read suspense/ mystery thriller to give it a shot.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
dnf
June 1, 2020DNF @ 28%. I wanted to like or at least be entertained by this book but there was so much telling rather than showing and it was just kind of boring and underwhelming.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy through Library Thing.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy through Library Thing.
July 20, 2020
I really liked this book. I loved the writing style and how the book was broken in half by time period. At first, I was disappointed when the first half ended but was quickly engrossed in the second half with the ties between the two. It was a really enjoyable story that I didn’t want to put down. I became very invested in the characters and the house. I didn’t predict the ending (which is unusual for me) and I found it refreshing how the ending wasn’t wrapped up in a neat happy bow, in typical Irish style. Overall a really interesting story and good book to become engrossed in and forget the world. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2024
An unforgettable, dual-time line story which tells the tale of the residents of an Irish house over the years.
"Religion and tradition still ruled the state."
1949-50 - The Ward family took ownership of Eveline House in County Wicklow not far from Dublin. They were native Irish who met and were married in London, England. Henry Ward was an ambitious goldsmith/jewellery designer while his wife Violet was a successful playwright. They had a fragile and beautiful little daughter named Sylvia. The Wards employed a local woman named Betsy to work as their housekeeper. Betsy cared for Sylvia as if she were her own, and she was more friend to the family than employee.
"Obeying the rules of the Church was a way of life."
The house was situated in the village of Draheen, a small community totally dominated by the Catholic Church and rife with superstition. Every house was filled with sacred pictures, crucifixes and religious statues. Most residents attended daily Mass. When word of the 'scandalous' nature of Violet's plays circulated, they shunned her and were openly hostile. Poison-pen letters arrived and little Sylvia was the first to read them... spurring a breakdown which threatened her very life... Violet is distraught and goes for a walk in the nearby woodland to gather her thoughts. She is never seen again. Henry, Sylvia, and housekeeper Betsy, flee for their lives when they realize the local Gardaí suspect Henry of doing away with his lovely wife...
2019 - Dress designer Emily O'Connor purchases Eveline House at auction. The house is exactly as the Wards hastily left it those many years ago. Clothes still in the closets, family photographs and memorabilia scattered throughout the home.
Emily is a single mother to adult son Sebastian. She feels that Eveline House will be the perfect answer for her, as it is spacious enough to house her home, her workroom, and a showroom for her designs.
She begins to have misgivings when she becomes aware of the history of the house. Her own mother warned her off buying it, and it would seem her mother had suffered a trauma in the village when she was a teenager...
The final segment of the novel aptly ties the two story-lines together, serving to explain "The Secret of Eveline House".
I would have liked to read a bit more about what happened to Henry, Sylvia and Betsy after they left Draheen, though we do meet Sylvia again briefly when she is in her seventies.
I was very impressed by this book. It was very atmospheric and packed with intrigue. The characters were well developed and the dual-time line well rendered. It shed a harsh light on how the Catholic Church dominated Irish society in the 1950s giving it the right to censor many book and plays evoking fear in many of its people. I would definitely read more by Sheila Forsey when time permits. I was delighted to learn that three other of her novels are available via Kindle Unlimited.
"Religion and tradition still ruled the state."
1949-50 - The Ward family took ownership of Eveline House in County Wicklow not far from Dublin. They were native Irish who met and were married in London, England. Henry Ward was an ambitious goldsmith/jewellery designer while his wife Violet was a successful playwright. They had a fragile and beautiful little daughter named Sylvia. The Wards employed a local woman named Betsy to work as their housekeeper. Betsy cared for Sylvia as if she were her own, and she was more friend to the family than employee.
"Obeying the rules of the Church was a way of life."
The house was situated in the village of Draheen, a small community totally dominated by the Catholic Church and rife with superstition. Every house was filled with sacred pictures, crucifixes and religious statues. Most residents attended daily Mass. When word of the 'scandalous' nature of Violet's plays circulated, they shunned her and were openly hostile. Poison-pen letters arrived and little Sylvia was the first to read them... spurring a breakdown which threatened her very life... Violet is distraught and goes for a walk in the nearby woodland to gather her thoughts. She is never seen again. Henry, Sylvia, and housekeeper Betsy, flee for their lives when they realize the local Gardaí suspect Henry of doing away with his lovely wife...
2019 - Dress designer Emily O'Connor purchases Eveline House at auction. The house is exactly as the Wards hastily left it those many years ago. Clothes still in the closets, family photographs and memorabilia scattered throughout the home.
Emily is a single mother to adult son Sebastian. She feels that Eveline House will be the perfect answer for her, as it is spacious enough to house her home, her workroom, and a showroom for her designs.
She begins to have misgivings when she becomes aware of the history of the house. Her own mother warned her off buying it, and it would seem her mother had suffered a trauma in the village when she was a teenager...
The final segment of the novel aptly ties the two story-lines together, serving to explain "The Secret of Eveline House".
I would have liked to read a bit more about what happened to Henry, Sylvia and Betsy after they left Draheen, though we do meet Sylvia again briefly when she is in her seventies.
I was very impressed by this book. It was very atmospheric and packed with intrigue. The characters were well developed and the dual-time line well rendered. It shed a harsh light on how the Catholic Church dominated Irish society in the 1950s giving it the right to censor many book and plays evoking fear in many of its people. I would definitely read more by Sheila Forsey when time permits. I was delighted to learn that three other of her novels are available via Kindle Unlimited.
December 6, 2020
This is my second book by Sheila Forsey and I love how she connects past stories to the present and the echoes that resonate through the generations until it's time for secrets to surface. This tale revolves around Eveline House and a disturbing mysterious past that had led to the house remaining empty for 70 years.
Somewhat unusually for me, I preferred the present day story. However I loved how the past weaved in around the current timeline and I was intrigued to uncover what exactly occurred in 1950.
Emily bought the house, and I loved her character. A single mother who created her own wedding dress business, and has just bought the house of her dreams. With no idea of all the past secrets that are about to crawl out.
A true page turner, with a creepy supernatural vibe, and lovely characters, I highly recommend this book to you.
Somewhat unusually for me, I preferred the present day story. However I loved how the past weaved in around the current timeline and I was intrigued to uncover what exactly occurred in 1950.
Emily bought the house, and I loved her character. A single mother who created her own wedding dress business, and has just bought the house of her dreams. With no idea of all the past secrets that are about to crawl out.
A true page turner, with a creepy supernatural vibe, and lovely characters, I highly recommend this book to you.
April 6, 2023
Part 1 is set in 1950 and sets up the story of the Ward family and really builds suspense. Part 2 is set in 2019 and follows Emily, a wedding dress designer who buys the house. Part 3 brings the two stories together.
I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly, it was difficult to put down. The descriptions of characters and places is excellent and I could feel the difference between the two eras.
The mystery is well paced and doesn't leave any gaps in the explanation of what happened. However I would have liked more detail about their lives after 1950 and explanation of Sylvia's illness. A authors note on their research on child psychosis or hallucinations would have been good. Thankfully the book didn't go down the supernatural route other than some religious superstitions.
I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly, it was difficult to put down. The descriptions of characters and places is excellent and I could feel the difference between the two eras.
The mystery is well paced and doesn't leave any gaps in the explanation of what happened. However I would have liked more detail about their lives after 1950 and explanation of Sylvia's illness. A authors note on their research on child psychosis or hallucinations would have been good. Thankfully the book didn't go down the supernatural route other than some religious superstitions.
September 30, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It was engaging and kept the suspense going through to the end. The construction of the story, however, was fairly sloppy.
Some of the characters were a bit cliché... the simple Irish farm girl who ends up beautiful and stylish, the handsome husband, the gossipy church ladies. The storytelling was also a bit circuitous and the writing was very stilted. The lack of contractions made the dialogue sound very forced, and it detracted from the flow of the book. I believe some of that was stylized prose to reflect the more formal speech of 1950, but it continued on, albeit to a lesser extent, in the modern era part of the story. There is also one storyline in the book that really isn’t wrapped up very well.
I think if the book had had 2 or 3 more passes of editing, it would’ve been a lot better.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It was engaging and kept the suspense going through to the end. The construction of the story, however, was fairly sloppy.
Some of the characters were a bit cliché... the simple Irish farm girl who ends up beautiful and stylish, the handsome husband, the gossipy church ladies. The storytelling was also a bit circuitous and the writing was very stilted. The lack of contractions made the dialogue sound very forced, and it detracted from the flow of the book. I believe some of that was stylized prose to reflect the more formal speech of 1950, but it continued on, albeit to a lesser extent, in the modern era part of the story. There is also one storyline in the book that really isn’t wrapped up very well.
I think if the book had had 2 or 3 more passes of editing, it would’ve been a lot better.
April 19, 2020
I want to thank Book Sirens for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I read about 1/4 of the way through this book and just set it down. The biggest problems for me were the flashbacks and the inaction.
There are flashbacks sprinkled throughout the story; I suppose they were meant to show the characters and why they are the way they are. But the flashbacks severely slowed the pace of the book and really added little value. It would have been enough to include one sentence that Henry was poor. I didn't need a whole history of his family. Same goes for Betsy and Violet.
The inaction drove me nuts. Violet constantly threatens to go and then....doesn't. The arguments repeat.
I was disappointed with how this book was playing out so I stopped reading. The plot blurb on the back of the book sounded so good, too. The execution was just not there.
I read about 1/4 of the way through this book and just set it down. The biggest problems for me were the flashbacks and the inaction.
There are flashbacks sprinkled throughout the story; I suppose they were meant to show the characters and why they are the way they are. But the flashbacks severely slowed the pace of the book and really added little value. It would have been enough to include one sentence that Henry was poor. I didn't need a whole history of his family. Same goes for Betsy and Violet.
The inaction drove me nuts. Violet constantly threatens to go and then....doesn't. The arguments repeat.
I was disappointed with how this book was playing out so I stopped reading. The plot blurb on the back of the book sounded so good, too. The execution was just not there.
October 17, 2020
I received an Arc from you in return for a review. Thankyou.
This is quite a dark novel which I am new to but i was soon hooked! The setting of the book is a fabulous house called Eveline House in 1950s Ireland which is owned by Henry and his beautiful wife Violet Ward with their small daughter Sylvia.
This is a very poignant story which was plagued by the bigotry of the parishioners and the Catholic church itself in this era in Ireland. A terrible tragedy occurred which affected a lot of lives.
We are brought up to date with the turn of events when Emily buys the house to run her business from and further revelations are made.
This is my first book by Sheila Forsey but won't be my last.
Thank you.
This is quite a dark novel which I am new to but i was soon hooked! The setting of the book is a fabulous house called Eveline House in 1950s Ireland which is owned by Henry and his beautiful wife Violet Ward with their small daughter Sylvia.
This is a very poignant story which was plagued by the bigotry of the parishioners and the Catholic church itself in this era in Ireland. A terrible tragedy occurred which affected a lot of lives.
We are brought up to date with the turn of events when Emily buys the house to run her business from and further revelations are made.
This is my first book by Sheila Forsey but won't be my last.
Thank you.
March 13, 2023
While I appreciated the ending of this book, I had a very hard time reading part one in part because of the overwhelming use of religious doctrine. There were grammatical errors throughout the book that I can't completely explain away by the difference between American English and Irish English. The basic story is an interesting one that I did enjoy.
January 31, 2021
This was a book that I received from the publisher (Poolbeg Press) in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It is quite gothic in nature. The story is about a family living in a small Irish village in the early 1950's. They had purchased an old estate house and had it renovated and moved in. The family consisted of the mother Violet and her husband Henry Ward and their 8-year-old daughter Sylvia. Violet and Henry were both born in Ireland, but had moved to London where they met and married. Violet was an acclaimed playwright and Henry was a goldsmith and jeweller. They both wanted to return to their homeland, so bought Eveline House. All looked to be going well, but Violet found that she was not accepted in this community. The village people were all Catholic, and at that time the Catholic religion wielded a lot of power in Ireland. The village women did not like the play that Violet had written which was about a forbidden love between a Catholic priest and a woman from his church. Things get really out of hand and the women get more and more vicious. It starts to affect their daughter Sylvia who retreats into herself. A violent incident occurs and Violet disappears from her house. The rest of the family leaves under a cloud and the house is locked up tor 70 years. A young dress designer buys the house when it comes up for sale, and that is when the long-buried story is finally forced out. This book is atmospheric and the story is alive with intrigue, religious zealots and mystery. It's all a delicious blend that makes the story come alive. I can highly recommend this book to those who enjoy books with deep secrets, intrigue and very realistic characters.
April 2, 2021
There are two parts to this novel. The first begins in 1949 when Violet and Henry Ward return to Ireland from London with their young daughter, Sylvia. Both are Irish immigrants, but their perceptions of Irish life differ widely. In London, Violet is a celebrated playwright. In Ireland, her play is reviled because it goes again rigid Catholic standards. They settle in Daneer in Wicklow County, Ireland in a stately home called Eveline. Henry's business thrives while Violet is reviled for her "pagan" play and young Sylvia becomes the object of hate-filled letters as the daughter of Satan. Violet desperately wants to return to London, and Henry adamantly refuses. Violet suddenly disappears, and her husband is thought to be responsible due to an argument overheard by many people in the community. Following Violet's disappearance, Henry, Sylvia and their housekeeper, Betsy, also inexplicably go missing.
Eveline House is unoccupied and thought to be haunted until it is bought by Emily O'Connor, an aspiring designer from Dublin. Emily's mother has a connection with Daneer and the mystery of Violet Ward's disappearance that only becomes known when Emily buys Eveline House. This is an intriguing mystery that is solved after almost 70 years.
Eveline House is unoccupied and thought to be haunted until it is bought by Emily O'Connor, an aspiring designer from Dublin. Emily's mother has a connection with Daneer and the mystery of Violet Ward's disappearance that only becomes known when Emily buys Eveline House. This is an intriguing mystery that is solved after almost 70 years.
March 10, 2023
Fairly tedious
Much repetition ,grammatical errors and a complicated story line. Disjointed by hopping from one time to another. Given a good editorial it might make more stars.
Much repetition ,grammatical errors and a complicated story line. Disjointed by hopping from one time to another. Given a good editorial it might make more stars.
March 1, 2023
Secret
It’s no secret that profane and crude language does not make for good literature that endures. May have been a good story, but the language killed it for me.
It’s no secret that profane and crude language does not make for good literature that endures. May have been a good story, but the language killed it for me.
July 27, 2020
The Secret of Eveline House by Sheila Forsey is definitely the book of the summer. Maybe the year. Maybe ever! I'm not kidding or exaggerating. The Secret of Eveline House is probably one of the best fiction books I have read in a long time. The dialogue is like listening in on private conversations. It is so natural and flowing. The characters are written with such description and emotion that they jump off the page. I truly felt like I was in the story. When I finished the book I wanted to go online and do more research into the people because they were so real. There was nothing in the story that could not have really happened.
I have never been to Ireland but, after reading The Secret of Eveline House, I can give you a perfect description of the smell of the flowers, the description of the countryside, even the atmosphere of the small, rural villages. Not only is the story intriguing but the setting will absolutely win you over.
As for the story, let me tell you to plan ahead. You are going to be reading while you cook, bathe, go to the bathroom....you get the picture. This book is impossible to put down. When I was forced to stop reading because I had to get some sleep or drive somewhere, I felt like I was still "in the story." Don't give a second thought to purchasing this book. It is worth the price!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have never been to Ireland but, after reading The Secret of Eveline House, I can give you a perfect description of the smell of the flowers, the description of the countryside, even the atmosphere of the small, rural villages. Not only is the story intriguing but the setting will absolutely win you over.
As for the story, let me tell you to plan ahead. You are going to be reading while you cook, bathe, go to the bathroom....you get the picture. This book is impossible to put down. When I was forced to stop reading because I had to get some sleep or drive somewhere, I felt like I was still "in the story." Don't give a second thought to purchasing this book. It is worth the price!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 23, 2020
Depressing
Long winded story based on deep set prejudices of catholics in Ireland and their vendetta against a family who dared to think differently.
I found it repetitive with mini biographies of most characters which were pretty stereotyped for the most part.
Started to skim the pages and gave up when the child of the targeted
parents appeared to have self harmed after receiving vicious anonymous notes.
I knew there was no happy ending coming and only more pain , religious bigotry and suffering.
Not for me wanting a light read over Christmas.
It’s definitely not Maeve Binchey.
Can’t recommend but some may find it readable.
Long winded story based on deep set prejudices of catholics in Ireland and their vendetta against a family who dared to think differently.
I found it repetitive with mini biographies of most characters which were pretty stereotyped for the most part.
Started to skim the pages and gave up when the child of the targeted
parents appeared to have self harmed after receiving vicious anonymous notes.
I knew there was no happy ending coming and only more pain , religious bigotry and suffering.
Not for me wanting a light read over Christmas.
It’s definitely not Maeve Binchey.
Can’t recommend but some may find it readable.
May 9, 2020
"The Secret of Eveline House" by Shelia Forsey ,what can be said of this book? First time reader of this author and I most definitely will read more of her books! This is a story about a house and town in Ireland in the 1950's,that holds many,many secrets that takes you on a adventure of the unknown. I did enjoyed this story of so many twists and turns that has you wondering where these interesting characters are going to take you! You have 3 different stories going on to tell you the history of this intriguing house and towns people. Even with 3 different stories going on,you do not get mixed up and sometimes that's hard to do!! Not with this author!! In this historical story,you have wicked ,nosy towns people who characters you will shake your head about. Drama,haunting secrets and love and hate and confusion are just the tip of some of the emotions that are displayed by some of the characters and what makes you keep reading on the edge of your seat on what will happen next! You will be so surprised at what happens and the story keeps you guessing on what really happened to the town's people and what how it changed so many lives of only the truth had been told,but..what is really the truth!! Not even going to give you any more clues,read the story to find out for yourself! The Irish people are in a class of their own!The Secret of Eveline House" by Shelia Forsey ,what can be said of this book? First time reader of this author and I most definitely will read more of her books! This is a story about a house and town in Ireland in the 1950's,that holds many,many secrets that takes you on a adventure of the unknown. I did enjoyed this story of so many twists and turns that has you wondering where these interesting characters are going to take you! You have 3 different stories going on to tell you the history of this intriguing house and towns people. Even with 3 different stories going on,you do not get mixed up and sometimes that's hard to do!! Not with this author!! In this historical story,you have wicked ,nosy towns people who characters you will shake your head about. Drama,haunting secrets and love and hate and confusion are just the tip of some of the emotions that are displayed by some of the characters and what makes you keep reading on the edge of your seat on what will happen next! You will be so surprised at what happens and the story keeps you guessing on what really happened to the town's people and what how it changed so many lives of only the truth had been told,but..what is really the truth!! Not even going to give you any more clues,read the story to find out for yourself! The Irish people are in a class of their own! Book Sirens gave me this book to read and for my honest review!!
May 2, 2020
We meet Violet Ward in Draheen in 1949. She’s returned to Ireland with her husband and their young daughter at his behest. He too was Irish and it had always been his dream to return to his beloved land.
Violet has no such happy memories, but she’s a playwright and as she can work anywhere, she agrees to make their home in the land to which they both owe their heritage.
But it’s not the happy homecoming they envision. Violet’s family refuses to have anything to do with them, not even replying to her letters. The town of Draheen is determined that the author of such filth – the Ireland of old was locked down under the heavy hand of the Catholic church – should find no comfort in their midst.
Strange and disturbing things start happening to young Silvia. Henry refuses to countenance the thought of returning to London. And suddenly one morning, Violet disappears. Thought to have run away.
Having succeeded in ridding themselves of the playwright, the village of Draheen returns to its superficially devout Catholic ways.
Until, some 70 years after it’s been left locked up, Eveline House has been sold.
In trying to make Eveline House her own, Emily piece by piece unearths the sordid truth, with the unexpected involvement of Silvia herself and, in the end, Emily’s own mother.
A gripping tale. The characters are engaging. The story itself filled with twists unexpected, and much sadness too. I couldn’t help myself but had to keep reading.
If there’s one thing that was dissonant in this book it was the last fifteen or so pages. The telling of the few pieces still missing of Violet and Silvia’s story. It just seems so out of character with the style of the rest of the book. Whereas Hallward weaves an enthralling tale throughout, these last pages seem to have been written by someone else. Rather than a continued telling of the tale, it’s a laundry list of events as if to bring all the open threads to a close.
Still, I found the book held my interest, and I turned page after page to learn Violet’s story. The outcome was not what I would have liked, but it was almost inevitable that it should have happened that way.
I highly recommend!
[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
Violet has no such happy memories, but she’s a playwright and as she can work anywhere, she agrees to make their home in the land to which they both owe their heritage.
But it’s not the happy homecoming they envision. Violet’s family refuses to have anything to do with them, not even replying to her letters. The town of Draheen is determined that the author of such filth – the Ireland of old was locked down under the heavy hand of the Catholic church – should find no comfort in their midst.
Strange and disturbing things start happening to young Silvia. Henry refuses to countenance the thought of returning to London. And suddenly one morning, Violet disappears. Thought to have run away.
Having succeeded in ridding themselves of the playwright, the village of Draheen returns to its superficially devout Catholic ways.
Until, some 70 years after it’s been left locked up, Eveline House has been sold.
In trying to make Eveline House her own, Emily piece by piece unearths the sordid truth, with the unexpected involvement of Silvia herself and, in the end, Emily’s own mother.
A gripping tale. The characters are engaging. The story itself filled with twists unexpected, and much sadness too. I couldn’t help myself but had to keep reading.
If there’s one thing that was dissonant in this book it was the last fifteen or so pages. The telling of the few pieces still missing of Violet and Silvia’s story. It just seems so out of character with the style of the rest of the book. Whereas Hallward weaves an enthralling tale throughout, these last pages seem to have been written by someone else. Rather than a continued telling of the tale, it’s a laundry list of events as if to bring all the open threads to a close.
Still, I found the book held my interest, and I turned page after page to learn Violet’s story. The outcome was not what I would have liked, but it was almost inevitable that it should have happened that way.
I highly recommend!
[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
May 11, 2020
I have just spent the weekend reading The Secret of Eveline House and I have to say found it difficult to put down. It is a remarkable story of an Ireland in the stranglehold of the Catholic Church and all the torment and horror that inflicted on its people.
Author Sheila Forsey has done a wonderful job bringing this era with all its fear, conflict and terribleness to life.
I am a fan of historical fiction and this publication gives the reader an insight into Ireland of the 1950s and a people subdued, oppressed and religious to the point of fanaticism.
The Wards, Violet and Henry return to Ireland with their young daughter Sylvia to begin a new life in the village of Draheen, Co. Wicklow having attained success and considerable wealth in England, Henry as a recognised Goldsmith and Violet as a staged Playwright.
Henry, handsome and capable, planning to put Draheen on the map, Violet, beautiful talented and accomplished and the much loved and angelic Sylvia move into the charming Eveline House for what should be a glorious future together and instead their lives are crushed and destroyed by bigotry and intolerance.
Small town I950s Ireland is not quite ready for the likes of Violet Ward, who has just had her play about a woman having a relationship with a priest performed on the London stage.
The pious women of Draheen are having none of ` that filth` in their town and rather than leave it to God to judge and administer punishment they decided to take it upon themselves to launch a campaign to get the young family to leave Draheen forever, unleashing terrible anger, hatred, jealousy, prejudice and violence all in the name of religion.
The Secret of Eveline House in not just a fantastic window on our Irish past it is also a captivating thriller that keeps the reader intrigued and turning pages from beginning to end.
Sheila Forsey has a real feel for places and their past and her descriptive passages about the house and its contents are testament to that, she breathes life into Eveline House and at the same time adeptly creates a murder, mystery and suspense drama rivalling any Agatha Christie and I would strongly recommend it as a most excellent read - Maria Nolan
Author Sheila Forsey has done a wonderful job bringing this era with all its fear, conflict and terribleness to life.
I am a fan of historical fiction and this publication gives the reader an insight into Ireland of the 1950s and a people subdued, oppressed and religious to the point of fanaticism.
The Wards, Violet and Henry return to Ireland with their young daughter Sylvia to begin a new life in the village of Draheen, Co. Wicklow having attained success and considerable wealth in England, Henry as a recognised Goldsmith and Violet as a staged Playwright.
Henry, handsome and capable, planning to put Draheen on the map, Violet, beautiful talented and accomplished and the much loved and angelic Sylvia move into the charming Eveline House for what should be a glorious future together and instead their lives are crushed and destroyed by bigotry and intolerance.
Small town I950s Ireland is not quite ready for the likes of Violet Ward, who has just had her play about a woman having a relationship with a priest performed on the London stage.
The pious women of Draheen are having none of ` that filth` in their town and rather than leave it to God to judge and administer punishment they decided to take it upon themselves to launch a campaign to get the young family to leave Draheen forever, unleashing terrible anger, hatred, jealousy, prejudice and violence all in the name of religion.
The Secret of Eveline House in not just a fantastic window on our Irish past it is also a captivating thriller that keeps the reader intrigued and turning pages from beginning to end.
Sheila Forsey has a real feel for places and their past and her descriptive passages about the house and its contents are testament to that, she breathes life into Eveline House and at the same time adeptly creates a murder, mystery and suspense drama rivalling any Agatha Christie and I would strongly recommend it as a most excellent read - Maria Nolan
May 8, 2025
I picked this book out on a whim, because the concept sounded pretty interesting. I was not disappointed with this book, at all.
Things I liked:
The characters - I'm putting them all together, because they were all really well written. The characters in the past were not just one-dimensional characters that were there to be some kind of representation of whatever social mores were dominant at the time. I could feel Violet's terror and pain. Henry's dismissal of what she had to say and his subsequent acknowledging that she could have been right. Their helplessness. This whole part of the story was kind of creepy and goth-ish. The vibe was really engrossing and unsettling. I loved it. The present cast of characters were just as well written. Too often, in a dual timeline story, one part of the story always seems to be more well written than the other. Granted, the present timeline did feel a little shorter, but everything was well done and Emily's feelings of finding her dreamhouse, buying it quickly, and then finding out the horror story that happened there were so true to life. I could imagine myself feeling every single emotion and thought Emily did.
The dual timeline - For a while, I seemed to be reading a LOT of dual timelines. They started to feel the same and were getting a bit annoying. Mostly because you would get drawn into one timeline or story, and then have it change in the next chapter. However, this story was much better. We got the whole story from 1950, right up to when the family disappeared. We stayed with them the whole time. When it switched to the present, we got to follow Emily on her journey to buy the house, find out about it, find out about her mom, and how everything connected. Only once did we flip back to the past after getting to the present. And that chapter was so necessary and made sense. Once we find out who Emily's mother was and what she knew, the whole story came full circle. It was nice to see how everything connected and to find out what happened to everyone who was important to the first part of the story.
I loved the way this story was told. I liked the nuances Sheila Forsey added, to make everything seem real, creepy, and relatable.
My rating: 5 stars
Things I liked:
The characters - I'm putting them all together, because they were all really well written. The characters in the past were not just one-dimensional characters that were there to be some kind of representation of whatever social mores were dominant at the time. I could feel Violet's terror and pain. Henry's dismissal of what she had to say and his subsequent acknowledging that she could have been right. Their helplessness. This whole part of the story was kind of creepy and goth-ish. The vibe was really engrossing and unsettling. I loved it. The present cast of characters were just as well written. Too often, in a dual timeline story, one part of the story always seems to be more well written than the other. Granted, the present timeline did feel a little shorter, but everything was well done and Emily's feelings of finding her dreamhouse, buying it quickly, and then finding out the horror story that happened there were so true to life. I could imagine myself feeling every single emotion and thought Emily did.
The dual timeline - For a while, I seemed to be reading a LOT of dual timelines. They started to feel the same and were getting a bit annoying. Mostly because you would get drawn into one timeline or story, and then have it change in the next chapter. However, this story was much better. We got the whole story from 1950, right up to when the family disappeared. We stayed with them the whole time. When it switched to the present, we got to follow Emily on her journey to buy the house, find out about it, find out about her mom, and how everything connected. Only once did we flip back to the past after getting to the present. And that chapter was so necessary and made sense. Once we find out who Emily's mother was and what she knew, the whole story came full circle. It was nice to see how everything connected and to find out what happened to everyone who was important to the first part of the story.
I loved the way this story was told. I liked the nuances Sheila Forsey added, to make everything seem real, creepy, and relatable.
My rating: 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
The Secret of Eveline House by Sheila Forsey is a story of secrets in a deeply religious village. In 1949, Violet Ward, a playwright, moved to the Eveline House in County Wicklow with her husband, Henry, and their daughter, Sylvia. Violet’s plays have been banned in Ireland and the people in their small country town are hostile to her. Violet ignores it but when Sylvia starts to receive threatening letters, she demands that they return to London. However, Henry is vehemently opposed to leaving Ireland. Seventy years later, Emily O’Connor buys her dream house. Eveline House sits like a time capsule, locked up since 1950 and still filled with the personal possessions of the previous owners. When Emily realizes that the town is filled with hidden cruel secrets which eventually impacts her life in ways she never thought possible. She starts to question the fate of the lost family and sets her on a quest for the answers.
I love a dual timeline story and I was intrigued by the premise of The Secret of Eveline House. However, this story was not exciting or intriguing. It was dull, repetitive with lots of telling instead of showing. There was too much internal monologue. The story features the oppressiveness and political influence of the Catholic Church in 1950s Ireland, which is interesting. However, the constant reminding of this fact was overbearing and annoying. The pace was also slowed with unnecessary information and flashbacks. The story has entire chapters with background stories of secondary characters that didn’t seem to add anything to the plot. At first, I liked Violet who was a free spirit and ahead of her time with her thinking and views; however, she threatens to leave Ireland and then doesn’t! By the time the story gets to the modern storyline, I didn’t care about what happens to the Ward family and why they left Eveline House. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Secret of Eveline House.
The Secret of Eveline House is available in paperback and eBook
I love a dual timeline story and I was intrigued by the premise of The Secret of Eveline House. However, this story was not exciting or intriguing. It was dull, repetitive with lots of telling instead of showing. There was too much internal monologue. The story features the oppressiveness and political influence of the Catholic Church in 1950s Ireland, which is interesting. However, the constant reminding of this fact was overbearing and annoying. The pace was also slowed with unnecessary information and flashbacks. The story has entire chapters with background stories of secondary characters that didn’t seem to add anything to the plot. At first, I liked Violet who was a free spirit and ahead of her time with her thinking and views; however, she threatens to leave Ireland and then doesn’t! By the time the story gets to the modern storyline, I didn’t care about what happens to the Ward family and why they left Eveline House. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Secret of Eveline House.
The Secret of Eveline House is available in paperback and eBook
September 17, 2020
Poison Pen Letters
The story of a family torn apart by those that could not accept someone from outside their tight knit religious community with different ways and different views. Someone that refused to conform to their standards and dared to be different. The book is a good example of how harmful hatred and gossip can be.
The setting is Dasheen, Ireland, 1950. Henry and Violet Ward have just moved from London with their daughter Sylvia. They purchased a beautiful home called Evaline. Henry settles in well while Violet and Sylvia struggle. A group of gossiping church ladies target Violet and make life miserable for her. They gossip, spread rumors and are very nasty when in public.
Soon after they arrive Sylvia is somehow given nasty letters. After receiving the letters Sylvia becomes ill and is hospitalized. Then Violet Ward disappears. Her husband and the maid are questioned. They fear Henry will be arrested for the crime, so they collect Evelyn from the hospital and run away with her.
Years later Emily buys Evaline house. It has set empty for many years ever since the Wards left. When she mentions it to her mother she has a stroke and forbids Emily to buy Evaline house or to settle in Dasheen. She will not say why but soon after that she has a stroke. Secrets never stay buried forever. Emily and her brother Jack set out to solve the mystery of Evaline house and find out what her mother knows that she is not telling.
I enjoyed the book, it was well written and I loved the characters. I loved the ending, very appropriate. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Sheila Forsey, and Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.
Part one of this story follows Violet Ward, her husband Henry, and young daughter Sylvia in 1949. Violet and Henry met as Irish expatriates in London. Henry always dreamed of returning to Ireland while Violet was loving the freedom she found as a play write in London. But after the birth of their daughter Sylvia she agrees to move to Eveline House in County Wicklow, Ireland. But the people in this small town do not warm to Violet and her young daughter. Her plays are banned in Ireland and the townspeople are convinced Violet is going to corrupt their youth. When Sylvia receives an anonymous letter calling her "the daughter of the devil", Violet wants to return to London against Henry's wishes. Then one day the family disappears never to be heard from again.
Fast forward to 2019 and Eveline House is up for auction. When Emily O’Connor sees the ad for Eveline House she knows it the perfect place to live and expand her bridal dress design business. Something about Eveline House calls to Emily and after purchasing it secrets long buried come to the surface. Could Emily be the key to figuring out what happened to the Ward family all those years ago?
The Secret of Eveline House is an intriguing mystery full of twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming! It started out slow but once the mysterious anonymous letter was introduced it sucked me in and I could not put it down! There were some unanswered questions that I wished the author solved but I really enjoyed this story.
Part one of this story follows Violet Ward, her husband Henry, and young daughter Sylvia in 1949. Violet and Henry met as Irish expatriates in London. Henry always dreamed of returning to Ireland while Violet was loving the freedom she found as a play write in London. But after the birth of their daughter Sylvia she agrees to move to Eveline House in County Wicklow, Ireland. But the people in this small town do not warm to Violet and her young daughter. Her plays are banned in Ireland and the townspeople are convinced Violet is going to corrupt their youth. When Sylvia receives an anonymous letter calling her "the daughter of the devil", Violet wants to return to London against Henry's wishes. Then one day the family disappears never to be heard from again.
Fast forward to 2019 and Eveline House is up for auction. When Emily O’Connor sees the ad for Eveline House she knows it the perfect place to live and expand her bridal dress design business. Something about Eveline House calls to Emily and after purchasing it secrets long buried come to the surface. Could Emily be the key to figuring out what happened to the Ward family all those years ago?
The Secret of Eveline House is an intriguing mystery full of twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming! It started out slow but once the mysterious anonymous letter was introduced it sucked me in and I could not put it down! There were some unanswered questions that I wished the author solved but I really enjoyed this story.
January 25, 2021
This book reminded me of an old-fashioned melodrama, with a beautiful lady, some wicked villains, a gothic mansion, and a mysterious disappearance. The house of the title is interesting, but doesn't really play a part in the essential plot, which focuses on Violet Ward, who has reluctantly come back to Ireland with her husband after finding success as a playwright in London. The history of the Catholic Church's stranglehold on Ireland is well known, so much of what takes place isn't surprising, but I had difficulty for a long time trying to keep in mind the period in which it takes place, which is the 1950's. I wish the author had made that clearer, with topical references or more detail on Violet's clothing styles. It's surprising, too, that no reference is made to post-war problems that continued for many years into the 50's.
Threatening letters given to the child, Sylvia, lead to an illness that threatens her life. Then Violet's sudden disappearance, followed by the departure of her husband and the little girl, sets up a series of events that leave the house a mysterious shell and everyone else in the dark. The second part of the book, which takes place in the present, revolves around Emily O'Connor, who buys the house and begins to explore its history. This is where coincidence plays an unrealistic part, and it didn't ring true to me. I never did feel close to any of the characters, and the story was just okay. I received a copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
Threatening letters given to the child, Sylvia, lead to an illness that threatens her life. Then Violet's sudden disappearance, followed by the departure of her husband and the little girl, sets up a series of events that leave the house a mysterious shell and everyone else in the dark. The second part of the book, which takes place in the present, revolves around Emily O'Connor, who buys the house and begins to explore its history. This is where coincidence plays an unrealistic part, and it didn't ring true to me. I never did feel close to any of the characters, and the story was just okay. I received a copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2021
Part of the popular dual timeline genre where the past is discovered in the present, this is set in Ireland in 1949 and the present day. In 1949, Violet Ward, her husband and her young daughter move to a small village where she is reviled as she has written a scandalous play that is banned due to its religious content. The author really captures the small town 'holier than thou' mentality where poor Violet and her daughter feel threatened by the locals and can't do anything to improve the situation. Things get worse as Sylvia, the daughter, discovers some nasty letters.
In the present day, Emily O'Connor buys a mysterious house but her mother is upset by it and she can't understand why. Some really good descriptions of the house and how it's been left as it was.
The story mainly focuses on Violet and I think this was a good decision as I thought this was well told and interesting. The modern day parts are briefer, but the book was a satisfying length and pace. If I had a criticism, it would be that I thought Sylvia's mysterious illness was a bit over dramatic and not sufficiently explained, but overall this was an enjoyable novel.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the present day, Emily O'Connor buys a mysterious house but her mother is upset by it and she can't understand why. Some really good descriptions of the house and how it's been left as it was.
The story mainly focuses on Violet and I think this was a good decision as I thought this was well told and interesting. The modern day parts are briefer, but the book was a satisfying length and pace. If I had a criticism, it would be that I thought Sylvia's mysterious illness was a bit over dramatic and not sufficiently explained, but overall this was an enjoyable novel.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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