The House in the Hollow

The Talbot Saga #1

by Allie Cresswell

**A prequel to the award-winning Tall Chimneys**
The Talbots are wealthy. But their wealth is from ‘trade’. With neither ancient lineage nor title, they struggle for entrance into elite Regency society. Finally, aided by an impecunious viscount, they gain access to the drawing rooms of England’s most illustrious houses.
Mrs Talbot intends her daughter Jocelyn to marry well, to eliminate the stain of the family’s ignoble beginnings. But the young men Jocelyn meets are vacuous, seeing Jocelyn as merely a substantial dowry. Only Lieutenant Barnaby Willow sees the real Jocelyn, but he is deployed to war.
The hypocrisy of fashionable society repulses Jocelyn—beneath the courtly manners she finds deceit, dissipation and vice. She stumbles upon and then is embroiled in a sordid scandal which threatens utter disgrace for the Talbot family. Humiliated and dishonoured, she is sent to a remote house hidden in a hollow of the Yorkshire moors, irrevocably separated from family, friends and any hope of hearing about the lieutenant’s fate.

Genres: Historical Fiction, British Literature

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2020

About the author

I have been writing stories since I could hold a pencil and by the time I was in Junior School I was writing copiously and sometimes almost legibly.

It was at this time that I had the difference between fiction and lies forcefully impressed upon me, after penning a long and entirely spurious account of my grandfather’s death and funeral.....

The teacher had permitted it as being good therapy for bereavement whereas in fact it was only a good excuse to get out of learning my multiplication tables (something I have never achieved).

Clearly I was forgiven. For for my next birthday I asked for a stack of writing paper and my parents obliged, it being more easily obtained and wrapped than a pony.

A BA in English and Drama at Birmingham University was followed by an MA in English at Queen Mary College but marriage and motherhood put my writing career on hold for some years until 1992 when I began work on Game Show.

In the meantime I worked as a production manager for an educational publishing company, an educational resources copywriter, a bookkeeper for a small printing firm, and was the landlady of a country pub in Yorkshire, a small guest house in Cheshire and the proprietor of a group of boutique holiday cottages in Cumbria.

I am currently teaching literature in the community alongside full time writing.

I have two grown-up children, Tom and Abby, and am married to Tim.

I live in Cheshire.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House in the Hollow (a prequel to the author’s award-winning Tall Chimneys ) opens with Jocelyn Talbot’s journey to the house of the title, with its eerie atmosphere of gloom and melancholy.   For Jocelyn it is the beginning of a period of exile the full reason for which will only gradually be revealed.  As she gets used to the isolation of her new surroundings she recalls earlier, happier days when, as the daughter of a wealthy family, her expectations of life were very different.

As an aficionado of Jane Austen, the author does a great job of replicating the satirical edge that Austen brought to her observations of contemporary society. For example, the disdain with which an offer to take tea is greeted rather than the sign of more favoured status, an invitation to dine. I particularly enjoyed the description of a dinner party at Binsley House, home of the eccentric Sir Diggory, at which casual snobbery, social pretensions, “fashion and empty affectation” are laid bare. Fans of Pride & Prejudice will also enjoy the efforts of various ladies to procure advantageous marriages for their daughters.

By introducing the point of view of Annie Orphan (so named because she was taken from the workhouse into service in the Talbot household along with another orphan, Sally), the reader gets a fascinating insight into the daily routine of servants in a large house. It also provides another perspective on the events that have led to Jocelyn’s exile. There are moments of melodrama too, many of which involve the magnificently named Lord Petrel.

I liked that the author took the opportunity to add diversity to the story by introducing a couple of characters who would definitely not have found a place in a Jane Austen novel. Moreover, that these characters are given responsible and useful positions in society. Continuing this egalitarian theme is Jocelyn’s gradual unpicking of the barriers that society imposes between her and the household servants, what she describes as a ‘very ridiculous, utterly artificial separation’.

I really enjoyed The House in the Hollow which, for me, had just the right combination of period detail, social history, romance and skillfully constructed storyline.  No surprise then that Tall Chimneys has been added to my wishlist.

[Paula Berinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austen, the Brontes, and the early Philippa Gregory combined

What a book, what a story! I came across this title by accident (a very happy one indeed) and I feel so fortunate. I absolutely could not put it down. The writing is exquisite without being precious and the story and characters compelling. Reading it felt like a vacation. If you enjoy Jane Austen, the Brontes, or Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre trilogy you will love this story.

[Lona Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel truly stands apart. Masterfully plotted, richly detailed, and beautifully written, book:The House in the Hollow|55754063] is a stand-alone prequel to Cresswell’s acclaimed novel Tall Chimneys.
Jocelyn Talbot, the daughter of a wealthy merchant and a snobbish, social-climbing mother, has been banished to a lonely mansion in the windswept Yorkshire moors. I found myself stopping to savor Cresswell’s evocative descriptions of the house, the moors, and the weather, as seen through the eyes of the exiled woman. The prose is polished and shines like a gem.
I am also in awe of how Cresswell skillfully unwraps the family secrets at the heart of the plot. She gives us two sympathetic heroines, mistress and servant. Jocelyn Talbot tells her own story, while the narrator describes the lonely struggle of Annie Orphan, plucked out of a workhouse to be a scullery maid. The lives and fates of Upstairs and Downstairs are intimately intertwined. When you rely on servants to wash you, dress you, and empty your chamber pot, it’s impossible to keep any secrets from them—although they can sometimes keep secrets from you.
One of the things that makes Jocelyn Talbot so sympathetic and interesting as a main character is that Cresswell depicts her emerging from a sheltered childhood into society, where she has to make her own judgements about the people she meets, including a charming young lieutenant and a mysterious brother and sister who have just moved into the neighborhood.
I couldn't help thinking about the Brontës, their lives and their novels, while reading this stylish, atmospheric tale. Highly recommended for lovers of thoughtful historical fiction.

[B. Fleetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who love Upstairs Downstairs, Downton Abbey, Jane Austen or just brilliant literary fiction, this book is a MUST!
The story of the House in the Hollow is a wonderful insight into the lives of the upper classes and their servants living in 1800s England.
We follow Jocelyn Talbot, step-daughter of a wealthy businessman who has made his money in India. He strives to be accepted by the landed gentry who frown on his 'new money'. Talbot's wife, Jocelyn's mother is determined to raise the status of the family and find Jocelyn a titled husband. Mrs Talbot is a cold and calculating woman who admits the revolting Viscount Petrel to the household. He preys on women and Jocelyn finds herself caught up in a terrible scandal and is exiled to the remote and bleak family house in Yorkshire, the house in the hollow (eventually this building will be adapted to become the Tall Chimneys in the future).
Whilst this book is a prequel to Tall Chimneys, it stands alone and one can be read without the other. If you enjoyed Tall Chimneys, you are in for a real treat with this read. If you haven't read Tall Chimneys, you will want to.

In conclusion, this is one of the best books I have read. I felt bereft when I had finished the story - it deserves the highest accolade and if I could give more than five stars, I would. It deserves a literary award.

[Phyllis Entis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn Talbot has rebelled against her mother and has flouted the norms of Regency society. Actions have consequences, and Jocelyn has been immured in an isolated house with only a small coterie of servants and an illegitimate baby for company.

In time, Jocelyn is able to come to terms with her exile, and crafts a life for herself.

I was seduced by this story from the very beginning, thanks to the calibre of Allie Cresswell’s seductive prose, which is almost poetic in its quality. I could feel the bitter cold. I shivered with trepidation at Jocelyn’s plight and rejoiced in her small triumphs.

This is a story about people, and all of the main characters are carefully crafted and multi-dimensional. Jocelyn is believable, as is Agnes Orphan and the other individuals who populate the book.

Everything in this story fits together. There are no jagged edges. No loose ends. The writing is compelling (I read it from cover to cover in a single day), and the ending is perfect.

Lovers of Regency romance will adore this book. As for me, I’m hoping for a sequel.

[Annette Spratte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a beautifully crafted macramé, intricately woven together with three threads: Jocelyn's present predicament, her memories and Annie Orphan's experiences of the same events from the servant's perspective.
Right from the start I was enchanted by Allie Cresswell's supberb language which already impressed me in Tall Chimneys. Images from reading that book easily flared up again as I read this one, as it partly takes place in the same house.
Carefully pointed phrases made me stop and reread several passages, knowing there was something amiss because of the odd wording, yet not for the life of me being able to think of what it could be. The author kept me guessing almost to the last page of the book before the riddle was revealed in a way I would never have expected.
A thrilling read, with deep, well-formed characters that came to life in the room with me. I loved the way the telling eased from one perspective to another, not jumping back and forth as it often is with books set up in this way. Here, one rather had the feeling that it was necessary to switch the perspective to find the next puzzle piece, to draw the curtain of mystery aside a little more, to get to know the characters even better with another titbit revealed.
Truly a masterpiece worthy of all the stars there are to give. Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the early years of the 19th century two young women struggle to find happiness in Georgian England. Jocelyn Talbot is the daughter of a woman of breeding who has reluctantly married a wealthy merchant while Annie Orphan is a girl from the Workhouse given the opportunity to work as a housemaid in their mansion in Oxfordshire. Despite her mother’s scorn, Robert Talbot is a good step-father and Jocelyn loves her younger brother, George, fiercely. When shy, slightly built Annie is bullied by her peers, Jocelyn steps in to help her cope with life in the busy household.
The story moves to a delightful account of a happy summer in the style of a Jane Austen. Jocelyn spends time with a group of young people where flirtations and plans for the future are abruptly foiled by the war with Napoleon. But the main plot takes place in the recollections of Jocelyn, now living in confinement on the Yorkshire moors with Annie and other kind servants taking care of her. Mysterious events in her past have led to her estrangement from her family and Annie does her best to give Jocelyn some contentment.
This is a complex story which shows the helplessness of 19th century women when mistreated by men, but it is also heartening to see how friendship can restore the spirit. Despite all their sufferings both women may achieve peace and love.

[A.E. Walnofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book! I'm extremely particular, requiring stories to be believable, yet interesting and creative. This book checks all of those boxes. The stories of both Jocelyn and Annie were very intriguing, made more so by how different the two characters were from one another. Cresswell masterfully wove important foreshadowing details that weren't glaringly obvious, but were necessary to help you understand and accept the twists and turns this story took. Seriously, this book is amazing. I loved it.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn Talbot's family came to their wealth through trade, rather than inheritance, and as such, their social standing hangs by a fragile thread, where the merest whisper of scandal would leave them shunned by everyone of importance. For Mrs Talbot, there is nothing more important than her position in society.

The story alternates between Jocelyn's banishment to the lonely house in the hollow in 1811 and the events leading up to it, and the conclusion in 1814. It is also written from the point of view of Annie, an orphan who ends up as a scullery maid at the Talbot's house, giving us a view of life above and below stairs, making us privy to things that were kept hidden away, scandals that were swept under the carpet.

I love reading Allie Cresswell's historical fiction novels. She has a way of taking the reader back into the past, with its social rules, subtle intrigue, veiled threats, and the importance of wealth and origins. Her style of writing recreates the oppressive atmosphere of the times that I'm sure many young women had to suffer, and through her story we understand the sacrifices they had to make, for honour, for society, and for the family name. This is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction.

[Emma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novel of real life in the 1800s

Jocelyn and her mother are travelling to a new home in a remote part of Yorkshire. Jocelyn is in disgrace and soon her mother leaves her to survive alone apart from a few staff. What has Jocelyn done? Whatever it is, Jocelyn at the age of 26 has been cast away to a life of boredom.
Set in the early 1800s this historical fiction looks at the realities of those times. Social norms and acceptability are one of the themes in this beautifully written novel with characters that became real in my mind, and events that, though seemingly real to life, were quite shocking. There are the balls and social gatherings that one may expect of a book written in this era, but the viewpoint is rather different from other books I have read of this genre.
Despite a slow burn start, I absolutely loved this book, and the story and images have stayed with me over the weeks since I finished reading it. This is Book 1 of a trilogy – I loved the 2nd book (The Lady in the Veil) so much, I went back to read this the first, and have on my TBR list the third. Allie Cresswell is an author who gets to the heart of the era she is writing about, looking at how life really was under the apparent gloss and romance.

[Chris Sutcliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House in the Hollows

Another very readable novel from Allie Cresswell.

We are transported back to the 1800’s again and as we meet our heroine, Jocelyn Talbot, the story is reminiscent of an Austen novel. There are walks and dinner parties, tea and carriage rides, a picnic, hierarchy, a soldier, silly girls. There is prejudice, persuasion, position and pride.

However, something catastrophic has wrenched Jocelyn away just as she is beginning to question the world she knows. The story then becomes a more complex, atmospheric and suspense filled tale set against the powerful and evocative backdrop of the ever changing weather on the Yorkshire moors and a lonely, seemingly unfriendly house. Ms Cresswell’s writing makes you feel the rain in your bones!

Jocelyn’s story is cleverly intertwined with that of her ‘downstairs’ counterpart, the servant girl Annie. Both heroines are well written and believable and so the reader is drawn in and made to care. Much of the descriptive writing is poetic and richly detailed but not burdensome.

Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this book for sure.

[Helen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn Talbot is in trouble! She broke the rules and is banished to a most uninteresting existence in the middle of nowhere on the Yorkshire moors. You can almost feel that cold wind whirling around your legs as much as you can feel Jocelyn’s despair.

To keep us from sobbing into our handkerchief for the poor girl, we promptly meet Annie, the scullery maid with just as many problems, of quite a different nature from Annie’s woes. Annie came from the workhouse, and some say that she should be grateful to have such a good placement, but she feels that she been dumped in this lonely place, just like Jocelyn.

The writing style is descriptive without being flowery and paints a detailed picture without muddying the colour of the story. The vocabulary is expansive while remaining completely appropriate. Chapter lengths are just the right length to dip in and out of the book.

The characters and the narrative unfold gradually through the book with a few twists and turns, culminating in a neat ending.

A delightful book that was a pleasure to read.

[Patricia Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The House in the Hollow’ is the first book of (so far) three in The Talbot Saga. It takes us back to the early days of the Regency period, when Society dictates that noble blood counts for more than wealth or even good behaviour. At the centre of the story are the machinations of the vicious Lord Petrel and the cold, snobbish Mrs Talbot. The consequence, for young Jocelyn Talbot, is a sentence of such unremitting harshness that it takes the breath away.
Parallel to the story of Jocelyn is that of Annie, an orphan brought from the workhouse with her feckless sister Sally to work in the Talbot household. Annie’s and Sally’s stories give a thought-provoking insight into the lives of the under-class of the era.
This is the third book of Allie Cresswell’s I have read, and I have come to appreciate how deftly she handles plot, unravelling the story at her own pace, scattering hints and clues for the reader to follow. It has its dark, and even horrifying moments, but it is a book that will keep you turning pages far into the night.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a real mystery to uncover. Jocelyn has been exiled out to an old house in the middle of nowhere it seems. Slowly, you unravel the events which have brought her there and there are some memorable surprises on the way. I was genuinely shocked at one point in the story and realised that I had been misdirected skilfully by the author.

The house, of course, takes centre stage for most of the story. It seems to offer an other worldly setting and a level of protection to its inhabitants. There are several longish descriptions of the surrounding land which adds to the atmosphere and feeling of abandonment. There are some interesting thoughts on the class structure and social classes on which the society is built and it seems that through traumatic events, people begin to reevaluate their opinions of others.

In short: Family loyalties are stretched to the limit
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

[Mrs. Avis Ross]

I have read at least one other book by this author (Sorry, am a total klutz with titles) and I will be reading more of hers. I find she does a superb job of shocking you as you go along, although it is depictions of real human behavior rather than scary subjects she uses to achieve the effect she wants. In this book she gives a very good example of the English class system and snobbishness that exists to this day, although it is a period novel. I find the writing a cut above the average, but find that she doesn't tend to fill out all her characters, except for her heroine. The stories, as mentioned, are unique in their scope, and quite informative of the life at the time. I would strongly recommend this and others of hers.

[Sallianne Hines]

A moody historical fiction tale with insight into the human psyche. I always enjoy stories where the house itself plays an important role. I like how the author handled the two points of view in the tale, and her vivid descriptions made me feel I was there myself. I know that house. The is the prequel to Allie's other book, Tall Chimneys, which I am now reading. This house on the wild windswept moors holds sway over each convincingly drawn character in the novel, from the highest to the lowest level of society. Through this story the author explores the precarious position of women during the Regency era and we come to see how thin the veil is between elegance and hardship, between honor and evil. Settle in for a good read!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House in the Hollow by Allie Cresswell delves into the complexities of a family and the responsibilities and ranks within Regency society. Amidst its intricate rules and status system, the novel immerses the reader in the harsh realities and unfair decisions individuals must make to preserve their status and wealth. It evokes both touching and heartbreaking emotions, yet the author’s beautiful storytelling keeps the reader engaged throughout. The story concludes on a pleasant note, providing a satisfying conclusion to an intriguing narrative.

I want to express my gratitude to this Indie author for sharing their work with us through NetGalley.

[Michele Zito · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute pleasure it was to read this book Having enjoyed Tall Chimneys so very much, I felt an obligation to read the prequel. And I was not disappointed . What an incredible well written story, first the description of the surroundings of bleak Yorkshire, the loneliness and heartbreak of Jocelyn
being deceived by her mother and forced in exile for an inordinate amount of time.
I must pause in my review for fear of revealing the outcome of this fantastic novel
This is a must read read for fans of Allie Cresswell, one of her best.
Michele Zito

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It surprised me how much I enjoyed this book. Not sure exactly what I was expecting but it surpassed all expectations. Set in England in the early 19th century, has it all, mystery, romance, great characters and best of all beautifully written. It is a prequel to Tall Chimneys, will definitely read that one soon.

[Becca Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a classical treasure.
Once again we are at Tall Chimneys, following the earlier journey of the Talbot family and their staff.
The reader is taken along with the characters at various points of time where their stories weave together. It is delightful to read, with enough detail throughout to capture your imagination and keep you continually guessing as to their fate.

[Linda Jane Fyvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Really loved this book.It has been a long time since I have read historical fiction.It was recommended to me by Amazon after finishing another in the same genre.I am very glad I chose to read it.I finished it in 2sittings.I will go on to read the others in the series,happily

[Dorothy Jensik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy

This story goes deep into the rigid way wornen were treated in the 1800s as secondary citizens with no rights, first by their father, then by their husband. It took some time to get into the tale, but I did enjoy it. Thanks, Allie. Keep writing.

[Bernita Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book

This was a book I could not put down!
You have written a book I put myself into. Yes at 84 I was not going out during this time. I learned about ordering everything on line.
Please continue with Willow’s and their new life.
Bernita C

[SHERRE E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House-in the Hollow

Oh goodness, another great, great book. I can thank you enough for being such a gifted author . I look forward to your future books. An avid admirer,fan and dedicated reader. Thank You !

[S Clarkson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House in the Hollow

I have chosen this rating,five stars, because it was a fantastic read with twists and turns keeping my interest attentive at every turn. I thougherly recommend this book and am now going to purchase the next book in the Talbot saga.

[Elizabeth Williams-Burris · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites

This is an enchanting story that is beautiful written. I fell in love with the characters. I will read again.

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Sybil Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

[Alicia Ditzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly, utterly perfect!

Hats off to Allie Cresswell! This book was simply wonderful. I’ve already downloaded the other two parts of this saga and can’t wait to devour them.

[Jennifer]

I really enjoyed this. It was slow getting into, but I really liked it.