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The Garden of Stone Houses
In 19th-century New Orleans, eighteen-year-old Selene O’Neil is on a mission to save her mother from the clutches of a cruel man and uncover the truth about the death of her father. To do this, Selene digs deep into her family’s past, which is shrouded in secrets and mystery. Fortunately, she gets help from the loas, benevolent spirits who communicate through her dead father’s tarot cards.
When Selene learns she’s to become a mistress just like her mother, her quest is nearly destroyed. But, with the help of Marie Laveau, a beekeeper named Jeanne, and her spirit friends, Selene crafts a risky plan. As she gets closer to freeing her mother and unraveling the mystery of her father’s death, the forces of good and evil clash. Can Selene see through the fog of deception and overcome the challenges in her path, or will she fall victim to the same fate as her father?
When Selene learns she’s to become a mistress just like her mother, her quest is nearly destroyed. But, with the help of Marie Laveau, a beekeeper named Jeanne, and her spirit friends, Selene crafts a risky plan. As she gets closer to freeing her mother and unraveling the mystery of her father’s death, the forces of good and evil clash. Can Selene see through the fog of deception and overcome the challenges in her path, or will she fall victim to the same fate as her father?
289 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
About the author
Anya Pavelle
6 books122 followersAnya Pavelle was born in Massachusetts but eventually settled in Florida, where she currently lives with her husband and dog. She's a trained art historian who sees the quiet beauty in nature, art, and literature. Anya has been imagining new worlds since she was six years old and like many morbidly curious people, she's obsessed with dystopian literature. The Moon Hunters is her first foray into science fiction. She's currently working on the sequel and also plans on writing a prequel. In addition to writing, Anya loves traveling the world, SCUBA diving, relaxing with her friends and family, and finally, curling up with a new book and a glass of wine on a moon-lit humid night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 10, 2021
”The only gardens with stone houses were the many gated cities for the dead that dotted New Orleans.”
It’s 1860 in New Orleans, and Selene O’Neal sees spirits. We meet her in the prologue where two spirits come to gift her with a tarot deck and tell her she will be able to make contact with her father. Selene’s mother is the mistress of a wealthy man. We catch up to her in chapter one where 1) there are apparently secrets about Selene’s past she’s been protecting and Maurice and her father were both involved and 2) Selene must now enter a similar role of mistress with Maurice’s son Raoul whether she wants to or not.
I loved the level of detail and description in this historical fiction… tarot cards, voodoo, spirits… so well researched with wonderful characters and a plot I loved watching unfold. This was told in dual timelines, one with Selene in 1860 and another 20 years earlier from the POV of her mother Colleen, an Irish immigrant who is sold into indentured servitude to Maurice’s family. It’s there that she meets Selene’s father, David. I loved the way this novel allowed us to explore so many facets of New Orleans during this time period. This was an amazing read!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
It’s 1860 in New Orleans, and Selene O’Neal sees spirits. We meet her in the prologue where two spirits come to gift her with a tarot deck and tell her she will be able to make contact with her father. Selene’s mother is the mistress of a wealthy man. We catch up to her in chapter one where 1) there are apparently secrets about Selene’s past she’s been protecting and Maurice and her father were both involved and 2) Selene must now enter a similar role of mistress with Maurice’s son Raoul whether she wants to or not.
I loved the level of detail and description in this historical fiction… tarot cards, voodoo, spirits… so well researched with wonderful characters and a plot I loved watching unfold. This was told in dual timelines, one with Selene in 1860 and another 20 years earlier from the POV of her mother Colleen, an Irish immigrant who is sold into indentured servitude to Maurice’s family. It’s there that she meets Selene’s father, David. I loved the way this novel allowed us to explore so many facets of New Orleans during this time period. This was an amazing read!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
January 18, 2021
So I fell in Love with Anya’s The Moon Hunters. And when given the chance to read an unreleased version of Garden of Stone houses I eagerly agreed!
Selene is a young woman who lives with her self-medicating mother. She’s never met her father. She has an “uncle” who comes to visit her mother, Coleen.
To avoid spoilers I’ll skip to some magic. Selene makes friends with some spirits AND gets lessons from the legendary Marie Laveau and learns what really happened to her father.
So we have Selene in the 1860s (first person) with magic she uses to get the story about her parents twenty years earlier (third person) and how her life ended up such a mess.
Sometimes massive POV changes make a book difficult to read. Not here. It’s clear one is happening now and one is being told to Selene so it’s all still Selene? Got it? Good. Lol.
If you like New Orleans, love, love is love, magic, and/or history. You’ll love this tarot card, astral projection, and red revenge-dress laced book!
Another I would give extra stars to if I could!
Selene is a young woman who lives with her self-medicating mother. She’s never met her father. She has an “uncle” who comes to visit her mother, Coleen.
To avoid spoilers I’ll skip to some magic. Selene makes friends with some spirits AND gets lessons from the legendary Marie Laveau and learns what really happened to her father.
So we have Selene in the 1860s (first person) with magic she uses to get the story about her parents twenty years earlier (third person) and how her life ended up such a mess.
Sometimes massive POV changes make a book difficult to read. Not here. It’s clear one is happening now and one is being told to Selene so it’s all still Selene? Got it? Good. Lol.
If you like New Orleans, love, love is love, magic, and/or history. You’ll love this tarot card, astral projection, and red revenge-dress laced book!
Another I would give extra stars to if I could!
June 10, 2021
“The Garden of Stone Houses” is the second book I totally devoured by Author Anya Pavelle. The beautiful book cover drew me in right away. I loved it so much that I purchased both the e-book and the paperback for my personal collection.
The world-building is sublime, capturing the essence of the eerie, steamy, mystical ambiance of the New Orleans Manor House in the 1840s to 1860s. I admire the way the author poignantly highlights difficult subject matter such as oppression and discrimination with grace and style.
I was enraptured by the use of Tarot Cards at the beginning of each chapter. The author brilliantly captures the heart of the characters using dual points of view as they navigate a cruel, unjust world to fight for love and truth while taking us on a journey through the parallel timelines. This book has it all, astral projections, visions, spells, magic, suspense, love, and supernatural characters.
If you are looking for a book to travel back in time, look no further! I highly recommend “The Garden of Stone Houses” for your summer reads. Bravo Anya Pavelle!!
The world-building is sublime, capturing the essence of the eerie, steamy, mystical ambiance of the New Orleans Manor House in the 1840s to 1860s. I admire the way the author poignantly highlights difficult subject matter such as oppression and discrimination with grace and style.
I was enraptured by the use of Tarot Cards at the beginning of each chapter. The author brilliantly captures the heart of the characters using dual points of view as they navigate a cruel, unjust world to fight for love and truth while taking us on a journey through the parallel timelines. This book has it all, astral projections, visions, spells, magic, suspense, love, and supernatural characters.
If you are looking for a book to travel back in time, look no further! I highly recommend “The Garden of Stone Houses” for your summer reads. Bravo Anya Pavelle!!
September 12, 2021
I read a ton of books, but never before have I read one that was anything like The Garden of Stone Houses. It has elements of historical fiction, as it takes place in New Orleans in the 1800s, but it also combines that with the paranormal and fantasy. It has such an interesting and unique premise!
~Potential Spoilers below~
The Garden of Stone Houses it told from two perspectives. One is of Colleen, an Irish woman who travels to America from Ireland as an indentured servant. I really enjoyed her sections and watching her relationship with David, a slave with connections to the spirits in New Orleans, unfold and develop in the form of flashbacks and visions. The other sections are from Selene's POV. She is the daughter of Colleen and David and sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding her father's death and help her mother enact justice against his murderer.
First of all, I have to say that the amount of research that went into this book is clearly immense. Pavelle's descriptions about conversing and interacting with the spirit world were so much fun to read. I've never really had the desire to visit New Orleans, but I sure do now!
The plot of The Garden of Stone Houses is full of suspense, mystery, revenge, and magic. I was hooked from the very first page. That said, the true joy comes from Pavelle's writing style. She is, in a word, a master. I wish I could describe what it is about her writing that I love so much, but even I can't quite put my finger on it. I can tell you that I am eager to read more by her!
And oh my gosh, that ending was SO satisfying! I don't want to give anything away, but the way everything worked out was just amazing!
I HIGHLY recommend you check out The Garden of Stone Houses!!
~Potential Spoilers below~
The Garden of Stone Houses it told from two perspectives. One is of Colleen, an Irish woman who travels to America from Ireland as an indentured servant. I really enjoyed her sections and watching her relationship with David, a slave with connections to the spirits in New Orleans, unfold and develop in the form of flashbacks and visions. The other sections are from Selene's POV. She is the daughter of Colleen and David and sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding her father's death and help her mother enact justice against his murderer.
First of all, I have to say that the amount of research that went into this book is clearly immense. Pavelle's descriptions about conversing and interacting with the spirit world were so much fun to read. I've never really had the desire to visit New Orleans, but I sure do now!
The plot of The Garden of Stone Houses is full of suspense, mystery, revenge, and magic. I was hooked from the very first page. That said, the true joy comes from Pavelle's writing style. She is, in a word, a master. I wish I could describe what it is about her writing that I love so much, but even I can't quite put my finger on it. I can tell you that I am eager to read more by her!
And oh my gosh, that ending was SO satisfying! I don't want to give anything away, but the way everything worked out was just amazing!
I HIGHLY recommend you check out The Garden of Stone Houses!!
February 12, 2021
A delightful tale of ghostly intervention!
I loved everything about The Garden of Stone Houses: the New Orleans mid-to-late 1800's setting, the powerful mutual love that defies the barrier of death, the colorful characters, and the wise and helpful spirits. There are two intertwined stories told here, that of Selene and that of Colleen, and both are equally compelling. I was thoroughly immersed into the the world of Selene and/or Colleen, and was sad when it ended. Brilliantly done all around! I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and/or the supernatural. Trigger warning: there is a harrowing and violent scene of rape/murder.
I loved everything about The Garden of Stone Houses: the New Orleans mid-to-late 1800's setting, the powerful mutual love that defies the barrier of death, the colorful characters, and the wise and helpful spirits. There are two intertwined stories told here, that of Selene and that of Colleen, and both are equally compelling. I was thoroughly immersed into the the world of Selene and/or Colleen, and was sad when it ended. Brilliantly done all around! I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and/or the supernatural. Trigger warning: there is a harrowing and violent scene of rape/murder.
August 9, 2022
The Garden of Stone Houses was a unique read that I didn’t want to put down!
Set in New Orleans, we are initially introduced to Selene who lives with her mother and her “uncle” who is very unkind to the both of them. When a pair of loas, or spirits, visit Selene, her life changes drastically.
I have never read a book quite like this, and I read a lot so that is saying something. Told in a back and forth manner both from Selene’s POV, and her mother’s in the past, Selene begins to find out the secrets of her family and her father’s death with the help of the spirits.
Pavelle executes this story with a skill I greatly admire. Never once did I get confused with the different POV’s or time jumps, and every character was well fleshed out and felt very real to me.
This is the first book I’ve read by Pavelle but it definitely won’t be the last! A full 5/5 stars for The Garden of Stone Houses!
Set in New Orleans, we are initially introduced to Selene who lives with her mother and her “uncle” who is very unkind to the both of them. When a pair of loas, or spirits, visit Selene, her life changes drastically.
I have never read a book quite like this, and I read a lot so that is saying something. Told in a back and forth manner both from Selene’s POV, and her mother’s in the past, Selene begins to find out the secrets of her family and her father’s death with the help of the spirits.
Pavelle executes this story with a skill I greatly admire. Never once did I get confused with the different POV’s or time jumps, and every character was well fleshed out and felt very real to me.
This is the first book I’ve read by Pavelle but it definitely won’t be the last! A full 5/5 stars for The Garden of Stone Houses!
January 29, 2021
The Garden of Stone Houses was an intriguing, captivating, and enthralling read. With a strong start to the novel, I was hooked! I saw the life of old New Orleans from the streets, the estate housing, the cemetery, the eyes of a slave, and the ‘witches’. With historical references, Pavelle ties this story in perfectly with the timeline. The tone and pace of this novel combines together beautifully as we enter the journey to seek justice for Selene’s dead father.
Pavelle’s metaphors were rich and unique. Each one stood out to me in the best of ways (though, Pavelle has a talent to blend them seamlessly with a scene to paint the perfect picture) Statements like “Walked around the world with one foot in the grave” brought so much satisfaction to me!
As someone who is not familiar with tarot cards, my interest was piqued. Each chapter introduction outlined the purpose for a card and related it to the purpose of the alternating perspective of lovely Selene and her mother. As Selene looks for justice and weighs the emotions of revenge, the reader learns to appreciate the honesty of the situation.
*I would also like to include a trigger warning to anyone sensitive to topics of rape. Parts of the novel did make me feel uneasy, but I do appreciate Pavelle’s truth in relating the story to moments of our past.
The Garden of Stone Houses was not the first book I’ve read by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed The Moon Hunters. I look forward to what this author produces next and recommend this novel to anyone interested in the supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy.
*an ARC copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
Pavelle’s metaphors were rich and unique. Each one stood out to me in the best of ways (though, Pavelle has a talent to blend them seamlessly with a scene to paint the perfect picture) Statements like “Walked around the world with one foot in the grave” brought so much satisfaction to me!
As someone who is not familiar with tarot cards, my interest was piqued. Each chapter introduction outlined the purpose for a card and related it to the purpose of the alternating perspective of lovely Selene and her mother. As Selene looks for justice and weighs the emotions of revenge, the reader learns to appreciate the honesty of the situation.
*I would also like to include a trigger warning to anyone sensitive to topics of rape. Parts of the novel did make me feel uneasy, but I do appreciate Pavelle’s truth in relating the story to moments of our past.
The Garden of Stone Houses was not the first book I’ve read by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed The Moon Hunters. I look forward to what this author produces next and recommend this novel to anyone interested in the supernatural, paranormal, and fantasy.
*an ARC copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
January 24, 2021
Ever since reading ‘The Moon Hunters’ (which I recommend you also check out), I’ve been a fan of Ms. Pavelle’s writing. So, you can imagine my delight at receiving an ARC of this book, which I’m now choosing to review.
I loved this book. Hands down, it’s brilliant. I only had a faint idea of what this book was about when I got it, except that it was a historical fantasy. From the first few pages, the story captured me. I consider Anya’s The Moon Hunters a prime example of a great dystopian sci-fi, but this… is something else. Brilliant doesn’t even begin to describe it. Magical, maybe. It’s painstakingly researched, and the world it paints before my eyes drew in and wouldn’t let me go until the story had run its course.
The story centers on Selene (in the 1860 New Orleans) and her mother Colleen, roughly twenty years before. At a young age, a visit from spirits (loa) sets Selene on a path of discovery about herself, her heritage, her mother, her dead father, and the “uncle” her mother “entertains” in their little abode. But not everything is as it seems, and as the story unravels, we grow to love and learn about the characters ever more.
I loved both following Selene in the present-1860s day but especially her mother Colleen as she arrived from Ireland to work in New Orleans as a lady’s maid.
This is a mystery, a love story (or a few), a suspense novel; all in one. I loved puzzling it out. Also, I loved the spirit world here, the Ghede loa, the magic, the beautiful storytelling. This book has a mesmerizing cover, too!
A wonderful read, which I highly recommend.
I loved this book. Hands down, it’s brilliant. I only had a faint idea of what this book was about when I got it, except that it was a historical fantasy. From the first few pages, the story captured me. I consider Anya’s The Moon Hunters a prime example of a great dystopian sci-fi, but this… is something else. Brilliant doesn’t even begin to describe it. Magical, maybe. It’s painstakingly researched, and the world it paints before my eyes drew in and wouldn’t let me go until the story had run its course.
The story centers on Selene (in the 1860 New Orleans) and her mother Colleen, roughly twenty years before. At a young age, a visit from spirits (loa) sets Selene on a path of discovery about herself, her heritage, her mother, her dead father, and the “uncle” her mother “entertains” in their little abode. But not everything is as it seems, and as the story unravels, we grow to love and learn about the characters ever more.
I loved both following Selene in the present-1860s day but especially her mother Colleen as she arrived from Ireland to work in New Orleans as a lady’s maid.
This is a mystery, a love story (or a few), a suspense novel; all in one. I loved puzzling it out. Also, I loved the spirit world here, the Ghede loa, the magic, the beautiful storytelling. This book has a mesmerizing cover, too!
A wonderful read, which I highly recommend.
March 7, 2021
Fantastic
I hardly read books with historical elements, but since I read Anya's first book I immediately picked up the second one.
The main character gripped me from the beginning. Selene a child of a slave living in 18th century French ruled America has a gift. She can reach out to spirits. she grows up she learns that her fate is sealed just like her mothers. She also uncovers the true reason for her fathers death. Obviously she wants revenge - But she is smart, talented and uses her abilities to seek out other solutions.
I will not spoil the story - but I really liked a few things highlighted in the book. Seek justice not revenge and always trust yr instincts.
If you are looking for a heartfelt fiction with supernatural elements look no further!
I hardly read books with historical elements, but since I read Anya's first book I immediately picked up the second one.
The main character gripped me from the beginning. Selene a child of a slave living in 18th century French ruled America has a gift. She can reach out to spirits. she grows up she learns that her fate is sealed just like her mothers. She also uncovers the true reason for her fathers death. Obviously she wants revenge - But she is smart, talented and uses her abilities to seek out other solutions.
I will not spoil the story - but I really liked a few things highlighted in the book. Seek justice not revenge and always trust yr instincts.
If you are looking for a heartfelt fiction with supernatural elements look no further!
February 6, 2021
An unexpected romance wrapped in heartbreaking tragedy and justice from beyond the grave. Pavelle weaves a beautiful tale full of New Orleans history and the fascinating world of Voodoo. Each character was well-developed, with heroes that you couldn't help but root for and villains whose graves you'd happily spit on. I particularly liked the spirits, Madame Brigitte and Baron Samedi, and the contributions the loas paid to the storyline was probably my favorite part.
I won't say any more for fear of spoiling such a wonderfully crafted story, but suffice it so say, I loved every moment spent in The Garden of Stone Houses.
Highly recommend to anyone with any taste in books whatsoever.
I won't say any more for fear of spoiling such a wonderfully crafted story, but suffice it so say, I loved every moment spent in The Garden of Stone Houses.
Highly recommend to anyone with any taste in books whatsoever.
March 8, 2021
“The Garden of Stone Houses” is a mother/daughter story, separated by nearly twenty years, one told in third person and the other in first. Throw in a powerful family, slavery, a forbidden love affair, infidelity, spirits, and voodoo in antebellum New Orleans and you have the ingredients for a gripping novel. In lesser hands it would be impossible to tie all of these elements together, but Anya Pavelle has crafted an intriguing tale that will keep you turning the page and rooting for both Colleen, in 1841, and her daughter Selene, in 1860, in their joint quest for justice. I highly recommend this book.
May 24, 2021
The premise of this book sounded amazing, and though I didn't quite know what to expect, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The unique take on revenge, justice, and guidance from the spirits was fascinating and unlike anything I've read before. Pre-Civil War New Orleans was so well drawn I felt like I was right there. Loved reading both Selene and Colleen's different stories too. I'd say this wasn't an "easy" book to read, especially with the theme of slavery and indentured servitude, but it was very well done and I was invested in finding out what happened in the end. If you like historical family dramas with a bit of paranormal worked in, give this book a try!
December 19, 2021
A magical story beautifully told!
I usually don't read magical realism and urban fantasy, but I'm a fan of Anya Pavelle's books, so I decided to read this one anyway.
I'm glad I did!
The Garden of Stone Houses is a beautiful tale of magic, eternal love, self-sacrifice - and voodoo.
The story is set in New Orleans shortly before the Civil War. We follow Selene, who is the daughter of an Irish immigrant and a slave and who has a very special gift: she can talk to spirits, called loa.
Together with the spirits Mamam Brigitte and Baron Samedi, she decides to rescue her mother from the clutches of an evil man, who made her his concubine and take revenge by driving the man and his family into financial ruin.
Selene is a likable character and the story is engaging but what I liked best were the vivid descriptions of 19th century New Orleans and the voodoo flavor.
The world of the voodoo gods and spirits is a fascinating one and the author clearly put a lot of research into the topic.
Although the pace of the story is slow, I was never bored and particularly enjoyed Selene's interactions with the loa, who although otherworldly spirits, behaved very human.
This book is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and magical realism.
I usually don't read magical realism and urban fantasy, but I'm a fan of Anya Pavelle's books, so I decided to read this one anyway.
I'm glad I did!
The Garden of Stone Houses is a beautiful tale of magic, eternal love, self-sacrifice - and voodoo.
The story is set in New Orleans shortly before the Civil War. We follow Selene, who is the daughter of an Irish immigrant and a slave and who has a very special gift: she can talk to spirits, called loa.
Together with the spirits Mamam Brigitte and Baron Samedi, she decides to rescue her mother from the clutches of an evil man, who made her his concubine and take revenge by driving the man and his family into financial ruin.
Selene is a likable character and the story is engaging but what I liked best were the vivid descriptions of 19th century New Orleans and the voodoo flavor.
The world of the voodoo gods and spirits is a fascinating one and the author clearly put a lot of research into the topic.
Although the pace of the story is slow, I was never bored and particularly enjoyed Selene's interactions with the loa, who although otherworldly spirits, behaved very human.
This book is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and magical realism.
February 1, 2021
Anya Pavelle drew me in with her first enchanting chapter. A master story-teller, her descriptive prose transports the reader to nineteenth-century New Orleans and a cast of characters as complex and troubled as they are loveable. Setting the story in the pre-civil war years, the gravity of each character's station in life is sensitively exposed as the reader comes to understand each person and roots for them to succeed and flourish. A clever blend of historical fiction, romance, and local spirituality, Ms. Pavelle weaves a multi-layered story of generational trials, love that transcends death, and justice achieved. Framed by Tarot cards and legends, the ghostly tale is spun revealing unexpected mysteries and lessons yet to be learned. Does good triumph over evil? Will revenge for wrongs experienced be doled out? Or does justice with compassion rule the day? One does not know until the very end and Ms. Pavelle keeps the reader in her thrall until the very last page. A truly delightful novel filled with history, intrigue, romance, and mystery. I couldn't have loved it more!
October 3, 2021
Enjoyed this tale of two women across time
I picked up this book after reading the author's other work, The Moon Hunters. Anya Pavelle does not disappoint again. I was fully invested in the journeys of Colleen and Selene, both with their challenges. Their inner turmoils, suffering and desire to do the right thing were all so refreshingly human unlike the high standard expected of the protagonist characters.
Life is a lonely road for a young Selene who is playing with her dolls when one day she meets two spirits who come from the beyond to converse with her. Thus begins Selene's destiny, one fraught with distress and pain.
The beginning was a bit slow. But a veteran reader knows that almost every book has a slow start. I urge readers to stick around as I did and enjoy the tension building with each chapter until the end.
I picked up this book after reading the author's other work, The Moon Hunters. Anya Pavelle does not disappoint again. I was fully invested in the journeys of Colleen and Selene, both with their challenges. Their inner turmoils, suffering and desire to do the right thing were all so refreshingly human unlike the high standard expected of the protagonist characters.
Life is a lonely road for a young Selene who is playing with her dolls when one day she meets two spirits who come from the beyond to converse with her. Thus begins Selene's destiny, one fraught with distress and pain.
The beginning was a bit slow. But a veteran reader knows that almost every book has a slow start. I urge readers to stick around as I did and enjoy the tension building with each chapter until the end.
February 24, 2021
The Garden of Stone Houses was a fabulous journey into historical New Orleans. The culture, the rich diversity, the Voodoo, the atmosphere - all very New Orleans! It was as if you were really there. The characters were very real and thoughtfully drawn. I loved the focus on enslaved people's lives and the way the author breathed rich histories, loves, and dreams into the characters. I enjoyed learning about the practices of one of New Orleans's distinct religious communities; the Voodoo storyline adds a certain dimension to the story and is respectfully drawn. The plot was very tight, and I was continually blown away by how rich the storyline was, how intricately thought out. Selene, Colleen, and David will stay with me for a long time!
April 24, 2023
Exquisitely rich historical fiction, imbued with preternatural elements, THE GARDEN OF STONE HOUSES brings antebellum New Orleans to life through the eyes of a mother and daughter, each striving for justice, freedom, and exploring that point where justice becomes well-deserved revenge. Pavelle masters this dual-timeline narrative, unveiling the obscured tragedy of a father’s life cut short through visions and loas, elixirs and potions, guiding a daughter on own path before tragedies can claim another generation. Fully engrossing, with marvelous attention to detail, this was an immersive delight, reminiscent of Anne Rice's FEAST OF ALL SAINTS. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2021
I wasn’t looking for a Ghost story, but after reading ‘The Moon Hunters’, I really wanted to read another novel by the author and I’m very happy I did.
The novel switches between two stories, one of Coleen around 1840 and of her daughter Selene 20 years later with the main focus on Selene. It’s so well written that it touched my heart on numerous occasions as it’s also a very emotional story. At times I felt sad, at other times very happy and excited for the characters. I also loved the story’s ending.
The novel switches between two stories, one of Coleen around 1840 and of her daughter Selene 20 years later with the main focus on Selene. It’s so well written that it touched my heart on numerous occasions as it’s also a very emotional story. At times I felt sad, at other times very happy and excited for the characters. I also loved the story’s ending.
March 22, 2021
Compiling plot. Myth and magic
A lovely blend of historical fiction and mythology. Gives an interesting glimpse into the religious origins in New Orleans. Definitely interested in a follow-up novel
A lovely blend of historical fiction and mythology. Gives an interesting glimpse into the religious origins in New Orleans. Definitely interested in a follow-up novel
August 20, 2021
A harrowing historical fantasy, THE GARDEN OF STONE HOUSES handles a dark chapter of American history with great care—unflinching, and at times, heartbreaking. Thorough research and historical details make pre-Civil War New Orleans come to life on the pages, a ghost story interwoven between a generational saga of family tragedy, love, mysticism, and magic. It was so easy to become engrossed in the tangled web of characters, intrigue, ghosts, tarot cards, and scheming! A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end despite the tough subject matter. Deeply satisfying, well-plotted, with tons of heart, jaw-dropping twists, and emotional stakes. A really compelling read.
July 24, 2021
I was instantly pulled into the blend of historical and magical elements in this book. I loved all the details of Voodoo and Tarot; the author wove a very atmospheric setting in pre-war New Orleans! The story is often tragic but reaches a satisfying and happy conclusion. Lovely!
December 4, 2021
I was impressed by Anya Pavelle's Moon Hunters, and I looked forward to reading more of her work. I was rewarded once again with a terrific read.
The Garden of Stone Houses is a terrific read. It's a picture of the harsh reality of the South on the brink of Civil War, and it's enhanced wonderfully with large doses of fantasy, the supernatural, and magic. The elements of fantasy and magical realism allow an author to manipulate the plot in which anything can happen. But it takes a very talented writer to make the story still feel real. Anya Pavelle has that talent in spades.
The plot goes back in forth between the points of view of two women, Colleen and her daughter, Selene. Their core stories are essentially two decades apart, but Pavelle manages to tie them tightly together by the end. Not an easy task, but she works it out masterfully here. The novel is complex, delving into mystery, suspense, revenge, and retribution—all colored by the spirit world and the grime, class and race issues, and superstitions that made up New Orleans of the 1800s and 1840s.
Pavelle provides plenty of detail—personalities, fashion, food, morals, social taboos, and the depths of true love—to keep the story from being primarily about the antics of ghosts and spirits. I felt as if I were right there with Colleen, Selene, and the rest of the large, colorful cast. I saw the streets cluttered with garbage and waste. I drew in the delightful smells of a woodworking shed and appreciated the details of a true artisan at work. I experienced the lush, decadence of a gambling den. And I felt the struggles of both sides of the economic and race spectrum.
The Garden of Stone Houses is one of those rare books that cause you to feel pangs of disappointment when you realize it's nearing the end. Yes, you're anxious to see how good fares against evil, but you also don't want the story to end.
I highly recommend The Garden of Stone Houses. Once you begin the journey yourself, you'll understand why.
The Garden of Stone Houses is a terrific read. It's a picture of the harsh reality of the South on the brink of Civil War, and it's enhanced wonderfully with large doses of fantasy, the supernatural, and magic. The elements of fantasy and magical realism allow an author to manipulate the plot in which anything can happen. But it takes a very talented writer to make the story still feel real. Anya Pavelle has that talent in spades.
The plot goes back in forth between the points of view of two women, Colleen and her daughter, Selene. Their core stories are essentially two decades apart, but Pavelle manages to tie them tightly together by the end. Not an easy task, but she works it out masterfully here. The novel is complex, delving into mystery, suspense, revenge, and retribution—all colored by the spirit world and the grime, class and race issues, and superstitions that made up New Orleans of the 1800s and 1840s.
Pavelle provides plenty of detail—personalities, fashion, food, morals, social taboos, and the depths of true love—to keep the story from being primarily about the antics of ghosts and spirits. I felt as if I were right there with Colleen, Selene, and the rest of the large, colorful cast. I saw the streets cluttered with garbage and waste. I drew in the delightful smells of a woodworking shed and appreciated the details of a true artisan at work. I experienced the lush, decadence of a gambling den. And I felt the struggles of both sides of the economic and race spectrum.
The Garden of Stone Houses is one of those rare books that cause you to feel pangs of disappointment when you realize it's nearing the end. Yes, you're anxious to see how good fares against evil, but you also don't want the story to end.
I highly recommend The Garden of Stone Houses. Once you begin the journey yourself, you'll understand why.
January 18, 2021
The Garden of Stone Houses
Author: Anya Pavelle
Publisher: Chandra Press
Review Copy
Publishing February 2021
I was delighted to receive a review copy of ‘The Garden of Stone Houses’ for an honest opinion. This book is right up my street with an Irish interest. Set between the 1840s to 1860s with a young girl, Colleen moving from the West of Ireland to take up employment in a manor house in New Orleans as a lady’s maid.
The journey by boat on steerage made me feel sad as it brought to light the journey of many Irish people during those times having to leave Ireland to take up employment in the US to find a better life.
The story is full of touching descriptive passages and entwines the love story of Colleen and David, a handsome employee in the manor house of her new employers.
Anya has captured the souls of the characters, with dreams, visions, spells, and astral projections. I love the way she has incorporated the Tarot cards into the beginning of each chapter’s description and touches on a selection of well-known mythological characters including the Banshee who gets a mention.
If you are looking for a novel that has it all; love, magic, suspense, saints, and ghostly characters, Anya has managed to capture it all in this book. A beautiful cover design to the final page, I loved the story from the beginning to the end and I highly recommend this book as a wonderful read.
Author: Anya Pavelle
Publisher: Chandra Press
Review Copy
Publishing February 2021
I was delighted to receive a review copy of ‘The Garden of Stone Houses’ for an honest opinion. This book is right up my street with an Irish interest. Set between the 1840s to 1860s with a young girl, Colleen moving from the West of Ireland to take up employment in a manor house in New Orleans as a lady’s maid.
The journey by boat on steerage made me feel sad as it brought to light the journey of many Irish people during those times having to leave Ireland to take up employment in the US to find a better life.
The story is full of touching descriptive passages and entwines the love story of Colleen and David, a handsome employee in the manor house of her new employers.
Anya has captured the souls of the characters, with dreams, visions, spells, and astral projections. I love the way she has incorporated the Tarot cards into the beginning of each chapter’s description and touches on a selection of well-known mythological characters including the Banshee who gets a mention.
If you are looking for a novel that has it all; love, magic, suspense, saints, and ghostly characters, Anya has managed to capture it all in this book. A beautiful cover design to the final page, I loved the story from the beginning to the end and I highly recommend this book as a wonderful read.
August 28, 2021
As one who loves the mythical and supernatural, 'The Garden of Stone Houses' was a wonderful story set in mid 1800s New Orleans filled with murder, lies, hardships, and a love that death cannot stop. The novel held two parallel timelines centered on a daughter and mother. The daughter (present) does not understand her mother’s decision to be the mistress of a horrible man. Selene’s gift with the supernatural (voodoo) allows her to converse with ghosts, including her deceased father. It is through him, she learns the truth about her mother’s past, her parents’ love-to-tragedy story, and how she must decide if the desire for revenge is stronger than justice for more than just her family.
Anya Pavelle did a wonderful job of creating a world where one has no choice but fall into, a diverse set of characters from the ghosts that aid her to the living whose problems and obstacles she must overcome. I thought opening each chapter with a write up about Tarot cards was clever. I enjoyed this novel from start to finish. I will mention that there are some darker scenes including a devastating rape which might be a trigger for some, though I thought the author handled the situation well.
I do know that Selene and her parents, David and Colleen, are characters who will linger long after you’ve finished reading.
Anya Pavelle did a wonderful job of creating a world where one has no choice but fall into, a diverse set of characters from the ghosts that aid her to the living whose problems and obstacles she must overcome. I thought opening each chapter with a write up about Tarot cards was clever. I enjoyed this novel from start to finish. I will mention that there are some darker scenes including a devastating rape which might be a trigger for some, though I thought the author handled the situation well.
I do know that Selene and her parents, David and Colleen, are characters who will linger long after you’ve finished reading.
February 2, 2022
A fabulous read
I am new to this genre but really enjoyed the book. Written by Anya Pavelle she weaves a wonderful story as you become involved in a world of spirits, ghosts and voodoo all set in New Orleans in the mid 1800's amid slavery. Spirits that hang out amongst the dead in the garden of stone houses (cemeteries) and the living (if you are chosen).
I was hesitant that I would like this book but what's not to like, it is a romance and mystery all rolled into one.
The story is based on the life of Colleen, an Irish immigrant brought into servitude by M Le Jaunes wife as a trophy European maid and David, a slave sold along with his mother to pay off a gambling debt.
Events take place in 1842 (Colleens story) and 1860 (Selene story) Selene being Colleens daughter but who is her father, she has never known him and where is he? Why has he never been around, her mother doesn't talk about him much and recently has taken to Laudanum but why, what troubles her mum and where lies their destiny?
I will not reveal any spoilers as I want you to enjoy the book as much as I have. I look forward to reading more of Anya's work in the future. Check her out on amazon and good reads.
I am new to this genre but really enjoyed the book. Written by Anya Pavelle she weaves a wonderful story as you become involved in a world of spirits, ghosts and voodoo all set in New Orleans in the mid 1800's amid slavery. Spirits that hang out amongst the dead in the garden of stone houses (cemeteries) and the living (if you are chosen).
I was hesitant that I would like this book but what's not to like, it is a romance and mystery all rolled into one.
The story is based on the life of Colleen, an Irish immigrant brought into servitude by M Le Jaunes wife as a trophy European maid and David, a slave sold along with his mother to pay off a gambling debt.
Events take place in 1842 (Colleens story) and 1860 (Selene story) Selene being Colleens daughter but who is her father, she has never known him and where is he? Why has he never been around, her mother doesn't talk about him much and recently has taken to Laudanum but why, what troubles her mum and where lies their destiny?
I will not reveal any spoilers as I want you to enjoy the book as much as I have. I look forward to reading more of Anya's work in the future. Check her out on amazon and good reads.
November 18, 2023
Set in New Orleans in the dual timelines of 1840 and 1860, this is a story of forbidden love, revenge, and the fight for freedom.
When Colleen gets disembarks in America after fleeing scandal in Ireland, she becomes the indentured servant to the cruel M. Le Jeune and his pregnant wife. While avoiding the monsieur's advances, Colleen befriends the cook and her carpenter son, David. When she finds herself falling for the young man, she knows she must be careful. David is a slave, and their romance is forbidden.
Fast forward twenty years and Colleen's daughter Selene communes with spirits, including her deceased father. She seeks their guidance throughout their life, but she desperately wants to know why her father died, why her mother made her subsequent choices, and what is her dangerous plan?
I loved the imagery in this story. I really felt immersed in the historical setting and could practically taste the laudanum ;) The gradual unraveling of the past is one of my favorite plot devices, and this book did not disappoint. I liked the ghostly elements and Selene using her connection to the spirit world to both ground herself and aid in enacting their plot. A lovely read with a satisfying ending!
When Colleen gets disembarks in America after fleeing scandal in Ireland, she becomes the indentured servant to the cruel M. Le Jeune and his pregnant wife. While avoiding the monsieur's advances, Colleen befriends the cook and her carpenter son, David. When she finds herself falling for the young man, she knows she must be careful. David is a slave, and their romance is forbidden.
Fast forward twenty years and Colleen's daughter Selene communes with spirits, including her deceased father. She seeks their guidance throughout their life, but she desperately wants to know why her father died, why her mother made her subsequent choices, and what is her dangerous plan?
I loved the imagery in this story. I really felt immersed in the historical setting and could practically taste the laudanum ;) The gradual unraveling of the past is one of my favorite plot devices, and this book did not disappoint. I liked the ghostly elements and Selene using her connection to the spirit world to both ground herself and aid in enacting their plot. A lovely read with a satisfying ending!
January 18, 2021
WOW. This is a titan of a novel—like THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern meets INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice. There is so much to dissect—I could easily see it as required reading for a college course.
This historical, urban fantasy submerges the reader in a microcosm of French, humid, ghost-ridden New Orleans. It’s painstakingly researched, a virtual vacation laden with mystique. Told from parallel timelines, a mother and a daughter navigate a dark, unfair world as they fight for forbidden love and justice. Tragedy, trauma, and triumph pervade this megalith of a story where spirits abound and cards speak truth.
Pavelle gracefully tackles difficult subjects, such as slavery and misogyny, while maintaining an air of hope throughout. She embodies the mid-1800s with superb worldbuilding, luscious details, and meticulous pacing. The ennui of new adulthood is perfectly captured in the dual POVs, as well as the strangulated torture of societal predestination. The writing possesses both academic precision and humanistic heart, making it an absolute joy to read. I can’t recommend this book enough. Buy now. Rave later.
This historical, urban fantasy submerges the reader in a microcosm of French, humid, ghost-ridden New Orleans. It’s painstakingly researched, a virtual vacation laden with mystique. Told from parallel timelines, a mother and a daughter navigate a dark, unfair world as they fight for forbidden love and justice. Tragedy, trauma, and triumph pervade this megalith of a story where spirits abound and cards speak truth.
Pavelle gracefully tackles difficult subjects, such as slavery and misogyny, while maintaining an air of hope throughout. She embodies the mid-1800s with superb worldbuilding, luscious details, and meticulous pacing. The ennui of new adulthood is perfectly captured in the dual POVs, as well as the strangulated torture of societal predestination. The writing possesses both academic precision and humanistic heart, making it an absolute joy to read. I can’t recommend this book enough. Buy now. Rave later.
April 17, 2021
The Garden of Stone Houses takes place in the mid-1800's in New Orleans on the brink of the American Civil War. Anya Pavelle has clearly done meticulous research where the rich details of the era come to life in this engaging historical melodrama. At times the style recalls some of the classic European works from that era...think Wilkie Collins. It sometimes makes for a languid, though never dull, read.
There's a heavy pall of mysticism (and voodoo) draped like Spanish moss over this tale of women across two generations who find creative ways to improve their lots in life and insure karma ruins the men who tried to ruin them. The supernatural elements are done very well, and they fit with the culture, time and place.
I highly recommend The Garden of Stone Houses to anyone who enjoys refined but atmospheric historical fiction.
There's a heavy pall of mysticism (and voodoo) draped like Spanish moss over this tale of women across two generations who find creative ways to improve their lots in life and insure karma ruins the men who tried to ruin them. The supernatural elements are done very well, and they fit with the culture, time and place.
I highly recommend The Garden of Stone Houses to anyone who enjoys refined but atmospheric historical fiction.
February 9, 2021
I don't know where to start with this review other than tell you how amazing this book it! The Garden of Stone Houses follows Selene as she discovers the truth about her mother and father. As she learns about her family's slave background Selene realises that her special abilities serve a purpose. With the help of the spirits she seeks justice.
I love how Anya has combined the stark realities of slavery with the magical world. The world building is simply amazing and you're immediately swept away to New Orleans. Having read Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle I already knew that her world building was sublime but this book has only wowed me even further. I cannot wait to read Anya's future stories.
I love how Anya has combined the stark realities of slavery with the magical world. The world building is simply amazing and you're immediately swept away to New Orleans. Having read Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle I already knew that her world building was sublime but this book has only wowed me even further. I cannot wait to read Anya's future stories.
August 31, 2025
I really loved this book. There was a mysterious past to understand and difficult experiences to be worked around, all against the background of slavery in New Orleans before the civil war. Reading this at the same time as watching the documentary about Hurricane Katrina I got a real feel for the place, although I imagine most of the action in the book took place in the French Quarter - amazing how olden days managed to protect from natural disasters more than modern times. Anyway this was not the content of the book which was more about unpleasant interactions between people, and the use of superstition, or perhaps of magic to help people through this.
I loved the idea that even beyond death there was the possibility of happiness.
All in all, a fascinating, and thought-provoking read.
I loved the idea that even beyond death there was the possibility of happiness.
All in all, a fascinating, and thought-provoking read.
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