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The Girl with the Golden Eyes
Hana's life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything.
She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.
PRAISE FOR SAMANTHA HASTINGS
The Last Word
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"Witty, spirited, and utterly swoon-worthy. ... Filled with fierce feminism, impeccable period detail, and a charming romance that's sure to stay with readers long after the last word." ―Addie Thorley, author of An Affair of Poisons
"Great voice. Unique premise. ... And who can resist a plucky heroine who is determined to help write an unfinished romance novel by her favorite author!" ―B.R. Myers, author of Rogue Princess
"Hastings' debut is a charming period piece with all the romance and scornful nods to high society any Austen fan will love. Lucinda moves beyond the clich� of being a young woman who chafes at the restrictions of a sexist world, as she's elevated by her true passions―numbers and accounting. The Last Word is the perfect read for anyone who wants to spend a few hours in Victorian England in the company of a girl who understands that the entire country is being led by a Queen." ―Booklist
"Refreshing ... Lucinda, a young Victorian woman with a modern sensibility well ahead of her time, has plenty of pluck and determination. Hastings' breezy prose and crafty plotting will leave readers racing to uncover her own last installment." ―BookPage
The Invention of Sophie Carter
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute." ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us
"A delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors are by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended." ―Miss Print
"Hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud moments as the twins try to dupe everyone into thinking they're the same person. ... It has the exact right amount of balance." ―Allisa White Books
A Royal Christmas Quandary
"A delightful, romantic romp of a book-perfect for readers who like their holiday romance to come with a sprinkling of royal glamour." -Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion
"A delightful foray into the Victorian era, A Royal Christmas Quandary will charm readers from page one. With endearing characters, a sweet romance, and fascinating details about Queen Victoria and the royal family, this story is sure to become a new Christmas favorite." -Joanna Barker, author of Otherwise Engaged
"An exciting and romantic romp through Victorian England. ... A delicious blend of history, humor, and romance." -Esther Hatch, author of A Proper Scandal
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything.
She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.
PRAISE FOR SAMANTHA HASTINGS
The Last Word
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"Witty, spirited, and utterly swoon-worthy. ... Filled with fierce feminism, impeccable period detail, and a charming romance that's sure to stay with readers long after the last word." ―Addie Thorley, author of An Affair of Poisons
"Great voice. Unique premise. ... And who can resist a plucky heroine who is determined to help write an unfinished romance novel by her favorite author!" ―B.R. Myers, author of Rogue Princess
"Hastings' debut is a charming period piece with all the romance and scornful nods to high society any Austen fan will love. Lucinda moves beyond the clich� of being a young woman who chafes at the restrictions of a sexist world, as she's elevated by her true passions―numbers and accounting. The Last Word is the perfect read for anyone who wants to spend a few hours in Victorian England in the company of a girl who understands that the entire country is being led by a Queen." ―Booklist
"Refreshing ... Lucinda, a young Victorian woman with a modern sensibility well ahead of her time, has plenty of pluck and determination. Hastings' breezy prose and crafty plotting will leave readers racing to uncover her own last installment." ―BookPage
The Invention of Sophie Carter
A Junior Library Guild Selection
"I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute." ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us
"A delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors are by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended." ―Miss Print
"Hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud moments as the twins try to dupe everyone into thinking they're the same person. ... It has the exact right amount of balance." ―Allisa White Books
A Royal Christmas Quandary
"A delightful, romantic romp of a book-perfect for readers who like their holiday romance to come with a sprinkling of royal glamour." -Rosalyn Eves, author of Blood Rose Rebellion
"A delightful foray into the Victorian era, A Royal Christmas Quandary will charm readers from page one. With endearing characters, a sweet romance, and fascinating details about Queen Victoria and the royal family, this story is sure to become a new Christmas favorite." -Joanna Barker, author of Otherwise Engaged
"An exciting and romantic romp through Victorian England. ... A delicious blend of history, humor, and romance." -Esther Hatch, author of A Proper Scandal
236 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hastings
56 books288 followersSamantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 8, 2023
Preface
It was an agreeable book. I could have used more tension and chemistry between the main characters. I enjoyed the Hana’s casuistic outlook. She was sensible; which should not come as a surprise given she was someone who had live through the early life experiences of impecuniousness along with being sold by her father. I have to say; not abandoning the proposition from Fernand until she was sure of Aaron’s affections and intentions was smart indeed. At that time period, marrying for love was a luxury. While many other heroines would have throw out the comfortable freedom and reassurance of a title and money, Hana went about to the right way. She was not of noble blood, with her beauty and without Madames protection, she would have probably ended up in the streets of Paris.
Aaron was a bit less developed than his love interest. Hana had a flair, attitude and arc that just echoed right. I have to say he did not shine as brightly as her (which given the nature of romance novels it is rare). Whilst it is quite nice to see a female protagonists thrive, I don’t like it when it is in the expense of their male counterparts. I like egalitarian relationships. Where one supports the other, complementary likeness or even unlikeness.
Here the characters both attempt to resolve a murder, taking their dysfunctional families along with their sordid pasts in a hellish walk of mayhem. Alright, I might be dramatizing the intensity of the mystery. This was very agreeable. I would recommend it to teens between the ages 12-15 ; I think they would get the most enjoyment out of it.
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 2.5 📚📚💫 Some + some more. Murder mystery anyone?
World Building(Immersion): 1.5 🌎💫 Submerged my feet. I know it took place in sunny England.
Angst : 1 👹 Being bitten by a mosquito. Minimal.
Funniness: 1 🌝 There was a joke, but I didn’t even twitch.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary.
Romance: 2.5 💖💖💫 Cute.
Spice: ❎ No spice.
Goriness:1.5 🫀💫 Description blood and wounds + some mild violence.
Sadness: ❎ No sadness.
Overall star rating : 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 It was good, it was almost great.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨MILD SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
The Good Place:
▫️David and Prissy were cute. I enjoyed that Prissy was willing to lie for her lady no matter what, even if she flayed a bit under pressure.
▫️I really wanted to hate Aaron’s mother… yet I cannot say I would have done differently. Keeping a child in abject poverty only because you didn’t want to be parted from him… it is a tough decision. How can you give up your child? How can you doom them because of your bad decisions? I don’t know if she picked right given all the years she could have made an effort to be in his life. All I know is she didn’t pick wrong. Aaron never knew hardship and for those of us who have…well, it always makes me angry when people say money is not everything. Sadly, it is almost everything. Sure, it can’t buy love. It can’t buy death. It can somewhat buy health. It can buy everything else. Even prolonged youth (hello Botox or whatever the heck they have nowadays 🤣)
▫️Aaron and Hana.
The Bad Place:
▪️Aaron’s grandfather. And father. Both rotten man.
▪️Mrs. Harris. I was with her until she went all cray cray.
▪️Dominico. At least say goodbye to your daughter.
▪️Madame was a terrible person, yet I still found in myself to pity her. She was clearly not sane mind. That does not excuse what she did to Hana nor her years of fiery violent tantrums, but it does shed a light on the reasoning (or lack of reasoning) behind the character.
Romance Safety:
Safe. Hero and heroine only see each other. There is some slight OM drama. The heroine considers marrying him for security, she did not love him. H and h get married. No cheating. Epilogue involves them traveling the world as a married couple.
————————————————————————————
It was an agreeable book. I could have used more tension and chemistry between the main characters. I enjoyed the Hana’s casuistic outlook. She was sensible; which should not come as a surprise given she was someone who had live through the early life experiences of impecuniousness along with being sold by her father. I have to say; not abandoning the proposition from Fernand until she was sure of Aaron’s affections and intentions was smart indeed. At that time period, marrying for love was a luxury. While many other heroines would have throw out the comfortable freedom and reassurance of a title and money, Hana went about to the right way. She was not of noble blood, with her beauty and without Madames protection, she would have probably ended up in the streets of Paris.
Aaron was a bit less developed than his love interest. Hana had a flair, attitude and arc that just echoed right. I have to say he did not shine as brightly as her (which given the nature of romance novels it is rare). Whilst it is quite nice to see a female protagonists thrive, I don’t like it when it is in the expense of their male counterparts. I like egalitarian relationships. Where one supports the other, complementary likeness or even unlikeness.
Here the characters both attempt to resolve a murder, taking their dysfunctional families along with their sordid pasts in a hellish walk of mayhem. Alright, I might be dramatizing the intensity of the mystery. This was very agreeable. I would recommend it to teens between the ages 12-15 ; I think they would get the most enjoyment out of it.
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 2.5 📚📚💫 Some + some more. Murder mystery anyone?
World Building(Immersion): 1.5 🌎💫 Submerged my feet. I know it took place in sunny England.
Angst : 1 👹 Being bitten by a mosquito. Minimal.
Funniness: 1 🌝 There was a joke, but I didn’t even twitch.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary.
Romance: 2.5 💖💖💫 Cute.
Spice: ❎ No spice.
Goriness:1.5 🫀💫 Description blood and wounds + some mild violence.
Sadness: ❎ No sadness.
Overall star rating : 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 It was good, it was almost great.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨MILD SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
The Good Place:
▫️David and Prissy were cute. I enjoyed that Prissy was willing to lie for her lady no matter what, even if she flayed a bit under pressure.
▫️I really wanted to hate Aaron’s mother… yet I cannot say I would have done differently. Keeping a child in abject poverty only because you didn’t want to be parted from him… it is a tough decision. How can you give up your child? How can you doom them because of your bad decisions? I don’t know if she picked right given all the years she could have made an effort to be in his life. All I know is she didn’t pick wrong. Aaron never knew hardship and for those of us who have…well, it always makes me angry when people say money is not everything. Sadly, it is almost everything. Sure, it can’t buy love. It can’t buy death. It can somewhat buy health. It can buy everything else. Even prolonged youth (hello Botox or whatever the heck they have nowadays 🤣)
▫️Aaron and Hana.
The Bad Place:
▪️Aaron’s grandfather. And father. Both rotten man.
▪️Mrs. Harris. I was with her until she went all cray cray.
▪️Dominico. At least say goodbye to your daughter.
▪️Madame was a terrible person, yet I still found in myself to pity her. She was clearly not sane mind. That does not excuse what she did to Hana nor her years of fiery violent tantrums, but it does shed a light on the reasoning (or lack of reasoning) behind the character.
Romance Safety:
Safe. Hero and heroine only see each other. There is some slight OM drama. The heroine considers marrying him for security, she did not love him. H and h get married. No cheating. Epilogue involves them traveling the world as a married couple.
————————————————————————————
November 2, 2021
A really fun whodunnit, I could not put this book down until I knew who the murderer was and how it was going to end! Hastings wove a fun tale in the Victorian era with just enough mystery and suspense to keep me anxiously turning each page. I like that it was not predictable and I found myself guessing over and over at who the killer could be. Sort of like a Victorian era Clue, but without the house party. The story felt very original and I was glad to have read the author's note at the end.
There is a light romance with some great kisses. I think this would be classified as a cozy mystery. While murders occur, the violence is very mild and there is nothing graphic nor any foul language.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is a light romance with some great kisses. I think this would be classified as a cozy mystery. While murders occur, the violence is very mild and there is nothing graphic nor any foul language.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2021
The Girl With The Golden eyes is such an interesting story. It's full of mystery, plot twists- oh, so many twists and turns, suspense, romance, and more. It kept me on the edge of my seat, always guessing what was going to happen next. I was constantly trying to put together the pieces and figure out who the murderer truly was. Then, when I'd think everything was close to being resolved, there would be a twist. And parts of it were inspired by a true story which is so interesting.
.
I loved following Hanna and Aaron. They were both such intriguing characters full of personality and depth. Hastings did a fantastic job of drawing me into their story from the first few pages.
.
This was my first read by Samantha Hastings and I definitely want to read more!
.
I loved following Hanna and Aaron. They were both such intriguing characters full of personality and depth. Hastings did a fantastic job of drawing me into their story from the first few pages.
.
This was my first read by Samantha Hastings and I definitely want to read more!
November 4, 2021
This was an intriguing murder mystery, all the more fascinating because it's inspired by some real figures from history. Definitely recommend for those wanting a cozy mystery grounded in the Victorian era--with a dash of romance, as well.
November 16, 2021
Samantha Hastings consistently delivers amazing stories set in historical times. This one was great. Especially when I found out through her note at the end that parts of it are based on a real story. I really did fall in love with Hana and all her struggles. She was living with the most eccentric old woman, and all she needed was some freedom. Then a murder mystery tears through the small town, and a lot of things happen that I can't talk about without spoiling this story. It kept me engaged and excited the entire time. I just LOVED so many parts of this story. Hats off to Hastings for being the great storyteller she is.
Read
December 7, 2021This is a Victorian Era Who Dun It story with a sweet romance.
Hana has been sold at a young age because of her beauty to maybe one of the oddest and most eccentric women of this time period. Although she lives in constant comfort her every action and decision is control by the Comtesse. Aaron Shipley has just learned his grandfather has been murdered. When the Comtesse is called into question, it is up to Aaron and Hana to work together to solve the mystery before one of them becomes victim themselves.
I really thought this was a cute cozy mystery. I didn't guess the ending which is a great feeling because I love to be surprised. I did like the budding romance between Hana and Aaron and while the book is short I feel like Hastings as an author does a good job of not making it feel like instant love.
The one thing that was off-putting was the Comtesse. She really is one of the most odd women I have ever read about and some of her theories were really strange which I think was the entire point. It just wasn't content I would normally choose to read.
Overall this was a fun mystery for sweet romance readers. This is available on KU and is easy to read in a single day!
Hana has been sold at a young age because of her beauty to maybe one of the oddest and most eccentric women of this time period. Although she lives in constant comfort her every action and decision is control by the Comtesse. Aaron Shipley has just learned his grandfather has been murdered. When the Comtesse is called into question, it is up to Aaron and Hana to work together to solve the mystery before one of them becomes victim themselves.
I really thought this was a cute cozy mystery. I didn't guess the ending which is a great feeling because I love to be surprised. I did like the budding romance between Hana and Aaron and while the book is short I feel like Hastings as an author does a good job of not making it feel like instant love.
The one thing that was off-putting was the Comtesse. She really is one of the most odd women I have ever read about and some of her theories were really strange which I think was the entire point. It just wasn't content I would normally choose to read.
Overall this was a fun mystery for sweet romance readers. This is available on KU and is easy to read in a single day!
November 15, 2021
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2021...
This was a whodunit mystery and the feel good sweet romance was still totally rocking this go around.
For two bags of coins, Hana is adopted by the eccentric and frankly negligent Comtesse.
Aaron’s Grandfather is years later shot and killed and when Aaron arrives home, he finds that the only thing missing is that painting of Hana as a child. This leads to the Comtesse being a prime suspect. Now it’s a job for Aaron and Hana to find out if the Comtesse really committed the crime or if there’s a murderer loose in the village.
The path they take to find the truth also uncovers some other truths along the way (for Aaron) and a lot of self revelations for Hana.
The writing style is so smooth and easy to follow, the romance is sweet and adorable.
Overall I think that I don’t have much more to say other than you should definitely read it if this is your sort of typical book! Perfect cozy mystery read for those who aren’t here for gore and violence (or like me who like both)
5/5 cups of coffee from me, thank you to the author for a copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion! Check out my instagram for pics of the great swag I got with this book.
This was a whodunit mystery and the feel good sweet romance was still totally rocking this go around.
For two bags of coins, Hana is adopted by the eccentric and frankly negligent Comtesse.
Aaron’s Grandfather is years later shot and killed and when Aaron arrives home, he finds that the only thing missing is that painting of Hana as a child. This leads to the Comtesse being a prime suspect. Now it’s a job for Aaron and Hana to find out if the Comtesse really committed the crime or if there’s a murderer loose in the village.
The path they take to find the truth also uncovers some other truths along the way (for Aaron) and a lot of self revelations for Hana.
The writing style is so smooth and easy to follow, the romance is sweet and adorable.
Overall I think that I don’t have much more to say other than you should definitely read it if this is your sort of typical book! Perfect cozy mystery read for those who aren’t here for gore and violence (or like me who like both)
5/5 cups of coffee from me, thank you to the author for a copy of your book in exchange for my honest opinion! Check out my instagram for pics of the great swag I got with this book.
December 17, 2021
I wish there had been a bit more development, especially in the romance. But overall an intriguing plot. And the fact that Hana's "adoption" was based on a real life story was fascinating. Who sees a girl in a painting and then hunts them down and buys them?! Crazy old Comtesses, that's who. 😂
January 16, 2022
This one may be my favorite, Samantha! I did not predict the ending. It was great.
August 23, 2022
So different. This book made me think of Charles Dickens Great Expectations. It is similar in some ways, the same kind of Gothic feel. It was more a mystery then a romance. I was so fascinated/Disgusted by the way this poor girl lived. Miss Havisham is crazy just like The Comtesse. I was floored when I read this is based off a true story. The author did a great job with the murder mystery. I had no Idea! Until it was unraveled for me I was at a complete loss! So if you love a good murder mystery and some gothic English History this is for you. If you are looking for a deep heart wrenching romance with steam of any kind this is not for you.
This is a clean romance with a couple kisses. There is violence and some deaths. Nothing too detailed. Talk of babies born out of wedlock.
This is a clean romance with a couple kisses. There is violence and some deaths. Nothing too detailed. Talk of babies born out of wedlock.
June 10, 2023
I LOVE historical fiction especially if there is a crime to solve.
The girl with the golden eyes by Samantha Hastings AKA Samantha Larsen is a historical tale of genteel slavery, obsession, murder and also romance with a main character based on a real person. This is one of those stories where fact is stranger than fiction. If I hadn't know that the main character Hana's story was inspired by a real person I would think this story was too far-fetched.
As a child Hana and her father walk from Italy to Paris where they work as artists models. Hana with her golden eyes is much in demand as a model.
Meanwhile in England the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman sees a painting of Hana at her neighbour Sir Reginald Shipley's estate, becomes obsessed with Hana and when Sir Reginald refuses to sell her the painting she decides she must have the actual girl for herself.
Hana's father SELLS his daughter to the Comtesse for enough money to start his own vineyard and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege but at the cost of her personal freedom.
The Comtesse is more than just eccentric, she is obsessive and has some VERY strange ideas. Keeping Hana as a sort of living doll, subject to so many bizarre rules including always wearing white & never tie your shoe laces. Also the Comtesse thinks cow farts have great medicinal value.
Years pass in this bizarre fashion until Sir Reginald is murdered and the painting of Hana is found to be missing. The Comtesse is the main suspect and Hana teams up with Sir Reginald's grandson Aaron to try to prove The Comtesse innocent and find the real culprit before she is executed. As they investigate Hana and Aaron discover shocking secrets that will shake everything they thought they knew about themselves and their families.
Hana has known poverty and wealth but she has never really had freedom and I think her dilemma of trying to obtain financial security even if it means a continued sacrifice of her freedom was well written.
Hana's life with the Comtesse was just so bizarre and heartbreaking. This book has a lot of unexpected twists. Lots of characters have secrets and it kept me guessing until the very end. I did not suspect the murderer at all.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with the ebook. I've now read six of her books and highly recommend them all.
The girl with the golden eyes by Samantha Hastings AKA Samantha Larsen is a historical tale of genteel slavery, obsession, murder and also romance with a main character based on a real person. This is one of those stories where fact is stranger than fiction. If I hadn't know that the main character Hana's story was inspired by a real person I would think this story was too far-fetched.
As a child Hana and her father walk from Italy to Paris where they work as artists models. Hana with her golden eyes is much in demand as a model.
Meanwhile in England the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman sees a painting of Hana at her neighbour Sir Reginald Shipley's estate, becomes obsessed with Hana and when Sir Reginald refuses to sell her the painting she decides she must have the actual girl for herself.
Hana's father SELLS his daughter to the Comtesse for enough money to start his own vineyard and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege but at the cost of her personal freedom.
The Comtesse is more than just eccentric, she is obsessive and has some VERY strange ideas. Keeping Hana as a sort of living doll, subject to so many bizarre rules including always wearing white & never tie your shoe laces. Also the Comtesse thinks cow farts have great medicinal value.
Years pass in this bizarre fashion until Sir Reginald is murdered and the painting of Hana is found to be missing. The Comtesse is the main suspect and Hana teams up with Sir Reginald's grandson Aaron to try to prove The Comtesse innocent and find the real culprit before she is executed. As they investigate Hana and Aaron discover shocking secrets that will shake everything they thought they knew about themselves and their families.
Hana has known poverty and wealth but she has never really had freedom and I think her dilemma of trying to obtain financial security even if it means a continued sacrifice of her freedom was well written.
Hana's life with the Comtesse was just so bizarre and heartbreaking. This book has a lot of unexpected twists. Lots of characters have secrets and it kept me guessing until the very end. I did not suspect the murderer at all.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with the ebook. I've now read six of her books and highly recommend them all.
April 5, 2022
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Girl with the Golden Eyes
Author: Samantha Hastings
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, romance, murder mystery, thriller
Publication Date: September 27, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Age Relevance: 16+ (death, murder, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: The book revolves around a murder, so death and gore are involved in the book. There is also some slight violence and there is some romance as well.
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 236
Synopsis: Hana's life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything.
She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.
Review: For the most part this was a great read. The book reads like a cozy mystery and the writing is so smooth and easy to follow. The characters are well developed and the world building is so atmospheric. The romance is also so sweet and cute! It’s a nice relaxing read for the summer or for a thunderstormy day.
The only issue I had with the book is that some of the pacing is a bit too slow for me, but most of the time it was great!
Verdict: A great murder mystery read!
Book: The Girl with the Golden Eyes
Author: Samantha Hastings
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, romance, murder mystery, thriller
Publication Date: September 27, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Age Relevance: 16+ (death, murder, violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of Above: The book revolves around a murder, so death and gore are involved in the book. There is also some slight violence and there is some romance as well.
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 236
Synopsis: Hana's life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana's existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse's innocence or she'll lose everything.
She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald's grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.
Review: For the most part this was a great read. The book reads like a cozy mystery and the writing is so smooth and easy to follow. The characters are well developed and the world building is so atmospheric. The romance is also so sweet and cute! It’s a nice relaxing read for the summer or for a thunderstormy day.
The only issue I had with the book is that some of the pacing is a bit too slow for me, but most of the time it was great!
Verdict: A great murder mystery read!
October 20, 2025
This is a historical murder mystery and not what I typically read. The plot is different and the writing engaging. The romance is a little underdeveloped, but there’s a lot more to the plot than the romance, so it makes sense.
There are a couple things I found ‘off’ about the book that made me to drop it to 4-stars. There are many many references to superstitions, especially concerning the eccentric Comtesse. It’s portrayed in a negative and even mocking light, but it’s still… weird. There are also many mentions of mistresses, dalliances with maids, and prostitution. Again, it’s not portrayed in a positive light, and certainly with no detail, but it’s included with a frequency and casualness that seemed a bit excessive to me. It’s a good book, though, and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook, which happens to be narrated by a virtual voice. The intonations are often off, especially in the dialogue, but it’s not terrible.
Content:
There is no foul language. The romance is limited to heated but only mildly descriptive kisses. There are mentions of mistresses, dalliances with maids, and prostitution. There is some violence (it IS a murder mystery). There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warnings - murder, death of a family member, parents selling their children (from poverty into wealth, but still)
There are a couple things I found ‘off’ about the book that made me to drop it to 4-stars. There are many many references to superstitions, especially concerning the eccentric Comtesse. It’s portrayed in a negative and even mocking light, but it’s still… weird. There are also many mentions of mistresses, dalliances with maids, and prostitution. Again, it’s not portrayed in a positive light, and certainly with no detail, but it’s included with a frequency and casualness that seemed a bit excessive to me. It’s a good book, though, and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook, which happens to be narrated by a virtual voice. The intonations are often off, especially in the dialogue, but it’s not terrible.
Content:
There is no foul language. The romance is limited to heated but only mildly descriptive kisses. There are mentions of mistresses, dalliances with maids, and prostitution. There is some violence (it IS a murder mystery). There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warnings - murder, death of a family member, parents selling their children (from poverty into wealth, but still)
April 28, 2022
Thank you so much @samanthahastingsauthor for sending us a copy of her lastest book, The Girl With The Golden Eyes!
This is a sweet little mystery novel that is effortlessly engaging. I immediately fell in love with the main character, Hana. In the late 1800’s, when she was just a girl, she and her father were living in poverty and he would allow her to be painted for money. One fateful day, a woman was admiring a particularly intriguing painting of her, one that captured the magic of her golden eyes and decided that she had to have Hana as her own. She set off to find her and purchased her for two bags of gold coins.
Hana grew up with her and had luxuries that she never would have had with her father, however, she resented her adoptive mother and her crazy rules and peculiarities. When her adopted mother is accused of murder, she finds that she must try to find out the truth, or possibly be faced with returning to a life of poverty, which she wants to avoid at all costs. One clue she needs to find is the missing painting of her, wherever that painting is, she is sure to find the real killer.
This is a quick and entertaining read! If you have kindle unlimited you can read the book there, otherwise please visit our Amazon Storefront to grab yourself a copy!🌺🧜🏻♀️
This is a sweet little mystery novel that is effortlessly engaging. I immediately fell in love with the main character, Hana. In the late 1800’s, when she was just a girl, she and her father were living in poverty and he would allow her to be painted for money. One fateful day, a woman was admiring a particularly intriguing painting of her, one that captured the magic of her golden eyes and decided that she had to have Hana as her own. She set off to find her and purchased her for two bags of gold coins.
Hana grew up with her and had luxuries that she never would have had with her father, however, she resented her adoptive mother and her crazy rules and peculiarities. When her adopted mother is accused of murder, she finds that she must try to find out the truth, or possibly be faced with returning to a life of poverty, which she wants to avoid at all costs. One clue she needs to find is the missing painting of her, wherever that painting is, she is sure to find the real killer.
This is a quick and entertaining read! If you have kindle unlimited you can read the book there, otherwise please visit our Amazon Storefront to grab yourself a copy!🌺🧜🏻♀️
December 5, 2021
In The Girl With the Golden Eyes, Samantha Hastings takes events inspired by actual history and interweaves them with entertaining dialogue and vivid descriptions of Victorian society. The result is a plot that entertains from beginning to end. When Aaron Shipley’s grandfather acquires a painting of a beautiful young girl with hauntingly golden eyes, the obsessed Comtesse de Champagne insists that he sell it to her. Thwarted in her objective, the comtesse decides instead to find the child who posed for the painting and purchase her from her father. As the comtesse’s “daughter,” golden-eyed Hana is saved from poverty but not from misery. It’s hard enough that she must live her life according to her mentally unstable mother’s eccentric whims. It grows even harder when Sir Shipley is murdered and the comtesse is implicated in the crime. As the “murderess’s” daughter, Hana quickly becomes the object of Sir Shipley’s grandson’s ire. Fans of enemies to lovers, cozy mysteries, and Jane Austen won’t want to miss this novel. It will keep them guessing until the end.
November 18, 2021
Charming Murder Mystery with a Sweet Romance
I really enjoyed this book! It's sweet and clean in romance and language. I could have done with less mention of alcohol, even though it was probably accurate to the time. The premise, the purchase of the girl based on a true story, was new to me. I really liked Hana and Aaron. There was a nice friendship between them to ground their relationship outside of attraction. I also appreciated the slightly modern feel and the way things were wrapped up between them and Fernand. The mystery was threaded together well. I guessed the culprit part way through, through no fault of the author, so it was quite satisfying! The darker side of human nature is revealed, as well as that of those we thought we knew. The book also dives into various aspects of Victorian life, such as photography, phrenology, funerary practices, art, science, and more. All in all, it was a fun read that didn't disappoint!
I really enjoyed this book! It's sweet and clean in romance and language. I could have done with less mention of alcohol, even though it was probably accurate to the time. The premise, the purchase of the girl based on a true story, was new to me. I really liked Hana and Aaron. There was a nice friendship between them to ground their relationship outside of attraction. I also appreciated the slightly modern feel and the way things were wrapped up between them and Fernand. The mystery was threaded together well. I guessed the culprit part way through, through no fault of the author, so it was quite satisfying! The darker side of human nature is revealed, as well as that of those we thought we knew. The book also dives into various aspects of Victorian life, such as photography, phrenology, funerary practices, art, science, and more. All in all, it was a fun read that didn't disappoint!
July 2, 2023
Lovely, lighter-style whodunnit/romance.
The mystery behind the murders in the book was very intriguing. I was kept guessing throughout and was never quite sure who the culprit was until the final reveal. The way all of the characters were intertwined- even seemingly minor characters- kept me engaged in the story throughout.
Hana and Aaron’s relationship was very sweet - I loved reading along as they fell for each other!
I loved how this novel was inspired by an actual painting and the person behind the painting! Hastings did an excellent job of creating a unique story while also respecting the reality of the girl in the painting; the notes at the end make it abundantly clear which elements were inspired by reality versus which were imagined by Hastings. Though the ‘girl with the golden eyes’ in the novel has a very different life in many respects, it was such an interesting premise to inspire the story!
I’ll definitely continue recommending Samantha Hastings!
The mystery behind the murders in the book was very intriguing. I was kept guessing throughout and was never quite sure who the culprit was until the final reveal. The way all of the characters were intertwined- even seemingly minor characters- kept me engaged in the story throughout.
Hana and Aaron’s relationship was very sweet - I loved reading along as they fell for each other!
I loved how this novel was inspired by an actual painting and the person behind the painting! Hastings did an excellent job of creating a unique story while also respecting the reality of the girl in the painting; the notes at the end make it abundantly clear which elements were inspired by reality versus which were imagined by Hastings. Though the ‘girl with the golden eyes’ in the novel has a very different life in many respects, it was such an interesting premise to inspire the story!
I’ll definitely continue recommending Samantha Hastings!
November 8, 2025
The author’s full name is Grace Livingston Hill (writing under the pseudonym Grace Livingston Hastings) — The Girl with the Golden Eyes is one of her romantic mystery novels.
Review of The Girl with the Golden Eyes by Grace Livingston Hastings
I enjoy romance, but I like mystery even more—and when the two are combined, it makes for a great read. The Girl with the Golden Eyes blended both beautifully. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who the culprit was, and in the end, the reveal was a bit of a surprise. That unexpected twist made for an enjoyable and satisfying story.
Review of The Girl with the Golden Eyes by Grace Livingston Hastings
I enjoy romance, but I like mystery even more—and when the two are combined, it makes for a great read. The Girl with the Golden Eyes blended both beautifully. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who the culprit was, and in the end, the reveal was a bit of a surprise. That unexpected twist made for an enjoyable and satisfying story.
May 15, 2022
Well the story was interesting. But the lovestory was kinda not there or too sudden...
Trying to solve the murder(s) was what kept me reading and the various turns and twists in that murdermystery. It kinda just had mostly bad characters what could have been worked off if the love story would have been more the focus...
But I'm just one for very light reads...
Trying to solve the murder(s) was what kept me reading and the various turns and twists in that murdermystery. It kinda just had mostly bad characters what could have been worked off if the love story would have been more the focus...
But I'm just one for very light reads...
December 12, 2023
Based loosely on real life people and events it’s a romance a murder mystery during Victoria period England. I liked it it was a quick easy read between other books a page turner as you tried to guess who dun it.
Written by a local to be author I look forward to reading more of Samantha Hastings books
Written by a local to be author I look forward to reading more of Samantha Hastings books
February 19, 2022
I loved this story! It's unique and interesting and is a great murder mystery.it also has a great love story. It's full of humor and wit and interesting facts about Victorian England. Highly recommended.
December 27, 2022
Girl with golden eyes
A really fun story with some art sprinkled throughout, making the story feel fresh and interesting. Regency with a murder mystery theme is always a good idea. A great book. Recommend!!
A really fun story with some art sprinkled throughout, making the story feel fresh and interesting. Regency with a murder mystery theme is always a good idea. A great book. Recommend!!
April 10, 2023
This was a really well written love story based around finding the identity of someone who killed the grandfather of a main character. Certain characters are based on historic figures and there is plenty of reference to attitudes and practices in Victorian England. A really engaging read.
February 4, 2024
A great murder mystery
This book is well written and keeps your interest. Full of intrigue, who-done-it, and surprise twists and turns. The main characters are well developed, told from a dual point of view. Clean with no swears and only kissing.
This book is well written and keeps your interest. Full of intrigue, who-done-it, and surprise twists and turns. The main characters are well developed, told from a dual point of view. Clean with no swears and only kissing.
January 18, 2022
It was an interesting story. Definitely kept me guessing about a few things!
June 28, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
September 5, 2022
*I was provided a copy for review by the author. All thoughts are my own*
The Girl With the Golden Eyes is an enthralling mystery story set in the Victorian Era. The fact that it was inspired by some real historical figures made it all the more intriguing. There is a sweet romance as well that made me swoon! I found myself eagerly turning the pages, trying to figure out the mastermind.
Hana’s life is altered forever when the very wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, The Comtesse de Champagne sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and her life of poverty turns into a life of wealth and privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new life, but as she gets older she begins to hate how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must prove the comtesse’s innocence or risk losing everything.
She reluctantly begins to work with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald’s grandson, to track down the true murderer. The shocking secrets they discover will churn up everything that Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families, and falling in love could prove a deadly mistake.
If you’re looking for a fun, quick read that involves mystery, romance, and delves into Victorian life then I think you’ll enjoy this one. I definitely recommend!
The Girl With the Golden Eyes is an enthralling mystery story set in the Victorian Era. The fact that it was inspired by some real historical figures made it all the more intriguing. There is a sweet romance as well that made me swoon! I found myself eagerly turning the pages, trying to figure out the mastermind.
Hana’s life is altered forever when the very wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, The Comtesse de Champagne sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and her life of poverty turns into a life of wealth and privilege.
For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new life, but as she gets older she begins to hate how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must prove the comtesse’s innocence or risk losing everything.
She reluctantly begins to work with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald’s grandson, to track down the true murderer. The shocking secrets they discover will churn up everything that Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families, and falling in love could prove a deadly mistake.
If you’re looking for a fun, quick read that involves mystery, romance, and delves into Victorian life then I think you’ll enjoy this one. I definitely recommend!
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