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Parting the Veil
Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.
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First published November 1, 2021
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About the author
Paulette Kennedy
7 books879 followersOriginally from the Missouri Ozarks, Paulette Kennedy now lives with her family in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.
As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her stories and the experiences her characters might have had in the past.
This dedication to research infuses her world-building with realistic detail and creates a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.
Paulette’s next novel is The Devil and Mrs. Davenport, a domestic gothic set in the 1950s about a homemaker who develops psychic abilities after a viral illness.
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March 3, 2022Dear reader, PARTING THE VEIL is the book of my heart—the kind of story I was compelled to write in a fever of creativity. Within the halls of Havenwood Manor, you’ll find a story about grief, longing, survival, forgiveness, and a bittersweet passion that transcends both time and death. Ultimately, this is a tale about love. I sincerely hope you will enjoy it. Thank you so much for reading!
*Content warnings are posted below and in the Q and A section.
*Content warnings are posted below and in the Q and A section.
October 9, 2021
“I wooed you, I courted you, I loved you, and I married you.” Eliza tilted her head, incredulous. “But . . . you’re supposed to be dead. I saw you.” and so dear reader duplicity is our spoil.
The dashing Malcom Havenwood is a dark gothic figure with a haunting past. He is son to Ada and brother to Gabriele who are found dead when they and their family estate succumbs to a devastating fire. However, the tortured and impoverished Malcom meets and marries Eliza with a promise of better days, for this liaison and the conditions of a will are conveniently aligned when Eliza fulfils one of the clauses in her aunts “will” by marrying within 3 months of the benefactor being made aware of its contents.
Not long into their marriage Eliza is faced with the realisation that the relationship seems to be unravelling almost as quickly as it had begun, and no matter how desperately she grasped at the threads of their affection, her weaving was proving to be an exercise in frustration. For every demonstration of affection, he lavished upon her, there soon followed a cruel word, every act of kindness was tailed with malice and for each night spent in passion, there was a day spent in uneasy silence.
Cheltenbridge was rife with gossip and warnings among the locals, of the Havenwood family but the reality was much worse for Eliza. The malevolent whispers, whether real or imagined, followed her in the grounds and down the halls of Havonwood Manor, day and night. She often stayed awake until morning too frightened of the spirits to sleep once the lights had been turned down. The place she had sought happiness threatened to ravage her into ruin, for it held a sad, macabre, and ghostly authority that was to be revealed in the most unexpected way. However, to unveil the duplicity in the book would be to reveal the plot.
The duplicitous character intrigues me this implausible story did not. Aspects of the plot were very good, but I was left wanting the author to do more with the storyline and pulling all the elements of the plot together in a way that made it more believable. I would anticipate several people would have put this book down after the first 100 pages, because the first half of the book was so slow. However, the story became interesting in the second half of the book particularly in the last 100 pages which contained all the content, story, and intrigue. That said, it was still a bit too far fetched for me. Good but not great.
The dashing Malcom Havenwood is a dark gothic figure with a haunting past. He is son to Ada and brother to Gabriele who are found dead when they and their family estate succumbs to a devastating fire. However, the tortured and impoverished Malcom meets and marries Eliza with a promise of better days, for this liaison and the conditions of a will are conveniently aligned when Eliza fulfils one of the clauses in her aunts “will” by marrying within 3 months of the benefactor being made aware of its contents.
Not long into their marriage Eliza is faced with the realisation that the relationship seems to be unravelling almost as quickly as it had begun, and no matter how desperately she grasped at the threads of their affection, her weaving was proving to be an exercise in frustration. For every demonstration of affection, he lavished upon her, there soon followed a cruel word, every act of kindness was tailed with malice and for each night spent in passion, there was a day spent in uneasy silence.
Cheltenbridge was rife with gossip and warnings among the locals, of the Havenwood family but the reality was much worse for Eliza. The malevolent whispers, whether real or imagined, followed her in the grounds and down the halls of Havonwood Manor, day and night. She often stayed awake until morning too frightened of the spirits to sleep once the lights had been turned down. The place she had sought happiness threatened to ravage her into ruin, for it held a sad, macabre, and ghostly authority that was to be revealed in the most unexpected way. However, to unveil the duplicity in the book would be to reveal the plot.
The duplicitous character intrigues me this implausible story did not. Aspects of the plot were very good, but I was left wanting the author to do more with the storyline and pulling all the elements of the plot together in a way that made it more believable. I would anticipate several people would have put this book down after the first 100 pages, because the first half of the book was so slow. However, the story became interesting in the second half of the book particularly in the last 100 pages which contained all the content, story, and intrigue. That said, it was still a bit too far fetched for me. Good but not great.
January 9, 2022
In a Nutshell: This is a decent debut novel with great suspense and pace, but it attempts too much and therein lies its weakness.
Story:
Where the book worked for me:
✔ This is not your typical historical fiction novel, that’s for sure. Eliza is unlike any lead character I've read, what with her spendthrift habits, impulsive and bold nature, and strong sense of sexuality. (I’m not saying I liked her character; it was just a different experience to read a historical female mc such as her.)
✔ I could strongly connect with Lydia, even though some of her beliefs such as voodoo and tarot aren’t really my cup of tea. Hers was the best sketched character in the book. She was also the only character who seemed to have brains and use them properly as well.
✔ The imagery in the book is outstanding. I could visualise every scene perfectly because of the vivid descriptions.
✔ A book always gets bonus points if it makes me complete it within two-three days. I finished this 367 page book in two days flat. (What helped me rush through it was that I hadn’t expected paranormal elements to be part of the plot. 👀 I can’t bear dragging out scary scenes so I ran through the pages as fast as I could with nocturnal binge reading.)
✔ The first 20-25% of the book is excellent. If only the rest of the book had matched up to this instead of devolving into a convoluted and over-the-top narrative.
✔ The author’s vocabulary is outstanding. I relished the experience of checking the dictionary regularly multiple times. She especially shines in her knowledge of historical lexicon.
✔ The cover is gorgeous, I grant you that. Combined with the title, it creates the right amount of mystique.
Where the book needed to work better:
❌ The character sketching needed work. Everyone except Lydia seems to be hiding things for pretty weird reasons. Hardly anyone is trustworthy and the mystery is built entirely on these unreliable narrations. The final revelation concerning Malcolm is too ridiculous to be believable.
❌ Many plot points simply didn’t make sense. Can’t reveal much here because I don’t want to give away spoilers. But many scenes just left me feeling “Why the heck would anyone do that?!?!” Basically, everything just becomes farfetched after a point.
❌ Many things didn’t appear to suit the timeline, though I won’t be able to provide concrete proof about what exactly was anachronistic. It just seemed to be a story that used a multitude of eras and yet was based in 1899.
❌ Many debut authors fall into the trap of content overload, and this book is no exception. The note left by the author on Goodreads states that this is “a story about grief, longing, survival, forgiveness, and a bittersweet passion that transcends both time and death.” Well, it is all this, and a lot more. Within its pages, it covers these genres: paranormal, romance, erotica, suspense/mystery, drama, gothic, feminist, and historical. It also includes the following themes: LGBTQ, racism, misogyny, domestic abuse, mental health, and a few more that would be major spoilers. Basically, it is like everything along with the kitchen sink thrown in one book, the result being an exaggerated mishmash of plot points that work neither here nor there.
❌ There is just “so” much of steamy sex scenes I can tolerate in a book that isn’t supposed to be a steamy romance. (One reason I haven’t read steamy romances in years!) Granted, there is no heaving of bosoms and throbbing of … uhmmmm, you know what… But repeated writing about the aggressive physical lust between a couple of the characters just irritated me. It was like reading a paranormal-historical M&B.
The author’s note suggests that she did plenty of research for this story. I could see partial evidence of that but mere historical authenticity is not enough to save the story. The plot needed to be a lot tighter and much more believable in order for the book to make an impact.
Overall, a mixed experience, and hence a midway rating. The author does have talent in terms of her writing skills. If she works on the plotting and editing, I have no doubt that she will have a great writing career ahead.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of “Parting the Veil”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
1899. New Orleans resident Eliza Sullivan has inherited an estate from a recently-deceased aunt in a small village in Hampshire, UK. She wants to escape her troublesome past and hence sets out along with her stepsister Lydia to the UK for a fresh start. At her new home, Eliza finds herself attracted to the huge but run-down house next door and its enigmatic owner, Malcolm Winfield. With her money, his charm, and a strong attraction on both sides, she assumes that their relationship can work. But soon after formalising their bond, she realises that there is something mysterious about her new husband and something sinister about the house. Has she taken the right call in marrying so impulsively?
(My usual summaries don’t go beyond the first couple of chapters. Here I was forced to summarise almost half of the book because literally nothing happens in the first half except Eliza’s strong feelings for Malcolm despite everyone advising her against such thoughts.)
Where the book worked for me:
✔ This is not your typical historical fiction novel, that’s for sure. Eliza is unlike any lead character I've read, what with her spendthrift habits, impulsive and bold nature, and strong sense of sexuality. (I’m not saying I liked her character; it was just a different experience to read a historical female mc such as her.)
✔ I could strongly connect with Lydia, even though some of her beliefs such as voodoo and tarot aren’t really my cup of tea. Hers was the best sketched character in the book. She was also the only character who seemed to have brains and use them properly as well.
✔ The imagery in the book is outstanding. I could visualise every scene perfectly because of the vivid descriptions.
✔ A book always gets bonus points if it makes me complete it within two-three days. I finished this 367 page book in two days flat. (What helped me rush through it was that I hadn’t expected paranormal elements to be part of the plot. 👀 I can’t bear dragging out scary scenes so I ran through the pages as fast as I could with nocturnal binge reading.)
✔ The first 20-25% of the book is excellent. If only the rest of the book had matched up to this instead of devolving into a convoluted and over-the-top narrative.
✔ The author’s vocabulary is outstanding. I relished the experience of checking the dictionary regularly multiple times. She especially shines in her knowledge of historical lexicon.
✔ The cover is gorgeous, I grant you that. Combined with the title, it creates the right amount of mystique.
Where the book needed to work better:
❌ The character sketching needed work. Everyone except Lydia seems to be hiding things for pretty weird reasons. Hardly anyone is trustworthy and the mystery is built entirely on these unreliable narrations. The final revelation concerning Malcolm is too ridiculous to be believable.
❌ Many plot points simply didn’t make sense. Can’t reveal much here because I don’t want to give away spoilers. But many scenes just left me feeling “Why the heck would anyone do that?!?!” Basically, everything just becomes farfetched after a point.
❌ Many things didn’t appear to suit the timeline, though I won’t be able to provide concrete proof about what exactly was anachronistic. It just seemed to be a story that used a multitude of eras and yet was based in 1899.
❌ Many debut authors fall into the trap of content overload, and this book is no exception. The note left by the author on Goodreads states that this is “a story about grief, longing, survival, forgiveness, and a bittersweet passion that transcends both time and death.” Well, it is all this, and a lot more. Within its pages, it covers these genres: paranormal, romance, erotica, suspense/mystery, drama, gothic, feminist, and historical. It also includes the following themes: LGBTQ, racism, misogyny, domestic abuse, mental health, and a few more that would be major spoilers. Basically, it is like everything along with the kitchen sink thrown in one book, the result being an exaggerated mishmash of plot points that work neither here nor there.
❌ There is just “so” much of steamy sex scenes I can tolerate in a book that isn’t supposed to be a steamy romance. (One reason I haven’t read steamy romances in years!) Granted, there is no heaving of bosoms and throbbing of … uhmmmm, you know what… But repeated writing about the aggressive physical lust between a couple of the characters just irritated me. It was like reading a paranormal-historical M&B.
The author’s note suggests that she did plenty of research for this story. I could see partial evidence of that but mere historical authenticity is not enough to save the story. The plot needed to be a lot tighter and much more believable in order for the book to make an impact.
Overall, a mixed experience, and hence a midway rating. The author does have talent in terms of her writing skills. If she works on the plotting and editing, I have no doubt that she will have a great writing career ahead.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of “Parting the Veil”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
March 8, 2021
I was so fortunate to beta read this book over a year ago, and it still sticks with me. Paulette's beautiful imagery, lush details, and atmospheric story telling makes this novel unforgettable all on a gothic, well-researched historical backdrop. To top it off, she's incorporated twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and keeps the reader guessing. Parting the Veil has the types of plot that makes you want to re-read to collect all the easter eggs and clues you missed the first time around. I cannot wait to hold a copy of her debut in my hands.
October 25, 2021
I don't know how to shelve this book! It's a mish-mash of genres. There's a supernatural (ghost/ghosts), there're murders, there's jealousy, there's incest, there's LGBT, there's romance... you pick...
That said, I didn't like it... it was too jumbled. The heroine couldn't make up her mind, the hero (and the staff) hide many things without reason (or with some reason, but...), the heroine slept and fell in love with the hero !!! How is that possible???!!!
First she's deeply in love after just a few encounters, so she jumps and marry him. Then she's not in love. Then she's in love with his house. Then she's not. then she wants the truth, but when she gets it she doesn't want it...
I just wanted to slap her and tell her to decided!!!
Oh, you could say that there were good reasons for her actions, and I could accept that, but it was so clumsily excecuted that I just couldn't accept it.
Several times I just couldn't take it anymore and had to stop reading or this would be DNF... For me this book was an exercise in frustration!
That said, I didn't like it... it was too jumbled. The heroine couldn't make up her mind, the hero (and the staff) hide many things without reason (or with some reason, but...), the heroine slept and fell in love with the hero !!! How is that possible???!!!
First she's deeply in love after just a few encounters, so she jumps and marry him. Then she's not in love. Then she's in love with his house. Then she's not. then she wants the truth, but when she gets it she doesn't want it...
I just wanted to slap her and tell her to decided!!!
Oh, you could say that there were good reasons for her actions, and I could accept that, but it was so clumsily excecuted that I just couldn't accept it.
Several times I just couldn't take it anymore and had to stop reading or this would be DNF... For me this book was an exercise in frustration!
October 7, 2021
If you haven’t heard me screaming about gothic literature loud enough, let me try again.
𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗜𝗟 is the debut novel by Paulette Kennedy. It comes out NOVEMBER 1. Which is just in time for the temperature to drop, to grab your blanket, your warm beverage of choice, and of course, this book.
As a little precursor: this book deals with grief, mental illness and abuse.
The year is 1899 and two sisters, Eliza and Lydia, are departing New Orleans for England, as an aunt has recently left her estate to Eliza in her will. Upon their arrival they notice that next door to their new home is a dark and dismal manor: Havenwood. Quickly, the girls become the talk of the town and at the first ball they attend, all eyes are on them. Eliza soon finds the attentions of the Lord of Havenwood, Malcolm, and she falls head over heels for him.
All too soon, she finds herself inside Havenwood. And within her chambers comes a knocking sound. She feels eyes on her skin, but nothing is there. Eliza is desperate to uncover the secrets that are hiding within the walls of this manor. There’s more than ghosting lingering in these halls; will she survive Havenwood?
I loved every second of this book. The writing was beautiful. I started to wonder what was wrong with Malcolm, so the twist towards the end had me like 😱
The characters are wonderful. I absolutely adored both Lydia and Eliza. I loved the elements of creole culture, the ouija, and the eerie feeling that was created with Havenwood.
You know what else I loved? The authors notes.
And a special thank you to Paulette for sending me a copy of your book. I loved it so much!!
5⭐️
𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗜𝗟 is the debut novel by Paulette Kennedy. It comes out NOVEMBER 1. Which is just in time for the temperature to drop, to grab your blanket, your warm beverage of choice, and of course, this book.
As a little precursor: this book deals with grief, mental illness and abuse.
The year is 1899 and two sisters, Eliza and Lydia, are departing New Orleans for England, as an aunt has recently left her estate to Eliza in her will. Upon their arrival they notice that next door to their new home is a dark and dismal manor: Havenwood. Quickly, the girls become the talk of the town and at the first ball they attend, all eyes are on them. Eliza soon finds the attentions of the Lord of Havenwood, Malcolm, and she falls head over heels for him.
All too soon, she finds herself inside Havenwood. And within her chambers comes a knocking sound. She feels eyes on her skin, but nothing is there. Eliza is desperate to uncover the secrets that are hiding within the walls of this manor. There’s more than ghosting lingering in these halls; will she survive Havenwood?
I loved every second of this book. The writing was beautiful. I started to wonder what was wrong with Malcolm, so the twist towards the end had me like 😱
The characters are wonderful. I absolutely adored both Lydia and Eliza. I loved the elements of creole culture, the ouija, and the eerie feeling that was created with Havenwood.
You know what else I loved? The authors notes.
And a special thank you to Paulette for sending me a copy of your book. I loved it so much!!
5⭐️
November 1, 2021
I stayed up much, much too late to finish the ARC I received of PARTING THE VEIL, and I have no regrets.
This feminist and queer gothic romantic thriller was a fantastic read. It has beautiful prose and an atmosphere that I really sunk my teeth into—it’s the kind of writing that feeds you.
As the mysteries of Lord Havenwood and Havenwood Manor unfolded, there were lots of discernible clues for the reader, and yet the twists were expertly built to a very satisfying conclusion���one I’d guessed, another I hadn’t, but no less enjoyed. I had so much fun digging into each scene trying to figure out if my theories were correct.
And because I’m a romance writer and reader I would be remiss not to point out how much I loved the romantic elements. I’m still thinking about Malcolm’s letter to Eliza. Short, sweet, but packing heat (fans self).
Fellow romance lovers, please note that the steamy scenes (and there were a lot of them) were fade-to-black. I would have LOVED open door scenes, but then again I’m the type of reader who doesn’t think you can have too much spice ;) While romance isn’t the central plot, especially in the second half of the book when the mystery and thriller elements come to the forefront, it is the backbone, as another reviewer pointed out. Still, the story ends happily and hopeful and I absolutely adored it.
I was told this book would be a treat and a dark delight and it thoroughly was! This was a fabulous debut, and I cannot wait to read more by Paulette Kennedy.
Thank you Paulette & Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
CW:
Please note and read with care.
This novel includes subject matter such as domestic abuse, addiction, suicidal ideation, pregnancy/child loss, murder, mental illness, implied incest and sexual abuse, as well as racism and misogyny that is reflective of the time period.
This feminist and queer gothic romantic thriller was a fantastic read. It has beautiful prose and an atmosphere that I really sunk my teeth into—it’s the kind of writing that feeds you.
As the mysteries of Lord Havenwood and Havenwood Manor unfolded, there were lots of discernible clues for the reader, and yet the twists were expertly built to a very satisfying conclusion���one I’d guessed, another I hadn’t, but no less enjoyed. I had so much fun digging into each scene trying to figure out if my theories were correct.
And because I’m a romance writer and reader I would be remiss not to point out how much I loved the romantic elements. I’m still thinking about Malcolm’s letter to Eliza. Short, sweet, but packing heat (fans self).
Fellow romance lovers, please note that the steamy scenes (and there were a lot of them) were fade-to-black. I would have LOVED open door scenes, but then again I’m the type of reader who doesn’t think you can have too much spice ;) While romance isn’t the central plot, especially in the second half of the book when the mystery and thriller elements come to the forefront, it is the backbone, as another reviewer pointed out. Still, the story ends happily and hopeful and I absolutely adored it.
I was told this book would be a treat and a dark delight and it thoroughly was! This was a fabulous debut, and I cannot wait to read more by Paulette Kennedy.
Thank you Paulette & Lake Union Publishing for the ARC!
CW:
Please note and read with care.
This novel includes subject matter such as domestic abuse, addiction, suicidal ideation, pregnancy/child loss, murder, mental illness, implied incest and sexual abuse, as well as racism and misogyny that is reflective of the time period.
December 24, 2023
I was a most fortunate beta-reader for this lovely book, and what an honor it was. Kennedy's book has become one of my all-time favorites. Positively drenched in Gothic allure, Parting the Veil delivers intriguing, faceted characters and some of the most jaw-dropping plot twists I've encountered in some time. Kennedy's lovely literary voice unfolds this treasure of a story, where literal -- and figurative -- ghosts of the past and present flow freely between the cracks of a crumbling mansion. I look forward to re-reading it upon publication, as this is a book I will likely come to again and again.
April 20, 2021
I was lucky enough to beta read an early version of this novel, and it absolutely took my breath away. The characters are real, dynamic, and captivating. The gothic atmosphere is both chilling and mesmerizing in the best of ways. And the twists! It's rare that I'm surprised, but there were some things I didn't see coming, and yet they made so much sense once revealed.
Paulette effortlessly weaves a tale that sucked me in and still hasn't let me go. I can't wait to read it again and wander the halls of Havenwood Manor with Eliza once more.
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
Paulette effortlessly weaves a tale that sucked me in and still hasn't let me go. I can't wait to read it again and wander the halls of Havenwood Manor with Eliza once more.
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!
June 27, 2021
Brimming with dark atmosphere, ghosts, and tragic family secrets, Kennedy’s debut is a Gothic masterpiece that had me holding my breath until the last page.
September 28, 2021
A darkly romantic old school gothic novel with a gasp-inducing twist that's decidedly new school. In this lushly detailed pageturner, Paulette Kennedy piles on all the haunted house tropes you could hope for, and then some. Read this one with your lights on.
October 8, 2021
If you enjoy contemporary gothic literature this needs to be on your TBR.
Here I was thinking I may already know what my favourite reads of 2021 will be and then this debut novel came along and completely blew me away.
Parting the Veil is a gorgeous, gothic tale drenched in mystery and secrets. Eerie, spooky and atmospheric with a huge twist at the end that I did not expect.
The story follows two sisters who inherit and move into an old estate, looking for a new beginning. Shortly after moving there one of the sisters Eliza becomes besotted with a mysterious man named Malcolm who lives close by in a crumbling old estate that is rumoured to be haunted. After a short courtship they marry but as their marriage progresses, Eliza finds her husband’s moods become increasingly unpredictable and secretive. Eliza finds herself wondering what he is hiding and why he doesn’t let her enter the South wing of the estate. Then she begins to hear and see strange things.
Parting the Veil delivered exceptionally in the gothic elements but what impressed me the most was that it also has an array of complex, multi-faceted characters who felt real and well fleshed out. As a protagonist Eliza was believable and flawed. I adored her for her humanness and her desire to want to see the good in people. I found Malcolm to be such a dark person and his character arc was particularly interesting.
I deeply appreciated the exploration of a number of sensitive issues such as mental health, self-harm, domestic/family violence and addiction. Further to this Paulette did a wonderful job of weaving together a large number of elements such as a family saga, ghost story and a murder mystery. I found the ghost story to be executed perfectly whereas I sometimes find it to be overdone or to feel fake in other books. I also loved other elements woven in such as the fae, sapphic romance, Lydia’s psychic ability and the old diaries Eliza discovers. There’s something so spooky and cosy about a protagonist discovering old diaries. It’s a favourite trope of mine.
There’s not much else I could say without spoilers but I hope I have convinced you by now to invest in this story. I could gush about it for ages. I will without a doubt buy anything else that Paulette writes.
Thank you so much to Paulette for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Here I was thinking I may already know what my favourite reads of 2021 will be and then this debut novel came along and completely blew me away.
Parting the Veil is a gorgeous, gothic tale drenched in mystery and secrets. Eerie, spooky and atmospheric with a huge twist at the end that I did not expect.
The story follows two sisters who inherit and move into an old estate, looking for a new beginning. Shortly after moving there one of the sisters Eliza becomes besotted with a mysterious man named Malcolm who lives close by in a crumbling old estate that is rumoured to be haunted. After a short courtship they marry but as their marriage progresses, Eliza finds her husband’s moods become increasingly unpredictable and secretive. Eliza finds herself wondering what he is hiding and why he doesn’t let her enter the South wing of the estate. Then she begins to hear and see strange things.
Parting the Veil delivered exceptionally in the gothic elements but what impressed me the most was that it also has an array of complex, multi-faceted characters who felt real and well fleshed out. As a protagonist Eliza was believable and flawed. I adored her for her humanness and her desire to want to see the good in people. I found Malcolm to be such a dark person and his character arc was particularly interesting.
I deeply appreciated the exploration of a number of sensitive issues such as mental health, self-harm, domestic/family violence and addiction. Further to this Paulette did a wonderful job of weaving together a large number of elements such as a family saga, ghost story and a murder mystery. I found the ghost story to be executed perfectly whereas I sometimes find it to be overdone or to feel fake in other books. I also loved other elements woven in such as the fae, sapphic romance, Lydia’s psychic ability and the old diaries Eliza discovers. There’s something so spooky and cosy about a protagonist discovering old diaries. It’s a favourite trope of mine.
There’s not much else I could say without spoilers but I hope I have convinced you by now to invest in this story. I could gush about it for ages. I will without a doubt buy anything else that Paulette writes.
Thank you so much to Paulette for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2021
I read this book in one sitting, as an ARC, and I was completely enthralled.
Paulette's grasp on prose, character and atmosphere was what made this book for me, giving me strong Daphne du Maurier vibes. Paulette has a knack for picking verbs that both carries the atmosphere of a scene (“furred with hoarfrost”, “the passageway snarled”, “tucked into her eggs”, “walls crawled around the edges of her eyes”), while also providing you with a subtle understanding of her characters without shoving it in your face. Rather, she demands that you pay attention to the details and wait around for them to be explained (which you'll happily do, trust me).
As for the mystery of the book, I was always left with enough clues that kept me guessing, yet the twists were so well-crafted that I could never quite pinpoint the how and the why (even if I could pinpoint the what). And while the romance isn't always at the center of the plot, it remains the emotional backbone of the story as a whole.
Then there’s the research. So much research has gone into this book and it shows, adding enough plausibility to the setting that I felt transported to the world and the time within the first few pages alone (and, yes, I had to look up plenty of objects and fashions, which tells me the research is fantastic). The same goes for the feminist and LGBTQIA elements. All plausible for the time and place. And ending on happier notes, no less, adding a hopefulness to the book that’s a nice breather from the heavier themes of PTSD and suicidal thoughts befitting of the gothic genre.
If you enjoyed Jane Eyre, Rebecca, Mexican Gothic, and Crimson Peak, then this book is definitely for you.
Paulette's grasp on prose, character and atmosphere was what made this book for me, giving me strong Daphne du Maurier vibes. Paulette has a knack for picking verbs that both carries the atmosphere of a scene (“furred with hoarfrost”, “the passageway snarled”, “tucked into her eggs”, “walls crawled around the edges of her eyes”), while also providing you with a subtle understanding of her characters without shoving it in your face. Rather, she demands that you pay attention to the details and wait around for them to be explained (which you'll happily do, trust me).
As for the mystery of the book, I was always left with enough clues that kept me guessing, yet the twists were so well-crafted that I could never quite pinpoint the how and the why (even if I could pinpoint the what). And while the romance isn't always at the center of the plot, it remains the emotional backbone of the story as a whole.
Then there’s the research. So much research has gone into this book and it shows, adding enough plausibility to the setting that I felt transported to the world and the time within the first few pages alone (and, yes, I had to look up plenty of objects and fashions, which tells me the research is fantastic). The same goes for the feminist and LGBTQIA elements. All plausible for the time and place. And ending on happier notes, no less, adding a hopefulness to the book that’s a nice breather from the heavier themes of PTSD and suicidal thoughts befitting of the gothic genre.
If you enjoyed Jane Eyre, Rebecca, Mexican Gothic, and Crimson Peak, then this book is definitely for you.
September 2, 2021
I was so grateful for the chance to read an ARC of "Parting the Veil." It's enthralling Gothic fiction full of mystery, romance, and a touch of the paranormal, and once I started reading it, I devoured it all in about two days. Kennedy's prose is beautiful and immersive; I could clearly picture the characters and the elaborate settings they inhabited.
Eliza, who moves from America to England to take possession of her deceased aunt's estate, is a delightful heroine, strong-willed and tough but with vulnerability at her core. All of the main characters are vivid, distinct, and well-drawn; I particularly enjoyed Lydia, Eliza's sister, and Sarah, a friend she makes in England. I also enjoyed Malcolm and found myself as baffled by his mercurial moods as poor Eliza was.
And the plot! Every time I thought I had things figured out, I'd read another chapter and realize I was dead wrong. But nothing comes out of left field or feels unrealistic; the hints and clues are all there in the story. I've got a hard copy of the novel on order and can't wait to go back and revisit this wonderful world, and I look forward to reading more of Kennedy's work.
Eliza, who moves from America to England to take possession of her deceased aunt's estate, is a delightful heroine, strong-willed and tough but with vulnerability at her core. All of the main characters are vivid, distinct, and well-drawn; I particularly enjoyed Lydia, Eliza's sister, and Sarah, a friend she makes in England. I also enjoyed Malcolm and found myself as baffled by his mercurial moods as poor Eliza was.
And the plot! Every time I thought I had things figured out, I'd read another chapter and realize I was dead wrong. But nothing comes out of left field or feels unrealistic; the hints and clues are all there in the story. I've got a hard copy of the novel on order and can't wait to go back and revisit this wonderful world, and I look forward to reading more of Kennedy's work.
October 3, 2021
I cannot recommend this book enough if you love historical fiction thrillers. I especially cannot recommend it enough if you also love your books to have a bit of spookiness and sexiness. Paulette Kennedy did an excellent job of crafting this haunted, serpentine ride of a plot. I am so impressed with the characters, mainly the heroine Eliza, and the work Kennedy put into making them all equally distinct and engrossing. There is sensitive subject matter in the book so without giving anything away, please take care of yourself if anything in the book upsets you. I have triggers of my own but I’m SO HAPPY I finished this book. It’s a unique and unforgettable journey
August 23, 2021
This book is breathtaking in so many ways. Sweeping, sexy, smart, and haunting, it’s the kind of book that pulls you in and keeps you close until the last page. I read this book in a day because I simply couldn’t stop— Eliza and Malcolm’s world is an alluring, gripping tangle that Paulette Kennedy weaves with incredible care. Gothic and gripping, I can’t recommend this one enough!
November 4, 2021
Parting the Veil is a feast of brilliant storytelling with lush prose, irresistible characters, and a haunted countryside manor painted in atmospheric detail.
As a reader who loves all those things, I couldn't dive in quick enough. But it's not just that. Paulette hits on places and themes that touch me in a personal way - the references to New Orleans, my beloved hometown. To Scotland, a place I hold dear. To the internal conflicts I can relate to. So when grieving Eliza takes me on a soul-baring journey to claim a new life across the pond, she seizes my heart and never lets go. We truck through love and loss, through deceit and forgiveness, through unimaginable twists and breathless turns. She's not just haunted by her past, she's haunted by a monster.
As Paulette’s critique partner, I had the great honor of reading early iterations of PTV. It’s everything I crave in a delicious gothic tale and I didn’t think it was possible to love this book any more than I already did. So much meticulous research and loving care went into producing this stunning work. But after devouring the full ARC more than 1 year later, I'll say I love it even better. PTV is utter perfection.
As a reader who loves all those things, I couldn't dive in quick enough. But it's not just that. Paulette hits on places and themes that touch me in a personal way - the references to New Orleans, my beloved hometown. To Scotland, a place I hold dear. To the internal conflicts I can relate to. So when grieving Eliza takes me on a soul-baring journey to claim a new life across the pond, she seizes my heart and never lets go. We truck through love and loss, through deceit and forgiveness, through unimaginable twists and breathless turns. She's not just haunted by her past, she's haunted by a monster.
As Paulette’s critique partner, I had the great honor of reading early iterations of PTV. It’s everything I crave in a delicious gothic tale and I didn’t think it was possible to love this book any more than I already did. So much meticulous research and loving care went into producing this stunning work. But after devouring the full ARC more than 1 year later, I'll say I love it even better. PTV is utter perfection.
December 26, 2021
I started having issues with this book rather quickly into the story, and it truly went off the rails and downhill quickly. To say that I hated it, hated the ending, and wish that I owned a physical copy so that I could throw it across my room in disgust is putting things mildly.
It is QUITE clear that Kennedy's "betas" are completely unfamiliar with the subject matter that she was ham-fistedly write about, as there are numerous inconsistencies with period appropriate verbiage (including the usage of a word that wasn't around until the 1950s, a full SIXTY years after the story setting), appropriate social behaviour that even a "Dollar Princess" from America would know about, and so many WTF moments that it beggared belief. Especially that ending. I just...I am SO darn glad that I borrowed it from Prime Reading and so only wasted my time, and not my hard earned money on this tripe. DO NOT READ!
It is QUITE clear that Kennedy's "betas" are completely unfamiliar with the subject matter that she was ham-fistedly write about, as there are numerous inconsistencies with period appropriate verbiage (including the usage of a word that wasn't around until the 1950s, a full SIXTY years after the story setting), appropriate social behaviour that even a "Dollar Princess" from America would know about, and so many WTF moments that it beggared belief. Especially that ending. I just...I am SO darn glad that I borrowed it from Prime Reading and so only wasted my time, and not my hard earned money on this tripe. DO NOT READ!
June 2, 2022
Hysterical rather than historical. Not for me
The author states that she did a lot of historical research for this story but it's a shame she didn't do any social history research. If she had she wouldn't have expected us to swallow 2 wealthy Americans inheriting one of the great country houses of England, having no servants and doing all the housework themselves. Even more that they were then accepted by the upper class county set, who would have certainly looked down on such behaviour, even from Americans, as clear evidence of them not knowing their place in society or how to behave. The country houses worked in symbiosis with the surrounding villages and tenant farmers, providing work and stability for most of the people on the estate. Even the smallest would have required an indoor staff of at least 10-15 to run efficiently and no Lady would ever have opened her own front door to a caller.
The story itself got increasingly unlikely and illogical and read more like a Victorian penny dreadful than anything else.
The author states that she did a lot of historical research for this story but it's a shame she didn't do any social history research. If she had she wouldn't have expected us to swallow 2 wealthy Americans inheriting one of the great country houses of England, having no servants and doing all the housework themselves. Even more that they were then accepted by the upper class county set, who would have certainly looked down on such behaviour, even from Americans, as clear evidence of them not knowing their place in society or how to behave. The country houses worked in symbiosis with the surrounding villages and tenant farmers, providing work and stability for most of the people on the estate. Even the smallest would have required an indoor staff of at least 10-15 to run efficiently and no Lady would ever have opened her own front door to a caller.
The story itself got increasingly unlikely and illogical and read more like a Victorian penny dreadful than anything else.
June 11, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive an arc of this book and it hooked me immediately! Kennedy’s beautiful prose built a haunting, well-paced story that left me on the edge of my seat and neglecting all of my responsibilities so I could keep reading. It was so easy to get lost in the vivid scenes, ripe with well-researched historical details and chilling encounters that leave you guessing. This is definitely a book I will be re-reading and recommending to friends, and Kennedy is an author I will be following for future works.
October 25, 2021
Not sure the author has ever been to England, the language used didn't seem to fit with the characters in places. High society Victorians using words like "chuffed" and "bloke" made me laugh and detracted from the attempt at a gothic mystery.
January 26, 2022
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a chance to read this book.
I enjoy Gothic tales, and I enjoy regency, Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian romances. Anytime I get that combined with a Gothic tale I am won over.
This book I find myself at war with. It has all the normal tropes of Gothic stories but sadly I didn't find that it was well written enough to make them work.
- The two sisters' heritage is confusing at times. One is half Creole, is the other Creole as well? Are they witches or not? This is not really explained well enough but, I like to think they are witches. One of them touches an object and has a reaction to it. They both seem well versed in tarot cards. And, there is a seance done at one point. I totally get that seance parties were the rage at the turn of the century, but I feel like these girls and their heritage was used rather poorly and not fully developed.
- The one sister, Lydia, was very underdeveloped. Only appeared to prop the other sister up and or come in when the plot needed her there. I hated that and I felt their sisterly bond was cheapened by this.
- Eliza's romance with her beau was ... god, it was all over the place. In part it had to do with the plot, but it was written so badly that I guessed what the end-game was before we actually started getting hints of the Gothic reveal. I hate that, I shouldn't have to guess these things.
- It also felt like someone's first draft at a book. With all I said above and the overall writing, this book just didn't land well.
I enjoy Gothic tales, and I enjoy regency, Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian romances. Anytime I get that combined with a Gothic tale I am won over.
This book I find myself at war with. It has all the normal tropes of Gothic stories but sadly I didn't find that it was well written enough to make them work.
- The two sisters' heritage is confusing at times. One is half Creole, is the other Creole as well? Are they witches or not? This is not really explained well enough but, I like to think they are witches. One of them touches an object and has a reaction to it. They both seem well versed in tarot cards. And, there is a seance done at one point. I totally get that seance parties were the rage at the turn of the century, but I feel like these girls and their heritage was used rather poorly and not fully developed.
- The one sister, Lydia, was very underdeveloped. Only appeared to prop the other sister up and or come in when the plot needed her there. I hated that and I felt their sisterly bond was cheapened by this.
- Eliza's romance with her beau was ... god, it was all over the place. In part it had to do with the plot, but it was written so badly that I guessed what the end-game was before we actually started getting hints of the Gothic reveal. I hate that, I shouldn't have to guess these things.
- It also felt like someone's first draft at a book. With all I said above and the overall writing, this book just didn't land well.
November 5, 2022
This was just too much. I was looking for a good Gothic novel to read before Halloween, and it took me until November 4 to finish.
The characters were not credible. Eliza was much too liberal for her station and class. Language and social mores were not compatible with Victorian norms. It was a bit Wuthering Heights at times. Characters were having sex ALL THE TIME. There were lesbian confessions, which I don't believe English nobility would be discussing openly. I just did not forsee all of this from the book description.
Lydia, the sister, was gone for the latter half of the novel, which added nothing. She was knowledgeable of the occult, so it would have made sense for her to have led the seance. But she was back in New Orleans. Again, her leaving did nothing to move the plot forward. Plus they never closed the board, a mistake Lydia would not have made. Paranormal pandemonium should have followed.
It was like modern woke-ism was applied to Victorian England, and it just didn't work. It made the story unbelievable. Had this been a true Gothic novel with fewer plot lines, it would have worked for me.
The characters were not credible. Eliza was much too liberal for her station and class. Language and social mores were not compatible with Victorian norms. It was a bit Wuthering Heights at times. Characters were having sex ALL THE TIME. There were lesbian confessions, which I don't believe English nobility would be discussing openly. I just did not forsee all of this from the book description.
Lydia, the sister, was gone for the latter half of the novel, which added nothing. She was knowledgeable of the occult, so it would have made sense for her to have led the seance. But she was back in New Orleans. Again, her leaving did nothing to move the plot forward. Plus they never closed the board, a mistake Lydia would not have made. Paranormal pandemonium should have followed.
It was like modern woke-ism was applied to Victorian England, and it just didn't work. It made the story unbelievable. Had this been a true Gothic novel with fewer plot lines, it would have worked for me.
July 4, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and was so pleased to get an advanced copy. It is haunting, atmospheric, and full of surprises that literally had me gasping out loud. The prose is gorgeous, to top things off. Grab your copy this fall before a free weekend, and prepare to be enthralled!
January 4, 2022
I may create a shelf just for this book...." WTF Is This Crazy Sh!t? "
Don't let that pretty cover fool you. You have been warned.
Don't let that pretty cover fool you. You have been warned.
August 4, 2021
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
---
Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing, Amazon Publishing, and Paulette Kennedy for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
// Content warning: self-harm, suicidal ideation, implied incest, child abuse (non-sexual), sexual abuse, domestic abuse, marital rape, verbal abuse, consensual sexual content, forced captivity, murder, racism, assault, mild violence, mild drug use, alcoholism, arson, death, drowning, child and pregnancy loss, war, blood, sexism, misogyny, abandonment, toxic power dynamics // – thank you so much to Paulette Kennedy for providing a full list of content warnings!!!
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
Parting the Veil is the perfect mix of romance, horror, mystery, and historical fiction. Haunting and dark, Paulette Kennedy’s debut novel is an excellent journey to the discovery of family secrets that threaten the world of Eliza Sullivan and her goal of freedom.
---
// Other Information //
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Page Count: 387 pages
Release Date: November 1, 2021
Series: None
Genre: Fiction, Historical fiction, Gothic, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Adult, LGBTQ+
---
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.
---
// Characters //
Parting the Veil follows Eliza Sullivan (the badass mc) and her journey of love, self-forgiveness, and freedom. Just a quick mention, I loved that even though the novel takes place in England in 1899, Paulette Kennedy did not hesitate to represent the LGBTQ+ community. Eliza is not only a badass lady in the 1890’s, but also bisexual.
A large portion of the novel is dedicated to her romance with the Lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. As kindhearted and romantic as he seems, some dark secret is growing beneath the surface of his character that Eliza is forced to face. Malcolm was such a complex character, that I found myself drawn into trying to figure him out.
Kennedy’s characters were lively and complex, perfectly written for the historical romance and thriller novel that she concocted. Not to mention the romance that was written, it’ll leave you absolutely breathless.
---
// Writing and Setting //
The author’s writing is just absolutely perfect and turns the atmosphere of the novel into someone sinister. I loved the writing style that Kennedy exhibited, and am so excited for their future works.
As I mentioned, Parting the Veil takes place in 1899 in England. Eliza has moved there to claim her deceased aunt’s estate and potentially find more freedom than America offered, but in doing so she finds that the society of England is perhaps even more inhibiting.
Like I said earlier, the atmosphere is perfect for the novel. It’s sinister, dark, and mysterious.
---
// Plot //
The plot was perhaps my favorite part of the novel (hard to have a favorite part when the entire novel is perfection.) The amount of twists and turns Kennedy wrote had me sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I’m not even kidding you, I literally stayed up til 1 in the morning on vacation reading this novel because I could not stop.
The most amazing thing about the mysterious plot Kennedy wrote, is that I had no idea what was going to happen. I was as in the dark as Eliza the entire novel. It takes a true master of mystery to completely deceive your reader and leave them in the unknown.
---
// Overall Review //
I don’t have enough good words to say about Parting the Veil. It is by far one of my favorite novels, and just for reference, I am not a huge fan of romance or historical fiction. And yet, I absolutely loved it and recommended it to literally all of my friends and family. I desperately need someone to discuss this novel with, everyone. It was just too good.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || TikTok || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
---
Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing, Amazon Publishing, and Paulette Kennedy for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
// Content warning: self-harm, suicidal ideation, implied incest, child abuse (non-sexual), sexual abuse, domestic abuse, marital rape, verbal abuse, consensual sexual content, forced captivity, murder, racism, assault, mild violence, mild drug use, alcoholism, arson, death, drowning, child and pregnancy loss, war, blood, sexism, misogyny, abandonment, toxic power dynamics // – thank you so much to Paulette Kennedy for providing a full list of content warnings!!!
---
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
---
// Quick Review //
Parting the Veil is the perfect mix of romance, horror, mystery, and historical fiction. Haunting and dark, Paulette Kennedy’s debut novel is an excellent journey to the discovery of family secrets that threaten the world of Eliza Sullivan and her goal of freedom.
---
// Other Information //
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Page Count: 387 pages
Release Date: November 1, 2021
Series: None
Genre: Fiction, Historical fiction, Gothic, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Adult, LGBTQ+
---
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.
---
// Characters //
Parting the Veil follows Eliza Sullivan (the badass mc) and her journey of love, self-forgiveness, and freedom. Just a quick mention, I loved that even though the novel takes place in England in 1899, Paulette Kennedy did not hesitate to represent the LGBTQ+ community. Eliza is not only a badass lady in the 1890’s, but also bisexual.
A large portion of the novel is dedicated to her romance with the Lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. As kindhearted and romantic as he seems, some dark secret is growing beneath the surface of his character that Eliza is forced to face. Malcolm was such a complex character, that I found myself drawn into trying to figure him out.
Kennedy’s characters were lively and complex, perfectly written for the historical romance and thriller novel that she concocted. Not to mention the romance that was written, it’ll leave you absolutely breathless.
---
// Writing and Setting //
The author’s writing is just absolutely perfect and turns the atmosphere of the novel into someone sinister. I loved the writing style that Kennedy exhibited, and am so excited for their future works.
As I mentioned, Parting the Veil takes place in 1899 in England. Eliza has moved there to claim her deceased aunt’s estate and potentially find more freedom than America offered, but in doing so she finds that the society of England is perhaps even more inhibiting.
Like I said earlier, the atmosphere is perfect for the novel. It’s sinister, dark, and mysterious.
---
// Plot //
The plot was perhaps my favorite part of the novel (hard to have a favorite part when the entire novel is perfection.) The amount of twists and turns Kennedy wrote had me sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I’m not even kidding you, I literally stayed up til 1 in the morning on vacation reading this novel because I could not stop.
The most amazing thing about the mysterious plot Kennedy wrote, is that I had no idea what was going to happen. I was as in the dark as Eliza the entire novel. It takes a true master of mystery to completely deceive your reader and leave them in the unknown.
---
// Overall Review //
I don’t have enough good words to say about Parting the Veil. It is by far one of my favorite novels, and just for reference, I am not a huge fan of romance or historical fiction. And yet, I absolutely loved it and recommended it to literally all of my friends and family. I desperately need someone to discuss this novel with, everyone. It was just too good.
---
FOLLOW ME: Twitter || TikTok || Tumblr || BookBub || BookSiren || Anchor || YouTube || Spotify || Google Podcasts || Apple Podcasts
January 10, 2022
Port of Southampton, England. June 1899. Paulette Kennedy’s debut novel, Parting the Veil, is a gothic mystery with some very ‘modern’ problems as well as being an unputdownable book! Eliza Sullivan and her sister, Lydia Tourant, arrive from New Orleans to England as Eliza has inherited Sherbourne House in Hampshirite from her ‘Tante ‘ Theo, Baroness Sherbourne. Upon arrival at Sherbourne House, ‘Cheltonbridge’ and a meeting with the solicitor, Eliza discovers that her inheritance is tied to her marriage which must happen within three months or all will be “null and void.” Eliza’s dream of independence is shattered, and back on the marriage market she goes along with other American heiresses who have come to England to find husbands, being well received by the British peers who need their money to save their ‘country piles’. The author has the crumbling mansion and lots family secrets which is true to gothic mystery, but she adds PTSD, domestic abuse, addiction, “suicidal ideation”, sexual abuse, and more problems that are being dealt with in our time. With all this, the author’s story, characters, and writing style kept me reading very late into the night. What a debut! 4.5 stars
October 5, 2021
I finished reading this on a typical rainy English October day, which was ideal for this atmospheric book. I loved the layers of atmosphere, emotion, and suspense that Paulette builds in the story. The characters are very well-drawn and sympathetic, and their stormy emotions are backed by their experiences and backgrounds.
The half-ruined mansion was fantastic - I love the mixture of luxury, ruin and creepiness that were reminiscent of a number of National Trust properties I've visited. And secret passages - my favourite! The discoveries Eliza makes about the house propel the tension and plot to a crescendo. I was intrigued to discover the twists - one I guessed, but the others were a surprise.
I highly recommend this gothic romance with all its emotions, twists and turns.
The half-ruined mansion was fantastic - I love the mixture of luxury, ruin and creepiness that were reminiscent of a number of National Trust properties I've visited. And secret passages - my favourite! The discoveries Eliza makes about the house propel the tension and plot to a crescendo. I was intrigued to discover the twists - one I guessed, but the others were a surprise.
I highly recommend this gothic romance with all its emotions, twists and turns.
June 23, 2022
3.5* rounded up. There is so much going on in this book. An intriguing gothic-type read with so much potential. There is a great deal of sexual innuendo, naughty words and references to Victorian debauchery but little detailed action (it isn't needed). The book's plotting is splendid, and I like the author's style.
I look forward to reading her next book to see how her writing evolves.
The Audible narration has left me a bit mixed. The narrator does the novel an injustice with the melodramatic southern accents that veer into Scarlett O'Hara territory.
I look forward to reading her next book to see how her writing evolves.
The Audible narration has left me a bit mixed. The narrator does the novel an injustice with the melodramatic southern accents that veer into Scarlett O'Hara territory.
November 15, 2021
I have to say this book is right up my street and I highly enjoyed it from start to finish. It's a compelling, historical mystery and part ghost story. The protagonist, Eliza, is a spirited American who lands in the UK in the midst of the landed gentry at the turn of the 20th century. She falls in love with the mysterious Malcolm Winfield. It was a perfect read for this time of year. I highly recommend this read to readers who love a good gothic mystery with lots of twists and turns. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance copy.
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