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The Legacy of Halesham Hall
Solve the house's puzzle. Claim the Bellingham inheritance . . . Uncover the truth behind the mysterious legacy of Halesham Hall in this page-turning dual-time novel from the author The Secrets of Hawthorn Place, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton.
A love that seems lost, may still yet be found, for real love always endures.
1890. One summer evening changes everything for Sidney and Leonard Bellingham when their beloved mother disappears from the family home, Halesham Hall. Left with their bitter father, they are taught to trust no one but themselves, with brother pitted against brother to see who is worthy of inheriting the Bellingham Board Games company. But the series of twisted games they are forced to play will have far reaching consequences.
1920. Phoebe Bellingham arrives at Halesham Hall determined to solve the puzzles that will allow her to claim back the Bellingham inheritance. But this legacy involves more than one secret, and soon Phoebe realises that the stakes are higher than she ever could have imagined.
A love that seems lost, may still yet be found, for real love always endures.
1890. One summer evening changes everything for Sidney and Leonard Bellingham when their beloved mother disappears from the family home, Halesham Hall. Left with their bitter father, they are taught to trust no one but themselves, with brother pitted against brother to see who is worthy of inheriting the Bellingham Board Games company. But the series of twisted games they are forced to play will have far reaching consequences.
1920. Phoebe Bellingham arrives at Halesham Hall determined to solve the puzzles that will allow her to claim back the Bellingham inheritance. But this legacy involves more than one secret, and soon Phoebe realises that the stakes are higher than she ever could have imagined.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 2, 2022
Whenever I see a book with a beautiful cover and the word 'HALL' in the title it is a sure bet that I will want to investigate further. This is likely a throwback to my adolescent reading days filled with gothic suspense fiction.
This is my first time reading the work of Jenni Keer and it was an enjoyable experience. Yes it was an historical romance, but it was so much more. It was a novel of puzzles, wrapped up in riddles. The setting, a quirky old Suffolk manor house, was the central character of the novel which spanned two time periods.
The Bellingham family who owned Halesham Hall were plagued with unhappiness. The patriarch of the family was a malicious, tyrannical, and bitter man who liked nothing better than to impose cruelty on others. He was the founding father of the highly successful Bellingham Board Games empire and played games with his family. Sometimes they were cruel mind-games, and sometimes they were riddles embedded within the walls of the manor. When his cruelty became too much for his beautiful wife, she fled the manor and left her two sons behind. Thus, the story of the two sons, and how they were manipulated and maliciously treated by their father, spurs the story onward.
The sons, vastly different in temperament, experience, and age, reacted to their father's machinations in dissimilar ways. They were pitted against each other for the right to inheritance. Also, more importantly, they fell in love with the same woman.
This historical romance contains themes of revenge, obsessive love, social class disparities, family secrets, and the effect that a cold and unloving parent can have upon the lives of children.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical romances with atmospheric settings. It helps if you appreciate gothic vibes and delight in puzzling riddles.
This is my first time reading the work of Jenni Keer and it was an enjoyable experience. Yes it was an historical romance, but it was so much more. It was a novel of puzzles, wrapped up in riddles. The setting, a quirky old Suffolk manor house, was the central character of the novel which spanned two time periods.
The Bellingham family who owned Halesham Hall were plagued with unhappiness. The patriarch of the family was a malicious, tyrannical, and bitter man who liked nothing better than to impose cruelty on others. He was the founding father of the highly successful Bellingham Board Games empire and played games with his family. Sometimes they were cruel mind-games, and sometimes they were riddles embedded within the walls of the manor. When his cruelty became too much for his beautiful wife, she fled the manor and left her two sons behind. Thus, the story of the two sons, and how they were manipulated and maliciously treated by their father, spurs the story onward.
The sons, vastly different in temperament, experience, and age, reacted to their father's machinations in dissimilar ways. They were pitted against each other for the right to inheritance. Also, more importantly, they fell in love with the same woman.
This historical romance contains themes of revenge, obsessive love, social class disparities, family secrets, and the effect that a cold and unloving parent can have upon the lives of children.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical romances with atmospheric settings. It helps if you appreciate gothic vibes and delight in puzzling riddles.
August 28, 2022
The Bellingham family are no strangers to secrets nor triangulation tactics.
For decades, siblings have been pitted against each other in a toxic display of sibling dynamics. In the 1800s, Sidney and Leonard learn that to be considered worthy of inheriting the family estate, they need to compete…with each other. Their father owns the Bellingham Board Game company and one of his sons will inherit it. While he was successful outside the home, Clement Bellingham is anything but successful as a husband or father. Hidden from others, the abuse runs rampant in the Victorian mansion. In the 1920s, Phoebe returns to claim the inheritance and uncovers the secrets surrounding her uncle’s childhood.
The author explores the mystery surrounding family secrets and how often there is more to the story than is ever shared…good and bad. Solving puzzles is forefront in this story and it was interesting to see how each approached a solution. The gothic mansion is a fantastic setting and I could imagine sneaking around and exploring it. The pacing and twists were orchestrated perfectly and the characterization was stellar. Keer crafted them as real people and I really cared about what happened to them, hurt for them as they were mistreated and wished happiness for them as they found romance. Atmospheric and daunting Halesham Hall was definitely a character itself!
What kind of legacy will you leave? Food for thought, isn't it?
I was gifted this advance copy by Headline and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
For decades, siblings have been pitted against each other in a toxic display of sibling dynamics. In the 1800s, Sidney and Leonard learn that to be considered worthy of inheriting the family estate, they need to compete…with each other. Their father owns the Bellingham Board Game company and one of his sons will inherit it. While he was successful outside the home, Clement Bellingham is anything but successful as a husband or father. Hidden from others, the abuse runs rampant in the Victorian mansion. In the 1920s, Phoebe returns to claim the inheritance and uncovers the secrets surrounding her uncle’s childhood.
The author explores the mystery surrounding family secrets and how often there is more to the story than is ever shared…good and bad. Solving puzzles is forefront in this story and it was interesting to see how each approached a solution. The gothic mansion is a fantastic setting and I could imagine sneaking around and exploring it. The pacing and twists were orchestrated perfectly and the characterization was stellar. Keer crafted them as real people and I really cared about what happened to them, hurt for them as they were mistreated and wished happiness for them as they found romance. Atmospheric and daunting Halesham Hall was definitely a character itself!
What kind of legacy will you leave? Food for thought, isn't it?
I was gifted this advance copy by Headline and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 29, 2024
Another brilliant story by Jenni Keer, filled with puzzles and riddles, twists and turns, and too many surprises to note along the way. 👏👏👏 An easy 5 stars from me!
September 18, 2022
The blurb
Twenty -one years later, Phoebe, Leonard's daughter comes to the Hall determined to avenge her father and wrest the Hall away from Sidney, even if it means she must work as a servant in the Hall.
I liked the premise of this book, but I had read something similar in a Lord Peter Wimsey short story, The Fascinating Problem of Uncle Meleager's Will in Lord Peter Views the Body. Also, the dual timelines just meant that I had to read the same clues being solved twice. All-in-all I found the book a bit of a slog TBH and it was only the plethora of four and five star reviews that kept me reading to the end. I found the plot a bit predictable and heavily signalled so that I was entirely unsurprised by the ending.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
1890. One summer evening changes everything for Sidney and Leonard Bellingham when their beloved mother disappears from the family home, Halesham Hall. Left with their bitter father, they are taught to trust no one but themselves, with brother pitted against brother to see who is worthy of inheriting the Bellingham Board Games company. But the series of twisted games they are forced to play will have far reaching consequences.Told in dual timelines, Sidney's actions in the 1890s as a child and young man, and Phoebe's in the present day with a much older Sidney in residence at Halesham Hall, a bitter and sour man. Sidney's father Clement was a clever man who devised many of his company's best selling games and rather than allowing his eldest son to inherit the Hall and the company, he made the Hall into a giant cryptic game hiding the deeds to the Hall. Whoever of his sons solved the clues first would inherit the company, but the person who found the deeds would inherit the Hall, although the son who inherited the company could live in the Hall until the deeds were found. Sidney solved the puzzle but never found the deeds, his brother Leonard was disinherited.
1920. Phoebe Bellingham arrives at Halesham Hall determined to solve the puzzles that will allow her to claim back the Bellingham inheritance. But this legacy involves more than one secret, and soon Phoebe realises that the stakes are higher than she ever could have imagined.
Twenty -one years later, Phoebe, Leonard's daughter comes to the Hall determined to avenge her father and wrest the Hall away from Sidney, even if it means she must work as a servant in the Hall.
I liked the premise of this book, but I had read something similar in a Lord Peter Wimsey short story, The Fascinating Problem of Uncle Meleager's Will in Lord Peter Views the Body. Also, the dual timelines just meant that I had to read the same clues being solved twice. All-in-all I found the book a bit of a slog TBH and it was only the plethora of four and five star reviews that kept me reading to the end. I found the plot a bit predictable and heavily signalled so that I was entirely unsurprised by the ending.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
This was a couldn't-put-it-down kind of book for me. A dual-timeline novel, The Legacy of Halesham Hall's first timeline, in the 1890s, tells the story of the wealthy Bellingham family who are the owners of Bellingham Games; the father of the family, Clement Bellingham, is abusive towards his wife and two sons. His wife escapes the violence and leaves him while the sons must deal with their father's temper and cruelty. Clement believes women cannot be trusted and raises his sons to believe this as well as pitting them against each other. The second timeline takes place in 1920 when the daughter of one of the brothers returns to Halesham Hall after the untimely death of her parents and realizes what a tortured upbringing her uncle had. The characters really come alive and I could just imagine the nooks and crannies of this odd home after Clement's demented renovations post-spouse. No spoilers, but the plot really kept me guessing until the very end. I loved it! This is the second Jenni Keer book I have read (the first being The Secrets of Hawthorn Place, which I also loved) and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Such a interesting and intriguing story, the surprises and twists kept me avidly reading along.
I enjoy duel timelines, and this one was no exception. There were many times when I gasped with surprise, or found myself changing my opinion on the characters! This book certainly kept me on my toes!
Without giving any spoilers away, I can say that I didn’t guess the outcome at all! I enjoyed watching Phoebe attempt to work out the riddles and find out her own history, linked to the Hall. It’s true, not all things are as the seem on first sight!
Cleverly written and with characters that you may find odious one moment, then likeable the next, it’s all in their backstories that unfold as you read.
I enjoy duel timelines, and this one was no exception. There were many times when I gasped with surprise, or found myself changing my opinion on the characters! This book certainly kept me on my toes!
Without giving any spoilers away, I can say that I didn’t guess the outcome at all! I enjoyed watching Phoebe attempt to work out the riddles and find out her own history, linked to the Hall. It’s true, not all things are as the seem on first sight!
Cleverly written and with characters that you may find odious one moment, then likeable the next, it’s all in their backstories that unfold as you read.
May 15, 2023
I REALLY enjoyed this book! The story takes you on a journey that follows two time lines, but only 30 years apart. It's part gothic novel, part mystery and part romance. The Bellingham Family get caught up in the making of their own puzzles and games, it becomes impossible to recognize what is real and what isn't!! There are some dark, twisted and sinister parts that, as the story progresses, open up to light and reveals the answers we all seek. I would read another by this author with no hesitation.
May 26, 2025
Intriguing read!
August 12, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This book had a wonderful plot that worked really well and had a really satisfying conclusion.
I enjoyed learning about the characters in the book and about the house which was very well described and it made me feel like I was walking the halls with Phoebe and Sidney.
The dual time lines worked really well together sometimes those can get confusing but these were very well thought out.
This was my first Jenni Keer book and im definitely interest in reading more works by Jenni.
Thank you NetGalley and Jenni Keer for the ARC. This review was written without any obligation to do so, this is my own opinion.
This book had a wonderful plot that worked really well and had a really satisfying conclusion.
I enjoyed learning about the characters in the book and about the house which was very well described and it made me feel like I was walking the halls with Phoebe and Sidney.
The dual time lines worked really well together sometimes those can get confusing but these were very well thought out.
This was my first Jenni Keer book and im definitely interest in reading more works by Jenni.
Thank you NetGalley and Jenni Keer for the ARC. This review was written without any obligation to do so, this is my own opinion.
March 27, 2023
An intriguing dual timeline plot built around a house filled with puzzles. It’s more of a mystery story than a romance, but it’s very readable.
Here’s the premise: in 1890, Clement Bellingham’s wife leaves him. Bitter and angry, he takes his rage out on his two sons, Leonard, 16, and Sidney, 6. Growing up neglected and unhappy, they are told that their house, Halesham Hall, has been constructed with a number of mysteries within it. Whichever of them can solve the sequence of puzzles in its entirety will inherit everything - the board game business and the house. The loser will have nothing. In 1920, Phoebe Bellingham, the daughter of the losing brother, arrives at Halesham Hall with the intention of solving the puzzles and taking control of the inheritance to avenge her father for his exile from the family.
As in usual in books of this type, the story is told by jumping back and forth between 1920 and the earlier period, in order to drip feed snippets of information. I have to say, this all seemed a bit manipulative to me. For instance, it’s not revealed at first just which of the brothers inherited, and if you know this in advance (as I did - I always read reviews first) it’s easy to see the places where the author uses sleight of hand to maintain the secret. But this is a natural function of this kind of story, so it’s hard to criticise it for that, and the use of the two timelines is very cleverly utilised here.
The puzzles (and there are lots of them) are the best part of the book. The house itself is nicely gothic in feel, with deliberately uneven steps, odd noises in places, a maze that’s impossible to solve, doors that open in odd ways, and distorting murals on the walls to confuse the eye or even the sense of balance. The solving of the puzzles is a bit lacklustre, but that’s inevitable when the medium is the written word. There’s a clue, the character has a flash of inspiration, rushes from A to B, and hey presto, solves the puzzle. On to the next. It’s not terribly exciting, as written. I can imagine it would be very dramatic as part of a film, with suitably stirring music and actually seeing the relevant pieces move, or whatever.
As for the mysteries in the lives of the characters, I think the book is trying to do too much. There’s the mystery of the two boys’ mother and what happened to her (was she murdered?). There’s the mystery of who Phoebe’s real father was. There’s the mystery of what happened between Sidney and Leonard to cause such a deep rift. And that’s on top of the sequence of mysteries/puzzles in the house. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure we even discovered who Phoebe’s father was (but I might have missed it).
And then there was the romance. This was a real disappointment for me, because I like my romance to be fully formed and operational if not exactly from the word go, then at least from an early stage. Not so here. In fact, for most of the book, Phoebe has the hots for the cute gardener, only to have a dramatic revelation that she’s actually in love with the hero a couple of chapters from the end. He shows signs a little earlier, but not much. So it all felt a bit bolted on, but it’s hard to see how else it could be done since the hero is also acting as the antagonist for most of the book.
I think the sudden transformation from enemies to lovers would have been a bit more credible if it had developed earlier, and then, having become friends (or even lovers) they could have solved the final puzzle together, in proof of their rapprochement. I’m not convinced they have a real future together, however. Someone says at one point that the hero will always be an adolescent in some ways (and it’s true, he’s being contrary and petulant right to the end), which sounds awfully difficult to live with. I’m not mad keen on an immature hero who never quite grows up, even under the effects of love. Mind you, I can’t say I liked Phoebe very much, either, so perhaps they deserve each other.
I confess I’m not the ideal reader for this genre, but I enjoyed the book anyway. It’s cleverly constructed and well-written, and although there isn’t much of a late Victorian/twenties feel about either the language or the characters’ behaviour, the odd historic detail kept it anchored. The disappointing romantic element keeps it to four stars for me.
Here’s the premise: in 1890, Clement Bellingham’s wife leaves him. Bitter and angry, he takes his rage out on his two sons, Leonard, 16, and Sidney, 6. Growing up neglected and unhappy, they are told that their house, Halesham Hall, has been constructed with a number of mysteries within it. Whichever of them can solve the sequence of puzzles in its entirety will inherit everything - the board game business and the house. The loser will have nothing. In 1920, Phoebe Bellingham, the daughter of the losing brother, arrives at Halesham Hall with the intention of solving the puzzles and taking control of the inheritance to avenge her father for his exile from the family.
As in usual in books of this type, the story is told by jumping back and forth between 1920 and the earlier period, in order to drip feed snippets of information. I have to say, this all seemed a bit manipulative to me. For instance, it’s not revealed at first just which of the brothers inherited, and if you know this in advance (as I did - I always read reviews first) it’s easy to see the places where the author uses sleight of hand to maintain the secret. But this is a natural function of this kind of story, so it’s hard to criticise it for that, and the use of the two timelines is very cleverly utilised here.
The puzzles (and there are lots of them) are the best part of the book. The house itself is nicely gothic in feel, with deliberately uneven steps, odd noises in places, a maze that’s impossible to solve, doors that open in odd ways, and distorting murals on the walls to confuse the eye or even the sense of balance. The solving of the puzzles is a bit lacklustre, but that’s inevitable when the medium is the written word. There’s a clue, the character has a flash of inspiration, rushes from A to B, and hey presto, solves the puzzle. On to the next. It’s not terribly exciting, as written. I can imagine it would be very dramatic as part of a film, with suitably stirring music and actually seeing the relevant pieces move, or whatever.
As for the mysteries in the lives of the characters, I think the book is trying to do too much. There’s the mystery of the two boys’ mother and what happened to her (was she murdered?). There’s the mystery of who Phoebe’s real father was. There’s the mystery of what happened between Sidney and Leonard to cause such a deep rift. And that’s on top of the sequence of mysteries/puzzles in the house. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure we even discovered who Phoebe’s father was (but I might have missed it).
And then there was the romance. This was a real disappointment for me, because I like my romance to be fully formed and operational if not exactly from the word go, then at least from an early stage. Not so here. In fact, for most of the book, Phoebe has the hots for the cute gardener, only to have a dramatic revelation that she’s actually in love with the hero a couple of chapters from the end. He shows signs a little earlier, but not much. So it all felt a bit bolted on, but it’s hard to see how else it could be done since the hero is also acting as the antagonist for most of the book.
I think the sudden transformation from enemies to lovers would have been a bit more credible if it had developed earlier, and then, having become friends (or even lovers) they could have solved the final puzzle together, in proof of their rapprochement. I’m not convinced they have a real future together, however. Someone says at one point that the hero will always be an adolescent in some ways (and it’s true, he’s being contrary and petulant right to the end), which sounds awfully difficult to live with. I’m not mad keen on an immature hero who never quite grows up, even under the effects of love. Mind you, I can’t say I liked Phoebe very much, either, so perhaps they deserve each other.
I confess I’m not the ideal reader for this genre, but I enjoyed the book anyway. It’s cleverly constructed and well-written, and although there isn’t much of a late Victorian/twenties feel about either the language or the characters’ behaviour, the odd historic detail kept it anchored. The disappointing romantic element keeps it to four stars for me.
August 15, 2022
August 14, 2022
When I read the review of this book and saw that if you like Kate Morton's books, you would enjoy this I immediately requested it.
A young woman appears at her uncle's home after her parent's death. What she find is an old house with twists and turns (stairs that go nowhere, hidden hearing devices, etc.) made by the owner's father who owned a company that make games. Set in two time periods, the story goes into the backstory of the house and its occupants. Family secrets are the recurring themes of the book. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different games and clues to find the secrets of the house and who is the rightful heir. The book dragged a little in places but I did enjoy it.
When I read the review of this book and saw that if you like Kate Morton's books, you would enjoy this I immediately requested it.
A young woman appears at her uncle's home after her parent's death. What she find is an old house with twists and turns (stairs that go nowhere, hidden hearing devices, etc.) made by the owner's father who owned a company that make games. Set in two time periods, the story goes into the backstory of the house and its occupants. Family secrets are the recurring themes of the book. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different games and clues to find the secrets of the house and who is the rightful heir. The book dragged a little in places but I did enjoy it.
June 4, 2023
This was a new author for me and I will be reading more of her books. I really enjoyed it, it was hard to put down at the end of the day.
October 6, 2022
Another cracking read from Jenni Keer. A tale of 2 brothers, and three geanerations, tied to a stately home that only one can inherit. A bullying father and his world of games and puzzles. For him, winning is not just the main thing in life, it's the ONLY thing.
Set in the set years of the 19th century, right through to the post WW1 era, it's a story of love demanded and refused, of meanness of spirit, of love, loss and desertion.
A theme of games and risks pepper the story as the brothers struggle to solve a series of puzzles and riddles . These are difficult, and of a Round Britain Quiz or Only Connect standard.
Who will the winner be, and what of their prize?
Set in the set years of the 19th century, right through to the post WW1 era, it's a story of love demanded and refused, of meanness of spirit, of love, loss and desertion.
A theme of games and risks pepper the story as the brothers struggle to solve a series of puzzles and riddles . These are difficult, and of a Round Britain Quiz or Only Connect standard.
Who will the winner be, and what of their prize?
September 15, 2022
“The Legacy of Halesham Hall” is a delightful literary treasure hunt, full of secrets, riddles and trickery stretching over 20 years at the turn of the twentieth century.
A strict and cruel family patriarch and prominent proprietor of a successful boardgames business, Clement Ballingham pits his two sons against each other in a real-life game for superiority and the legacy of his thriving business and the family residence of Halesham Hall (a gothic edifice of curious architectonic design, riddled with traps, staircases leading to nowhere and horrific murals depicting female infidelity). Clement hates women because his wife abandoned him and his two sons. Clement transfers his resentment onto them. When Clement dies one of his sons takes it all while the other is banished. Twenty years later, Phoebe (the heir’s niece) arrives on Halesham Hall’s doorstep. She too has a game to play – or rather, a mission.
As the story unfolds, alternating between 1899 and 1920, the family secrets are gradually revealed and the background of their motives, misconceptions and errors of judgment is aptly painted, layer by revelatory layer. Jenni Keer’s prose is unintrusive and carries the story forward while holding the reader’s attention right to the very last revelation that finally puts the past to rest and paves the path into a brighter, more promising future. The characters grow with the story, react and transform with it. They are alive, distinct and responsive to the puzzling challenges posed by their discoveries and to the emotional baggage attached to them.
This isn’t a one-pony book – there isn’t just one puzzle to solve. The secrets are aplenty and tightly interrelated with one another. And even the blossoming romance isn’t what you may think it to be at the start.
I chose this book as my holiday read and what an astute choice that was, if I say so myself! I was totally engrossed in the story, snatching every moment to get to another chapter, another discovery that would take me close to the resolution. I relished the hunt and the book was indeed quite a little treasure.
A strict and cruel family patriarch and prominent proprietor of a successful boardgames business, Clement Ballingham pits his two sons against each other in a real-life game for superiority and the legacy of his thriving business and the family residence of Halesham Hall (a gothic edifice of curious architectonic design, riddled with traps, staircases leading to nowhere and horrific murals depicting female infidelity). Clement hates women because his wife abandoned him and his two sons. Clement transfers his resentment onto them. When Clement dies one of his sons takes it all while the other is banished. Twenty years later, Phoebe (the heir’s niece) arrives on Halesham Hall’s doorstep. She too has a game to play – or rather, a mission.
As the story unfolds, alternating between 1899 and 1920, the family secrets are gradually revealed and the background of their motives, misconceptions and errors of judgment is aptly painted, layer by revelatory layer. Jenni Keer’s prose is unintrusive and carries the story forward while holding the reader’s attention right to the very last revelation that finally puts the past to rest and paves the path into a brighter, more promising future. The characters grow with the story, react and transform with it. They are alive, distinct and responsive to the puzzling challenges posed by their discoveries and to the emotional baggage attached to them.
This isn’t a one-pony book – there isn’t just one puzzle to solve. The secrets are aplenty and tightly interrelated with one another. And even the blossoming romance isn’t what you may think it to be at the start.
I chose this book as my holiday read and what an astute choice that was, if I say so myself! I was totally engrossed in the story, snatching every moment to get to another chapter, another discovery that would take me close to the resolution. I relished the hunt and the book was indeed quite a little treasure.
August 28, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Headline for an ARC of “The Legacy of Halesham Hall” by Jenni Keer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and was completely absorbed in the dual timelines.
I recommend this book to lovers of mystery. I really enjoyed reading and look forward to reading more books by the author.
In 1920 a young girl, Phoebe knocks at the door of a large country house which is disturbingly gothic with unusual turrets & decor. In 1890 in that same house a young boy watches his mother slip away in the night, never to be seen again. After which his bitter father redesign the interior of the house and the garden to inspire fear and confusion in all who visit, live and work there - in particular to make the job of female servants harder. The lad and his much older brother are set against each other as the father decides to create a puzzle to solve within the house, secrets to be found in order to decide which will inherit.
Phoebe enters the house wanting to meet her estranged Uncle, Mr Bellingham, after the death of her parents. She has plans for revenge not ones of love or loneliness. Her father was disinherited, her uncle painted as cruel and evil. Her Uncle seems to enjoy playing games and manipulating people much as his father before him and chooses to employ her as a housemaid rather than acknowledge her as a family member. Meanwhile the puzzle of the house remains unsolved and the question of full inheritance is unresolved.
The dual timelines were both full of mysteries to be unravelled. I was thoroughly absorbed in both the story of the young Bellingham boys and Phoebe 30 years later. I found myself rooting for all 3 to find happiness, but not at all sure how that might come about. The story is fairly dark in places and it creates a wonderfully atmospheric book. I didn’t expect quite so many secrets and lies. The main players in the story were all, in their own way, likeable puzzles themselves being slowly completed throughout the pages.
I recommend this book to lovers of mystery. I really enjoyed reading and look forward to reading more books by the author.
In 1920 a young girl, Phoebe knocks at the door of a large country house which is disturbingly gothic with unusual turrets & decor. In 1890 in that same house a young boy watches his mother slip away in the night, never to be seen again. After which his bitter father redesign the interior of the house and the garden to inspire fear and confusion in all who visit, live and work there - in particular to make the job of female servants harder. The lad and his much older brother are set against each other as the father decides to create a puzzle to solve within the house, secrets to be found in order to decide which will inherit.
Phoebe enters the house wanting to meet her estranged Uncle, Mr Bellingham, after the death of her parents. She has plans for revenge not ones of love or loneliness. Her father was disinherited, her uncle painted as cruel and evil. Her Uncle seems to enjoy playing games and manipulating people much as his father before him and chooses to employ her as a housemaid rather than acknowledge her as a family member. Meanwhile the puzzle of the house remains unsolved and the question of full inheritance is unresolved.
The dual timelines were both full of mysteries to be unravelled. I was thoroughly absorbed in both the story of the young Bellingham boys and Phoebe 30 years later. I found myself rooting for all 3 to find happiness, but not at all sure how that might come about. The story is fairly dark in places and it creates a wonderfully atmospheric book. I didn’t expect quite so many secrets and lies. The main players in the story were all, in their own way, likeable puzzles themselves being slowly completed throughout the pages.
August 17, 2022
The Legacy of Halesham Hall is an absolute treat! An epic dual time historical set partly in the Victorian era and partly just after WWI, it had me hooked and intrigued from the start. My heart went out to the hero Sidney, a little boy trained by his cruel father to be mistrustful of everything and everyone, and conditioned to always expect disappointment in life. At far too young an age, he is pitted against his older brother to see who is worthy of being their father’s heir to the board games company their wealth rests on, and I really felt their frustrations and impotent rage against a man who should have loved them instead of pulling them apart. I wanted to just hug Sidney and tell him it was going to be alright. Twenty years later – enter the heroine, Phoebe, whose upbringing couldn’t have been more different. She’s been loved and cherished all her life and her outlook is sunny and positive, although she has come to Halesham Hall with secret intentions. When she starts to banish the shadows in the monstrosity of a Gothic mansion Sidney lives in, he slowly begins to change too. And Phoebe discovers that not all is as she believed, and Sidney is not quite the villain she’d been imagining. But his father had always played nasty twisted games with his offspring and could come between them even in death. I loved seeing how they went about solving the puzzles and uncovering the truth of what had happened at Halesham Hall. And I adored the slow burn romance developing between them as they got to know each other better. It was incredibly satisfying and I couldn’t put the book down until I’d reached the end. The twists and turns were so cleverly plotted and kept me guessing throughout. Just fabulous!
June 18, 2024
The Legacy of Half of Halesham Hall
Two stories are contained in this book:
One involves the house itself, created by a monstrous and vindictive man as a puzzle to pit his two sons against each other.
The other is a romance between two of the main characters.
The puzzle aspect works fairly well. There are unexpected turns meticulously planned by the author to take the reader by surprise. There are also some questions never answered and loose ends flapping in the breeze.
I liked that the villain was a genius at creating games and puzzles. He had spent his life perfecting them for his toy company. That's so much better than just dropping a villain into a story who has almost magical talents because they are convenient for the plot.
The romance aspect was not as successful. There are four main characters and the story's settings are in 1920, alternating with 1890 or so to show the events that start the story spinning and come together in 1920. The switches were well done and easy to follow.
My main problem with the romance is that I could not make myself like any of the characters. First one character would seem cruel and another would be a sympathetic character, but in the next chapter, their roles would be reversed. I realized I was being manipulated, with the author showing only good things about a person and then reversing to show only bad things. Eventually, I got worn out by the whiplash way people changed and gave up trying to empathize with any of them.
As the end of the book neared, there appeared a rather abrupt Happily Ever After. No way. It would be rather like a watered down Hannibal Lecter and Clarice skipping into the sunset at the end of "Silence of the Lambs."
Two stories are contained in this book:
One involves the house itself, created by a monstrous and vindictive man as a puzzle to pit his two sons against each other.
The other is a romance between two of the main characters.
The puzzle aspect works fairly well. There are unexpected turns meticulously planned by the author to take the reader by surprise. There are also some questions never answered and loose ends flapping in the breeze.
I liked that the villain was a genius at creating games and puzzles. He had spent his life perfecting them for his toy company. That's so much better than just dropping a villain into a story who has almost magical talents because they are convenient for the plot.
The romance aspect was not as successful. There are four main characters and the story's settings are in 1920, alternating with 1890 or so to show the events that start the story spinning and come together in 1920. The switches were well done and easy to follow.
My main problem with the romance is that I could not make myself like any of the characters. First one character would seem cruel and another would be a sympathetic character, but in the next chapter, their roles would be reversed. I realized I was being manipulated, with the author showing only good things about a person and then reversing to show only bad things. Eventually, I got worn out by the whiplash way people changed and gave up trying to empathize with any of them.
As the end of the book neared, there appeared a rather abrupt Happily Ever After. No way. It would be rather like a watered down Hannibal Lecter and Clarice skipping into the sunset at the end of "Silence of the Lambs."
February 2, 2023
Wow, what a read, loved it.
I'm not quite sure what you would call it, a little bit of historical fiction, a little bit of romance, and a hint of mystery thrown in, so lets go with a mysterious historical romance.
I'm a huge fan of of dual timelines and this one definitely didn't disappoint. As two stories run side by side, one in the 1890's and one in the 1920's we are introduced to the legacy of Halesham Hall and all it's mysterious and odd corners, it's dark history as well as a world full of puzzles and games hidden within it's walls.
When young Phoebe comes knocking on the door of Halesham Hall just as a storm is approaching she is ready to face Mr Bellingham, the uncle she has never met. Seemingly hoping to forge a bond with the only family she now has left after the death of parents, Phoebe knows this will be no easy task given her father and Uncle fell out years earlier..
Refusing to be part of whatever scheme he believes Phoebe is plotting, Bellingham refuses to acknowledge her existence and despite the weather, orders her out of the house, never to return. Thankfully his housekeeper Mrs Murray witnesses the altercation and unbeknown to her Master, she allows the young girl to seek shelter and wait out the storm.
And so starts a truly wonderful story, full of intrigue as all the secrets of Halesham Hall start to unfold. An evil almost psychotic old man, a young wife forced to flee in the middle of the night, two young bothers forever at war with each other and a house with so many secrets to spill.
I couldn't put this down. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this one.
I'm not quite sure what you would call it, a little bit of historical fiction, a little bit of romance, and a hint of mystery thrown in, so lets go with a mysterious historical romance.
I'm a huge fan of of dual timelines and this one definitely didn't disappoint. As two stories run side by side, one in the 1890's and one in the 1920's we are introduced to the legacy of Halesham Hall and all it's mysterious and odd corners, it's dark history as well as a world full of puzzles and games hidden within it's walls.
When young Phoebe comes knocking on the door of Halesham Hall just as a storm is approaching she is ready to face Mr Bellingham, the uncle she has never met. Seemingly hoping to forge a bond with the only family she now has left after the death of parents, Phoebe knows this will be no easy task given her father and Uncle fell out years earlier..
Refusing to be part of whatever scheme he believes Phoebe is plotting, Bellingham refuses to acknowledge her existence and despite the weather, orders her out of the house, never to return. Thankfully his housekeeper Mrs Murray witnesses the altercation and unbeknown to her Master, she allows the young girl to seek shelter and wait out the storm.
And so starts a truly wonderful story, full of intrigue as all the secrets of Halesham Hall start to unfold. An evil almost psychotic old man, a young wife forced to flee in the middle of the night, two young bothers forever at war with each other and a house with so many secrets to spill.
I couldn't put this down. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this one.
August 7, 2023
I liked the premise for this and the pretty cover drew me in.
The two timelines tell different versions of the same story. Both involve trying to solve a mystery that is built into the very fabric of the building; Halesham Hall has been designed to challenge.
Clement Bellingham is clever and eccentric. Having made a fortune from board games and puzzles, he creates his masterpiece – a puzzle that pots his two sons against each other. Whoever solves it first will inherit the family fortune.
Sidney and Leonard have a long-held sibling rivalry, which grows as they do. It culminates in quest to win the house and the heart of a beautiful young woman whom they both love.
30 years later, Phoebe Bellingham returns to reclaim what she believes should have been hers to find d that not all of the puzzles have been solved and that there are more secrets behind the gothic doors of Halesham Hall.
This was an enjoyable read with an intriguing set of puzzles. The puzzle is essentially solved twice as Phoebe revisits the clues that the brothers solve a generation earlier.
The book considers the value of money and love. One brother ends up poor but happy while the other is rich but miserable and alone.
The ending felt a little rushed to me, and I wasn’t sure it was all necessary. Do t want to give any spoilers, so I won’t say more. I liked Phoebe a lot – she is resilient and patient and clever. The puzzles were interesting, and the house is described so that the reader can clearly picture it in their mind.
I think this was a solid three star read and I would definitely read more by this author in the future.
The two timelines tell different versions of the same story. Both involve trying to solve a mystery that is built into the very fabric of the building; Halesham Hall has been designed to challenge.
Clement Bellingham is clever and eccentric. Having made a fortune from board games and puzzles, he creates his masterpiece – a puzzle that pots his two sons against each other. Whoever solves it first will inherit the family fortune.
Sidney and Leonard have a long-held sibling rivalry, which grows as they do. It culminates in quest to win the house and the heart of a beautiful young woman whom they both love.
30 years later, Phoebe Bellingham returns to reclaim what she believes should have been hers to find d that not all of the puzzles have been solved and that there are more secrets behind the gothic doors of Halesham Hall.
This was an enjoyable read with an intriguing set of puzzles. The puzzle is essentially solved twice as Phoebe revisits the clues that the brothers solve a generation earlier.
The book considers the value of money and love. One brother ends up poor but happy while the other is rich but miserable and alone.
The ending felt a little rushed to me, and I wasn’t sure it was all necessary. Do t want to give any spoilers, so I won’t say more. I liked Phoebe a lot – she is resilient and patient and clever. The puzzles were interesting, and the house is described so that the reader can clearly picture it in their mind.
I think this was a solid three star read and I would definitely read more by this author in the future.
August 7, 2022
Jenni Keer is a fantastic author and she created a wonderful plot for this book that was told in the way that was meant to be (a dual time line). The plot is very involved with many moving pieces and she tied everything together perfectly at the end.
The characters, scenery and especially the Hall were designed meticulously. The characters have growth and my feelings about them changed often while reading. They definitely became real people to me, not characters in a book. I could picture Halesham Hall in my mind easily from the detailed descriptions of this very unique mansion.
While I was very interested and invested in this book when reading, and also Jenni Keer's prior book to this, The Secrets of Hawthorn Place, they are a departure from the first two books she wrote. Honestly, I like the first two much better. I like to read contemporary stories more than historical. Also, I do not like dual time lines. I picked up the last two books totally on the author's name and did not read what they were about.
I will probably continue to read whatever Ms. Keer writes since I have become a fan, but I do wish she would write another contemporary story.
I want to thank Headline Accent and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
The characters, scenery and especially the Hall were designed meticulously. The characters have growth and my feelings about them changed often while reading. They definitely became real people to me, not characters in a book. I could picture Halesham Hall in my mind easily from the detailed descriptions of this very unique mansion.
While I was very interested and invested in this book when reading, and also Jenni Keer's prior book to this, The Secrets of Hawthorn Place, they are a departure from the first two books she wrote. Honestly, I like the first two much better. I like to read contemporary stories more than historical. Also, I do not like dual time lines. I picked up the last two books totally on the author's name and did not read what they were about.
I will probably continue to read whatever Ms. Keer writes since I have become a fan, but I do wish she would write another contemporary story.
I want to thank Headline Accent and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
September 15, 2022
Today, I’m taking part on Headline Accent blog tour organised by Isabella Wilson for the Legacy of Halesham Hall by Jenni Keer. I read this historical novel as a paperback for this tour and I’m so happy that I took part on this blog tour as I really loved this women’s fiction novel.
This historical novel tells a story of a family, a peculiar and strange house, board games, an inheritance, and an abundance of lies and secrets. This novel is a fantastic read.
I read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down once I started it. It was a joy to read and it held my attention and interest from the page one to the last one.
I really liked the author’s writing style, character development and finding out more about each of the main characters as the story unfolded. It is the first novel which I’ve read by the author but I’m hoping to read more in the future. I’m so happy to have discovered a new author for me whose style of writing I like.
I’m giving this novel 5 stars as I really enjoyed reading it and I’m sure other readers will love this fantastic and mysterious novel as well. I’m delighted to have been participating on this blog tour as I found this historical novel thrilling and exciting.
This historical novel tells a story of a family, a peculiar and strange house, board games, an inheritance, and an abundance of lies and secrets. This novel is a fantastic read.
I read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down once I started it. It was a joy to read and it held my attention and interest from the page one to the last one.
I really liked the author’s writing style, character development and finding out more about each of the main characters as the story unfolded. It is the first novel which I’ve read by the author but I’m hoping to read more in the future. I’m so happy to have discovered a new author for me whose style of writing I like.
I’m giving this novel 5 stars as I really enjoyed reading it and I’m sure other readers will love this fantastic and mysterious novel as well. I’m delighted to have been participating on this blog tour as I found this historical novel thrilling and exciting.
September 16, 2022
The Legacy of Halesham Hall is the second book I have read from Jenni Keer. I love the duality of a family drama and a mystery.
The Legacy of Halesham Hall is the story of a the Bellingham’s and takes place in two times, the late 1800’s and 1920. The Belligham’s are a new rich family that own a gaming company, Bellingham Board Games and have a Gothic style house. In the 1890’s we have the sons, Leaonard and Sidney and their mother and father. One evening Sidney observes his mother sneaking away into the night to never be seen again, his distant father Clement becomes embittered and cruel. He starts to pit his sons agaisnt each other. The boys grow up and have a bitter falling out. One inherits everything the other is left to make his own way in the world.
In 1920 Phoebe comes to the house to see her uncle after the deaths of her parents. He is less than welcoming. Phoebe appears to want a rapprochement with her uncle, but is that her true motive? The house is a puzzle within itself and whomever sovles the puzzle inherits the Bellington riches.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the dual times. I look forward to the next book by Ms. Keer
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline Publishers and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
The Legacy of Halesham Hall is the story of a the Bellingham’s and takes place in two times, the late 1800’s and 1920. The Belligham’s are a new rich family that own a gaming company, Bellingham Board Games and have a Gothic style house. In the 1890’s we have the sons, Leaonard and Sidney and their mother and father. One evening Sidney observes his mother sneaking away into the night to never be seen again, his distant father Clement becomes embittered and cruel. He starts to pit his sons agaisnt each other. The boys grow up and have a bitter falling out. One inherits everything the other is left to make his own way in the world.
In 1920 Phoebe comes to the house to see her uncle after the deaths of her parents. He is less than welcoming. Phoebe appears to want a rapprochement with her uncle, but is that her true motive? The house is a puzzle within itself and whomever sovles the puzzle inherits the Bellington riches.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the dual times. I look forward to the next book by Ms. Keer
Thanks to Netgalley, Headline Publishers and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
October 15, 2022
I expected this story to be like the classic Westing Game (Ellen Raskin) or possibly my favorite Dickens, Great Expectations. I recently read and enjoyed the Inheritance Games trilogy (Jennifer Lynn Barnes), and the premise of this book seemed like a good comparison to those books too.
It's not that Halesham Hall isn't like those stories. In an odd way, it's like all three.
It's like if Avery (from Inheritance Games) discovered a deeper, more sinister connection to Sam Westing (the titular wealthy character in Westing Game). And then took a deep dive back in time to Magwitch & Havisham and secret agendas backed with physical and emotional anguish.
That's about what you get in Halesham Hall. A legacy of broken dreams, promised wealth, and secrets that have secrets.
"I was fully aware, however, that Leonard had no interest in our family empire and only played the games out of a sense of duty." (25) I really liked Sidney and the older storyline. Phoebe wasn't exactly my thing. (But I liked the dog.)
"Was it her imagination? Or did he look somewhat forlorn at the possibility he'd been played too?" (299)
All said, this was an interesting story, and I think most historical fiction readers will enjoy it.
It's not that Halesham Hall isn't like those stories. In an odd way, it's like all three.
It's like if Avery (from Inheritance Games) discovered a deeper, more sinister connection to Sam Westing (the titular wealthy character in Westing Game). And then took a deep dive back in time to Magwitch & Havisham and secret agendas backed with physical and emotional anguish.
That's about what you get in Halesham Hall. A legacy of broken dreams, promised wealth, and secrets that have secrets.
"I was fully aware, however, that Leonard had no interest in our family empire and only played the games out of a sense of duty." (25) I really liked Sidney and the older storyline. Phoebe wasn't exactly my thing. (But I liked the dog.)
"Was it her imagination? Or did he look somewhat forlorn at the possibility he'd been played too?" (299)
All said, this was an interesting story, and I think most historical fiction readers will enjoy it.
September 26, 2023
Phoebe Bellingham is an innocent young woman when she knocks on the door of Halesham Hall in 1920. Sadly orphaned after the tragic deaths of he loving parents, has she come to claim her family inheritance or is she after revenge? Initially spurned by Mr Bellingham she is treated with kindness by Mrs Murray, the elderly housekeeper. To her surprise she soon finds herself on the staff, working as a housemaid. It is lucky that she is such an excellent baker, and she soon wins round most of the staff, if not the owner of the Hall.
Meanwhile we return to 1890 to discover what caused the Bellingham brothers to fall out and why ownership of the hall is still questionable thanks to the manipulations of their cruel father. Both of the young men were treated abysmally and were desperately looking for affection.
I enjoyed following the intriguing plot, including the clever puzzle both sons tried to solve but Phoebe’s emotional life seemed confused. I would like to have learnt more about the background of her mother, who was so important to the plot. Though quite possible, the conclusion seemed to lack credibility. Nevertheless, it is a compulsive tale and a feel-good ending was a relief after the tension.
Meanwhile we return to 1890 to discover what caused the Bellingham brothers to fall out and why ownership of the hall is still questionable thanks to the manipulations of their cruel father. Both of the young men were treated abysmally and were desperately looking for affection.
I enjoyed following the intriguing plot, including the clever puzzle both sons tried to solve but Phoebe’s emotional life seemed confused. I would like to have learnt more about the background of her mother, who was so important to the plot. Though quite possible, the conclusion seemed to lack credibility. Nevertheless, it is a compulsive tale and a feel-good ending was a relief after the tension.
June 23, 2024
Firstly, I have to say, what’s gorgeous cover this book has, just perfectly chosen for the story contained within its pages.
Well this story literally grabbed a hold of me and sucked me in. It was highly captivating, dramatic, full of secrets, surprises and intrigue, I literally could not turn the pages fast enough, with wanting to find out what happens next and as to how it would all end.
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the stories of both Sidney and Leonard back in 1890 and that of Phoebe in 1920, I was captivated right from the first few chapters. I loved how the story went back and forth from past to present day which was done so seamlessly.
I thought the story was brilliantly well written, it's clear from the details within as to just how much research the author must have done, she really has done a magnificent job. As for the characters they were all so very well portrayed and believable, I really did just lose myself within all of their individual stories.
So last words, If you love dual timeline storylines which are full of mystery, suspense, twists and turns then I can highly recommend this beautiful tale which will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last chapter.
Well this story literally grabbed a hold of me and sucked me in. It was highly captivating, dramatic, full of secrets, surprises and intrigue, I literally could not turn the pages fast enough, with wanting to find out what happens next and as to how it would all end.
It didn't take me long to be drawn into the stories of both Sidney and Leonard back in 1890 and that of Phoebe in 1920, I was captivated right from the first few chapters. I loved how the story went back and forth from past to present day which was done so seamlessly.
I thought the story was brilliantly well written, it's clear from the details within as to just how much research the author must have done, she really has done a magnificent job. As for the characters they were all so very well portrayed and believable, I really did just lose myself within all of their individual stories.
So last words, If you love dual timeline storylines which are full of mystery, suspense, twists and turns then I can highly recommend this beautiful tale which will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last chapter.
July 6, 2023
First off, if you are a fan of Kate Morton I think you will like this book.
This was a random book find that turned out to be a great read. It was a solid four stars at the beginning with great writing and several mysteries in the mix. The story had dual time lines, that of one young man growing up at Halesham Hall and that of the current timeline following Phoebe. Both characters had a lot of growing up to do. And it was nice following people who were raised in opposite circumstances.
When certain questions in the story were answered I thought that maybe things were revealed too soon, but I quickly realized that the answers were needed in order for the story to continue the way that it did. There was still an overall mystery that was not revealed until the last few chapters. And there were certain aspects of the love story that I wasn’t sure of at first, but it made sense later.
The only thing I didn’t like was reading about a teenage boy’s sexual frustrations, but thank goodness it wasn’t given too many details…
I think this author is one to watch and I may go looking for her other novels on purpose :)
This was a random book find that turned out to be a great read. It was a solid four stars at the beginning with great writing and several mysteries in the mix. The story had dual time lines, that of one young man growing up at Halesham Hall and that of the current timeline following Phoebe. Both characters had a lot of growing up to do. And it was nice following people who were raised in opposite circumstances.
When certain questions in the story were answered I thought that maybe things were revealed too soon, but I quickly realized that the answers were needed in order for the story to continue the way that it did. There was still an overall mystery that was not revealed until the last few chapters. And there were certain aspects of the love story that I wasn’t sure of at first, but it made sense later.
The only thing I didn’t like was reading about a teenage boy’s sexual frustrations, but thank goodness it wasn’t given too many details…
I think this author is one to watch and I may go looking for her other novels on purpose :)
September 18, 2022
The Legacy of Halesham Hall by Jenni Keer is a gothic-style story, reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier novels. The dark brooding man and the eager young girl.
Phoebe Bellingham just lost her parents in a boating accident and wanting to connect with her family, takes her to Halesham Hall. She has revenge in her heart for the wrongs that were put on her father. She is determined to solve the house puzzles and claim the Bellingham inheritance.
The story is a dual timeline, set in the Victorian era and just after WWI. Phoebe is a young woman who has been raised with love and is a happy young lady, that is until she meets the master of Halesham Hall. She gets herself ingrained into the household, against the wishes of the master. She starts working in the kitchen and other ways to help out all the while trying to solve the puzzles.
Sydney was young when his mother left the house, and Leonard was a young man still in school. The father was a master manipulated and a tyrant. He owned a company that made puzzles and his wish was for one of his sons to take over the company but in order to do that they had to solve the houses puzzles which were many. The house was built with a series of clues. The son that could solve the puzzles gets the company. The rest of the inheritance goes to the one who solves all the puzzles.
Phoebe becomes close to the master of the house. She has come to the house but did not tell the master all of her secrets, she has the Bellingham name but not from blood. Her father married her mother when she was pregnant with Phoebe.
I loved Phoebe, she was a young woman not of her time, strong, independent, and loving. She finds he feelings change for the young master. As time goes on, she gets ever closer to solving the puzzle and claiming her inheritance.
Can she get past her feelings for the master? Will she solve the puzzle?
I usually don't read this kind of novel but I really did enjoy this one. I loved the characters, the storyline was really not unique because of the gothic style but all in all a great story.
Phoebe Bellingham just lost her parents in a boating accident and wanting to connect with her family, takes her to Halesham Hall. She has revenge in her heart for the wrongs that were put on her father. She is determined to solve the house puzzles and claim the Bellingham inheritance.
The story is a dual timeline, set in the Victorian era and just after WWI. Phoebe is a young woman who has been raised with love and is a happy young lady, that is until she meets the master of Halesham Hall. She gets herself ingrained into the household, against the wishes of the master. She starts working in the kitchen and other ways to help out all the while trying to solve the puzzles.
Sydney was young when his mother left the house, and Leonard was a young man still in school. The father was a master manipulated and a tyrant. He owned a company that made puzzles and his wish was for one of his sons to take over the company but in order to do that they had to solve the houses puzzles which were many. The house was built with a series of clues. The son that could solve the puzzles gets the company. The rest of the inheritance goes to the one who solves all the puzzles.
Phoebe becomes close to the master of the house. She has come to the house but did not tell the master all of her secrets, she has the Bellingham name but not from blood. Her father married her mother when she was pregnant with Phoebe.
I loved Phoebe, she was a young woman not of her time, strong, independent, and loving. She finds he feelings change for the young master. As time goes on, she gets ever closer to solving the puzzle and claiming her inheritance.
Can she get past her feelings for the master? Will she solve the puzzle?
I usually don't read this kind of novel but I really did enjoy this one. I loved the characters, the storyline was really not unique because of the gothic style but all in all a great story.
March 17, 2024
I am not quite sure what to make of this book, I loved the twisted gothic tale of brother against brother in a game of inheritance where their father uses them more like pawns and bullies them mercilessly whilst also pitting them against each other.but here’s where I found myself being disturbed and quite frankly found it odd, the romance in this book is just bat shit crazy. It does get sorted sort of but it’s so vague and so bland that I am sorry I wasn’t convinced by the excuses used by the author to get these two characters together… really there didn’t need to be all that who har. Also the under gardner is sadly misused by the author too I found his change a bit odd too. It’s good but has elements in which made me feel very uncomfortable. But the twisted puzzle/game makes the book pacy and gripping and the dual timeline brings the plot together nicely. It’s a good book and will stay with you.
February 6, 2023
A family saga over a dual time line.
This book is set in both the 1890’s and 1920’s. I enjoy dual timeline stories and this one has an interesting twist with a set of puzzles that need to be solved to unlock the secrets of the house set by a Machiavellian owner of the house when his wife abandons him and their two sons.
Phoebe arrives at the house in the 1920’s following the death of her parents. Determined to discover their link to Halesham and those who reside there.
It took me until about a third of the way in to become invested in the characters and I found it slightly formulaic in parts. The change in phoebes. “uncle” is a key element in the book but it seemed to happen quite suddenly after 20 years of authoritarian rule.
Can the mystery of the house be revealed after all this time and can the ghosts of the past be put to rest?
This book is set in both the 1890’s and 1920’s. I enjoy dual timeline stories and this one has an interesting twist with a set of puzzles that need to be solved to unlock the secrets of the house set by a Machiavellian owner of the house when his wife abandons him and their two sons.
Phoebe arrives at the house in the 1920’s following the death of her parents. Determined to discover their link to Halesham and those who reside there.
It took me until about a third of the way in to become invested in the characters and I found it slightly formulaic in parts. The change in phoebes. “uncle” is a key element in the book but it seemed to happen quite suddenly after 20 years of authoritarian rule.
Can the mystery of the house be revealed after all this time and can the ghosts of the past be put to rest?
April 4, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which helped to cheer me up and keep me occupied while I was unwell. The writing was vivid and I was easily able to imagine the gothic atmosphere of the hall. The characters were rich and the story arc was satisfying, with the ending putting a big smile on my face.
I wouldn’t have expected to come to like either of the protagonists based on the first couple of chapters, but like them I did by the end, and I was delighted that each of them developed and achieved the happy ending they deserved. The story bowled along at a great pace and contained some deeper insights within the romantic and mystery aspects. Although I spotted the main clues, this added to my enjoyment rather than spoiling the story.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romance.
I wouldn’t have expected to come to like either of the protagonists based on the first couple of chapters, but like them I did by the end, and I was delighted that each of them developed and achieved the happy ending they deserved. The story bowled along at a great pace and contained some deeper insights within the romantic and mystery aspects. Although I spotted the main clues, this added to my enjoyment rather than spoiling the story.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romance.
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