It is 1717 and a remarkable woman is reflecting on a life lived, always knowing she was different, always wondering why.
Even as a young child, Elisabeth was able to see, do and feel things that others clearly could not – and knew to be careful. It was the era of witch-hunting in France and many like her were tortured and burnt at the stake.
Visions she's experienced all her life become a reality when Elisabeth travels to England and finds herself at Oakwood Grange, the home of Alice Harryman. Traumatic events forge an unbreakable bond between the two women and Elisabeth uses her skills to safeguard Alice and her family any way she can, content that this is her calling.
But she soon realises that there's something special about this particular location. How come others have been expecting her? Why are some animals more than they seem? Is it possible that her presence here is more important than she imagined?
Finally, Elisabeth recognises herself for what she truly is. She now understands the purpose of her life, and is prepared to meet the challenge...
...but it's dangerous and she will need to use all her powers.
No one said fighting evil was going to be easy.
Recognition is the final part of The House Book series
Susan Greenwood was born in the North of England but now lives in rural West Sussex, surrounded by stunning scenery and locations which feature in much of her writing.
She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Zoology and, although the natural world is still an important part of her life, it's her long-held love of literature, both reading and writing, that is now her main driving force.
Growing up hearing about Pendle witches and with a fascination for the social history of the 17th century, particularly how this relates to the lives of women, has been the basis for her first two published books and a third which is still in the research phase.
Susan is the author of several short stories and two novels, The House Book, which is set in the beautiful downland surrounding Petworth, and An Uncertain Legacy, set in 17th century France and England.
The depth of character development was so good. Reminding me of The Outlander series but on a much smaller scale. I did have a bit of a time keeping the family tree connections straight, but could have used the diagrams in the front if I’d thought of it. Really enjoyed all three books immensely.
Immersive story that sucks you in and doesn't let go
The House Book Trilogy with Recognition being the last, I find I'm not ready to let go. Having just finished it at 4:30 a.m., after being immersed for 3 days in the lives of Alice, Elisabeth, Aphra, Robert, and Janie. We start the House Book with Janie and Robert and follow as their stories unfold. Robert working on a commission for a real-estate agent (us term) is shown a home that’s for sale on a whim by the agent. Robert, who's interested but unsure, convinces Janie to view it with him. It happens to be a home for sale in the same village her grandparents lived. Janie loved visiting as a child as it was in the country. Feeling an immediate draw to the home, Janie uncovers mystery after mystery and is hopeful to find links to her or her husband, which she does. The telling of the history of Oakwood Grange, Alice, Aphra, and Elisabeth is tremendous. I loved how the author seamlessly tells the story and how easy it was to follow along. I can't imagine how she kept it all straight! But that's the beauty of it, really. The last three chapters of the one have me a crying mess. I find I am attached to these amazing women and their friendships, loves, losses, struggles, the mystery of the ties, and the Cunning Folk. I truly don't want it to be over. I want to know Lizzie and Toms' story and what unfolds for them. Be warned: you will become attached, and you will find letting go difficult. 10/10 recommend this amazing trilogy.
This book has to be read as it is the last in a series. Though it is my least favorite in the series due to sexual content and the evil confrontation. It is still a good story and I would recommend it. Just look over the bad parts. The rating is for the reason above and also I don't care for the jumping back and forth to different dates in the story. It's confusing.
First let me express that I really like the story line of the two books. While the third book was okay, I felt as though the time period changes could have been presented better. I also had some trouble understanding when Elisabeth was speaking and when the author was intervening with the story. I gave the two books five stars, but for this book I have to give it 3 stars because what I mentioned above. I will continue to read Susan Greenwood as I enjoy her writing.
This is the kind of series you wished would go on forever. Everything about these books will definitely grab you, as it did me. The writing is spectacular. The subjects interesting and loved or strongly disliked. But the best part is knowing others like me have existed!
Enjoyed this series especially because I love history. The back & forth between young Elisabeth & her old self was great. Made more sense with explaining the story. I hope the author continues telling the story of Elisabeth’s family and friends. It would be interesting to see the development of those who are “special.”
Excellent complex storyline but weaved beautifully through the series
Excellent complex storyline but weaved beautifully through the series. The concept of unseen things and feelings are very intriguing as I feel sometimes I have the caul but modern times keeps these feelings in hiding still as even they did in the early times of this book. To have the caul for good is a gift.
Enjoyed the three books, was hard to put down. Elizabeth's story is woven through the books. Keeping you looking forward to the next turn. History seems to be well known
I have now finished the trilogy of the "House Book". This is such a fun read. I highly recommend you read these books in proper order for they flow from one into the next. Such a wonderful account of one's family even though fictional.
I don’t know if I can give a review that does this Trilogy justice. The story is so good and very well written. I loved every minute of these books and was sad the story had to end. I think that is when you know you have read a good book!
The house book came full circle with the last book in the series. The characters were woven through all the books and kept us turning the page in anticipation. Strong women featured throughout the series and I miss them now that I have turned the last page.
The final book of the trilogy. It sums up the previous two books very well. Very interesting. I love reading historical fiction and Susan Greenwood hits the spot. Only wish there were more!
I must confess I enjoyed the trilogy and was excited to begin the last in this series. I enjoyed the book, however as the book went on, I began to get confused as Elisabeth kept changing time periods. After a while I just wanted it to be over!
Very impressive writing & storytelling. Winding the long past & longer past together with the present ,well done! Recommend for anyone interested in good story, with a little history and some witchcraft.
It took me all of two days to start and finish the trilogy. The third book is absolutely a much better body of work, but i thoroughly enjoyed all three. Three very strong independent women, well ahead of their time. A joy to read.
I have read all three books in this series and loved everyone. Amazing characters and what it was like to be women in this particular time. I would recommend this series.
Nice interwoven series of storytelling. The first book hooks you into wanting to know more of this family tree. Happy with the start and how it came together in the last book.
It was interesting following the ancestry through the years. Well written, interesting and very informative learning about the customs of the 1600-1700s and then discovering connections to 1980s-2000s. I recommended this series.
I enjoyed the 3 books. I enjoy historical fiction. Thank you for writing this moment in time. So intriguing were the lives of these 3 independent women.