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Stranje House #5
Sanctuary for Seers
A spy school for girls set amidst Jane Austen’s High Society.
Sanctuary for Seers, the long-awaited fifth novel in the Stranje House series, brings you to the exciting conclusion of this bestselling series!
In this alternate history, England is crumbling. The war on the continent is going badly. French troops have cornered Wellington in Northern Europe. And Lord Castlereagh’s men are engaged in a desperate hunt for the Prince Regent, who has been wounded and abducted by Napoleon and his ruthless leader of the Iron Crown, known as Ghost.
The young women at Stranje House know Seraphina Wyndham to be shy but quietly brilliant, extraordinarily observant, yet deeply caring. They think of her as an adoring little sister. But Sera hides some troubling secrets. She possesses gifts no one knows about, not even Miss Stranje—gifts far beyond their wildest expectations.
The one person who truly understands her is the one man they all fear the most. A man intent on destroying England. Can she save England? And herself from . . . Ghost?
Fans of genre-blending, romance, and action will love this Regency-era alternate history novel filled with extraordinary heroines, handsome young lords, and dastardly villains.
“Enticing from the first sentence." —New York Times Book Review
“Baldwin has a winning series here: her characters are intriguing and fully rendered.” - Booklist
"This alternative history series will appeal to fans of Gail Carriger's works and The Cecelia and Kate novels by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer." —School Library Journal on A School for Unusual Girls
Sanctuary for Seers, the long-awaited fifth novel in the Stranje House series, brings you to the exciting conclusion of this bestselling series!
In this alternate history, England is crumbling. The war on the continent is going badly. French troops have cornered Wellington in Northern Europe. And Lord Castlereagh’s men are engaged in a desperate hunt for the Prince Regent, who has been wounded and abducted by Napoleon and his ruthless leader of the Iron Crown, known as Ghost.
The young women at Stranje House know Seraphina Wyndham to be shy but quietly brilliant, extraordinarily observant, yet deeply caring. They think of her as an adoring little sister. But Sera hides some troubling secrets. She possesses gifts no one knows about, not even Miss Stranje—gifts far beyond their wildest expectations.
The one person who truly understands her is the one man they all fear the most. A man intent on destroying England. Can she save England? And herself from . . . Ghost?
Fans of genre-blending, romance, and action will love this Regency-era alternate history novel filled with extraordinary heroines, handsome young lords, and dastardly villains.
“Enticing from the first sentence." —New York Times Book Review
“Baldwin has a winning series here: her characters are intriguing and fully rendered.” - Booklist
"This alternative history series will appeal to fans of Gail Carriger's works and The Cecelia and Kate novels by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer." —School Library Journal on A School for Unusual Girls
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2023
12 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Baldwin
18 books894 followersGet ready to fall in love with the heartwarming humorous novels of Kathleen Baldwin, a Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and Amazon bestselling author. Delighting readers around the globe, her stories have been translated into several languages, and more than 650,000 books sold worldwide. Baldwin's unique plots even captured the attention of a Japanese publisher who adapted her Regency Romance, LADY FIASCO, into a manga.
#1 USA Today bestselling author Meg Cabot raves that Kathleen’s A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS is “completely original and totally engrossing.”
The New York Times Book Review called it “enticing from the first sentence.”
Kathleen’s love of adventure isn’t limited to her writing. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert and in the snow, slept beside a mountain lion, and lost an argument with a rattlesnake. Later, she married her very own hero and raised four feisty children.
Kathleen is also an avid reader and adores the wit and humor of Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and Jane Austen. Her eclectic reading interests range from Frank Herbert to Meg Cabot, and on to the incredibly imaginative tales of Diana Wynne Jones.
News and other fun stuff at: Website, Newsletter,Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A School for Unusual Girls , was her first historical romance for Young Adults. It is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Texas Librarians gave it the 2016 Spirit of Texas reading program award. Publisher’s Lunch listed it in their 2015 Young Adult BookBuzz. Kansas State NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 “Best of the Best” for High Schools. Scholastic licensed it for book fairs. The Stranje House series is currently under a renewed film option.
#1 USA Today bestselling author Meg Cabot raves that Kathleen’s A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS is “completely original and totally engrossing.”
The New York Times Book Review called it “enticing from the first sentence.”
Kathleen’s love of adventure isn’t limited to her writing. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert and in the snow, slept beside a mountain lion, and lost an argument with a rattlesnake. Later, she married her very own hero and raised four feisty children.
Kathleen is also an avid reader and adores the wit and humor of Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and Jane Austen. Her eclectic reading interests range from Frank Herbert to Meg Cabot, and on to the incredibly imaginative tales of Diana Wynne Jones.
News and other fun stuff at: Website, Newsletter,Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A School for Unusual Girls , was her first historical romance for Young Adults. It is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Texas Librarians gave it the 2016 Spirit of Texas reading program award. Publisher’s Lunch listed it in their 2015 Young Adult BookBuzz. Kansas State NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 “Best of the Best” for High Schools. Scholastic licensed it for book fairs. The Stranje House series is currently under a renewed film option.
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June 4, 2023I'm so excited!
Sanctuary for Seers is going to be here in 10 days!! Preorders are up. Hardbacks will be up soon.
There's a Goodreads Giveaway, too! 100 of you will win a copy to take with you on vacation.
I just sent out a newsletter to my readers with a link to a private page on my website with an Anime tribute to all the characters of Stranje House.
Here's a preview of the Anime Tribute:
I love these characters! I'll miss them. I hope you enjoy the ending to this series. Let me know what you think.
Sanctuary for Seers is going to be here in 10 days!! Preorders are up. Hardbacks will be up soon.
There's a Goodreads Giveaway, too! 100 of you will win a copy to take with you on vacation.
I just sent out a newsletter to my readers with a link to a private page on my website with an Anime tribute to all the characters of Stranje House.
Here's a preview of the Anime Tribute:
I love these characters! I'll miss them. I hope you enjoy the ending to this series. Let me know what you think.
June 10, 2023
I'd like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for allowing me a chance at reading the conclusion to this series.
So, finally - this is it. Sera's story. I've been really excited to read about her and how she'll wrap this all up. I know her power (?) / talent has been teased for a while, seeing it in full force made this take a step into the supernatural territory.
I liked the high stakes / political / action of this book out of all of them. I love that we finally got to see chapters from the view of Miss Stranje. I love that we also got to see romance between her and Capt. Grey. We also got to see how much she cares / dotes on her girls individually. (I want Ming Na to play her if they ever did a movie.)
But... if you told me that Sera had a romantic connection or felt like she was meant for her beau? No. I saw no chemistry what-so-ever between them. If anybody she radiated chemistry with it was (sadly) Ghost. He was almost like the yin to her yang. True, he was blinded by his demons and had so much to account for... but wow, their scenes together? That was some good writing. I felt that the beau she ended up with... didn't fully grasp her and the way he was written through the entire book was whiny and meddling. I wanted him to mature and grow up, but his maturity / growth / acceptance of who she was really happened in the very end and it just felt shoved in there because we had to have them end up together. :/
Anyway. I'd really recommend this series to teen girls because I loved them all and I felt the overall story told was fantastic and the romance was good. And while this series had a couple 3 out of 5 star reads, it rounds out to a solid 4 over all.
So, finally - this is it. Sera's story. I've been really excited to read about her and how she'll wrap this all up. I know her power (?) / talent has been teased for a while, seeing it in full force made this take a step into the supernatural territory.
I liked the high stakes / political / action of this book out of all of them. I love that we finally got to see chapters from the view of Miss Stranje. I love that we also got to see romance between her and Capt. Grey. We also got to see how much she cares / dotes on her girls individually. (I want Ming Na to play her if they ever did a movie.)
But... if you told me that Sera had a romantic connection or felt like she was meant for her beau? No. I saw no chemistry what-so-ever between them. If anybody she radiated chemistry with it was (sadly) Ghost. He was almost like the yin to her yang. True, he was blinded by his demons and had so much to account for... but wow, their scenes together? That was some good writing. I felt that the beau she ended up with... didn't fully grasp her and the way he was written through the entire book was whiny and meddling. I wanted him to mature and grow up, but his maturity / growth / acceptance of who she was really happened in the very end and it just felt shoved in there because we had to have them end up together. :/
Anyway. I'd really recommend this series to teen girls because I loved them all and I felt the overall story told was fantastic and the romance was good. And while this series had a couple 3 out of 5 star reads, it rounds out to a solid 4 over all.
June 29, 2023
I loved where this went! I’ve been waiting for this book for what seems forever and it delivered. I really enjoyed all the character development, especially with Emma. Sera’s story didn’t go quite where I thought it would and that made me love it all the more.
June 19, 2023
I have loved this series from the very beginning and I was so excited when I heard this book was finally here! And really it did not fail in wrapping up the series. Now, the only complaint I had was that it maybe seemed to be a bit shorter than the others? I feel like it only took place over a few days, which is probably correct. However, it was full of action, and we finally got to learn just what Sera was bringing to the table with her abilities, and what had happened to bring her to this group.
I can’t talk a whole lot about what happened, as a lot of it will be spoilers for the rest of the series. However we do get some great looks at Ms. Stranje and her background and feelings in this one, with a few chapters from her point of view. I definitely liked how they wrapped up Ghost’s story. Although I do feel like there was one loose end left open, and I know this is supposed to be the final part of the series. And not only was there a loose end, I almost feel like we could get branch off books from where all our different characters from the past books are ending up.
A good ending to one of my favorite series though!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I can’t talk a whole lot about what happened, as a lot of it will be spoilers for the rest of the series. However we do get some great looks at Ms. Stranje and her background and feelings in this one, with a few chapters from her point of view. I definitely liked how they wrapped up Ghost’s story. Although I do feel like there was one loose end left open, and I know this is supposed to be the final part of the series. And not only was there a loose end, I almost feel like we could get branch off books from where all our different characters from the past books are ending up.
A good ending to one of my favorite series though!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
June 4, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Ink Lion Books for the ARC!
My adventures with Ms. Stranje's pupils began back in 2016, It is with great pleasure that I share honest feedback on the final installment in the series. Sera has been endlessly fascinating to me throughout the series. Each of Stranje's students have one over arching trait that serves them throughout the series.
Georgie is innocence incarnate, sometimes boarding on naivety despite her incredible intellect. Lord Wyatt needs Georgie to remind him there is levity in this life. That the raw wounds of war are softened when you remember to live and love.
Tess is strength, she embodies this essence of survival, but also an aching desire to share and receive affection. Tess and Lord Ravencross' story is one the pulses with heat and causes your heart to beat savagely against your chest.
Lady Jane is logic. Her unerring ability to look past extraneous detail allows her to strategize up against Napoleon and his henchmen. Mr. Sinclair is the one person who causes Lady Jane to argue against her own logic.
Maya represents how one feels life instead of living it. Maya is the only girl who was completely open to the disruption love brings. It was Lord Kinsworth that dallied about waiting until Maya had confidence in herself.
And that leaves Sera. To me Sera embodies compassion. In four novels, Sera is the only one who can turn a villain into a redeemable character. I will endeavor to avoid spoilers, but this was the first of the novels to bring about an intoxicating duality to the series. Can one love an enemy? Ms. Stranje tries to teach the girls that hatred is not the opposite of love, no matter how often it is misinterpreted as such. We see pieces of this in "Exile for Dreamers".
What I love of Sera's story is that Baldwin has changed up her algorithm. Each of the stories before has a clear villain, a clear climax, and a pathway to romance. To be honest, I struggle so much with the regency novels for this reason. Well that and one more. The girls are 16, 17 years old and it's not a happy ending without a husband/suitor. Now remember, I said she changes the algorithm, Baldwin doesn't do away with it completely. However, in this latest novel, Baldwin brings a maturity to the series. It amazes me that each of these girls are so adamant around silly, trivial matters when they're actively engaging in stealth missions and plotting how to counterattack Napoleon. How is it that they think they can break into the Iron Crown's stronghold, but cannot overcome childish insecurities and fears? I digress.
"Sanctuary for Seers" outlines that even in war there is little between the lines of good and evil. Sometimes to win a war it means finding compassion for your enemy and accepting traitorous feelings without guilt or shame. This is the part of the novel that has Sera ensconced as one of my favorites.
My adventures with Ms. Stranje's pupils began back in 2016, It is with great pleasure that I share honest feedback on the final installment in the series. Sera has been endlessly fascinating to me throughout the series. Each of Stranje's students have one over arching trait that serves them throughout the series.
Georgie is innocence incarnate, sometimes boarding on naivety despite her incredible intellect. Lord Wyatt needs Georgie to remind him there is levity in this life. That the raw wounds of war are softened when you remember to live and love.
Tess is strength, she embodies this essence of survival, but also an aching desire to share and receive affection. Tess and Lord Ravencross' story is one the pulses with heat and causes your heart to beat savagely against your chest.
Lady Jane is logic. Her unerring ability to look past extraneous detail allows her to strategize up against Napoleon and his henchmen. Mr. Sinclair is the one person who causes Lady Jane to argue against her own logic.
Maya represents how one feels life instead of living it. Maya is the only girl who was completely open to the disruption love brings. It was Lord Kinsworth that dallied about waiting until Maya had confidence in herself.
And that leaves Sera. To me Sera embodies compassion. In four novels, Sera is the only one who can turn a villain into a redeemable character. I will endeavor to avoid spoilers, but this was the first of the novels to bring about an intoxicating duality to the series. Can one love an enemy? Ms. Stranje tries to teach the girls that hatred is not the opposite of love, no matter how often it is misinterpreted as such. We see pieces of this in "Exile for Dreamers".
What I love of Sera's story is that Baldwin has changed up her algorithm. Each of the stories before has a clear villain, a clear climax, and a pathway to romance. To be honest, I struggle so much with the regency novels for this reason. Well that and one more. The girls are 16, 17 years old and it's not a happy ending without a husband/suitor. Now remember, I said she changes the algorithm, Baldwin doesn't do away with it completely. However, in this latest novel, Baldwin brings a maturity to the series. It amazes me that each of these girls are so adamant around silly, trivial matters when they're actively engaging in stealth missions and plotting how to counterattack Napoleon. How is it that they think they can break into the Iron Crown's stronghold, but cannot overcome childish insecurities and fears? I digress.
"Sanctuary for Seers" outlines that even in war there is little between the lines of good and evil. Sometimes to win a war it means finding compassion for your enemy and accepting traitorous feelings without guilt or shame. This is the part of the novel that has Sera ensconced as one of my favorites.
September 17, 2023
Remarkable storytelling
I was gifted this book by the author in a promotional venue and even though it’s somewhat outside my usual reading choices the description really caught my attention. It’s set during the Napoleonic Wars, the English Regency which definitely is my favorite era to read.
I was caught up in the beginning of the book with the main characters Sera, and Miss Stranje the unusual girls school headmistress. Sera’s background was immediately sympathetic yet fascinating too. The characters in this story, in the beginning it’s just the girls, the headmistress and a woman who has been captured and being held at the school recovering from wounds received in a battle that happened before this book takes place. There is also a fearful enemy lurking around wanting to rescue their captive.
This story brings the war to England’s shores, which obviously ramps up the excitement, and action.
At this point more and more names and characters outside the school itself are spoken of and obviously were important people from previous books. This bogged me down somewhat because I realized early on that being part of a series I was somewhere after a whole lot of other stories. I kept reading though and was rewarded over and over. The climax was heart wrenching but triumphant. I will be rereading this book.
Now I must start from the beginning. Such a remarkable world building adventure. So much heart, bravery, spiritual uplifting. I believe I read somewhere that this is aimed at young adults but I’m a Septuagenarian and I loved this story.
I am familiar with Baldwin’s My Notorious Aunt series which I enjoyed years ago and need to reread.
I highly recommend this book with the strong suggestion that you would enjoy it more if you read the series from the beginning, as I will be doing. Because I want to revisit this cast of characters from their beginnings at Stranje House.
The Notorious Aunt series (very worthy reading) came out nearly a decade ago, and I believe this series is a more mature writing on the author’s part.
I was gifted this book by the author in a promotional venue and even though it’s somewhat outside my usual reading choices the description really caught my attention. It’s set during the Napoleonic Wars, the English Regency which definitely is my favorite era to read.
I was caught up in the beginning of the book with the main characters Sera, and Miss Stranje the unusual girls school headmistress. Sera’s background was immediately sympathetic yet fascinating too. The characters in this story, in the beginning it’s just the girls, the headmistress and a woman who has been captured and being held at the school recovering from wounds received in a battle that happened before this book takes place. There is also a fearful enemy lurking around wanting to rescue their captive.
This story brings the war to England’s shores, which obviously ramps up the excitement, and action.
At this point more and more names and characters outside the school itself are spoken of and obviously were important people from previous books. This bogged me down somewhat because I realized early on that being part of a series I was somewhere after a whole lot of other stories. I kept reading though and was rewarded over and over. The climax was heart wrenching but triumphant. I will be rereading this book.
Now I must start from the beginning. Such a remarkable world building adventure. So much heart, bravery, spiritual uplifting. I believe I read somewhere that this is aimed at young adults but I’m a Septuagenarian and I loved this story.
I am familiar with Baldwin’s My Notorious Aunt series which I enjoyed years ago and need to reread.
I highly recommend this book with the strong suggestion that you would enjoy it more if you read the series from the beginning, as I will be doing. Because I want to revisit this cast of characters from their beginnings at Stranje House.
The Notorious Aunt series (very worthy reading) came out nearly a decade ago, and I believe this series is a more mature writing on the author’s part.
July 15, 2025
This is such an underrated, amazingly fun historical fiction series for anyone who loves reading about smart girls being trained up as spies! All the girls are so unique and talented, with different special abilities that make them a great team. (And each of them have their own romance storyline as well— which are all really cute.) Highly recommend for historical fiction/alternate history fans!
This book in particular wasn’t my favorite of the series, because the writing didn’t seem as good as in the rest of the series. There were lots of typos and poorly worded sentences, and I think a couple more rounds of editing could have bumped it up to a four. But— I loved where this one went plot wise, wrapping up all five girls’ stories as well as the overarching plot with Napoleon, Daneska and Ghost. It’s probably closer to a 3.5, since I really love Sera as a character and thought this book nicely explored her personality.
If you like the Regency era, alternate history, and a bit of the supernatural, check out this series!
This book in particular wasn’t my favorite of the series, because the writing didn’t seem as good as in the rest of the series. There were lots of typos and poorly worded sentences, and I think a couple more rounds of editing could have bumped it up to a four. But— I loved where this one went plot wise, wrapping up all five girls’ stories as well as the overarching plot with Napoleon, Daneska and Ghost. It’s probably closer to a 3.5, since I really love Sera as a character and thought this book nicely explored her personality.
If you like the Regency era, alternate history, and a bit of the supernatural, check out this series!
June 3, 2023
I started this series four years ago and was so happy to be able to read the final book. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Stars - This novel presents a very satisfactory ending to the Stranje house series. We finally get Sera’s story and a HEA for all of the ladies featured. It’s a quick read. Even though I think it’s billed as YA it didn’t feel immature to me.
Wishes - I wish the story reminded us more of what has already happened in the series. It’s been a while since we met the characters and I couldn’t always recall everyone’s “powers” and the stories behind their romantic interests. Even a character list would have been helpful.
An enjoyable read for me, but not sure it would mean anything to anyone who hasn’t read all of the previous books in the series.
Stars - This novel presents a very satisfactory ending to the Stranje house series. We finally get Sera’s story and a HEA for all of the ladies featured. It’s a quick read. Even though I think it’s billed as YA it didn’t feel immature to me.
Wishes - I wish the story reminded us more of what has already happened in the series. It’s been a while since we met the characters and I couldn’t always recall everyone’s “powers” and the stories behind their romantic interests. Even a character list would have been helpful.
An enjoyable read for me, but not sure it would mean anything to anyone who hasn’t read all of the previous books in the series.
June 16, 2023
I absolutely devoured the last book in the Stranje House series. Seraphina is called a mouse, but she shows her strength and her power to heal throughout the story. I love how she picks up on little details like Sherlock Holmes, but she also sees demons (so cool). The girl that was abandoned by her family and often overlooked shines when she finally accepts herself and helps others heal from their trauma. Author Kathleen Baldwin does offer the exciting conclusion and final battle this series deserves, but the beauty is in the details.
I love all the books in the Stranje House series and I would highly recommend them to teens and adults.
#spygirls #adventure #mystery #romance #regency
I love all the books in the Stranje House series and I would highly recommend them to teens and adults.
#spygirls #adventure #mystery #romance #regency
April 1, 2024
Okay, this one is definitely the best in the series. The pacing was so much better and the imagery was immaculate. I can't say Sera is my favorite of the girls, but she did a wonderful job. If the rest of the series relied this heavily on God i would have enjoyed it so much more.
As it was, I especially loved Ghost's arc. Most books are too scared to show redemption to villains, but this one didn't. It was my favorite part, actually. How God is willing to forgive anyone who asks, no matter how far gone they seemed. Sera's sympathy for him made it even better.
The end had me giggling and kicking my feet. I've always preferred romances in period pieces, and this series was no different. I love every love interest in this series and getting to see them all end up together was so sweet. They're all perfect.
This wasn't my favorite series at all but i really did like this ending. It had enough action that it didn't fall flat but it also focused on a much more important plot away from the battle and i loved that so much more.
As it was, I especially loved Ghost's arc. Most books are too scared to show redemption to villains, but this one didn't. It was my favorite part, actually. How God is willing to forgive anyone who asks, no matter how far gone they seemed. Sera's sympathy for him made it even better.
The end had me giggling and kicking my feet. I've always preferred romances in period pieces, and this series was no different. I love every love interest in this series and getting to see them all end up together was so sweet. They're all perfect.
This wasn't my favorite series at all but i really did like this ending. It had enough action that it didn't fall flat but it also focused on a much more important plot away from the battle and i loved that so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. A suspenseful alternative history romance. Representations of women's friendships are fantastic and overall this is a wonderful read.
May 19, 2023
I’m so happy I got to revisit Stranje House in this final installment. There are some truly formidable foes in this series (Ghost, Lady Daneska, Napoleon), but they are nothing compared to the beautiful found family relationships. In addition to Sera’s story, we also get a number of chapters from Miss Emma Stranje’s POV. As I am certainly no longer a teen reader, I found the addition of older, mature Emma’s story a delight.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 18, 2023
The last book in the Stranje House series. Sera is the seer who can see the future. Can she save her country from Ghost, the enemy helping Napoleon?
A terrific alternative history/romance. I love the suspense. It's also nice to read about the other women from the earlier novels. I love the friendship in particular in the series. Truly outstanding.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
A terrific alternative history/romance. I love the suspense. It's also nice to read about the other women from the earlier novels. I love the friendship in particular in the series. Truly outstanding.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
December 3, 2023
I’ve been waiting for this finale forever! I started reading this series in high school, so I’ve been waiting for a minute for the last book. Kathleen Baldwin did a wonderful job tying everything together.
November 17, 2023
My favorite one, maybe tied with the first....
February 1, 2025
Im disappointed at how bad this book was. I wasn’t invested in the main romance because I thought the author was making Sara get with a different character, but that romance was bad. Really bad. I spent the entire time continuously frustrated with how bad the romance was, only to discover that the romance I was focusing on was not, in fact, the main one.
Why then was that the one in the synopsis?
I’m also uncomfortable at the surprise Evangelical twist in this book. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with religious fantasy, let alone Christian fantasy, as I have read and enjoyed books with this in them before. But this came out of nowhere in the last book and was not a welcome surprise. At least for me.
Why then was that the one in the synopsis?
I’m also uncomfortable at the surprise Evangelical twist in this book. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with religious fantasy, let alone Christian fantasy, as I have read and enjoyed books with this in them before. But this came out of nowhere in the last book and was not a welcome surprise. At least for me.
May 29, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Ink Lion Books for the ARC!
My adventures with Ms. Stranje's pupils began back in 2016, It is with great pleasure that I share honest feedback on the final installment in the series. Sera has been endlessly fascinating to me throughout the series. Each of Stranje's students have one over arching trait that serves them throughout the series.
Georgie is innocence incarnate, sometimes boarding on naivety despite her incredible intellect. Lord Wyatt needs Georgie to remind him there is levity in this life. That the raw wounds of war are softened when you remember to live and love.
Tess is strength, she embodies this essence of survival, but also an aching desire to share and receive affection. Tess and Lord Ravencross' story is one the pulses with heat and causes your heart to beat savagely against your chest.
Lady Jane is logic. Her unerring ability to look past extraneous detail allows her to strategize up against Napoleon and his henchmen. Mr. Sinclair is the one person who cause Lady Jane to argue against her own logic.
Maya represents how one feels life instead of living it. Maya is the only girl who was completely open to the disruption love brings. It was Lord Kinsworth that dallied about waiting until Maya had confidence in herself.
And that leaves Sera. To me Sera embodies compassion. In four novels, Sera is the only one who can turn a villain into a redeemable character. I will endeavor to avoid spoilers, but this was the first of the novels to bring about an intoxicating duality to the series. Can one love an enemy? Ms. Stranje tries to teach the girls that hatred is not the opposite of love, no matter how often it is misinterpreted as such. We see pieces of this in "Exile for Dreamers".
What I love of Sera's story is that Baldwin has changed up her algorithm. Each of the stories before has a clear villain, a clear climax, and a pathway to romance. To be honest, I struggle so much with the regency novels for this reason. Well that and one more. The girls are 16, 17 years old and it's not a happy ending without a husband/suitor. Now remember, I said she changes the algorithm, Baldwin doesn't do away with it completely. However, in this latest novel, Baldwin brings a maturity to the series. It amazes me that each of these girls are so adamant around silly, trivial matters when they're actively engaging in stealth missions and plotting how to counterattack Napoleon. How is it that they think they can break into the Iron Crown's stronghold, but cannot overcome childish insecurities and fears? I digress.
"Sanctuary for Seers" outlines that even in war there is little between the lines of good and evil. Sometimes to win a war it means finding compassion for your enemy and accepting traitorous feelings without guilt or shame. This is the part of the novel that has Sera ensconced as one of my favorites.
My adventures with Ms. Stranje's pupils began back in 2016, It is with great pleasure that I share honest feedback on the final installment in the series. Sera has been endlessly fascinating to me throughout the series. Each of Stranje's students have one over arching trait that serves them throughout the series.
Georgie is innocence incarnate, sometimes boarding on naivety despite her incredible intellect. Lord Wyatt needs Georgie to remind him there is levity in this life. That the raw wounds of war are softened when you remember to live and love.
Tess is strength, she embodies this essence of survival, but also an aching desire to share and receive affection. Tess and Lord Ravencross' story is one the pulses with heat and causes your heart to beat savagely against your chest.
Lady Jane is logic. Her unerring ability to look past extraneous detail allows her to strategize up against Napoleon and his henchmen. Mr. Sinclair is the one person who cause Lady Jane to argue against her own logic.
Maya represents how one feels life instead of living it. Maya is the only girl who was completely open to the disruption love brings. It was Lord Kinsworth that dallied about waiting until Maya had confidence in herself.
And that leaves Sera. To me Sera embodies compassion. In four novels, Sera is the only one who can turn a villain into a redeemable character. I will endeavor to avoid spoilers, but this was the first of the novels to bring about an intoxicating duality to the series. Can one love an enemy? Ms. Stranje tries to teach the girls that hatred is not the opposite of love, no matter how often it is misinterpreted as such. We see pieces of this in "Exile for Dreamers".
What I love of Sera's story is that Baldwin has changed up her algorithm. Each of the stories before has a clear villain, a clear climax, and a pathway to romance. To be honest, I struggle so much with the regency novels for this reason. Well that and one more. The girls are 16, 17 years old and it's not a happy ending without a husband/suitor. Now remember, I said she changes the algorithm, Baldwin doesn't do away with it completely. However, in this latest novel, Baldwin brings a maturity to the series. It amazes me that each of these girls are so adamant around silly, trivial matters when they're actively engaging in stealth missions and plotting how to counterattack Napoleon. How is it that they think they can break into the Iron Crown's stronghold, but cannot overcome childish insecurities and fears? I digress.
"Sanctuary for Seers" outlines that even in war there is little between the lines of good and evil. Sometimes to win a war it means finding compassion for your enemy and accepting traitorous feelings without guilt or shame. This is the part of the novel that has Sera ensconced as one of my favorites.
June 16, 2023
This book is the 5th book in the Stranje house series. I highly recommend reading the books in order. Each book is presented from one character's point of view in first person. This book is an exception because it is shown both from Sera’s point of view and Ms. Stranje’s.
I have loved the series and this book was a fantastic conclusion to the series! In each of the books you have an arc for that character that involves a love interest. Through the whole series there is an overarching arc concerning the war between England and Napoleon’s France.
Each of the girls has a gift that makes them an oddity within societies norms of the time. Their parents have disposed of them by giving them over to Ms. Stranje, who is training them to be spies in the war.
We pick up right after the end of the 4th book. Napoleon has captured the Prince Regent and has gotten away on his ship. The men are searching for the ship. The women are caring for Lady Daneska who was wounded. Most of the story is told from Sera’s point of view. She uses her keen observation skills and deduction abilities to locate the enemy. In order to confirm her suspicions, she makes a few foolish choices which leads her into a one-on-one confrontation with Ghost, whom she had shot and wounded in book 4.
A portion of the book is also told from Ms. Stranje’s point of view. She leads the charge to recover the Prince Regent.
I love this series! I love the author's other series!
I received an advanced reader copy from netgalley and the publisher.
I have loved the series and this book was a fantastic conclusion to the series! In each of the books you have an arc for that character that involves a love interest. Through the whole series there is an overarching arc concerning the war between England and Napoleon’s France.
Each of the girls has a gift that makes them an oddity within societies norms of the time. Their parents have disposed of them by giving them over to Ms. Stranje, who is training them to be spies in the war.
We pick up right after the end of the 4th book. Napoleon has captured the Prince Regent and has gotten away on his ship. The men are searching for the ship. The women are caring for Lady Daneska who was wounded. Most of the story is told from Sera’s point of view. She uses her keen observation skills and deduction abilities to locate the enemy. In order to confirm her suspicions, she makes a few foolish choices which leads her into a one-on-one confrontation with Ghost, whom she had shot and wounded in book 4.
A portion of the book is also told from Ms. Stranje’s point of view. She leads the charge to recover the Prince Regent.
I love this series! I love the author's other series!
I received an advanced reader copy from netgalley and the publisher.
July 6, 2023
I was so happy to receive an ARC for this book! I realized that it had been too long since I read the earlier books in the series, so I went back and re-read the first four books so I could be ready for the last one and I'm really glad I did! I would have had NO idea what was happening in this book if I hadn't (so take note if it's been a while since you've read the earlier books). I've really enjoyed this series. It gets a little silly and wildly farfetched, but if you've made it to book five, you're all in on the crazy premise anyway and it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the series as a whole. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride!
Sera's story was interesting. I wasn't sure it would be, since she seemed a little boring and such a timid little mouse in the other books, and it was fun and surprising to see that she is, in some ways, the most powerful of all the girls. I would have liked to have seen a little more development of her gift though. I also thought there was almost zero development in the relationship between Sera and her main love interest in this book (more of it seemed to happen in earlier books in the series). There wasn't much there in this book, IMO, and I thought she had much stronger chemistry with [redacted, no spoilers here!]. Those scenes were much more compelling to me.
I loved the brief portion of the book narrated by Ms. Stranje. I wish we could have seen more of that. She's amazing!! (tho I did have a moment where I wondered... just how old is this woman?? 35? 55? I don't think the author ever said)
My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Sera's story was interesting. I wasn't sure it would be, since she seemed a little boring and such a timid little mouse in the other books, and it was fun and surprising to see that she is, in some ways, the most powerful of all the girls. I would have liked to have seen a little more development of her gift though. I also thought there was almost zero development in the relationship between Sera and her main love interest in this book (more of it seemed to happen in earlier books in the series). There wasn't much there in this book, IMO, and I thought she had much stronger chemistry with [redacted, no spoilers here!]. Those scenes were much more compelling to me.
I loved the brief portion of the book narrated by Ms. Stranje. I wish we could have seen more of that. She's amazing!! (tho I did have a moment where I wondered... just how old is this woman?? 35? 55? I don't think the author ever said)
My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2024
The fifth Stranje House novel is Sera's story. Seraphina Wyndham was thrown away by her parents because she had visions. She has found a new home for herself at Stranje House among her fellow students, but she has never shared that she can see demons and sometimes angels with anyone there. She has made a place for herself at Stranje House by being quiet, very observant, and having the ability to tell if someone is lying. All of these are useful characteristics for the young spies that Miss Stranje is raising.
This story begins with Sera receiving news that her family has emigrated to Massachusetts without leaving word and without leaving any provisions for her. She contemplates suicide. But her trip to the cliff's leads to the discovery of one of Ghost's spies who, before he dies, gives some hints about where Ghost and Napoleon are hiding the kidnapped Prince Regent.
Sera and the others at Stranje House must gather to rescue the Prince before England falls to Napoleon. Sera is convinced that the dying spy misled them and that Ghost and all are much nearer to them than France.
She comes upon Ghost while searching some of the many hidden tunnels and finds, not only an enemy, but a man who has had a childhood much like hers and who is beset by demons which are quieted in Sera's presence. He demands that Sera remove the demons which leads to a plot where Sera distracts Ghost while the rest invade the house where Napoleon and the Prince are being hidden.
Packed with secret tunnels, spies, friendship and romance, SANCTUARY FOR SEERS is an excellent episode in a historical fantasy series.
This story begins with Sera receiving news that her family has emigrated to Massachusetts without leaving word and without leaving any provisions for her. She contemplates suicide. But her trip to the cliff's leads to the discovery of one of Ghost's spies who, before he dies, gives some hints about where Ghost and Napoleon are hiding the kidnapped Prince Regent.
Sera and the others at Stranje House must gather to rescue the Prince before England falls to Napoleon. Sera is convinced that the dying spy misled them and that Ghost and all are much nearer to them than France.
She comes upon Ghost while searching some of the many hidden tunnels and finds, not only an enemy, but a man who has had a childhood much like hers and who is beset by demons which are quieted in Sera's presence. He demands that Sera remove the demons which leads to a plot where Sera distracts Ghost while the rest invade the house where Napoleon and the Prince are being hidden.
Packed with secret tunnels, spies, friendship and romance, SANCTUARY FOR SEERS is an excellent episode in a historical fantasy series.
July 6, 2023
"”What are you?"
His question stings. I've heard it too many times before, aimed at me like a ruthless spear.
An accusation.
A curse.
Only now, for the first time in my life, I know the
answer.
What am I?
"Loved."”
I’ve loved this series for years and I was ecstatic when Sanctuary for Seers released! This is the final book in The Stranje House series by @kathleen.baldwin.
This book brought the story to an end with a final battle between Napoleon and Ghost and the spies of Stranje House. I loved having a reunion of all the characters from the previous book as they worked to defeat Napoleon once and for all.
Sera Wyndham sees more than most people. She sees auras and forces of good and evil. Because of her ability, her family has abandoned her so the last thing she wants is for anyone to truly understand her gift. Quentin Chadwick loves Sera despite her secretive nature.
Things I loved
-Learning more about Sera and her gift!
-Quentin! He loves Sera so much and would do anything for her!
-Getting a better understanding of Ghost.
-The final battle and seeing everything wrap up.
-Emma Stranje POV! I was hoping we’d get to see things from her eyes and it was done so well!
-It was the perfect ending to this beautiful series!
-Everyone got their happy ending!
This book is everything I hoped for and more. I loved it! If you love regency, spies, action, and sweet romance then this is a series you cannot pass on!
His question stings. I've heard it too many times before, aimed at me like a ruthless spear.
An accusation.
A curse.
Only now, for the first time in my life, I know the
answer.
What am I?
"Loved."”
I’ve loved this series for years and I was ecstatic when Sanctuary for Seers released! This is the final book in The Stranje House series by @kathleen.baldwin.
This book brought the story to an end with a final battle between Napoleon and Ghost and the spies of Stranje House. I loved having a reunion of all the characters from the previous book as they worked to defeat Napoleon once and for all.
Sera Wyndham sees more than most people. She sees auras and forces of good and evil. Because of her ability, her family has abandoned her so the last thing she wants is for anyone to truly understand her gift. Quentin Chadwick loves Sera despite her secretive nature.
Things I loved
-Learning more about Sera and her gift!
-Quentin! He loves Sera so much and would do anything for her!
-Getting a better understanding of Ghost.
-The final battle and seeing everything wrap up.
-Emma Stranje POV! I was hoping we’d get to see things from her eyes and it was done so well!
-It was the perfect ending to this beautiful series!
-Everyone got their happy ending!
This book is everything I hoped for and more. I loved it! If you love regency, spies, action, and sweet romance then this is a series you cannot pass on!
May 29, 2024
sera's a very remarkable girl. i absolutely hate how her own fucking family made her feel as if she couldn't trust anyone. she deserves better. idk how it was done so well but i almost felt what she did and was on the verge of crying (maybe i do empathize and care too deeply for characters haha).
overall, i would recommend this entire series. i'll miss my time at miss stranje's sanctuary for the unusually remarkable girls.
overall, i would recommend this entire series. i'll miss my time at miss stranje's sanctuary for the unusually remarkable girls.
August 31, 2024
I….I….I don’t know what to say….
I started this series in my 7th grade book club and was so fortunate to get to meet Kathleen Baldwin. I told her that Sera was my favorite character and she told me about this book because she had just started writing it and how Sera could see into the spiritual realm.
Starting this book was interesting because the back suggests that Sera falls in love with Ghost. Why was I actually a hundred percent for that?! This book made me love Ghost and the fact that she doesn’t end up with him hurt me a little…what a difference from the second book😂
I don’t know what Kathleen Baldwin’s beliefs are but this book had a clear belief in an all powerful God who is forgiving, loving, and merciful. Along with that Miss Strange quotes a Bible verse. Regardless, it seemed like she wrote this series so that each character had a different worldview. Which was cool that like Sera is the one who has such a strong connection to God and mentioned Him the most. It seemed like because she saw the spiritual realm and she felt good and evil in a completely different way that she KNEW there is a God and an all powerful one at that.
The redemption in this book was great. I cried.
Overall, it ended well. I did wish that we got some more character development from Chadwick but okay…I loved the like epilogue and I’m sad to see these characters go 😢
I started this series in my 7th grade book club and was so fortunate to get to meet Kathleen Baldwin. I told her that Sera was my favorite character and she told me about this book because she had just started writing it and how Sera could see into the spiritual realm.
Starting this book was interesting because the back suggests that Sera falls in love with Ghost. Why was I actually a hundred percent for that?! This book made me love Ghost and the fact that she doesn’t end up with him hurt me a little…what a difference from the second book😂
I don’t know what Kathleen Baldwin’s beliefs are but this book had a clear belief in an all powerful God who is forgiving, loving, and merciful. Along with that Miss Strange quotes a Bible verse. Regardless, it seemed like she wrote this series so that each character had a different worldview. Which was cool that like Sera is the one who has such a strong connection to God and mentioned Him the most. It seemed like because she saw the spiritual realm and she felt good and evil in a completely different way that she KNEW there is a God and an all powerful one at that.
The redemption in this book was great. I cried.
Overall, it ended well. I did wish that we got some more character development from Chadwick but okay…I loved the like epilogue and I’m sad to see these characters go 😢
June 15, 2023
I was given this book by the publisher via Netgalley in return for my honest review.
So this series has always been a favorite of mine. I love the historical-ish fiction story vibes it's always had. This one just didn't give that to me. It continues the story but it's been a bit since some of the other girls' stories that I don't entirely remember. So I feel like I was missing a little there as there's very little back tracking.
Of course each girl has her own little romance going but Sera's is very lackluster and tainted by other things going on in the plot I don't wish to give away but not loving the small love triangle.
Of course it's been a lot of build up to what her special little spy power is. It has a bit of a religious aspect attached to it which I didn't really think was needed. it just kind of changed the vibe for me.
We get a small snippet from Ms. Stranje's perspective but I honestly wish she'd gotten her own book. And she technically could've as we still have one rotten soul at large. It does kind of eat at me that this person doesn't really get their just desserts.
Overall it was good but I think it could've been a little more powerful ending with complete closure. So I give it 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So this series has always been a favorite of mine. I love the historical-ish fiction story vibes it's always had. This one just didn't give that to me. It continues the story but it's been a bit since some of the other girls' stories that I don't entirely remember. So I feel like I was missing a little there as there's very little back tracking.
Of course each girl has her own little romance going but Sera's is very lackluster and tainted by other things going on in the plot I don't wish to give away but not loving the small love triangle.
Of course it's been a lot of build up to what her special little spy power is. It has a bit of a religious aspect attached to it which I didn't really think was needed. it just kind of changed the vibe for me.
We get a small snippet from Ms. Stranje's perspective but I honestly wish she'd gotten her own book. And she technically could've as we still have one rotten soul at large. It does kind of eat at me that this person doesn't really get their just desserts.
Overall it was good but I think it could've been a little more powerful ending with complete closure. So I give it 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 4, 2023
I would like to say that I liked the series, as the historical romance is a genre that I don't normally read as much as the other genres. I enjoyed Sera's story in this final installment to the series.
Sera or Seraphina is the MC in this book. She can take a villain or bad person into a good character in this series. All the girls in the series are about 16-17 years old in these books. This book is from Sera's point of view and then flip flops to Ms. Stranje POV also. The girls are training to be spies in the upcoming wars. And to hear the story from Emma Stranje is really interesting too for the readers. I did not like the romance between her and her boyfriend though. I was king of routing for her and Ghost actually, I felt that they had more chemistry than anyone else that Sera is in contact with.
I have to say overall I would definitely recommend this series to girls who are teenagers and a little older as this is right around that age group for the book series.
The girls are great friends, and they get along perfectly.
Sera or Seraphina is the MC in this book. She can take a villain or bad person into a good character in this series. All the girls in the series are about 16-17 years old in these books. This book is from Sera's point of view and then flip flops to Ms. Stranje POV also. The girls are training to be spies in the upcoming wars. And to hear the story from Emma Stranje is really interesting too for the readers. I did not like the romance between her and her boyfriend though. I was king of routing for her and Ghost actually, I felt that they had more chemistry than anyone else that Sera is in contact with.
I have to say overall I would definitely recommend this series to girls who are teenagers and a little older as this is right around that age group for the book series.
The girls are great friends, and they get along perfectly.
June 24, 2023
Sadly, I wasn't impressed.
And 3 stars is a generous rating.
What I liked:
- The explanation of Sera's talent
- Sera's revelations about herself and her purpose and place in the world
- Sera's connection/interactions with Ghost & his redemption
I didn't like most everything else 🙁, but specifically:
- The POV switch to Miss Stranje in the third act
- How little Daneska was used (and her fate--- I think she deserved a redemption too, and I thought that that was being built up in the last book
-
- Everything about Chadwick, especially his blah personality and mistrust/underestimation of Sera
- the epilogue--- I usually love a good, sappy, all-ends-tied-up epilogue, but this one managed to fall flat (maybe because I was so disillusioned by the rest of the book)
Also Sera and Chadwick had zero chemistry and 🎶Sera and Ghost should've ended up together🎶
And 3 stars is a generous rating.
What I liked:
- The explanation of Sera's talent
- Sera's revelations about herself and her purpose and place in the world
- Sera's connection/interactions with Ghost & his redemption
I didn't like most everything else 🙁, but specifically:
- The POV switch to Miss Stranje in the third act
- How little Daneska was used (and her fate--- I think she deserved a redemption too, and I thought that that was being built up in the last book
-
- Everything about Chadwick, especially his blah personality and mistrust/underestimation of Sera
- the epilogue--- I usually love a good, sappy, all-ends-tied-up epilogue, but this one managed to fall flat (maybe because I was so disillusioned by the rest of the book)
Also Sera and Chadwick had zero chemistry and 🎶Sera and Ghost should've ended up together🎶
June 8, 2023
Sanctuary for Seers is the fifth installment from Kathleen Baldwin's series, Stranje House. Since, this is the first book I have read of the series, I believe it was probably best to read the books in order. However, I still thought this was a fabulous read. I enjoyed reading this magical tale and meeting the ladies of Stranje House. It was an honor to take this adventure and journeying to England to see an alternative reality. I thought it was great.
Sanctuary for Seers will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for teen readers enjoy reading fantasy fiction. I would love to read the previous books from the Stranje House series to see what happened before this one.
I received a digital copy of Kathleen Baldwin's Sanctuary for Seers from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Sanctuary for Seers will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for teen readers enjoy reading fantasy fiction. I would love to read the previous books from the Stranje House series to see what happened before this one.
I received a digital copy of Kathleen Baldwin's Sanctuary for Seers from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
June 14, 2024
Might come back to this later. Since I barely remember the first four books, I felt confused a lot of the time and I couldn’t even remember what the other girls were like in their own books. Emma’s POV was a welcome addition, but I don’t know if I like the placement of it. Hearing her thoughts at the end might have been interesting, since it is her wedding and her school and the conclusion of the series. It was nice to see how the girls’ lives had changed a year later, but again, I don’t remember the other girls that much. Sera’s POV wasn’t bad, but it isn’t my favorite from the little I do remember. However, the first person perspective was done well, to me, and the writing style was good too. If I read the first four again, it’s definitely not going to be this year because I just don’t have the energy for that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
I thought this was a very well written story with characters that have depth. This was the concluding book in the Stranje House series. Each of the girls/women in this series possess some type of supernatural ability that helps them in their endeavours to protect their "school" and each other while also assisting in "protecting the crown". There is mystery and intrigue woven into the story and perils that they must face. In addition, they seem to find love while facing death.... All-in-all, a very interesting and intriguing story. I will now have to go and read the previous books in the series....
I thank the author and goodreads for including this book in one of their giveaways that I was lucky enough to win.
I thank the author and goodreads for including this book in one of their giveaways that I was lucky enough to win.
July 22, 2023
I won a free copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway, so I thought it only fair to give a review of this finale of the Stranje House series.
Firstly, the romance: I never bought into Sera’s connection with Quentin. It seemed forced to me, especially compared to the others romances in the series. Her connection to Ghost seemed more romantic and genuine, though the author tried to cover that up by saying Sera felt a kinship with him that was “like a brother.” I didn’t buy that excuse at all, and neither did Quentin.
The plot and the action were well done, but I wish the author would have tied up loose ends with Lady Daneska instead of ending it with a mystery.
Emma and Ethan have my heart, and I’m glad they got their happy ending.
I’d rate this a 2.5/5, rounded up to 3.
Firstly, the romance: I never bought into Sera’s connection with Quentin. It seemed forced to me, especially compared to the others romances in the series. Her connection to Ghost seemed more romantic and genuine, though the author tried to cover that up by saying Sera felt a kinship with him that was “like a brother.” I didn’t buy that excuse at all, and neither did Quentin.
The plot and the action were well done, but I wish the author would have tied up loose ends with Lady Daneska instead of ending it with a mystery.
Emma and Ethan have my heart, and I’m glad they got their happy ending.
I’d rate this a 2.5/5, rounded up to 3.
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