4.5 * rounding up.

Very gothicesque read! And look at that cover! It definitely sets all the vibes for this book!

I loved the more somber and dark vibes that Ashthorne Hall gave off. Kind of reminded me of when Jane arrives at Thornfield Hall to work for Mr. Rochester in the novel, Jane Eyre. There's a mystery and secret that makes everyone believe the estate is haunted.

Hyacinth Bell finds herself very isolated and warned to not go exploring the home, keep to her work, and all will be well. Duh, duh, duuuuuhhhh!!!! Of course she's intrigued now, and with all the strange happenings, she's determined to figure out what is going on. And take care of her orchids! Which by the way, is not easy at all! Have you tried to keep orchids alive? I'm happy to say that I've been pretty successful recently. So I loved the parts that talked about orchids and the other botanist talk. So interesting to think about what was believed years and years ago and to see the discoveries and understanding happen to help us now, as well as all of the continued study happening in botany.

I loved the developing friendship and more between Hyacinth and the manor's caretaker, Lucas Harding. Discovering more about his history and the history of Ashthorne Hall added to the mystery. And when Hyacinth knows that a man has been sneaking around the Hall, watch out! Everything is going to be raised up a notch and she'll have to be quick thinking.

There's more that I want to talk about that I found so interesting and sad about a point in history. But if I did, I'd spoil the mystery and surprise. But I really liked how the author used this in her story and how it all panned out!

And now cue ominous warning... Watch out for danger, it's close behind you Miss Hyacinth!!!!

I hope you enjoy this one like I did!!!

Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Nothing further than a few sweet kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

"The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall" by Rebecca Anderson was the first book I read by this author, and I found it both enjoyable and entertaining. The story is set in 1887 on the Cornwall coast, where Hyacinth Bell comes to Ashtorne Hall to take care of Mr. Whitbeck's orchids while the family is away in India. Hyacinth is a renowned botanist who is passionate about flowers, but she is also very curious. When she hears rumours about the hall being haunted and is warned not to venture into the North wing, her curiosity leads her to uncover a mystery.

Lucas Harding is the estate's caretaker, and Hyacinth soon forms a friendship with the young and handsome man. There is an obvious chemistry between the two main characters as the story weaves together full of superstitions, secrets, science, mystery, history, romance, danger and botany. The characters are well-developed, complex, and intriguing, keeping you captivated from start to finish.

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall was intriguing from the start. Such a worthy read. The hint of ghostly activity is well done, giving delightful goose bumps. Interesting how it turns and resolves away from ghostly. I kinda wished for more ghostly, but appreciated the historical aspect enough to love the story.

This is a review for The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall, by Rebecca Anderson, that will be released on 4/16/24. This is a review for NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. Rarely do I begin a book that starts out with an interesting story, but then builds and builds as I turn the pages, till the end where my heart is pumping, and I shut the book, and say, "Wow, I'm speechless!". This book left me speechless, as it was that good, and made me aware of something in history that I had no idea that happened! 

It begins in 1877 on the shores of Cornwall, England, with a botanist, Hyacinth, who is somewhat if an expert in the care of orchids,  and who is asked by Mr. Whitbeck, Orchid enthusiast, and owner of Orchids Hall, to care for His beloved hothouse full of his precious array of all his orchids while he and his family go to stay in India.  Orchids are beautiful flowers not native to Cornwall, but needed to be cared for in a hothouse/greenhouse back then.).  Little does Hyacinth realize that there are rumors that Ashthorne Hall is haunted, nor does she expect to meet its very handsome caretaker, Lucas.  Hyacinth finds herself drawn into a mystery that eventually leads to love, but also grave danger, but one which she will play a vital part!

As I read this book, I thought it was going to be a nice romance set in Cornwall, just a sweet story...but it ended up being an incredible story that had my heart pumping, and I read in one night because I had to find out what happened!  I was so engrossed, and didn't expect what happened at all, then to find that what happened, even though this story was fiction, the subject did actually take place!  This book was very well written, great characters, amazing plot, and unpredictable and amazing climax!  I give it 5 stars!!  At first I thought it would be a 4 star, but as I read, it got better and better!  I highly recommend it!!!!

On the Cornwall coast in 1887, botanist Hyacinth Bell becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding Ashthorne Hall. Focused on the estate's orchid collection, she's drawn to the charismatic caretaker, Lucas Harding, despite the strange occurrences that keep occurring around her. As romance blooms, so do ominous signs, prompting Hyacinth to investigate the secrets lurking in the manor's shadows, unraveling a tale of love, mystery, and the spectral echoes of the past.

This one is more of a 2.5 for me, but I’m rounding up to be generous. If I had known this was an “insta-love” story, I would have passed on reading it. I rolled my eyes every time Hyacinth thought about how much she loved him after first meeting him and a week of knowing him.

And though the book starts out with tension and suspense, it quickly faded for me. Hyacinth never seemed concerned about the strange occurrences. Even when someone was in her room, she didn’t tell anyone. I was frequently frustrated by her.

There is a character that I feel should have been the main character. The tragedy was heartbreaking, and I wanted to know more about her than either of the main characters.

Overall, this was a miss for me. There was nothing really bad, but I didn’t enjoy it. I suppose I would recommend it to readers looking for an easy read.

I really enjoyed this book! Hyacinth's independence and intelligence made her a fun character to read about. Her interactions and chemistry with Lucas was great. The mystery plot was interesting and kept me wondering what was going to happen.

A beautiful story and everything I’ve come to expect from a Proper Romance. It’s definitely a touch gothic, a quick read, and covers a topic with which I was completely unfamiliar. Delightful.

I received a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain.

I received this book through NetGalley. Hyacinth Bell has been hired as a caretaker for Lord Whitmore’s exotic orchids in Ashthorne Hall. It is here that she comes face to face with a mystery. This story reminds me a little Jane Eyre and The secret Garden. A good quick read.

"A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell, who is set on solving the mystery of both.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall - that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls - but botanist Hyacinth Bell cares only about the estate's extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love - like an orchid - must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn't expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor's caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing, then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth's worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but Hyacinth suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate."

Please please say this goes all Wilkie Collins by way of Jane Eyre.

Slow paced, haunting, and atmospheric. It was a light read, gothic in nature, and just what I needed.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

#TheOrchidsofAshthorneHall #NetGalley

Hyacinth is a young lady botanist sent to a remote estate to care for rare orchids while the family of the estate is in India. The estate is known for having a ghost. This book has the feels of being gothic. It was a little different. Hyacinth talks to the orchids as if they were friends, being so careful with each plant. She is determined to find out the mystery behind Ashthorne Hall. Lucas is the caretaker at Ashthorne Hall, and Hyacinth can tell that he harbors a secret.

This novel wasn’t too bad.
I had most of it figured out once all the characters were laid out. The romance happened a bit quickly for me and I had hoped for more hauntings but all in all the story came together really well.
This is an easy read.
I finished this novel in a day so I recommend this book for anyone looking for something that’s not too complex.

This is the perfect Gothic Historical Romantic Suspense book I've read in a long time. Of course it's srlet in Cornwall in England. Of course it has a big old creepy mansion and a ghost with a handsome caretaker. This was so perfect for a rainy day. It was atmospheric and I loved every word of it!! Definitely a 5 star read. I can't stop thinking about it!!
I just reviewed The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson. #TheOrchidsofAshthorneHall #NetGalley
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The book was a bit slow with a little too much description of surroundings and not enough dialogue. I did enjoy the mystery and that kept me reading. The romance could have used more development.

"Orchids and ghosts and romance. What more could any woman want?"

I've read a couple of Rebecca Anderson's books before and I thought the cover of this book was completely captivating and as an orchid lover myself, it peaked my curiosity.  I loved the beginning of the story, and the Cornwall setting.  It was atmospheric, and laid down the foundation for a gothic vibe mystery.  However,  I felt the romance overshadowed the mystery, which I figured out pretty easily, and I found it to be VERY quick to the point of being unbelievable. It's odd, because that usually doesn't bother me but this time it did. The FMC seemed immature to me, she had herself practically married to the MMC the moment she clapped eyes on him.  Apparently I'm not a believer of love at first sight.  The romance was clean, kisses only. I really enjoyed the references to my fellow orchid friends and I liked how she talked to the plants and even need them.  I would have loved if the mystery took a more prominent role and the gothic vibe had deepened to a greater degree as the story progressed.  I liked the inclusion of the match girls and their plight but also wished that thread had been explored more in the story. 

I can't see this book being re-read for me.  Maybe my expectations were too high.  If you enjoy Joanna Davidson Politano or Abigail Wilson there is a good chance you will enjoy this book.

Thank you, Rebecca Anderson and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I love all proper romance novels so went into this with expectations and they were met. I loved the botanist aspect and this book made me want to buy an orchid. Not so much a mystery that it needed to be released in October which I appreciated. It is definitely atmospheric though so reading in the fall time would be fun!

In the atmospheric and haunting tale of "The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall," author Rebecca Anderson crafts a mesmerizing narrative set against the rugged Cornwall coast in 1887. The story revolves around Hyacinth Bell, a determined botanist with a passion for orchids, who becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding Ashthorne Hall. The ghostly rumors surrounding the estate add an eerie backdrop to the blossoming romance between Hyacinth and Lucas Harding, the charismatic caretaker with a hidden past. As Hyacinth delves into the strange occurrences within the halls of the estate, the novel takes readers on a suspenseful journey filled with unexplainable noises, mysterious disappearances, and the specter of a woman in white.

The author skillfully combines elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Hyacinth's independent spirit and determination to uncover the truth add depth to her character, while Lucas's enigmatic nature adds layers of intrigue to the plot. This is a captivating blend of historical fiction and ghostly mystery, offering a gripping tale of love, secrets, and the dark shadows that lurk within the hidden corners of a ghostly estate.

I wanted to love this book, but it was just okay for me. The characters were a little too good to be true, the romance between Lucas and Hyacinth moved incredibly fast -- too fast to be believable -- and the story itself was by turns confusing and then a little too trite. The concept was good, but I didn't love it.

I am in love with this cover; it perfectly matches the vibes of the story! I enjoyed the intelligent heroine with a unique set of skills, the mystery of the "ghost", the spooky and suspenseful elements ( that gave me goosebumps more than once, and the underlying theme of social reform. I am so glad a romance was included but it was a little too much on the insta love side of the line (as opposed to insta attraction) for my liking. I also wish the main characters would have communicated more and the heroine definitely made some questionable choices, though admittedly, they did move the plot along and brought further conflict into the story. I would recommend this one to any fan of gothic romance.

Extremely slow moving story of an orchid expert who is hired to care for the flowers on a remote estate while the family is away. Not much in the way of suspense and the ghost is far from scary.