I’ve loved past books by Iona Grey but unfortunately this wasn’t my favorite. The setting was amazing but I had a hard time with the third-person omniscient narration.

Grey is a lovely writer, but this isn’t going to be for you if you’re not into romance.

I was hoping the book would feel more like the historical fiction label it’s been tagged with, but it’s more of a historical romance, which didn’t work for me.

I liked the writing and the sense of place is very well-rendered, but the history (and really, any broader plot) takes a backseat to a fairly overwrought love story, which failed to hold my attention well and veers too frequently into manufactured angst and heartache for my taste.

If you enjoy romance, this one is at least well written, relatively accurate historically speaking, and not of the open door persuasion. But if you’re looking for true historical fiction, look elsewhere.

I think The Housekeeper's Secret is a thoughtfully written book and I also think that Iona Grey is a talented writer. That said, I found the pace of this book to be brutally slow, particularly at the beginning. It's hard to pinpoint what exactly didn't entirely work for me--the pieces are all there (mystery, romance, atmosphere). Part of the issue, for me, was that I was never entirely sure what this book was trying to be. Still, it's a good read and I believe many will enjoy it.

What a lovely and touching book. I did not expect to like it so much. Something about the author's writing made this book super engaging and enjoyable. It just made me happy to read it. It is a slow-burn romance but it has so much feeling and the romance is not over-the-top - it is secondary to the character-driven storyline. Highly recommended!!!! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC #sponsored

"The Housekeeper's Secret" is the story of Kate Furniss, a young woman who has risen to the rank of housekeeper at an early age. Of course, it helps that she herself was raised in privilege. It was only after an unfortunate marriage that she found herself in need of employment. So she signed on to the household at Coldwell Hall. The housekeeper at the time came to rely on Kate for many things, so it was natural for her to step into the role when the older woman vacated it.

Thus far, she's created a pleasant household for everyone, both above and below stairs. But when a new footman is hired, Gem Arden proves to be a bit more than Mrs. Furniss bargained for. The problem is, Gem has secrets of his own he's hiding.

As the two try to navigate an illicit love affair, they each risk more than just their positions. She risks her safety, and he risks unlocking the secret to his past.

While the story was well-written and the characters were believable, I have to admit, so much of the story was fraught with danger and the potential to be ill-used that I found myself not wanting to continue to read the story. Perhaps it was just bad timing, but it made it hard to enjoy the story as much as I had hoped to.

Thank you to Iona Grey, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Dual time line historical fiction. Kate has retreated to a place no one would look for her and has assumed a role that is vastly different from her prior life. She has closed herself off until a man begins working at the estate and she opens herself up to the possibility that she may be able to have the life she always dreamed of.

I won’t lie, I wanted to give up on this book after the first few chapters. Honestly it wasn’t the book but more so my frame of mind. Lately I’ve read a lot of fantasy books and it took me a bit to get back into the historical perspective. This book was a bit confusing to follow too but I persevered. If maybe the war part of the story came first it may had been easier to follow. If you enjoy historical books give it a go.

My book picker has been a bit off this Fall, as several of my NetGalley picks have not been in my area of interest. This should remind me not to judge a book by it's cover.. With the cover featuring a woman's back walking up stately stairs and the description of the book indicating the setting of Northern England, I was primed to enjoy this tale. However, there was so much time describing the setting that I soon found myself ready to just be done with it. I appreciate Iona Grey's writing and the character development, but this book was so dark and felt desolate. It probably didn't help that I read this during the US election season where I was fleeing darkness and craving a light story. Not for me, but a well written book.

I love historical romance and expect them to be a little slower paced as were the times. This book has some negative reviews based on that alone. I enjoyed it, and I always love a mystery sprinkled in! Very good IMO.

Told in multiple points of view set between their current day, a future time, and letters of another perspective throughout, the main part of the cast are the servants and staff of a northern English manor that is frequently empty of its master, seeking a mistress, and looming beneath the pall of a mystery that predates most of the staff. That said, the house isn't the only being shrouded in mystery and secrets. Through the unraveling of the secrets, the past becomes clear, but so do their futures.

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This was a really interesting book and I loved the plot and the idea around it. At times it felt a little longer then it needed to be but ultimately I really enjoyed this one!

I started reading this book during middle of the night feedings with my newborn daughter. I was happily surprised that I got into the story quickly. It kept my attention which was hard to do at the time. I was so sleep deprived but this book gave me something to look forward to when her cries stirred me out of a dead sleep.

I really liked the main character, Kate. She had such a quiet strength despite the horrible things she had been subjected to in her past. I liked how her relationship Jem developed slowly and organically. I never felt like it was rushed or didn’t make sense.

The side characters and storylines were equally intriguing. I hated the ones that were I felt like the reader was meant to hate. I rooted for the characters who the reader was meant to root for. It definitely evoked a lot of emotions due to the hardships and tragedies within the pages.

There was also a mystery that was present. It wasn’t the sole focus but it would come back around every now and then. I felt like it came to a satisfying conclusion and added layers to the story that were welcomed.

Overall, I would happily read more books from this author. I’m going to seek out this author’s backlist.

What a delight! If you’ve been looking for something that reminds you of “Downton Abbey,” this novel is sure to be a welcome addition to your bookshelf. Well-plotted and sumptuous.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book.

A historical novel with several characters, a love story, and many secrets. All under one roof. Fans of Downton Abbey will love this book! It took a bit for me to get into this book, and I almost gave up on it several times. I'm glad I stuck with it because the story is incredible.

Kate and Jem's story will have you hooked until the end. With wonderful character development, looming secrets, a bit of crime and mystery, this book has something for everyone. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this book is for you.

Fans of Downton Abbey will love this one! Lots of upstairs/downstairs drama, a host of secrets, and a romance keep the pages turning in this latest by Iona Grey. It is focused more on the servants than the family upstairs, and instead of the glamour and elegance of Downton we get a rather dark and cold estate that suits the mystery and drama. This story really does give Anna/Mr. Bates vibes and I am here for it!

The Housekeeper’s Secret is a beautifully written novel and although very slow paced at times, is still enjoyable. The story alternates timelines between the summer of 1911 and WWI as well as perspectives between Kate and Jem. It’s a historical romance with murder mystery thrown in which was entertaining and exciting. The authors attention to detail and research was impressive. I love Iona Grey’s writing and storytelling style.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of Downton Abbey rejoice! This scratches the itch for the sumptuous Edwardian era while being a deliciously sinister thriller! It was truly a page turner.

"The Housekeeper's Secret" by Iona Grey is certainly full of secrets! Many layers of mystery in the backdrop of a bustling residence with lots of staff, with a dark past, strong characters, and uncovering the truth. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

This historical fiction novel was a bit slow moving with just a touch a romance and mystery. The time period of early 1900s is such an interesting time period. I think overall the novel was too long but very interesting.

This book was a wonderful treat! I thought about giving up after the first few pages, because I wasn't in the right frame of mind for a historical read, but once the stranger was spotted through the window, I was hooked. I thought this story was very well-written and plotted out. I loved all the characters and I truly savored this read!

This historical novel takes place before and during WWI from 1911 - 1918. Coldwell is an old rambling house in a very remote location of Derbyshire England. It provides a quiet haven of safety for a wonderful cast of chartacters and I found it easy to get immersed in this world that the author created. And, there are secrets...

Young housekeeper, Kate Furniss, has hidden her secret behind the walls of Coldwell and her mask of assumed professionalism for the past 10 years. And it is imperative that she stays safely hidden.

Handsome Jem Arden arrives at their doorstep when the household is in desperate need of another footman. But Jem has his own agenda.

I loved all the characters! There are too many to make mention of in this review, but they each had their own unique personality and were easily identifiable. I also enjoyed the multiple timelines and POV's the author achieved and the letters written from the trench. It was a beautifully interwoven story that I thoroughly became engaged in and would highly recommend!

**Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher St Martin's Press, and the author for an advanced DRC**