'Ashthorne Hall held more secrets than it was possible to believe.'

Oooookay, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall and Rebecca Anderson- I see you!

This book is a delicious, gothic-style romantic mystery that had me on the edge of my seat! I usually wait for fall to read these types of books, but this one was totally worth reading at any time of the year. The focus on the flowers, orchids in particular gave it a nice spring touch ;)

The romance was super fun. I enjoyed the "experiments" our FMC, Hyacinth, conducted as her feelings grew for Lucas, the manor's caretaker. Anything in the name of science, right?! The romance was the perfect touch to balance out the intrigue and mystery. I would say it was half and half for both!

The mystery was haunting in such a delightful way.

"I feel so foolish. I must be the only woman in the world to find herself scared out of her wits by not hearing a ghost."

While there is nothing otherworldly happening in the manor or on the grounds of the manor, the Cornwall moors descriptions make this a perfectly, haunting type of read. I absolutely loved how information was given to the reader. I LOVED the historical facts about the people living at this time. The author's notes at the end were informative, and a little sad to hear what conditions were like in factories.

Bottom line, I really enjoyed this read. It was historically informative, had a great setting, the mystery held me captive and the romance absolutely swoony! If any of those interest you, I think you would love this read as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content: mystery, mild violence, descriptions of medical diseases, loss of loved ones (not on page), botany, romance-kisses only.

Atmospheric, mysterious, romantic, and poignant! The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall immediately reminded me of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast. There’s the spooky mansion with a closed off area where no one is supposed to go, rumors of ghosts and hidden treasure, and rather than roses, there are gorgeous orchids. But, this book is definitely its own thing and I loved how a tragic, often overlooked moment in history was woven into the story.

Hyacinth Bell is a botanist who’s worked hard to secure her prestigious reputation with orchids. She accepts a position at Ashthorne Hall to care for the family’s prized orchid collection while they’re away in India. Her first visit to the Hall is marred by a wind storm. Cue the ominous music. And, her welcome is anything but cordial as she finds herself regaled with stories of ghosts and a less than friendly housekeeper. There’s definitely a mystery here just begging for Hyacinth to solve.

What she doesn’t expect, is the Hall’s handsome caretaker, Lucas Harding. He’s a breath of fresh air and a charming addition to the dreary Hall. She’s immediately taken with him and finds herself easily falling in love. But, does Lucas know more than he lets on about the strange goings on in the house and can she trust him? As threatening notes, strange noises, and items disappear and then reappear in her room, she’s determined more than ever to discover the truth.

I loved the feelings the story evoked and found myself on the edge of my seat when our intrepid heroine wanders Ashthorne Hall. There’s definitely a creepy factor in addition to the sweet, whirlwind, friends to more romance. I don’t want to say much more to spoil the mystery except it was unexpectedly shocking and sad, and well worth the build up to the exciting conclusion. I was so happy with the outcome of the story.

Highly recommend to those who enjoy gothic romances and don’t mind a little spooky suspense. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 to 5 stars!

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a unique late-Victorian era romance with plenty of Gothic influence. Personally, I didn’t connect with the characters or storyline to my satisfaction. However, this book has plenty of elements that will greatly appeal to other readers. I’m always game to give a Proper Romance a try, and although this one missed the mark for me, it may be someone else’s favorite. 2.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an enjoyable, quick read. I'm generally not a fan of insta-love romances, and that kind of bugged me a bit in this book, but other than that, it was a good story. I figured out a bit of the mystery before it was revealed, but not so much that I wasn't intrigued to find out why things were the way they were. I appreciated the author giving a bit of history in the acknowledgement section - I always enjoy reading more historical facts that help bring the story to life even more. The author did a great job of bringing the characters to life, and I found myself unwilling to put the book down.

The cover is great and sets the vibe of this moody gothic type mystery. Hyacinth Bell is an expert on orchids and travels to Ashthorne Hall in Cornwall to stay at an estate and care for the owner's prized orchids while he travels to India. The only people in residence are the housekeeper and her nephew Lucas Harding who is the caretaker. It is 1887 and Hyacinth is an independent woman who doesn’t love the bustle of London. The house isn’t welcoming and many doors and areas are off limits. And Hyacinth keeps catching glimpses of a figure in white.

The book sets a nice tone of mystery, darkness and secrets in the house. It is quick to read but the plotting is slow. And truly not very much happens. I like the real things that the book shines a light on but I wasn’t swept up in the interaction between Lucas and Hyacinth. This is a wholesome, clean romance and it was nice to have a gothic tone instead of a more traditional London based romance. But I wanted a bit more to earn a high rating. I can see others enjoyed it more so I am in the minority. (3.5 Stars)

Gothic feel mystery/romance

The main characters are somewhat strangely flat, given the substance of the storyline.
I found it hard to relate to them.
Hyacinth Bell is a botanist who goes to a windswept mansion, Ashthorne Hall, on the moors of Cornwall alongside pounding ocean. She is being paid to look after Mr. Charles Whitbeck’s large collection of orchids whilst he’s in India, hunting for more.
Hyacinth is warned off by a whiskey sodden ruffian who’s assisting in the local gardening shop.
At Ashthorne Hall Hyacinth finds a dour housekeeper, Mrs. Carter, who warns her to lock her bedroom door and not to wander the hallways at night.
She also meets the handsome estate’s caretaker, Lucas Harding, who is the housekeeper’s nephew.
But strange things happen in the night and Hyacinth is determined to find out what’s happening. Is there a ghost, pirates, something else?
What Hyacinth confronts is both shocking and heartbreaking. A scourge on innovation without care. But will she live to tell her tale?
This was I interesting but I wasn’t wholly engaged.

A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Hyacinth Bell has spent the better part of her adult life studying botany and has garnered a reputation as an expert in the care and cultivation of orchids. It is that reputation that lands her the opportunity of a lifetime, to act as temporary caretaker to an unprecedented collection of orchids at Ashthorne Hall, while the family is in India. Excited beyond measure to begin this new adventure, Hyacinth sets out for the wilds of the Cornish moors, but things are not exactly going as expected.

After being warned about ghosts and strange goings-on at the manor, Hyacinth is torn between excitement and fear, especially when she learns that the only staff in the house is Mrs. Carter, the housekeeper, a sullen woman who dashes any hopes Hyacinth had of forming a kinship. Mrs. Carter proceeds to shoot down all of Hyacinth’s plans to explore the house when she makes it clear that other than the kitchen, a couple of drawing rooms and her bedroom, the rest of the house is off-limits, especially the North Wing. Hyacinth is curious and wants to be respectful of her employer’s rules, but a glimpse of what could possibly be the ghost she was warned about, brings out the rebel in Hyacinth. Will she find the ghost, or is there something even more sinister lurking in the forbidden rooms of Ashthorne Hall? And will the secretive, yet charming and handsome caretaker, Lucas Hastings, supply answers or just add to the already mounting pile of questions?

This was a wonderful book, well-written and nicely paced with a distinctly gothic vibe. The book has a bit of everything you could want in a gothic romance, rain-swept moors, a dark, drafty manor, ghosts, mysterious lights, locked doors, unexplained items showing up in the middle of the night, a handsome yet secretive caretaker, a protective yet stern housekeeper, a sweet budding romance, shocking revelations, moments of thrilling suspense and finally a spectacular ending complete with HEA and an epilogue. I loved this book and would happily recommend it, the author clearly did her research and gives readers a heartbreaking story with a very sweet love story woven in. If you love a gothic-like vibe, with wonderful characters, kissing only love scenes and a happy ending – this book is for you!

4.5 stars, rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

I loved this book! It has romance, mystery, and a little bit of suspense, and I love that combination in my books. It is a retelling of Jane Eyre, which I’ve never read, but I know enough about it to recognize a retelling. It did take me a few chapters to become completely engrossed in the story, but once I was, it was hard to put down. And I thought Hyacinth was entertaining with Eleanor.

Hyacinth loves orchids, and she has studied them intensely. When a job offer comes to tend the orchids at a manor while the family is overseas, she jumps at the chance. But the manor isn’t exactly what she expected, with the standoffish housekeeper and whole wings of the house off limits. And then there’s the rumors of a ghost…

To paraphrase the author, "Orchids, ghosts and romance, what more could a girl want?" I loved this gothic mystery and sweet romance from start to finish. I devoured it in a couple of days. The heroine, Hyacinth (who talks and sings to her pet orchid) is the easiest leading lady to root for that I've come across in a while. Her love interest and mysterious groundskeeper, Lucas, is kind, swoony leading man material. Their banter and exchanges made me giggle like a schoolgirl. In short, the wholesome romance was "Suuuuper cute."

The mysterious gothic setting, Ashthorne Hall is a manor house being attended to by only a couple of servants while the owners live in India. It is always fun to explore how the other half lives, especially when they are not in residence. Is it haunted? Or is the specter Hyacinth chases through the manor, a living person? Are the inhabitants of Ashthorne Hall safe?

I won't spoil the mystery which has a lot of factual basis in British manufacturing history. I kept thinking about "Enola Holmes 2" during the last quarter of the book. The story has a big, satisfying climactic ending. I hope the author writes more in the gothic romance genre. The genre has too few dedicated authors serving its readership these days.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rebecca Anderson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall coming out April 2, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own..

I love Rebecca Anderson’s writing and subject matter. I thought this book would be really interesting. I think the first half of the book was lovely. I enjoyed the gothic vibes of the setting. It felt a little like Jane Eyre. I thought Hyacinth and Lucas got on well together and I enjoyed the dialogue. I think there was a little too much description for me though. It felt like it was always explaining things instead of showing things. I would’ve liked a little more background information about the mystery. A few characters seemed to pop up out of nowhere without really understanding them. The ending was a little dramatic. I wasn’t really sure what was going on with some of it. I don’t want to give anything away, but the drama seemed to be wrapped up a little too nicely at the end. Overall, I really enjoyed it though.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic stories!

If you like your books a tiny bit spooky, a little mysterious and romantic then this is the book for you! I really enjoyed this book! I loved Hyacinth and Lucas. I thought Hyacinth was cute with her talking to her flowers. I loved the mysterious moments of this book and trying to figure out what was going on. The romance part was not my favorite but still fine. It was also interesting to learn about match factory workers. I think Fans of Jane Eyre would love this story! Overall, a clean romance and I really enjoyed the story. Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance, Proper Romance, Gothic Romance
Subplot: Mystery
Spice Level: Sweet

Things I loved:

Eleanor the orchid

The house

The gothic vibes

The budding romance (hope you liked the pun for this plant-driven novel)

The taciturn housekeeper (I never knew if I should trust her or not! Well done!)

Historical time period and inclusion of facts about the matchmakers

Secrets

Things I wished for:

I really wanted another twist

For it to be a little longer

More character development for the antagonist

The house vibes are gothic, along with ghost stories and possible hauntings. Pacing is steady at a good clip. (I actually would have slowed it down a bit and possibly told more ghost stories.)

THE ORCHIDS OF ASHTHORNE HALL is a fun and sweet read with just a few spine tingles along the way. This book is appropriate for moms and daughters to read together.

I recommend this book!

Happy reading!

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is an ode to the great Gothic novels. The central isn’t Hyacinth or Lucas. It’s not even the ghost Hyacinth keeps seeing.

It’s the home itself.

As you read, you can’t help but think of Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre), Misselthwaite Manor (The Secret Garden) or Manderley (Rebecca). Like the large estates listed above, Ashthorne is sweeping in scope with locked doors and forbidden wings. It seems safe, somewhat beautiful even in the light of day, but at night, strange sounds and shadows seem less than harmless.

The book wouldn’t work without this world that author Rebecca Anderson has curated. And it’s against this backdrop that readers get to know Hyacinth. The story unfolds from her point of view with mysterious laments interspersed between chapters. Hyacinth is a fairly benign character with flashes of excitement here or there. The romance between her and Lucas feels a bit rushed, especially with the secrets he’s keeping from her.

Nonetheless, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a romance mystery that moves quickly and is full of atmosphere.

As with all Proper Romance novels, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a sweet romance that is appropriate for age levels, young adult and up.

This book was unexpected and interesting. It is has gothic overtones with a look at a serious issue of the day. There is romance and danger and excitement throughout the book. I loved the characters and the laments before each chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Intrigue , suspicion, and romance .
This book has all three !

That being said I had a hard time connecting with this book and its characters . I wanted to love it but the plot wasn’t quite there .

Hyacinth comes to the estate to take care of the owners large exotic plants and flowers .

She loves the plants and talks to them as if they were people . Which kindof threw me off. She was an odd duck who seemed more comfortable with plants than people and when told not to go in certain rooms makes it a mission to do the very opposite .

I say she was an odd duck but she only seemed like that for the first part of the book and then seemed to be more than comfortable around other people .

Lucas is the caretaker of the home with his aunt , the housekeeper.

Hyacinth immediately falls in love with Lucas .

At the same time strange things keep happening in the home . Why does she keep seeing things in the home when only three people are living there . Is there a ghost ? Because it sure looks and feels like it.

Lucas falls in love with her pretty immediately and asks her to correspond with his sister so she can connect with his favorite family member. She loves writing her and feels like shes known her and Lucas for forever .

There are so many elements that have potential but seem to be lacking something or be too hurried in the book.

I do not want to reveal the big secret in this book but wow that is where the plot shines ! I think a book revolved around that would be fascinating.

I hate to say the book is only an okay read because parts kept my attention and made me want to know more but there were also quite a bit of the plot that was lacking and seemed hurried .

Thank you to Netgalley for a download in exchange for an unbiased review .

I absolutely loved this book. This is my first new proper romance of the year and it was incredible. This is my favorite one from Becca Aka Rebecca that she's written. It was fast paced, and such a unique story. I would highly recommend!

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a story of mystery and romance. Hyacinth Bell has come to care for the many orchids at the manor while the family is in India, and finds herself chasing ghosts. She sees a white figure and it intrigues her more than scares her. Lucas Harding is the caretaker for the manor and finds Hyacinth a unique and interesting person. She finds him charming and is easily swept away with notions of romance for the first time. Shortly, she starts to hear things and things appear and disappear. Being forbidden from the north wing of the manor doesn’t stop her from exploring and finding something quite unusual. Things are good until danger appears at her doorstep.

Rebecca Anderson has written a wonderful Victorian romance that had me reading it in one sitting. I loved her style of writing when she took a scientist/botanist and used that as a love language for Lucas and Hyacinth. The heroine was a strong individual and her sense of adventure propelled the story forward creating suspense and intrigue. The use of the Lament at the beginning of each chapter added another dimension to the story just like another character. The importance of his sister’s plight just added another layer and how important it was for Hyacinth and Lucas to let it be known to the world. The story took me away to Cornwall and the coastline, and how beautiful and dangerous it can feel at the same time. Rebecca Anderson is a new voice in historical fiction and her writing will pull you in. Fans of historical romances would definitely enjoy The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall and will no doubt will love it as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rebecca Anderson for the opportunity to read The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall.

What a fantastic read. This book was haunting and eerie and beautiful and thrilling. The chemistry between Lucas and Hyacinth was phenomenal. Watching their initial attraction deepen into true regard and then love was a joy. The more mysterious elements of the book were outstanding as well. I loved the laments at the beginning of each chapter, especially 1-10. I absolutely loved this and will definitely be reading it again.

This book starts out with a gothic feel to it. There’s parts along the way that were a bit sappy and made me roll my eyes. I was expecting more of a ghost story and was a bit surprised to what it was really about.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Thrilling Gothic Romance

I’m not a huge fan of Gothic romances but this book made me reevaluate my stance. I enjoyed all the research the author must have done about orchids and their care. Hyacinth was the spunky heroine we all need in a gothic romance and Lucas was the charming mysterious man we expect from these novels. The mystery and twists the author wrote were captivating. She added enough creepy for the gothic setting without making it unbearably scary. I gasped as times when she added twists to the mystery that kept me in suspense. The ending was so awesome, I cannot begin to describe how much I loved it. Another amazing read by Rebecca that you don’t want to miss!