I enjoyed reading Jenni Keer’s debut novel, The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker several years ago and thought I’d like to read more of her books. This one is her eighth book, so I missed the books in between. I don’t often read romance or fantasy novels but The House of Lost Whispers has both elements and it’s also historical fiction set before, during and after the First World War. I preferred the historical element, especially the middle section about the War. But I also enjoyed reading the fantasy element about the anomaly in the magnetic field surrounding the earth causing vibrations, disrupting the fabric of space and time. This resulted in the formation of a duplicate earth, one parallel with our world, in which the Titanic did not sink on 12th April 1912.

I think this is a very interesting and possibly original idea, exploring what life would have been like for Olivia and her family if the Titanic had not been sunk. The book also explores loss and grief, family life, friendship and romantic relationships, as well as the devastating and horrific events of the First World War. As described in the blurb Olivia in the ‘real’ world and Seth in the parallel world can hear each other through the wall in her tower bedroom (the whispers), but despite their efforts they cannot break through to meet.

It’s beautifully descriptive, bringing the settings to life and there is also a murder mystery to solve. My only criticisms are that at times I did get a bit confused about Seth’s character and his parallel in the ‘real’ world, and I could have done without the love scenes (too descriptive in places). As I read on I was wondering how it would end and maybe Jenni Keer wondered too because the conclusion seemed rushed and rather neatly sown up. I was a bit disappointed, although I can’t imagine how else it could have ended. But overall it kept me reading, wanting to know what would happen next.

This book started off strong and interesting. I thought for sure after they described the anomaly that it would come back up later in the series. Sadly, more study into the way the alternate universes were created or work did not occur. In fact, I feel as if this book’s blurb was kind of misleading. Olivia did not time travel, she did not look into time travelling theory and she was not able to access the alternate reality from anywhere except the wall in her room. And even then, she could only hear Seth and not even see him. It was a unique take for sure but not one I personally liked. I also did not like how the characters evolved. They seemed bland and detached and even the romance itself, I wasn’t really feeling it. I could see that the author tried to grow the character’s personality it just never hit home.

I liked the country setting and ambiance of the early 1900’s era. I enjoyed the mystery that was sprinkled in throughout the story and solved at the end. I did not see that reveal coming. I also enjoyed the descriptive writing, I felt like I was there, and I could imagine exactly the locations the characters frequented.

I did not like how many characters were killed off, but I do appreciate that it made me emotional even though it was anger and sadness haha. Regarding the main romantic couple, the author tried to light that spark but ultimately, I did not feel the love. I was ok with them in the end, but it wasn’t any grand conclusion considering the blurb was all like Olivia will stop at nothing to get into this other reality etc. She didn’t really do much, but it was a memorable read which is why I’ll give it a solid 4 stars instead of 3.5 and rounding down. I probably won’t pick up the next book anytime soon. This author is definitely a mood read, at least for me. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this Arc.

Grade
4/5 ⭐ overall
2/5 💗 romance
0/5 🌶️ spice

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #thehouseoflostwhispers #netgalley

Olivia’s parents sadly perish on the titanic and she goes to live with the Fairchild family who were her nominated guardians. When Olivia goes to stay she has to find her feet again but does she find a double life or that of a ghost not far away?

After reading “The Cornish Witch” by Elena Collins i was eager to read other historical reads with ghostly happenings and I conveniently came across this book.

This book covers some very emotional topics which are essential to be spoken about and brought into British history. It really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head and shows how there were many people who did not believe in the societal values of the time but felt it was their duty to conform. These topics covered were death, marginalised groups, murder, world wars, concentration camps, titanic, pregnancy out of wedlock as well as many other topics . All of these topics are delicately written to show how life has its challenges and secrets. As well as showing how everyone has the inner and outer version of themselves which has been written in a way that bridges the gap between history, romance and mystery to provide historical romantasy.

However I think the pacing of this book is off which makes it slow to begin with and then at times chaotic.
For the first 1/3 of the book you follow the daily life of Olivia and the Fairchild with nothing happening. Suddenly it starts speeding up in the 2/3 and by the last third you have a beautiful pacing that doesn’t have enough time to expand so makes you feel like your on a whistle stop tour. I feel that if the beginning had been less day to day then the suspenseful aspects would have had more time to be developed. Due to the random change in scenes, it often made me feel like certain story lines were under developed and also this meant that there were aspects in the book that lacked the mystery that I felt I was looking for. In the beginning you found yourself reading about each day, then in the middle you would jump a year or so at once and then later in the book you’d jump a few weeks instead.

Also in the last third of the book you start to get a dual timeline with Seth and Olivia. It was nice to hear Seth’s side of the story and also tied up the loose ends from his world but it felt a bit random because up until that point it had only been Olivia’s point of view being told. I think if the author had done it all dual timeline it would have added another dimension, suspense and magic to the story.

Although I would read another book by this author!

The House of Lost Whispers by Jenni Keer. First of all I just want to say I really liked this book. Olivia’s mum and dad die on the Titanic, apart from the boat ends up causing a rip in the universe and another universe starts seeping into our world. Then the book entirely forgets all of that happens and it isn’t mentioned again for probably 150 pages whilst other things happen. Once it remembers the whole universe thing, we round off by going back to that. It’s a nice story with a nice ending and it’s very easy to read. I would happily have had no other world though and just read about everyone during the war.

Olivia lost her parents when the Titanic sank in 1912 and she was sent to live with the Fairchilds who welcomed her into their lives. She felt a bit lost in a household of three boys but her guardians were kind people. The twist in the story is what if those we think are dead, live on in a alternative universe and Olivia continues to live with them as their much loved only child, growing up and having a very different life.

The alternative life is looked at closely in this story which takes you to fantasy (which could be probable) Shouldn’t be ruled out totally though!

Part mystery, a lot of history, a touch of romance, heart breaking love story in part the story held my interest throughout.

I always enjoy a Jenni Keer book, and was very much looking forward to this new one. The Titanic sinking AND a parallel world where the Titanic did not sink. Let me at it!

Olivia misses out on her trip on the Titanic with her parents due to illness. After her parents are lost as the Titanic sinks, she is sent to live with her guardians and their sons. When she hears a voice through the bedroom wall she initially thinks it must be a ghost, but it soon becomes evident this is Seth the gardener from a parallel timeline. Where the Titanic did not sink. They begin a unique friendship and become close, but how can they ever have the proper relationship they yearn for? It seems impossible that they can ever be happy. Or does it?

I enjoyed the comparisons between the people and events in the two worlds, as Olivia and Seth talked about what was happening in their own world.

The book is heartbreaking in parts, as we feel the despair of mothers losing their sons to the war, and those men who return with life changing injuries.

Olivia is certainly a positive character, with hopes and dreams of an exciting life ahead. She tries to let her zest for life rub off on those less upbeat, starting with her guardians who appear unable to show affection.

Such a clever idea which must have taken a lot of plotting. This book is so many things rolled into one very atmospheric and addictive read; historical fiction, mystery, love story and a touch of the supernatural.

I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Wow, what a wonderful and interesting historical story with a magical twist. Thirteen years old Olivia Davenport moves to begin living with her godfather and his family when her parents tragically die whilst aboard the Titanic. While Olivia struggles to cope with their death, her imagination is an escape for her and she soon finds herself running around the wealthy grounds belonging to Sir Hugo Fairchild and his family and soon requests to live in a specific area, in a tower in the grounds. As she begins to grow used to life as part of the Fairchild’s household, Olivia one day finds herself hearing a strange voice in her bedroom. Convinced someone is playing tricks on her, she’s soon shocked to discover nobody there, and yet the voice of a rather grumpy young man can be heard quite clearly, and what’s more, when Olivia speaks to him, he hears her too. But who is the mysterious man she keeps hearing and will she ever get to meet him?

I really enjoyed reading this book which begins with a first chapter focusing on what happens aboard the Titanic with Olivia’s parents before something strange happens that night, more than just the sinking of the ship, and then we begin the rest of the story, following Olivia after the news of her parents deaths has seen her move in with the Fairchilds. I love how this story goes with Olivia soon getting used to living with four boys and Sir Hugo and his wife Cynthia , before later encountering a rather grumpy voice through her wall at night. The story spans many years, following the build up to the first world war and then showing what happens to the various characters during that time. I liked Olivia’s character, her imagination and determination to be herself and keep going when times are difficult making her an easy character to like. As the Great War continues though, the story takes a much sadder turn, but I like how the strange connection Olivia had with a man through the wall is reignited later on and we soon discover that while the two can hear each other they seem to exist in parallel realities, Olivia in this one and the man she speaks to, Seth,in a reality where the Titanic never sank.

I don’t want to give too much away but I love how this love story evolves. A lot happens to Olivia and Seth, and I was rooting for something to happen, for a happy ending to happen for everyone. Unfortunately the story is filled with lots of twists, some good, some bad and the things that happen keep you guessing as to how things will go and by the end of the book I was nearly in tears as I thought everything would end on a sad note. But that last chapter was so wonderful. It wrapped up everything with all characters involved so nicely and I had the biggest smile on my face once I’d read the final part. There’s only a very few swear words and although there’s mentions of deaths and injury which are sad to hear, it’s nothing too shocking considering the setting of the story around the first world war.

Overall this is a very different historical romance and one that makes it so interesting to me. The story on the whole is just a historical one with Olivia navigating early womanhood and falling in love and facing heartbreak too. But the overlap of her world with another where the Titanic never sank and a man called Seth speaking to her from that world makes this such a fun and interesting tale and one that sticks in my mind more than the average historical romance. A brilliant book that gives you a feeling of hope as well as putting a smile on your face.

As a fan of Jenni Keer’s previous work I was excited to have the chance to read this in advance of publication. I was not disappointed either. Jenni’s writing sweeps you along into the story and you don’t want to leave. You feel you are a part of the action not on the sidelines but in the centre of it all. Jenni covers an emotive topic that of the sinking of the Titanic and its aftermath sensitively and respectfully. The main character loses her parents in the tragedy and it is her story following on from this which Jenni shares so sensitively and respectfully. Jenni also imagines what might have happened if indeed the Titanic had not sunk and the life our main character may have had. She wove this so cleverly and sensitively within the life of our main character sharing the possibility of what life could have been had the tragedy not occurred. This can’t have been an easy thing to do or an easy topic to write about but Keer handles it in a way that is appropriate, sensitive, respectful but at the same time creative. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Jenni Keer writes next!

This book is so much more than its highly original premise – that notion of a parallel world, hinging on a moment, that shapes its story. It’s also a wonderful blend of historical fiction, the world before and during the First World War impeccably recreated, a particularly authentic coming of age story, a pitch perfect and moving romance, and completely unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I found this book absolutely stunning – it only left my hands when I really needed to sleep, and the author’s imagination continues to astound me.

Thirteen year old Olivia’s life changes when her parents die in the sinking of the Titanic, becoming the ward of the emotionally distant Fairchilds, sharing their mansion with their family of four boys. The youngest becomes particularly attached to her, the older boys when they return from school make her life less than comfortable, but she looks for friendship with the distinctly grumpy young gardener – who’s happy to answer young Benji’s many questions, but makes it clear she’s an annoyance. Her escape is into the world of her imagination, and she’s enchanted by the possibility of moving into one of the mansion’s towers – once the precious orchids are removed, and the gardener who sleeps there to guard them can be moved out. It’s everything she wanted it to be – a special space to call her own – until, one night, she hears a voice from behind her bedroom wall, a man called Seth.

At first, they each believe the other to be ghosts – but, as they slowly become friends, it becomes clear that they live in parallel worlds. In Seth’s world, the Titanic never sank, and her parents didn’t die – but it seems there’s no way of bringing their different worlds together. And as well as finding that devastating, Olivia – now growing up – desperately wants to be able to meet Seth, who has become particularly special to her through the years of their nighttime conversations.

One of the wonderful things about this book is how easy it is to suspend disbelief – we live with Olivia through the years, the voice and their interactions suspended for a while as her real life moves on, but feel the same much-needed sense of comfort when their contact begins once more. And I so desperately wanted them to find a way to be together – but couldn’t see how there could possibly be a happy ending for them both. And for Olivia, there’s also an ongoing compelling real life story – unexpectedly finding love, experiencing further loss, her relationship with the family who took her in changing through their shared experiences – until she becomes increasingly driven by her need, shared with Seth, to try to make sense of their alternative versions of reality.

I hardly need to say that this was, without question, one of my books of the year – its whole premise is so very original but perfectly developed, the timelines so cleverly managed, all delivered through a story that totally engrossed me from its beginning to its uplifting and emotional ending. With individuals I took to my heart navigating a situation that never felt anything other than real in every detail, the author’s writing has never been better – and this was a book I entirely loved.

I am going to go with more of 3.5 stars, than just 3 stars.
I enjoyed the concept of this book from the first chapter introducing the split of the alternate universe. The author hd a very clever idea of what could have happened if the Titanic didn't sink. How big of a difference would it make in the world, with the large majority of those that perished would survive. Focusing on Olivia Davenport and her life after the sinking of the Titanic was a lovely story. Her life with the Fairchilds after her parents passing on the iceberg catastrophe was a beautiful story of living life to the fullest, never restricting oneself, dreaming that anything can happen, and realizing that this life if the only one we have to love, grieve, and find joy.
If this book continued with just the present day Olivia's story, I may have been able to rate this book higher. But it felt as though I was reading two different books, that really never came together. As previously stated, the idea of an alternate universe and being able to speak to someone on that side was clever and enjoyable. It just didn't flow for me, and I wish it were split into two different books; maybe make it a duology focusing on present day universe, and the other on the alternate reality. I will say for my first Jenni Keer book, I found her writing beautiful and captivating. I believe that is why I continued on to finish this story.

The House of Lost Whispers
by: Jenni Keer
Boldwood Books
Pub Day: 4/27/25

The House of Lost Whispers by Jenny Keer is an emotional, heartfelt story, a mix of historical fiction, romance and a speculative fiction.
A captivating, thought-provoking story which celebrates life's possibilities. A novel of loss and grief, love and hope, emotional resilience and second chances.

Full review on my blog is part of the blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

Posted on Goodreads: 5/8/2025

This book wasn't exactly what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the themes that it presented. If I had to describe it, I would say this book focuses on grief, love, and how to move on in a world that can be bleak, incorporating a hint of fantasy which helps guide parts of the story. The love interest I was expecting didn't really occur as quickly as I had first imagined, and a good portion of the book focuses on Olivia establishing herself after the death of her parents, and the events of World War I. Overall, I think that lovers of historical fiction/fantasy would find this book charming. I was given the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley and hope it finds other readers to enjoy it.

What an interesting book that made me think!!

Through Olivia meeting Seth, we see how tiny ripples that can cause massive effects in life - what if the Titanic didn’t sink, and if the men who died on the Titanic had lived to fight? Different people would be in different places on the battlefields, and that small ripple could have saved the lives of some while dooming others.

Seeing the parallel worlds through Olivia and Seth’s eyes, it really made me think about how one action can change the course of life forever.

4 stars out of 5 ⭐️

Jenni Keer has a unique way of telling a tale and having it dip its toes through many genres along the way. This story was no exception. The book overall has a feeling of historical fiction but visits sci-fi, romance, mystery, and even crime. It doesn’t shy away from heartbreak and hard times but still has magical moments. The characters feel real as they don’t always make the right choices but you become invested in their lives. I’m interested in what she will come up with next.

"The House of Lost Whispers" by Jenni Keer is a riveting mix of historical fiction, mystery, and a pinch of the supernatural. Two timelines are skillfully interwoven by the author, one in which the Titanic most unfortunately sinks and one in which it doesn't, bound by an orphaned child, Olivia, and an odd voice from behind the walls of her new house.

The atmospheric Jacobean house turns into a character in itself, full of secrets and whispers through time. As Olivia grapples with bereavement and the specter of World War I looming large in her reality, her relationship with Seth in the parallel timeline intensifies, blurring boundaries between imagination and reality.

The author's prose is evocative, pulling the reader into Olivia's emotional world and the interesting concept of parallel worlds. The book addresses issues of loss, love, and the lasting power of connection in an original and captivating manner, rendering it an unforgettable and provocative read.

In the early 1900s, Olivia has been orphaned and she is sent to live with her godfather and his family. Her world has come crashing down around her and she doesn't know how she will cope after losing her beloved parents.

This book felt like I was reading 2 books in 1. The first half read like a historical fiction, dealing with the death of Olivia's family in the sinking of the Titanic and her subsequent life growing up with the Fairchilds. It tells the story of how Olivia and her new family is impacted by the Great War. While Olivia's story continues in the 2nd half of the book, there's a significant shift in the telling of her story as this half is filled with elements of magical realism which made for a little confusion at first and I wasn't sure about whether the 2 halves of the book would work. However, having finished the book and reflected on how it all came together, I enjoyed this historical story with an interesting twist! Be warned this isn't a classic historical fiction but is definitely worthy of a read.

There are quite a number of characters to get to know but they're drawn so lovingly and with a depth that makes you root for them all including the loveable and mischievous Olivia. A great read which I recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I have been enamoured by every single one of Keer's books that I've read and they're all been five star worthy!!

The House of Lost Whispers was absolutely captivating and I didn't want it to end. I wasn't sure how something as tragic as the Titanic would meld with magical realism, but it was perfect!

'What if another world existed?'

Keer cleverly distorts perspective and had me torn between an imaginary friend created in a time of comfort for Olivia or does the other side exist...

A thoroughly enjoyable timeslip read full of wonderful characters and an unforgotten moment in time.

The House of Lost Whispers by Jenni Keer

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

On 15th April 1912, RMS Titanic sank and 1500 people lost their lives. But what if it had stayed afloat? When the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic leaves thirteen-year-old Olivia Davenport orphaned, she’s sent to live with her guardians, the Fairchilds, in their huge Jacobean mansion – Merriford Manor. But the Fairchilds have more to worry about than a grieving young girl – with war in Europe imminent and four sons to protect.

Olivia feels alone and friendless. That is, until she hears a voice from behind the wall in her tower bedroom. A voice from a man called Seth. At first she thinks he’s a ghost. But it soon becomes clear that he lives in an overlapping world that is just a shudder in time away from her own. A world where the Titanic never sank… And everything since has been just slightly… different.

All Olivia wants is to find a way into his reality. And not just to see the faces of her beloved parents once again. But also to meet Seth. Who might just be the love of her life…

My Opinion

This was only my second book by Jenni Keer and whilst I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, I really enjoy the writing style. This was a book that I struggled to put down. I liked the way that Jenni introduces the alternative reality where Olivia’s parents hadn’t drowned. A captivating read.

Rating 4/5

I have become such a fan of Jenni Keer in the last year. She writes with such warmth, and always with a touch of magical realism.
This book truly captured my imagination. The story of the Titanic is one most people are familiar with, but this story asks 'what would have happened if it hadn't sank?'
I have thought about potential changes in history, but never concerning the Titanic, so this book is fascinating in addressing this. Truly thought-provoking.
The book is just as gripping as her other novels, and a perfect way to relax in the afternoon sunshine.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: The House of Lost Whispers
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Jenni Keer
𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑: Boldwood Books
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: ⁣ April 27th, 2025
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: Historical Fiction

{𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒}
The House of Lost Whispers by Jenni Keer is a compelling and thought-provoking historical fiction. The story is set in the backdrop of the recent sinking of the Titanic, and the onset of the Great War. Olivia Davenport contracts measles before she is supposed to depart with her parents on the unsinkable ship the Titanic. When tragedy strikes she is left orphaned, and in the care of the Fairchild family who are living at their Manor home, Merriford.

Olivia vivid imagination and her coping skills help her through her grief and pain. When she hears a voice from beyond the other side of the wall, that voice brings her comfort and joy.

A moving book that brings to life magical realism, romance, along with the traumatic effects of loss and how our mind copes with it and survives.

⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣{𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒}
@gwendalyn_books_ #jennikeer #boldwoodbooks #thehouseoflostwhispers #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookstagrammer