I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't get into it. It felt choppy and like nothing went together. I didn't really understand what was happening with the house. Everyone was so secretive that it was hard to get into the plot. It was just an odd book. I really like Pearl and Oliver and Max though. I'm glad the book had a happy ending. The epilogue wrapped it up nicely.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Based on the cover alone, Rebecca Anderson's "Whispers of Shadowbrook House" appears to be standard gothic fare. However, the reader won't find an evil lord or an insane wife in the attic. Nevertheless, while actual ghosts are absent, the inhabitants of the crumbling home are the haunted ones.

Owner Arthur Ravenscroft is burdened by loss and grief, yet he can't seem to escape the past. Devoted governess Pearl Ellicott is consumed with misplaced guilt. She is overprotective of her young charge Maxwell Ravenscroft, yet she is a wonderful teacher. Even Oliver Waverley has ghosts, yet he is the catalyst for change. While the reader is rightly skeptical by the addition of the spiritualist Madame Genevieve, she proves to be remarkably perceptive: “Aye. We’re all hiding and seeking. It’s the universal game.” Her presence is surprisingly helpful to the unhappy residents.

Anderson's prose is richly evocative: "The architectural alchemy of Shadowbrook House could make a person believe in ghosts." Her characters are finely-drawn. The epilogue is heartwarming and very satisfying. "Arthur understands that as with every family, each member of the Shadowbrook household struggles with their own dark moments, but those are small in comparison to the joys they discover every day within the walls of their home. Healing is in the air, and love abounds." 4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this thought-provoking novel.

Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is set in the 1880's in a house full of secrets and mystery. If you enjoy Gothic novels you will enjoy this. Pearl is a governess who takes care of a sick little boy named Max. Oliver is an heir to the house but has a troubled relationship with his uncle. The story unfolds in a very satisfying way and makes for a book I really liked.

Hamphire, 1880

I have always enjoyed a well-done cover, but this one is dark; however, it’s a lush darkness that makes me want to read this story that much more. If they wanted to draw the reader in, it certainly worked with this one!

Pearl Endicott falls into Oliver Waverly’s arms in a most unorthodox introduction between the two. Pearl hopes to find love and start a family.


Oliver has returned to Shadowbrook House with a proposal for his uncle Arthur, who has his own motivations. Oliver has plans for the house he will inherit, but his strained relationship will complicate things because his recusive uncle has other plans and refuses to relinquish the house to his nephew.


Pearl and Oliver are of different social standings, and it makes pursuing a relationship between them difficult.

This has a dark, gothic atmosphere surrounding it, especially when Madame Genevieve arrives with all her scarves, bangles, and orange hair. Even though Pearl and Oliver don’t trust her and don’t believe she can or will do anything helpful for Maxwell, much less heal him of his lung disease, she sees more into Pearl or Oliver than they would like to admit to.

I enjoyed Whispers of Shadowbrook House, and while I wasn’t crazy about the medium slant that Madame Genevieve portrays, it brought light to the darkness that this house holds, and even in the hearts of the people who reside there. I loved how the change was able to bring in the light that Shadowbrook House needed to bring in true restoration.

I have always enjoyed a well-done cover, but this one is dark; however, it’s a lush darkness that made me want to read this story that much more. If they wanted to draw the reader in, it certainly worked with this one


My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are honest and

A great story of a governess and the child she is taking care of. Together they explore the mansion and the whispers it shares. As she and the father began to fall in love, the story just keeps getting better. It’s a great book!

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story! The characters were relatable and the story line was filled with twists and turns. I enjoyed watching the several "love" stories bloom; the story between Pearl and Oliver, Oliver and his uncle, Oliver and Shadowbrook, and a few others. This was an easy, read that kept my interest and made me want to come back for more! I cannot wait to read another Rebecca Anderson book!

An engaging tale of loss, love, and a house with secrets
Such a wonderful story that combines so many aspects into a story that you won’t want to set down. Oliver is returning to his uncle’s home where had grown up. He had memories of a distant uncle, quiet whisperings, haunting music, and loneliness. What he finds is everything he left behind as well as a cousin and the cousin’s nanny. All having suffered loss. All trying to find their way. Mix in a mysterious spiritualist who introduces new outlooks and opportunities and even romance that no one saw before. A wonderful read. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

Set in the 1880's The Whispers of Shadowbrook House tell the story of the occupants who reside there. Some of them are young and some of them are old. They may have differences in social station but the one thing that they have in common is that they reside together in a house that has so much history.
Oliver Waverly who is the heir of his uncle Arthur has returned after many years away. Once he claims his inheritance he plans on selling Shadowbrook House and starting anew. This however causes a dispute with his uncle. Despite the sour reunion with his uncle he becomes acquainted with Pearl who is the governess to his cousin.
As Oliver and Pearl get to know each other their feelings towards each grow intense. However with the difference in their social stations is a major problem. Is a relationship between these two even possible.
Overall this was quite a sweet story. Pearl and Olivers relationship was quite lovely. Little Maxwell despite his horrible health issues is such a dear.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

This is a story of a broken house filled with people who are also broken and lost in their own ways. The story and characters draw you in. There is a bit of insta love in the case of the two main characters. This did make parts of their relationship feel rushed. Otherwise this is a dark and broody story that finds ways to find the light.