Loved this beautiful story about family, healing, and love. There is mystery as well. Loved the little dog. Nice little romance.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC

A richly atmospheric, gothic setting, secret rooms, hidden passageways, whispers in the walls, & rumors of ghosts made Whispers of Shadowbrook House a fun, unputdownable read! As a Jane Eyre fan, I love a good Victorian gothic romance! Rebecca Anderson brings a creative, unique spin to the forbidden romance, governess trope & gothic setting. I quickly fell in love with the mysterious house, the dedicated loving governess, & her delightful charge. Add in a reclusive owner, his handsome visiting nephew, a reticent staff, & an eccentric spiritualist, & you have the makings of a puzzling, romantic mystery.

Pearl Ellicott’s a dream of a governess! After the death of her family, she’s gone to Shadowbrook House to be the governess to an intelligent, charming little boy whose serious illness prevents him from leaving. Her creativity knows no bounds as she devises treasure maps to secret rooms, hidden clues, & puzzles for Maxwell to solve using math, French, & other academic subjects. She’s determined to protect & help him especially when one of his illness attacks leaves him weak & helpless. When her reclusive employer’s heir arrives, Oliver Waverly, she’s both attracted to & skeptical of him, yet as his friendship with his cousin Maxwell grows & she falls for his charms, their forbidden romance blossoms. But, can they solve all the secrets of Shadowbrook House?

Oliver hesitates to return to the estate he’ll eventually inherit. But, he has new plans for the crumbling house that’ll hopefully benefit his uncle, cousin, & the local community. Convincing Arthur Ravenscroft is going to be no easy task especially with his sick cousin, & his beautiful governess all wanting to stay.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I’d be happily content to just explore all the hidden rooms in Shadowbrook. The mystery though kept me eagerly engaged. Each resident has a story to tell that’s keeping them from moving forward & I enjoyed unraveling their secrets. I quickly fell in love with Max & my heart ached for him as it was somewhat clear what his ailment was. Pearl’s & Oliver’s romance was delightful & I loved their meet cute.

Definitely recommend to gothic romance fans! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.

A house that is haunted, a boy that is sick, his grieving governess/caregiver, a recluse of an uncle, an eccentric mystic, and a nephew/uncle who things he can fix it all. Makes for a tale full of twists and turns and secrets and revelations. This was an interesting read with lots of Gothic overtones.

I really enjoyed this gothic historical romance. I loved the mystery and mildly spooky vibes with the house. Loved Max! Loved his relationship with Pearl and their adventures. Loved Madame Genevieve’s character. I loved getting to see Oliver and Pearls relationship blossom but I am not going to lie that first kiss shocked me with how early it was for a historical fiction. Overall I enjoyed this one and I enjoyed seeing Oliver’s character develop and his priorities shift. I would recommend it

This book kind of took me back to the late ‘70s, when we tweens and early teens were reading all the Victoria Holt gothic romances.

Oliver and Pearl are almost immediately attracted to each other and, in fact, the kisses (and this book doesn’t go past kissing) come fairly early. They are from different stations in life, and it is more of an obstacle for Pearl than it is for Oliver. They also both have the emotional scars of their pasts, and this an even bigger issue.

Oliver’s biggest problem is that he thinks he knows best. He has an idea of what he thinks should happen, and he’s reluctant to consider other views. Pearl is carrying the guilt of a family tragedy, and throws all her emotional and physical energy into caring for Maxwell.

The writing is atmospheric, and the side characters are interesting. The house is neglected and spooky. There are some kind of questionable characters among the servants. Arthur is a classic reclusive old man—he reminds me of Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden or Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre.

My favorite character might just be Madame Genevieve the medium who has arrived to talk to the house’s ghosts. She’s actually a fraud, but she’s a really, really good fraud. In today’s life, she’d be everyone’s favorite therapist, and is actually a kind and lovely character.

Possible objectionable material:
Family estrangement. Past deaths of family members. Past emotional neglect of a child. The house is said to be haunted. Chronic illness. Kissing.

Who might like this book:
Romance fans, especially those who like things a little bit spooky.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #ProperRomance #GothicRomance

This book is also reviewd at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2025/08/classic-gothic-romance.html

After a dreary, lonely childhood at Shadowbrook House, Oliver was glad to leave, and he's only back now in the hope of persuading his uncle to sell the tumbledown ruin to a clothing manufacturer. But the first two people he meets, namely his enchanting young cousin Max and Pearl, the boy's governess, soon give him a reason to want to stay. At the same time, his uncle doesn't want anything to do with his plan, and Pearl and Max are both adamant about not leaving the place. Indeed, his urgent desire to get the sick boy to the city to visit specialists rather than his regular doctor almost drives a wedge between them. And the house itself seems in some odd way to have an opinion too. Can they get to the bottom of the house's secrets before it's too late for Max - and maybe for all of them?

Pearl and Max grabbed my attention almost as quickly as they did Oliver's, which is really saying something! And Oliver himself was good to get to know, with his sad history and more hopeful present. Even Madame Genevieve, with her odd, theatrical ways, clearly had good intentions when you got to the bottom of it all, though I could have done without the mysticism (not that things would have worked the same without it, so I guess it's unavoidable). She even had some things worth saying! As for Oliver's uncle, well, I was glad his reasoning for his behaviour was sort of cleared up, but I still found it hard to really feel like his past actions were appropriate. Nevertheless, the glimpse of the future at least promises improvement. All in all, I'm not generally a gothic romance fan, but this sounded intriguing so I decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did - not least because the ending was perfect and left me with a smile on my face. 4.5 stars.

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

This was such a fun read! It was wonderfully gothic without being to creepy. I really enjoyed the characters of Pearl and Oliver. They had great chemistry. My favorite character was sweet Maxwell. I absolutely loved the friendship that devolved between Oliver and Maxwell! It was a great storyline and even had a happy ending! This is one I recommend reading!

Ahhh I loved every moment that I spent reading this book! I found this book to be my perfect level of gothic and mystery woven into a romance. There is a health mystery, violin music, a mystic, a grumpy uncle, and a very old house, not to mention a dedicated governess and a nephew with grand plans that the uncle doesn't agree with. The writing was well done, and made me want to explore Shadowbrook House. Loved the book and will definetly be rereading in the future!

Content considerations: I normally shy away from books with mystics, as I don't want to delve too deep into evil spirits. However, I very much trust Shadow Mountain's content, so I kept reading the book. I was very pleased I did, and found that the mystic was mysterious and funny and had a knack for making interesting arguments with other members in the house. I never felt that her actions or words were too dark. Shout out to Shadow Mountain for having amazing books that we can rely on to have clean content!

Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

Shadowbrook is alive with mystery, eerie sounds, and possible ghosts. Oliver is set to inherit it when his Uncle passes. He must visited after a 6 year absence and he meets Pearl, his young cousin's governess. This story is quite intriguing and it kept me guessing the entire book. I loved the emotions and atmosphere Rebecca evokes with her writing and storytelling. There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Dual POV. I received a complimentary copy of this book from @Netgalley, @properromanceseries and @shadowmountainpub Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Whispers of Shadowbrook House” is a story that drew me in from the very beginning, and continually captured my thoughts through every twist of the plot. This book is unlike any other book I have read, but I mean that in a wonderful way. Shadowbrook House is almost a main character in this story, which makes the story even better. Oliver is set to inherit the old, rambling, mysterious house from his uncle, Arthur Ravenscroft. Mr. Ravenscroft has no desire whatsoever to listen to or entertain thoughts of Oliver’s plan to sell the house (which would be torn down). Oliver comes home to Shadowbrook house to convince his uncle that selling is the best option for everyone. However, upon his arrival, Oliver meets his dear, sweet, cousin Maxwell. Maxwell is a frail and fragile little boy with a heart of gold and a marvelous mind. His governess, Pearl, loves him as if he were her own child, and seems to know just how to teach Maxwell and care for him in his illness. Oliver is drawn to Max as well as Pearl, and the story follows along as Shadowbrook House brings out all manner plot twists and character development. I enjoyed the characters in this story almost as much as the plot. It was a wonderful book that I highly recommend.

Eerie violin music that seems to blow in the distance through a crumbling, dark, and drafty mansion. Hidden passageways and secret rooms. A stern butler and stoic staff. A reclusive master of the house who called upon a spiritualist/medium to try to gain some peace from the great sorrow that he suffers. (Question for the author: what happened to Madame Genevieve who just seemed to fade away at the end of the book?) All of these elements gave me an uneasy feeling as I began reading this book but thank goodness for Oliver, visitor and heir to the house, and Pearl, governess and caregiver to a delightful young boy named Maxwell who brought life and hope to the story. I enjoyed the development of the romance between Oliver and Pearl and their eventual HEA. My favorite character was Max who was an old soul and so fun and adventuresome. If you enjoy some chills and suspense without violence and gore in your books, then this book is for you. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This review has me very conflicted. I didn’t love the story, but I also didn’t hate it. There were many intriguing and mysterious scenes throughout the book. A seemingly haunted manor, eerily recluse hermits, and many many secrets. But I felt like the story didn’t flow and I felt confused at times. I did love the characters, Oliver, Pearl, and Max were a delight to get to know and I had a desire to see how their lives unfolded. I do enjoy a good mystery and suspense, but mystics and psychics are not my style and I really didn’t think Madame Genevieve enhanced the story. I am glad I finished the book and was happy with the ending. I do appreciate clean and no profanity stories.I would recommend this to individuals that like Gothic, haunted, mysteries. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Whispers of Shadowbrook House by Rebecca Anderson has great gothic, romantic vibes. Pearl is a dedicated governess determined to care for her little charge exactly as instructed. She’s creative and helps him find ways to find enjoyment, despite his sickly nature and poor prognosis. Oliver bursts on the scene and is fully prepared to bring change, innovation, and much needed improvements. I loved how Oliver and Maxwell connect. Actually, I just adored Maxwell and his kind heart with his propensity to speak truth, regardless of who he’s addressing. I think the elements of the house having haunting voices and a past could have reduced as it didn’t really flow with the story. Having a past and a story, absolutely, but the introduction of potential spirits and hauntings didn’t flow well and seemed liked a forced connection in the story. I still loved the setting and the romance though and appreciated the character growth and development.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

"The architectural alchemy of Shadowbrook House could make a person believe in ghosts."

"Many whispers clamor for our attention, from the living and the dead...you can learn which voices to listen to and which to ignore."

Strong themes of family, love, forgiveness, grief, and healing are woven throughout this gothic novel, where the estate, with its secret passageways, hidden rooms, and haunting atmosphere, is as much a character as its occupants.

If you enjoy mystery and slow burn romance with gothic flair, this book is for you.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publsihing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a story about a family that has endured much loss and heartache. Oliver Waverly has returned to his crumbling family home to convince his uncle to sell. While there, he meets his young cousin, Maxwell. What this family needs most is healing from their tragic past. Can governess, Pearl Ellicott, help or will her own need for healing interfere?

I enjoyed this story very much. The characters are engaging, and I appreciate the low-key drama. It flirts with mysticism without fully embracing it. The reader is left with some unexplained creepiness in the end; however, the satisfying conclusion overshadows it. The themes of family, love, grief, and forgiveness are strong throughout. There is no “bad guy,” but each character deals with their situation in their own flawed way, with both strength and weakness. This is a lovely tale about healing and family.

1880 - Hampshire - New Forest

Oliver Waverley, 26, has arrived at the dilapidated Shadowbrook mansion to try and convince his uncle, Arthur Ravenscroft to sell the place. When his parents died, Oliver spent some years at Shadowbrook under his uncle’s supposed care but he never saw the man. He was thrilled when he was old enough to go away to school. Oliver is his uncle’s heir and if he can convince him to sell the place, it can be torn down and provide an area for a clothing company to hire the local people to make ready-to-wear clothing.

Inside, Oliver meets a young woman named Pearl Ellicott who for the last 6 years has been the governess to Maxwell Ravenscroft, 8, orphaned grandson to Arthur and cousin to Oliver. Oliver is immediately smitten with not only her beauty, but the dedication and love Pearl pours onto Maxwell. It has been said that the young boy is often quite unwell and may not live to grow up. But Pearl is determined to see that he has a good life.

The mansion is said to be haunted and violin music heard in the hallways. There are many unused and secretive rooms that Pearl and Maxwell have discovered and they have fun exploring them.

Oliver is convinced that if Maxwell was allowed to be taken to London where there are great specialists, they can cure him. But his grandfather is adamant that the boy stay there and be treated by the same old local doctor. In addition, the man refuses to sell his mansion.

I was really excited about reading this book. There is much frustration throughout the story. It’s very apparent what is ailing Maxwell and I was surprised that as intelligent as Pearl is that she did not insist that Maxwell be moved to another room despite his protests. The growing attraction between Oliver and Pearl is sweet, but Arthur is extremely off-putting. I’m on the fence about how many stars to give this book, so as much as I like Shadow Mountain and the author, I will award it 4 stars.

Copy provided by NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Written as a gothic novel, this story takes you into an old manner home with secret passage ways, haunting violin music whose source cannot be found, and reclusive uncles. Oliver returns to the home he will one day inherit to convince his uncle to turn it into something more profitable. His lack of a relationship with his uncle and the presence of a young sick boy and his governess complicate his plans. As the household tries everything to improve the health of young Maxwell, Uncle Ravenscroft brings in unusual help, and the mysteries intensify.

If you like a good mystery with slow burn forbidden romance, this might be for you. I enjoyed uncovering the secrets of Shadowbrook house. One isn’t supposed to judge a book by the cover, but the forlorn dark cover with a bit of light and hope within the person standing there, defines this book perfectly. I loved the cover and it certainly made me want to read the book.

3.5 Stars

Shadowbrook House is a historical romance full of mystery.

The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Pearl and Oliver, who both come to the stage with a fair bit of baggage. They’re both likeable enough, although not particularly memorable. The two fall in love almost immediately, which makes the whole romance element feel rushed.

A cast of supporting characters, especially a psychic of sorts, brings some life to the story. And the one unifying element throughout the novel is Maxwell, a sweet kid who’s been ill his entire life.

I wanted to love Whispers of Shadowbrook House, but I only liked it. Author Rebecca Anderson was definitely going for a gothic vibe, but, at times, it felt like she was trying too hard. I’m not sure how many times you can describe dark, dank and dingy, but it feels like she used every possibility.

My other problem — the house itself. It’s hard to tell the size of the thing. It doesn’t seem like the size of Downton Abbey from the overarching description, but it’s like the Tardis — bigger on the inside than on the outside, with rooms that seemingly appear out of nowhere.

Whispers of Shadowbrook House is a fast-moving chaste historical romance that is fine but not spectacular. I suggest it as a library read.

This is a delightful story in a Gothic novel. It gave me some secret garden Colin vibes, and I absolutely adored the relationship between the cousins.

A mystery ails Shadowbrook house and all those who live there. When Oliver, the lost cousin returns, he can’t understand how everything has changed, simply because of the little boy or maybe just his governess, Pearl. (They have the best gothic type meet cute ever!)

When Madame is brought in to help alleviate the spirits and solve the mystery, it’s more than anyone bargained for. It was a wonderful little mystery without being too creepy, but I definitely loved the Gothic vibe of the manner and all the secret passage ways and little challenges. The ending was unexpected and I enjoyed it!

This book is a sweet romance with a gothic twist. I love the characters in this book. Maxwell is so sweet and charming. I loved his playfulness amidst his illness. Pearl and Oliver have great chemistry. They are both so loving and good, they have differing opinions on Maxwell's care for a while, which provides some conflict. Uncle Arthur is the perfect misunderstood character to make things more intriguing. The staff at Shadowbrook House are all interesting characters, that bring both light and darkness to the story. Madame Guinevere is a very interesting character that is intriguing to figure out. The house is a character all its own. Whispers, violin music and secret rooms and passageways abound.
This is a delightfully gothic book.