I've been trying to think of one word to describe this story. I still haven't found the one that fits just right. The house is creepy and spooky and feels like we should be seeing ghosts at some point in the story and we should be able to figure out where the violin music comes from but creepy and spooky doesn't quite fit the story. I didn't understand why Arthur was allowing the castle to crumble away when people still lived in it. It didn't take much to understand why Max was so ill. The blurb says that it was a forbidden love between Pearl and Oliver but I didn't see anyone forbidding or looking on with disdain. Mostly people were amused.

Madame Genevieve was an interesting character. I couldn't quite imagine all the scarves but I got the gist of it. I found it interesting that she was able to do so much good without calling on spirits from the other side. She just had people look within themselves and their memories of people. I'm sure she had a lot of insight from her correspondence with Arthur over the years which would make it easier for her to see what people needed but she did seem to be an insightful person who understands people pretty well.

It was lovely to see the happily-ever-after in the epilogue. I loved seeing everyone thriving and being a family falling into place.

This was a sweet story featuring a crumbling mansion, a kind-hearted boy with a mysterious illness, a reclusive uncle, a prodigal nephew returning to claim the estate, and a governess who loves it all.

Oliver has returned to Shadowbrook House to convince his uncle to sell the property. But his plans quickly go off course. A beautiful governess, ailing young Maxwell, and even rumors of ghosts and whispering walls complicate things. Oliver came only to rid himself of the house, but could spending more time within its walls soften his heart and help him envision a different future for Shadowbrook?

The mysteries hidden within the house, the eccentric medium, and Maxwell’s deep attachment to the estate (his room) kept me guessing. The romance was a highlight of the story for me. Watching the bond grow between Oliver and Pearl was a joy, and I especially loved Pearl’s unwavering loyalty to sweet Maxwell. The mystery surrounding uncle Arthur and the house added depth, and I enjoyed uncovering the secrets behind Shadowbrook’s walls.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This book drew me in quickly. The first half I was hooked. I liked the characters immediately. The setting was perfectly gothic / ominous / spooky. The budding romance in the midst of it was sweet & swoony.

Unfortunately the second half of the story started to lose me. The pacing got a bit choppy for me. The ‘ghost/ haunted house’ aspect got weird. A ‘fortune teller/ mystic’ type character was introduced and I did not enjoy her.

The conclusion was sweet. I really love where everyone ended up.

You get all the gothic romance vibes with this one! Such a fun read!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

This was an interesting story, with a lot of depth. A young man, the heir, comes back to visit his Uncle, to make a great business deal with his inheritance. The problem, the Uncle won't discuss it and continues to ignore him.

He instead befriends his cousin, who is sickly, and the cousin's governess. But things stay dark and difficult until a crazy medium shows up to help them all look inside themselves.

I loved the relationship between Oliver and Max, and how quick they bonded. Pearl is also a fun character.

Life is not always as it seems, sometimes we have to pull off the layers to get to the truth.

This book gave me flashbacks to Jane Eyre in all the best ways!

Pearl Ellicott is an absolute treasure of a leading lady. She’s fiercely loyal, unfailingly loving, and still knows how to play with the heart of a child when she takes care of her young charge, Max. She pours all of her life force into her job as a governess for this young, sickly boy, while also dreaming of someday having a family of her own.

When Pearl meets Oliver Waverly, whose schemes to sell Shadowbrook House appear suspect to her, she reacts with distain, certain that they couldn’t ever agree on the right course for the future. However, the house appears to have other ideas, and as the two of them navigate its twists and turns, they learn to depend on each other and cautiously build a friendship.

It’s unusual for me not to know what is going to happen in a story, but this one kept me on my toes, right until the final twists and turns!

“I seem to have entered this battle of wits unarmed.” “Sir, I assure you, we have not been doing battle. You would be in far worse shape if I’d been on the attack.” “I surrender. I bow to your superior knowledge in all matters of art, literature, language, and history.”

What a wonderful story of healing! Add to that a little mystery, a few secrets, and a sweet romance and I couldn’t put it down.

Pearl is completely devoted to young Max. Her every breath seems to be to make Max’s life easier and filled with as much fun and adventure as they can manage. I loved her tender care of Max and her ability to keep calm in crisis. Max is sweet, witty, and intelligent. I loved his blunt conversations with Pearl and Oliver. And his adventures through the house were delightful. Oliver is sure he knows what is best for Shadowbrook. I enjoyed seeing him learn to see the love in the home and his honest conversation with his uncle was perfect. I loved when Pearl helped Oliver to see that he wasn’t really alone because he had friends he could depend on from his childhood. I loved Pearl and Oliver together, especially when they disagreed or grew frustrated and didn’t let it negatively affect their relationship. Their camaraderie and communication really added to the story. I’m so glad that Pearl, Oliver, Max, and Uncle Arthur found their happily ever after together.

A few more quotes:
“I was exhausted. Max agreed to rest with me so I wouldn’t accidentally fall into an enchanted sleep and never be found.” “He’s only teasing, Pearl. We saw the painted ceiling and wanted to explore it.”

“You really can’t take all the credit, you know. It’s a combined effort.” “Speaking of combined efforts.” “Yes?” “I believe I’d quite like to kiss you now.”

“For so long, I have felt nothing but alone.”“If you wish it, you’ll never need to be alone again. I will be beside you.”

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

This book weaves a tale of healing and love within the confines of a fractured and lonely family. Set against the backdrop of the 1880s, the story unfolds in a crumbling mansion steeped in secrets and whispers of the past. The characters are truly haunted—not just by the ghosts of the house, but by their own struggles.

Pearl, a devoted governess is caring for a frail little boy named Max, whose innocence shines through the shadows of their troubled home. Then there's Oliver, the heir to this enigmatic estate, wrestling with a strained relationship with his uncle that adds layers of tension and complexity to the narrative.

Guided by the influence of a charlatan spiritualist, their journey toward healing is filled with twists..If you have a penchant for Gothic novels rich in atmosphere and emotion, this one is sure to leave a lasting impression—and I was especially delighted by the happily-ever-after!
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Containing elements of a classic gothic novel this story holds secrets, romance, and mystery. The cover initially drew me into this story and I am glad I received an ARC copy to see what the pages, chapter, and Shadowbrook House itself had inside.
While this isn’t my favorite book by Rebecca I still enjoyed the plot, characters, and the fun twist at the end. Little Maxwell stole my heart and I loved his ingenuity, compassion, and positivity despite life’s hurdles. Pearl was a strong, kind, and fantastic heroine who helped make it easy to fall in love with the house and Maxwell. On the other hand Oliver fell flat for me a couple times, and I can’t even put my finger on why. I also didn’t care for Madame Genevieve because I feel like she pulled me out of the story a few times.
Overall I enjoyed this story and the fun mysteries it contained. I recommend it for those who live a good romance with some mystery.



I received an ARC from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

Genre: Historical Romance, Romance, Sweet Romance, Gothic Romance, Proper Romance, Mystery, Victorian Romance
Spice Level: Kissing

WHISPERS OF SHADOWBROOK HOUSE exudes gothic vibes!

I feel like this book is more Oliver's story than Pearl's. Oliver has barged home to make changes. He's something of a Byronic hero because he's full of angst, is damaged from his past, and needs the innocent woman (Pearl) to save him.

Pearl is the governess who is carrying for the sick child, and has mostly given up on marrying. She is both drawn to Oliver and frustrated by him and his highhanded ways.

There are shades of Jane Eyre and The Secret Garden in this book. I really enjoyed the mysterious aspects and the layers of deceit and emotion in this one. There were some great surprises within the characters.

Fans of gothic books, romances, and historical novels will enjoy this one.

Happy reading!

Filled with sadness and regrets, yet also hope and resilience, this intriguing story filled my heart with gratefulness for the joys of home and family. At times there seemed to be so much misery, it was heartbreaking, only to find glimpses of the strength that comes as family unites in a common goal and a delightfully happy ending. I wish I could explore the house and know more of its history with all its twists and turns and secret passageways. Usually the love story is the most attractive part of books I read, but it seemed to take a secondary place for me as I reveled in the joy of the characters helping each other heal and find lasting peace and happiness. Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, I received a complimentary ARC copy with no obligation to post a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Whispers of Shadowbrook House is a sweet, clean gothic romance. It is set in 1880 in a crumbling manor. The old man who lives there raised a nephew years ago and is now raising a grandchild. His wife, daughter, and sister are dead. After a cold and lonely childhood, the nephew is estranged.

The house is properly spooky, with winding passages, hidden rooms and hallways, and mysterious murmurings and music that can be heard throughout the place. Wind howls through cracks; water comes in through breaks. The butler is cold, silent, and terrifying. Much of the story’s strength is in the atmosphere. The author has really put her heart into setting the stage.

Oliver, the nephew, returns to discuss the future with his uncle. He meets Pearl, his young cousin’s governess. A predictable but charming romance begins. The nephew, Maxwell, is a bright and attractive lad with a mysterious lung ailment that will probably keep him from reaching adulthood. An eccentric medium, wreathed in scarves and bangles, arrives to help Maxwell. Is she a fraud? Will she make things better, or worse? She is accompanied by her small dog, who adds some levity to the story.

The story contains family and found family and blurs the line between servants and masters. The wording is occasionally awkward; the text could have used a pass with an editor to smooth some phrases out and retool some sentences. But overall I found Whispers of Shadowbrook House a comfort read, with a few shivers on the way to happily-ever-afters.

I read an advance reader copy of Whispers of Shadowbrook House from Netgalley.

I started reading this book with certain expectations in mind. What I found was something different. Despite the gloom and mystery, there was a lot of hope.

I read this and a bunch of other historicals back to back, so unfortunately this one did not really stick out to me, it just blurred with the rest I have read recently.

t might be that the author never intended it to be gothic, much less horror because despite the proper gothic setting which is a crumbling old manor in a country, Whispers of Shadowbrook House lacks the spookiness but i like that it's a light read with a light element of mystery and minimum drama. The only thing that haunted these characters are their past that they can't let go in order to move on and be at peace with themselves. Also black mold. Thanks to this book now i know that apparently you can get really sick and probably get delusional too if you inhabit a black mold infested room.

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

This gothic romance had delightful layers of superstition, adventure, conflict, and romance. I enjoyed the journey, the character development, and the resolution at the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

5-Star Review
"Shadowbrook House" is a captivating tale that weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of social class. Pearl Ellicott's dream of love and family is beautifully juxtaposed with her role as a governess for young Maxwell, whose delicate health adds an emotional depth to the narrative. Their shared adventures through the mansion's hidden corners and the mysterious violin music create an enchanting atmosphere that pulls readers in from the very beginning.
Oliver Waverley's character is equally compelling; his struggle between familial obligations and his growing affection for Pearl adds layers of tension and intrigue. The chemistry between Oliver and Pearl is palpable, making their connection both poignant and relatable. The obstacles they face due to societal expectations and class differences are handled with sensitivity and insight.
This story masterfully explores the emotional stakes involved in love and duty, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover whether these two will find a way to be together against all odds. The richly described setting of Shadowbrook House itself becomes a character in its own right, enveloping the reader in its haunting past.
"Shadowbrook House" is a beautifully written, heartfelt romance that will resonate with anyone who has ever dared to follow their heart. Highly recommended!
#netgalley #whispersofshadowbrookhouse

This book was an enjoyable read, as a broken and lonely family finds healing and love, inspired by and stirred onward by a charlatan spiritualist. There were certainly aspects of this story where it was a bit difficult to suspend disbelief, as the plot seemed to make large jumps without explanation. But again, the story was sweet and engaging, and most certainly a happy ever after!

I received an ARC via netgalley, but all opinions are my own!

This was such a beautiful book with some great mystery and intrigue sprinkled in. I’ve always loved the proper romance series and I love the mystery twist that has been added to some of these books. It makes it so enjoyable to read!

"In the crumbling Shadowbrook House, governess Pearl Ellicott and heir Oliver Waverly unravel a haunting mystery while confronting their growing forbidden love.

Hampshire, 1880
Pearl Ellicott dreams of falling in love and having a family of her own. Until that happens, she is content working as a governess for young Maxwell, tending to his education and fragile health. Together, they explore the mansion's empty rooms and secret passageways in search of the haunting violin music that seems to come from nowhere.

Oliver Waverley is young and independent, with plans to sell the run-down mansion once he inherits. But his strained relationship with his reclusive uncle, Arthur Ravenscroft, complicates matters when Ravenscroft refuses to relinquish Shadowbrook House without explanation.

As they spend more time together, Oliver slowly becomes enchanted by Pearl's wit and love for Maxwell, and Pearl finds herself irresistibly drawn to Oliver's passion and resolve. However, the social gap between the heir and the governess makes pursuing a relationship difficult.

Oliver must decide whether to follow his heart or adhere to his family's expectations, while Pearl grapples with her fear that if Shadowbrook House is sold, she will lose her job, her found family, and her chance for long-lasting love. Will the lovers part ways or choose to be together despite the odds? The answer lies within the walls of Shadowbrook House and the echoes of its haunting past."

Choose to be together despite the odds and everything else will fall into place! This is fiction after all.