With this book, you get two stories, one in the present and one revelling the past. An interesting twist on how to tell a families secrets and history.
Thoroughly enjoyed how it all came to together. Another great story from this author. I enjoyed the details given of the areas when the story is centred, giving the readers, a great snapshot of the area and also the great house, it is set in.made me feel as if I were in the house and walking in the surrounding areas. A story based on domestic violence, and how incideous it is, and highlighting how most try to ignore, and don't want to be involved. So sad that in today's society we have to deal with this enormous problem, that is not going away.

I do love a book-within-a-book. And although the story is compelling, I don't feel that it lives up to its description as a "gothic epic" which is what drew my interest to it. Without the promise of the gothic, I would have enjoyed it more with more realistic expectations. It will appeal to fans of historical fiction, especially to those who are looking for a slight move away from historical romance.

4.25 stars!

For the first 20% I wasnt sure how I felt about the changing between present time and the book but as it went on and I understood the concept, I found myself completely engrossed in it!

This book has some heavy themes so definitely check the trigger warnings before you read this.

The way everything came together as the book progressed was chefs kiss, loved it.