Still grieving the death of her husband, Lauren leaves the hubbub of Boston for the peaceful shores of Cape Cod, where she hopes to come to terms with her loss and devote herself to her writing. Historic Holland House, isolated on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, seems like the perfect refuge, until Lauren discovers that she’s not alone, and her ghostly roommate might be none other than … Sophie Holland, the mysterious first mistress of the house.
With the help of a handsome doctor with an interest in local history, Lauren is soon drawn out of her self-imposed exile as she sets out to learn what happened to Sophie and stumbles onto a story worth writing about.
Fans of Susanna Kearsley and Barbara Erskine are sure to enjoy this dual timeline tale of romantic suspense.
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This was a quick read, but I found it rather predictable and overly sappy.
Wow. This story. Just wow. It was beautifully tragic. It’s a ghost story with a look into the past. Lauren is staying in an isolated house with her dog. She is still grieving the death of her military spouse. She meets a doctor in town who she has instant chemistry with. He has his own heartbreaking past. He is also a history buff, especially on the town they are in. They team up to learn about the ghost that Lauren keeps seeing. Turns out her name is Sophie and her story is a heartbreaking one. When I say heartbreaking, I mean you’ll feel it in your soul. I know I did. Sophie’s life was far from perfect. It seemed everyone in her life hurt her. I really thought we would never get a happy story from her. But it’s there in the midst of the sadness. While this story was sad, it was so dang beautiful. Not every story is meant to be happy. And don’t go thinking there isn’t a happy ending. In true Irina Shapiro form we get two stories in one intertwined. This narrators voice was perfect for both time periods. A must read/listen for those that love a story with raw emotion. Warning, it will consume you.
Great ghost story.
In the modern day, Laura has recently been widowed, having lost her husband in Iraq. She leaves their apartment in the heart of Boston for a summer of healing in an old house on the shores of Cape Cod. She’s hoping to leave her ghosts behind and perhaps find new inspiration for a book. But a ghostly visitor shows her there’s something different about the Holland House.
In the 1700s, Sophie is on the cusp of adulthood, counting the days until she can marry Teddy, a boy she’s loved for years. Her book maker father has his sights set on a man with a title or some money, and forbids his only daughter from following her heart. When her hand is forced and she must make a decision to save herself, her life begins to unravel.
While Laura works to learn more about her ghostly visitor and sort out her feelings about the handsome vet she met in town, Sophie’s charmed world shatters. Both women are trapped in webs of lies and grief woven hundreds of years apart, but inexplicably tied.
Every time I read something by Shapiro, I’m instantly on edge. I know terrible things will happen, but I savor the slight feeling of apprehension. Wondering who will be the one to stab the man character in the back is something I’ve come to expect and thoroughly enjoy.
My historical specialty is European-based, so having American history tidbits was very welcome. I live on the East Coast and admittedly don’t know a lot about colonial life other than what’s taught in basic classes. I always like how Shapiro brings in facts to give her books a level of realism that inspires me to explore the themes more on my own.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction and romantic suspense.
Irina Shapiro seems to be incapable of writing a bad book. Another winner.
A widow rents a spooky old house to escape her memory-evoking surroundings. She experiences a ghostly apparition and finds a new direction both personally (with her puppy’s vet) and as a writer. A compelling dual storyline that pulls you in and holds you to the end.
5 Star Review for Irina Shapiro Author House on the hill.
Irina Shapiro has once again written a master piece. The House on the Hill is the story of two widows, one from modern day Boston and one from Boston in the 1700’s who’s stories intertwine in the Cape Cod in the House on the Hill known as Holland House. Ryan a local veterinary with a love of history helps Lauren unravel the mystery of Sophie’s life in 1700 Boston and why she haunts her ghost has remained in the House on the hill.
Jessica Nahikian does a great job with the narration. Her performance as both Lauren and Sophie was excellent as she brought the anguish and loss of these two widows to life. Additional Her performance as Teddy was exceptional his love for Sophie came across so real.
Wish there were more stars to give
#irinashapiro #jessicanahikian #house on the hill