“Downton’ fans, you’ll love this big house, Engrossing and imaginative” – Irish IndependentBetrayal, deceit, revenge, obsession – one house, one family, three generationsCan a house keep secrets?1840’s – When Lord Edward Armstrong builds the house for his bride, Anna, the family is at the climax of its power. But its world is threatened when no heir is born. Anna could restore their fortunes, … born. Anna could restore their fortunes, but it would mean the ultimate betrayal. Then the Great Famine grips the country.
1910s – Clara finds life as lady of the manor is not what she expected when she married Pierce Armstrong. As the First World War rages, she finds solace in artist Johnny Seymour’s decadent circle. Then the War of Independence erupts and Clara is caught between two men, deceit and revenge.
Present Day – When Kate Fallon sees the house it is love at first sight. She and her tycoon husband Tony buy it and hire the last Armstrong owner, architect Nico, to oversee its restoration. As Kate’s fascination with the house grows, she and Nico begin to uncover its history and the fates of its occupants in centuries past. But then, as her husband’s business empire faces ruin, Kate realises that they are in danger of losing everything.
“Skillful and original plotting kept me enthralled until the final page of the story” Rosemary McLoughlin author of Tyringham Park
“An irresistible mix of history, drama and intrigue that entertained and enthralled me in equal measure!” – Bord Gáis Energy Book Club
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I loved the intertwining lives and stories in this! It was very interesting and I couldn’t stop turning pages well into the night. I had to find out what happened in all the characters lives…then I greedily devoured book two and three.
Truly enjoyed as the story unfolded.
Chick book
Excellent plot and characters. The author made you want to keep reading to see what happens.
I love historical novels with history and descriptions of the homes and way of life from our past. This novel was written well and at times made me feel like I was there. Great read!
Edward Armstrong built a mansion on his estate for his new wife in 1840 Ireland. The storyline follows the lives of 3 generations of the Armstrong family saga that occupy the mansion from 1840 to present day. The book follows the family members dreams, heyday and downfall usually end in tragedy and moves on to the next generation. Good …
I enjoyed this book which prompted me to read the series. Great example of family secrets and scandals that somehow always get exposed. I enjoy reading period works and this story flipped from modern to different centuries with ease.
The House’s history begins with its building and carries through multiple generations. Each generation had its challenges, secrets, hopes, dreams and disappointments. Enjoyed reading the historical facts entwined in story.
I think I will read the rest of the series.
I always thought Hester Prynne was a bit of a fool for falling for Dimwit, as I have always called him. Here’s another heroine who falls for the wrong man. However, she does redeem herself, as does Hester, so I eventually liked her. Her descendants are a mixed lot, but it is a wonderful book about a great house. I loved it.
Great premise. Glad there is a series with the same family! Already purchased the 2nd book.
Loved it
Unusual, full of strong characters in an age when that wasn’t so.
Sometimes what life deals us is hard to understand
Flashback well done. Enjoyed surprises.
This book kept me guessing about how it would end a good book to read.
I loved this book. I read a lot of books it’s not often I find one that I can’t put down. I have already purchased the second in the series.
Historically interesting, but slow reading.
Watching the lives.
Fun idea seeing the lives as they pass through the family home. Was not thrilled that we were left with a teaser.
THE HOUSE (Armstrong House Series) – A. O’Connor
An actress becomes intrigued by an historic Irish ‘big house’, and is part of filming its history and its surrounding society. She and her land-developer husband purchase the house, developing relationships as they restore it to glory. She becomes obsessed with the mismatched couple who built the …