“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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Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Pulls you into the history of the country at the time
I’d consider this a beach read. It was an interesting storyline if not predictable. I enjoyed it.
This novel was so good that I had to buy the other 2 books in the series.
No happy ever after but the characters are well developed and the story has some twists not expected.
Looking for the sequel. Didn’t want it to end. Loved it
It has been awhile since I read this book, so I cannot remember all the details, but I remember I liked it and ordered the sequel or the next one by this author, which was not nearly as good.
I loved this book. I enjoy reading historical novels that follow family members and this is a good one. The story involves 3 generations of owners and what happened to them while in possession of the house. Built with love for his new bride, the house doesn’t become the dream home for future generations as expected. Life never goes as planned.
This book was good, but was really for younger people. (I am a senior citizen)
Was a great story until the last chapters.
It was a glimpse of old Ireland.
I just finished reading this story and I must say it’s one of the best I’ve read in a long time. It’s Historical without being boring, and romantic without being gushy. Also sad in parts and angry in others. It starts with the marriage of Edward and Anna Armstrong and the house Edward has built for her as a wedding gift. It goes through …
Absolutely loved this triology!
I love architecture and this book had some wonderful details about ‘the house’. It was a very interesting insight into the life of the wealthy in a by gone day.
Enjoyed reading this, but not so much that I will be anxious to move to the next episode.
This was a well written book but a little dark. I have a hard time when I don’t like the characters. It was a quick read and kept me entertained. I just didn’t like very many of the characters. I probably won’t continue with the series
This is a series of the books. A must read about history, architecture and twisted relationship.. After reading the first I had to continue on to the 2nd & 3rd.
Interesting story, good writing.
Book starts out really interesting but begins to get slow. I read ahead, skipped some pages to the end and still understood what happened and how it ended.
Great story, kept me reading all night!