“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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The cover image drew me in; the book itself was far less than absorbing. I gave up part way through.
Fabulous series, loved book one, two and three are worth it as well!
Didnt hold my attention.
Enjoyable multi-generational family story.
It was terrific so good u can’t put the book down
A wonderful rainy afternoon read!
Not at all what I thought it would be
Loved reading through the generations of this family. Lots of twists and turns!
I’m not sure I recommend this book. My recollections – after a week or so – are of people locked in class battles that destroy their sense of sense of worth in social situations.
The family looses their estate and the heir is the architect in helping to restore it. Everyone in consumed in the project sacrificing their familial relationships. …
Loved the characters and history
I enjoyed the twists in this book.
The characters were strong. Plot was interesting.
I loved it! Following the House, and it’s occupants through the years was a fabulous journey through history.
A good story but disappointing if you are looking for historical fiction that immerses in the reality of a different era. It’s almost as if a popular romance writer decided to branch off and add an historical element. Entertaining but disappoints.
Story line was very good. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Hard to put down, this book is a good one from start to finish.
a little depressing
I couldn’t put this book down. It held my interest from the first page to the last.
Very interesting but a bit unbelievable at times. Easy to read and entertaining.
This is the first of 3 in a series. Loved how the author went back and told more about each character in each book. I was sorry to see the story end.