Title: The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Historical, Supernatural Elements (Ghost), Romance
Length: 346 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A young widow restores a dilapidated mansion with the assistance of a charming, eccentric genius, only to find the house is full of dangerous secrets in this effervescent Gilded Age romantic comedy debut
It’s 1875, and Alva Webster has perfected her stiff upper lip after three years of being pilloried in the presses of two continents over fleeing her abusive husband. Now his sudden death allows her to return to New York to make a fresh start, restoring Liefdehuis, a dilapidated Hyde Park mansion, and hopefully her reputation at the same time.
However, fresh starts aren’t as easy as they seem, as Alva discovers when stories of a haunting at Liefdehuis begin to reach her. But Alva doesn’t believe in ghosts. So when the eccentric and brilliant professor Samuel Moore appears and informs her that he can get to the bottom of the mystery that surrounds Liefdehuis, she turns him down flat. She doesn’t need any more complications in her life—especially not a handsome, convention-flouting, scandal-raising one like Sam. Unfortunately, though Alva is loath to admit it, Sam, a pioneer in electric lighting and a member of the nationally-adored Moore family of scientists, is the only one who can help. Together, the two delve into the tragic secrets wreathing Alva’s new home while Sam attempts to unlock Alva’s history—and her heart.
Set during the Gilded Age in New York City, The Widow of Rose House is a gorgeous debut by Diana Biller, with a darkly Victorian Gothic flair and an intrepid and resilient American heroine guaranteed to delight readers.
Review:
Set in 1875, The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller is a charming romance with ghostly elements.
Widow Alva Webster’s scandalous reputation precedes her as she returns to New York following the death of her husband, Alain. She has recently purchased a purported haunted house which she plans to restore. Alva also has a publishing deal to write about her restoration but when her construction crew walks off the job due to ghostly appearances, Alva turns to Professor Samuel “Sam” Moore for help. With a surprising attraction simmering between them, can Alva guard her heart and her secrets while she and Sam get to the bottom of the ghost’s identity?
Alva is more than ready to move on from her abusive marriage but rumors still follow her. She is focused on renovating her new home and starting over. Alva has no plan or desire for a new romance and she is surprised by how much she enjoys spending time with Sam and his family. With serious trust issues due to her past, is there any way she can risk heart again?
Sam is an absolutely delightful man. He is the epitome of the absent minded professor as he is continually distracted by thoughts and ideas for new projects. Sam is genuinely kind-hearted and compassionate and he is quite smitten with Alva right from the first time he sees her. Is there any way Sam can gain Alva’s trust and win her heart?
The Widow of Rose House is an engaging novel with a slow burning romance and an intriguing ghost hunt. The storyline is appealing but the pacing is sometimes a little slow. Sam is a wonderfully patient man who is absolutely perfect for emotionally wounded Alva. The search for the ghost is quite interesting and perfectly complements the overall story. Fans of historical romances are sure to love this endearing debut by Diana Biller.
