This book sounded quite intriguing to me ... a dilapidated old house, ghosts, an eccentric inventor ... what more do you need? Alas, that wasn’t the case. The book starts out quite strongly, with all of the above mixed in with several humorous scenes, but near the middle all that changed. It felt like Biller didn’t really know what direction she wanted to go in ... is it a ghost story, or a romance story or is it about a scientist and all of his inventions? At this point the story lost its footing and finally after a very lengthy, bodice ripper sex scene (that was completely out of place), it started to regain some of its original intentions. Set in 1875, it had much more of a modern day feel to it, which made it a tad confusing. It starts to wander again near the end, but does eventually tie everything together. Not the story I had hoped for!

Alva Webster isn’t the woman that all the swirling society rumors proclaim her to be. She’s just trying to leave all of scandal surrounding her husband’s death far, far behind. After fleeing Europe for America, she purchases an old mansion with plans to chronicle its glorious renovation in her upcoming book. Until the disarmingly handsome Professor Moore offers to help her find out why no one wants to work in Liefdehuis.

“I beg your pardon, ma’am. Henry warned me—that is, I shouldn’t have; my proposition is not of an intimate nature.”
“I’m coming to understand that,” she said.
“You thought … do men … they must—good lord.”
She began to feel in charity with this befuddled giant. “Indeed,” she said. “I quite agree. But I must ask again—what is it you want with Liefdehuis?”
“To study it,” he said. “One of my personal interests is in metaphysical energies, you see, and from what I’ve heard, your house may prove a most interesting case. Your ghost story is so recent, you know. I hardly ever hear one claiming to be that new—”
He broke off as she shook her head. “You almost had me convinced that you were unlike the majority of your sex,” she said. “And now I see you are. I’m just not sure insanity is much of an improvement.”
To her surprise, he smiled again. “You’re not the only one who thinks so,” he said. The embarrassment had left his face; he was quite relaxed once more. A man who apologizes for a proposition and grins at an insult, Alva thought. Where did you come from, Professor Moore?

Samuel Moore comes from a long line of scientists. He’s eccentric, brilliant and utterly irresistible. He wants to somehow find an explanation for the strange happenings at Alva’s mansion. And if everything goes as planned, that means that he gets to spend endless hours with the alluring widow.

She’s a mystery that he is determined to solve. Behind her carefully constructed wall is a woman with equal amounts of beauty and strength.

If only he can help her overcome the ghosts of the past – both corporal and otherworldly – and find the love of a lifetime.

The next time she looked up, the city outside was dark, with twinkling, wavering lights forming constellations of avenues and neighborhoods. There was a fire in the small cast-iron fireplace—one of the few details she’d allowed to stay—and Sam was sprawled in his desk chair, watching her.
She closed her notebook. “Hello.”
“Hello,” he said, his lips twitching upwards. “You’re beautiful.”
“You’re going to wear that compliment out,” she said, but inside she preened.
“You’re beautiful, and you’re in my room.”
“I am,” she agreed.
“On my bed.”
“You put me here.”
“Did I? What a terribly clever fellow I am.”

Diana Biller makes her witty and atmospheric debut with The Widow of Rose House. It doesn’t matter that the story is set in 1875 because her characters are light years ahead of their time.

Alva is a modern woman who can stand proudly on her own and Samuel is the perfect quirky combination of brains and fiery passion. I love how they embraced the unconventional - in each other and in the world around them. Their strength as individuals is only complimented by their strength together - never diminishing and never overshadowing. A truly amazing blend of past and present.

Add a touching ghost story into the mix and the result is a sweetly charming, whip-smart love story that’s simply perfect for Halloween.

Alva Penrose Rensselaer Webster is back in New York after 13 years and it is clear that her scandalous past has not been forgotten. She is having dinner at Delmonico’s with a publisher, desperately hoping to sell him on the idea of publishing her book on interior decorating, and the whispers are growing louder. Finally, she convinces the publisher to give her a chance and leaves just as fast as she can. But her escape is thwarted by a very large man who introduces himself as Sam Moore. She mistakenly believes he is propositioning her, which his first words to her confirm, but it is not the proposition she expected.

Professor Samuel Moore is famous, he is a genius and sought after inventor – in fact his whole family is famous, but what many people don’t know is Sam’s secret passion is ghost hunting – an Alva Webster happens to have just purchased a home with a ghost! When he sees her at the restaurant and learns that she owns the house, nothing will stop him from talking to her. Once the true nature of his “proposition” is revealed, a very embarrassed Alva refuses to grant him access. But Sam won’t give up, because now he is not just interested in the ghost, he is interested in Alva as well.

When Alfred, her former brother in law begins to blackmail her and the workers at her house refuse to return until she gets rid of the ghost, Alva decides to let Sam investigate the house – just so she can finish the project and write her book. Sam agrees, but now he wants to investigate whatever is between them as well as the ghost. Alva has no desire to remarry, but she agrees to an affair, but for Sam that won’t be enough. And while Alva knows she loves him, she knows her secrets and scandalous past, as well as the current threat Alfred presents would not ruin just her, but Sam and maybe his family and she will push him away before she lets that happen. But to do that, she must get rid of the ghost, once and for all.

I loved this story, I will admit the description of a “gothic romance” left me a bit wary, but I can honestly say this was not a dark read at all, there are some serious issues and possibly some triggers for sensitive readers, but Ms. Biller manages to keep this from being truly dark. Alva is a wonderful heroine who has been hurt and misused by those who should have loved her and Sam is awesome – I loved him so much, he is brilliant, funny and very, very protective of Alva. My understanding is this book is a debut offering and I have to say if that is true – WOW – it is well written, flows nicely, stays on point and has incredible imagery and emotion, I am very impressed and will be looking for Ms. Biller’s next book and hoping she is writing books about the other Moore siblings!!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*

New York City - February 1875

Alva Penrose Rensslaer Webster has just stepped into Delmonico’s to meet Mr. Smithson with the publishing house of Braeburn and Smithson. They are there to discuss Alva’s book about interior decorating which is entitled “Mrs. Webster’s Guide to Home Decoration.”

As she leaves the restaurant, she is approached by a man who had been inside. He introduces himself as Professor Samuel (Sam) Moore. He is interested in her newly purchased New York home called Liefdehuis. It is reported to be haunted. Saml explains that he is interested in metaphysical energies. Saying that she does not believe in ghosts, she refuses his request and leaves. But his persistence finally gains her trust.

As Sam takes his machines into the house to test them, he speaks to the “ghost” if there is one reassuring them that he is not there to harm them. He spends more time with Alva and, of course, they end up attracted to one another.

This book is truly “different” from others that I have read I guess due to the “ghost” part of it. I turned pages with great trepidation at times because I’m a real scaredy cat and I admit it, yet I couldn’t help but be intrigued. It’s like the feeling little kids get when they venture out on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating. But back to the story. Alva and Sam are both very strong, intelligent, and out-spoken people. The humor mixed into the book throughout will have you laughing. Sam tends to be a bit like the nutty/absent-minded professor. He’s a hoot! Enjoy the story!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book was part historical, part romance and part ghost story. The reader’s enjoyment will depend on their level of interest in these three aspects. It veered, for my tastes, too strongly to the romance aspect, being essentially a romance novel with ghost and historical elements. The ghost story, while quite interesting, was a distant second to the romance, and the historical part an even more distant third. There was no period feel, no evocation of the 1880s. The story felt almost wholly modern until a corset or a carriage popped up. That sense of the past is the most important thing to me in a historical novel, so this was a problem. That said, the romance parts were strong with a likable heroine and a good, strong hero. Romance readers will probably rate this novel stronger than I did.

The Widow of Rose House is a charming and unique historical romance by Dianna Billar. Most historical romances don't interest me due to my dislike of the aristocracy that always seems to be present. Alva and Sam are better than that world. Alva is venturing to succeed on her own, and Sam lives in his scientific world pursuing his ideas. The supernatural in the form of ghosts is fascinating and mysterious, but what I most enjoyed is witnessing the romance between Alva and Sam unfold. Alva and Sam are charismatic, and their banter is tremendous fun. I enjoyed reading an early copy of the Widow of Rose House by Diana Billar. This book is worth checking out for those who enjoy a bit of paranormal with their romance, in a gothic mansion setting.

Alva’s back in New York after the death of her estranged husband, partly to salvage her reputation from the rumors and gossip written after their separation, and to revamp Liefdehuis, an old Hyde Park house. She plans to publish the process of renovation as well as interior design ideas for the middle classes, a new and emerging market. But the ghost stories surrounding Liefdehuis threaten to derail her plans, so she has no choice but to investigate and hopefully dispel. Here’s where Sam Moore, the famous inventor comes in, much to Alva’s dismay.

I loved The Widow of Rose House! Parts were a bit scary, (hello, ghost story!) and tragic, but a large part of the story was so much fun, thanks to Samuel Moore and his wonderfully quirky family! Sam’s eccentric, sexy, and handsome, and Alva’s reactions to him were a complete delight! Alva tried to resist Sam’s charm, but he was impossible to put off and completely irresistible. Loved the banter and chemistry between them!

I adored Alva! Enduring everything she did, from her unloving family to her abusive husband (now dead, thank goodness) while still retaining her spirit showed a strength I admired. If anyone deserved a happy ending it was Alva. Dealing with the possibility of the ghost on top of salvaging her reputation proves to be a daunting challenge, but one Alva’s determined to take on.

The Widow of Rose House was a captivating story, a wonderful debut! While the story wraps up nicely, I’d love to have more stories centering on the Moore siblings, Henry included!

The Widow of Rose House was a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish! The setting, the characters, the mystery and the paranormal - it all added up to a delightful read that, I am happy to say, has made it onto my Favorite Books of 2019 list. One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was the beauty in the descriptions. I had no trouble at all envisioning the different scenes in the book, picturing the characters having their conversations (their expressions, they body movements), because it was all written colorfully with enough characterization to satisfy without drowning the reader in it. The hero was especially animated, and I loved how careful the author was in creating his character. With his quirks, it could have come off as very childish and unappealing, but instead he's a hero I think we all wouldn't mind having at our side.

Alva Webster, aspiring authoress and recent homeowner, is at a loss for how to handle her current situation. The workers who were supposed to help restore her home have fled the scene with no explanation, a strange yet utterly handsome man won't stop bothering her about using her home for his research into the paranormal, and a man from her past has reentered her life in a most malicious fashion. After spending the last 18 months in the papers for her alleged sexual activities, the last thing Alva needs is drama in her life. But no matter how hard she tries, she cannot escape it, and with all of the chaos, love may just tag along for the ride as well.

Before we get into all the feels I have for Alva, let's talk about Professor Samuel Moore. The bumbling yet sensual, the brilliant yet naive hero of this novel. It was interesting how I felt about Sam at first, because I literally put down my Kindle, looked at a point in the distance, and asked the universe, "THIS is our hero?" Because honestly, he seems way too innocent and unassuming to be strong enough to handle that title within such a serious story. But the author proved me wrong time and time again as Sam's many layers were revealed as I progressed through the book. He was such a sweetheart, a man who looked at someone for who they are, not how much money they had or their status in society, which was a rarity in those days. Still is, to tell you the truth. I felt him capture my heart as soon as he professed to Alva his respect for her, even in the face of her refusal to allow him entrance to her home. He saw past her defenses to the woman beneath, and it was really refreshing. Alva was a strong woman who had been through so much, and I wanted to give her a hug and strangle her parents all in one breath, to be honest. Society's treatment of her, and especially her own family's callous dismissal of her identity as a person, was so appalling, and I think that's why her character will resonate with so many people. I'm sure all of us have, at one time, felt dismissed by someone or rejected by society through no fault of our own, and Alva was us in so many scenes. I was inspired by her determination to remain on her path, even when presented with many obstacles. She was resolute in the face of adversity, and I loved her character for it!

For a debut book, Diana Biller set quite a high bar for herself! This is a book not to be missed, and this is an author not to be ignored. I cannot wait for the next book she produces!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

The moment I was asked if I'd be interested in being on the blog tour for The Widow of Rose House and read the synopsis, I knew my answer was a resounding yes. A haunted Victorian romance set during the Gilded Age in the New York City? There was no question.

I grew up reading the gothic romances that my mom picked up at yard sales and other book resellers, and that's where I first fell in love with romance as a genre. They were usually relatively tame--maybe a mention of a kiss (or a nipple for the more risque ones)--but they were filled with ghosts and of people struggling to find their place. It had been ages since I'd read one, and something about The Widow of Rose House struck me the same way.

This is such a good take on the genre. I can't tell you how much I loved it, but I'll try. The setting; the characterization of New York, of Liefdehuis, of every main and minor character; and the development of the relationship between Alva and Sam all sucked me in immediately.

The first half of this story really centers on the hauntings and other strange goings-on of Liefdehuis, as well as the blooming attraction between Sam and Alva in the face of their separate-but-linked careers. Sam wants to research the hauntings for Science, while Alva just wants the damn thing taken care of so that she can write her book on interior design, using Liefdehuis as the backdrop. Alva has her own ghosts she's running from, and she needs this book to get published so she can start living her own life. The second half becomes more of a journey in research, as Alva and Sam race to find out the real story behind the hauntings--but don't get confused, there is some spooky shit happening here.

The romance is sweet and fun, with Sam being this Distracted Scientist with Experience with the Ladies--but he isn't a playboy, and he never toys with Alva's feelings. He just shows her what she's been missing her entire life.  

It may have been a little slow at the beginning, with a lot of backstory and world building, but it more than made it up by the end with a Hero to die for and a determined woman to root for.

I was given an advanced e copy of this book from Negalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started this book I was thinking that it wasn’t for me. The beginning was very boring to me. The first 15% made me want to DNF the book because I wasn’t getting ghost vibes or romance vibes. The further into the book the more of a mystery it became and how Alva and Sam needed to figure out what was going on and why.

I loved the romance that blossomed between A and S and I’m glad A finally got her head out of her butt. She grew as a character that was amazing. I loved how damaged she was and then she understand she could control her own fate. That made the book for me. I was happy to see how much A grew and how she wasn’t going to let her life fall into the hands of Alfred and Alain.

The Gilded Age. A young widow. A haunted house. I loooovvveeee it.

The Widow of Rose House is a perfect read for October. The right amount of spooky and the right amount of romance to fulfill all of my needs.

Alva is a modern woman, who has recently returned to New York after travels in Europe. She knows she's the topic of many rumors. Rumors also surround her new residence, a mansion in Hyde Park. Professor Sam Moore has heard about the house and asks Alva to investigate.

The Alva-Sam relationship is rather modern and I loved them both. I think that Diana Biller could write and entire series of Alva and Sam and I would be first in line to read it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

It's really frightening to think about the lack of rights women had in the past. Alva experienced this to an extreme, but she had the guts to fight even though she back slid a lot in the process. Enter Sam Moore, one of the most lovable male characters I've read in long time. In fact, I wish I had a Sam. This book shows how people lives as children mold them into the adults they become. I'm not sure Alva was shown any love at all except maybe from a governess; while Sam was showered in it and floated in a lovely bubble of love all his life. Thank goodness Sam was intent on meeting Alva. A very scary or at least unnerving ghost is a resident of the house Alva purchases in an effort to begin a new life after scandal and becoming a widow. This book did slow down some in the middle, but push through as it's totally worth it in the end.

A historical romance with haunted mansion blended with a bit of paranormal. I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between the two main characters. It did seem more of a modern read then a historical. Well written and the characters were entertaining. I did like Sam and his eccentric family. It was an okay read for me. I think others will enjoy it.

What a fantastic debut novel!

Just to be clear, this is not exactly a dark or Gothic novel. The tone is actually somewhat light - despite there being a ghost involved! - and the romance is fantastic. If you are looking to step outside your usual comfort zone, then I highly recommend this Gilded Age romance. I was pleasantly surprised that this was the author's debut novel.

Alva is a disgraced widow who has returned to New York from Europe, the subject of newspaper gossip and rumors. She has purchased a decrepit old home that is rumored to be haunted. Sam is a well-known scientist who is interested in studying the house and learning more about the rumored haunting. Although the main focus is the romance between Alva and Sam, I loved the exploration of the role of women in society during the late 1800's and the way Sam respected Alva's wit and mind. But never fear, there is still tons of heat and chemistry in this delightful book!

“I find almost every damn thing about you irresistible, Mrs. Webster,” he said, his arms aching to come around her.
“Don’t call me that,” she said. “Don't call me by his name.”
“Alva, then,” he said, and pulled her close.

The ghost story was very well-done and treated with great sensitivity and care. I don't consider this to be a paranormal book or science fiction, despite the presence of a spirit within Alva's home. There is also humor, adventure and suspense in this very fast-paced story.

“I can’t believe I did that,” she said, her hand creeping up to her lips. “Why did I do that?” “Hopefully because I’m irresistible,” he said.

I fell in love with Sam and his wit and eccentric ways. I also adored Alva's courage and feistiness. These two made a memorable couple and I could definitely see another book about them! 'The Widow of Rose House' is a fantastic debut and I look forward to more books from Diana Biller.

Favorite quote:

“I’m sorry to have—to have given you the wrong impression. I can’t do this. I don’t have room for romance, or for … whatever this is.”
Sam blew out a breath and pushed his hair out of his eyes.
“It’s romance,” he said.

The Widow of Rose House is the debut of author Diana Biller. It is a fun and suspenseful historical romance set in New York in the 1870s. Alva is a widow with a scandalous background who buys an old home to fix it up while writing a book on interior design. She meets an eccentric scientist whose personality and family you can't help but to love. Together, they investigate the haunting of her new home.

The characters were developed nicely and I loved the integration of humor into what could have been a very dark ghost story. I love Alva and Sam together and may have found my new book boyfriend. I will definitely keep an eye out for the author's next book!

I'm always drawn to stories with Gothic flair, suspense and mystery, also I'm a huge fan of romance novels, so when the publisher offered me the chance to try this book I couldn't say no.

I read THE WIDOW OF ROSE HOUSE a couple of weeks ago and loved it! Every single page of it. From the gorgeous views the author described, to the thrilling narration that trapped me from the start, this story was filled with wonderful characters, unforgettable moments, intriguing ghost tales... and ALL THE FEELS!! You have to read it! For real. This book is everything!

"The haunted mansion is the perfect home: spacious, well-furnished, and it entertains your guests for you." (Walt Disney World)

The Widow of Rose House is a colorfully wrapped package that touches on moments of the Gilded Age, the draw of romance, the weight of shifty crime, and the eerie stream of the paranormal. Diana Biller will see to it that you are entertained throughout.

Alva Webster sits ridgidly at a table in the famous Delmonico's restaurant in New York City. She knows that there is an abundance of eyes upon her every move. Although she is meeting a publisher to discuss a book proposition on home decor, Alva knows that she, herself, is the title of every topic discussed at every table.

A recent widow living previously in Europe, Alva has decided to come back to New York. But what has followed her here are horrendous rumors of her questionable lifestyle abroad. Scandalous, you might say, even though it is nothing but lies. But lies are like little demons jumping from one pointed tongue to another here in New York City.

Alva has recently bought a property in the Hyde Park section of the city. Rumors abound that this said mansion is haunted by its previous owners. Even the workmen that Alva has hired for the renovation left their tools and materials behind in their haste to escape the creepiness from within its walls.

Soon Alva is contacted by Professor Sam Moore who wishes to proceed with paranormal investigations in the mansion. He comes from a very quirky family of delightful scientists. In time, Sam and Alva combine their efforts into finding out what is at the core of the mansion even though Alva has a real flesh and blood enemy pursuing her.

I enjoyed The Widow of Rose House and would rate it at 3.5 kicked up to a 4 star review. Although a historical fiction novel, the relationship between Sam and Alva has a more modern day vibe as you'll find out. I also would have liked to have experienced more creepy inner explorations of the mansion throughout the book......unexplained voices and chilling experiences in the build-up and less romance. But that's just me. Still a worthy read that will grab your attention.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press/Griffin and to Diana Biller for the opportunity.

Wow I loved this book! I normally do not read books dealing with ghosts but this was different! Historical fiction and well written this book had me drawn in. Suspense and love all in one! What more could you ask for?

Is there a ghost at Liefdehuis? Are there multiple ghosts there? That's what the people in town think. Alva Webster, who has returned to the US after a disastrous marriage, bought the house thinking it would be a terrific place to restore and show off her interior design ideas- a radical thought for 1872 but she's managed to get a book contract. Fortuitously, she runs into Samuel Moore, a spunky inventor and eccentric, who is also really hot and prone to wearing tight shirts. Moore wants to ghost hunt at her house AND he wants her. Know that this gets steamy- really steamy for multiple pages-but then it calms down. There's a mystery about the house and what happened there, especially what happened to Rose De Boer, and Samuel and Alva work that out, as well as deal with lingering problems from her hateful inlaws. The characters are good (if a little unrealistic in spots) - I also liked Samuel's brother. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This mixes romance, humor, the paranormal, and a little mystery into a highly readable stew.

This book has surprised me.

Besides being a historical romance novel, it also had the best dynamic between the two main characters. They were complete opposites - one with a heartbreaking childhood and past, still being gossiped about, while the other was a brilliant scientist from a family of scientists - but the author made sure they would match.

Yes, one of them was very stubborn and frustrating and had me rolling my eyes, but they got there.

There's also a ghost - or more - so it's perfect for an October read, if you're that type of reader.

I'll be honest, I'd like books with the side characters, as well.

I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy via Netgalley and my rating is 4 - 4.5 stars.

P.S. Samuel is absolutely swoon-worthy and I know many will love him!