Member Review
Review by
Carol (, Reviewer
Welcome to my stop on the #HTPBooks Harlequin Trade Press Publishing’s 2022 Blog Tour for historical fiction. Thanks #HTPBooks #Netgalley for a complimentary eARC of #MrsEngland upon my request. All opinions are my own.
In 1904, Ruby May is looking for a fresh start and accepts a position in Yorkshire as a children’s nurse for the Englands, a wealthy couple who live in the isolated Hardcastle House. Although she builds a connection with the three children, something doesn’t seem quite right with the servants or between Mr. and Mrs. England.
Atmospheric, forboding, and tense, Mrs. England is a story for fans who appreciate a histfic/mystery/thriller mashup. Not frightening, just tense. We’re figuring out what’s going on and where the danger may lie right along with Ruby as she’s instructed to “lock the nursery door at night.” The writing is rich with vivid details which helps us form pictures in our minds and create gothic vibes.
Despite the book’s title, the story revolves around Ruby. In the beginning, all the main characters seem a bit unreliable and it’s difficult to know who to trust. Ruby, a likeable character, is brave, determined, and compassionate but she definitely has some secrets. Mrs. England of the title is reclusive and mysterious while Mr. England, although controlling, demonstrates more care, concern, friendliness, and affection…but do we trust him? If you enjoyed Rebecca and Jane Eyre, you might appreciate the gothic elements and tension in this story.
We get the sense early in the story that there are many dark secrets. These secrets drive the story as we wonder whom we can trust and where the real danger lies.
For me, the difference between 4 and 5 Stars is personal enjoyment, connection, and the wow factor. Even though I loved the histfic element, gothic and thriller are a bit out of my zone of enjoyment. I think others who love those aspects of the story will likely rate this 5 Stars because it’s well written and constructed and contains all the dark atmosphere and tension. I’m definitely recommending Mrs. England for fans of Rebecca and Jane Eyre and for readers who appreciate a tense histfic/mystery/thriller.
Content Consideration: domestic abuse
In 1904, Ruby May is looking for a fresh start and accepts a position in Yorkshire as a children’s nurse for the Englands, a wealthy couple who live in the isolated Hardcastle House. Although she builds a connection with the three children, something doesn’t seem quite right with the servants or between Mr. and Mrs. England.
Atmospheric, forboding, and tense, Mrs. England is a story for fans who appreciate a histfic/mystery/thriller mashup. Not frightening, just tense. We’re figuring out what’s going on and where the danger may lie right along with Ruby as she’s instructed to “lock the nursery door at night.” The writing is rich with vivid details which helps us form pictures in our minds and create gothic vibes.
Despite the book’s title, the story revolves around Ruby. In the beginning, all the main characters seem a bit unreliable and it’s difficult to know who to trust. Ruby, a likeable character, is brave, determined, and compassionate but she definitely has some secrets. Mrs. England of the title is reclusive and mysterious while Mr. England, although controlling, demonstrates more care, concern, friendliness, and affection…but do we trust him? If you enjoyed Rebecca and Jane Eyre, you might appreciate the gothic elements and tension in this story.
We get the sense early in the story that there are many dark secrets. These secrets drive the story as we wonder whom we can trust and where the real danger lies.
For me, the difference between 4 and 5 Stars is personal enjoyment, connection, and the wow factor. Even though I loved the histfic element, gothic and thriller are a bit out of my zone of enjoyment. I think others who love those aspects of the story will likely rate this 5 Stars because it’s well written and constructed and contains all the dark atmosphere and tension. I’m definitely recommending Mrs. England for fans of Rebecca and Jane Eyre and for readers who appreciate a tense histfic/mystery/thriller.
Content Consideration: domestic abuse
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