I was surprised when I reached the epilogue for the first novella as I had not known the format before beginning this book. I felt it ended abruptly and would have preferred a more sweeping epic as opposed to having the three discreet novellas and lost interest as the story progressed.

I enjoyed reading The Castle Keepers. It is divided into three sections and is almost like three novellas with some overlapping characters. While I liked each section, I found myself wondering about the characters from the earlier sections and wanting more information about them. Because the stories take place in very different time periods, there is information about different topics. I liked the setting after World War II where the family home becomes a place for soldiers to recover and adjust to life after the war best.

I absolutely adore the cover of this novel. It made me stop scrolling and take notice! I love how the three women, through their clothing represent the three different time periods of The Castle Keepers. When I started reading, I anticpated this being a time slip novel, being taken back and forth through from 1870, 1917 and 1945. I was anticipating a switch in the first few chapters, but this book is comprised of three novellas tied together by the cursed Leedswick Castle and the Alnwick lineage. Each time period is written by a different author and features a different male member of the Alnwick family and a "commoner" who comes into their lives to turn it upside down. All the men in the family suffer from war wounds, some visible and some brewing beneath the surface.

The first story, by Aimie Runyan, was very fast paced and enjoyable to read. Regency type setting, where the heroine comes to London as a "dollar bride" after a disasterous season in America.
The second story, by J'nell Ciesielski, was a beauty and the beast type story. Her characters were my favorite out of the three. I loved Elena's spunky personality and that she saw Tobias for who he was on the inside.
The third story, by Rachel McMillan, I think would have been better suited as a full length novel. I admired Alec's desire to help his fellow veterans rehabilitate to civilian life, however I found the latter parts of the story a bit rushed. Just as it was getting really interesting to me and starting to get mysterious, then it was quickly wrapped up and overwith.

Hasty marriages, a poison garden, secrets, mysteries and a few kisses kept me turning pages! I would recommend to those who like short stories and enjoy regency or post war fiction.

Thank you Aimie Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan, Harper Muse and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of The Castle Keepers. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This was an interesting setup, being a sequence of 3 novellas by the different authors. I enjoyed the continuation of the family of Alnwicks along with the women who joined them, although each novella was a very short introduction to each generation and had to wrap up quickly.

I thought the concept of war wounds in one form or another - judgment as a survivor compared to those who didn’t, physical disfigurement, and PTSD was a great concept to highlight and explore, as well as bringing cohesion to each section. I thought it was well explored in each story.

The 1st by Amie Runyan had terrific tension and intrigue, and I had a hard time putting it down, following along with Beatrice. Jane’s situation did seemed rushed, however, and the references to Thomas I felt like I was missing something by the end after all the allusions to him.

The 2nd novella by J’Nell Ciesielski was my favorite - I felt like I connected the best with the characters and it had phenomenal character development, as well as making you invested in both Tobias and Elena.

The 3rd by Rachel McMillan I struggled with a little. I kept getting confused with the ambiguity of the storyline or the character’s interactions. Maybe it was just because it was a packed in shorter story but it lost me a bit a number of times and I just had a hard time getting invested or following it. Part of me also struggled with how an Allied soldier would have been able to correspond in Axis Austria as well by itself or at least without endangering Brigitte’s family.

Overall I enjoyed it and the continuity over time. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book. All opinions are mine.

Three novellas about the same castle in different time periods, and all with strong women at the heart of them, were a joy to read. Although I did favor one story over the other, I thought the authors did a fine job of weaving together the history of the Alnwick family.

Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy these stories, read as a whole or in three big bites.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.

Most of the anthologies of novellas are generally light in substance and depth. That is not the case with The Castle Keepers. Three different generations of the Alnwick family are desperately trying to hold on to their castle that has been part of their family lineage for generations. In each of the stories there is a bit of intrigue in each of the stories, and a whole lot of PTSD in them. Each of the stories includes a wounded warrior who has a hard time putting what he saw in the war behind him. Each has a woman who is strong in her own right, but a little foreign to the aristocratic world. The women in these novellas seek to love the men in a way that goes beyond appearances and surface characteristics.

I found that each novella showed ways that the protagonists were trying to overcome negative connotations with the castle in the minds of the villagers surrounding it, how they were working to redeem the castle's poor reputation, how they were working to overcome their own hardships, and even how their faith, not only in God, but even in themselves was restored.

These authors have done such a great job in pulling these narratives together to make a cohesive whole, even though generations separate them. This is so very much a five star book. It's hard to put down while you are reading the stories, but after you finish one, you have to let it digest before jumping into the next one. The issues tackled are very real and common almost to every soldier or military man who has seen battle. Read it, that's all I can say.

Harper Muse provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Three wonderful love stories written during different time periods. All the stories have the same setting of Leedswick Castle. Each story is unique and all of the characters are wonderful! My favorite story is Elena and Tobias'.
A definite must read!
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Novellas are such a different beast. They have the challenge of drawing you in quickly and pacing things just so. They have to engage you and wrap everything up in - 120 pages? But, on the other hand, they're quick, (usually) easy reads, which can be just the thing sometimes. All three authors are new to me, so I didn't know what to expect beyond a castle tying all three stories together.

I quite enjoyed the first installment, written by Aimie K. Runyan. She quickly pulled me into the tension the main character, Beatrice, was feeling about her season in NY. The rules that accompanied the start of each chapter set the tone well and kept the flow going. It matched the main character's perspective very nicely. While a few things felt like they happened rather quickly, that is the nature of novellas, and I was overall quite pleased with the first installment. I could have happily spent a little more time with the characters. This was my favorite of all three. That's probably partially because of the writing and partially because it had the most historical mystery to it. I am partial to a good historical cozy mystery.

The second installment, by J'nell Ciesielski, was good too. Not as good as the first, but still pleasant. Elena was a delightful girl, always looking for the silver linings and bringing joy with her. Tobias's journey was a compelling one, and I was rooting for him and Elena. They balanced each other very well. I didn't love the back plot with Elena's past coming to bear, but I could at least see where everyone was coming from, and the resolution worked for me. I was glad it was just a novella though.

The third and final installment was the hardest for me. Some bits of the plot were a little convoluted. I was appalled at the lack of boundaries relating to one situation. There was some obliviousness that seemed necessary to the plot, but didn't work for me. I was pleased with the ending, both in that it concluded the larger story in a very satisfactory manner, and that I didn't have to dredge through any more of it. I liked the ending, but didn't enjoy the journey half as much as the others.

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SPOILER ALERT: I did wonder how happy Beatrice could really be, all cooped up in the castle. But perhaps that's the challenge: a bit of happily ever after, but tinged with the curse. By the end of it all, I did wonder why Charles didn't work to clear his name. It was needed for the plot, clearly, but even if he didn't care for himself, telling the truth might have made a difference for his descendants as pieces of it filtered down, even if the original villagers didn't ever fully trust him again. That doesn't bug me half as much as Hal did. He needed to be sent packing as soon as he came in. I just cannot with that whole mess.

Three generations of the Alnwick family of Leedswick Castle, each story set in a different time from 1870, to 1917 to 1945. The three short stories are well written and the writing flows as we follow each generation through its struggles and triumphs. It was somewhat predictable but if you enjoy historical romance, you’ll enjoy the three novellas. Thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I really like how the three stories revolve around the same setting of Leedswick Castle through different generations.

The writing is very well done and all three stories give a different perspective of the castle at that moment in history. I also liked the family connection between the three generations and how we see each one take care of the castle with what they have. The three pairs of main characters were equally interesting to read.

It's an original take on a theme anthology and I really enjoyed it!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

3.5 stars
The 1870 era novella by Aimie K. Runyan starts after some of the curse has already been placed on the house. With a hasty wedding and a family that does not really like Beatrice, the plot has is guaranteed to be a conflict of interest from the first meeting. Charles and Beatrice knows the wedding is the perfect recipe for a loving marriage, but they learn to trust each other no matter what Charles’ family believes. The characters are nicely handled and crafted. Readers will root for Beatrice as she tries to make her way as the Marchioness of Northridge. Runyan’s description of the forgotten castle does spark my imagination and will make readers want to wander the hallways of the castle. A nicely handled story, but the ending came as a rush to the current curse.
The 1917 era novella by J’nell Ciesieskli features a wounded hero who wanders how to make a place in the world with his physical deformities. Enter Elena Hamilton, an artist, who wants to make her mark on this beautiful world. This novella is a kind of like a Beauty and the Beast type story. Again, readers are wandering the halls of the Leedswick Castle as the events unfold. Ciesieskli crafts a nicely handled plot with the limited amount of space that novellas allow. Readers will enjoy the connection to Leedswick Castle and the 1870’s characters.

The 1945 novella by Rachel McMillan uses psychology to contact the hero and the heroine. Again, readers are taken to Leedswick Castle to help recover and learn more about the curse on the house. The characters were a little different this time. A little more freedom as the clock is ticked away. Readers will see the change in women’s freedom through the course of this book. McMillan characters come together after World War II, which is one of my favorite eras to read. The plot features dreams and how to make sense of the nightmares that plague the soldiers.
Overall, some of the novellas seemed rush to the ending that help cure the curse for each generation. The novellas started out with an exciting incident, then moved forward to the development of the characters while introducing the climactic moment. But then the novella progresses, and it is time to wrap up, so the authors rush to the conclusion. While I believe each story could be made into a complete novel instead of just a novella, maybe then the ending would not feel so rushed.

I received a complimentary copy of The Castle Keepers by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesieskli, and Rachel McMillan from Harper Muse Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

"The Castle Keepers" is a series of three short stories where the actions of the first pair affected their future descendants. In each case: there was a bit of interesting historical information as the basis of the story (an American heiresses marrying a cash-poor English title, detailed masks to hide war wounds, and methods of dealing with war wounds of the mind). The characters were developed and acted in realistic ways. And each romantic pair became better people after knowing each other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this collection.

In 1870, Beatrice felt like Charles was kind and thoughtful, and his title satisfied her mother. Only, his family was determined to make his younger brother the heir. When his father was murdered, Charles was the obvious suspect and asked Beatrice to secure his title/authority at home while he's being questioned. I liked the characters but was a little thrown when Beatrice figured out whodunit only to discover she didn't need to.

In 1917, Elena arrived to "fix" Tobias by making a lifelike mask to cover his scars. In the process, she worked to restore his belief that he's still a whole, handsome man. Only, her father's determined to force her to marry the man he wants to inherit his successful business.

In 1945, Alec wrestled with nightmares of the war so wanted to help himself and other soldiers by using techniques suggested by psychoanalyst Brigitta. She listened to them talk (especially about their dreams) while they got used to peaceful, normal living again while at the castle. Only, Alec's arrogant cousin pressured him to sell the castle instead. Brigitta seemed so intent on treating everything as war-induced that it took a while for her to see what was happening (which the reader can guess from the clues before she figured it out).

A series of 3 short stories that follow a family through the years and the ups, downs, trials and tribulations. The stories are well connected and I really enjoyed how they flowed one into another. They are well written and kept me entertained throughout the entire book.

The continuity from the three stories across generations made for a compelling read, however, I enjoyed the first two stories more than the third.

I received a complimentary e-arc through NetGalley.

A wonderful set of novellas about Leedswick Castle and the people who inherit it spread over 3 different generations and 3 authors. Each of the couples has their own trials that they must overcome to find the HEA but each also moves forward the story of the conflict between the Castle inhabitants and the village. The 3 authors' styles match fairly well and they manage to hold the overarching storyline throughout the novellas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This actually felt like three separate novellas in a series combined into one book. I enjoyed each story - some more that others - centered around a castle in England. I would have liked to learn more about the castle's history pre 1870s where the first story in this book begins. The outcomes of each story were a bit predictable but I enjoyed them just the same.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Castle Keepers is a well written collection of beautiful and captivating stories and wonderful well-developed characters. I really enjoyed how each story was connected though family.
Each story is based after war events and how that generation copes with the aftermath, along with the toll of the upkeep of the Estate. Each story has honour, scandal, love and devotion It is a page turner, I was unable to put it down.
I would like to thank Harper Muse and NetGalley for the complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"The Castle Keepers" is an intriguing collection of novellas featuring generations of the Alnwick family, as they struggle to maintain their home Leedswick Castle, which boasts a curious "poison garden". Each unique story contains a sweet romance. Unsurprisingly, the poison garden plays a part in each tale.

Each novella has interesting characters and a compelling storyline. The "Dollar Princess" phenomenon is detailed in Aimie Runyan's offering. Her writing is beautiful and descriptive. J'nell Cielsielski presents an original WWI love story between the artist Elena and former soldier Tobias, whose face is terribly scarred, and for whom she's designing a mask. This actual practice was previously unknown to me. Cielsielski is one of my favorite authors, and her prose is lovely. Rachel McMillan's contribution centers around a WWII soldier and others who suffer from PTSD and the female doctor who is determined to help them. She gives us an emotional and heartfelt story.

This book as a whole is finely written, well-edited and clean. The historical aspects are thought-provoking and the characters engaging. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an ARC of this trio of enjoyable novellas.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
This is 3 books written by different authors centered around a family castle in England. Each story covers a different time period at the estate and relates to the same family and how they deal with their family's heritage. I enjoyed the different looks at the same property and the historical aspects are quite interesting. This is romance-heavy.

I found this book to be pretty predictable and not well thought out. The characters seem underdeveloped and the plot is very hurried. I feel like the author rushed through, without putting too much thought behind the characters. Even the plot twists were predictable. If you like historical fiction, there are better ones out there.