Fantastic historical fiction/ romance/ suspense novel. I was really sucked into the story and kept guessing the pieces to the end. I didn’t give 5 stars because 1) it’s a really slow start. It takes a bit to get into the story, but is worth it when you do and 2) So many characters and secrets. It was hard to keep track of everyone. Imagine if all the downstairs people in Downton Abbey were introduced right off the bat and you had to keep track. But, stick with it and you are rewarded with a great story.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Such a good book that I could not put down
I love this genre and enjoy the suspense throughout the book. Highly recommend and appreciate the opportunity to reach this book.

Interesting historical fiction. Excellent use of dual timelines with likeable characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I enjoyed this historical fiction set in the early 1900s. I was invested in the lives of Kate and Jem, both servants at the manor. Several of the characters held secrets and did what they could to survive and be safe. There were many points of views throughout and at times a little confusing. It's not a book to rush through to keep track of what's happening but at the same time, it is a fast-paced read with this reader hoping for the best for the good people. I like historical fiction and especially root for the servants doing their best and what is right. Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC.

The overall story was decent, and there were some pretty good plot twists. Alternating between the past and Jem and Kate's time together at Coldwell Manor and the present, with Jem trying to survive the trenches during WWI and composing a letter to Kate to explain his past actions, worked well. The characters were well developed and distinct, and the main villain, Henderson, is sufficiently slimy but able to hide behind a veneer of respectability. However, for much of the book, the pace of the story feels plodding.

The Housekeeper's Secret by Iona Grey is a WWI historical fiction that follows a young ( the time for her position) housekeeper, Kate, and a footman, Jem. The book starts in 1916, Spring. Jem is a soldier, and while in the Somme Valley, in the thick of the war, he is reflective and begins to write letters to Kate as a source of distraction, to air his secrets, and to ask for forgiveness. Still, in 1916, we meet a woman, who the audience assumes is Kate, who is " doing her part" and volunteers at the Auxiliary Hospital for the soldiers at the behest of her employer.

The book is broken into four parts: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Spring:
When each part tells the story of the past and present. We're introduced to Kate, in Spring, the housekeeper for Coldwell Hall, and Jem, who comes there as the new footman. This book is Downton Abby-esq, with an upstairs, downstairs theme. Jem has come to Coldwell Hall to find answers about his missing and presumed dead brother, Jack.

The story simultaneously reveals Jem's letters and tells the past and present interspersed throughout each Part or season; multiple POVs are introduced, with no apparent name or indication of whose thoughts were reading, to the point of confusion: the main two characters, Jem and Kate's POV, nurses, the other staff, and the baronets. There is no transition between whose POV it is, and this writing style pulls the reader out of the story, as I have to go back pages to ensure I got all the character switches. Also, it's hard to discern whether we're reading past or present. It doesn't become more apparent why the author chose to write in this style towards the end of the book. I won't give up any spoilers, but the slight twist at the end was surprising.

I was invested in Kate and Jem's story, but this was not my favorite book. It started very slowly, and with the POV and simultaneous time switches, I put this book down a bunch and struggled to finish it.

A sincere thank you to St. Martin's PublishingGroup and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed were my own.

This book review and others can be found on my book review blog: www.books-dish.com.

The Housekeeper's Secret-
Wow! I went into this WWII historical fiction romance with little expectation. I have never read any of Iona Grey's novels before so didn't know what to expect. By page 50 I had looked up every other book she's written and added it to my "want to read" list. Grey has the most beautiful writing style- making every scene and moment so detailed and real. I genuinely could feel what she was describing on the page! She did it in a way that allowed the reading to be immersed in the time period and setting, without boring the reader with details. I have never read a WWI fiction before that made me actually feel like I was leaving the book with more actual information about the period than when I started. Grey keeps the reader hooked every chapter but using flashbacks/forwards. All I can say is pick up this book!

I really liked the Glittering Hour by this author so I was excited to pick this one up. Based on her previous work, I was expecting an emotional gut punch, but I didn't get it the same way I did in her first novel. The mystery definitely kept me engaged and her writing is beautiful. I will continue to pick up this author's works.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Housekeepers Secret by Iona Grey, published by St Martin's Press

This story started a little slow for me, but about a quarter of the way through it picked up and I was keen to see how the story played out and ended, it became a book I didn't want to put down. I enjoyed the plot progression and how the characters evolved over time, there are a lot of characters but they all become familiar as you read. The setting was awesome, great description. I loved the ending.

This historical fiction is set in the early 1900's and main character Kate, is in charge of running Coldwell house as Housekeeper, she tries to lead by example for the impressionable younger staff. There is something about her past that we learn over the course of the novel. There is Jem who works as a footman, he also has a questionable past and we slowly learn of that as well. The author did a great job illustrating the difference in the classes in those times from servants to upper class, you really get a fell for the times they are in.
The book does go between past and present but I did not find it confusing at all.

This is the first novel that I've read by this author, certainly not the last

If you like books cloaked in secrets, sins, love and lies, this book is for you! I would give it 3.75 stars.

It actually reminded me a lot of Downtown Abby, and is set in a similar era. The book starts out slow, honestly, it took me awhile to get into it, but then it builds up speed and is at full force towards the end.

The author, does a great job with character development, she makes you feel for Jem and Kate, and you feel as though you are a part of their love story! At the same time, it makes you hate Hyde & Henderson.

Overall, I was pleased with this book and am sure others will enjoy it as well.

Early 1900s through WW1 story that gathered strength with each passing chapter. At first it was tricky to keep track of who was speaking, decipher the italicized passages, and sort out who was who. Once the characters and writing style settled in, Gray drew me into the various servants' lives and backstories. The last 1/3 of the book was strongest for me, maybe because I was comfortable with the structure and familiar with the players.

I'm afraid I'm going to be another reviewer that had to DNF this book. I keep picking it up and trying to read it but for some reason I just cannot get into it. After reading the synopsis for this book I was really excited to delve into it but found myself drifting off while reading it and not remembering the pages I previously read. Sadly this will be a DNF for me. Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book from NetGalley.
I followed along with the story of Kate during a bad time of my life and she gave me the perfect distraction. At times, I would completely lose myself in the story of Jem and Kate and it was much needed! I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I really did enjoy this book. It is a bit on the longer side of what I normally read, but I’m glad I was able to stick through it.
As a reader with ADHD, the switching between character stories in the middle of chapters sometimes confused me, but I was able to catch up quickly thanks to the author making it clear who was actually being talked about early on in the sections.

3.5 star for me rounding up to 4.

When I first started reading this, I felt there were lots of characters that randomly had a point of view in the story that it made it hard to follow. I kept thinking - wait who is this person?
Or this person? But as the story developed so did my understanding of the characters with in. I think this book started a little slow but by the end of the book I was hooked to see just what Jem was trying to confess in his letters & what happened with Kate.

I did end up liking this story and if you love historical fiction romances - give it a try when this book releases August, 2024!

One annoying thing and I am not faulting the book/author what so ever was the ebook I was reading duplicated page numbers constantly. For example the page count would go 100, 101, 101,
102. Etc. and this happened literally every 4-5 pages so that was really annoying but I think it was a glitch with NetGalley maybe?

Grab this book if you love a story full of mystery, love, and second chances.

What did I love about this book?
The main characters were very likeable and kept me wanting to read more.
Dual timelines are always my jam.
A love story with a good amount of mystery intertwined.

What didn’t I love about this book?
The first 100 pages had me lost. You are introduced to about 20+ characters off the bat and I struggled to keep up with who was who. Do yourself a favor and grab some pen and paper to make a character list when you start this one.

The premise of this was very good. It had some great plot lines. Excellent characters. The villain was dastardly. It wasn't too hard to follow as it went back and forth between characters and time. Lots of foreshadowing which I did manage to pick up on.

But for me personally--it would have worked just fine without the sex. it wasn't graphic, but you were definitely there in the bedroom. It's not my thing. And the book would have been 100% perfectly fine without it.

I also am not a fan of the F-word. Which made its appearance after about 70% of the book was done. Not needed even for added emphasis. There are a gazillion other word options that can be used without going for that one. Even for the lower class citizens.

Going to be 3 stars for me. Was a great story and the character build was lovely. I was entertained the whole story. But the sex and swearing always takes off a star for me. It was really just for driving the point home that they were secret lovers. Which was obvious anyways.

**I received this as an ARC from the publisher and NetGAlley. I wasn't required to write a review and all opinions are 100% my own.

A historical fiction which is a must read in 2024.

A descriptive story that takes you back in time. For fans of Downton Abbey this would be a hit. However, there can be a bit of confusion with the characters. I personally had a hard time keeping up with it.

There's a shift change in timeline from past and present and it was confusing.

Such a great, deep story about lives in an English manor. The secrets we hold, romance and what we have to accept to bring life full circle. I loved it!

Oh my! Five stars!!!
Secrets, scandal, and forbidden love…yes, please!

The great house is secluded…it’s haunted by scandal and everyone has a secret! Some are searching for answers while others are running from the past. Rules will be broken and love will be found!

If you are a fan of Downton Abbey this is your next five star read! I loved it! I had some trouble keeping up with all of the characters at the beginning but as you read it weaves together a story line that is perfection. Goes from past to present and keeps you reading to find out what will happen next!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

The Housekeeper’s Secret is a haunting read that dives into the life of a housemaid in decaying Coldwell Manor. Readers will become engrossed in the lives of servants from the very start. This novel is a historical fiction/Romance that is told from multiple POV. Everyone is the house is not what they seem, and their past histories will unfold as the story progresses. I feel in love with Kate and Jem from the very beginning. Their love story is a slow burn with many twists and turns.

If you love historical fiction like Kristin Hannah’s “Nightengale” then you will want to pick up this read! I enjoyed how beautifully written this book was and the fast pace kept me on my toes. There is a mystery behind the characters and each point of view gave me a nugget of insight at the time. I was trying to figure out the mystery along with the characters. My only critique would be that the story frequently switched between POV and timelines. This requires the reader to truly get invested in this story! Overall, I gave this book five stars. I will be purchasing a hard copy when its released on August 13, 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley & St Martin’s Press, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.