A charming story set on the Cornwall coast in 1887. Hyacinth is intelligent, studious, and committed to botany, especially orchids. So, when a once in a lifetime opportunity arrives to care for a rare orchid collection while the family is abroad, she does not even hesitate. Armed with her favorite orchid for company, she sets off for Asthorne Hall. Right from the outset, there are strange occurrences. She refuses to give into ghost stories and mystic tales, but still, there are things her logical, scientific mind cannot explain. One indulgence she does allow is her drawing attraction and fascination with Lucas, the estate’s caretaker. Lucas is equally fascinated with Hyacinth and her seemingly endless wit and ongoing conversations with the orchids. There are strange occurrences and Lucas is just as determined to not indulge Hyacinth’s theories as she is determined to explore them. A sweet gothic-like regency romance that I enjoyed and would happily recommend to others.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

The story got off to a little bit of a slow start for me. Hyacinth Bell is a botanist who has been hired by Mr. Whitbeck to care for his prize orchid collection, while he in his family are away from their estate. So, even though I am a florist by trade, I got a little tired of the detailed description of orchids. As more people entered the story and Hyacinth had other people to talk to other than her orchids. It became a little more interesting, not to mention a little haunting. Hyacinth had been warned that the manor was haunted. She was looking forward to having a diversion. Being a scientist everything had an explanation. Lucas Harding was hired as the caretaker for Ashthorne Hall. I really enjoyed the banter and connection between Lucas and Hyacinth. The story was intriguing and mysterious and really picked up speed the further you got into the book. I thought the ending was very gripping, and kept me awake until the very end. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A DNF. I really hate not finishing a book, but I just couldn't continue it. I forced myself to reach 50%. I'll list the reasons

1. The FMC, Hyacinth Bell was immature and silly. From the plant she named and carried around to the ridiculous love at first sight.
2. Her relationship with Lucas Harding was a huge turn-off for me. They saw each other for the first time, and Hyacinth was already planning their wedding. There's was nothing to look forward to
3. 50% of the book, and I didn't see the point of the book. Just a scare and that after 30% of the book.

The only thing I liked was the orchids and the hothouse.

But, you might like it better than I did

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a well-paced, beautifully written, mysterious romance with a hauntingly gothic vibe. Between the handsome, if secretive, caretaker, the suspicious housekeeper, the gorgeous Cornwall setting, the forbidden areas of the manor and the unexplained happenings, this book kept me reading late into the night.

This author always delivers such delicious prose! I really enjoyed the gothic side of this story and the romance was beautiful i always love a good well researched Victorian novel! This one gave me so many things to ponder and desire to learn more about the facts! These enchanting characters were lovely and intriguing for me! Enjoy!

I received this story from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain! A big thanks to them and all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was the first book I’ve read from Rebecca Anderson. I loved the mystery, the fast fall, and the total plot twist! It reminds me a bit of Michelle Griep. There are some sweet, swoony moments here, but nothing over a low PG. my very favorite scene was the rose petal experiment. What a delight. A gothic style read, but not one that will drown the reader. Two thumbs up for Hyacinth and Lucas!

I’m grateful to have read an advanced copy, these are completely my own opinions.

Hyacinth Bell goes to an old estate in a far off place to tend to orchids while the owners are away. Here she is met with rumors of ghosts and a crabby housekeeper. Then enters Lucas Harding the handsome and charming caretaker.
If you like historical romance with ghostly elements this book is for you! Was a good read and very fascinating!

It took me a little while to get into this book. I don’t usually enjoy stories where the connection between characters happens over such a short period of time.
I did really enjoy the mystery aspect of this book. I enjoy books that keep me asking questions and this one definitely did. I was very surprised to find out what was going on.
I liked the characters. Hyacinth was quirky with her talking and singing to plants but I like quirky. I don’t feel like we got to know the rest of the characters very well but I liked what we know of them. They were very interesting. I would’ve liked to learn a little more about them.
The topics touched on in this book were very interesting! I’ve never read any other historical fiction that covered the same topics and I really enjoyed it!

This book is beautifully moody, just like the cover. It gives serious gothic literature vibes and I enjoyed every page.

If you like light romance, flowers, Cornwall, Victorian novels, mysteries, and history, read this one. Get a blanket, some hot cocoa (or whatever cozy drink you like) and enjoy.

'Ashthorne Hall held more secrets than it was possible to believe.'

Oooookay, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall and Rebecca Anderson- I see you!

This book is a delicious, gothic-style romantic mystery that had me on the edge of my seat! I usually wait for fall to read these types of books, but this one was totally worth reading at any time of the year. The focus on the flowers, orchids in particular gave it a nice spring touch ;)

The romance was super fun. I enjoyed the "experiments" our FMC, Hyacinth, conducted as her feelings grew for Lucas, the manor's caretaker. Anything in the name of science, right?! The romance was the perfect touch to balance out the intrigue and mystery. I would say it was half and half for both!

The mystery was haunting in such a delightful way.

"I feel so foolish. I must be the only woman in the world to find herself scared out of her wits by not hearing a ghost."

While there is nothing otherworldly happening in the manor or on the grounds of the manor, the Cornwall moors descriptions make this a perfectly, haunting type of read. I absolutely loved how information was given to the reader. I LOVED the historical facts about the people living at this time. The author's notes at the end were informative, and a little sad to hear what conditions were like in factories.

Bottom line, I really enjoyed this read. It was historically informative, had a great setting, the mystery held me captive and the romance absolutely swoony! If any of those interest you, I think you would love this read as well!

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

Content: mystery, mild violence, descriptions of medical diseases, loss of loved ones (not on page), botany, romance-kisses only.

Atmospheric, mysterious, romantic, and poignant! The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall immediately reminded me of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast. There’s the spooky mansion with a closed off area where no one is supposed to go, rumors of ghosts and hidden treasure, and rather than roses, there are gorgeous orchids. But, this book is definitely its own thing and I loved how a tragic, often overlooked moment in history was woven into the story.

Hyacinth Bell is a botanist who’s worked hard to secure her prestigious reputation with orchids. She accepts a position at Ashthorne Hall to care for the family’s prized orchid collection while they’re away in India. Her first visit to the Hall is marred by a wind storm. Cue the ominous music. And, her welcome is anything but cordial as she finds herself regaled with stories of ghosts and a less than friendly housekeeper. There’s definitely a mystery here just begging for Hyacinth to solve.

What she doesn’t expect, is the Hall’s handsome caretaker, Lucas Harding. He’s a breath of fresh air and a charming addition to the dreary Hall. She’s immediately taken with him and finds herself easily falling in love. But, does Lucas know more than he lets on about the strange goings on in the house and can she trust him? As threatening notes, strange noises, and items disappear and then reappear in her room, she’s determined more than ever to discover the truth.

I loved the feelings the story evoked and found myself on the edge of my seat when our intrepid heroine wanders Ashthorne Hall. There’s definitely a creepy factor in addition to the sweet, whirlwind, friends to more romance. I don’t want to say much more to spoil the mystery except it was unexpectedly shocking and sad, and well worth the build up to the exciting conclusion. I was so happy with the outcome of the story.

Highly recommend to those who enjoy gothic romances and don’t mind a little spooky suspense. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 to 5 stars!

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a unique late-Victorian era romance with plenty of Gothic influence. Personally, I didn’t connect with the characters or storyline to my satisfaction. However, this book has plenty of elements that will greatly appeal to other readers. I’m always game to give a Proper Romance a try, and although this one missed the mark for me, it may be someone else’s favorite. 2.5/5 stars

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

This was an enjoyable, quick read. I'm generally not a fan of insta-love romances, and that kind of bugged me a bit in this book, but other than that, it was a good story. I figured out a bit of the mystery before it was revealed, but not so much that I wasn't intrigued to find out why things were the way they were. I appreciated the author giving a bit of history in the acknowledgement section - I always enjoy reading more historical facts that help bring the story to life even more. The author did a great job of bringing the characters to life, and I found myself unwilling to put the book down.

The cover is great and sets the vibe of this moody gothic type mystery. Hyacinth Bell is an expert on orchids and travels to Ashthorne Hall in Cornwall to stay at an estate and care for the owner's prized orchids while he travels to India. The only people in residence are the housekeeper and her nephew Lucas Harding who is the caretaker. It is 1887 and Hyacinth is an independent woman who doesn’t love the bustle of London. The house isn’t welcoming and many doors and areas are off limits. And Hyacinth keeps catching glimpses of a figure in white.

The book sets a nice tone of mystery, darkness and secrets in the house. It is quick to read but the plotting is slow. And truly not very much happens. I like the real things that the book shines a light on but I wasn’t swept up in the interaction between Lucas and Hyacinth. This is a wholesome, clean romance and it was nice to have a gothic tone instead of a more traditional London based romance. But I wanted a bit more to earn a high rating. I can see others enjoyed it more so I am in the minority. (3.5 Stars)

Gothic feel mystery/romance

The main characters are somewhat strangely flat, given the substance of the storyline.
I found it hard to relate to them.
Hyacinth Bell is a botanist who goes to a windswept mansion, Ashthorne Hall, on the moors of Cornwall alongside pounding ocean. She is being paid to look after Mr. Charles Whitbeck’s large collection of orchids whilst he’s in India, hunting for more.
Hyacinth is warned off by a whiskey sodden ruffian who’s assisting in the local gardening shop.
At Ashthorne Hall Hyacinth finds a dour housekeeper, Mrs. Carter, who warns her to lock her bedroom door and not to wander the hallways at night.
She also meets the handsome estate’s caretaker, Lucas Harding, who is the housekeeper’s nephew.
But strange things happen in the night and Hyacinth is determined to find out what’s happening. Is there a ghost, pirates, something else?
What Hyacinth confronts is both shocking and heartbreaking. A scourge on innovation without care. But will she live to tell her tale?
This was I interesting but I wasn’t wholly engaged.

A Shadow Mountain ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Hyacinth Bell has spent the better part of her adult life studying botany and has garnered a reputation as an expert in the care and cultivation of orchids. It is that reputation that lands her the opportunity of a lifetime, to act as temporary caretaker to an unprecedented collection of orchids at Ashthorne Hall, while the family is in India. Excited beyond measure to begin this new adventure, Hyacinth sets out for the wilds of the Cornish moors, but things are not exactly going as expected.

After being warned about ghosts and strange goings-on at the manor, Hyacinth is torn between excitement and fear, especially when she learns that the only staff in the house is Mrs. Carter, the housekeeper, a sullen woman who dashes any hopes Hyacinth had of forming a kinship. Mrs. Carter proceeds to shoot down all of Hyacinth’s plans to explore the house when she makes it clear that other than the kitchen, a couple of drawing rooms and her bedroom, the rest of the house is off-limits, especially the North Wing. Hyacinth is curious and wants to be respectful of her employer’s rules, but a glimpse of what could possibly be the ghost she was warned about, brings out the rebel in Hyacinth. Will she find the ghost, or is there something even more sinister lurking in the forbidden rooms of Ashthorne Hall? And will the secretive, yet charming and handsome caretaker, Lucas Hastings, supply answers or just add to the already mounting pile of questions?

This was a wonderful book, well-written and nicely paced with a distinctly gothic vibe. The book has a bit of everything you could want in a gothic romance, rain-swept moors, a dark, drafty manor, ghosts, mysterious lights, locked doors, unexplained items showing up in the middle of the night, a handsome yet secretive caretaker, a protective yet stern housekeeper, a sweet budding romance, shocking revelations, moments of thrilling suspense and finally a spectacular ending complete with HEA and an epilogue. I loved this book and would happily recommend it, the author clearly did her research and gives readers a heartbreaking story with a very sweet love story woven in. If you love a gothic-like vibe, with wonderful characters, kissing only love scenes and a happy ending – this book is for you!

4.5 stars, rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

I loved this book! It has romance, mystery, and a little bit of suspense, and I love that combination in my books. It is a retelling of Jane Eyre, which I’ve never read, but I know enough about it to recognize a retelling. It did take me a few chapters to become completely engrossed in the story, but once I was, it was hard to put down. And I thought Hyacinth was entertaining with Eleanor.

Hyacinth loves orchids, and she has studied them intensely. When a job offer comes to tend the orchids at a manor while the family is overseas, she jumps at the chance. But the manor isn’t exactly what she expected, with the standoffish housekeeper and whole wings of the house off limits. And then there’s the rumors of a ghost…

To paraphrase the author, "Orchids, ghosts and romance, what more could a girl want?" I loved this gothic mystery and sweet romance from start to finish. I devoured it in a couple of days. The heroine, Hyacinth (who talks and sings to her pet orchid) is the easiest leading lady to root for that I've come across in a while. Her love interest and mysterious groundskeeper, Lucas, is kind, swoony leading man material. Their banter and exchanges made me giggle like a schoolgirl. In short, the wholesome romance was "Suuuuper cute."

The mysterious gothic setting, Ashthorne Hall is a manor house being attended to by only a couple of servants while the owners live in India. It is always fun to explore how the other half lives, especially when they are not in residence. Is it haunted? Or is the specter Hyacinth chases through the manor, a living person? Are the inhabitants of Ashthorne Hall safe?

I won't spoil the mystery which has a lot of factual basis in British manufacturing history. I kept thinking about "Enola Holmes 2" during the last quarter of the book. The story has a big, satisfying climactic ending. I hope the author writes more in the gothic romance genre. The genre has too few dedicated authors serving its readership these days.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rebecca Anderson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall coming out April 2, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own..

I love Rebecca Anderson’s writing and subject matter. I thought this book would be really interesting. I think the first half of the book was lovely. I enjoyed the gothic vibes of the setting. It felt a little like Jane Eyre. I thought Hyacinth and Lucas got on well together and I enjoyed the dialogue. I think there was a little too much description for me though. It felt like it was always explaining things instead of showing things. I would’ve liked a little more background information about the mystery. A few characters seemed to pop up out of nowhere without really understanding them. The ending was a little dramatic. I wasn’t really sure what was going on with some of it. I don’t want to give anything away, but the drama seemed to be wrapped up a little too nicely at the end. Overall, I really enjoyed it though.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gothic stories!

If you like your books a tiny bit spooky, a little mysterious and romantic then this is the book for you! I really enjoyed this book! I loved Hyacinth and Lucas. I thought Hyacinth was cute with her talking to her flowers. I loved the mysterious moments of this book and trying to figure out what was going on. The romance part was not my favorite but still fine. It was also interesting to learn about match factory workers. I think Fans of Jane Eyre would love this story! Overall, a clean romance and I really enjoyed the story. Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.