My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance, Proper Romance, Gothic Romance
Subplot: Mystery
Spice Level: Sweet

Things I loved:

Eleanor the orchid

The house

The gothic vibes

The budding romance (hope you liked the pun for this plant-driven novel)

The taciturn housekeeper (I never knew if I should trust her or not! Well done!)

Historical time period and inclusion of facts about the matchmakers

Secrets

Things I wished for:

I really wanted another twist

For it to be a little longer

More character development for the antagonist

The house vibes are gothic, along with ghost stories and possible hauntings. Pacing is steady at a good clip. (I actually would have slowed it down a bit and possibly told more ghost stories.)

THE ORCHIDS OF ASHTHORNE HALL is a fun and sweet read with just a few spine tingles along the way. This book is appropriate for moms and daughters to read together.

I recommend this book!

Happy reading!

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is an ode to the great Gothic novels. The central isn’t Hyacinth or Lucas. It’s not even the ghost Hyacinth keeps seeing.

It’s the home itself.

As you read, you can’t help but think of Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre), Misselthwaite Manor (The Secret Garden) or Manderley (Rebecca). Like the large estates listed above, Ashthorne is sweeping in scope with locked doors and forbidden wings. It seems safe, somewhat beautiful even in the light of day, but at night, strange sounds and shadows seem less than harmless.

The book wouldn’t work without this world that author Rebecca Anderson has curated. And it’s against this backdrop that readers get to know Hyacinth. The story unfolds from her point of view with mysterious laments interspersed between chapters. Hyacinth is a fairly benign character with flashes of excitement here or there. The romance between her and Lucas feels a bit rushed, especially with the secrets he’s keeping from her.

Nonetheless, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a romance mystery that moves quickly and is full of atmosphere.

As with all Proper Romance novels, The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a sweet romance that is appropriate for age levels, young adult and up.

This book was unexpected and interesting. It is has gothic overtones with a look at a serious issue of the day. There is romance and danger and excitement throughout the book. I loved the characters and the laments before each chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Intrigue , suspicion, and romance .
This book has all three !

That being said I had a hard time connecting with this book and its characters . I wanted to love it but the plot wasn’t quite there .

Hyacinth comes to the estate to take care of the owners large exotic plants and flowers .

She loves the plants and talks to them as if they were people . Which kindof threw me off. She was an odd duck who seemed more comfortable with plants than people and when told not to go in certain rooms makes it a mission to do the very opposite .

I say she was an odd duck but she only seemed like that for the first part of the book and then seemed to be more than comfortable around other people .

Lucas is the caretaker of the home with his aunt , the housekeeper.

Hyacinth immediately falls in love with Lucas .

At the same time strange things keep happening in the home . Why does she keep seeing things in the home when only three people are living there . Is there a ghost ? Because it sure looks and feels like it.

Lucas falls in love with her pretty immediately and asks her to correspond with his sister so she can connect with his favorite family member. She loves writing her and feels like shes known her and Lucas for forever .

There are so many elements that have potential but seem to be lacking something or be too hurried in the book.

I do not want to reveal the big secret in this book but wow that is where the plot shines ! I think a book revolved around that would be fascinating.

I hate to say the book is only an okay read because parts kept my attention and made me want to know more but there were also quite a bit of the plot that was lacking and seemed hurried .

Thank you to Netgalley for a download in exchange for an unbiased review .

I absolutely loved this book. This is my first new proper romance of the year and it was incredible. This is my favorite one from Becca Aka Rebecca that she's written. It was fast paced, and such a unique story. I would highly recommend!

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall is a story of mystery and romance. Hyacinth Bell has come to care for the many orchids at the manor while the family is in India, and finds herself chasing ghosts. She sees a white figure and it intrigues her more than scares her. Lucas Harding is the caretaker for the manor and finds Hyacinth a unique and interesting person. She finds him charming and is easily swept away with notions of romance for the first time. Shortly, she starts to hear things and things appear and disappear. Being forbidden from the north wing of the manor doesn’t stop her from exploring and finding something quite unusual. Things are good until danger appears at her doorstep.

Rebecca Anderson has written a wonderful Victorian romance that had me reading it in one sitting. I loved her style of writing when she took a scientist/botanist and used that as a love language for Lucas and Hyacinth. The heroine was a strong individual and her sense of adventure propelled the story forward creating suspense and intrigue. The use of the Lament at the beginning of each chapter added another dimension to the story just like another character. The importance of his sister’s plight just added another layer and how important it was for Hyacinth and Lucas to let it be known to the world. The story took me away to Cornwall and the coastline, and how beautiful and dangerous it can feel at the same time. Rebecca Anderson is a new voice in historical fiction and her writing will pull you in. Fans of historical romances would definitely enjoy The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall and will no doubt will love it as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rebecca Anderson for the opportunity to read The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall.

What a fantastic read. This book was haunting and eerie and beautiful and thrilling. The chemistry between Lucas and Hyacinth was phenomenal. Watching their initial attraction deepen into true regard and then love was a joy. The more mysterious elements of the book were outstanding as well. I loved the laments at the beginning of each chapter, especially 1-10. I absolutely loved this and will definitely be reading it again.

This book starts out with a gothic feel to it. There’s parts along the way that were a bit sappy and made me roll my eyes. I was expecting more of a ghost story and was a bit surprised to what it was really about.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Thrilling Gothic Romance

I’m not a huge fan of Gothic romances but this book made me reevaluate my stance. I enjoyed all the research the author must have done about orchids and their care. Hyacinth was the spunky heroine we all need in a gothic romance and Lucas was the charming mysterious man we expect from these novels. The mystery and twists the author wrote were captivating. She added enough creepy for the gothic setting without making it unbearably scary. I gasped as times when she added twists to the mystery that kept me in suspense. The ending was so awesome, I cannot begin to describe how much I loved it. Another amazing read by Rebecca that you don’t want to miss!

4.5 * rounding up.

Very gothicesque read! And look at that cover! It definitely sets all the vibes for this book!

I loved the more somber and dark vibes that Ashthorne Hall gave off. Kind of reminded me of when Jane arrives at Thornfield Hall to work for Mr. Rochester in the novel, Jane Eyre. There's a mystery and secret that makes everyone believe the estate is haunted.

Hyacinth Bell finds herself very isolated and warned to not go exploring the home, keep to her work, and all will be well. Duh, duh, duuuuuhhhh!!!! Of course she's intrigued now, and with all the strange happenings, she's determined to figure out what is going on. And take care of her orchids! Which by the way, is not easy at all! Have you tried to keep orchids alive? I'm happy to say that I've been pretty successful recently. So I loved the parts that talked about orchids and the other botanist talk. So interesting to think about what was believed years and years ago and to see the discoveries and understanding happen to help us now, as well as all of the continued study happening in botany.

I loved the developing friendship and more between Hyacinth and the manor's caretaker, Lucas Harding. Discovering more about his history and the history of Ashthorne Hall added to the mystery. And when Hyacinth knows that a man has been sneaking around the Hall, watch out! Everything is going to be raised up a notch and she'll have to be quick thinking.

There's more that I want to talk about that I found so interesting and sad about a point in history. But if I did, I'd spoil the mystery and surprise. But I really liked how the author used this in her story and how it all panned out!

And now cue ominous warning... Watch out for danger, it's close behind you Miss Hyacinth!!!!

I hope you enjoy this one like I did!!!

Content: Clean. Some mild moments of peril. Nothing further than a few sweet kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

"The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall" by Rebecca Anderson was the first book I read by this author, and I found it both enjoyable and entertaining. The story is set in 1887 on the Cornwall coast, where Hyacinth Bell comes to Ashtorne Hall to take care of Mr. Whitbeck's orchids while the family is away in India. Hyacinth is a renowned botanist who is passionate about flowers, but she is also very curious. When she hears rumours about the hall being haunted and is warned not to venture into the North wing, her curiosity leads her to uncover a mystery.

Lucas Harding is the estate's caretaker, and Hyacinth soon forms a friendship with the young and handsome man. There is an obvious chemistry between the two main characters as the story weaves together full of superstitions, secrets, science, mystery, history, romance, danger and botany. The characters are well-developed, complex, and intriguing, keeping you captivated from start to finish.

The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall was intriguing from the start. Such a worthy read. The hint of ghostly activity is well done, giving delightful goose bumps. Interesting how it turns and resolves away from ghostly. I kinda wished for more ghostly, but appreciated the historical aspect enough to love the story.

This is a review for The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall, by Rebecca Anderson, that will be released on 4/16/24. This is a review for NetGalley in return for my honest opinion. Rarely do I begin a book that starts out with an interesting story, but then builds and builds as I turn the pages, till the end where my heart is pumping, and I shut the book, and say, "Wow, I'm speechless!". This book left me speechless, as it was that good, and made me aware of something in history that I had no idea that happened! 

It begins in 1877 on the shores of Cornwall, England, with a botanist, Hyacinth, who is somewhat if an expert in the care of orchids,  and who is asked by Mr. Whitbeck, Orchid enthusiast, and owner of Orchids Hall, to care for His beloved hothouse full of his precious array of all his orchids while he and his family go to stay in India.  Orchids are beautiful flowers not native to Cornwall, but needed to be cared for in a hothouse/greenhouse back then.).  Little does Hyacinth realize that there are rumors that Ashthorne Hall is haunted, nor does she expect to meet its very handsome caretaker, Lucas.  Hyacinth finds herself drawn into a mystery that eventually leads to love, but also grave danger, but one which she will play a vital part!

As I read this book, I thought it was going to be a nice romance set in Cornwall, just a sweet story...but it ended up being an incredible story that had my heart pumping, and I read in one night because I had to find out what happened!  I was so engrossed, and didn't expect what happened at all, then to find that what happened, even though this story was fiction, the subject did actually take place!  This book was very well written, great characters, amazing plot, and unpredictable and amazing climax!  I give it 5 stars!!  At first I thought it would be a 4 star, but as I read, it got better and better!  I highly recommend it!!!!

On the Cornwall coast in 1887, botanist Hyacinth Bell becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding Ashthorne Hall. Focused on the estate's orchid collection, she's drawn to the charismatic caretaker, Lucas Harding, despite the strange occurrences that keep occurring around her. As romance blooms, so do ominous signs, prompting Hyacinth to investigate the secrets lurking in the manor's shadows, unraveling a tale of love, mystery, and the spectral echoes of the past.

This one is more of a 2.5 for me, but I’m rounding up to be generous. If I had known this was an “insta-love” story, I would have passed on reading it. I rolled my eyes every time Hyacinth thought about how much she loved him after first meeting him and a week of knowing him.

And though the book starts out with tension and suspense, it quickly faded for me. Hyacinth never seemed concerned about the strange occurrences. Even when someone was in her room, she didn’t tell anyone. I was frequently frustrated by her.

There is a character that I feel should have been the main character. The tragedy was heartbreaking, and I wanted to know more about her than either of the main characters.

Overall, this was a miss for me. There was nothing really bad, but I didn’t enjoy it. I suppose I would recommend it to readers looking for an easy read.

I really enjoyed this book! Hyacinth's independence and intelligence made her a fun character to read about. Her interactions and chemistry with Lucas was great. The mystery plot was interesting and kept me wondering what was going to happen.

A beautiful story and everything I’ve come to expect from a Proper Romance. It’s definitely a touch gothic, a quick read, and covers a topic with which I was completely unfamiliar. Delightful.

I received a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain.

I received this book through NetGalley. Hyacinth Bell has been hired as a caretaker for Lord Whitmore’s exotic orchids in Ashthorne Hall. It is here that she comes face to face with a mystery. This story reminds me a little Jane Eyre and The secret Garden. A good quick read.

"A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell, who is set on solving the mystery of both.

1887, the Cornwall coast

For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall - that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls - but botanist Hyacinth Bell cares only about the estate's extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love - like an orchid - must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.

What she doesn't expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor's caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.

But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing, then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth's worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but Hyacinth suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.

Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate."

Please please say this goes all Wilkie Collins by way of Jane Eyre.

Slow paced, haunting, and atmospheric. It was a light read, gothic in nature, and just what I needed.
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

#TheOrchidsofAshthorneHall #NetGalley

Hyacinth is a young lady botanist sent to a remote estate to care for rare orchids while the family of the estate is in India. The estate is known for having a ghost. This book has the feels of being gothic. It was a little different. Hyacinth talks to the orchids as if they were friends, being so careful with each plant. She is determined to find out the mystery behind Ashthorne Hall. Lucas is the caretaker at Ashthorne Hall, and Hyacinth can tell that he harbors a secret.