When I first looked at this book, I thought it would be interesting.
However, I was just a bit disappointed in it
The era it was set in was great. I love that era, so that was a plus for me.
What I also liked was the cover. It was gorgeous. I mean, it fit the story perfectly.
I didn't like Louisa's brother at all. I thought he was pretty selfish and his actions showed it
Louisa is an awesome character. I loved her determination to find out what really happened.
My favorite thing about the book? Secrets of course! They are what kept me turning the pages so there were several good things about this story that I did like.
What I was disappointed in was that the pacing never picked up at all.
4 stars for a good storyline but pacing could've been a little better. I recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine

THE BURNING OF ROSEMONT ABBEY by NAOMI STEPHENS is an exciting romantic thriller which will keep you guessing until the end. The story takes place in Wilbeth Green in England where Louisa and Paul Everly were taken in by their father’s brother Archie and his wife Agatha after their parents death. They are twins who have grown apart over the years, with Paul being seen as the rebellious one, so that, when Rosemont Abbey burns down and he is nowhere to be found he is seen as the culprit. But Louisa knows he is dead! She feels it in her spirit and is determined to find his murderer. She joins forces with Inspector Malcolm Sinclair, a childhood friend of Paul’s, to find the truth and clear her brother’s name. Things are definitely not as they seem and she cannot trust anyone…….
It is a well written book with interesting characters and a fair amount of humour - for example I love Mrs Watson with her catholic grandson’s car that she manhandles around the village!
I recommend the novel to anyone who enjoys this genre - you will not be able to put it down.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers.

Right from the start, this 1950s mystery drew me right in with Louisa sensing her twin brother Paul's death in the moment it happened. When Rosemont Abbey goes up in flames, everyone suspects that Paul is the culprit... and she sets out to prove them wrong. Now, having read a lot of mystery and suspense books throughout the years, I like to think I'm pretty good at figuring things out... but my goodness, this one kept me guessing even through to the end. There were so many family secrets unraveled and so many possible suspects that I didn't know what to think... all in the best way possible of course! It kept me excited with each turn of the page to try to piece it all together and learn what had really happened... and the ending absolutely did not disappoint! This truly was a fantastic blend of romance, mystery and family drama wrapped in one wonderful story that I couldn't get enough of!

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens crafts a world of historical mystery during the 1950's. While I really wanted to like this story, I had a hard time enjoying it. The plot does not move forward at all. The characters were really never in danger. While the mystery had the potential to be a bigger, mysterious idea, it did not turn out that way. A number of cozy mysteries have the heroine trying to solve the mystery. This time the concept was no different. But I honestly did not care what happened to her. Yes, it is her twin brother that is being thrown on the chopping block, but it felt weird. The setting and time period of the novel had nothing unique about it that made me believe I was in 1950. I honestly kept thinking I was in the Victorian era. Her aunt and uncle were in charge of her. Her money. Her dating life. When I think of 1950's, I think of sock hops, school dances, beginning of rock and roll, and classic cars. A couple of times, Stephens did mention musicians, but music was such a HUGE part of the 1950's world, but it did not affect the heroine at all. Why did she not hang out with her friends at the local malt shop and talk over the clues of the case with a trusted friend there. She did some sleuthing, but not enough for my taste. Overall, The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens was dated in 1956, but I had a really hard time buying. The plot was not that interesting, and I wanted more from the main heroine. Not a book that I could recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.