After a slow start I became invested in this story and the characters portrayed. I was interested to find there had been a cult in Somerset during this time period although this is of course a fictional story. It gave an insight into how people are persuaded to believe in the vision of others. Enough twists and turns to keep it interesting and a satisfactory ending.

I did find the story quite slow to move along. I liked the characterisations with Ruby being the most compelling of them all. She had a lot of doubts about joining the commune right from the beginning, thinking her mother had taken leave of her senses giving up their home and handing over the proceeds to the commune but she felt she didn't have a choice because she was very close to her sister Irene and felt she should be there for her sister.

On the whole though, I did find it very slow and fairly uneventful most of the way through, often finding my mind drifting as I read. I did enjoy the ending when all the secrets were revealed but up to that point I could easily have given up as it just failed to capture my interest really. Sorry but just not one for me.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that historical romance element that I was looking for and enjoyed the element of this book. The time-period worked well overall and was engaged with with what was going on with the characters. It was everything that I was looking for and glad everything worked together to tell the story. Madeleine Reiss has a strong writing style and am excited to read more.

"The Taking of Irene Hart" by Madeleine Reiss shows how just easily you could be caught up in a cult. When recently widowed Hester Hart meets Pastor Peters (or the Beloved as he is known by his followers), she is captivated by him and has soon sold up the family house and donated the proceeds from all her family's worldly possessions so that she and her daughters can go and live in his community. With promises of Sainthood and eternal life, daughters Ruby and Irene are very wary of their new life. This book is full of disturbing goings-on and shows the abusive power a cult leader has. Like many historical fiction books, this is loosely based on true events.

Set in Bridgewater in 1859,this is a heart breaking story of a Cult run by Pastor Peters who goes from town to town mesmerising vulnerable women
and persuading them to come to his Garden Kingdom in return for giving him all their worldly goods and money .There are some great characters Ruby and PC Philip Hodges .It is a good story with plenty of mystery ,atmospheric with a good ending.

This is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking stories I have ever read and to know it is based on a real cult that flourished in Somerset England in the mid 1850’s puts it in an even more distressing light. It is not a novel that made me feel good as the subject matter cuts like a knife through the sane psyche.

Many years ago in Sociology class I studied cults and why some people fall into them and under the spell of their charismatic leaders. Of course, we had to analyse the modern cult of Jonestown and the massacre that followed. It is one of those events in history that always comes to mind, I suppose, as a result of its horrid effects and outcome. Even then, when I learned all about it and had to write an essay, I felt as if I could not breathe after knowing the facts. The bondage and entrapment experienced by the deluded felt horrifying. It is a sad day of revelation for those to discover they have been taken in—that they have trusted someone with their lives who have evil intent. Of course, some never come to this conclusion or get the chance. And one fact that makes me even angrier is that such cults are created in the name of religion. The focus may initially be on ‘God’ as a means to justify their existence but devotion ultimately is transferred to the cult leader. The Taking of Irene Heart is an incredible example of such a perverted system. The ‘community’ as they call it is built on falsehoods. They succeed by taking control and separating its members from the rest of society to brain wash them: make them believe that their ‘salvation, eternal life, and chance to live forever’ is reserved only for those in their ‘community.’ Anything outside their four walls is a distraction, sin and damnation.

After the death of Rubie and Irene’s father, their mother one day decides to give all her belongings, home and money to the one they call “The Beloved’ or 'Pastor Peters' – a man who was once a medical doctor but has set up his Garden Kingdom. The daughters initially are appalled and Rubie does not want to be part of her mother’s plans. But after much struggle within herself, she goes along with it to stay with and care for her sister. Irene has seizures, that, of course, we know today it is a neurological disorder. But her condition is used by the ‘community’ to proclaim she has some prophetic abilities. And the longer they remain in this cult, the more of their true selves are lost. Though Ruby is the only one to fight against it. Her mother in time, becomes like a stranger to her, losing all sensibility, all desire to protect or assert herself. This demeanour is ‘replaced by a kind of indifference and the same unblinking gaze she saw on many of the saints’ faces.’

Suicides with messages attached to the victims and an abandoned baby brings Police Constable Hodge inside the community to question Pastor Peters. His slippery answers show a lot about his character. Also, the fervour of his declaration that he is leading his flock to redemption fills the Constable with dread. This man who has written his own narrative and of those around him, is someone with ‘absolute control over the way the story’ ends. He ‘could justify almost anything and would always be able to shape things to fit his own purposes.’ The Constable is very perceptive and knows this makes Peters a very dangerous man.

So many things that happen in this story have scientific or medical explanations but are interpreted as some handiwork of the Pastor, like the Solar storm seen by many inside the community. And as Ruby discovers, also seen by others across the world. Pastor Peters, like many cult leaders, want their followers to believe they have some supernatural powers as it gives them more control when people have faith in them. So sad, this blind trust.

This novel is about so many things related to cults, spiritual seduction and blindness. It is a real study in human behaviour that includes betrayal and false justification to defend those actions. In an environment such as this, that puts itself outside the law, people begin to lose a sense of right and wrong. And as Ruby confesses to her friend, ‘This place is full of shadows.’ Leading to frightening truths, shocking secrets, mysterious happenings and plenty of on the edge of your seat action in the lead up to the finale.

But…I am glad to report, there is a happy ending and light re-enters the once darkened scene. I will say no more but if you dare to enter this realm, it will pierce your heart and awaken your spirit. The Taking of Irene Hart covers a difficult subject matter but the author handles it well and makes you appreciate your freedom. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.

Set in 1859 Somerset, The Taking of Irene Hart by Madeleine Reiss is a compelling tale of familial bonds, desperation, and the perilous allure of blind faith. Loosely based on historical events, the book delves into the lives of the Hart family as they navigate the confines of a secretive religious community, where salvation comes at a price.

The story begins with Hester Hart, a widow struggling to cope with the devastating loss of her husband. In a modern context, her mental state might have been treated with professional support, but in the mid-19th century, such help was unavailable. Her daughters, headstrong Ruby and fragile Irene, initially welcome Hester’s renewed purpose, only to discover the ominous consequences when she signs over all the family’s possessions to a charismatic preacher, Reverend Peters. In doing so, she unwittingly entangles them in a cult-like community governed by sinister rules and a twisted philosophy.

Irene, plagued by seizures and visions of the future, is revered by the group for her supposed second sight. Ruby, ever the sceptic, is the only one who recognises the darkness lurking behind Reverend Peters’ facade. As Irene and Hester fall deeper under his spell, Ruby’s frustration and fear mount, forcing her to take on the immense responsibility of protecting her sister.

Reiss crafts her characters with depth and authenticity. Hester’s vulnerability and blind devotion are infuriating yet heartbreakingly understandable. Ruby, though flawed and impulsive, is a vividly realistic protagonist whose bravery anchors the story. Irene, with her delicate health and spiritual burden, is a poignant figure caught in a dangerous web.

The book explores darker themes, including manipulation, control, and the lengths people go to for acceptance and belonging. The sense of unease grows as the narrative progresses, and while the early chapters are slow-burning, the tension builds to a gripping climax. The vivid portrayal of the cult's oppressive atmosphere and its impact on the Hart family keeps readers hooked, even as frustration with Hester's decisions mounts.

The Taking of Irene Hart is not just a tale of suspense; it’s also a poignant exploration of familial love, resilience, and the consequences of misplaced trust. Reiss’ evocative writing and rich historical detail make this an unforgettable read for fans of historical fiction with a psychological edge.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Inspired by historical events, this book focuses on the Hart family and their move to a cult in the 1800s. There is an abandoned baby featuring in the story to appeal to your heartstrings and an intriguing plot. Probably not one I would have chosen to read normally but good overall

I was offered an arc of this book and I am so glad I was, as I possibly wouldn’t have considered this book, and that would have been a big mistake! I was fascinated by it. It was only when I had finished that I discovered it is historical fiction, based on an actual religious sect in Somerset. The characters however are fictional.
The story is set in the mis 1800s. When Hester Hart’s husband dies, she meets Rev Peters and he persuades her to sign over all her worldly possessions to him. In exchange, Hester and her two daughters, Ruby and Irene, move into the walled community. They are free to leave if they so wish, but nobody ever does. Irene has seizures and Rev Peters, the Beloved, believes she has second sight. The story has a few deaths - are they suicide or are they murder? You will need to read the story to find out!
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers Harper Collins and Madeleine Reiss for an arc of this exciting book.

This one kept me on the edge of my seat! The eerie, cultish atmosphere is perfectly done. The tension between the family dynamics, Ruby’s sharp instincts, and the slowly unraveling dark secrets makes this a gripping, emotional ride. It’s a paragon of historical fiction, and I was hooked from start to finish.

Based loosely on actual events this is a story about those who yearn for acceptance and direction and the danger of finding either in the wrong place.

Hester is a widowed mother with two young adult daughters Irene and Ruby. After the death of her husband Hester is devastated and not coping. Today there would be medical assistance for her mental state, but in 1859 there is no such help, and her daughters are relieved when she finds the will to live again until they realize what it will mean for their family. One day Hester met a charismatic man who said all the right things to sooth her troubled mind. Not only that if she signs all her worldly possessions over to him, she and her daughters can come and live among his followers at his compound and study his teachings. That's right.....a cult. As sad as I was for Hester's predicament her character was a constant source of anger for me. I wanted to scream at her every time she opened her mouth.

Irene experiences seizures accompanied by visions of the future. Ruby questions everything around them and holds fast to the dream of getting herself and Irene out of the cult. She looks out for Irene and worries when the leadership takes a special interest in Irene's visions. She feels the sole responsibility of her sister because their mother is thoroughly brainwashed. Ruby has many flaws and although I felt exasperated with some of her choices, I appreciated that she was written with these faults because it made her more realistic. Irene might be the sister with a gift, but Ruby's bravery was quite admirable.

Darker themes are explored, and I experienced a feeling of unease throughout. The pace is a bit slow in the earlier chapters, but towards the end I was turning pages like mad to find how events would unfold.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing an Advanced Readers Copy. These are my unbiased opinions.

I received a free copy of, The Taking of Irene Hart, by Madeleine Reiss, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its 1800 in England, some religions are like cults, with their own secrets and laws. Hester and her daughters Irene and Ruby are drawn into a cult. A clever read.

If I could give half scores this would be 3.5. I chose this book because the description appealed to me. The story follows the Hart family's move to a cult and their lives once there. It's a slow paced historical fiction which is easy to believe could have happened (in fact it is inspired by real events).
I found the characters unsympathetic and the baby sub-story forced and only there to help prop up the main story.
It took me awhile to read it but I'm glad I completed it.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this review is wholly my own.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Madeleine Reiss for providing me with an ARC of The Taking of Irene Hart in exchange for my honest review.

The Taking of Irene Hart by Madeleine Reiss is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel set in the atmospheric backdrop of Somerset, England, in 1859. At the heart of the story is Hester Hart, a widow, who is drawn into a mysterious and secretive religious community led by the enigmatic Reverend Peters. Along with her two daughters, Irene and Ruby, Hester becomes enmeshed in a web of fervent beliefs, hidden agendas, and emotional struggles, all of which culminate in a tale as haunting as it is captivating.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its basis in true events, which lends an additional layer of intrigue and authenticity to the narrative. Madeleine Reiss's writing is richly descriptive, painting vivid images of the period's setting and the oppressive atmosphere of the community. Her skillful prose immerses readers, making it easy to feel the tension and unease that permeate the story.

The plot is expertly woven with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge throughout. Just when you think you understand the characters and their motivations, Reiss surprises you with revelations that deepen the story's complexity. A touch of romance adds warmth to the otherwise dark and gripping tale, balancing the emotional weight of the narrative.

I found The Taking of Irene Hart to be a thoroughly engaging read. It masterfully combines historical detail, suspense, and emotional depth to create a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Madeleine Reiss proves herself to be a storyteller of remarkable talent, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of her works in the future.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with elements of mystery, drama, and romance, this novel is for you.

This was a fascinating read based on a true story! I loved learning about the religious cult back in the Victorian times. Caught my attention and kept me reading.

As this is inspired by a true story I found it all the more fascinating and interesting. It's a historical drama set in the 1800's based around a cult. There's an abandoned baby to pull at your heartstrings. I thought it an intriguing plot which is enjoyable and entertaining.

The Taking of Irene Hart by Madeleine Reiss is one of that books that you can't put down just for a little bit. I rated it 5 stars because I loved the experience of reading it.

This book was a unique story, I wasn't sure how much I would like it but it blew me away. It was a refreshing book to read!

Great historical fiction read. Easy to follow, light storyline but with heavier parts at times.
Unique storyline

Bridgewater, Somerset, 1859.
Ruby and Irene Hart’s mother is in deep mourning for the loss of her husband several months ago. The sisters persuade her to finally leave the house and curiosity about why crowds have gathered leads the women into the orbit of the charismatic Reverend Peters of the Garden Kingdom based at Yaxton. He seems to offer Hester‘s life a meaning, it’s almost like she’s bewitched. When she decides they will all move into the community, she signs over her house and wealth to Reverend Peters. It’s fair to say their lives will never be the same again. Meanwhile, Police Constable Philip Hodge is trying to find the mother of a newborn baby found bundled into a hedge at Yaxton. Is it anything to do with the Garden Kingdom?

I really enjoy this well written engaging tale, which is told at a good pace and keeps my attention throughout. What emerges is a mystery, a puzzle at the centre of which is the enigmatic Peters who clearly I view brimful of 21st century cynicism. There’s a very good Gothic tone which the author strikes and it’s full of tension and atmosphere, albeit an increasingly rotten one. Some of the descriptions are rich and engage all the senses.

The characters are terrific and the standouts are Ruby and Hodge. I love the tenacity of Hodge who despite the best efforts of his lazy lugubrious boss Jowler, he keeps using his instincts and persists in his investigation. He’s a man of great kindness too. As for Ruby, I love her robust spirit and her love, care and tenderness for the delicate flower that is Irene, whose “takings“ are also central to the plot. Ruby knows there is something wrong at the Garden Kingdom and she bravely keeps going despite the dangers. Why doesn’t her mother sense it too?? She’s a self-indulgent woman but her reactions and that of plenty of others to the ethos of Garden Kingdom are both fascinating and thought provoking. How can somebody be so totally convinced by what they are told and blinded to the realities? Some of the things that occur in the Kingdom are no great surprise but that said there are shocks and much danger in store which brave souls will have to take on in order to survive.

Overall, this is a gripping, dark, well written story and I root throughout for the sisters and for Hodge.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.