ARC Review: "The Housekeeper's Secret" by Iona Grey (Audiobook)

"The Housekeeper's Secret" by Iona Grey promises a captivating blend of historical intrigue and forbidden romance, set against the backdrop of Coldwell Hall in early 20th century England. Narrated with eloquence and depth, this audiobook delves into the complexities of duty, desire, and deception within the confines of a grand estate.

Kate Furniss, the stoic housekeeper of Coldwell Hall, has meticulously crafted a facade to shield her true self from a world filled with secrets and societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds through alternating timelines—from the opulent summer of 1911 to the grim trenches of World War I—the listener is immersed in a tale that intertwines passion and peril.

Iona Grey's prose is evocative, painting vivid scenes of the moors and the grandeur of Coldwell Hall, enriching the atmosphere and bringing the historical setting to life. The author weaves a web of relationships and hidden truths, particularly focusing on Kate's forbidden romance with Jem Arden, the enigmatic new footman whose arrival disrupts the delicate balance of the household.

However, despite the promise of a sumptuous narrative, the audiobook proves challenging to engage with initially. The pacing is slow, requiring patience from the listener to unravel the layers of the story. While Grey's meticulous research shines through in the historical details and character development, the plot's progression may test the endurance of those seeking a more briskly paced experience.

Yet, as the story gains momentum, Grey's adept storytelling and the emotional depth of the characters begin to resonate. Kate and Jem's relationship, fraught with tension and longing, becomes a poignant focal point, drawing listeners into their world of forbidden love amid the tumultuous backdrop of war.

In conclusion, "The Housekeeper's Secret" is a beautifully written historical audiobook that rewards patience with its rich atmosphere and complex characters. Despite its slow start, Grey's narrative prowess and the evocative narration make it a worthwhile listen for enthusiasts of historical fiction, particularly those captivated by tales of romance and intrigue in Edwardian England.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

This novel actually took me quite some time to get into. I found the pacing quite slow in the beginning, and even though not much was happening yet, it still took me awhile to figure out what was going on, while being introduced to the house and the characters.

The book is primarily set in 1911, focusing on the “downstairs” staff of Coldwell Hall (with brief vignettes set during the war in 1916). There is a lot of staff to get to know, and it did take me quite awhile to keep them all straight.

BUT, even though I was struggling so much early on, I didn’t DNF, and I’m glad I didn’t because I actually really enjoyed it! The romance itself is definitely important to the story, but I felt the mystery was the part that kept me reading. (Until the end when I was just hoping a praying for the best for our characters!)

Audiobook notes: Really well done. I’ll admit, it took some adjusting for me to keep track of whose POV we were on, because there were mid-chapter, abrupt changes throughout. But once I got a handle on the cast of characters, I was better able to keep track of these changes, but I imagine it could be potentially distracting for others.

Thank you @macmillan.audio for providing me an ALC of this book. All opinions are my own.

What this book is giving:
✅ Historical Fiction
✅ Mystery
✅ Romance
✅ 1911-1916
✅ Downton Abbey-esque

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️½ / 5

This was a hard book to get through. It was very slow. There were SO many characters, it was hard to keep track of who was who. When the point of view changed, the chapters were not labeled it was very confusing. I muddled through and found it very predictable. I enjoyed the historical fiction throughout the book, but overall, not for me.

This is a historical fiction piece about secrets and lies amongst the help in a household. I feel like the blurb really makes this sound like it should be awesome, but it's just so slow. I liked the main characters, but there were many other smaller characters that I had trouble keeping track of. It was just a lot, and I don't think it needed to be. I wanted the story between the two main characters to move along more quickly. I also don't know that the changing timelines were necessary, and honestly, it confused me at times. I will say that the audiobook narrator was really good, the story just wasn't for me.

So, to be honest, I came to Goodreads about halfway through to see what I was missing...

I am listening to the audiobook, and it kept jumping back and forth, but without dates or identifiers...so I felt like I was missing something...
But, once I figured it out, it made much more sense!!

So, we are in the early 1900's, in Europe, and Kate Furniss is acting as a respectable housekeeper for a large estate. One where she can easily be lost or hopefully forgotten about. This is what she wishes, anyway...
She has many duties, and she faces each day with determination and steadfastness in getting each and every job done, and setting all those in (or under) her care--straight. Therefore, making each of their jobs a bit easier in the longrun.

However, she was not prepared for when a new footman arrived by the name of Jem Arden. He has his own agenda, and she is not a part of it...but somehow, once their paths cross...it's impossible for them to go their separate ways...

As the home grows in size due to a wedding, and the need for further house help, things begin changing. And as these changes take place, Jem continues his searching for his own peace of mind...
(I know this does not make sense now, but if/when you read the book, you will understand...)

Then, in another/dual timeline we have some of the house staff in the setting of the war. (This is where I was lost...) As we see the horrors of the war take shape, and men start losing their lives, their resolve begins to fade...and letters are written, as they realize that they might not make it home...alive...

Additionally, as in all books, we have some good characters, and some bad (really bad) ones...Of course, I wanted to reach through and smack some heads..but of course, I cannot...

This one had a little bit of everything in it, and I did really enjoy it!
Love. Family. Hope. Faith. Daily routines and challenges. People helping people. And, friends that become family...under one roof...and beyond...
But, as mentioned above, it also had some really bad characters who inflicted harm, and actually killed (and/or maimed) others, too.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released on 8/13/24, so about a week from now!

#TheHousekeepersSecret by #IonaGrey and narrated nicely by #RaphaelCorkhill and #ShakiraShute.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫 stars for me, rounded up to 5!

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Lovely period drama, where you can’t help but connect with the characters and be invested in their stories. Great read for the fans of Downton Abbey. Although, the similarities could be a drawback for some readers. At times, I couldn’t help but imagine the characters of the book in the familiar setting of the show. That aside, I have come to really love Kate and Jem and their heartbreaking stories.

I was hoping for a historical fiction that focused a bit more on WWI but this really only had a very small amount of moments that actually dealt with that aspect. This was mostly a character developed drama that focused on the lives of the servants of a large manor in England. There was a mystery unfolding and a lot of personal story lines to keep track of. I really enjoyed Jem and Kate’s story but even though it was technically the main focus there was so much going on I didn’t feel like I got a good connection with any of them. Not a bad story but just not as great a fit for me as I’d hoped. I think has I not expected war content and was told it was a bit like the back of the house in downton abby I would’ve been ready for it and enjoyed it a bit more.

I do appreciate the publisher for the arc!

This is a slow-paced, atmospheric novel that moves back and forth in time. It reminds me of Longbourn by Jo Baker. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Loved this audiobook. I also liked the written copy as well.
Phenomenal writing and a great story. Also well narrated as well.

Kate is a housekeeper at Coldwell Hall in 1911. Kate has secrets, as does a new hired man Jem. They’re drawn to one another. When the owner dies and his son takes over, the son’s valet begins to discover everyone’s secrets.

This a suspenseful historical romance. It’s not my usual genre, but it kept my interest and I enjoyed it.

Fans of Downton Abbey will love The Housekeeper’s Secret, a historical romance set in 1911 as Victorian traditions give way to modernization at Coldwell Hall. This grand manor in remote Northern England has secrets of its own and all of the staff seem to be hiding something too.

The story is told from various servants’ perspectives in third person omniscient so the reader gets to enjoy multiple character viewpoints and inner dialogue. I found the beginning of the story to be a bit confusing with lots of characters but soon settled in to a driving plot that kept me coming back to find out what happens next.

Shakira Shute provides an excellent narration with different voices and accents bringing each distinct character to life.

The Housekeepers Secret is a modern take on all the best parts of Jane Austen: forbidden love, plagued with formality and tragic pasts.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, for the free audiobook for review.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Coldwell Hall, nestled in the secluded woods of Derbyshire, this historical fiction immerses readers in a world where the grandeur of the manor contrasts sharply with the quiet struggles of its few inhabitants. The narrative artfully explores not just the mundane rhythms of daily life but also delves deep into the dreams, relationships, and fears of its characters, inviting readers to forge a connection with them.

The story's intricate structure, featuring interchanging timelines and multiple points of view, unfolds like a graceful dance, propelling the plot forward with an effortless rhythm. At no point does the narrative falter; Kate's perspective is particularly compelling, her emotions radiating with authenticity even as she masks her pain. Meanwhile, Jem's letters paint a vivid portrait of his tumultuous journey—a quest for truth interwoven with regret and an unwavering love for Kate.

With a rich tapestry of drama and a poignant separation, the buildup to the conclusion leaves readers fervently rooting for Kate and Jem. The central question lingers: Will they ultimately find their way back to each other amidst the chaos?

Pairing the book with the audiobook elevates the experience to new heights. Shakira Shute's portrayal of Kate infuses the narrative with an added layer of dread, particularly in the more harrowing scenes. Raphael Corkhill breathes life into Jem, his narration encapsulating the protagonist’s anger and regret with striking clarity. The seamless interplay of their voices enhances the overall reading and listening experience, showcasing an exceptional production.

For enthusiasts of historical romance, who crave vivid settings, complex characters, and a love story tested by adversity, this novel is a must-read or in this case a must-listen.

I don't always enjoy Historical fiction, but this novel's combination of romance, suspense, and strong character development made it a really engaging story. I loved the shifting POVs that gave me insight into each of the characters and allowed me to get a more well-rounded understanding of the story. So many aspects of this book kept me listening: from the writing style to the excellent narration, this one was a winner!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for an arc of this book.

I love Historical fiction, and I was drawn to request this book because of the cover.

This was Historical fiction combined with a suspense/thriller book.

I really enjoyed this one. I thought the narrator was perfect.

We are only as good as the lies we tell ourselves. From the outside Kate Furniss is the picture of staunch professionalism. Though younger than most housekeepers, she maintains an unwaveringly confidence. Quickly we learn that Kate is not what she seems. Working at Coldwell Hall provides the perfect backdrop to conceal her secret.

A once grande hall , now in disarray, it is unaccustomed to guests. As guests ascend on the hall for an impending proposal/wedding, Kate notes the need for a new footman. With time being of the essence, Jem is hired on to fulfill the role. Immediately Kate is both captivated by and suspicious of him. Like a moth to a flame their live affair begins.

Yet the impending changing in the house bring new challenges. Secrets are discovered and manipulated for personal gain. Can they overcome this trial and remain together or will the past crash down and destroy the fragility of their union.?

If you’re a fan of period romance and mystery you’ll love this novel. It provides amazing insight into class and gender without being redundant. The character development and suspense make it a must read.

#ARC #NetGalley

I chose to listen to the audiobook version of this book.

The narrator was amazing throughout this book! The way the author writes is also just as amazing. I typically don't listen to audiobooks as I find myself to get very distracted very quickly and have a hard time following along, but I didn't have any issues with this book.

This story is a historical romance with a little suspense sprinkled in, which I think was just the right amount. This story does hold a lot of secrets from the characters, and it was almost jaw dropping as they were coming to light and who did what.

This story was easy to listen to and it helped me to fall in love with the characters. I feel as though the narrators is what had me captivated through this book. This is one of the best audiobooks that I have listened to so far.

I will be recommending this book for my book club to read!

The Housekeeper's Secret is a beautifully written book about the staff who keep Coldwell Hall running in the years just before WWI. Mrs. Furniss, the beautiful and reserved housekeeper, has closely-guarded secrets that make finding love impossible. Her life changes when she meets Jem, the new footman. Jem is on a quest to find his younger brother, who disappeared from a house-party there a decade earlier. The two main characters develop a connection, but their forbidden romance seems destined to fail. After a bit of a slow start, I was able to settle in as the narrative slowly unfolded, and the secrets were revealed. There are multiple points of view throughout the novel, including letters written from the battlefields of France. The author does a tremendous job of bringing the time period to life and showing modern readers what a life in service was like. I really enjoyed all of the historical details and the gorgeous writing. I listened to part of the book on audio, and I highly recommend the audiobook as well--the narrators were fantastic and brought each charater to life with different accents. Recommended to Downton Abbey fans and readers of Kate Morton's books. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and the author, Iona Grey, for the librarian preview copy!

Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the advance reading copy. The Housekeeper's Secret is a novel that melds historical fiction with suspense/mystery in a way that had me hooked from the first chapter. I enjoyed the dual POV, the main characters Kate & Jem, and the pace of this novel. It didn't feel like I was rushing through the story but also did not drag.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in the early 1900s, which is reminiscent of Downton Abby. Everyone in Coldwell Hall has secrets and pasts that they are either running from or hiding from. Kate and Jem are the primary characters in this story, and their character-building and the development of their relationship are the primary storylines. The story was well-written and full of suspense, with a bit of romance peppered in.

Thank you to Macmillian Audio via NetGalley for my advance review copy. Set to publish on August 13, 2024

For those that love Downton Abby this is a great read. As a historical fiction book it is beautifully written. I love these glimpses into history, even if it's fiction.