This was not an entirely enjoyable read for me. I never connected with the book. I was 30% in and still had very little idea what was going on. I expected a Downton Abbey sort of book, but just ended up confused.

The narration and production were professional.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from MacMillan Audio. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Captivating and Intriguing

I recently finished listening to Iona Grey’s new novel, The House Keeper’s Secret, and it was a captivating experience. The audiobook format brought the story to life in a remarkable way, and I found that the ideal listening speed was at 1.5x. This pace enhanced the narration, making it more engaging without losing any of the book’s nuances.

The plot is rich with historical detail and emotional depth, delving into the difficulties women experienced during the early 20th century. Grey poignantly captures the societal pressures and limited opportunities that women faced, painting a vivid picture of their struggles for autonomy and respect. The story also explores the ease with which people could change their identities, using secrets and new personas to escape their pasts. This aspect of the novel adds a layer of intrigue, as characters navigate the complexities of their hidden lives and the consequences that follow.

Grey’s storytelling is masterful, weaving together the personal and historical elements seamlessly. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys. The House Keeper’s Secret is a compelling listen from start to finish, and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a good historical fiction with a touch of mystery.

Thank you Mcmillan Audio, NetGalley, & Iona Grey for this eARC!

I was invested in Kate and Jem's story, but this was not my favorite book. It started very slowly, and with the POV and simultaneous time switches, I put this book down a bunch and struggled to finish it.

I could just keep chanting Jem and Kate, Jem and Kate, Jem and Kate. This pair was made for each other.

KATE: Housekeeper at Coldwell house. In hiding from an abusive husband. Stoic, efficient, young and beautiful (inside and out)

Jem: on a mission to find out what happened to his brother Jack from 7 years ago, trail leads him to Coldwell house. He's handsome, hardworking amd strong, but has so many secrets, and is the destroyer of his own happiness

The villian: Mr. Henderson, GOD, the viper was at Coldwell hall. I swear he gave me the shivers. Completely manipulative and creepy

Supportive cast: other household staff at Coldwell house

The book: it has romance (a big dose) it has mystery (also in big doses) and was evocative in describing a turn of the century time period where class differences still existed by industrial revolution and ww1 was right around the corner. Jem and Kate's romance was so palpable, their lack of communication or rather his lack of communication caused so much angst. I was torn for these two lovers who eventually after all the grief come together. The ending was realistic and well done.

The audio narration was really good- the creepy vibes, the romantic vibes and the torment all came through. I just wished the male narrator was past and present Jem. His voice was groovy.

The past, the present, secrets, duty, and romance. The Housekeeper's Secret is a historical fiction/romance book that takes place between the years of 1911 to 1919.


I loved the atmosphere, setting, and sense of time in this book. Coldwell Hall is in the moors of northern England. I could feel the wind and the chill in the air. In a time without modern convivences, they only had the fireplaces to keep them warm on frigid days and nights. Plus, the servants did back breaking work. Going up and down the stairs, at times carrying hot water, other times bed pans. They spend their days scrubbing, cleaning, cooking, laundry, and doing as they are told. It's exhausting just thinking about it. It's not an easy life and I thought Iona Grey did a great job depicting their duties and lives.

Kate Furniss has a secret and works as a housekeeper. Jem Arden, recently hired as a footman, has secrets as well. As they grapple with their desire, they also keep their individual secrets close and hidden.

This book is told in alternating timelines and shows the changes in people, lives, the world, war, and progress. People live, people die, people move on, and people love.

I had both the book and audiobook versions of The Housekeeper's Secret. I thought the narration of the audiobook was very nicely done and did a great job bringing the book to life.

Overall, an engaging story with vivid descriptions of life of not only servants but of the main characters of Kate and Jem. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this one.

As I mentioned above, I loved the atmosphere and setting of this book. The author did a tremendous job setting the stage for this book. As I struggle with slowness in books, at times I felt this book was a little long and I wanted to give it a little nudge to move things along. That is my personal preference.

Well written and atmospheric.

I was lucky enough to get the audio and digital version of this book.

Review of the story:
This was a great historical romance novel with a touch of suspense given the amount of secrets embedded into the story. It took me a little to get into the story as the beginning slowly sets the stage and doesn't make a ton of sense at first. The alternating timelines and amount of characters were difficult to follow at times. If you are someone who really enjoys a thorough plot development this one will really satisfy you. Set in the early 1900s the author did a great job at accurately portraying that time period. This is a must for any historical fiction/romance fans.

Narrators:
The narrators did a great job and kept me intrigued the entire time. The story was easy to listen to and I felt like it was more interesting because of the narrators. I can highly recommend the audio version.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy.