The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a stunning and atmospheric gothic tale about hidden family secrets and betrayal. The dual timeline story, told from the points of view of Kate in the present and Adaline in the past, is an enthralling story about two pairs of sisters and what happened to tear them apart.

When Kate is asked to look after her estranged sister’s children in creepy old Rookswood House, she takes a photo of what appears to be a ghost. Frightened yet intrigued, Kate sets out to uncover the secrets of the house and the two mysterious sisters, Adaline and Camile, who lived there over a hundred years before.

But like the illusions of light and shadow in the sisters strange and disturbing Victorian post-mortem photography, Kate discovers that all is not what it seems. Someone – or something – has their own plans for Rookswood House – and for Kate.

The House of Light and Shadows is a richly woven historical tale with a ghostly paranormal twist that takes the reader on a dark and fascinating journey with plenty of shocks and surprises along the way.

As the mystery deepens and the pieces of the puzzle slowly begin to come together, I found myself so engrossed in the story that I did not want to stop reading until the final page had been turned.

The House of Light and Shadows is utterly mesmerising. A dark, intense and atmospheric tale that will keep you guessing throughout, it is an emotional and chilling story of family secrets and the long reaching consequences of keeping them hidden.

Lauren Westwood’s writing is beautiful and I can’t wait to read whatever this talented author comes up with next.

Highly recommended.

The House of Light & Shadows is an atmospheric gothic mystery with a compelling historical thread. The dual timeline story follows two sets of sisters, separated by a century but bound by similar struggles. While the mystery took some time to fully take off, once it did, I couldn’t put the book down!

The novel alternates between past and present, following two pairs of estranged sisters separated by a century but bound by similar struggles. I especially loved the historical chapters, which were beautifully atmospheric and rich with detail. The mystery surrounding Rookswood House, its ghostly presence, and the eerie Victorian photography techniques added an extra layer of intrigue. The information on early special effects and "spirit photography" was a fascinating addition that enhanced the supernatural elements of the book. The modern-day narrative, following Kate as she reconnects with her estranged family, was equally compelling.

At its core, The House of Light & Shadows is about relationships - particularly the bonds between sisters. Watching the parallel journeys unfold, with both past and present characters seeking reconciliation, was deeply moving. The resolution was satisfying, bringing both the historical mystery and emotional arcs to a heartfelt close. The characters were wonderfully crafted, each with their own struggles and depth, making their journeys feel all the more real.

And then there’s Rookswood House - a chilling presence that looms over the story like a silent observer. It doesn’t just serve as a backdrop; it is a character, & that is something I love in a book.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy gothic settings, historical mysteries, and character-driven stories about family and redemption.

Lauren Westwood’s The House of Light and Shadow is a hypnotic and mesmerizing mystery that will keep readers glued to its pages.

Kate has gone to her estranged sister’s old house to look after her children and she cannot help bur feel apprehensive the minute she walks through the doors of Rookswood. Her sister’s home is dark and creepy and Kate’s apprehension intensifies when she takes a photo of what she believes is a Victorian ghost. Despite her alarm at what she thinks she has uncovered, Kate is determined to discover more about the house and the two sisters who had lived there a century ago.

It doesn’t take long for Kate to realise that all is not what it initially seems at Rookswood and that sinister plans might be afoot both for the house – and for herself. With a developer sniffing around willing to do whatever it takes, her niece plunging headlong into danger and a love interest on the horizon, Kate needs to solve the mysteries of the past because her future is on the line and she stands to lose everything she holds dear to her heart.

It’s impossible not to be immediately gripped by Lauren Westwood’s The House of Light and Shadows. A gifted author capable of tempering her writing with suspense, mystery, intrigue, drama and emotion, Lauren Westwood takes her readers by the hand and leads them into a world of chicanery, secrets, deception and romance.

Perfect for Kate Morton fans, The House of Light and Shadows is a first-rate page-turner by Lauren Westwood readers will be enthralled by.

A solid read, but probably only a one-time read for me. Loved the premise and the historical story of the sisters in the estate, but something about the pacing of the modern day timeline didn’t feel quite right, and I felt a lack of connection to the protagonist - perhaps lacking a bit of descriptive detail about her? Not sure, but I found it hard to visualise both her and her sister. Absolutely loved the principle character - he was a standout. Good little mystery to tow you through! Would read more from this author. :)

The House of Light and Shadows is a beautifully crafted story. Its gothic vibes give spooky without being terrifying. The story follows two sets of sisters in two different timelines. The house is the setting for both sets of sisters and it feels like a character in its own right. Kate is an upscale lawyer who has to drop everything to come take care of her sister’s kids due to a family emergency. Mystery surrounds Rookswood House and draws Kate in.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters, the setting, the pace, and the story.

This is one of my favorites I've read this year! The characters are all well developed even though this is very fast paced. There is an eerie vibe throughout and I had a hard time putting this down. The ending is good. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Lauren Westwood, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I actually really loved this novel. I am somewhat estranged from my sisters, but if they or their children ever needed me then I would be there in a heartbeat. However, I also loved the thought of a fixer upper house that has a presence. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it was a ghost but there was certainly something. There is a parallel between the contemporary sisters and the paranormal sisters. This is a wonderful written example of how times may change, but human nature is, at its core, still very similar.

The author had me guessing as to which shenanigans were spectral -related or humanly devised. I also wasn’t sure of each of the adult male characters at first, however about halfway through, I became convinced of their personalities. I was right, but I also read a lot of mystery novels and feel that gave me an advantage.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

I thought that maybe I was going to like it but alas I did not. I just don’t think it’s for me. I personally had a hard time keeping myself engaged and wanting to pick it up. But even if it’s not for me, it’s for someone else and I hope this finds its audience.

This is the first book I’ve read by Lauren, and I really enjoyed it. The pacing was spot on with just the right amount of intrigue mixed with a love story which you think might be going one way but then happily goes another. The mirroring of the relationship between two pairs of sisters - one in the current day, and one from the past - develops beautifully and really adds to the emotional impact of the book.

This was a great historical fiction. I loved the historical photography aspect. Including this in a past and present storytelling helped to show the growth of photography. The dynamic between the estranged sisters is something that doesn't get used much. However, the growth between them is so heartwarming and hopeful. Overall this was a great book and I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a historical fiction.

** spoiler alert ** This story of a manor house and what it entails in it, make this a thrilling story of mystery.

Kate needs to help care for her sisters children. In the meantime, Kate has an interest the house Rookwood and the strange things that happen in it.

But beknown to Kate, there is more to the strangeness in the house than what it seems.

This story looks at what makes a family and how people’s perceptions are looked at.

Lauren Westwood's The House of Light and Shadows is a captivating blend of historical mystery, gothic horror, and romance that left me thoroughly engrossed. The story follows Kate, a dedicated lawyer who, after years of estrangement, returns to care for her sister's children in the eerie Rookswood House. Her encounter with what appears to be a ghost sets off a chain of events that intertwine the present with secrets from over a century ago.

Westwood masterfully crafts an atmospheric narrative, weaving themes of family betrayal, loyalty, and love. The dual timelines enrich the plot, revealing the complex relationships between sisters, both past and present. The author's vivid descriptions of the old mansion and its haunting history drew me in, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.

What resonated with me most was the exploration of forgiveness and the enduring bonds of family. The characters are well-developed, and their emotional journeys are both relatable and compelling. The inclusion of historical elements, particularly the unsettling Victorian post-mortem photography, adds depth and intrigue to the story.

The House of Light and Shadows is a beautifully written novel that seamlessly blends suspense, history, and emotion. It's a reminder of the shadows that linger in our past and the light that can guide us toward healing and understanding. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a richly layered mystery with heart.

I absolutely loved this book! It's the third I've read from Westwood and the third very well deserved five star review. That should tell you all need to know!

The story takes us across dual timelines and centres on two sets of sisters, one in the past and one in present day.

Rookswood House sets the scene perfectly. It's a crumbling stately pile that's holding onto the ghosts of the past who're in need of Kate's help.

It's hauntingly beautiful, atmospheric and cloaked in mystery.

This book is a gem of a discovery for anyone who loves historical romance, gothic fiction, family dramas or books where a house is one of the main characters, because this book beautifully blends all of the above to create something that is more than a sum of its individual parts. This is a book you can really get your teeth into and it will pay you back in spades.

This is a dual timeline story which tells the story of two sets of sisters, separated by a century but joined by familial strife. Times may change but relationships play out similarly through the ages. In the modern day, single and career-focused London lawyer, Kate, has her neatly ordered world upended by a phone call from the headmaster of her niece and nephew’s school. Kate’s estranged sister is in hospital and there is no one else to take care of the children, Kate must drop everything and rush to Sussex to pick up the threads of her sister’s life, whether she wants to or not. She soon finds herself not only having to manage two teenage children she doesn’t know but also the creepy old house her sister and brother-in-law were trying to restore before their lives fell apart. And the house may not be as abandoned as it seems…

Because the house remain imbued with the spirit of the two ‘Weird Sisters’ who lived there a century ago. It was where they carried out their experiments in the strange trends popular in Victorian photography, and where their relationship was torn about but tragic events, in echoes of the rift that would later form between Kate and her sister, Emma. Despite being warned to keep away, Kate is inexplicably drawn to the house and the secrets that haunt its shadows, and she is determined to find out what happened in the house and between the sisters a hundred years before, particularly because the house also seems to have a dangerous hold on her niece, Izzy.

This book was a compelling read that hooked me in so I could not put it down until it was finished. I read it cover to cover in a single sitting and was completely engrossed in the story from beginning to end. The character of Kate is a strong and complex character to carry the story and I could feel her conflict throughout. As someone with three sisters, I understand how complicated sibling relationships can be and this dynamic was beautifully illustrated throughout the story. I could feel the pain of both Kate and Ada in their estrangement from their sisters.

The historical aspects of the novel featuring the Victorian proclivities for bizarre photography were fascinating, if not a little creepy, and formed the ideal back drop for this story, giving it a perfect Gothic touch. This, coupled with the descriptions of the house – which is a character in itself – make this book fairly chilling and i would advise anyone of a delicate disposition not to read it late at night. However, if you like to feel chills in your reading, this book will provide plenty. The balance of supernatural spookiness with modern day problems and a touch of romance in both timelines was perfectly done. Each element gets equal weight so that lovers of each of these elements will find enough to appeal to them.

I really enjoyed this book. It will appeal to fans of Laura Purcell, I think, or anyone who has enjoyed Henry James or Wilkie Collins and wants a familiar feel in a modern novel. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood! Even during one of the busiest times in my life, I kept coming back to this book, stealing moments whenever I could because I just had to know what would happen next.

The story’s premise—repairing family bonds—really resonated with me, and I loved how it unfolded alongside the mystery of the old house. The way Westwood blended past and present was so compelling, and I felt completely immersed in the atmosphere she created.

This book had everything I love—family drama, secrets, and a house with a story to tell. I would definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

#TheHouseofLightandShadows #NetGalley

A family story in the past and present, an old house with a hidden mystery, unsettled spirits and romance.

Kate is pulled out of a business environment, to look after her sisters children after her sisters attempted suicide. She is estranged from her sister and has never looked after children, let alone antagonistic ones. Arriving nevertheless to her sisters home, she finds a derelict house with strange vibes and a mysterious presence. Kate slowly unravels the mystery in the house and the fact that someone wants something completed. Kate has to walk blind into the situation trying to bring some order to the events which happened decades before.

The subject of photography was detailed, especially from the time photography began and the fact that at that time it was an art form and one available only to the rich. The different aspects including weird photography hardly known to the general public was a major part of the story as the earlier inhabitants of the old house were well known in this field. It is the two ladies of the house who continued this profession which was unusual for the times, which formed the backdrop to the story.

Continuing in the present times Kate has to contend with an greedy property developer who has managed to persuade her sister to demolish the old house and two children with agendas of their own.
Add to the mix a budding romance for Kate.

Quite a lot to deal with the story was a good one. The story of family loyalty both present and past are a theme in this story.

I really enjoyed engaging with the story. Brilliantly written. I feel as though I was one of the characters in the book experiencing this for myself. The author brings the story to life as I could vividly imagine every scene played out in my head. The characters are believable and the descriptions of the House of Light and Shadows incredible. Taking place in two time periods but yet seamlessly combined. The long-forgotten mystery brought to life was every bit as intriguing as the modern-day time period. I need to read more of this author right away.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I chose this book because the title and description appealed to me. The protagonist is Kate, who goes to stay at Rookswood House with her niece and nephew, Izzy and Max. Kate is estranged from her sister Emma, and they haven't seen each other for fifteen years. After some strange experiences in the house, Kate begins to wonder about its history, and the secrets that it holds.

I enjoyed Rookswood House as a setting for the story, and I felt its atmosphere, as the author brought it to life. I found the characters to be quite relatable, and this turned out to be a creepy, eerie story. There was a lot of suspense, and I felt that many of the chapters ended in an ambiguous way which made me feel compelled to keep reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Well written, it was interesting using the dual pov with one of them being the ghost. Kept me engaged.

“Atmospheric” and “captivating” certainly sum up my reading experience with this rather stunning book – a particularly compelling dual time story centred on a dilapidated mansion, with exceptionally well-handled paranormal elements, the stories of both pairs of sisters – in the past and present day – perfectly balanced and equally compelling.

Although long estranged, a phone call from their school summons Kate to care for her sister Emma’s children, Max and Izzy – a pair of sometimes difficult teens who she really doesn’t know – while her sister recovers in hospital following a freak accident. The reasons for the distance between them gradually emerges – and the situation that forced them apart remains painful as they attempt to rebuild their relationship. Emma and the children are living in the gatehouse of Rookwood House – a near ruin that she and her now absent husband have purchased with a view to restoring it to its former glory, but those plans are now in tatters.

The former residents of Rookwood House were two sisters, Adaline and Camille, pioneers in the world of Victorian photography, who became known as the Weird Sisters because of the nature of their work. And when Kate finds exploring their mysterious home irresistible, it seems that one of their spirits might still be present – although there could be more prosaic reasons for some of the more disturbing moments – and that there is a mystery to solve before they can finally leave.

The story is told from two viewpoints – Kate herself as she uncovers the secrets of the past while dealing with the challenges of the present, and the eldest Victorian sister Adaline as she enlists her help in resolving the mystery that has prevented her from finding rest. While there are those who are as committed as Kate to untangling the complex threads, there are others who are less scrupulous and with a vested interest in driving ahead with demolition of the property that Emma can no longer afford, willing to resort to dirty tricks to achieve their ends. And things are further complicated for Kate by the need to look after Max and Izzy – one of them apparently smiling and compliant, the other considerably more resistant and difficult to engage with.

Through Adaline’s story, we learn a lot about the Victorian appetite for photographs using special effects – while her father’s work catered to more salacious appetites, her speciality became taking on individual commissions, often involving an edge of danger in achieving the effects demanded. The author’s depth of research is clearly evident – and the depth of detail absolutely fascinating.

There’s an element of romance in both stories – in Adaline’s case it’s more akin to obsession, leading to a rift with her sister that was never resolved before their death. In Kate’s case, the romance is rather gentler, distinctly unexpected but particularly convincing and nicely handled. But the book’s main emphasis is on those damaged sisterly relationships – nicely mirrored in both stories – focusing on the bonds that tie them together, the events that drove them apart, and the forgiveness that’s needed to move on.

The supernatural elements are superbly done, more than a tad unsettling – in fact, if you’re of a nervous disposition, there are a few moments that you might find rather disturbing (I certainly did… so do learn from my experience, and don’t start reading this one at night!). But as the story developed, I could instead appreciate how skilfully the author managed the story’s twists and turns, built the atmosphere with events grounded in present day reality but with others defying rational explanation, providing Kate with the clues she needed to disentangle the full story. The author also builds a lot of sympathy with the restless presence – and the story’s conclusion was both emotional and entirely perfect.

I’ll admit that had I realised the extent of the book’s supernatural content, it might not have been a book I’d have chosen to read – but I’m so delighted I did, because I’ve found an author whose sheer originality and superb writing impressed me at every turn. Setting aside the nightmares – and things did get considerably more comfortable after that first sleepless night – this was a book I very much enjoyed and would thoroughly recommend to others.