Having enjoyed Victoria Connelly's The Book Lovers series, I am delighted to be on the tour to celebrate the first in a new series, The House in the Clouds.
Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the
country and, when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she’s desperate to make
the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has
exactly the same idea.
With its position high on the Sussex Downs, Winfield is a
stunning house, but it hasn’t been a home for a long time and there’s a lot of
work to do to restore it to its former glory. It’s going to take a lot of time
and money, so Edward and Abi decide to take a risk and share the house, each
living in their own wing.
But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits
them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to
reveal the secret he’s been hiding for so long?
The House in the Clouds is the first novel in a brand new
trilogy from the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers
series.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the dual perspectives which we are presented with, as the chapters alternate between Abigail and Edward's story. They are both interesting characters. Whilst on the surface, they appear to have such opposite personalities, you discover that there may be similarities in their childhoods which may help them to connect at a deeper level. Childhood neglect seems to be a common thread. This is the first in a trilogy so is largely setting the scene and establishing the characters, There are plenty of hints as to secrets they are both hiding from their past.
The setting of Winfield Hall is impressive and the healing nature of the countryside seems to be important to both Abigail and Edward. They both seem to be taking refuge in the safe haven the house offers them. Through Abigail's interaction with her family, you see a complicated dynamic between them. You get the feeling there is more to discover about her past, as well as Edward's. This volume promises much for the rest of the series.
In short: A gentle start to a promising trilogy
About the Author
Victoria Connelly lives in a 500-year old thatched cottage
in rural Suffolk with her artist husband, a springer spaniel and a flock of
ex-battery hens. She is the million-selling author of two bestselling series,
The Austen Addicts and The Book Lovers, as well as many other novels and
novellas. Her first published novel, Flights of Angels, was made into a film in
Germany. Victoria loves books, films, walking, historic buildings and animals.
If she isn’t at her keyboard writing, she can usually be found in her garden
either with a trowel in her hand or a hen on her lap.
Check out the rest of the tour!
Comments
Post a Comment