The Montrose family
fled Boston because of a scandal. Ensconced in Willow Hall their
country home, tensions in the family flare. Catherine, the older
daughter, is dissatisfied with the lack of company, Emmeline, the
youngest, loves the outdoors and is strangely drawn to the pond.
Lydia, the middle daughter, wishes for romance, but fears that stuck
in Catherine’s shadow, she will always be a spinster.
John Barrett, their
father’s new business partner in the mill, seems uncomfortable with
the family living in Willow Hall. He’s an attractive man. Catherine
makes a play for him, but he is quiet and not very interested. Lydia,
although she doubts she has a chance, is immediately and powerfully
attracted to him.
Beneath the overlay
of romance, dark forces seem to be gathering. Lydia can feel it, but
she doesn’t know how to protect her family.
Although the
supernatural plays a substantial role in this story, it is also the
story of young women falling in love and dealing with family issues.
Lydia narrates the story. She is caught between Catherine’s
selfishness and Emmeline’s need for supervision and love. The story
is filled with eerie descriptions giving a sense that something is
not right about the house and the surrounding area.
I enjoyed the story.
There is just enough supernatural to be creepy, but the interactions
between the sister are normal and realistic. The background of the
Gilded Age with all the manners and restrictions on young ladies is
well done. I recommend this book if you like spooky, but not too
frightening.
I received this book
from Net Galley for this review.
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