The Widow of Rose House – Book Review
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
St. Martin’s Griffin – October 8, 2019
*An advanced reader ebook copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I’ve been meaning to post about this book for ages, but this semester got the better of me. Now that most of my finals are off my plate I finally have a chance to post about this fabulous debut from Diana Biller! It made my heart so happy and I’m anxiously awaiting more novels from Biller!
I’ll admit I was a tad skeptical of this book when I first received it. The book cover is clearly communicates historical fiction but it didn’t scream romance. I was wondered about whether the book actually conformed the romance requirement of ending with a HEA (happily ever after). My fears were for not, the book is definitely a historical romance.
First, a bit about the book:
About the Book
FICTION/Romance/Historical/Gilded Age
ISBN: 9781250297853
352 Pages
CW/TW: domestic abuse
It’s 1875, and Alva Webster is ready for a fresh start. After three years of being pilloried in the presses for fleeing her abusive husband, his sudden death allows her to return to New York where she is determined to restore a dilapidated Hyde Park mansion, and hopefully her reputation at the same time. She is decidedly not supposed to fall in love.
But when a haunting at her new home threatens her careful plans, she must seek help from the eccentric and brilliant and – much to her dismay – very handsome Professor Samuel Moore. Alva doesn’t need more complications in her life, especially not a convention-flouting, scandal-raising one like Sam. Unfortunately, Sam is the only one who can help. Together, the two delve into the tragic secrets wreathing Alva’s new home while Sam attempts to unlock Alva’s history—and her heart.
Set during the Gilded Age in New York City, The Widow of Rose House is a gorgeously romantic debut by Diana Biller, with an intrepid and resilient American heroine guaranteed to delight readers as she starts over and finds true love.
My Thoughts
I’ll say it again for the people in the back, this is a stellar debut and the novel deserves more buzz and appreciation!
I love the gothic tone and the subtle ghostly background story. To be clear this is not horror and while there are a few tense sense, I would not say this is scary. As someone with a skeptical interest in the paranormal and the history of paranormal belief this hit all of my buttons. Alva is skeptical while Samuel wants to prove ghost scientifically. I loved this flavor to the book and found it unique. Additionally, as a fan of historical romance I loved that this was set in America in the Gilded Age rather than British Regency. I am here for more historical romances in different time periods and locations.
Samuel… ah, Samuel. My new favorite hero. I’m all about his absent-minded professor behavior, his kindness and light, and well, his sexiness. And I was rooting for Alva the entire book. Between her abusive past, her battle with salacious rumors, among other things she’s a cinnamon roll that deserves happiness and love. On that note, I found both characters relatable.
The dialogue is snappy and I really enjoyed the banter, which made the depth and hardship faced by Alva more palatable. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the Moore family and Samuel’s best friend. More novels with the More family, please!
I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical romances!
