"'I just have a feeling that...'...'Never mind.' 'A feeling that what?' 'That something's not right here.' I was aware of Mr Booth' s eyes on me and he seemed to hold his breath. 'What do you mean?' 'In the house. With the family."

TW: coercion, abuse, mental illness, attempted infanticide

In Edwardian West Yorkshire, Norland Nanny, Ruby May arrives at Hardcastle House to take care of the England family's young children. Mr and Mrs England's family, the Greatrexes, are wealthy owners of cotton and wool mills. Ruby soon takes to the children and charismatic Mr England, but Mrs England is mysterious, distant and quiet. Ruby has her own cross to bear, but she gradually becomes aware that all is not well in Hardcastle House.

Told from Ruby's perspective (her childhood and present day in Hardcastle House), she's a likeable but vulnerable protagonist, struggling but determined to do her best by her charges. It's beautifully written, with the wild and isolated West Yorkshire moors embedded into the plot. However I found it rather slow and perhaps not as Gothic or menacing as the author's other novels. Whilst I felt I could predict some of what was happening at Hardcastle House and why, having discussed it with book clubbers, I suspect I missed some subtleties that, without spoiling the plot, put a different slant on some characters and some events. Mr and Mrs England may be more complex and Ruby's tragic background influences her perceptions and choices. Having listened to the author speak about the book has altered my perception. It is fascinating to hear where she gains her inspiration from and how she researches the time periods and settings. A complex and clever tale of manipulation and determination in Edwardian England.

I found myself immersed in Mrs England from the very first page. It's an intriguing beginning, and it remains so throughout.

Ruby May, a Norland nurse is sent to take care of four children in a remote house in Yorkshire. She believes it is her job to raise children to be good humans, and she is kind and loved by her charges. But she hides a tragic past, and senses all is not well with the family she is living with. Mrs England is remote and isolates herself. Mr England seems friendly and gregarious, but is he all he appears to be?

Events build to a dramatic conclusion and as she confronts her own past she is finally free to take charge of her own destiny.

A wonderful storyteller, Stacey Halls has written another brilliant book.

This is a clever and creepy story of Ruby, a Norland Nurse who takes a job in the household of an northern mill owner in after she turns down the chance to move abroad with her previous family in 1904. From the start you know there’s something not quite right in the new house, but on top of that there’s also something in Ruby’s past that she’s hiding as well. I had several different theories at various points about what was going on, but the reveal surprised me. For some reason, dark and damp are the words that spring to mind about this book – but I kind of think that makes it perfect for reading in the sunshine if you know what I mean!

I've been a fan of Stacey Halls since reading her debut, The Familiars, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of her third novel, Mrs England. As I've come to expect from Stacey Halls' novels, Mrs England is impeccably well-written and atmospheric although it's quite a slow-burner so it didn't grip me as much as her earlier novels.

Ruby May is a children's nurse and she's very unlucky in that she seems to gain position in households that end up moving overseas. Ruby refuses to leave England so she finds a new position in West Yorkshire with the England family. Both Ruby May and Mrs England are incredibly intriguing characters and they both have more layers (and secrets) than an onion. I love that air of mystery surrounding a character and there's a real build up of suspense as the reader gradually peels back all the layers.

The whole novel feels dark and ominous with the tension gradually increasing as each page is turned. I was completely transported to West Yorkshire through Stacey Halls' wonderfully vivid words and could easily visualise the factories, countryside and grand homes. It's so cleverly written it feels as if layers of smoke have been woven into the prose, darkening scenery and distorting images so I was constantly wondering what was hiding beneath.

Beautifully written, incredibly atmospheric and surprisingly tense, Mrs England is an enthralling Edwardian mystery and another fabulous novel from Stacey Halls.

I chose to read a digital ARC received via NetGalley and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This book was exactly the type of writing we've come to expect from this author. Stacey Halls has such a unique but brilliant writing style, which takes you back in time and totally pulls you in. It's one of those books where you forget you're reading because you're just so engrossed in the characters.

This book follows the story of Nurse Ruby May up to Yorkshire where she becomes the Nurse of four children, with a mother who Ruby can't quite figure out, and an overly involved father.

It's set in such a gorgeous location, which the author describes beautifully, and the plot will get you finishing the book in a day - like it did for me!

A definite recommendation.

‘Mrs England’ tells the story of Ruby May who begins her position as a nurse to the family, The Englands, at Hardcastle House, an old mill in Yorkshire.

The England family at first seem very normal and Ruby is settling in well but the more she learns about them the more she find out they ain’t as normal as they seem.

She’s scared that history is about to repeat itself.

The character of Ruby May is actually based off the real life person, Ruby Browne who along with her sister, was thrown off a bridge by her father above the River Avon. Thankfully both survived although their father who was suffering from depression was committed to an asylum shortly after.

I didn’t feel as though I connected as much with the lead character in this one as I did with the one in ‘The Foundling’. Ruby May reminded me very much of Bess from ‘The Foundling’, both women were hired to look after children. Both very caring, strong willed and with a background that soon comes to light. Halls is very good at creating strong female character lead stories with a dash of mystery and intrigue. She also does a fabulous job of describing Yorkshire in the early 20th century.

I wasn’t quite as enticed as I was with the first two although I was very intrigued by the family and the mystery surrounding them. The writing style between ‘The Foundling’ and ‘Mrs England’ is very similar and they are so alike, you can probably expect a lot more comparisons between both of them compared to her first book. But I loved it and whizzed through it and it proved again why Stacey Halls is one of my favourite authors and one of the best to have come out in the past few years.

This is a compelling and atmospheric story that will stick with you for a short time after.

Ruby is a Norland Nanny and when she finds herself out of a position. She heads to Yorkshire to be the Nanny for The Englands. She is not there long when she begins to realise that this is not a straightforward family. Charles seems very protective of his wife and she seems withdrawn. Ruby is confused with her feelings about the family and she also has her own demons. This is a slow burner of a story which really draws you in and has twists, turns and shocks.
A fantastic historical atmospheric novel !
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs England - I think at this point, Stacey Halls has become an auto-buy author for me. I generally dislike slow-paced books as I prefer intense narratives and constant action to keep me engaged, but I truly believe Stacey Halls is the only author who could sell me a slow-paced narrative that I would end up loving.

The story itself is intriguing - it's a mix between character-driven and plot-driven, so you're constantly wanting to know more about the people and their interactions with each other, as well as how their lives pan out. The final quarter of the book gets rather intense, so the slower build-up really does pay off. It's not necessarily predictable, but at the same time, you can see things coming. Mrs England is perfect for fans of historical fiction with a sinister undertone!

Content warnings: depression, attempted murder, mental health & institutionalisation, forced marriage, domestic abuse, emotional abuse & manipulation, gaslighting.

Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and Stacey Halls for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Ruby was trained at a prestigious school in London for nannies. She was happy with her current family but when they decided to move to America she required a new position. She was hired by a couple in Yorkshire and when Ruby arrives at the home she senses that something is not quite right with the wife Mrs. England. Ruby has a secret from her past that she wants to keep hidden.

I really enjoyed this book. I've read Stacey Halls previous books and I enjoy her writing and like that she writes unique stories. This book was very atmospheric and if you like gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca I think you will enjoy the setting in this book. As we learn more about the family things begin to feel more sinister as little hints are given to what is going on behind the scenes. Whilst reading you are left with a sense of uneasiness and a desire to keep reading to uncover what is happening.

Overall I really enjoyed this. I look forward to seeing what the author brings out in the future.

Another wonderful read from Stacey Halls. Not only does it look absolutely beautiful from the cover but also the writing itself. An intriguing and beguiling story that had me entranced from the beginning. Nurse Ruby May takes on a new role with the England family and comes to suspect that all is not quite right with Mrs England herself and that she needs to uncover the truth whilst protecting her own demons. Set against the atmospheric Edwardian era Yorkshire, this is a story of power, deception, women and control.

Stacey Halls writes wonderful books and this is another example of it. Brilliant conception and execution from start to finish.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Books and Stacey Halls for the ARC of Mrs England. This was my first read by Stacey Halls and despite not being a regular reader of historic fiction, I had heard great things about Stacey's writing and wanted to see if her books were for me. I really enjoyed Mrs England.

Set in Edwardian times, Ruby May has just graduated as a nurse from the prestigious Norland Institute. Having lived in London for some time, her Mistress decides to emigrate and despite asking Ruby to go with her, she declines - Ruby can't go with her as her sister is sick and she regularly sends money home.

Ruby takes the next placement she can find, despite it being with not 1 but 4 children. A huge move from the city to the country, she starts working for Mr & Mrs England at Hardcastle House in Yorkshire. When she arrives however, things aren't how she expects. All her dialogue seems to be with Mr England and Mrs England is evasive and locks herself away, rarely coming out of her bedroom or being involved with the children. Something doesn't seem right but Ruby doesn't pry - after all she knows about secrets as she has them too!

Mrs England is a slow burn, with atmospheric almost gothic style settings. The descriptions of Yorkshire are really vivid and I loved the fact that Ruby had grown up in Birmingham as some of the names mentioned were really familiar.

The characters are really relatable and believable and I found myself really sympathising with Ruby and some of her personal challenges. As the book progresses, we learn more about the Englands and their history, as well as Ruby's own backstory. The fact some of this was based on a true story makes it even more captivating.

Whilst not my normal style of read, I really loved this book. I could see this being made into a TV interpretation too. I've also seen the limited edition copy of this in Waterstones and its worth buying for the sprayed edges and title pages alone!

4/5

Newly graduated nurse Ruby May takes a position in Yorkshire looking after the children of Mr & Mrs England, a wealthy couple from a powerful dynasty of mill owners. As she adapts to the life at the isolated Hardcastle House, it becomes clear there is not quite right about the beautiful, mysterious Mrs England. Ruby must confront her own demons in order to prevent history from repeating itself.

This is such a gripping read! Halls has created such a compelling, highly atmospheric story that is filled with suspense and a gothic nature. It is an intense story of what lies behind an Edwardian marriage, the power, secrets, control, and deception. It was beautifully written and instantly captivating; I could not put it down.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. The author writes so deeply about the female protagonist Ruby Mae that I felt a strong connection to her. If anything, I wanted a little more. This is intentionally a slow burn to create a creepy and eerie atmosphere, but I’d have loved even more darkness.
I highly recommend this book – it is just as gorgeous as the cover!

Yet another brilliant read from Stacey Halls. She is such a wonderful storyteller and is becoming one of my go to authors every time.
The backdrop of Yorkshire is so atmospheric and the house so eerily gothic to set up this story. The weather, the house and the mill play such a big part in the whole story.

Ruby is wonderful, so caring and warm and I engaged with her immediately. Her nurturing of the children in her care was heartwarming. It was fascinating to read and learn more about the Norland nurses and the history behind childcare at that time. Her family history was written beautifully and emotionally and explained so many of her attributes and actions.

As the story unfolded more of the characters started to reveal themselves and i became so engrossed in the plot- wondering who was doing what and why. Such a page turner.

This historical fiction book by Stacey Halls was an absolute pleasure to read. The beautiful believable characters coupled with the strong storyline and fantastic setting made the book special for me.

Ruby is a norland nanny who when hired by Mrs England moves to West Yorkshire and encounters a cultural shock after working in London. Her four charges soon win her round but her employers are a different matter. Mr England seems on the surface to be very interested in his children and his wife seems unhappy and elusive. A deep sense of unease prevails throughout the book as if something is just not right. It takes almost to the end of the book before all the loose ends tie up and the plot emerges brilliantly.

I was second guessing throughout the book trying to figure out the secrets that each of the characters held close. Dark and atmospheric this book had me captivated. The portrayal of a Edwardian marriage made me thankful of the advantages we have nowadays. Stacey Hall excels at the historical fiction gene transporting the reader to the past while weaving an highly enjoyable story along the way.

I would definitely recommend this fantastic book.

Another stellar novel from Stacey Halls! I absolutely loved everything about this - its simmering, slow-burning menace; the way Halls writes so poignantly about domesticity, homes and our place within them; the brilliantly believable characters; and the strong sense of place that Halls is so expert at conveying. I also loved how the book probes ideas of power, authority and family dynamics, and how it teases out these strands slowly but with such sharp focus. This rich, moody and evocative novel is perfect for any lover of historical fiction. Would highly recommend!

Ultimately, this was a breezy read that didn't quite work its way into my heart. Halls has many fans, but I can't quite say I count myself amongst them. I did enjoy this more than The Familiars and can understand why people are enjoying Mrs England so much, I just didn't find myself gripped.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

There is much to love about all of Stacey Halls' work, but I think I will reserve a special place in my heart for this Hitchcockian drama set in a very creepy Edwardian mansion. This is probably because it's set in my home county of West Yorkshire, not far from Halifax where most of my family live (fun fact: there's a journalist in the story- briefly- from The Halifax Courier, where I once did work experience). There are very few novels set in my neck of the woods, the other notable historical fiction novel I can think of being The Binding. As someone who left home sixteen years ago and hasn't been able to go back because of well, you know why, it's very comforting to read about a landscape I miss terribly- even when it's the backdrop to quite an unsettling tale.

Ruby is a very good Norland nanny, hired by the charming and charismatic Mr England. Originally from Birmingham, with a backstory that isn't all that it seems, Ruby travels to the industrial north to look after the England family's four children after their old nanny dies. It's a culture shock for her, after initially working in the genteel surroundings of middle class London, but soon she settles to look after her (quite frankly adorable) charges. But nothing is quite as it seems- Mrs England goes for walkabouts in the middle of the night and Mr England controls the household more than is usual for a man of his standing in the period. There's something unsettling happening and Ruby isn't quite sure what it is- while at the same time trying to provide for her family back home.

Of course, women moving into big houses to look after children, especially in the mill towns of West Yorkshire, will always be susceptible to the inevitable Jane Eyre comparisons- but that would be doing Mrs England a huge injustice. In fact, this novel is more unsettling- you know something isn't quite right, but you're not sure until the end and even then you're a bit uncertain (I'm not going to spoil it for you, but you'll know what I mean once you've read the whole thing.) This is the sort of book that would have made a great 1940s psychological thriller in the vein of Gaslight, with someone like a young Angela Lansbury as Ruby.

Stacey Halls is fast becoming one of those writers where I always need to get my hands on her work as soon as it comes out. Mrs England proves that she's definitely on a winning streak and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

This was my first novel by Stacey Halls. Although I have been very interested in her novels I wasn’t sure if they were for me - they absolutely are!!
This is the story of a Norfield Nanny, Nurse May, who is happily working with a family in London. Everything is going really well, she is clearly very good at her job and beloved by the family. Then the family decide to go abroad and Nurse May will not go with them. We only know that she sends money home and there appears to be some kind of dependence there, but is this the only reason she won’t take the position? A new position is needed immediately and Nurse May snaps up the only possible job and heads to Yorkshire to the England family. Mr England is a mill owner, jovial and helpful. Mrs England seems confused, reclusive and remote from the nursery. As Nurse May immerses herself in the care of the new children Mrs England’s situation appears more curious, the house seems full of secrets, and Mr England becomes more and more of a presence in her life.
What a glorious read, which for me had overtones of ‘Once upon a River’, ‘Gaslight’ and ‘Rebecca”, gothic and atmospheric. The writing is beautiful, in particular the scenery. There is such a strong evocation of place, I felt like I could see the valley roll out before me. ‘The woods at night were far from silent. Nightjars and owls called their strange solos…’ As I read these first lines I felt drawn into a great story and was lost.
The characters are so carefully drawn. Mr England is kindly, patient, adores his children and always spends part of his day in their company. Decca is gorgeous, helpful and loving. Mrs England and Nurse May are more complex and it is the reader’s journey to try to work out what secrets they are holding.
A wonderful read. I went out immediately and bought her other novels.
With thanks to Netgalley and Manilla Press and Bonnier Books for a digital copy of this gorgeous read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bonnier Books & Stacey Halls for my arc of Mrs England in exchange for an honest review.

Out now!

When Ruby May, a children’s nurse trained at the prestigious Norbrook Institute takes up a new position with the England family in Yorkshire she isn’t sure what to expect. She’s used to the perfect uniformity of London, so the wilds of the Yorkshire moors and the house skulking in the depths are all new to her. But the children are lovely, even if the parents are a little strange, even if there’s something just a little sinister going on in the heart of what to appearances seems like the perfect family. But Ruby knows all about the secrets and lies that a family can hold.

This is the third Stacey Halls book I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. A blend of historical fiction and family drama/thriller it captures the attention and keeps the reader turning the pages wanting to find out what happens next. The reader is drawn in to the horror tinged hints that are dropped about the England parents and the mystery that surrounds their relationship where nothing is at it seems. Stacey Halls is fast becoming a must read author for me.