If I could give half scores this would be 3.5. I chose this book because the description appealed to me. The story follows the Hart family's move to a cult and their lives once there. It's a slow paced historical fiction which is easy to believe could have happened (in fact it is inspired by real events).
I found the characters unsympathetic and the baby sub-story forced and only there to help prop up the main story.
It took me awhile to read it but I'm glad I completed it.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this review is wholly my own.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Madeleine Reiss for providing me with an ARC of The Taking of Irene Hart in exchange for my honest review.

The Taking of Irene Hart by Madeleine Reiss is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel set in the atmospheric backdrop of Somerset, England, in 1859. At the heart of the story is Hester Hart, a widow, who is drawn into a mysterious and secretive religious community led by the enigmatic Reverend Peters. Along with her two daughters, Irene and Ruby, Hester becomes enmeshed in a web of fervent beliefs, hidden agendas, and emotional struggles, all of which culminate in a tale as haunting as it is captivating.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its basis in true events, which lends an additional layer of intrigue and authenticity to the narrative. Madeleine Reiss's writing is richly descriptive, painting vivid images of the period's setting and the oppressive atmosphere of the community. Her skillful prose immerses readers, making it easy to feel the tension and unease that permeate the story.

The plot is expertly woven with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge throughout. Just when you think you understand the characters and their motivations, Reiss surprises you with revelations that deepen the story's complexity. A touch of romance adds warmth to the otherwise dark and gripping tale, balancing the emotional weight of the narrative.

I found The Taking of Irene Hart to be a thoroughly engaging read. It masterfully combines historical detail, suspense, and emotional depth to create a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Madeleine Reiss proves herself to be a storyteller of remarkable talent, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of her works in the future.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with elements of mystery, drama, and romance, this novel is for you.

This was a fascinating read based on a true story! I loved learning about the religious cult back in the Victorian times. Caught my attention and kept me reading.

As this is inspired by a true story I found it all the more fascinating and interesting. It's a historical drama set in the 1800's based around a cult. There's an abandoned baby to pull at your heartstrings. I thought it an intriguing plot which is enjoyable and entertaining.

The Taking of Irene Hart by Madeleine Reiss is one of that books that you can't put down just for a little bit. I rated it 5 stars because I loved the experience of reading it.

This book was a unique story, I wasn't sure how much I would like it but it blew me away. It was a refreshing book to read!

Great historical fiction read. Easy to follow, light storyline but with heavier parts at times.
Unique storyline

Bridgewater, Somerset, 1859.
Ruby and Irene Hart’s mother is in deep mourning for the loss of her husband several months ago. The sisters persuade her to finally leave the house and curiosity about why crowds have gathered leads the women into the orbit of the charismatic Reverend Peters of the Garden Kingdom based at Yaxton. He seems to offer Hester‘s life a meaning, it’s almost like she’s bewitched. When she decides they will all move into the community, she signs over her house and wealth to Reverend Peters. It’s fair to say their lives will never be the same again. Meanwhile, Police Constable Philip Hodge is trying to find the mother of a newborn baby found bundled into a hedge at Yaxton. Is it anything to do with the Garden Kingdom?

I really enjoy this well written engaging tale, which is told at a good pace and keeps my attention throughout. What emerges is a mystery, a puzzle at the centre of which is the enigmatic Peters who clearly I view brimful of 21st century cynicism. There’s a very good Gothic tone which the author strikes and it’s full of tension and atmosphere, albeit an increasingly rotten one. Some of the descriptions are rich and engage all the senses.

The characters are terrific and the standouts are Ruby and Hodge. I love the tenacity of Hodge who despite the best efforts of his lazy lugubrious boss Jowler, he keeps using his instincts and persists in his investigation. He’s a man of great kindness too. As for Ruby, I love her robust spirit and her love, care and tenderness for the delicate flower that is Irene, whose “takings“ are also central to the plot. Ruby knows there is something wrong at the Garden Kingdom and she bravely keeps going despite the dangers. Why doesn’t her mother sense it too?? She’s a self-indulgent woman but her reactions and that of plenty of others to the ethos of Garden Kingdom are both fascinating and thought provoking. How can somebody be so totally convinced by what they are told and blinded to the realities? Some of the things that occur in the Kingdom are no great surprise but that said there are shocks and much danger in store which brave souls will have to take on in order to survive.

Overall, this is a gripping, dark, well written story and I root throughout for the sisters and for Hodge.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Enjoyable Victorian historical fiction with a religious cult and a needy widow to kick things off. Sisters Ruby and Irene find themselves embroiled in the community run by the charismatic Peters but headstrong Ruby is not convinced. It’s a light read with some gruesome bits and I thought the policeman investigating a foundling baby gave the story more dimensions, my favourite character.

In Madeleine Reiss's »The Taking of Irene Hart«, a riveting story unfolds against the backdrop of a secretive religious community in 1859 Somerset, England. At the heart of this historical novel lies a mother's fateful decision and its repercussions on her daughters, Ruby and Irene. The contrasting perspectives of these sisters offer a compelling exploration of faith, freedom, and the bonds of family.

As the plot progresses, we find ourselves immersed in the contrasting worlds of Ruby and Irene. The tenacious Ruby serves as a protective force, while the delicate Irene grapples with health issues that lead others to believe she possesses a mystical gift. With their mother falling deeper into the community's doctrines, Ruby senses something amiss, and her suspicions mount when a shocking revelation threatens their very souls.

Reiss skillfully crafts a world steeped in tension and mystery, transporting readers into an environment that feels both haunting and claustrophobic. Her evocative prose paints vivid images of the characters' psychological turmoil as they navigate the dark undercurrents of the community. The writing strikes a delicate balance between poetic beauty and urgent pacing, ensuring readers remain engrossed until the final page.

Through this gripping narrative, Reiss raises crucial questions about the potential dangers of blind faith and the struggle for personal autonomy in oppressive environments. Each character's journey is marked by emotional depth, particularly Hester's transformation from devout follower to disillusioned skeptic. As Ruby fights to protect her sister, their plight serves as a testament to the power of familial love amidst chaos.

While some elements of the story may appear predictable, Reiss's meticulous attention to detail and rich character development elevate the novel beyond its conventional trappings. The emotional resonance of the characters' struggles remains long after the book is closed, marking »The Taking of Irene Hart« as a thought-provoking and powerful read.

Reiss deftly blends historical precision with captivating storytelling, offering a work that not only engages readers but also invites introspection on themes that continue to be relevant today.

»The Taking of Irene Hart« stands as a testament to Reiss's ability to craft narratives that entertain and provoke in equal measure, solidifying her reputation as a talented and insightful storyteller.

3.5/5

The Taking of Irene Hart by new to me author M. Reiss, published by Harper Collins UK / One More Chapter, is a -n historical fiction novel, that gives all the feels, had me intriguied from start till the last page. Drama laden and action packed, twisty till the end.
Blurb: 1859. Somerset, England.
When widow Hester Hart decides to sign over all her family’s worldly goods – and their freedom – to a secretive religious community, her daughters, headstrong Ruby and fragile Irene, have little say in the matter.
Led by the charismatic Reverend Peters, the women enter a world with its own set of rules and where Irene, plagued with seizures and ill health, is believed to have second sight. But as Hester and Irene are drawn into the community’s twisted philosophy, Ruby detects a darker truth stalking its shadowy corners.
When a shocking discovery throws the community open to scrutiny, the stakes are raised and Ruby realises that it is not only their souls that must be saved…