In this dual timeline story, there are two very different stories with a location linking them. In the mid 1500s, Anne Brandon lived in the turbulent Tudor times, her father Charles the best friend of King Henry VIII. Her own life was wrought with difficulties as her husband was horrid and it wasn’t a good time to be a woman. Present day timeline takes place in Pembrokeshire where Caroline Harvey, a writer, faces troubles of her own. Both timelines have strong women facing obstacles and secrets.

"The House of Echoes" is a complex dual timeline novel set in the present day and Tudor England. It's difficult to allocate a genre to it as there are psychological aspects in addition to the historical and romantic elements. There are a wealth of wonderful characters, details of folk-lore and a whole invented series of very popular sci-fi novels which have been made in to films. Alexandra Walsh must have used a vast spreadsheet similar to that described by Caroline (present day "heroine") to keep track of everything. She has certainly produced a tour de force.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

While this had a promise of mystery, it wasn’t quite interesting enough to really capture my attention. There was nothing really wrong with the story, it just wasn’t for me. There also were some glaring errors where words were just not in the sentence that should have been there.
The historical parts were well written, but the exposition was a bit clunky.

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Alexandra Walsh who is now one of my firm favourites when it comes to authors in this genre.

The intrigue and factual research of Anne Brandon’s story drew me in immediately. How Walsh brought the machinations of the Tudor court to life so well was magic. Characters and their links were explained well without taking away the human aspect, something that some historical fiction novels struggle with.

In contrast, the modern-day sections had their own intrigue and subplot and I was pleasantly surprised to see how the characters from both times mirrored one another and had a connection without it being too twee or obvious.

Fantastic writing style, great characters, and a rarity to find myself not preferring one timeline over another as is often the case with this style of novel for me. Overall, a brilliant read I will recommend.

Beautifully written dual timeline book that had me captured from the early pages. I found the many relationships a little difficult to keep up with but that is probably because I was reading an ebook which made it difficult to keep referring back to the character list at the opening of the book. That said I thoroughly enjoyed it an£ look forward to reading more from this author

Such a beautiful eye catching cover! I would highly recommend to family and friends. I love author’s that can describe a scene and you are immediately there, you close your eyes and you picture the scene. This author does that for me.

This was a very enjoyable read. It is dual timeline and I really loved both settings quite a bit. I also really loved the writing style in this book.

I fell right into the sixteenth century from the first pages of this book. The 16th century story in this dual timeline story is about Anne Brandon, a little know but pretty amazing person. Anne's father is close with Henry VIII; Anne herself was close friends with Anne Boleyn when they were both at the French court. In love with one man but married off to another, Anne lives the life of a noble woman of the times, but under the surface her life is more turbulent. Her initially benevolent and loving husband reveals are darker more malevolent side when she fails to give him a son. The love of her life is on the other side of the country. When Henry VIII starts casting off his wives because they can't provide a male heir, Anne finds herself in real danger. She becomes estranged from her father when he wants her to become one of the king's lovers; outraged, Anne turns to her true love for comfort. When Lord Powis, her husband, tries to murder her Anne flees to her lover, eventually moving in with him and raising several adopted children as a family. And all of this is just one part of the story!

In present day, writer and editor Caroline Harvey has just lost her very famous grandfather, writer of a series of famous and beloved books, and their associated movies. Caroline's grandfather has always been something of a recluse, with Caroline as his public face, but her life is in upheaval after his death. But Caroline has a secret; she has been much more involved in her grandfather's work than just typing and proofreading. To make things even more interesting, Caroline's ex shows up in her life demanding she give him her apartment in London, or he will tell all to the world. At the same time, Caroline's dear friend from years past, Gideon shows up in her life. It seems that Caroline has more secrets than just those she shared with her grandfather, and Gideon is in the process of a nasty divorce who's soon to be ex is also threatening to reveal secrets. And then there is the question of the real estate company that wants to acquire a portion of the ancient property that has belonged to Carolines family for generations.

The House of Echoes has secrets, lies, mysteries and more for everyone. It's a real page turner, one that will keep you up and reading to the very last page! One of my favorite reads of the year!

This is the story of two women. In the present Caroline Harvey lives in Pembrokeshire where she has been working as assistant to her reclusive grandfather, a bestselling author. But her grandfather has died and the final book in the series is to be released soon. In the 1530’s and until the death of Henry VIII we follow the life of Anne Brandon, daughter of a close friend of the King, who has led a privileged life, but for a woman at this time that is not often a happy life. The two threads are quite separate for much of the book and I almost felt like I was reading two books in tandem.

Briefly, Caroline is grieving but she isn’t going to be left in peace, her college boyfriend is back in her life, her former husband is causing ructions and there have been upsetting slurs aimed at her on social media. In Tudor times Anne is to be married to Lord Powis, against her wishes as she is in love with another man, but her wishes are not considered important. However, after having a number of miscarriages Powis starts to stray and her true love comes back into her life. Back in the present Caroline is researching her home and it appears that Anne Brandon once took refuge there.

The current day timeline is quite simple but with some excellent and very unexpected twists and turns and shocking reveals. The Tudor timeline is much more complex in that there are an awful lots of characters, and the Dramatis Personae was very welcomed. I thought I knew a lot about this period in history but there was a lot of new and fascinating information. There are clear similarities in the lives of the two women, two strong women who were at the mercy of the men in their lives and who both fought back! A story of love, revenge and determination this was a compelling and entertaining read. Very enjoyable.

4.5⭐️

What a complex and mesmerising novel! I have to say this is now my favourite of Alexandra Walsh’s that I have read. The historical thread contains stunning detail of the Tudor Age – and it is accessible and deeply engaging. The modern time line was powerful as well, with a fascinating story that echoes the past and weaves familiar elements into its plot.

This captivating dual timeline takes us on a journey from the present to the distant past of the 1500s. The House of Echoes is a great title for this novel due to the history that lies within these walls and surrounding landscape that saw many changes and dramatic events over the centuries. It seems history ends up repeating itself in one form or another.

Dripping with mystery, atmosphere and conflict, the two plots from both timelines present some fascinating twists and turns and exceptional surprises. All the main characters are well developed and relatable in their challenges, plus it is easy to appreciate their hopes and dreams that are often in the line of fire.

The present timeline in Pembrokshire is led by Caroline Harvey who has invested years into helping her famous reclusive grandfather, Dexter Blake, with his ten book series. Upon his death and release of his last book, tongues start wagging and serious accusations fly. Jealous onlookers seek to gain from his fortune and Caroline’s ownership of house and land are challenged. As she begins digging into the property’s past for support, she uncovers a fascinating story. Anne Brandon once took refuge there. But why did she flee the court of Henry VIII? (Well, I think we can all think of at least one reason!). But as Caroline discovers, Anne’s story is not a simple or even a simple explanation. But what surprises Caroline is that she shares similar circumstances with this woman of the past. They both are parted from the men they love. And they both carry some difficult secrets that must be guarded. But when their lives and loves are threatened, they each take drastic measures. And the desire for revenge initially adds some fuel to their fervour. But although they make some mistakes as a result, their strengths will be revealed, too. And nothing will hold them back to set things right. They are both strong, intelligent women that wield the mighty sword of truth when given the chance.

The history of the Tudor period is led by Anne Brandon, a real person from the past, who demonstrates the difficulties that women endured. Loss of pregnancies often led to deaths of the women who could not carry their babies to term. Infertility and miscarriages were the heartbreak of many. Especially frightening when the men demanded heirs. And if these men could not get what they wanted, off went the woman’s head! (As seen in Henry VIII’s actions). Since divorce was not an option, death happened frequently. Plus the men carried on with numerous extramarital affairs—which exposed a double standard. Because this kind of activity was considered acceptable for men but practically treason if women took lovers!

There are some powerful lines in this novel. One that stands out is when the Duchess of Suffolk is giving Anne advice before her marriage to Edward, a man chosen by her father, who had a title. Anne did not love Edward but she submitted to her father’s request. Her heart was with Randall, an untitled though loyal, honest and loving person. Interestingly, Duchess reminds Anne before her arranged wedding not to despair. She says, ‘if your love is pure, eventually, it will find a way. True love is a powerful force and it can never be destroyed.’ She speaks from experience for she was once in a similar position. The Duchess makes it clear that if things do not work out with Edward, and if Randall and her are meant to be together, ‘then love will prevail.’ This line reappears in another form in the modern timeline for Caroline, too— thus providing a common theme on love that runs throughout past and present.

We also learn from the Duchess in the historical thread, that the most important allies Anne will have after her wedding in Powis Castle, are the women who tend to her. They must be loyal, when the husband is not. Which is why the Duchess takes such care in picking the best support team for her. It is true, women had no solace back then, except in each other, as the men had so much control over their lives. Women were blamed for everything: particularly ‘men’s woes.’

We learn a lot about in the conversations she has with others. One with Beatrice and Isabelle shows how much she loved intellectual debates. She was a smart woman. Her discussion about Adam and Eve in the garden is brilliant. It raises the question that if men are more superior to women, why did Adam fail to protect Eve from the serpent; try to reason with her and resist. He just gave in without questioning anything. It seems this thought is repeated many times in the Tudor thread: men constantly failing to protect and respect the women in their care.

Although I have focused more on the historical thread in this review, I still loved the modern timeline but do not want to give anything away by saying too much as there are many plot twists and surprises in this thread. Caroline is a very strong woman like Anne and her conversations are equally enlightening.

Yes, this is a story about revenge. And those who seek it, find that the end result is not so sweet after all. For pursuit of it can bring great loss and disappointment. I am happy to say, though, this is more a story about love and how it conquers all— especially when there is forgiveness. I was completely captivated by The House of Echoes. It is a brilliant dual timeline tale that works on so many levels. I loved it immensely and highly recommend this one for your 2025 must read list! And yes, there are two happy endings! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

I love Alexandra Walsh I love the dual timelines and I particularly love the fact that her books all reference Marquess House.
This one doesn't disappoint set in the 16th century and the modern day packed full of secrets and hidden stories I recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction especially readers of Alexandras previous books brilliant thank you

A wonderful story, dual timeline. Set in present day and then back to the time of the Tudors which I'm very interested in. An easy read not too heavy on the historical side which made it more an pleasure to read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The House of Echoes is a dual timeline story, with the first timeline taking place in the present day and featuring Caroline, granddaughter and spokesperson of the recluse writer Dexter Blake, who wrote the best selling sci fi novels of Ether Heracles, and the second timeline being in the UK in 1521 and featuring Anne Brandon, daughter of Charles Brandon who was besties with Henry VIII in Tudor England. Both Caroline and Anne have loved and lost, been disappointed by the men in their lives, and both are harboring secrets. The end of the novel presented plot twists that I had not anticipated and I enjoyed the way that both stories were wrapped up. Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this as a historical fiction novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the concept of this. It uses the Tudor element perfectly and thought the world worked in this time-period and using the present day. Alexandra Walsh wrote this perfectly and was glad I read this.

As a fan of the Marquess House Saga, I was desperate to read this book.
Anne Brandon, the stepdaughter of Henry VIII's sister Mary, and daughter of his best friend Charles Brandon, takes center stage in a thrilling past and present novel full of intrigue and plot twists. Caroline Harvey is our present day heroine trying to reveal Anne's secrets while keeping her own safe.

I have to admit The House of Echoes didn't meet my expectations, but I encourage any potential readers to give it a chance and help make another Tudor woman's voice heard.

The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh is a historical fiction novel with dual timelines—one following Anne Brandon, daughter of Charles Brandon (close friend to Henry VIII), and the other focusing on Caroline Harvey, a modern-day woman grappling with her place in life as the granddaughter of a famous author who has recently died.

Both women face betrayal, carry heavy secrets, and try to navigate lives where the men around them hold too much power. Naturally, this leads to plenty of lies and complications.


The Tudor timeline really worked for me. Anne’s life felt vividly drawn, and the historical details were immersive. I’ve read a lot of books about Henry VIII’s court, and there’s just something endlessly fascinating about how precarious life was under his rule. Anne’s perspective had a lot of emotional depth, and I found myself rooting for her.

Caroline, on the other hand, was a harder sell. You’d think it’d be easier to connect with someone from the modern era, but her storyline didn’t grab me the same way. It might be because Anne’s struggles felt more immediate and intense, but it left me less invested in the contemporary side of the story.

The central theme—how women across centuries have had to find their own ways to survive in male-dominated worlds—is clear and important. That said, while I appreciated the message, the story itself didn’t fully hook me. It’s a solid read, but I wasn’t glued to the pages.

Overall, I’d call this a three-star book: good for Tudor history fans but not a must-read for me.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Oh Alexandra you've done it again. From beginning to end I was hooked on the interwinning stories of Caroline and Anne Brandon (I have to admit I do love the Duke of Suffolk, he was naughty, mischevious and ambitious) and it comes across like this in this dazzling new book. Anne, I wanted to keep reading her as I got further and further into the books I was rooting for this woman of the one dangerous world of the Tudors. Its one of my favourite times in the British history and Alexandra just has a way of weaving this women into one that is betrayed but in the end will she get her happy ever after.

Caro - wow I didn't see that ending coming at all! I loved how it ended and her story of Gideon and Dexter Blake. A twist you might not see coming because I didn't.

I'm now firmly a fan and can't wait for the next book (and maybe we could get those Dexter Blake books from you, please).

This latest wonderful dual timeline novel by Alexandra Walsh gives us the story of Anne Brandon during the reign of Henry the 8th. Her Father is friends with the King and she's related through his marriage to the Kings sister. She feels safe and protected by this patronage until her father decides who her husband should be. Her marriage is not a happy one and her husband flaunts his affair to her. But she has allies, namely her first love Randall.
Present day and Caroline Harvey is grieving the loss of her Grandfather, the renowned author Dexter Blake. His final book in the Ether Sci-fi series is about to be released, along with the film. But someone is determined to reveal a few secrets and Caroline is at the mercy of a former love.
In this book Alexandra has given a voice to Anne Brandon, on behalf of all the women in the Tudor Reign, women who were at the mercy of the men who decided their fate.
Despite being years apart Anne and Caroline's stories were very similar and they had lots in common.
I loved this novel, its perfect for lovers of Historical fiction and dual timelines

This was an awesome story set between the years 1500 and the present day and the way the lives of Anne Brandon and Caroline Harvey were similar was brilliant and exciting to read, I will look out for further books written by this author

Who else could take the reader from the Tudor court to a spaceship in a galaxy far, far away, but mistress of the dual timeline, Alexandra Walsh? That isn’t to say the contemporary timeline in The House of Echoes is set in deep space, but it is inextricably linked to a series of best-selling science fiction books and films, written by Caroline Harvey’s reclusive grandfather, and for which she is the public face. But when Caroline returns to Pembrokeshire, so do old memories – and someone who wants to threaten everything she holds dear.

The historical timeline is set in the court of Henry VIII and is told from the point of view of Anne Brandon, a young noblewoman and daughter of Charles Brandon, the king’s best friend. It is such a pleasure to see well-researched real characters used, who step from the pages of the past with fascinating stories to tell. Weaving mainly fact with a generous sprinkling of fiction, Walsh brings their world alive in a compelling tale of love, treachery and revenge.

The two stories are bound by echoes aplenty, in both location and themes expertly portrayed, but for me Anne Brandon shone brightest from the page, making this wonderful book hard to put down.