This book is a gem of a discovery for anyone who loves historical romance, gothic fiction, family dramas or books where a house is one of the main characters, because this book beautifully blends all of the above to create something that is more than a sum of its individual parts. This is a book you can really get your teeth into and it will pay you back in spades.

This is a dual timeline story which tells the story of two sets of sisters, separated by a century but joined by familial strife. Times may change but relationships play out similarly through the ages. In the modern day, single and career-focused London lawyer, Kate, has her neatly ordered world upended by a phone call from the headmaster of her niece and nephew’s school. Kate’s estranged sister is in hospital and there is no one else to take care of the children, Kate must drop everything and rush to Sussex to pick up the threads of her sister’s life, whether she wants to or not. She soon finds herself not only having to manage two teenage children she doesn’t know but also the creepy old house her sister and brother-in-law were trying to restore before their lives fell apart. And the house may not be as abandoned as it seems…

Because the house remain imbued with the spirit of the two ‘Weird Sisters’ who lived there a century ago. It was where they carried out their experiments in the strange trends popular in Victorian photography, and where their relationship was torn about but tragic events, in echoes of the rift that would later form between Kate and her sister, Emma. Despite being warned to keep away, Kate is inexplicably drawn to the house and the secrets that haunt its shadows, and she is determined to find out what happened in the house and between the sisters a hundred years before, particularly because the house also seems to have a dangerous hold on her niece, Izzy.

This book was a compelling read that hooked me in so I could not put it down until it was finished. I read it cover to cover in a single sitting and was completely engrossed in the story from beginning to end. The character of Kate is a strong and complex character to carry the story and I could feel her conflict throughout. As someone with three sisters, I understand how complicated sibling relationships can be and this dynamic was beautifully illustrated throughout the story. I could feel the pain of both Kate and Ada in their estrangement from their sisters.

The historical aspects of the novel featuring the Victorian proclivities for bizarre photography were fascinating, if not a little creepy, and formed the ideal back drop for this story, giving it a perfect Gothic touch. This, coupled with the descriptions of the house – which is a character in itself – make this book fairly chilling and i would advise anyone of a delicate disposition not to read it late at night. However, if you like to feel chills in your reading, this book will provide plenty. The balance of supernatural spookiness with modern day problems and a touch of romance in both timelines was perfectly done. Each element gets equal weight so that lovers of each of these elements will find enough to appeal to them.

I really enjoyed this book. It will appeal to fans of Laura Purcell, I think, or anyone who has enjoyed Henry James or Wilkie Collins and wants a familiar feel in a modern novel. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood! Even during one of the busiest times in my life, I kept coming back to this book, stealing moments whenever I could because I just had to know what would happen next.

The story’s premise—repairing family bonds—really resonated with me, and I loved how it unfolded alongside the mystery of the old house. The way Westwood blended past and present was so compelling, and I felt completely immersed in the atmosphere she created.

This book had everything I love—family drama, secrets, and a house with a story to tell. I would definitely recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

#TheHouseofLightandShadows #NetGalley

A family story in the past and present, an old house with a hidden mystery, unsettled spirits and romance.

Kate is pulled out of a business environment, to look after her sisters children after her sisters attempted suicide. She is estranged from her sister and has never looked after children, let alone antagonistic ones. Arriving nevertheless to her sisters home, she finds a derelict house with strange vibes and a mysterious presence. Kate slowly unravels the mystery in the house and the fact that someone wants something completed. Kate has to walk blind into the situation trying to bring some order to the events which happened decades before.

The subject of photography was detailed, especially from the time photography began and the fact that at that time it was an art form and one available only to the rich. The different aspects including weird photography hardly known to the general public was a major part of the story as the earlier inhabitants of the old house were well known in this field. It is the two ladies of the house who continued this profession which was unusual for the times, which formed the backdrop to the story.

Continuing in the present times Kate has to contend with an greedy property developer who has managed to persuade her sister to demolish the old house and two children with agendas of their own.
Add to the mix a budding romance for Kate.

Quite a lot to deal with the story was a good one. The story of family loyalty both present and past are a theme in this story.

I really enjoyed engaging with the story. Brilliantly written. I feel as though I was one of the characters in the book experiencing this for myself. The author brings the story to life as I could vividly imagine every scene played out in my head. The characters are believable and the descriptions of the House of Light and Shadows incredible. Taking place in two time periods but yet seamlessly combined. The long-forgotten mystery brought to life was every bit as intriguing as the modern-day time period. I need to read more of this author right away.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I chose this book because the title and description appealed to me. The protagonist is Kate, who goes to stay at Rookswood House with her niece and nephew, Izzy and Max. Kate is estranged from her sister Emma, and they haven't seen each other for fifteen years. After some strange experiences in the house, Kate begins to wonder about its history, and the secrets that it holds.

I enjoyed Rookswood House as a setting for the story, and I felt its atmosphere, as the author brought it to life. I found the characters to be quite relatable, and this turned out to be a creepy, eerie story. There was a lot of suspense, and I felt that many of the chapters ended in an ambiguous way which made me feel compelled to keep reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Well written, it was interesting using the dual pov with one of them being the ghost. Kept me engaged.

“Atmospheric” and “captivating” certainly sum up my reading experience with this rather stunning book – a particularly compelling dual time story centred on a dilapidated mansion, with exceptionally well-handled paranormal elements, the stories of both pairs of sisters – in the past and present day – perfectly balanced and equally compelling.

Although long estranged, a phone call from their school summons Kate to care for her sister Emma’s children, Max and Izzy – a pair of sometimes difficult teens who she really doesn’t know – while her sister recovers in hospital following a freak accident. The reasons for the distance between them gradually emerges – and the situation that forced them apart remains painful as they attempt to rebuild their relationship. Emma and the children are living in the gatehouse of Rookwood House – a near ruin that she and her now absent husband have purchased with a view to restoring it to its former glory, but those plans are now in tatters.

The former residents of Rookwood House were two sisters, Adaline and Camille, pioneers in the world of Victorian photography, who became known as the Weird Sisters because of the nature of their work. And when Kate finds exploring their mysterious home irresistible, it seems that one of their spirits might still be present – although there could be more prosaic reasons for some of the more disturbing moments – and that there is a mystery to solve before they can finally leave.

The story is told from two viewpoints – Kate herself as she uncovers the secrets of the past while dealing with the challenges of the present, and the eldest Victorian sister Adaline as she enlists her help in resolving the mystery that has prevented her from finding rest. While there are those who are as committed as Kate to untangling the complex threads, there are others who are less scrupulous and with a vested interest in driving ahead with demolition of the property that Emma can no longer afford, willing to resort to dirty tricks to achieve their ends. And things are further complicated for Kate by the need to look after Max and Izzy – one of them apparently smiling and compliant, the other considerably more resistant and difficult to engage with.

Through Adaline’s story, we learn a lot about the Victorian appetite for photographs using special effects – while her father’s work catered to more salacious appetites, her speciality became taking on individual commissions, often involving an edge of danger in achieving the effects demanded. The author’s depth of research is clearly evident – and the depth of detail absolutely fascinating.

There’s an element of romance in both stories – in Adaline’s case it’s more akin to obsession, leading to a rift with her sister that was never resolved before their death. In Kate’s case, the romance is rather gentler, distinctly unexpected but particularly convincing and nicely handled. But the book’s main emphasis is on those damaged sisterly relationships – nicely mirrored in both stories – focusing on the bonds that tie them together, the events that drove them apart, and the forgiveness that’s needed to move on.

The supernatural elements are superbly done, more than a tad unsettling – in fact, if you’re of a nervous disposition, there are a few moments that you might find rather disturbing (I certainly did… so do learn from my experience, and don’t start reading this one at night!). But as the story developed, I could instead appreciate how skilfully the author managed the story’s twists and turns, built the atmosphere with events grounded in present day reality but with others defying rational explanation, providing Kate with the clues she needed to disentangle the full story. The author also builds a lot of sympathy with the restless presence – and the story’s conclusion was both emotional and entirely perfect.

I’ll admit that had I realised the extent of the book’s supernatural content, it might not have been a book I’d have chosen to read – but I’m so delighted I did, because I’ve found an author whose sheer originality and superb writing impressed me at every turn. Setting aside the nightmares – and things did get considerably more comfortable after that first sleepless night – this was a book I very much enjoyed and would thoroughly recommend to others.

What a fun read. Definitely one you don't want to put down. Lots going on. Unique story line, which I really enjoyed. I couldn't recommend enough.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve had this one for a while, so when the chance to join the tour and promote it came about I got involved. I’m just sorry I didn’t read it before now. This is a dual timeline story of sisters who fall out, of love and loss, with a spooky element thrown in.

Kate gets a call at work to say her niece and nephew have no one to look after them with their mum in hospital and can she help out. She drops everything and goes to see what’s going on. What she finds is not what she was expecting at all, her sister in hospital very ill and her children looking after themselves. She stays to help and soon gets intrigued by the old house in the grounds and the “ghost” stories surrounding it.

There’s so much going on after this, secrets are revealed in both timelines and help shape the future to come. I really loved how this story unfolded, trying to work out who Kate could trust and who she couldn’t (got that wrong!) and what lay behind both pairs of sisters split. Really well written and a gripping read, one not to miss.

The House of Light and Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a stunning fusion of romance, paranormal mystery, and historical fiction. This book tells tales of love, forgiveness, and otherworldly themes by alternating between the past and present in the setting of an old, enigmatic house. Good reading is produced by Lauren Westwood's vivid storytelling abilities and well-developed characters.

The plot revolves around two pairs of sisters: Adaline and Camile from the past, and Kate and Emma from the present. As the story switches between their accounts, it becomes clear how Rookswood House's mysteries affect both of their timelines. After an accident, Kate finds out about the house's eerie past and the unsolved problems between her sister Emma and her children. Injecting paranormal elements give the story a spooky, exciting distinctive dimension that will have readers on the tip of their seats.

The book examines a number of important topics, such as: The mansion harbors numerous secrets that have affected generations; in order to find peace, the protagonists must confront these hidden realities. As sisters deal with the past and present aspects of their separations, forgiveness and healing shattered relationships emerge as a recurrent topic. The growth of entwined relationships and the trauma brought on by family member loss lend credence to this story. As the plot is driven by mysterious incidents and ghostly experiences, paranormal mystery aspects heighten the tension and interest.

One can't help but grow close to Westwood's characters since they are so masterfully written. The difficulties andAdaline, Camile, Kate, and Emma all have very deep and delicate growth. Themes of reconciliation and the enduring power of familial ties, in particular, mirror the sisterly entanglements between the two sets of sisters.

As a writer, Westwood skillfully crafts a mood and draws her audience into the creepy environment of the old house. The reader is transported to the novel by the rich descriptions of the characters and surroundings provided by the fictitious descriptive prose. The novel's rhythm is so well-balanced with tense and reflective times that keep the reader interested.

The House of Lights and Shadows is part mystery, part haunted house and part family drama. It is all good reading.

Kate Goodman is about to interview for partner in her law firm, a single workaholic, she is less than thrilled to receive a call that her estranged sister Emma is in the hospital and her teenage niece and nephew, Izzy and Max have been fending for themselves. Kate goes to her sister’s house to take care of her niece and nephew and to find out how her sister’s seemingly charming life has gone so wrong. Kate has not seen or spoken to her sister in 15 years and she would be glad to keep it that way. Her sister lives in the gatehouse on the grounds of a dilapidated manor house called Rookswood House. Emma and her husband Philip bought the house to restore it into a boutique hotel, but Philip ran off with his secretary leaving Emma holding the bag. Rookswood House is eerie with many strange happenings and accidents. Kate soon begins to believe that the house is being haunted by a prior owner Ada Havelock, Ada was a renowned Victorian and Edwardian photographer. She photographed the macabre and the supposed supernatural. Ada is haunting Rookswood House and sees Kate as the person who could possibly help her find out what happened to her sister Camille. Camille disappeared after a shocking incident that happend at Rookswood House. Throw in a possiible love interest or two, possible vagrants and vandals causing mischief, and a ghost seeking closure and you have an intriguing story that keeps you guessing until the end.

This is the 3rd book I have read of Lauren Westwood’s and is definitely my favorite.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this book.

Kate Goodman is about to go into an interview where she is hoping to be made a partner in her London law firm when she receives an urgent phone call asking her to come to East Sussex to look after her sister's children, Isobel and Max. Given that Kate has been estranged from her sister for 15 years, she is most surprised to find out that she has been named as their emergency contact.

Kate drops everything, heads to their fancy school and finds out that the teenagers have basically been fending for themselves for a couple of months since her sister fell and injured herself in the old house that she owns, Rookswood House. Now her sister, Emma, is in long term care due to her mental health and addiction issues. Kate has no idea what has happened, or where Emma's husband is, but she does agree to stay and care for them.

Rookswood House itself is somewhat derelict, so Emma and her family live in the nearby gatehouse. Originally the house was home to Ada and Camille, known locally as the Weird Sisters. Ada, in particular, was well known for being a pioneering photographer, indulging in what we would see today as truly macabre photography. For example, early in the book there is a photo taken which is then developed in such a way so that the family is all neatly lined up as normal except the father is holding his head under his arm.

Despite the dangers in the derelict house, Emma finds herself drawn to the house over and over and, despite being a very practical person, soon believes that there is someone or something in the house that is trying to give her a message.

Kate tries to figure out how to care for two teenagers, both of whom are hiding things from her, the regular calls from the schoolmaster, the builder who says Emma has engaged him to help with Rookswood, although the scope of what that really means is unclear, and tries to work out exactly what happened with her sister. There is a lot going on!

This is a dual timeline novel, although to be fair, the majority of the book is in the modern storyline, It is not a 50/50 split. Every few chapters there is an interspersed chapter during which we learn Ada's story, and what it is that she needs Kate to do in order for her to be free and maybe save Rookswood at the same time. There are so many ways in which Ada and Kate and Emma and Camille's stories echo each other. Can Kate and Emma avoid the same ending to their own relationship?

I love a book where the house is a character. Rookswood has so many secrets and casts such an imposing presence on the pages. I particularly enjoyed all the information about the history of Victorian photography, strange as it might have been.

The only other book I have read by Lauren Westwood was the The Little Paris Toyshop which I absolutely adored (my review). This book has a very different feel to that one, so which is the more trademark Lauren Westwood book. I guess I am just going to have to read more from her to find out!

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews, British Isles Friday hosted at Joy's Book Blog and the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge which I host here. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lauren Westwood for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The House of Light and Shadows coming out February 18, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love old, dark house stories. I also really love Victorian mysteries. I thought the mystery surrounding the house was interesting. I liked the story, but I wouldn’t say it was my favorite. I would read other books by this author.

I did not realise that this was a paranormal mystery, which is a genre that I do not like. I did however find this story intriguing and it kept me entertained. It has an historical element and a contemporary story. Rockswood House is a character in itself and the central figure. The parallels between the modern day sisters and the two sisters from bygone days are interesting. There’s themes of understanding, love and forgiveness. At times it becomes complicated. There are those who seek to mis-lead and manipulate by clever design. In the end family matters…and honesty!

When Kate goes to look after her estranged sister’s children in their creepy old house, she takes a photo of what seems to be a ghost. Frightened yet intrigued, Kate undertakes to uncover the secrets of the house and the two mysterious sisters who lived there over a hundred years before.

But like the illusions of light and shadow in the sisters’ strange and disturbing Victorian post-mortem photography, Kate discovers that all is not what it seems. Someone – or something – has their own plans for Rookswood House – and for Kate.

With a potential developer circling around, her teenage niece in danger from an unseen force, and new love on the horizon, Kate must unravel the secrets and lies of her own and Rookswood’s past before she loses everything she holds dear.

This story involves two sets of sisters, one set on the present day and one in the past. For various reasons they have both become estranged. Kate and Emma haven’t spoken for 15 years. Whilst Ada is desperate to find her sister so she can pass into the ‘other world’. There are also two teenagers in the story who create their own set of problems. At the centre of the story is an old house, a lovely house in its day but in need of restoration now. At times, there is quite a tense atmosphere created and some danger. There is also a touch of romance. I did enjoy this book, especially the backstory of Ada and her family. She lived in a time of great inventions, including photography, which she developed a passion for and plays a significant part in her story. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A ghost story would not usually be my first choice, but something about The House of Light and Shadows, by Lauren Westwood drew me in, much as the main character, Kate, is drawn to the mysterious Rookswood House.

This book is a real ‘page turner’ that will keep readers guessing to the end. I particularly liked the parallels between the present day sisters and the historical sisters of the past.

The well-developed characters, and some intriguing research into the history of early photography make this a compelling story. I will definitely be adding Lauren Westwood’s other books to my reading list.

Tony Riches

Kate goes to look after her estranged sisters' children. they live in a creepy old house. she decides to investigate the two sisters who lived there 100 years ago.

On the verge of becoming an Equity law firm partner, Kate's pivotal interview is interrupted by an urgent family matter. She goes to look after her estranged sister's teenage children, but she is conflicted, having had no contact with them or their mother for many years. The setting for this mystery is rooted in familial relationships, historical mysteries, and the paranormal. Rookswood House is crumbling, dangerous, and possibly haunted, and whilst the family resides at the gatehouse, the house calls to Kate, who becomes entangled in its web of pain and secrets. It is a haunting and poignant story with compelling characters and a menacing atmosphere. It soon becomes clear that nothing is what it appears to be, and everyone has secrets and ulterior motives. The dark, disturbing elements of Victorian England and beyond are explored, as is the fragility of family connections. The storytelling is believable and emotional, the romance is gentle, and the family drama resonates. The ending is lovely and perfect for such an enthralling tale.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This book had everything I love in a gothic mystery: an eerie old house, family secrets, and a haunting past that refuses to stay buried. From the first page, The House of Light and Shadows pulled me in with its beautifully atmospheric writing and gripping dual timelines.

When Kate arrives at Rookswood House to care for her estranged sister’s children, she’s reluctant to face old wounds. But the house has secrets of its own, ones that manifest in unsettling ways. After capturing what appears to be a ghostly presence in a photograph, Kate becomes entangled in the story of two sisters who lived there a century before.

The novel weaves together dual timelines, highlighting the striking parallels between the sisters of the past and those of the present. The themes of love, loss, and reconciliation give the story real emotional depth, while the gothic elements (Victorian post-mortem photography, whispers of ghosts, and the house’s dark history) add an irresistible air of mystery and suspense. And what I loved most was how everything tied together in the end in such a satisfying, heartwarming way.

This was one of the most immersive gothic mysteries I’ve read in a long time. Definitely a must-read for fans of spooky tales. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.