Synopsis: Kate is living a life of intense ambition as a lawyer seeking a partnership at a law firm in London. She hasn’t seen her sister, Emma, for years since they had a terrible, hurtful argument. She is at work when she receives word that Emma has suffered injuries after an accident and needs Kate immediately. Despite her misgivings, Kate drops everything and goes to Emma’s country property, Rookswood House, to look after her niece and nephew and help her sister. Kate discovers that Rookswood House is a huge, dilapidated Victorian mansion in need of major repairs, while Emma and her children have been living in the smaller coach house. The mansion seems to have a mysterious hold on the entire family, and is full of bizarre Victorian era photographs and photographic equipment belonging to the “Weird Sisters” that lived in the house. Kate has her hands full, with misbehaviour from the teens, Izzy and Max, ghostly activity at the mansion, a devious developer intent on tearing down Rookswood, and efforts to repair her rocky relationship with her sister. Will Kate be able to hold her family together and prevent the destruction of Rookswood?

Commentary: This novel tells the story of two sets of sisters, set in two different eras, that have a falling out and go their different ways. It is the modern-day story of Emma and Kate, as well as the Victorian story of Ada and Camille. The sets of sisters allow their differences to tear them apart, and they all learn to regret their choices. The history of photography and the story of Ada as a female photography pioneer is quite interesting and provides the background for much of the ghostly intrigue that surrounds Rookswood House. There is also a theme in both narratives of false and untruthful lovers that manipulate and use the sisters to their own advantage. Both Kate and Ada are cast as the older, more controlling sister while Emma and Camille are younger and more vulnerable, even though they all exhibit unlikeable behaviours and fully share the blame in their quarrels. The moral of the story is that family matters and no falling-out should be carried to the grave. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the copy to read.

I absolutely loved the story, a bit of a ghost story but not scary, a romance, a mystery, some badly behaved children pretending to be angels and a spooky old house. Lots to think about, some very interesting characters set in two time zones and a fascinating history of early photographic methods.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

My thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to review this arc.

I liked this book. It was something unique I have not read. An old house where 2 sisters from the past, Ana and Camille live. Flash forward and Kate Werner has to leave her life to care for her niece and nephew and live on the grounds if the house the sisters from the past live while her sister is in the hospital. . Ana was estranged from her sister and her ghost lives in the house with Kate who tries to unite her with her estranged sister Emma. The story is told from the 2 time periods. Throw in a developer and you got a good story.

My only problem it took awhile for it to pick up but recommend.

I read an eARC of this book on Net Galley thank you to the author and the publisher.

More aunts in books please! Reading this made me realise how little I’ve seen this role represented in books and really, it’s such an interesting dynamic. The main character has to drop everything, even though she’s at a critical moment in her career, to go and take care of her estranged sister’s two children. She hasn’t spoken to her sister in fifteen years, but there’s no-one else who can help so she comes running. She has no children of her own and is trying to navigating looking after two teenagers in a time of great need, the older of whom is quite frosty. I found the aunt trying to find her footing with the niece and nephew she’s never met before so interesting. It’s a very different dynamic to the parental relationship, particularly as she is dreading seeing her sister again.

There’s another sisterly relationship integral to this story, that of two sisters who lived in the stately home our main character now sees herself living on the grounds of. Dead for many years, the ghost of one is creating strange occurrences in the house. Haunting photographs are found in the house demonstrating the strange camera technique used in the past. Our main character must uncover the story of the house as she tries to navigate the haunting that’s wreaking havoc on her family.

I really enjoyed this, I thought the haunting was well done, the house atmospheric, the inclusion of the historical photography was fascinating. The modern parts were explored well, even where I did get frustrated at the younger sister’s continuous flip flopping and willingness to change her mind constantly even when clearly being manipulated by characters with nefarious intentions. But the main character made up for it and when presented with new information, she was able to respond and make choices in the best way she could.

This historical mystery has twin themes of photography and the potentially damaging relationship between sisters. Kate reluctantly is called upon to look after her estranged sister's children who live in the grounds of Rookswood House. The old property is ripe for development but has secrets to settle before that can happen and that are revealed through photographs from the nineteenth and early twentieth century when it was owned by a family who were pioneers in the art. As well as being a well crafted story, I found the information about the early development of photography utterly fascinating.

Good characters, creepy setting. Interesting use of a ghost to tell part of the story - though it took a long time for the story to come out.

I gave The House of Light and Shadows four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you Boldwood Books, Lauren Westwood and Net Galley for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

The author of this book is a UK writer, so the spelling of some words and the word usage is a little different than what I’m used to in the US. The story was still engaging and a quick little read.

I almost put this down a time or two because there were things that happened way too conveniently. Those parts felt rushed and could have made for a better story if they were drawn out just a little bit. At the same time, the book didn’t need to be any longer than it was.

Regardless, I was engaged with the story and wanted to know where it was going and what was going to happen. There was some good character growth and development that kept me engaged.

You won’t be disappointed if you read this book, but don’t expect a literary masterpiece.

The House Of Light And Shadows by Lauren Westwood is a powerful contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.
The novel is set in two time periods – present day and the late nineteenth century as we ‘hear’ via a voice in the past what has happened.
An old house links the two time periods, as does a character trapped in time and space. The past is gone but lives on in hearts full of guilt and regret.
In both time periods there are estranged sisters. Words spoken in hurt and anger have done irreparable damage. Characters need to put aside their differences and unite in love before it is too late.
A character is re-living the past, preventing her from living in the present. “The past can’t be recovered… But don’t lose any more time. Stop hurting and start living.”
A phone call out of the blue offers a second chance – but is it too little, too late?
An old family house is a character within its’ own right. The creaks and groanings cry out from the walls. Lives have been lost but love remains.
All the characters were well drawn, believable and realistic. They were easy to empathise with.
We see a fractured family. The innocents are suffering. Cracks in relationships need to be brought into the open. The darkness smothers. The light heals.
I really loved The House Of Light And Shadows. It was a powerful read that had an ethereal beauty. I look forward to much more from Lauren Westwood.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Two sisters, two different times, both families are broken. This is a compelling and atmospheric read that combines history, families and ghosts. The link across the years is a historic house. Full of twists and turns this read will keep you hooked until the last page.

Sisters, ghosts, love and forgiveness come together in a charming and entertaining new work from Lauren Westwood, The House of Light and Shadow as she explores the deep and lasting bond that forms between sisters and the consequences when that bond becomes broken.
Katherine Goodman is career driven woman who is focused on getting a partnership in the Law firm she has worked diligently with as a Solicitor for many years. She is thirty-five years old and success is almost with her grasp.
A phone call from the headmaster at the prestigious school attended by her niece and nephew advises her that her sister Emma is in hospital, has been so for a number of weeks; the children have been on their own and this is in no longer acceptable. What is she going to do about it? She has not seen or spoken to Emma for ten years.
Adaline and Camille Havelock were sisters who exploited and excelled at the daguerreotype photography, creating illusions from glass plates. Their father taught Ada the skills as a young girl, a craft which she made her life’s work. The sisters were the closest of friends known locally as the Weird Sisters for their style of photography.
Rookswood Manor was their home, now a dilapidated mansion owned by Emma Reynolds, which is also inhabited by Ada, now since her death a ghostly form, who is still seeking her sister so she can pass into the afterlife.
Their stories come together as the women seek to right past wrongs, all the while remembering and re discovering the love between sisters is the glue that holds together through life ups and often , downs.
The House of Light and Shadow is the perfect book for those cold winters days or long lazy summer days, when serious down time is required.

This book drew me in from the very first page and kept me in its clutches until the last. I read this in one day during my commute I just couldn't put it down

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Kate and her sister have been estranged for years. However that doesn’t stop her from coming to her rescue.
This is a story about two sets of sisters. One in the present and the other in the past. I thought this was a really good story. The information about older photography was interesting too.

So enjoyed this book but hadn't realised it was book 4 of a series, lovely strong characters and great story line. Now to order the other in the series and re read this one.
My thanks as always to Netgalley and to Publisher Boldwood Books for the opportunity of the early read

Lauren Westwood's The House of Light and Shadows: Historical fiction, paranormal mystery, and romance comes together in this jaw-dropping blend. Pacing the novel against the environment of an old mysterious house, this novel weaves past and present to tell stories of love, forgiveness, and supernatural themes. Lauren Westwood's vivid storytelling skills and richly developed characters make for good reading.

The story revolves around two pairs of sisters: Adaline and Camile from the past, and Kate and Emma from the present. The narrative alternates between their stories, revealing how the secrets of Rookswood House impact both timelines. As Kate cares for her sister Emma's children after an accident, she uncovers the haunting history of the house and the unresolved issues between the sisters. Paranormal elements inject an eerie, thrilling trademark dimension to the plot, ensuring readers will feel on the edge of their seat.

The novel explores several profound themes, including:
The house hides many secrets within it, impacting generations, so characters must face these buried truths to seek peace. Forgiveness and mending broken bonds become a recurring theme as sisters deal with both the past and the present aspects of their separations. This narrative is supported by the development of intertwined relationships and the trauma caused by the loss of family members. Paranormal mystery elements add suspense and intrigue to the plot, as ghostly occurrences and unexplained events propel the plot.

Westwood's characters are so well crafted that one cannot help but become attached to them. The struggles and growth of both Adaline and Camile, as well as Kate and Emma, are quite sensitive and deep. The sisterly tangles between the two sets of sisters are reflected in themes especially surrounding reconciliation and the timelessness of familial bonds.

As a writer, Westwood masterfully creates an atmosphere and immerses her readers into the world of the old house with its eerie ambiance. The fictionalized descriptive prose brings vivid descriptions of the settings and characters, making the reader feel part of the story itself. The pacing in the book is so well-balanced with experienced moments of tension and introspection that keep the reader engrossed.

It's a unique storyline with a blend of historical fiction, paranormal mystery, and romance. The emotional touch to the novel comes from family secrets, forgiveness, and love. Vivid descriptions of the house and its surroundings create a beautiful setting for reading. The characters' journeys make the story so engaging and relatable.

It might be quite difficult to understand the shifting of timelines and the supernatural theme for some readers. Pacing is fairly good, though parts seem slower than others in the narrative.

House of Light and Shadows is a beautifully written and emotionally rich novel that puts together historical fiction, paranormal mystery, and romance. Lauren Westwood's evocative storytelling and rich character development make this a compelling read for those who enjoy atmospheric and thought-provoking stories. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories or family dramas, this book offers a unique and rewarding experience.

I would highly recommend The House of Light and Shadows to readers who appreciate a mix of historical fiction, paranormal mystery, and romance. Its emotional depth, engaging plot, and atmospheric setting make it a standout novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC book. This is a ghost story, mystery, love story and sister story all in one. Kate goes to take care of her niece and nephew while their mom recovers from.a fall. While she's with them she discover her sister owns a "haunted" house she wants to restore. While Kate spends time at the house she comes to know Ada, one of the Wierd Sisters who haunt the house. This is not my typical.go to book and I truly.enjoyed it.

What a wonderful mix of historical fiction, family drama and a ghost story! I love the detail that the author puts into her historical research, and how this topic stretched across the generations in the book. The ghost element is so different and fresh, with a ghost that has a voice and feelings.

This is the second book of Lauren Westwood's that I have read and certainly didn't disappoint.

This was a new, unknown author to me, BUT literally, within minutes of finishing this book, I was downloading her back catalogue.

I can’t remember the last time I read a book that elicited such atmosphere, I felt like I was there, alongside Kate, feeling every breath, every cold brush of the skin, every goosebump but also every warmth of energy and every burst of protectiveness she felt towards Rookswood House and it’s tenants.

Kate is an independent, strong-willed, and hardworking solicitor. Her job is her life, which she lives quite solitary. She loves her job and is happy with her lot, that is, until she receives a phone call from a headmaster of a private school.

Estranged from her younger sister for many years, she is now in hospital, and her niece and nephew need caring for. Dropping everything, even her meeting to become the next partner at her firm, she does what every aunt would do and takes the reigns of her sisters family.

Unbeknown to Kate, her sister and (ex)husband have bought Rookswood House, once a beautiful family home, now a crumbling dilapidated property, needing extensive repair... and funding!

Curious, Kate visits the property and whilst taking photos is shocked to see the face of a woman. This will be her first ‘meeting’ with its last known resident, Ada.

Told over dual timelines, that of Kate in the present day and Ada from over 100 years previously, not only do you get to know the characters in depth, but also the property and the memories it holds.

I absolutely loved the historical facts on photography and the ‘trends’ of the times, the illusions created, and the ‘magic’ behind them.

A tale of sisters, dark and light, betrayal, kinship, and the heart of everything, love.

I absolutely loved this book and can’t recommend it highly enough.

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

Lauren’s latest offering is an interesting combination of family drama, historical fiction and ghost story. It unfolds over a dual timeline and tells the story of two sets of sisters. In the modern day timeline Emma and Kate haven’t spoken for fifteen years, Emma has an accident and Kate is called up to help look after her children. She finds that Emma and her husband and have bought an old property called Rookswood House which they intended to renovate but it’s been put on hold after they split and Emma had her accident.

Kate is drawn to the house and experiences a number of spooky events. She discovers it once belonged to ‘The Weird Sisters’ and sets out to find more about them. I enjoyed learning about Victorian photography and the special effects of the time and meeting both sets of sisters and seeing their stories play out and connect. Lauren did a great job of creating a spooky atmosphere. It was nice to see that the romance element wasn’t quite the one you predicted at the beginning. An engaging story of sisters and mystery.

4 stars

Kate has been estranged from her sister Emma for years, but an accident in the house her sister had recently purchased brings Kate to town to temporarily care for her teenaged niece and nephew, Izzy and Max. Rookswood House - the Victorian manse Emma bought - had fallen into terrible disrepair; despite the physical dangers, Kate is inexplicably drawn in to its dark energy and the strange history regarding the Weird Sisters that once lived there...

Adaline and Camile are sisters, polar opposites yet fiercely devoted to one another. Their rather famous father pioneered some strange and unusual photography techniques for his clients, and took Ada under his wing to train her when she showed a precociousness for the creative medium. Even after their father left, the women continued the family business. "Spirit Photography" became their main stock and trade, and Ada was eccentric but brilliant at what she did. Quiet Camile would take care of the clients, and together they became known as the Weird Sisters.

This was a pretty excellent read; I enjoyed the storyline bouncing back and forth between characters and timelines to create a twisting, flowing narrative. The parallels in the sisters' stories were rather predictable (sigh, a man coming between two sisters?) but their situations treated differently enough that their outcomes were interesting and a worthwhile read. The other characters that revolve around the two sets of sisters are well-rounded and actually had me questioning what was truly going on. There's a plethora of atmospheric spooky vibes, some ghostly action, but can everything that's going on in Rookswood House really be attributed to the paranormal or is something happening a bit 'closer to home'?

Thanks to NetGalley, author Lauren Westwood, and Boldwood Books for giving me access to a digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.