BOOK DESCRIPTION
The imposing gates of Ramsay Hall yawned open. As Serena and 4-year-old Lana walked up the long driveway, little did they know the dark secrets that lay within.
When Serena Green accepted the role of housekeeper for wealthy widower Hayden Ramsay, she never imagined her new home would be Ramsay Hall, an ancient, sprawling mansion in Northern England.
Serena quickly becomes an integral part of the household, making friends with Hayden’s younger son Hugh, despite Jack, his older brother’s, coldness towards her and Lana.
But the hall’s beautiful exterior hides many ugly secrets. Though Serena and Jack begin to grow closer, she’s confused by his behaviour around Lana.
What is he guilty of? And is there more to their mother’s death than the Ramsay men will admit, even to themselves?
As the harrowing past of Ramsay Hall unravels, Serena fresh start becomes a fresh horror. She fears for her and Lana’s safety, but what are the bleak secrets in Serena’s own past?
This house is built on a lifetime of lies… and the truth might just bring the walls crashing down.
A twisty, gripping and utterly unputdownable new thriller that fans of Lisa Jewell, C.L. Taylor and Mark Edwards will love.
I didn't feel that I could start my review of this mesmerising thriller with first commenting on the cover. Isn't it just absolutely stunning, it's so pretty. I think this has to be on of my favourite covers of the year so far.
This gripping tale of parenthood, abuse, sexuality, control and manipulation is narrated from the perspectives of Serena, Jack and his younger brother Hugh. They were each vivid, realistic individuals who's lives were blighted by their own personal issues. Serena and her young daughter Lana were constantly living in fear of their whereabouts being discovered by Serena's violent partner. I had mixed feelings about Serena, it was obvious that she was hiding for something but the question was what? Was she the innocent, abuse victim she appeared to be or was there a dark soul hiding behind her beautiful features?
It was obvious from Hugh's behaviour and mannerisms that he was on the autistic spectrum, my heart went out to poor Hugh numerous times as the story unfolded. It was glaringly obvious that he just wanted love and acceptance from Hayden but all his father seemed to do was tease and belittle him. Hugh was such a likeable character, I felt so much sympathy for him for various reasons that I can't mention without giving away spoilers. I have a song who is autistic and I thought that the author's portrayals Hugh's actions, behaviour and mannerisms were very realistic. As if poor Hugh seeing have enough issues to deal with, the sudden reappearance of his one and only friend Robbie plunges him into a world of confusion, mixed feelings and emotions that he had spent years trying to ignore
Despite being a successful lawyer, Jack also had his own issues and the arrival of Serena and her daughter at his home had caused events from his past to resurface in Jack's present and reignite his overwhelming feelings of grief and loss.To begin with I didn't think he was very likeable but as the story continued, I found my opinion of him changing. I found myself thinking that he was actually quite a lovely,sweet individual but was he really the nice guy he appeared to be or had my thoughts and options been manipulated by a very clever author. After all,as they say,deception wears many faces.
Beautifully written,this addictive story is a captivating blend of domestic drama,thriller and mystery with gothic and supernatural undertones and pages that are permeated with a intense sense of foreboding. The many dark secrets hidden within the walls of majestic Ramsey Hall were gradually revealed like the beauty hidden within the unfurling petals of a flower and the story had one hell of a mind blowing final twist. I would love to watch a film adaptation this brilliant book. Worth all the stars and more and very very highly recommended.
Author Bio –
Caroline England was born and brought up in Yorkshire and studied Law at the University of Manchester. She was a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer before leaving the law to bring up her three daughters and turning her hand to writing. Caroline is the author of The Wife's Secret, previously called Beneath the Skin, and the top-ten ebook bestseller My Husband's Lies. Betray Her is her third novel. She lives in Manchester with her family. The House of Hidden Secrets is the first title written under her pseudonym, CE Rose.
To find out more about Caroline, visit her website www.carolineenglandauthor.co.uk or follow her on social media:
Social Media Links –
Twitter: @CazEngland Facebook: www.facebook.com/CazEngland1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/cazengland1
Purchase Links
AMZ: https://amzn.to/3cWMXN4
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Apple: http://apple.co/3aIeP4I
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