HARSTAIRS HOUSE

Author: Amanda Grange ISBN: 9780425217733 12/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: BERKLEY SENSATION
Time Period: Georgian England, 1793

Inheriting a house from a stranger was shocking enough. Then Susannah Thorpe learns that in order to claim her inheritance, she must either wed in a month, or else spend the next thirty days in Harstairs House—a place purported to be haunted. Not about to marry, she makes the arduous journey to her new home, only to discover that there's already a tenant living there: a broodingly handsome man named Oliver Bristow, who has no intention of leaving before his lease runs out—in another month. Now Susannah must share her quarters with her mysterious, rakish tenant— without falling head over heels in love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

HARSTAIRS HOUSE is a cozy, old-fashioned read, perfect for an evening in front of the fire. It's fast-moving and sweet (no sex scenes or overt sensuality), acceptable for any age group. This book was published in 2004 in the U.K. but now it is being freshly released in the U.S., in case it looks familiar to you.

I was hoping I was in for a good Gothic, since the book is set in 1793 in Cornwall. The back cover promised ghosts and a brooding hero, along with a lonely, miserable, orphaned young governess. The house is very interesting and atmospheric, and the hero is tortured... but alas, no ghosts.

I enjoyed the book, but would have liked to have seen more romance in this modern story. Perhaps that isn't the English style. Also, the point where the hero and heroine are broken apart toward the end, was one of those simple misunderstandings so easy to clear up when it isn't needed for the purpose of the plot.

I have no qualms about recommending HARSTAIRS HOUSE, as long as you don't expect it to include riveting romance or true Gothic shivers. It is a lovely dose of brave deeds, history and fashion.

Heather Hiestand