Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Shades of the Past by Kathleen Kirkwood

Summary:
A Widowed Victorian Lady: Traveling companion to an elderly, aristocratic lady, Vanessa Wynters is drawn to Royal Sherringham upon her employer's death. Little does she expect to remain at the estate beyond the funeral itself, or to find herself caught up in the secrets of Sherringham’s turbulent past or those of the deceased noblewoman’s dark, brooding nephew ? Viscount Adrian Marrable.

A Mysterious Viscount: Twice wed and twice widowed, the darkly handsome lord is implicated in both his wives’ tragic and untimely deaths. Adrian is captivated by Vanessa’s golden beauty and willingly fulfills his late aunt’s dying wishes. His generous financial support allows Vanessa to remain at Sherringham and pursue her passion for photography. But her growing attraction to the enigmatic viscount proves as unsettling as the ghostly figure that appears in her photographs.

Royal Sherringham: An expansive castle-mansion complex in the English West Midlands, its long history dates back to the times of the druids. What mysteries does Sherringham hold, and why did Adrian’s late aunt flee her beloved home to live in self-imposed exile? Now, as the Marrable family gathers after years apart, Sherringham’s unseen residents stir. What might they reveal, if the planes between the spiritual and material dimensions are breached? Will Vanessa find an adversary or an ally in the otherworldly presence that beckons from her photographs as secrets are unearthed, shade by shocking shade? Dare Vanessa embrace her blossoming love for the dark viscount or, like her late employer, flee Sherringham forever?

Reviewer: BlackTulip
It's not often that I come across, in my opinion, such a great Victorian Gothic mystery! I have found here, absolutely everything I could hope for and beyond... Hidden family secrets, scandal, passion, jealousy, deception, and murder, a very nasty constable and a Ghost!

From the very beginning, this story grabs you and throws you into a whirlwind of very powerful emotions. Royal Sherringham, ancient seat of the Viscounts Marrable, has its very own identity and importance. It is heavily charged with history, each architectural details has its significance and memories. Kathleen Kirkwood described in beautiful detail the majestic house in such a way that it magically came to life before my eyes. Ms. Kirwood provides just the right amount of detail, which add an incredible dimension to the story, creating a bizarre, spellbinding, and unique atmosphere that pulls you in.

The author has delivered a captivating and intricate story where romance and mystery are perfectly balanced. She skillfully added an unusual element of photography, I have to say I enjoyed that aspect very much. Her interesting explanation blended brilliantly to the storyline.

Vanessa Wynters and Lord Adrian Marrable are attracted to each other from the start but they have to fight it for very different reasons, which adds a lot of exciting sexual tension. I enjoyed the Marrable family and all of its diversity from the Vicount's twin, the sisters, the young nephew, and to the old nanny, oh and let's not forget all the departed. They all give the book even more depth and interest.

It was extremely entertaining and exciting to read with not a moment of rest. I highly recommend it. I became a big fan and I eagerly awaits the release of A Slip in Time, but I know I'll have to be patient. With great enthusiasm I give this novel 5/5.

Publisher: Anita Gordon

2 comments:

Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥ said...

This sounds wonderful and definitely one to add to my must read pile. Great review BT.

Anonymous said...

Well thanks Kat I am very pleased that this review has given you the desire to read this wonderful book ... !

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