Summer reading is often about twisty tales that capture the imagination. The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O’Neal fills the bill. I thank TLC Book Tours for sending me a copy at no charge.
About The Art of Inheriting Secrets:
- Print Length: 359 pages
- Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (July 17, 2018)
When Olivia Shaw’s mother dies, the sophisticated food editor is astonished to learn she’s inherited a centuries-old English estate—and a title to go with it. Raw with grief and reeling from the knowledge that her reserved mother hid something so momentous, Olivia leaves San Francisco and crosses the pond to unravel the mystery of a lifetime.
One glance at the breathtaking Rosemere Priory and Olivia understands why the manor, magnificent even in disrepair, was the subject of her mother’s exquisite paintings. What she doesn’t understand is why her mother never mentioned it to her. As Olivia begins digging into her mother’s past, she discovers that the peeling wallpaper, debris-laden halls, and ceiling-high Elizabethan windows covered in lush green vines hide unimaginable secrets.
Although personal problems and her life back home beckon, Olivia finds herself falling for the charming English village and its residents. But before she can decide what Rosemere’s and her own future hold, Olivia must first untangle the secrets of her past.
About the Author:
Barbara O’Neal is the author of eleven novels of women’s fiction, including How to Bake a Perfect Life and The Lost Recipe for Happiness. Her award-winning books have been published in a dozen countries, including France, England, Poland, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Brazil.
Barbara lives in the stunningly beautiful city of Colorado Springs with her beloved, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent.
Connect with Barbara
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
My Opinion:
Olivia Shaw almost feels as if she has fallen down the rabbit hole; her mother died and in going through her papers Olivia found out that she is heir to an estate in England. And that she is a Countess! She knew nothing of her mother’s past nor that she came from a prestigious family. She goes to England to try and sort it all out but soon discovers that not everyone is happy she has come to claim her inheritance.
As Olivia tries to understand her mother’s past she also comes to learn about her grandmother and the history of the estate, Rosemere Priory. It is in deplorable condition and Olivia doesn’t know if she wants to restore it, sell it or just let it fall to ruin. As she gets to know the town and the locals she finds herself wanting to uproot her life and stay. But forces are conspiring against her both in America and in England.
The book is great way to spend an afternoon. I started reading and found myself fully involved with the characters and their lives. There were unique people, twists and turns and lots of English countryside. Additionally there is a lot of discussion about food as Olivia is a food writer and one of the other main characters owns a restaurant. So that was of additional interest to me as you know how much I love food. So we had history, food and a bit of mystery. I truly enjoyed the story.
Rating:
4.5
