My Rating
Book Review
Sweet and slow romance, historical, and mystery, are all subjects that are attractive by themselves but when combined so efficiently into a very interesting plotline, reading becomes thoroughly an enjoyable experience.
Abigail Wilson’s latest release Within These Gilded Halls is a must read for all fans of Jane Austen’s books. You know the kind that makes you feel like taking a leisurely stroll in the garden twirling the parasol around. Of course, I didn’t mean it in any frivolous way but more like an enchanted way. There is a peculiar quality in the author’s writing that makes one want to dream and that I believe is quite an achievement by Abigail Wilson.
By mixing in a treasure hunt into the story which is predominantly about the mistakes one can make and learn from that mistakes, Within These Gilded Halls was utterly captivating. Phoebe and Graham do give a kind of Liz and Darcy vibes and by pacing it excellently the reader enjoys the steady change in their relationship, from one of dislike to acquaintances, to friends and then the realization of deep love between them. The mystery of the treasure and a murderer adds the necessary suspense that keeps the story progressing but it was really the conversations between Phoebe and Graham that was the highlight of the story. Phoebe’s guilt of having disappointed her father and Graham inadvertently saying some profound things that give Phoebe courage and strength was brilliantly done.
Like her central protagonist who is an artist, Abigail Wilson’s Within These Gilded Halls is like a painting that one can stare at for hours altogether for the sheer pleasure of it.
Book Blurb
After studying art for two years under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is determined to carve a new, happier future and is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation—the first real test of her talent.
Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish the detailed trim work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. She finds herself in the perfect position to uncover the answers she craves about her beloved teacher’s death as well as fulfill the promise she made regarding the treasure. If only she can do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.
But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe. Soon enough, Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person with knowledge of the clues—and worse, she’ll need Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she wasn’t so attracted to the gentleman. And why is she exactly? She’s always had far greater plans for her life than an uncomfortable romance with a former military lieutenant.
Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.
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Many thanks to Net Galley, Thomas Nelson -Fiction, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
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