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ClareR (6106 KP) rated The Household in Books

Jun 25, 2024  
The Household
The Household
Stacey Halls | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Stacey Halls’ latest book The Household, is set in a house for “fallen” women. This house did actually really exist: Urania Cottage was set up by, amongst others, Charles Dickens and Angela Burdett-Coutts.

Charles Dickens doesn’t feature in this book, although he is mentioned. This wonderful novel is all about the women.

Angela has been stalked for many years, her life made a misery by a man that no one takes seriously. He has been released from prison for another crime (as stalking wasn’t a crime until recently), and Angela is dreading the moment when he turns up again. And you just know it’s going to happen.

There is also the matter of a missing girl: one of the inhabitants of Urania Cottage has lost contact with her young sister, and she’s missing from the big house she worked in.

This book was captivating - the attention to historical detail, the development of the characters (particularly Angela and Martha), the way that with a modern eye, it’s supremely frustrating that young women of any class were held in such low regard. But these women do fight to get the life they want, and that must have been a reasonably rare occurrence.

This is well worth a read - another fantastic read from Stacey Halls!
  
Accidentally Vacationed with an Incubus (Briar Coven, #2)
Accidentally Vacationed with an Incubus (Briar Coven, #2)
Belle Blakley | 2025 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ACCIDENTALLY VACATIONED WITH AN INCUBUS is the second book in the Briar Coven series, although the coven doesn't appear for most of the book.

Jen was sent to prison nine years ago for killing her parents and has never forgiven herself. Devlin has never been summoned and has given up, taking a vacation instead. With the help of a magical bedsheet, these two meet and realise they can help each other, falling in love along the way.

This was a great story that had more of a mystery than the first book, with red herrings thrown in too. I loved the connection between Jen and Devlin and how it played out naturally. Fated mates with a twist. And not only that but there is another magical house! I love Boo-dini just as much as House, and I definitely want my own.

A great addition to the series that will leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2025