The publishers of Tracy Rees’ latest novel, The House at Silvermoor, invited me to take part in their blog tour today. I, of course, accepted the invitation enthusiastically. To read and review in the company of fellow great readers is a joy! Check out some of the other bloggers to see their thoughts on this title.

From The Publisher:

England, 1899. A new century is dawning, and two young friends are about to enter into a world of money, privilege and family secrets…

Josie has never questioned her life in a South Yorkshire mining village. But everything changes when she meets Tommy from the neighbouring village. Tommy has been destined for a life underground since the moment he was born. But he has far bigger dreams for his future.

United by their desire for something better and by their fascination with the local gentry, Josie and Tommy become fast friends. Wealthy and glamorous, the Sedgewicks of Silvermoor inhabit a world that is utterly forbidden to Tommy and Josie. Yet as the new century arrives, the pair become entangled with the grand family, and discover a long hidden secret. Will everything change as they all step forward into the new dawn…?

My Thoughts:

Tracy Rees is a new-to-me author and it took some time to adjust to her cadence. This book is undeniably interesting. It paints an imaginative look at the hopes and dreams of a young couple in Victorian England while simultaneously highlighting the despair of decrepit working conditions, especially in mining. It showcases the difference between the haves and have nots.

It is not a quick moving narrative by any means, but it was intriguing. You truly get to know the characters and they feel like friends. Their history and development will have you cheering for the underdog more than once. Your heart may even be broken as your emotions are moved by the blights our friends encounter.

Overall, I would recommend this title as a slow read to indulge in over a few days. It was gritty, sweet, and passionate, but avoided pretty decoys in the sense that it remained raw in its appeal without adding unnecessary bows and ribbons. It’s touching and honest with a hint of scandal and mystery.

My thanks to Quercus Books for the opportunity to read and review this title via the NetGalley platform.