Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing, Amazon Publishing, and Paulette Kennedy for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
// Content warning: self-harm, suicidal ideation, implied incest, child abuse (non-sexual), sexual abuse, domestic abuse, marital rape, verbal abuse, consensual sexual content, forced captivity, murder, racism, assault, mild violence, mild drug use, alcoholism, arson, death, drowning, child and pregnancy loss, war, blood, sexism, misogyny, abandonment, toxic power dynamics // – thank you so much to Paulette Kennedy for providing a full list of content warnings!!!
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
// Quick Review //
Parting the Veil is the perfect mix of romance, horror, mystery, and historical fiction. Haunting and dark, Paulette Kennedy’s debut novel is an excellent journey to the discovery of family secrets that threaten the world of Eliza Sullivan and her goal of freedom.
// Other Information //
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Page Count: 387 pages
Release Date: November 1, 2021
Series: None
Genre: Fiction, Historical fiction, Gothic, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Adult, LGBTQ+
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.
// Characters //
Parting the Veil follows Eliza Sullivan (the badass mc) and her journey of love, self-forgiveness, and freedom. Just a quick mention, I loved that even though the novel takes place in England in 1899, Paulette Kennedy did not hesitate to represent the LGBTQ+ community. Eliza is not only a badass lady in the 1890’s, but also bisexual.
A large portion of the novel is dedicated to her romance with the Lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. As kindhearted and romantic as he seems, some dark secret is growing beneath the surface of his character that Eliza is forced to face. Malcolm was such a complex character, that I found myself drawn into trying to figure him out.
Kennedy’s characters were lively and complex, perfectly written for the historical romance and thriller novel that she concocted. Not to mention the romance that was written, it’ll leave you absolutely breathless.
// Writing and Setting //
The author’s writing is just absolutely perfect and turns the atmosphere of the novel into something sinister. I loved the writing style that Kennedy exhibited, and am so excited for their future works.
As I mentioned, Parting the Veil takes place in 1899 in England. Eliza has moved there to claim her deceased aunt’s estate and potentially find more freedom than America offered, but in doing so she finds that the society of England is perhaps even more inhibiting.
Like I said earlier, the atmosphere is perfect for the novel. It’s sinister, dark, and mysterious.
// Plot //
The plot was perhaps my favorite part of the novel (hard to have a favorite part when the entire novel is perfection.) The amount of twists and turns Kennedy wrote had me sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I’m not even kidding you, I literally stayed up til 1 in the morning on vacation reading this novel because I could not stop.
The most amazing thing about the mysterious plot Kennedy wrote, is that I had no idea what was going to happen. I was as in the dark as Eliza the entire novel. It takes a true master of mystery to completely deceive your reader and leave them in the unknown.
// Overall Review //
I don’t have enough good words to say about Parting the Veil. It is by far one of my favorite novels, and just for reference, I am not a huge fan of romance or historical fiction. And yet, I absolutely loved it and recommended it to literally all of my friends and family. I desperately need someone to discuss this novel with, everyone. It was just too good.
What is your favorite historical romance novel?
Visit Paulette Kennedy’s site here.
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Add Parting the Veil to your Goodreads shelf here.
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