Review of 'The House of Second Chances' by Laura Westwood
Release date: January 1, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
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REVIEW
The House of Second Chances by Lauren Westwood was such a welcomed surprise! I had never read her books before so was not sure what to expect. But I was greatly impressed and could not stop reading once I started. I never dreamed it would captivate me to the point that time seemed to evaporate. I was hooked from the first page! The plot and characters intrigued me for so many reasons. Books that have old houses as characters always inspire me. As their four walls have seen so many things happen over time. Yes, if the walls could speak the tales they would tell! Outside of this and the excellent writing style, I loved how some of my favourite classics, like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights were woven into the story’s fabric and perfectly utilised. How does the reading of these books and poems affect a person’s perception? Depends on how far fiction and fantasy can imbue and fuel hopes and dreams.
There is a wonderful cast of characters in The House of Second Chances. Amy Woods is someone I could relate to with her love of books, history, English Literature and stately old homes. Her view of the world was initially shaped by the classics she read. But how far does the romance and ideal outcomes of these favourite stories carry over into the real world? Can she be the heroine of her own tale and have a happy ending? Of course, but not without a rough journey, and obstacles to overcome (like in fiction). And does she have to lose everything she loves before she begins that road to fulfilment? Yes. First her life is turned up side when her long-time boyfriend betrays her. Then she loses her ideal job as an English Lit teacher due to a mishap. Now suddenly unemployed, she must leave her London dwelling. What can she do but head back home with a broken heart to live with her parents in Bath until she can heal and sort out a new path. It isn’t long before she is applying for another job but not one she would have imagined for herself. Yet a change might be just what she needs. How hard can working as a realtor be? Very. Here she must prove herself and deal with competition. But that does not stop her. She learns quickly the ins and outs of the profession with a bit of help from a kind colleague.
Amy believes ‘that there can be a strong connection between people and properties: a person can belong to a house just like a house belongs to a person.’ And when she encounters Rosemount Hall, she connects with it, feels it is special and wants to find a buyer who will restore it to its original glory. But there are many obstacles and false starts. And there is a developer who wants to build a golf course in its place. Amy has a fight on her hands and her journey is an intriguing one—especially as she digs into the history of the house and its former owners. There is a portrait in the hall that is quite a talking piece and as she begins to unravel its mystery, intriguing information comes to light. Plus letters, a gold lighter and an artist’s sketchbook help tell of the house’s past inhabitants—and a forbidden romance.
This is a fascinating story with a strong heroine matched by an enigmatic heir. I loved these two characters, along with others (but I won’t describe them or their parts as you need to read the book!). The ending is brilliant, well executed and satisfyingly appropriate. If I could give this novel more than five stars I would as it deserves all the praise. I am dying to read more of this series and anything else by Lauren Westwood. An absolute must-read for lovers of history, old houses and literature. Great read for springing into the new year!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
