The Widow of Rose House

In 1875 New York, Alva Webster returns from Europe determined to restore a decrepit Hyde Park mansion and write a book about home design, despite being plagued by scandal and gossip from her past. When unexplained phenomena begin occurring in the house, she reluctantly accepts help from Sam Moore, a brilliant but eccentric professor of engineering at Columbia University who studies the paranormal. The restoration project becomes complicated by both supernatural disturbances and growing public interest in Alva's controversial reputation. Sam's scientific approach to ghost hunting clashes with Alva's skepticism, while their different social circles and personalities create additional tension as they work together to solve the mystery of the house. Alva and Sam must navigate personal demons alongside actual spirits, forcing them to confront their own vulnerabilities and preconceptions. Their investigation reveals hidden truths about the property's history and its connection to New York society. The novel explores themes of redemption, trust, and the weight of the past, while challenging Victorian attitudes about gender roles and scientific progress. Through its blend of romance and supernatural elements, it examines how people can be haunted by both literal and metaphorical ghosts.

Readers describe this as a gothic romance that balances supernatural elements with historical details and humor. Reviews emphasize the chemistry between Sam and Alva, with multiple readers highlighting their witty banter and emotional depth. Liked: - Sam Moore's character - described as "cinnamon roll scientist" by several reviewers - Period-accurate details about photography and scientific methods - Balance of spooky ghost story with lighter moments - Focus on healing from trauma - Secondary characters, especially Sam's family Disliked: - Ghost plot resolution felt rushed to some readers - Early pacing considered slow by some - Some found the supernatural elements too mild for gothic horror Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) StoryGraph: 4.1/5 Many reviews compare it favorably to "The Haunting of Maddy Clare" and note it works well for readers who prefer romance over horror elements.

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🏰 The story takes place in 1875 New York, during a period when spiritualism and ghost hunting became hugely popular among both the wealthy elite and working classes. 📝 Author Diana Biller spent extensive time researching Victorian-era architecture and interior design to accurately depict the renovation of the supposedly haunted Hyde Park mansion. ⚡ The character of Sam Moore was inspired by real-life inventors of the late 19th century, including Thomas Edison, who actually attempted to create devices to communicate with the dead. 🌹 The book combines multiple genres: historical romance, ghost story, and mystery - a blend that was quite common in Victorian literature but less frequently seen in modern publishing. 👻 The ghost hunting equipment described in the novel is based on actual devices used by Victorian-era paranormal investigators, including the "ghost camera" and various electromagnetic detection tools.