The House of Stone and Ivy by Anita Stansfield

The House of Stone and Ivy by Anita Stansfield ISBN-13: 9781524408565 Paperback: 280 pages Publisher: Covenant Communications Released: Jan. 1, 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Orphaned as children, Hennie and Lottie share an unbreakable friendship. Together, they suffered the horrors of orphanages and the workhouse, and now grown, they continue to rely on each another. When Lottie approaches Hennie about a possible position at a manor house, Hennie is eager to work alongside her dear friend. However, to secure the positions as stable hands, they will have to undergo a bold act of deception: the women must disguise themselves as men.

Upon arriving at the manor, Hennie is stunned. Her new position is at Ivy Manor—the beautiful estate where her mother was employed long ago and where Hennie was raised until her mother’s death. Hennie has wonderful memories of her friendship with the son of the house, Jack, and is shocked and dismayed to learn he has vanished. Living in disguise at the manor allows her to gradually uncover the truth of Jack’s disappearance and eventually find him. Both Hennie and Jack are thrilled to be reunited, and their friendship is renewed. Soon, their relationship blossoms . . . and threatens their determination to remain concealed. Will they be prepared to risk everything for love?


My Review:
The House of Stone and Ivy is a romance novel loosely set in 1808 in England. There were numerous historical details that were incorrect for this time period, but the story read more like a fairytale, anyway. The point of view was distant and omniscient, telling the reader what the various characters felt and what they did. There was a lot of telling what happened rather than showing events through scenes and dialogue, perhaps partly because several years pass during the story.

The characters were likable, and the romance was based on an enduring friendship. But the dialogue didn't flow naturally and often repeated what we were told they were thinking, which slowed the pace. There was little suspense because of the distant point of view and quick passage of time. We're quickly told how the potential problems turned out to not be problems. Only two people let their greed and self-interest prevent them from immediately forgiving and supporting the main characters. The only problem that was not solved quickly was the reason Jack was in hiding, and Hennie pushed him to face the conflict and find a solution. There were no sex scenes or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.