The Castle Keepers by Aimie K. Runyan; J'nell Ciesielski; Rachel McMillan

The Castle Keepers by Aimie K. Runyan; J'nell Ciesielski; Rachel McMillan

ISBN-13: 9780785265320
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harper Muse
Released: May 2, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Leedswick Castle has housed the Alnwick family in the English countryside for generations, despite a family curse determined to destroy their legacy and erase them from history.

1870. After a disastrous dinner at the Astor mansion forces her to flee New York in disgrace, socialite Beatrice Holbrook knows her performance in London must be a triumph. When she catches the eye of Charles Alnwick, one of the town’s most enviably-titled bachelors, she prepares to attempt a social coup and become the future Marchioness of Northridge. When tragedy and scandal strike the Alnwick family, Beatrice must assume the role of a lifetime: that of her true, brave self.

1917. Artist Elena Hamilton arrives in Northumberland determined to transform a soldier’s wounds into something beautiful. Tobias Alnwick’s parents have commissioned a lifelike mask to help their son return to his former self after battle wounds partially destroyed his face. But Elena doesn’t see a man who needs fixing—she sees a man who needn’t hide. Yet secrets from their past threaten to chase away the peace they’ve found in each other and destroy the future they’re creating.

1945. Alec Alnwick returns home from the war haunted but determined to leave death and destruction behind. With the help of Brigitta Mayr, the brilliant young psychoanalyst whose correspondence was a lifeline during his time on the Western Front, he reconstructs his family’s large estate into a rehabilitation center for similarly wounded soldiers. Now Alec’s efforts may be the only chance to redeem his family legacy—and break the curse on the Alnwick name—once and for all.


My Review:
The Castle Keepers is a series of three short stories where the actions of the first pair affected their future descendants. In each case: there was a bit of interesting historical information as the basis of the story (an American heiresses marrying a cash-poor English title, detailed masks to hide war wounds, and methods of dealing with war wounds of the mind). The characters were developed and acted in realistic ways. And each romantic pair became better people after knowing each other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this collection.

In 1870, Beatrice felt like Charles was kind and thoughtful, and his title satisfied her mother. Only, his family was determined to make his younger brother the heir. When his father was murdered, Charles was the obvious suspect and asked Beatrice to secure his title/authority at home while he's being questioned. I liked the characters but was a little thrown when Beatrice figured out whodunit only to discover she didn't need to.

In 1917, Elena arrived to "fix" Tobias by making a lifelike mask to cover his scars. In the process, she worked to restore his belief that he's still a whole, handsome man. Only, her father's determined to force her to marry the man he wants to inherit his successful business.

In 1945, Alec wrestled with nightmares of the war so wanted to help himself and other soldiers by using techniques suggested by psychoanalyst Brigitta. She listened to them talk (especially about their dreams) while they got used to peaceful, normal living again while at the castle. Only, Alec's arrogant cousin pressured him to sell the castle instead. Brigitta seemed so intent on treating everything as war-induced that it took a while for her to see what was happening (which the reader can guess from the clues before she figured it out).


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.