First published 2017
Douglas Ashton owns Sommersgate House, a gothic Victorian mansion that feels unnaturally alive. When tragedy leaves three children orphaned, Douglas finds himself sharing his home with Julia Fairfax, his stubborn American sister-in-law. Douglas wants nothing to do with raising his dead sister's children, and Julia's presence under his roof proves a dangerous distraction. Julia struggles with grief in an unfamiliar country while battling Douglas's hostile mother Monique, who treats her like an unwelcome intruder. Douglas sees marriage as the practical solution to his problems. It will give the children stability, control his mother's behavior, and satisfy his own desires. When he informs Julia she will become his wife, she thinks he has lost his mind. She dreams of a future husband who will adore her, someone short and balding with a gentle paunch. Douglas fits none of these requirements. Meanwhile, the ghosts of Sommersgate's builder and his lost love wander the halls, victims of a mysterious death that cursed the house generations ago. Only true love can break the supernatural hold over the estate.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, paranormal, gothic
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, emotional
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Sommersgate House
Period: Victorian
438 pages · Paperback · Kristen Ashley Rock Chick LLC