The House of Lost Whispers – Jenni Keer | Book Review | #TheHouseOfLostWhispers @JenniKeer @BoldwoodBooks @rararesource

What if another world existed… where the Titanic had never sunk?

When the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic leaves Olivia Davenport orphaned, she’s sent to live with her guardians, the Fairchilds, in their huge Jacobean mansion. But the Fairchilds have more to worry about than a grieving young girl – with war in Europe imminent and four sons to protect.

Olivia feels alone and friendless. Until she hears a voice from behind the wall in her tower bedroom. A voice from a man called Seth. Convinced he’s merely a product of her grieving imagination, it’s not until after the heartbreak of war that Olivia discovers that he exists in an overlapping world, just a shudder in time away from her own. A world where the Titanic never sank… Where everything since has been just slightly… different.

All Olivia wants is to find a way into his reality. And not just to see the faces of her beloved parents once again. But also to meet Seth. Who might just be the love of her life…

A totally unforgettable romantic historical novel, perfect for reading groups and fans of Titanic and Outlander, from the bestselling author of No. 23, Burlington Square.

MY THOUGHTS

Thank you to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and to the publisher for a digital copy to review via Netgalley. The House of Lost Whispers is published by Boldwood Books (27 April 2025) in ebook, audiobook and paperback formats. Previous reviews of Jenni’s books are here on the blog – No 23 Burlington Square (2023), At the Stroke of Midnight (2024), The Ravenswood Witch (2024). I’ve very much enjoyed all these and didn’t hesitate to say yes please to the invite.

I was so excited for this one, especially as the story makes reference to the Titanic which is always a big draw for me. In fact the sinking of the tragic ship is only a very brief part of the story but it’s the aftermath that forms the basis of this tale.

When her parents are tragically lost on the Titanic, 13 year old Olivia Davenport’s is sent to live with guardians, The Fairchilds at their Norfolk home, Merriford Manor. 

This is really a coming of age story for Olivia against the backdrop of grief, romance and WW1. The unusual concept of an alternate reality and a crossover of worlds where the Titanic didn’t sink and Olivia is living a different life was interesting.  Was the voice through the wall merely her imagination comforting her through her grief and loneliness or was there really someone the other side that she formed a connection to? 

I found this a hugely engrossing and emotional story not least because the timeline includes the Great War beginning in 1914 which had devastating consequences for so many families including the Fairchilds.

Olivia was such a great character that I took to my heart. She made a positive impact on other people with her sunny and caring nature and I loved watching her grow from a young girl with dreams and ambitions to a young woman experiencing both the highs and the crushing lows of love.

I so enjoyed the historical and romantic facets to The House of Lost Whispers. Jenni’s books do not fit into a particular genre but include a bit of everything. Definitely recommended.

Jenni Keer lives in the glorious Suffolk countryside with her four grown up children, three demanding cats, but just the one husband. She is often frustrated by their inability to appreciate that when she’s staring into space, she’s actually working, and that watching television counts as research. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team.

Keer has written two contemporary rom coms and five quirky historicals, with two more due out in 2025.

The best-selling No. 23 Burlington Square (her 1920s sliding doors mystery) has now sold over 100,000 copies.

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Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/HouseLostWhispers