The Art of Inheriting Secrets: A Novel by Barbara O'Neal

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

When Olivia Shaw’s mother dies, the sophisticated food editor is astonished to learn she’s inherited a centuries-old English estate—and a title to go with it. Raw with grief and reeling from the knowledge that her reserved mother hid something so momentous, Olivia leaves San Francisco and crosses the pond to unravel the mystery of a lifetime.

One glance at the breathtaking Rosemere Priory and Olivia understands why the manor, magnificent even in disrepair, was the subject of her mother’s exquisite paintings. What she doesn’t understand is why her mother never mentioned it to her. As Olivia begins digging into her mother’s past, she discovers that the peeling wallpaper, debris-laden halls, and ceiling-high Elizabethan windows covered in lush green vines hide unimaginable secrets.

Although personal problems and her life back home beckon, Olivia finds herself falling for the charming English village and its residents. But before she can decide what Rosemere’s and her own future hold, Olivia must first untangle the secrets of her past.

“Settle in with tea and biscuits for a charming adventure about inheriting an English manor and the means to restore it. Vivid descriptions and characters that read like best friends will stay with you long after this delightful story has ended.” —Cynthia Ellingsen, bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper

“The Art of Inheriting Secrets is the story of one woman’s journey to uncovering her family’s hidden past. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling English manor, this book is ripe with mystery. It will have you guessing until the end!” —Nicole Meier, author of The House of Bradbury and The Girl Made of Clay

my thoughts:

What a beautiful and compelling story! I absolutely LOVED Barbara O'Neal's novel, The Art of Inheriting Secrets.  It was such a fun and engaging read - I enjoyed every minute I spent with it.

Olivia's mother has died and left her an English estate, along with the title of Countess.  Curious about this inheritance, she heads to England and finds herself staring at the manor that has always played a role in her mother's paintings.  A place that she never knew existed.  Now, she wonders what ties her mother had to this huge estate and why she was never told about any of it. As her curiosity deepens, so do her ties with the quaint English village and its residents.  And the more she digs for information about her family, the more secrets and mysteries are revealed. 

Talk about a delightful summer read filled with intrigue, romance, and the English countryside.  I just loved getting to know Olivia and following her on this adventure of family secrets and self-discovery - it was such a treat!  The writing was top notch and the characters were unforgettable. Such a great story!!

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Barbara O'Neal and anyone looking for their next great summer read - you will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Art of Inheriting Secrets

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!