House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick is a story of three women in three different time periods: 1600’s, 1800’s and present day whom are all connected by a crystal mirror and a pearl. The story kicks off with mystery and intrigue as we are introduced to Holly (present day) and her missing brother Ben. In Holly’s search for Ben, you are immersed the intrigue of why the mirror and the pearl are important and how each of these women are connected not only by location, possession of these items but their lineage.

I found myself just as invested as Holly was in Lavinia’s story. As small as her part was throughout, whenever I got to the diary entries I found myself excited. I wanted to know as much as I could about Lavinia and her life.

The amount of detail written put you in each of the time periods. Cornick made you want to know more and to keep reading. Cornick made these three women relatable. They all found themselves at odds with the rules placed on them by society and by their own personal tragedies but they kept going.

I did feel as though there were parts missing. I felt like there could have been a little more explanation to the mirror and the pearl. Ben was talked about so much but nothing really came of him in a way that felt meaningful. You only get a glimpse in the single moment and you haven’t much background to understand why Holly does what she does. And Lavinia’s story cut off so abruptly I was disappointed with how everything ended.

Would I recommend this to friends? Eh, Maybe.

I may have forced myself to finish this and ended up liking it more than I thought but it still wasn’t 4-5 star worthy.