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The Shimmering Stones of Glendower Hall
"Ye have been here before, child. Ye cannot deny it."
As an infant, she was left in a basket on the steps of a simple cottage in the South of Wales. Now, the kindly couple who raised her have died. Gwynneth Morys is an orphan once again, totally alone in the world with only her odd, recurring dreams—dreams of a towering mansion on the moors...a beautiful lady in a pale green gown...a tall man whose dark eyes speak of passion.
Bereft of funds and family. Gwynneth has no choice but to accept the only offer of work to come her way--a position as companion to an elderly woman in the North of Wales. And as Gwynneth approaches the many turreted manor house rising out of the mist, close by the fog-enshrouded moors and still closer to the rolling sea, she knows that this is the place she has dreamed of all her life. And the handsome dark-eyed Owen Price-Jones, who steps forward to greet her, can be none other than her destined lover...
But not even in her dreams had Gwynneth learned of the tragic death of Lady Jane's only daughter, or the dark desire for vengeance that still burns in the old woman's heart. Nor does she guess that an enemy—her enemy—lurks among the shadowy towers, waiting for her to climb a certain flight of stairs to the one turret from which there could be no escape...and no one to hear her plea for mercy.
As an infant, she was left in a basket on the steps of a simple cottage in the South of Wales. Now, the kindly couple who raised her have died. Gwynneth Morys is an orphan once again, totally alone in the world with only her odd, recurring dreams—dreams of a towering mansion on the moors...a beautiful lady in a pale green gown...a tall man whose dark eyes speak of passion.
Bereft of funds and family. Gwynneth has no choice but to accept the only offer of work to come her way--a position as companion to an elderly woman in the North of Wales. And as Gwynneth approaches the many turreted manor house rising out of the mist, close by the fog-enshrouded moors and still closer to the rolling sea, she knows that this is the place she has dreamed of all her life. And the handsome dark-eyed Owen Price-Jones, who steps forward to greet her, can be none other than her destined lover...
But not even in her dreams had Gwynneth learned of the tragic death of Lady Jane's only daughter, or the dark desire for vengeance that still burns in the old woman's heart. Nor does she guess that an enemy—her enemy—lurks among the shadowy towers, waiting for her to climb a certain flight of stairs to the one turret from which there could be no escape...and no one to hear her plea for mercy.
- GenresGothicGothic Romance
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
14 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Constance Walker
13 books8 followersConstance Walker is the author of THE SHIMMERING STONES OF WINTER'S LIGHT, LOST ROSES OF GANYMEDE HOUSE, IN TIME, and WARM WINTER LOVE among other works of Gothic and contemporary fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 21, 2018
“The Shimmering Stones Of Winter's Light”, 1991, is a rare novel I bought new because personal secrets are one of my favourite mysteries. Most give this novel four stars. Other than “gently” becoming irritating, Constance Walker's characters and environment are compelling. Secrets are alluring. However, for a change, my conclusion is based on consciousness of this story's structure. Everything was told to Gwynneth Morys in piecemeal, at someone's leisure. We know the chief revelations right away. That is fine, if the details have éclat and if we witness a nice reunion.
Regrettably, both motives are unbelievable. Two freakishly-stupid actions “for the family”, caused the strife that is lamented in present day! The other plotline, resulting in crimes, was as silly as the explanation for family separations. I was keen about Welsh country and liked Gwynneth and her farming parents. They are strong people who take care of themselves with intelligence, morality, and drive. It's a shame that an exciting paranormal angle was squandered, offered only in a rush at the end. Those kinds of plots are why I buy books.
A young adult works at a home, at which readers already know she belongs. All we want to know is why there was a separation and eagerly await the moment, when her relative admits who they are. That might be worth the flop of an explanation. It appears the author did not recognize the value of this scene because it did not occur! The novel closes after a hasty showdown. I would give three stars for a riveting, exotic paranormal ingredient. However it was plunked down too late, to root a storyline that we savour. Especially, I couldn't deny being conscious that there was no mystery format. Gwynneth made no sleuthing efforts. She politely waited for someone to explain everything.
Regrettably, both motives are unbelievable. Two freakishly-stupid actions “for the family”, caused the strife that is lamented in present day! The other plotline, resulting in crimes, was as silly as the explanation for family separations. I was keen about Welsh country and liked Gwynneth and her farming parents. They are strong people who take care of themselves with intelligence, morality, and drive. It's a shame that an exciting paranormal angle was squandered, offered only in a rush at the end. Those kinds of plots are why I buy books.
A young adult works at a home, at which readers already know she belongs. All we want to know is why there was a separation and eagerly await the moment, when her relative admits who they are. That might be worth the flop of an explanation. It appears the author did not recognize the value of this scene because it did not occur! The novel closes after a hasty showdown. I would give three stars for a riveting, exotic paranormal ingredient. However it was plunked down too late, to root a storyline that we savour. Especially, I couldn't deny being conscious that there was no mystery format. Gwynneth made no sleuthing efforts. She politely waited for someone to explain everything.
October 17, 2024
The October 2024 #TBRChallenge is "Spooky (Gothic)," and I knew exactly where I wanted to go: my tiny collection of Zebra Gothics, all of which have amazing covers and intriguing blurbs.
This was an interesting read, because the blurb up there is only half-right. 17-year-old Gwynneth Morys has known for all of her life that she was adopted by the couple that raised her, but she's never known anything about her family of origin. So when her father dies and leaves her alone in the world, she has very few choices. There's no one to help her work her hardscrabble farm, and no marriage prospects on the horizon. So it seems like the hand of God intervening in her life when her priest, Rev Jenkins, receives a request for an intelligent, hard-working young lady for a position in a grand house in the north of the country. She is being asked to be an assistant aide/companion to the sickly lady of the house, Lady Glendower. Jenkins and Gwynneth feel she has no choice but to accept the position, so she does.
She arrives at Glendower Hall and is struck by its unusual appearance. She has an innate sense of having been there before, though she knows logically that she has never been beyond the village where she was raised. She meets the woman who sent for her, Mrs Hoskins (aka Nanny), a fiercely loyal woman who serves as companion and nurse to Lady Glendower. Gwynneth is surprised that her duties as a servant are extremely light, and that she's invited to dine with Nanny Hoskins instead of with the other servants. Nanny practically commands Gwynneth to tour the huge pile on her own time. Gwynneth is confused (she's a little dim) and scared, because she has strange visions of scenes from the past, all centering around a beautiful young woman dressed in shades of green. She sees things and hears things that others can't, but tries to convince herself that she doesn't because she had been shamed and taunted for this gift as a child.
So Gwynneth is wandering around the house, confused and curious about why she's really there. She has a deep sense of foreboding and a sudden desire to learn more about her family of origin. In the midst of all this, she she meets Charles Price-Jones and his nephew, Owen. The Price-Jones men are neighbors and welcome, regular visitors to Glendower Hall and dear friends of Lady Glendower. Gwynneth learns that Lady Jane is the last of her family, long widowed and with a munch-hinted tragic loss of her child in the past.
Unlike what the blurb implies, Lady Jane is basically a non-entity in this novel. Gwynneth sometimes spots Nanny Hoskins and Lady Jane whispering about her, but she's so afraid of losing her position in their service that she doesn't question it. Owen Price-Jones is also an extremely minor character in this drama. He's only lived with his Uncle Charles for the last two years, and knows very little about the deep, dark secrets of Glendower Hall. He's the first person Gwynneth trusts of the lot of them, but that's about it. If you're looking for romance, you're going to have to look elsewhere.
Nanny Hoskins is the one who holds the hatred and vengeance here. Lady Glendower has some awful, grasping relatives who show up during the winter holiday season, basically to remind everyone that they're waiting for the old lady to die so they can swoop in, take over the estate, and help themselves out of/further into debt. Nanny is practically gleeful when these relatives show up this year, and the male half of this duo serves as a red herring for the "enemy" from the blurb. Gwynneth has had no real fear of anyone in the household until these people show up; so why not? She finds herself drawn to the tower where Anne killed herself and she doesn't really understand why, until she goes up there one day and realizes that someone is following her.
The novel moves at an almost excruciatingly slow pace until the last three chapters, when the action really ramps up. Gwynneth finally tells someone about all the things she's seeing and hearing; Nanny convinces her that she has 'the gift' of clairvoyance/mediumship; her unusual appearance is explained (she looks like her great aunt, natch); the fate of her birth parents is revealed; Gwynneth is stalked to the tower by a mad man who is determined to be reunited with his life-long unrequited love.
The ending is really rather bittersweet, considering all the characters and how their roles ultimately played out. Lady Jane makes a full recovery; Gwynneth takes her place has the true heir to Glendower Hall; she visits her adoptive parents' graves one last time. You really have to suspend disbelief during the climax of the plot, because the author really leans hard into the supernatural elements, even throwing in a bit of reincarnation just for good measure. It was about two twists too many for me, personally, but hey.
And yes, the stones of Glendower Hall do indeed shimmer in the light, as there is mica embedded in said stones, which were quarried locally. There is a big to-do about the shimmering in the winter light at the end that I didn't 100% understand, but hey. It's a nice visual no matter how you slice it!
This is definitely the best of the Zebra Gothics I have read thus far, and will stay in my tiny collection. If you don't mind a Gothic that's not really all that dark, lacks present-day danger and romance, and leans hard into the supernatural, I'd say give this one a shot.
Find more reviews at The Vintage Romance Reader
This was an interesting read, because the blurb up there is only half-right. 17-year-old Gwynneth Morys has known for all of her life that she was adopted by the couple that raised her, but she's never known anything about her family of origin. So when her father dies and leaves her alone in the world, she has very few choices. There's no one to help her work her hardscrabble farm, and no marriage prospects on the horizon. So it seems like the hand of God intervening in her life when her priest, Rev Jenkins, receives a request for an intelligent, hard-working young lady for a position in a grand house in the north of the country. She is being asked to be an assistant aide/companion to the sickly lady of the house, Lady Glendower. Jenkins and Gwynneth feel she has no choice but to accept the position, so she does.
She arrives at Glendower Hall and is struck by its unusual appearance. She has an innate sense of having been there before, though she knows logically that she has never been beyond the village where she was raised. She meets the woman who sent for her, Mrs Hoskins (aka Nanny), a fiercely loyal woman who serves as companion and nurse to Lady Glendower. Gwynneth is surprised that her duties as a servant are extremely light, and that she's invited to dine with Nanny Hoskins instead of with the other servants. Nanny practically commands Gwynneth to tour the huge pile on her own time. Gwynneth is confused (she's a little dim) and scared, because she has strange visions of scenes from the past, all centering around a beautiful young woman dressed in shades of green. She sees things and hears things that others can't, but tries to convince herself that she doesn't because she had been shamed and taunted for this gift as a child.
So Gwynneth is wandering around the house, confused and curious about why she's really there. She has a deep sense of foreboding and a sudden desire to learn more about her family of origin. In the midst of all this, she she meets Charles Price-Jones and his nephew, Owen. The Price-Jones men are neighbors and welcome, regular visitors to Glendower Hall and dear friends of Lady Glendower. Gwynneth learns that Lady Jane is the last of her family, long widowed and with a munch-hinted tragic loss of her child in the past.
Unlike what the blurb implies, Lady Jane is basically a non-entity in this novel. Gwynneth sometimes spots Nanny Hoskins and Lady Jane whispering about her, but she's so afraid of losing her position in their service that she doesn't question it. Owen Price-Jones is also an extremely minor character in this drama. He's only lived with his Uncle Charles for the last two years, and knows very little about the deep, dark secrets of Glendower Hall. He's the first person Gwynneth trusts of the lot of them, but that's about it. If you're looking for romance, you're going to have to look elsewhere.
Nanny Hoskins is the one who holds the hatred and vengeance here. Lady Glendower has some awful, grasping relatives who show up during the winter holiday season, basically to remind everyone that they're waiting for the old lady to die so they can swoop in, take over the estate, and help themselves out of/further into debt. Nanny is practically gleeful when these relatives show up this year, and the male half of this duo serves as a red herring for the "enemy" from the blurb. Gwynneth has had no real fear of anyone in the household until these people show up; so why not? She finds herself drawn to the tower where Anne killed herself and she doesn't really understand why, until she goes up there one day and realizes that someone is following her.
The novel moves at an almost excruciatingly slow pace until the last three chapters, when the action really ramps up. Gwynneth finally tells someone about all the things she's seeing and hearing; Nanny convinces her that she has 'the gift' of clairvoyance/mediumship; her unusual appearance is explained (she looks like her great aunt, natch); the fate of her birth parents is revealed; Gwynneth is stalked to the tower by a mad man who is determined to be reunited with his life-long unrequited love.
The ending is really rather bittersweet, considering all the characters and how their roles ultimately played out. Lady Jane makes a full recovery; Gwynneth takes her place has the true heir to Glendower Hall; she visits her adoptive parents' graves one last time. You really have to suspend disbelief during the climax of the plot, because the author really leans hard into the supernatural elements, even throwing in a bit of reincarnation just for good measure. It was about two twists too many for me, personally, but hey.
And yes, the stones of Glendower Hall do indeed shimmer in the light, as there is mica embedded in said stones, which were quarried locally. There is a big to-do about the shimmering in the winter light at the end that I didn't 100% understand, but hey. It's a nice visual no matter how you slice it!
This is definitely the best of the Zebra Gothics I have read thus far, and will stay in my tiny collection. If you don't mind a Gothic that's not really all that dark, lacks present-day danger and romance, and leans hard into the supernatural, I'd say give this one a shot.
Find more reviews at The Vintage Romance Reader
July 22, 2016
Hmmm. It's an historical, with language, relationships and culture seemingly accurate and true to the times. I found it moved slowly, taking so much time for so little to happen. The joy is in the journey in this type of books, but even so, it moved at a turtle's pace with about as much action as a turtle thoughtfully chewing its lettuce dinner.
June 16, 2017
I was asked by the author if I wanted to read and review her book ,I'm so glad that I said yes because once I started to read it I couldn't put it down at all. There's some thing about her style of writing at lest in this book that reminds me so much of my 2 all time favorite classic books which are Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, I think the reason I'm think that is just like Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens was able to bring they characters alive in Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist to a print where you could see, hear and almost tough them so did Constance Walker, because it was like I was in the rooms and could see and hear and feel every thing her main character Gwynneth was seeing, feeling, and going though. So if your a big fan of Jane Eyre or Oliver Twist then I think you might like this one too.
July 22, 2015
This book was very much in keeping with the gothic romances I love to read by authors like Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. A first-person story opens with an innocent, orphaned heroine offered a position in a grand, unfamiliar home. She soon discovers her close ties with the home may unlock the secrets of her mysterious origin, while also jeopardizing her life. The book was very well-written, with an elegant prose that reminded me at times of novels by Thomas Hardy or the hushed, brooding tone of Daphne du Maurier. I enjoyed the well-developed peripheral characters who held the story in close suspense throughout. I appreciated that the mannerisms of the characters were distinctly Victorian and that their behavior and dialogue seemed realistic for the time.
The only thing missing from the story for me was more romance. While it seems evident a romance will evolve between the heroine and her male friend, I would have liked to see it within the story. I would have liked more passion. However, it was a good story, and I look forward to reading more by this author. The preview at the end of this electronic edition, of In Time, looks promising.
I was given this story by the author through a Goodreads group for review purposes.
The only thing missing from the story for me was more romance. While it seems evident a romance will evolve between the heroine and her male friend, I would have liked to see it within the story. I would have liked more passion. However, it was a good story, and I look forward to reading more by this author. The preview at the end of this electronic edition, of In Time, looks promising.
I was given this story by the author through a Goodreads group for review purposes.
May 21, 2015
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
“Ye have been here before, child. Ye cannot deny it.”
As an infant, Gwynneth Morys was left in a basket on the steps of a simple cottage in the South of Wales. Now, the kindly couple who raised her have died; she is an orphan once again, totally alone in the world with only her odd, recurring dreams—dreams of a towering mansion on the moors…a beautiful lady in a pale green gown…a tall man whose dark eyes speak of love.
Bereft of funds and family, Gwynneth has no choice but to accept the only offer of work to come her way—a position as a companion to an elderly woman in the North of Wales. And as Gwynneth approaches the many-turreted manor house rising out of the mist, close by the fog-enshrouded moors and still closer to the roiling sea, she knows that this is the place she has dreamed of all her life.
But not even in her dreams was Gwynneth aware of the tragic death of Lady Jane’s only daughter, or the dark desire for vengeance that still burns in the old woman’s heart. Nor does she guess that an enemy—her enemy—lurks among the shadowy towers, waiting for her to climb a certain flight of stairs to the one turret from which there could be no escape…and no one to hear her plea for mercy.
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me captivated from beginning til end. The characters were surprising and the ending...no way could I guess. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'd love to read more.
I rate this book 5 stars
Jennifer
“Ye have been here before, child. Ye cannot deny it.”
As an infant, Gwynneth Morys was left in a basket on the steps of a simple cottage in the South of Wales. Now, the kindly couple who raised her have died; she is an orphan once again, totally alone in the world with only her odd, recurring dreams—dreams of a towering mansion on the moors…a beautiful lady in a pale green gown…a tall man whose dark eyes speak of love.
Bereft of funds and family, Gwynneth has no choice but to accept the only offer of work to come her way—a position as a companion to an elderly woman in the North of Wales. And as Gwynneth approaches the many-turreted manor house rising out of the mist, close by the fog-enshrouded moors and still closer to the roiling sea, she knows that this is the place she has dreamed of all her life.
But not even in her dreams was Gwynneth aware of the tragic death of Lady Jane’s only daughter, or the dark desire for vengeance that still burns in the old woman’s heart. Nor does she guess that an enemy—her enemy—lurks among the shadowy towers, waiting for her to climb a certain flight of stairs to the one turret from which there could be no escape…and no one to hear her plea for mercy.
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me captivated from beginning til end. The characters were surprising and the ending...no way could I guess. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'd love to read more.
I rate this book 5 stars
Jennifer
April 13, 2015
The story starts off with a young girl, Gwynneth Morys, being orphaned, for a second time. the local reverand just so happens to receive a letter that says they need a girl to help around their mansion. The requirements are very clear, she needs to be young and in need of a place to live and perhaps recently orphaned. The book then follows Gwynneth as she discovers who she really is and why the mansion she now works at looks so familiar through visions, dreams and mysterious voices.
I really enjoyed this book, it was very easy to read and once I started reading it I couldn't stop! I think it was the sense of mystery kept me hooked. Constance is a very talented writer and has managed to find the right balance of describing and action. The only downside I found was that I had worked out the mystery very early on, and the clues weren't very subtle. It might just be me reading too many mysteries though!
I'd rate this book 4/5 as it was very well written and still enjoyable even though I had worked out the answers. I'd recommend thus book to others who like mystery, romance and aren't too afraid of a little ghost action!
I really enjoyed this book, it was very easy to read and once I started reading it I couldn't stop! I think it was the sense of mystery kept me hooked. Constance is a very talented writer and has managed to find the right balance of describing and action. The only downside I found was that I had worked out the mystery very early on, and the clues weren't very subtle. It might just be me reading too many mysteries though!
I'd rate this book 4/5 as it was very well written and still enjoyable even though I had worked out the answers. I'd recommend thus book to others who like mystery, romance and aren't too afraid of a little ghost action!
June 7, 2015
This wonderful book had me hooked from its mystical prologue to its poignant epilogue. Gwynneth, its heroine, holds the reader's heart from the moment they meet on that lonely, wind-chilled hill in Wales. She is more than just a warm and bright and lovely young woman: she possesses "the gift"--the strange ability to see and sense beautiful and sometimes horrifying events that took place in the past, long before she was born. Events that entrap her in the present and put her life in terrifying danger. I couldn't put this book down until I reached its heart-pounding, satisfying end. As Gwynneth tells us, "There is something special about a love that endures through time." Her story, too, will endure in our hearts. Please, Constance Walker, write us another!
December 21, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love books that start out with hints of paranormal and fantasy components. I'm always interested to see where the author takes the plot and just how much of the supernatural they choose to weave into their created world.
Constance Walker did a great job of holding my attention and keeping me guessing about where the plot was going. There were quite a few twists - some that I saw coming and others that caught me off guard.
Highly enjoyable. Very well written. I had a lot of fun reading it.
I love books that start out with hints of paranormal and fantasy components. I'm always interested to see where the author takes the plot and just how much of the supernatural they choose to weave into their created world.
Constance Walker did a great job of holding my attention and keeping me guessing about where the plot was going. There were quite a few twists - some that I saw coming and others that caught me off guard.
Highly enjoyable. Very well written. I had a lot of fun reading it.
March 14, 2015
I have read many gothic romances and this one captured my imagination immediately.
The Shimmering Stones of Winter's Light is an easy read. The book chronicles the story of Gwynneth Moyrs from being a foundling, the loss of her adoptive family and finding her true heritage.
The story, set in Wales, is told from the point of view of the female protagonist. The novel is well written with a taste of the mystical. It is a quick read but well worth it.
The Shimmering Stones of Winter's Light is an easy read. The book chronicles the story of Gwynneth Moyrs from being a foundling, the loss of her adoptive family and finding her true heritage.
The story, set in Wales, is told from the point of view of the female protagonist. The novel is well written with a taste of the mystical. It is a quick read but well worth it.
April 13, 2015
The Shimmering Stones of Winter's Light is an easy book to read while you are waiting or at the airport. The book tells the story of Gwynneth and the loss of her adoptive family and finding her true heritage. The story, set in Wales, is told from a female protagonist point of view. There is also just a taste of the mystical mystery in this book. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2016
Haunting (no pun intended)
This is the most unusual paranormal mystery I have ever read. It contains a very usual mystery. The writing is soft and low key, the characters are not three dimensional. This perhaps because the focus is on Winter's Light. There no roller coaster ride but a slowly, softly developing denouement.
This is the most unusual paranormal mystery I have ever read. It contains a very usual mystery. The writing is soft and low key, the characters are not three dimensional. This perhaps because the focus is on Winter's Light. There no roller coaster ride but a slowly, softly developing denouement.
January 13, 2017
EVEN BETTER than the first novel, Lost Roses of Ganymede House. I stayed up WELL PAST my bedtime in order to finish this book ALL IN ONE DAY! I JUST HAD TO find out the culprit and what happens to the main character! Though I wish Gwynneth had married Owen, the ending was still excellent! Anyone who enjoys Gothic Romances will LOVE this romp; it even made me teary-eyed! Well-done!
July 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. At times it was a little bit hard to follow but I loved the ending. It is an awesome read. Enjoy. ^_^
August 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this. Good characters, suspenseful but not too hair-raising.
February 16, 2019
I completely lost interest in this book before I finished it and almost put it down, which (at the time ...) was a first for me and a Zebra Gothic. I would up skimming through to the end just to feel like I finished it.
The story started out very promising with a great setting and a fun mystery for our heroine to solve. Unfortunately, it then started to drag with very little action, just the heroine meeting with the same person over and over to get information. The lone exciting part was when The denouement was unsatisfying.
Has since been republished as "The Shimmering Stones of Winter's Light."
The story started out very promising with a great setting and a fun mystery for our heroine to solve. Unfortunately, it then started to drag with very little action, just the heroine meeting with the same person over and over to get information. The lone exciting part was when The denouement was unsatisfying.
Has since been republished as "The Shimmering Stones of Winter's Light."
May 1, 2015
“Ye have been here before, child. Ye cannot deny it.”
As an infant, Gwynneth Morys was left in a basket on the steps of a simple cottage in the South of Wales. Now, the kindly couple who raised her have died; she is an orphan once again, totally alone in the world with only her odd, recurring dreams—dreams of a towering mansion on the moors…a beautiful lady in a pale green gown…a tall man whose dark eyes speak of love.
Bereft of funds and family, Gwynneth has no choice but to accept the only offer of work to come her way—a position as a companion to an elderly woman in the North of Wales. And as Gwynneth approaches the many-turreted manor house rising out of the mist, close by the fog-enshrouded moors and still closer to the roiling sea, she knows that this is the place she has dreamed of all her life.
But not even in her dreams was Gwynneth aware of the tragic death of Lady Jane’s only daughter, or the dark desire for vengeance that still burns in the old woman’s heart. Nor does she guess that an enemy—her enemy—lurks among the shadowy towers, waiting for her to climb a certain flight of stairs to the one turret from which there could be no escape…and no one to hear her plea for mercy.
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me captivated from beginning til end. The characters were surprising and the ending...no way could I guess. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'd love to read more.
As an infant, Gwynneth Morys was left in a basket on the steps of a simple cottage in the South of Wales. Now, the kindly couple who raised her have died; she is an orphan once again, totally alone in the world with only her odd, recurring dreams—dreams of a towering mansion on the moors…a beautiful lady in a pale green gown…a tall man whose dark eyes speak of love.
Bereft of funds and family, Gwynneth has no choice but to accept the only offer of work to come her way—a position as a companion to an elderly woman in the North of Wales. And as Gwynneth approaches the many-turreted manor house rising out of the mist, close by the fog-enshrouded moors and still closer to the roiling sea, she knows that this is the place she has dreamed of all her life.
But not even in her dreams was Gwynneth aware of the tragic death of Lady Jane’s only daughter, or the dark desire for vengeance that still burns in the old woman’s heart. Nor does she guess that an enemy—her enemy—lurks among the shadowy towers, waiting for her to climb a certain flight of stairs to the one turret from which there could be no escape…and no one to hear her plea for mercy.
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me captivated from beginning til end. The characters were surprising and the ending...no way could I guess. This is the first book I've read by this author and I'd love to read more.
July 5, 2023
Gwynneth Morys, an orphan raised by a kind couple in South Wales, finds herself alone once again after their passing. Struggling financially and without any remaining family, she accepts a job as a companion to an elderly woman in North Wales. As she approaches a majestic mansion on the moors, a place she has dreamt of her entire life, she believes her destiny has led her there. The dark-eyed Owen Price-Jones, who greets her, seems to be the man of her dreams.
Little does Gwynneth know that Lady Jane, the woman she is to accompany, has suffered the tragic loss of her daughter and harbors a deep desire for revenge. Unaware of the dangers lurking within the shadowy towers, Gwynneth is oblivious to the presence of an enemy, waiting for her to ascend a certain flight of stairs with no means of escape and no one to hear her cries for mercy.
This book was a captivating and engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Constance's writing style made it easy to immerse myself in the story, and the perfect blend of descriptive passages and thrilling action kept me eagerly turning the pages. However, I did find that I was able to solve the mystery quite early on, as the clues were not very subtle. Nonetheless, the overall reading experience was enjoyable and I would recommend it to those who appreciate a good mystery.
A Write to Review: https://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2023...
Little does Gwynneth know that Lady Jane, the woman she is to accompany, has suffered the tragic loss of her daughter and harbors a deep desire for revenge. Unaware of the dangers lurking within the shadowy towers, Gwynneth is oblivious to the presence of an enemy, waiting for her to ascend a certain flight of stairs with no means of escape and no one to hear her cries for mercy.
This book was a captivating and engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Constance's writing style made it easy to immerse myself in the story, and the perfect blend of descriptive passages and thrilling action kept me eagerly turning the pages. However, I did find that I was able to solve the mystery quite early on, as the clues were not very subtle. Nonetheless, the overall reading experience was enjoyable and I would recommend it to those who appreciate a good mystery.
A Write to Review: https://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com/2023...
August 30, 2015
Was given this book for free for a read and review.
The Shimmering Stones of Winters Light follows the story of Gwynneth as she takes up a position working for the Glendower family at Winters Light. What follows is a tale full of all your classic Gothic elements - dark family secrets, mysterious houses, unexplainable deja-vu, ghosts, creepy locations etc. At times it all feels a little too obvious, for example the big reveal is signposted a mile off, and the book has the reading ease of Gothic chic-lit. What redeems is is that the characters are genuinely likeable and you do care for them. The ending also has a twist that I genuinely did not expect and will not spoil here. All in all a genuine relaxing read something that is usually missing from the Gothic genre where everything has to be second guessed,
The Shimmering Stones of Winters Light follows the story of Gwynneth as she takes up a position working for the Glendower family at Winters Light. What follows is a tale full of all your classic Gothic elements - dark family secrets, mysterious houses, unexplainable deja-vu, ghosts, creepy locations etc. At times it all feels a little too obvious, for example the big reveal is signposted a mile off, and the book has the reading ease of Gothic chic-lit. What redeems is is that the characters are genuinely likeable and you do care for them. The ending also has a twist that I genuinely did not expect and will not spoil here. All in all a genuine relaxing read something that is usually missing from the Gothic genre where everything has to be second guessed,
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