In the heart of Charleston's harbor, in the 1980s, stands The Ashley Terrace, a luxurious hotel that has seen decades of glamour and intrigue. But behind its opulent façade, the hotel holds more than just the echoes of grand soirees and whispered conversations. Within its walls, families and staff alike are entangled in a web of secrets and lies, each harboring a story they are desperate to keep hidden.
As a fierce storm brews outside, tensions inside the hotel reach a fever pitch. The arrival of a mysterious guest sets off a chain of events that will unravel the tightly woven fabric of deception. As the tempest rages, the hotel's inhabitants must confront their pasts, revealing truths that shatter the fragile peace.
A gripping tale of mystery and drama, where the past collides with the present, and every revelation could be the key to survival—or destruction.
Will the storm cleanse the hotel of its secrets, or will it leave nothing but ruins in its wake?
3.5 stars Welcome to the Holy City is an intriguing tale filled with underlying tension, mystery, and drama. The storm brewing outside is mirrored by a tangled web of lies and secrets lurking in the shadows, which could lead the characters to their downfall; each confession might be the key to their salvation or ruin.
The tone, atmosphere, and presence of the mysterious guest all reflect the characters' desperation, dread, and internal struggles, giving the story a distinct Southern Gothic style.
Set in the 1980s, this historical fiction features a large cast and multiple storylines, which can sometimes make it a bit challenging to follow. While there are some editing issues, they do not significantly detract from the overall story.
You'll need to read it for yourself to discover what happens and what becomes of those within its walls.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the story and will definitely pick up the next book in the series when it is available. The editing needs additional work. At least twice in the book the word wondering was used when it should have been wandering. The characters were described as being hold up instead of holed up. I had to reread a number of sentences due to missing words or out of place words. There are a lot of characters and multiple story lines in the book. It would have benefited from a family tree at the beginning of the book or a list of characters and how they were connected to each other.
This is an enjoyable and engaging historical thriller which kept me hooked throughout. Set in the 1980’s, in the heart of Charleston’s harbour the luxurious hotel, The Ashley Terrace, has seen decades of intrigue and glamour. However, once inside its opulent facade the hotel walls echo with past grand soirées and whispered conversations. The families and staff are all caught up in their secrets and lies with each one determined to keep their own secrets hidden.
The arrival of a mysterious guest during a fierce storm sets a chain of events in motion that will reveal the deception within the hotel. The hotel’s inhabitants are forced to confront their pasts and reveal their secrets. Once the storm passes the hotel will have been either cleansed of its secrets or left in ruins.
The descriptive narrative brought the rather claustrophobic hotel setting vividly to life, whilst the historical details transported me back to the 1980’s. The intriguing storyline along with the mix of characters, and the mystery element made this a real page turner, whilst the storm added an atmospheric feeling to the story.
I started this book on a Sunday morning, finished it on a Monday afternoon because I couldn't put it down...or at least didn't want to! This book centers on the staff and owners of the Ashley Terrace hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Set in 1989, but with flashbacks to other time periods as necessary, there is not a dull moment for any of the storylines that are followed. This book is the first in the Ashley Terrace series, and I personally can't wait to read more and see where these characters are going!
We follow Addison and Claire Stanton are the mid-50's couple who own and run the Ashley Terrace (and other hotels in their chain), along with their 20 something's son, Sheppard (Shep) who works for them, and their 16 year old daughter, Eve. As well, we have Claire's sister, Claudette, and her children, Noah, Sam, and Ruth. Hotel staff include head waitress, Amanda, along with new hire, Mary Ann, cook, Jake, and a waiter, Peter.
What nobody can predict, is the way that their lives (rather in their past or present) will interconnect, and the effects that will have on everyone involved!
R. A. Barber’s book Welcome to the Holy City was more than I ever expected! There is so much going on in this book, with multiple storylines, flashbacks to the past, drama, mystery, intrigue, romance, plenty of secrets and lies, and so much more! Despite all that is going on in the story, I found myself captivated by the world-building and connecting with the realistically flawed characters. The story is centered around the characters connected to The Ashley Terrace hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Southern charm in the 1980s, the glamorous past surrounding the hotel, and the dark secrets that hide behind all that luxury; this is the stuff historical fiction is made from. The world-building had me seeing the Charleston Harbor from the widow of The Ashley Terrace restaurant, feeling the confusion and hurt of several of the characters, and being shocked by many of the confessions and secrets throughout the book. The characters all held a place in my heart, for better or worse, and I found myself invested in the happiness of several of them. I was hooked from beginning to end and cannot wait to read more from this series, as well as from R. A. Barber.
This was a interesting historical mystery. The author did an amazing job with the story and the characters, I loved how they all twisted and turned as the webs of secrets and lies weaved between not only the guests and the family that own the resort but the guests too. With so many character the authors writing was good and not confusing which was great as something a lot of characters can just add to confusion.
This story was a great read full of twists and turns, secrets and lies and builds into it me very tangled web. Everyone who stay and works at the Ashley Terrace has a story to tell. However some people would rather their stories and secrets were never know.
With a storm raging inside and a mysterious guest arriving which causes more tension it's only a matter of time before every secret that has been hiding within those walls come to light. The question is when the secrets are revealed will it destroy everyone and the hotel, or will it breath a new fresh lease of life in everyone that lives and works there.
It was a really interesting read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more
This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed their ability to pull me into the story from the start. Their creative details gave the story a realistic feel that added to the story. This is a story that is full of mystery and drama which kept me turning pages to the end. This is a story that takes place surrounding a hotel called The Ashley Terrace. The guests that visit here get mixed up with secrets and lies. Now that there is a storm threatening and the past comes to the present. Will the storm clean the hotel of its secrets or will it leave the hotel in ruins? I enjoyed reading this story. The characters in the story add to the mysteriousness of the hotel. I think that the hotel had a presence all on its own. It made me want to know what would happen next.I enjoyed watching the growth of the plot which made the story easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and hard to put down. This is a story you don’t want to miss. It is a great story that I highly recommend.
Welcome to the Holy City, which combines two things I love to read about: the 1980s and Charleston! I was a teenager in the 80s, and my hometown is Charleston!
The book centers on characters associated with The Ashley Terrace, a luxurious hotel situated on the Charleston Harbor. Addison and Claire are the owners, and they have two children, Shep and Eve. Peter and Amanda work in the restaurant, and Claire’s sister and nephew also work at the hotel. A young girl named Mary Ann has just started a job there as well.
The book is told from multiple points of view. You would think that having so many characters telling their own stories would bog it down or confuse readers. However, it’s just the opposite. I was drawn into each character’s narrative because each one has a secret they are trying to keep hidden. I was so involved in each character’s story.
I loved everything about the book. The pacing was perfect, and the characters were flawed and relatable. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Hopefully, I won’t have to wait too long.
I picked this one up on a whim, not really expecting much since the author is new to me but wow, it totally pulled me in. The setting is particularly personal to me as most of my family has lived in Charleston for quite some time, and this author brought it to life in an amazing way! Set in a glamorous old hotel in 1980s Charleston you’ll find drama, secrets, and a storm literally brewing while everything starts to unravel inside. I love a good locked-room vibe, and the way the tension builds between the guests and staff had me flipping pages faster than I expected. Everyone has something to hide, and just when you think you’ve figured out one twist, another sneaks up on you. The writing isn’t overly flashy, but it does a solid job of keeping the mood thick and the stakes high. I didn’t go in expecting much, but I came out pleasantly surprised. If you're into moody mysteries with a touch of vintage flair, this one's worth checking out. Definitely curious to see what this author does next!
Welcome to the Holy City by R.A. Barber blends multiple threads, intricate story-building, and mysteriousness - with deeply human themes. I found myself immersed in a story teeming with life, secrets, and moral ambiguity. The setting itself began to feel more like a character - alive, unpredictable, and layered with history. R.A. Barber skillfully explores themes of faith, identity, and the gray areas of morality. Then, add in mystery, simmering tension, secrets, drama, and a touch of danger- and what ensued took me to unexpected places. I did find that the numerous characters, the ‘wordiness’ in parts (which made the story ‘lag’), as well as the dense world-building felt a little overwhelming and frustrating at times. However, the overall story was definitely thought-provoking and made enough of an impact for me to want to read more of the author’s work in the future. Happy Reading…
Welcome to the Holy City (The Ashley Terrace Book 1) by R.A. Barber. This is a wonderful historical fiction set in the 1980's (which truly pains me to say Historical because I was a teen then) in Charleston. Its set in the vibrant, thrilling Ashley Terrace Hotel. The history is seeping out of the walls and the staff and patrons are all involved in some drama of some sort. Everyone there seems to have a secret they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep it that way. When a mysterious guest arrives during a treacherous storm all the lies begin to unravel and the deception will become so evident. Once those secrets come to light it will either make or break the people and the hotel. The writing is so vivid in this book I truly felt like I was at the Ashley Terrace and I could see all the decorations and clothing. I really enjoyed this historical thriller and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This a brilliant read from cover to finish but it does deserve and need your undivided attention ❣️📕
I love anything set in the south and that was a big attraction for me 😉and this read plays off in Charleston ….
The Ashley Terrace is a top notch hotel and if these walls could talk they’d tell us all sorts of wonders and secrets ….
There’s a storm raging both inside and outside the hotel and people are forced to face their pasts and the secrets they hold , their peace is at stake and we all know what happens when our peace is under threat ….
You get transported in time and watching the drama and intrigue unfold almost feels safer than being a participant of it all and it rally is a read that grips you ! Not just the storyline but the characters grip you and you get invested and again as you know that all makes for a brilliant read 📕🥰 the past and present collide and lives are changed
This is something I’d recommend to those who love a long and intricate read ❣️
Welcome to Holy City was alright. The author has a lot of characters where all their lives cross working at this family run hotel. It’s a lot sometimes at the beginning, jumping from coupled characters to a different set of coupled characters can be a bit overwhelming. Well at least for me it was. I opted to read this book because it seemed intriguing. All the history and secrets. That’s what will keep you wanting more. That’s where the author hooks you into the story. Written well this book gives the reader everything they are looking for. However, the focus jumps a little much. For me it was a little too much, a sensory overload of sorts. The chapters are long but the story itself is good and well written. If you are into books with lots of characters that the point of view is constantly shifting this book is for you.
4 Stars Welcome to the Holy City (The Ashley Terrace Book 1) By R.A. Barber
Welcome to the Holy City is the third book in The Ashley Terrace Series . This is a Mystery . I wasn’t real sure what to expect going in. I honestly had a hard time getting into the story. The characters are developed, creative and complex. There’s plenty of twists and turns that will have you turning the pages trying to figure out what is going to happen next. It wasn’t until I was three quarters in that I started to get into the story. This is a new author to me. Im definitely going to put this on my list of re-reads. I do recommend reading this book if you are apart fan of mystery. I do look forward to reading more from this Author.
Well, I was not really sure what to expect from this story, it is a bit outside of my normal reading, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! The author did a great job bringing so many characters into the story, that while sometimes felt a bit jumbled, if I just slowed down my reading speed, it made everything so much easier to follow. The story grabs you right in and you won’t want to put it down. The author did a wonderful job with her vivid descriptions, drawing you in and transporting you back in time. The Ashley Hotel sounds like it would be such a fun place to visit, as long as you just get to be a spectator, not involved with the mysteries and lies that seem to be everywhere you look. I would absolutely recommend this story and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The Ashley Terrace in Charleston, South Carolina, is a hotel that is filled with stories (and secrets) of the past. When a mysterious guest arrives, and a storm is brewing outside, no one is prepared for the effect that either will have on the hotel. As secrets are unearthed, and the past brought to light, will the hotel, and the people within the walls, be saved or destroyed?
This was quite an interesting story that was hard to put down. I enjoyed the characters and learning about how they were all intertwined. The way the author bring the hotel to life was captivating. There is drama and tension...mystery and secrets...and a little bit of danger thrown in. Overall, a good story that kept me turning the pages!
I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into with this story. This author definitely has a new fan. When I first saw that there were only 11 chapters I figured this book was going to go by fairly quickly. Boy was I wrong! There were several different characters introduced and they all had something different going on. It made for the chapters to be long with great details but not so drawn out that it became boring. The Ashley Terrace hides secrets and everyone in this book has something to hide. You will find yourself turning the pages to see if any secrets get spilled and what the consequences will be. Please do heed the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book and if you can handle the sometimes graphic descriptions enjoy reading.
While I enjoyed reading this book, there was a TON of characters POV's that were a little overwhelming. The multiple stories was very intriguing, and reading the character's interactions with each other was.. a little interesting so to speak. The twists and turns and plot twists about the hotel some I did not see coming, some I did see coming but the rest took me by surprise. I did enjoy reading this story as the author is new to me. With a little bit better editing, this story does have the potential to be a fantastic book! I will for sure be keeping an eye on this author to see what else he writes!
This book is a great mystery story centered around a hotel and its occupants. It is the kind of book that pulls you in with ease and has you hooked from start to finish. This felt like the kind of story that could turn at any point which made it more exciting to read as I was always waiting to see how things would turn out. There was a great mix of characters thrown into the story as well. Each added to the storyline overall although it was hard to keep track at times. This is a well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is a story set within the 1980s about a luxury hotel and the family that runs it. The drama surrounding is very intriguing but you get drawn into several other characters beyond the main family that also helps to run the hotel. The sense of tension the begins to slowly build with each storyline and character becoming interwoven with one another matches the storm brewing just outside the hotel. There is so much more to learn about several main characters and it leaves you wanting to know all the answers when you get to that last page as the storms aftermath is revealed.
R.A. Barber’s Welcome to the Holy City is a gripping start to The Ashley Terrace series. With vivid descriptions and a dynamic plot, Barber crafts a world that feels alive, filled with authentic characters and unexpected twists. The protagonist’s journey is both relatable and inspiring. Barber’s skillful balance of detailed world-building with fast-paced action keeps readers hooked. Themes of resilience and identity resonate powerfully throughout. Welcome to the Holy City is a captivating, thought-provoking read that sets a strong foundation for the series.
Welcome To The Holy City is the first book of "The Ashley Terrace Series" by R. A. Barber. If you're the type of person who likes their reads to have a lot going on, this is the one for you. Constant twists and turns, many storylines, and of course, secrets! I adore historical fiction, and I was thrilled to pick this up and I was not disappointed at all! I would recommend starting this on a day you have plenty of time, because you aren't going to want to put it down! I look forward to the next book!
First off how dare! There be a cliffhanger lol just kidding. This book was slow at first and a hard read just because it fit 573 pages into 11 chapters. As it went it got more interesting and now you have me invested. I will love to see more upon the constructive criticism that check spelling errors, there were quite a bit of those and maybe space out the story in more chapters. I get this is a first book but you did so well otherwise! Characters and story amazing! Can’t wait for book 2!
Welcome to the Holy City is a historical fiction set in the 1980's (can't believe I just said that) It kept me hooked from beginning to end. The book is centered around The Ashley Terrace, a luxury hotel in the heart of Charlston's Harbour and its staff and owners. All the characters are so well written and believable. I was pleasantly surprised that with all the characters that there was no confusion. Full of twists and turns, mystery, underlying tension, drama, desperation, secrets and lies that encompass even the guests. I definitely recommend this book and myself I can't wait for more.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Stanton family has history,but also harbors secrets that could destroy their lives. Self absorbed, entitled children, questionable behaviors, addiction, troubled relationships… what more could a reader ask for?
A high end hotel in historic Charleston sets the way for a wild adventure. Add Hurricane Hugo and where will we end up? Can’t wait to read book 2!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
Just finished Welcome to the Holy City by R.A. Barber. Charleston holds a special place in my heart, so a Charleston hotel setting in the 1980s is right up my alley. It has a slow, simmering tension as the story unfolds and I enjoyed the mysterious atmosphere.
The drama builds quietly, with a Southern gothic feel. The pace was a little slow in places, but if you’re into mysteries with moody settings and family drama, you will enjoy this.
Welcome to Holy City by R.A. Barber is a gritty, gripping story with a unique voice and a strong sense of place. The characters are raw and real, and the plot pulls you in with just enough mystery and emotion to keep you hooked. Barber’s writing is bold and unfiltered, giving the story an edge that stands out. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking read that stays with you.