The House in the Clouds

The House in the Clouds #1

by Victoria Connelly

Two strangers, one house, and a secret to be revealed.

Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the country and, when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she’s desperate to make the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has exactly the same idea.

With its position high on the Sussex Downs, Winfield is a stunning house, but it hasn’t been a home for a long time and there’s a lot of work to do to restore it to its former glory. It’s going to take a lot of time and money, so Edward and Abi decide to take a risk and share the house, each living in their own wing.

But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to reveal the secret he’s been hiding for so long?

The House in the Clouds is the first novel in a brand new trilogy from the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers series.

Genres: Chick Lit, Audiobook, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

Published June 8, 2021

About the author

Victoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.

In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!

Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.

Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.

The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.

Reviews

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt right at home with the setting of Winfield Hall and the two people hoping to live there, Abigail and Edward. One is artistic the other far more reserved and more of a numbers man. And due to circumstances are now both owning half of the Hall.

As we get to know Abigail and Edward a lot more, we discover just why it is neither has necessarily been entirely truthful to one another, not in bad ways, just more secrets they are hiding for good reasons, and they are subjects dealt with, in a suitable way by our talented author.

This is though the first book in a planned trilogy, so please don't go into it expecting all loose ends tied up by the end of this book, there is a conclusion, its a nice place to end a book, but also a lot of this story I feel it almost certainly paving the way for whatever will be coming next in this trilogy.

Which I know for certain I wish to continue reading as I really enjoyed this first book. I loved the descriptions of the massive Winfield Hall, its surrounding area, and really enjoyed seeing the world through Abigail's eyes.

It takes a bit longer to completely warm to Edward and its obvious there is more he is hiding, and I'd love to discover the reason for certain aspects of his life, but he is a good character, a good man from what I can tell, just not overly chatty, and a tad quieter, which suits him.

This is a very good start to what promises to be an excellent trilogy. I can't wait to see what will happen next, and due to the way the two are intending to use their halves of the hall once the building work is done, i anticipate some new dynamics in the next book which will I would be rather curious to see.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first on in a series so it's the introduction to the characters, their reasoning to being in that context and revealing some aspects of the background. It's the opening to a brand-new story, adventure and romance.

In this novel we follow Abigail and Edward as they end up co-owning Winfield Hall. An artist and a business man... One may think it's a weird combination, but it's quite perfect with the plot and how their relationship develops. There is a connection and secrets that got revealed.

I loved the scenery and how the author opened us to the beauty of the country side. Quite dreamy. And it was the perfect setting for me. I love books set in the rural and nature ambiance, because that's were I live. I live in the a semi-rural area, a small town close by the ocean. Nature is a good place to set a story for me. It makes me feel at home.

Overall, it was exciting to start this series. There are still a lot of things do discover, since it's the first novel. And that fact makes me curious to read the next one. I want to learn what will happen next, I want to continue to fall for the characters and learn about them and what secrets they are guarding.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Victoria Connelly for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[P.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, and as usual it's a good story from this author. However, I do get annoyed by the errors in grammar (some are clearly not due to printing or formatting). The book needed a really good read through before publication!

Three and a half stars rounded up to four. Would I read it again? I don't think so.

[Jane Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, charming book with nice characters. Abi and Edward co-own a big house together and it’s about their trials and tribulations and their lives in general. Quite short and easy to read.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for sending me an ARC of The House in the Clouds in return for an honest review. Last year I read and enjoyed Victoria's last novel, The Beauty of Broken Things, and so I was delighted to be invited onto the tour for The House in the Clouds.

Winfield Hall has come up for auction — nicknamed The House in the Clouds by the locals for its high location on the Sussex Downs. Both Edward and Abigail fall for the house and get into a bidding war. Edward wins the auction, but a few months later, he contacts Abigail and asks if she wants to go halves in the house. Abi happily accepts, living in her own half of the house looking over its extensive gardens while Edward has the other, looking over the Downs.

The House in the Clouds is the first in a new trilogy, and so much of this book is devoted to learning about our two main characters. They are totally different people and I really enjoyed starting to get to know them!

Abi is an artist, who built up her own business based around her artwork. She is free-spirited, and loves the inspiration that the house and its location gives her. She is devoted to her sister and her nieces, who lives locally. She has just left the business and now hopes for a fresh start in her new home. Edward, meanwhile, is much more serious — having worked in a bank for many years, he has recently been made redundant. I found both Abi and Edward really relatable and likeable characters. Each chapter would switch between their perspectives and I enjoyed both parts of the book equally. It was great seeing their friendship slowly develop as they get used to each other's company and seeing each other around the estate.

While they initially seem so different, as we learn more about them they seem to have more in common. Both have mysteries surrounding their past and their families that they are hiding from each other. I really enjoyed learning more about both Abi and Edward and I can't wait to find out more — and see what the future holds for them both. This is a lovely, slow start to the series with enough to keep me intrigued that I will be wanting to continue onto the second book. The setting is very enchanting and atmospheric, making for a perfect read on a summer's day!

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A softly graceful look at what could be called destiny, fate, or simply the lucky encounter of two troubled Londoners, looking for escape, a second chance, and the healing embrace of a gorgeous (if somewhat decrepit) country mansion in the magnificent Sussex Downs.

The first in a trilogy, this book introduces us to two main protagonists, taking us through their heart-felt journey to turn their lives around and begin again - introducing just the right amount of the intricacies of the unfolding plot, character development, and several remaining open-ended questions, to leave us curious and eager to begin the next edition.

Abigail Carey is an artist - a beautiful vanilla-blonde designer - who has turned her penchant for pattern creation into a wildly successful business venture. Her personal life, however, has faltered, leaving Abi exhausted and reeling from the demands of an unsustainable corporate schedule as well as a recent hidden and unhealed trauma.

Edward Townsend, our second main protagonist , is a neat and crisply-tidy financial advisor. An intensely private man, unable to leave his dysfunctional upbringing fully behind him, Edward is sort of sweet and sort of tragic, presenting a somewhat intriguing mystery to the normally ebullient and effervescent Abi.

As this unlikely pair, united by their primal love for a newly available country property in need of significant (and costly) care, meet and discover some interesting options, a partnership of sorts may or may not be the ticket to a deeper connection.

With its evocative and wistful setting, vulnerable and interesting characters, and a plot which this reader didn’t want to end, this book is a sunny-day read to be savored (with the added treat of two more in this series to look forward to).

A great big thank you @rachelrandomresources, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.


—————

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a few of the author's other works, and she has such a wonderful writing style. She builds the worlds of the characters around YOU, making you feel like an integral part of the story. You can see the gorgeous downs, feel the wind ruffle your hair as it blows through the trees, and dances around the unkempt garden. The magic and majesty of the Winfield house itself is certainly not lost either, despite it needing a bit more than TLC in order to get her ready as a living space once again. You can feel the life the house has left in it to share, the desire it has to be a place of rest, repair, and dreams. That's what it brings to the initial homebuyer, and eventually his estate partner.

Edward and Abigail were both drawn to the house for their own reasons, but it worked it's magic on them equally...and continues to do so well after the papers are signed. She is settling into a new life and he is trying to find his footing once again, but in the end, they both make headway towards a future that while not laid out plain as day, is certainly coming more into focus...and that whisper of a promise at a better tomorrow is more than enough for them both.

All in all, it was a beautiful story that introduced us to two souls in search of something even they don't understand, but they know that Winfield is the place to be to achieve that internal peace they crave, while uncovering more about themselves than they ever realized possible.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Townsend and Abigail Carey are totally different in personality and their outlook on life. But both fall in love with Winfield Hall and compete aganst each other at the auction house. Yet they end up sharing the property and making a strange friendship but both are keeping secrets...
The House in the Clouds is the first in a trilogy so don't expect a conclusion! There are plenty of loose ends for development in the next two books.
Two people thrown together by circumstances and secretly vulnerable. Over the course of the book, both Edward and Abigail's personal, professional and family lives are revealed to us. Yet these secrets remain hidden from each other, even as their friendship develops.
The two main characters contrast wonderfully with each other. Edward is a finance man, with his mind on the practical, the safe path, secure investments. Abi is an artist who owned her own company but longs to re-establish her creativity and passion. Both come from dysfunctional families which has shaped their outlook but sent them in different directions.
The style of writing is warm and compassionate whilst dealing with emotionally heavy topics as we discover the sadness that haunts both Edward and Abi. There is also humour in the sibling relationship between Abi and her sister which lightens the gentle mocking (plus it feels very realsitic as it resembles the way my sister and I act!)
The House in the Clouds is an enjoyable and gentle book about staying true to yourself and finding contentment.

[Esther Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House in the Clouds Book 1 of 3 by Victoria Connelly
Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the country, and when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she's desperate to make the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has precisely the same idea.
But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to reveal the secret he's been hiding for so long?
High Blue Sky is the second novel in the heart-warming trilogy. Summer has woven its spell over Edward and his brother Oscar, and both are making a play for Abi.
The Colour of Summer is the conclusion of The House in the Clouds trilogy.
This could be read as a stand-alone, but I would advise reading the trilogy to really appreciate the entire experience.
Victoria Connelly has written a delightfully satisfying engaging trilogy. The stories combine well, and it was great to follow the development of the characters to the conclusion of their journey and relationships as the stories progressed.
Family, friendship, love and trust are just a few of the emotions covered in these stories.
The trilogy is an absolute page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
I want to thank author Victoria Connelly and Rachel's Random Resources for a copy to read and review as part of the Book Tour.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts with a fabulous home, Winfield Hall, going under the hammer and two folks vying to purchase it. The successful bidder is business man, Edward Townsend, but a change in his circumstances and with costs mounting for the property’s renovation, he suggests the unsuccessful bidder purchases half the property. She’s Abigail Carey, an artist and highly successful entrepreneur, and Winfield Hall is her dream home and they quickly agree terms.

However, the two know very little about each other and the book explores their interactions with each other, their families and others in the local area and gives glimpses into their pasts. The setting is idyllic but the house needs lots of work to make it all habitable. Exploring the grounds and area, meeting their close families, learning what they are like make this is really gentle introduction, a very relaxing read as they change the pace of their lives. Remember this is the first book in a new trilogy, so don’t expect everything to be sorted by the end of this book, however it is an engaging read which has me keen to read the next two books in the trilogy – as soon as possible, please!

Thank you for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dual perspectives which we are presented with, as the chapters alternate between Abigail and Edward's story. They are both interesting characters. Whilst on the surface, they appear to have such opposite personalities, you discover that there may be similarities in their childhoods which may help them to connect at a deeper level. Childhood neglect seems to be a common thread. This is the first in a trilogy so is largely setting the scene and establishing the characters, There are plenty of hints as to secrets they are both hiding from their past.
The setting of Winfield Hall is impressive and the healing nature of the countryside seems to be important to both Abigail and Edward. They both seem to be taking refuge in the safe haven the house offers them. Through Abigail's interaction with her family, you see a complicated dynamic between them. You get the feeling there is more to discover about her past, as well as Edward's. This volume promises much for the rest of the series.
In short: A gentle start to a promising trilogy
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iabsolutely loved this book. Two strangers bid on a huge mansion in the English countryside. Several months later, once he realizes how much it is going to cost him to repair this house and just after finding out that he’s lost his job, the winning bidder reaches out to the underbidder to suggest a deal. They will split the house and grounds. Each is free to do what they want with their portion of the estate.

Edward and Abigail couldn’t be more different. He is in finance and likes things to be neat and tidy. She’s an artist who parlayed some doodles into a hugely successful housewares company. She’s just sold her company and isn’t sure what she is going to do next. They are both drawn to the house though. They are also both dealing with some unresolved family trauma.

This is the first book in a planned trilogy so not a lot is resolved at the end of this book. This book seems to be setting up the obstacles that are going to be faced in the future books. I would still recommend it though. It was quite an enjoyable read for a summer’s day. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the first book in a trilogy, this book has detailed world-building. The two main characters are diverse from the outset sharing only their love of Winfield Hall, an old run-down mansion full of potential but with lots to do to make it habitable. Edward is a slightly mysterious, solemn character, he's harder to empathise with than Abi, who is open and kind, but both have secrets that define them.

Gentle pacing and an interesting plot immerse the reader in Abi and Edward's stories. There is the possibility of friendship and romance, but the road is liable to be an emotional rollercoaster for these two. The plot is engaging and original and leaves the reader wanting to know more.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Tanya R · Rating 3 out of 5]

A calm, slow-moving story sets the stage for MC’s that fall in love with a house and are determined to make it a home. A home where they can find happiness and heal from past troubles.

This story will appeal to fans of Danielle Steele’s writing style. Long paragraphs of characters analyzing thoughts and feelings, with breaks of small conversations in between. I didn’t realize this was a Book 1 in a series and was wondering how I was getting to the end without any real closure. Then came the Book 1 reference, which now makes sense.

The characters are interesting but there was only minimal growth in the character development, most of which occurred close to the end, signaling more to come in Book 2.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Country loving.

With grateful thanks to Victoria Connelly for an outstandingly beautiful book.
Having read lots of books by this fabulous author I devoured this book in one day.
Life at the big house for Edward and Abi is fractured by there past hopefully living in the countryside can bring some kind of equilibrium for both of them there sharing of this renovated house was just what they both need, can't wait to read the sequel, high blue sky this book really makes you think and reevaluate your life can't praise it enough and highly recommend

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward and Abigail both want Winfield Hall.
On the day of the auction Abi is outbid by Edward and she returns disappointed.
After a little while Edward realises the house is a bit of a money pit. So he gets in touch with Abi to buy into a share Winfield Hall and they live in half each.
Both of them have stories in their backgrounds and have very different pasts.
I look forward to the next in the series to see where this story goes.
Victoria never fails to deliver a great story with many twists and turns in it.

[Sandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book to read by a friend so I thought I’d better read it, though it wouldn’t be a novel of my choice.

It was well written, charming and full of life: it’s part of a trilogy and I liked the fact it didn’t have a conclusion so encouraged you to seek out the next book.

I really enjoyed her characters and the world she created and would certainly look out for the sequel. Warm and engaging, it was a pleasant interlude between the fascinating but rather ponderous Trollope I’m also reading.

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heading Home

A beautiful Georgian house in need of restoration. Two prospective buyers have fallen in love with the place but surely only one of them can be the lucky auction bidder?
Or has the buyer bitten off more than they can chew with such an old property that needs lots of money spent on it?
Abi is an artist and designer. Edward is in financial services. They both have ideas on what to make of the beautiful Winfield Hall.

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book from Victoria Connelly. This is the first in a trilogy, and there is no romance as such in this one, just people trying to come to terms with things in their lives. Two people have gone halves in an enormous Georgian manor and are renovating it as well as their own lives. Very enjoyable and I read it in one sitting.

[Dianne Garber]

A new home, New friends

After retiring from her own business and moving out of London, Abii buys half of her dream home and settles in to relax and heal. She's closer to her sister and nieces and makes a new older friend as she gets to know the co-owner of her new home. Can't wait to read book 3!!!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people are drawn to certain places, in this case a manor, and their lives are examined and changed by it. Abi and Edward share the house, but they are strangers and will have more apartments in the house to rent to others. How they fit their lives together is an exploration.

[Mich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed with this Victoria Connelly as she usually writes stories with better plot and intrigue. This one was quite dull and I only realised near the end that it was a trilogy. I hope the rest of the books will make up for this one.

[K.L. Nofziger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest, heartfelt, and sweet. A story about two souls trying to surpass the ordeals of everyday life and heal from past wounds while restoring a manor house in the Sussex countryside. Book two is already in my TBR.

Great narration by Powell with her gentle, soothing voice.

[Mrs. J.M. Barney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fed up

I do not like reading a book and then finding out I have to buy another if I want to know what happens. I don’t.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars as I personally found it a little slow and predictable. Okay if you're wanting a light read with a bit of romance.

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

This is the first in a new trilogy series about Abi and Edward who share ownership of The House In The Clouds.

[Lynette Murray denham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off well, but lost momentum.

[Georgia Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

An enjoyable book that has me ready to read the next book in the series. I always enjoy reading Victoria Connelly's books, and this one has me wanting more.

[Yvonne Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous