The House of Echoes

by Alexandra Walsh

Hampton Court Palace 1530s

Anne Brandon has always understood the power of a king’s patronage and, though the court of Henry VIII is a dangerous place for women, as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne feels safer than most. But Anne’s husband Lord Powis is tiring of her childlessness and when Henry VIII begins plotting to rid himself of a queen in his quest for an heir, suddenly Anne’s life is in danger. And as whispers of the name of her friend Anne Boleyn get ever louder, there is peril in every loose word, every forbidden conversation.

Pembrokshire Present Day

Caroline Harvey has spent years helping her grandfather, the reclusive bestselling novelist Dexter Blake, hide from his legions of fans in his home on the Pembrokshire coast. After his death, the vultures begin to circle Dexter’s fortune. When Caroline’s ownership of the house she has inherited is called into question, her research into its history reveals it was once owned by Anne Brandon who had sought refuge there. Intrigued, Caroline is determined to discover why Anne fled the court of Henry VIII.

Two women divided by centuries but joined by secrets and courage. And when a twist in their histories threatens them both with the same fate – losing the man they love – their revenge will be the same too. Because there’s no one mightier than a woman underestimated or more powerful than the need to save those they love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Dual Timeline, Romance, Tudor Period, British Literature, Audiobook

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always one who enjoys the work of Alexandra Walsh, I reached for another standalone novel. Walsh shines light on historical fiction, while never giving up on a solid story in the present. The story succeeds in both time periods, the present and Tudor era, and the reader is entertained until the final page. A well-paced piece by Alexandra Walsh that had me eager to keep reading.

During the 1530s, Anne Brandon knows all too well the power of the monarch and how times at court can be difficult for women. With Henry VIII on the throne, nothing is guaranteed, but as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne is not overly concerned. That is, until whispers thag Anne’s husband, Lord Powis, is tiring of not having an heir and begins searching for a new wife. This parallels conversations that King Henry VIII might be ready to replace his current wife with another. Anne’s best friend, Anne Boleyn, is on the lips of many as the king’s choice for a new queen. Whispers between the two friends grows intense as the secret becomes more concrete over the following weeks. Drama mounts and worries consume both Annes.

In present day England, Caroline Harvey is back from years away in America. She had spent time helping her grandfather pen a highly successful sci fi series that has millions hanging on every word of each book. Dexter Blake has been hiding away on the Pembrokeshire coast and news of his death has stunned many in a variety of ways. Caroline discovers she has been left her grandfather’s home in probate, but this is soon challenged by those who feel she is undeserving. Caroline refuses to stand down and some research shows that it once belonged to Anne Brandon when she fled court. What Caroline discovers fills in many gaps about Anne’s sudden departure and secrets from Henry VIII’s court.

These two women may be separated by centuries but their fights for self-ownership and to save relationships they cherish bind them. The secrets they hold could both support or ruin them, but Anne and Caroline use their intuitive nature to better themselves and ensure success at any cost, even if the lie could destroy their respective reputations. A brilliant multi-timeline story by Alexandra Walsh that is sure to impress the attentive reader.

I have long enjoyed the work of Alexandra Walsh, whose writing is not only strong, but her ability to juggle multiple timelines keeps the reader hooked. The narrative drives the story forward in a clear direction, entertaining as it educates with each page turn. Characters are well developed and leave the reader feeling as though they know those who grace the pages of the story. Plot points keep things from being too predictable as the story advances. Surprises keep things from being the sole guide and leaves the reader in Walsh’s control until all is said and done. I am well-pleased once again with this story!

Kudos, Madam Walsh, for keeping history alive once again.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Tony Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Echoes is a masterclass in dual-time historical fiction, with two stories strong enough to stand alone. The legend of the tragic (and adulterous) romance between Tristan and Isolde provides threads of connections, woven through the dual narratives.

Alexandra Walsh takes the scant information about Charles Brandon’s first daughter, Anne, and develops a compelling and well researched story of what might have been. Her character, Caroline, says, “The women of the Tudor period are shadows in the biographies of men,” a line which foreshadows the great mystery of the present day story.

As well as the past and present narratives I bywas intrigued the future, science fiction story, which I could imagine as a fully developed novel - or even a Netflix series.

Fast paced and thought-provoking, I am happy to recommend The House of Echoes and award a deserved five out of five stars.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story, dual time-line. It goes back to the time of the Tudors which I'm interested in and forward to present day. I enjoyed this book so much. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Rachel Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️The House of Echos has an intriguing premise, but the dual timelines feel like two separate books rather than one cohesive story. The frequent shifts disrupt the pacing and make it harder to fully invest in either thread.
While I felt the Tudor period timeliness more immersive, I just couldn't fathom any of the present day timeline, very forced and unrealistic for me.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another intriguing story from Alexandra Walsh. Based on Anne Brandon, who was at the court of Henry V111 and related to or knew many of the main characters in his turbulent reign, and who had domestic problems of her own. The 1500s weren’t a great time to be a woman. This is a book about lies, ambition, treachery and gender. The character at the centre of the present day timeline had secrets of her own, and this was very cleverly done. A book with strong female characters and a nice dose of history always works for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to review this book.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House Of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh, the book is about Caroline, who is the representative for her grandfather Dexter Blake, he is just released his last and final book of The Ether Heracles series. worldwide fans cannot wait, but when they announce his death soon after, fans are devastated and some even start rumors online about how he died. At the same time, Caroline is researching how her house is tied. to Henry the sixth court, more specifically Anne Brandon. Caroline also has reconnected with two of her best friends in college. Ben and Gideon, Ben is her ex but Gideon was the love of her life. Seeing them only opens up wounds and shows Caroline She’s not finished hiding her secrets just yet. In the other POV we follow Anne Brandon, who loves Randall Hanover, but is forced to marry someone else. Despite that she tries to make the best of it, her fruitless marriage is something her husband cannot take, and he soon starts sleeping with one of her ladies and waiting. this trouble is happening right at the same time Henry the sixth is declaring himself head of the church and divorcing queen Catherine for not giving him an air. his impending marriages or too similar to Annes, childless marriage, and she fears. This doesn’t bode well for her future safety. I really really enjoyed this book as I do all of Alexander Walsh‘s books, but I do want to say I didn’t like the whole thing with Gideon and Caroline after she tells him everything. I’m not going to say why because I would give serious plot points away, but I thought it just all seemed high schoolish especially after everything she had been through. despite that, I bet it’s hard to write books where the past and present intertwine and think Alexandra Walsh does it better than most this book included. I love her books and can’t wait for the next one. #NetGalley, #AlexandraWalsh, #TheHouseOfEchoes,#BoldWoodBooks,.

[Quokka & Sons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was quite excited with the concept of two love stories set centuries apart, I was convinced I must love this book, which is probably why I feel so disappointed now and score the book lower than it probably deserves.
The "Tudor" love story was interesting and unexpected, enjoyable. However the "contemporary" plot was a diseaster for me: unbelievable, boring and cliche. The writing seemed "wooden" and "overexplanatory." I did not feel any excitement of the renewed emotion or love, it was all very very predictable and ridiculous at times. Surprisingly, every time Caro tells her friends a legend, it is indeed mesmerizing...

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once upon a time I used to read a lot of Tudor books. A lot. There were books telling straight history like Phillipa Gregory, there were books where a member of the court was investigating various plots and murders, great books like Legacy by Susan Kay and you know, some that weren't so great. The end result was by the mid to late 2000's I was all Tudored out, had Tudor fatigue, or however you want to phrase it.

If I am to pick up a Tudor book these days, there has to be something about it. For example, I read Clare Marchant's The Secrets of Saffron Hall a few years ago because I couldn't resist the cover. I read Wolf Hall just because. So what was it that I couldn't resist when I was offered this book, The House of Echoes? Well, there were a couple of things actually. It looked like a book where a house would play a key role in the story, I do love purple and the purple dress on the cover called to me, and the main reason was that I have read a couple of Alexandra Walsh's books before and really enjoyed them.

Anne Brandon is the daughter of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk which makes her step daughter to Princess Mary, duchess, former queen of France and sister to the notorious King Henry VIII. As such, it is expected that Anne will make a brilliant match from among the noblest families in England. There is no room for marrying for love, particularly seeing as her parents are financially burdened by the huge fines they received from the king for marrying for love without his permission.

When Anne meets a young man named Randall Hanworth, they fall in love, and Anne hopes against hope that maybe she can convince her father that they should be married, but he has another suitor in mind, Edward Grey, Baron of Powis. However the union is not a happy one, mainly because Anne has trouble conceiving.

Anne is a member of the highest echelons of society, and as such she sees what is happening at the Court of Henry VIII, and this book opens in the 1520s, when he was married to Catherine of Aragon and carries right through all of his marriages. Whilst we do hear the stories, for the most part this book talks about what the effects are for Anne and others like her. The author rather cleverly makes Anne Brandon friends with Anne Boleyn, as they served in the same foreign court before returning to England, which gives us access to what some of Anne Boleyn's thoughts might have been during the tumultuous time between when Henry VIII started courting her and her death.

To read more head to

http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another really good book by this author!
It’s well written and told through dual timelines.
There’s a lot of secrets being kept and a lot of surprises come out. I did find the story set in present day more interesting. By the end of the book I was wishing I could read the books that are mentioned within the story.
Definitely recommend

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a complex and mesmerising novel! I have to say this is now my favourite of Alexandra Walsh’s that I have read. The historical thread contains stunning detail of the Tudor Age – and it is accessible and deeply engaging. The modern time line was powerful as well, with a fascinating story that echoes the past and weaves familiar elements into its plot.

This captivating dual timeline takes us on a journey from the present to the distant past of the 1500s. The House of Echoes is a great title for this novel due to the history that lies within these walls and surrounding landscape that saw many changes and dramatic events over the centuries. It seems history ends up repeating itself in one form or another.

Dripping with mystery, atmosphere and conflict, the two plots from both timelines present some fascinating twists and turns and exceptional surprises. All the main characters are well developed and relatable in their challenges, plus it is easy to appreciate their hopes and dreams that are often in the line of fire.

The present timeline in Pembrokshire is led by Caroline Harvey who has invested years into helping her famous reclusive grandfather, Dexter Blake, with his ten book series. Upon his death and release of his last book, tongues start wagging and serious accusations fly. Jealous onlookers seek to gain from his fortune and Caroline’s ownership of house and land are challenged. As she begins digging into the property’s past for support, she uncovers a fascinating story. Anne Brandon once took refuge there. But why did she flee the court of Henry VIII? (Well, I think we can all think of at least one reason!). But as Caroline discovers, Anne’s story is not a simple or even a simple explanation. But what surprises Caroline is that she shares similar circumstances with this woman of the past. They both are parted from the men they love. And they both carry some difficult secrets that must be guarded. But when their lives and loves are threatened, they each take drastic measures. And the desire for revenge initially adds some fuel to their fervour. But although they make some mistakes as a result, their strengths will be revealed, too. And nothing will hold them back to set things right. They are both strong, intelligent women that wield the mighty sword of truth when given the chance.

The history of the Tudor period is led by Anne Brandon, a real person from the past, who demonstrates the difficulties that women endured. Loss of pregnancies often led to deaths of the women who could not carry their babies to term. Infertility and miscarriages were the heartbreak of many. Especially frightening when the men demanded heirs. And if these men could not get what they wanted, off went the woman’s head! (As seen in Henry VIII’s actions). Since divorce was not an option, death happened frequently. Plus the men carried on with numerous extramarital affairs—which exposed a double standard. Because this kind of activity was considered acceptable for men but practically treason if women took lovers!

There are some powerful lines in this novel. One that stands out is when the Duchess of Suffolk is giving Anne advice before her marriage to Edward, a man chosen by her father, who had a title. Anne did not love Edward but she submitted to her father’s request. Her heart was with Randall, an untitled though loyal, honest and loving person. Interestingly, Duchess reminds Anne before her arranged wedding not to despair. She says, ‘if your love is pure, eventually, it will find a way. True love is a powerful force and it can never be destroyed.’ She speaks from experience for she was once in a similar position. The Duchess makes it clear that if things do not work out with Edward, and if Randall and her are meant to be together, ‘then love will prevail.’ This line reappears in another form in the modern timeline for Caroline, too— thus providing a common theme on love that runs throughout past and present.

We also learn from the Duchess in the historical thread, that the most important allies Anne will have after her wedding in Powis Castle, are the women who tend to her. They must be loyal, when the husband is not. Which is why the Duchess takes such care in picking the best support team for her. It is true, women had no solace back then, except in each other, as the men had so much control over their lives. Women were blamed for everything: particularly ‘men’s woes.’

We learn a lot about in the conversations she has with others. One with Beatrice and Isabelle shows how much she loved intellectual debates. She was a smart woman. Her discussion about Adam and Eve in the garden is brilliant. It raises the question that if men are more superior to women, why did Adam fail to protect Eve from the serpent; try to reason with her and resist. He just gave in without questioning anything. It seems this thought is repeated many times in the Tudor thread: men constantly failing to protect and respect the women in their care.

Although I have focused more on the historical thread in this review, I still loved the modern timeline but do not want to give anything away by saying too much as there are many plot twists and surprises in this thread. Caroline is a very strong woman like Anne and her conversations are equally enlightening.

Yes, this is a story about revenge. And those who seek it, find that the end result is not so sweet after all. For pursuit of it can bring great loss and disappointment. I am happy to say, though, this is more a story about love and how it conquers all— especially when there is forgiveness. I was completely captivated by The House of Echoes. It is a brilliant dual timeline tale that works on so many levels. I loved it immensely and highly recommend this one for your 2025 must read list! And yes, there are two happy endings! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Rhona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline and the historical research was well done. However, I found unnecessary detail included throughout the story on both timelines, and the writing style seemed a little unpolished. My book blurb referenced “if you like Barbara Erskine or Phillipa Gregory…” Absolutely not - worlds apart.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love that can get through any obstacle even when the couple is married to other people is considered very rare. However, star-crossed lovers at court were practically unheard of, especially multiple couples from the same family. Anne Brandon knows how rare these matches are as her father Charles Brandon married the sister of King Henry VIII. Now she must figure out her feelings about romance while navigating court life. In the modern day, Caroline Harvey has relationship problems while she navigates the loss of her famous writer, grandfather Dexter Blake. How are these two women from different centuries connected and can they fight for who they love or are they destined to be alone? Alexandra Walsh tells both women's stories in her novel, “The House of Echoes.”

I want to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. The concept of this novel and the cover were what pulled me into the story. I know about the children of Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor, but when it comes to Charles’ other children, I don’t know much. I wanted to learn a bit about Anne Brandon and have a good time with the story of Caroline Harvey.

We begin with the story of Caroline Harvey as she returns home to England from America after a bad break-up with her former fiance Travis Hibbert. She is the personal assistant to her grandfather, the recluse writer Dexter Blake, the author of the Ether Heracles book series. Dexter Blake is dying and it is up to her and her family to announce it to the rest of the world while releasing the last book in the series and making movies about the books. While the world mourns Dexter’s death, Caroline is given the gift of Dexter’s home and she begins researching the history of the house, which will lead her to an old fling Gideon and his book store Ten-to-Midnight. It is through Caroline’s research that she discovers the story of Anne Brandon and the truth about her life.

Meanwhile, in Tudor England, Anne Brandon is getting used to being the step-daughter of Mary Tudor, the sister of King Henry VIII. She is not used to court life, but she has friends who will become famous like Anne Boleyn and Margaret More Roper. As a young girl, Anne falls head over heels in love with Randall Hanworth and she believes that she is destined to marry him. However, fate and her father have someone else in mind; Edward Grey 3rd Baron of Powis, which made Anne Baroness of Powis. That doesn’t mean it was a happy marriage as the couple never had any children. Anne lived throughout the reign of Henry VIII, saw two of his wives beheaded including her friend Anne Boleyn, and had a great falling out with her father Charles Brandon before he died, which meant that she was left out of his will. Anne was willing to fight for the lands that she believed rightfully belonged to her and the love of her life Randall.

This was a fun novel with so many twists and turns, including one at the end that I did not see coming. I especially love the little details that Walsh included especially coming up with blurbs for each of the Dexter Blake books as well as the inner workings of the Brandon household. As someone who reads a lot about the Tudors, it was refreshing to read about Tudors that were new to me. If you want a fresh take on the Tudor with a modern twist, I greatly recommend you read, “The House of Echoes” by Alexandra Walsh.

[Monika Caparelli-Hippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich habe mittlerweile schon einige Romane der Autorin gelesen und sie alle geliebt, also war ich sehr gespannt auf ihr neues Buch. Im Allgemeinen haben wir hier immer 2 verschiedene zeitliche Ebenen, eine im hier und jetzt und eine in der Vergangenheit (klar), wobei die Autorin sich auf die Tudor-Ära spezialisiert zu haben scheint. Und wir haben immer auf jeder Erzähllinie eine starke Frau mit viel Identifikationspotential. So auch hier (sprich, ihr generelles Erfolgsrezept ändert Ms Walsh nicht :-) ), im historischen Strang in den 1530ern sind wir bei Anne Brandon, einer historisch verbürgten Persönlichkeit im Dunstkreis des Hofes Henry VIII, und in der Gegenwart bei Caroline Harvey. Beide führen spannende Leben, der Klappentext gibt ja auch schon eine Menge Infos preis; und die gemeinsame Verbindung ist das „House of Echoes“: in Pembrokshire befindet sich der alte Ansitz, in dem einst Anne glückliche Jahre verbrachte, nachdem sie den Londoner Hof verlassen hatte, und der sich nun auf dem Gelände befindet, welches Caroline vererbt bekam.... Im Prinzip spielt dieses Haus keine große Rolle für den Roman per se, ist aber wie gesagt so das Verbindungsglied zwischen den Erzählsträngen. Caroline ist fasziniert von Geschichte, und recherchiert das Leben von Anne, von der sie ebenfalls fasziniert ist, und wir als Leser sind abwechselnd bei einer der beiden Frauen und ihren Leben.
Ich mag Ms Walshs Erzählstil sehr gerne, sie versteht es, alle ihre Figuren für mich zum Leben zu erwecken, und ich liebe immer den historischen Teil. Immer sehr gut recherchiert, immer sehr bildhaft beschrieben, und sie findet immer faszinierende Frauen, von denen man sonst nie groß etwas gehört hätte. Ein paar Dinge zu Anne Brandon spoiler ich jetzt doch kurz (nun ja, ist historisch verbürgt, also ist spoilern vielleicht der falsche Ausdruck): sie wurde in den Hochadel verheiratet, die Ehe lief nur halbgar, und sie hat es tatsächlich geschafft, in späteren Jahren in wilder Ehe mit der Liebe ihres Lebens zusammen zu leben, und eine neue Familie zu gründen. Ich finde das deshalb so faszinierend, weil ich das für frühere Zeitalter so außergewöhnlich finde, man meint ja immer, Trennungen wären nicht möglich gewesen für Ehefrauen.....ich glaube, wir müssen in vielerlei Hinsicht unsere Ansichten über die Gesellschaft des „finsteren Mittelalters“ und den Jahrhunderten darum herum überdenken. Die Autorin gibt mir hier immer wieder interessante Denkanstösse.
Okay, davon abgesehen: Der Roman hat alles, was großes Kino braucht; Liebe, Abenteuer, Verrat, Rache, die ganz großen Emotionen, und farbenprächtige Kulissen. 2 tolle Frauen, und unvorhersehbare Plottwists!
Herzlichen Dank an den Verlag und an Netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!

[Julie Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing for me about reading this type of historical fiction is learning about lesser known characters from the relevant period. I have read a lot of both fiction and non-fiction featuring the Tudor period, as have most people I suspect, but I have come across very little about Anne Brandon. Her father, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, is always a prominent figure in books about Henry VIII and the Tudor court but and, much less so, so this book was a fascinating new subject for me.

And it is obvious that the author has done a huge amount of research into this topic, but used it wisely, to bring a Tudor woman out of the shadows and in to her own story. As Caro says in the book, the female members of the Tudor court are always a footnote in the story of a man, and it is wonderful for them to have their own voices heard. Their lives were often perilous and unhappy, pawns in men’s pursuit of power and valued only for the status they could bring to their families and the heirs they could provide for their husbands. If they failed in these duties, they were blamed, reviled, cast aside and disrespected. To hear their stories, and discover the strength and resilience they displayed in the face of adversity, fills my heart with joy, and Anne Brandon has this in spades in this book.

The author brings the Tudor court and its intrigue and perils to vivid life in this book. It is rich with colour and life and danger and as exciting as any modern day thriller you could pick up. This author always displays great empathy and understanding for these lost women of history and you can feel her love and respect flowing off the page, the reader cannot help but share it. Anne’s story kept me up late into the night, desperate to learn of her fate and whether she managed to find a kernel of happiness.

The modern day story was slightly less compelling in this instance, mainly because I found Caro’s story a little convoluted and unbelievable, particularly at the end. I wasn’t sure it all made sense and fitted together, which was a bit distracting, I was much more drawn to the historical chapters in this instance. That being said, this did not ruin my enjoyment of the book and I would not hesitate to recommend the book to anyone who enjoys this type of dual timeline novel, because the history is compelling and this author does the genre particularly well.

All in all, a fascinating story that brings to life the world of an overlooked woman and a book that definitely rewards the effort put in to reading it. Looking forward to what comes next from this author.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell right into the sixteenth century from the first pages of this book. The 16th century story in this dual timeline story is about Anne Brandon, a little know but pretty amazing person. Anne's father is close with Henry VIII; Anne herself was close friends with Anne Boleyn when they were both at the French court. In love with one man but married off to another, Anne lives the life of a noble woman of the times, but under the surface her life is more turbulent. Her initially benevolent and loving husband reveals are darker more malevolent side when she fails to give him a son. The love of her life is on the other side of the country. When Henry VIII starts casting off his wives because they can't provide a male heir, Anne finds herself in real danger. She becomes estranged from her father when he wants her to become one of the king's lovers; outraged, Anne turns to her true love for comfort. When Lord Powis, her husband, tries to murder her Anne flees to her lover, eventually moving in with him and raising several adopted children as a family. And all of this is just one part of the story!

In present day, writer and editor Caroline Harvey has just lost her very famous grandfather, writer of a series of famous and beloved books, and their associated movies. Caroline's grandfather has always been something of a recluse, with Caroline as his public face, but her life is in upheaval after his death. But Caroline has a secret; she has been much more involved in her grandfather's work than just typing and proofreading. To make things even more interesting, Caroline's ex shows up in her life demanding she give him her apartment in London, or he will tell all to the world. At the same time, Caroline's dear friend from years past, Gideon shows up in her life. It seems that Caroline has more secrets than just those she shared with her grandfather, and Gideon is in the process of a nasty divorce who's soon to be ex is also threatening to reveal secrets. And then there is the question of the real estate company that wants to acquire a portion of the ancient property that has belonged to Carolines family for generations.

The House of Echoes has secrets, lies, mysteries and more for everyone. It's a real page turner, one that will keep you up and reading to the very last page! One of my favorite reads of the year!

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Brandon, Baroness Grey of Powis, was a woman who was included in the Court circles, witnessed much of the tragedy of times and was a friend or close acquaintance of the women King Henry made his Queens, only to later dispose of them when another enticed him.

The House of Echoes from Alexandra Walsh is set between the modern day and the Tudor Court of 1509 to 1547 as Anne Brandon grows from a young woman, married into a terrible marriage, later to live openly with the love of her life Randall Hanworth, until the death of her husband Edward Grey, Baron of Powis.

Caroline Harvey is the public face of world famous, reclusive author Dexter Blake, the creator of the Ether Hercules series. She is returning to England at the completion of the filming of the eight book in the series, saddened as her grandfather would no longer be with her, but ready to launch the ninth and final book in the series.

Returning to her home, Dexter’s Place in Pembrokeshire she is sorely missing her grandfather, but when she discovers there is to be a new bookstore opening at the Milford Marina complex she is delighted. It is part of a chain Ten to Midnight, which is owned by Gideon Morris a man she fell in love with as a young woman on the brink of adulthood.

Both women have in the course of their life been left bereft, both women have had to face and overcome hatred, both women have loved deeply and irrevocably. Woven though the dual narrative is the timeless, medieval story of Tristan and Iseult (Isolde) which tells the tale of illicit love and tragedy which still, centuries later, resonates.

Alexandra Walsh has carefully researched the historic content and uses the house Anne Brandon and Randall Hanworth called home as the modern, Dexter’s Place which ties the two stories together and in doing so, tells the story of so many of the women, influential and otherwise, whose stories call down through history, still untold.

The House of Echoes is an excellent read with an informative section at the end of the book on the story of Anne Brandon and the history of the Tudor Court of King Henry VIII, which for those not familiar with this tumultuous time in history, will be very helpful.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for thus eCopy to review

The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh is a mesmerising novel that masterfully intertwines two timelines, creating a rich tapestry of history and suspense. The story follows Anne Brandon, a real historical figure from the court of Henry VIII, and Caroline Harvey, a modern-day woman grappling with her place in life as the granddaughter of a famous author.

In the Tudor period, Anne Brandon navigates the treacherous waters of court life, where a king's favour can be both a blessing and a curse. Her husband's growing impatience with her childlessness and the dangerous political climate make her life increasingly perilous. As whispers of Anne Boleyn's fate grow louder, Anne finds herself in a desperate situation, seeking refuge in a house far away from court in Wales.

In the present day, Caroline Harvey is dealing with the aftermath of her grandfather's death and the challenges of inheriting his estate. As she delves into the mysterious history of the house, she uncovers Anne Brandon's story and realises that their lives are more connected than she could have imagined. Both women face similar struggles and must navigate secrets, betrayal, and the desire for revenge.

Walsh's writing is evocative and atmospheric, bringing the Tudor period to life with stunning detail. The dual timelines are seamlessly woven together, creating a sense of continuity and connection between the past and the present. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each facing their own challenges and making choices that resonate with readers.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, which kept me engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle. The themes of identity, legacy, and the power of women are explored with depth and sensitivity, making this a thought-provoking read.

Overall, The House of Echoes is a captivating and beautifully written novel that deserves a place on every book lover's shelf. It's a testament to Alexandra Walsh's talent for storytelling and her ability to create a world that feels both timeless and relevant.

[Ashley Cloninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House of Echoes is another Tudor dual time novel from Alexndra Walsh. This time the story follows Anne Brandon the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk and Henry VIII’s best friend.

Anne Brandon is the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon and step-daughter of Henry the VIII’s younger sister Princess Mary. Anne grows up during all the turbulent years of Henry’s court, knowing his wives and having a front row seat to all the drama that ensues. Married to Lord Powlis but unable to have children, her marriage is unhappy and prevents her from being with the man that she truly loves, then in defiance of the time she lives in, Anne leaves her husband and lives openly with her lover Randall Hanworth. After a falling out with her father and finding out after his death that she was written out of his will. Anne plots revenge to get what she feels is her due.

In the present is Caroline Harvey, the granddaughter of a famous science fiction writer whose series of books have captured the world’s imagination, with her grandfather Dexter Blake being a recluse, Caroline is the “face” of the series and it’s publicity. Caroline lives in the same area as Anne did when she lived with Randall and a shadowy company is trying to make her sell her private beach so they can build holiday lets. Then there are the rumors that Caroline murdered her grandfather making the rounds on social media, as he died prior to the release of the final book iin the series, Someone is trying very hard to destroy Caroline and all that she has achieved. With danger coming at her from all sides Caroline is swept up in the mystery of Anne Brandon’s life and why she was cut out of her father’s will and what her life was like in the court of the Tudors.

I enjoyed this book and learning about a real historical Tudor figure who lived on the periphery of the time period. I enjoyed most of the characters except Gideon. His behavior came across as childish at times and I did not like how he blew hot and cold. All in all this was another great Tudor novel from Alexandra Walsh.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed all the previous books from this author, the Marquess House series being my absolute favourite, but I felt disappointed with this offering.
I love the dual time lines, but thought the Tudor one was the most interesting, well researched, incredibly detailed and wonderful to read. I couldn’t really relate to Caroline, who is the central character in the present day.
The Tudor character is Anne Brandon, her father was Charles Brandon, brother- in- law to King Henry the Eighth. I have learnt so much about this largely unknown woman, unhappily married, at the beck and call of her ambitious family, until she declared- no more!! She led an unconventional life for those times, and we learnt about the lengths that Noble families went to, in order to gain and hold power, land and titles, usually by exploiting wives and daughters. Many were pushed into the beds of the rich and powerful men at court, and the King was the most eager recipient of this probably unwanted liaison. I will have to do some more reading to satisfy my curiosity about these events.
In the present day, Caroline is threatened by exposures of long held family secrets by an ex- boyfriend. There is blackmail and a threat to destroy a family home that once gave a secure hiding place to Anne Brandon and her husband when they needed to hide from events at court. In both time lines, we are told valuable lessons about the treatment of women and the inequality of power.
I did find the modern time line to be puzzling and quite weak. Caroline is the guardian of her late Grandfathers writing output, which are Space themed books, there is a mystery about both the novels and a hidden story within these pages, but it really didn’t gel with me. I can’t say anymore for spoilers, but I found this aspect to be almost an afterthought to explain the connection between past and present.
A four star read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Boldwood Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Walsh’s The House of Echoes is a compulsively readable tale of forbidden love, royal intrigue and dangerous desire that will sweep readers away into another world.

Unlike most women in King Henry VIII’s court, Anne Brandon is luckier than most. As the daughter of the king’s best friend, she is fully aware of how privileged she is and counts her blessings that she enjoys the king’s patronage. However, Anne’s secure world is threatened by her husband Lord Powis who is tiring of her inability to provide him with an heir. With the king also plotting to get rid of his wife and the whispers around the court mentioning her friend Anne Boleyn getting louder, Anne finds herself in great danger and with nobody she can turn to – or trust…

In Present Day Pembrokeshire, Caroline Harvey has dedicated her life to her grandfather. When he passes, the vultures come to the Pembrokeshire coast to battle for her grandfather’s fortune bringing Caroline’s ownership of her house in question. Adamant that she will not lose her home, Caroline discovers that her house was once owned by Anne Brandon. What is the connection between her and Caroline? Determined to uncover the secrets of the past, Caroline tries to solve a centuries-old mystery that will end up putting her in peril as she fights for what is rightfully hers.

Alexandra Walsh’s The House of Echoes is a book that has it all and one that once started will prove difficult to put down. Anne and Caroline are two determined, resilient and resourceful women whose stories will draw readers in and keep them engrossed until the very last page. Alexandra Walsh has a fantastic gift for making the past come alive and with The House of Echoes has penned a layered, emotional, atmospheric and romantic tale that will entrance and beguile readers everywhere.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two women. In the present Caroline Harvey lives in Pembrokeshire where she has been working as assistant to her reclusive grandfather, a bestselling author. But her grandfather has died and the final book in the series is to be released soon. In the 1530’s and until the death of Henry VIII we follow the life of Anne Brandon, daughter of a close friend of the King, who has led a privileged life, but for a woman at this time that is not often a happy life. The two threads are quite separate for much of the book and I almost felt like I was reading two books in tandem.

Briefly, Caroline is grieving but she isn’t going to be left in peace, her college boyfriend is back in her life, her former husband is causing ructions and there have been upsetting slurs aimed at her on social media. In Tudor times Anne is to be married to Lord Powis, against her wishes as she is in love with another man, but her wishes are not considered important. However, after having a number of miscarriages Powis starts to stray and her true love comes back into her life. Back in the present Caroline is researching her home and it appears that Anne Brandon once took refuge there.

The current day timeline is quite simple but with some excellent and very unexpected twists and turns and shocking reveals. The Tudor timeline is much more complex in that there are an awful lots of characters, and the Dramatis Personae was very welcomed. I thought I knew a lot about this period in history but there was a lot of new and fascinating information. There are clear similarities in the lives of the two women, two strong women who were at the mercy of the men in their lives and who both fought back! A story of love, revenge and determination this was a compelling and entertaining read. Very enjoyable.
4.5⭐️

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

1500s, Anne Brandon is the step-niece of Henry VIII and trapped in an unhappy marriage. Can she subvert tradition by eloping with her lover? Present day, Caroline is the granddaughter of the sci fi author Dexter Blake. After his death, she needs to stand up for herself to protect his legacy and her heart...
House of Echoes is a dual timeline novel about two brave women in different centuries.
A quick reminder that I am a HUGE history fan and studied it at university. The Tudors is my favourite era so I was thrilled to learn about the fantastic Anne Brandon who defies convention. Anne was the daughter of Henry VIII’s best friend and brother in law, Charles Brandon the Duke of Suffolk. Unhappily married to Edward Grey, and as a result of the king's decision to get rid of his first queen, events lead to her husband verbally and physicaly attacking Anne for their lack of children. She is rescued by her true love Randall Hanworth and shows an extraordinary bravery in defying her husband, father, and king as well as overcoming her own grief at remaining childless. Luckily she goes unpunished even as she seeks revenge on the patrarchal figures who wield power.
Meanwhile, in the present day Caroline Harvey’s grandfather is the successful author Dexter Blake whose sci fi series of books is reaching its conclusion and being filmed. Caro reconnects with her first love Gideon but both of the pair have issues with exes to contend with. Caro is also hiding a couple of massive secrets which I did find easy to guess.
I enjoyed both timelines but the Tudor one was my favourite and I would have been happy to just have that one. I felt that the ending was a little rushed and clunky compared to the excellent detail and character development in the rest of the book.
The House of Echoes is a fascinating dual timeline novel exploring an incredible life from the past.

[nickiknackinoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House Of Echoes is a dual time lined historical fiction based partly in 1500’s and present day..
There is a house which appears in both of these time lines and is dearly loved by both people.
In the 1500’s, we follow Anne Brandon in her family home in Whitehall London, as a young woman. Her father is a very important man, and is close friends and brother in law of Henry VIII. They enjoy entertainment, being within the inner circle of the royal family.. She has a love interest and we follow her life through the times of Henry VIII’s reign. It is very eventful and very scary for Ann at times.
In present time we meet Caroline. A granddaughter and assistant to her famous author Dexter Blake. She lives in the same house as Anne will live in, along the Welsh coast. It’s her sanctuary, with woodland on one side, ruins and a private beach on the other. She has lived many happy years there, as her grandfather stepped out of the public eye….
She is bringing to an end the Ether Heracles and The Space Sirens series of books. It will mean the end of her life as she’s known it.
An old flame comes back into her life and she has some secrets she has to tell. They are massive ones!
I found this story fascinating. As one set of events pretty much runs true, the other is pure fiction. Finding out at the end of the book how all this was put together to make this story was really interesting! There are points of reference at the end for some of us who might like to read up about Anne Brandon. What a great idea for a story!
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #PurpleMermaid25.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in the shadow of the Tudor court was no easy place to be and with her step-mother being, not only Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France, but also Henry VIII’s beloved younger sister, Anne Brandon is more than familiar with court intrigue. Anne’s ill-fated arranged marriage to Edward Grey of Powis and the subsequent scandal of Anne living openly with another man forms part of the story and is the link to the modern day element of the book which features Caroline Harvey and her quest to discover more about the history of her Pembrokeshire house, and land on which she is living.

The dual time plot is complicated and whilst both heroines are very different there are connections which are revealed as the story moves along. I found both Anne and Caroline fascinating and not knowing much about Anne Brandon other than her scandalous relationship with a man who was not her husband, I looked to discover more about her, as women at this time had little choice in the way they lived their lives, so it was interesting to see how all the stands of her particular puzzle came together. I also really enjoyed the literary references in Caroline’s part of the story and in particular her association with a series of sci-fi novels written by her grandfather. I thought this was cleverly done and brought an interesting dynamic, especially when some big twists are revealed at the end of the book. Keeping everything together is the House of Echoes itself which gives up its secrets slowly.

The House of Echoes is an interesting dual time story about the lives of two strong women and the place which connects them both.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things that Walsh does spectacularly well is develop two very distinct, but intertwined worlds. While it not be apparent right away how the timelines are linked, eventually the connection is made and it is usually quite well-planned and influential. The two stories can absolutely stand on their own as a full-fledged book, but having them interweave makes both even more interesting and adds layer to each character’s choices and predicaments. Each story is filled with immersive details, making them both come alive and it’s sometimes difficult to pull yourself out of the Tudor era and into the modern day (or vice versa).

If I’m being honest, I do love the story of Anne Brandon just a bit more than the modern-day story with Caroline. There’s so little known about Anne and Walsh does a wonderful job of bringing this obscure character from history to life and giving her a background, a voice, and a life of her own. You can see the difficult life that women in this time period lived – especially those that had minds of their own, had found love with a man they couldn’t have, and wanted more than just to be married off to a convenient suitor chosen by their more powerful fathers. It was probably a terrifying time to live in the royal court and the characters portray that sense of gameplay and fear well. To survive, and thrive, in such tumultuous times makes for a great read and I adored Anne as a character.

Another familiar aspect that runs through all of Walsh’s books are her strong, brilliant female characters. They don’t always make the right decisions, but they make the best decisions that they can in the situations they find themselves in, and that makes them all incredibly human and relatable.

I really loved the two main characters Anne and Caroline. They are worlds apart but also very similar and their circumstances remind us how people still react in the same basic human ways regardless of time. The surroundings may change, but our behaviours and reactions are still very basic.

Filled to the brim with a lush and detailed environment, the secondary characters are also well-developed and intriguing (there’s also a Canadian named Stephanie *ahem*) and the story-pacing zips along at a wonderful pace, keeping the reader turning pages as the mystery unravels before them with multiple twists and surprises. I loved every minute of it.

*** Thank you to the publisher, Boldwood Books, for providing me with an ebook via Netgalley for review purposes.

[A V B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you want to spend your rainy day with nice no-brainer cosy mistery with some wonderfully done historical research incorporated in both storylines with few lesser known, but nevertheless interesting people from the Tudor court and medieval legends?

Then this is the one book that you should read on such a day!

Reading the blurb of this book , I have expected two much more darker stories than they actually are.
From the two stories and our heroines I have liked the Anne more. Maybe because this is the character that was mentioned in some other historical fiction I have read and I liked the fact that we have an somewhat objective observer of this historical period.
Caroline felt very flat for me with some illogical decisions that were not in line with the character.
She never striked me as ruthless through the book, more of a bookworm and a certain era history buff.
The twist and revelation was not unexpected because it is very obvious through the first few chapters . Caroline an Anne's story are conected to Caroline's the most in giving her the courage to finally do something. And Anne8s story ends up being the one of hope and change. Loved it.
For some people the historical side and legends might be too much, but for me that was one of the best parts of the novel, because you could see that the author did lot of research before writing this and we have all the additional info attached to the book.

All in all a great read and everything written here is only my own opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author Alexandra Walch for providing me with the ARC of this lovely book.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved following the two stories of these strong women. The Tudor story thread took you straight back to those times, full of period detail. In addition, you came to appreciate the place of women in the politics of the time. Disregarded by some, their talents were overlooked as they were treated by some as mere pawns as part of the family power struggle. In marriage, the lands and wealth of even the most aristocratic women were taken over by their husbands. They may have enhanced their husband's status through their own family connections but it was the men of the family who made the decisions. Of course what Anne's story showed was the 'soft power' of the females. They ran the houses and organised a large household. They facilitated the lives of their men.
The present day story around the life of Caroline was quite different in tone. However, she too was in the background, facilitating her grandfather's glittering literary career. Without her, there would have been no book series. Now that she has the chance to set out on her own ambitions, you realise that past secrets could harm her future.
The two women complement each other with the strength of their personalities. The setting links both lives across the centuries, resulting in an engrossing read for readers of historical fiction.
In short: secrets and mysteries across the centuries
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this unique and fascinating dual-timeline historical fiction novel, readers follow Anne Brandon in the 1530s and Caroline Harvey in the twenty-first century as they deal with the dangers of family deaths and uncertain circumstances at the Tudor court and in the world of popular fiction. When her husband Lord Powis loses interest in Anne and Henry VIII is rumored to be looking for a new wife instead of Anne Boleyn, readers and Anne Brandon must gauge every word and conversation for danger and threats in this complex, immersive, and detailed narrative. In the modern world, Caroline Harvey has been helping her grandfather, reclusive and bestselling author Dexter Blake, hide from the paparazzi and fans in Pembrokeshire, but his death calls her inheritance and ownership of the home into question, leading to Caroline’s discovery of Anne Brandon’s ties to her family home. With two fantastic mysteries and threats plaguing these women, readers will love how their stories unfold in eerily similar ways, and Alexandra Walsh has done an incredible job bringing these two women to life. Excellently written, exciting, and emotional, these two narratives balance out perfectly in this brilliant and exciting new dual timeline historical fiction title that fans of the genre will love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Rachels Random Resources & Boldwood Books for the gifted copy. #blogtour

I haven't read a book from this author until now, and it's definitely different. If you enjoy historical fiction you, specifically the Tudor period, then you may enjoy This follows dual timelines, one from the 1500s and the present, modern day. We follow Anne Brandon (Baroness Grey Powys) the daughter of Charles Brandon, daughter of Charles Brandon. Charles Brandon was the best friend of Henry VIII in Tudor England. We then follow Caroline Harvey; she is the granddaughter of the late Dexter Blake, who wrote best-selling novels. This book has so many parts to follow, and I think that's what intrigued me about it.


Tbh, it might not be for everyone, only because there are several parts to it. However, I wasn't disappointed at all. There was so much intrigue, lies, mysteries, and secrets! I appreciate that there was an extent of research that was done to write Anne's part. I was a bit surprised with the ending of this book. Not only that, but I didn't see the ending going the way that it did. Like I mentioned, a twist! I look forward to reading more books written by this author!

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest wonderful dual timeline novel by Alexandra Walsh gives us the story of Anne Brandon during the reign of Henry the 8th. Her Father is friends with the King and she's related through his marriage to the Kings sister. She feels safe and protected by this patronage until her father decides who her husband should be. Her marriage is not a happy one and her husband flaunts his affair to her. But she has allies, namely her first love Randall.
Present day and Caroline Harvey is grieving the loss of her Grandfather, the renowned author Dexter Blake. His final book in the Ether Sci-fi series is about to be released, along with the film. But someone is determined to reveal a few secrets and Caroline is at the mercy of a former love.
In this book Alexandra has given a voice to Anne Brandon, on behalf of all the women in the Tudor Reign, women who were at the mercy of the men who decided their fate.
Despite being years apart Anne and Caroline's stories were very similar and they had lots in common.
I loved this novel, its perfect for lovers of Historical fiction and dual timelines