Set in 1875, The Widow of Rose House is not just my favorite read of October, it may well be my favorite read of 2019. This historical romance, set in the gilded age of New York, is equal parts mystery, paranormal and gothic in feel. Our heroine, the recently scandalized and widowed Alva Webster, is back from spending mourning period in France with the hopes of landing a book deal chronicling her adventures in renovating a mysterious old, rundown house. Our hero, oh, our hero is Professor Sam Moore. He is a delicious genius with a penchant for ghost hunting. Sam is scientific at his core, his interest in ghosts runs more of the explanation of energies path, than the typical paranormal stint. However, he quickly learns you don’t mess with spirits when the woman you’ve fallen head over heels in love with can fall prey to their mind manipulations.
Oh yes, The Widow of Rose House is a brilliantly written story with characters that will immediately endear you. Alva is a smart, capable, determined woman who simply wants to get on with her life after years in an abusive marriage. Sam is the perfect hero. He recognizes Alva’s worth immediately and also respects her need to make it on her own, to fight her own battles. He is willing to wait, albeit at the ready at all times until she recognizes she’s fallen in love with him as much as he has with her. And don’t get me started on the chemistry these two have. The heat simmers beneath the surface and then explodes onto the page in a way that will leave you breathless. The love of a good man is a glorious thing, something our dear Alva has never experienced. The secondary characters are a dream cast. Also, I do hope Ms. Biller will give us more; Sam’s family is nothing if not exciting…with a touch of explosive!