Book Review: The Art of Inheriting Secrets

by Caleigh
Published: Last Updated on
The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O'Neal

I received a copy of The Art of Inheriting Secrets from Lake Union Publishing in advance of the novel’s release, in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, before I talk about the book itself, I have to mention the cover. Indicating a little romance and a lot of beauty, it perfectly reflects the story inside. I loved the softness of the colors as well as the firmness of Rosemere in the distance. I think that there is a lot of expression in the cover that mirrors the components of the story; strong women who also have passion for the “softer/female” aesthetic, whether that be a delicious meal or the restoration of a classic building.

The Art of Inheriting Secrets is also well named. Ms. Olivia Shaw, a late 30’s San Francisco-an, packs her things and lands in England where we find that she has inherited an incredible, albeit aged, English estate. But quickly we find that there are many knots of plot for Olivia to untangle. She tries to come to terms with the recent loss of her mother, a difficult break to a fading relationship, aging into middle age womanhood, and some distasteful individuals who try to take advantage of the new Countess. In the end, Olivia is left with her own secrets to carry on with, but with some hope for a beautiful future (no spoilers!).

There is a reason that this book still has no reviews below 4 stars as of me writing this review. It has been incredibly well received by early reviewers, and most of us have had similar responses. While it may be a little predictable, the writing is fabulous and the story compelling. The characters come alive and the scenery is deeply described, which for me is paramount in a good novel. I actually found myself saying aloud “I wish this book had more chapters!”. Olivia is thoughtful and emotionally intelligent and has a deep connection with her mother, both of which I attribute to my own mom. In this way, The Art of Inheriting Secrets even managed to make me a little homesick – and I’m not even British!

Finally, I, The Art of Inheriting Secrets simply ended too soon for me. I think I will have to visit some more of O’Neal’s work!

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Purchase Links

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About The Art of Inheriting Secrets

When Olivia Shaw’s mother dies, the sophisticated food editor is astonished to learn she’s inherited a centuries-old English estate—and a title to go with it. Raw with grief and reeling from the knowledge that her reserved mother hid something so momentous, Olivia leaves San Francisco and crosses the pond to unravel the mystery of a lifetime.

One glance at the breathtaking Rosemere Priory and Olivia understands why the manor, magnificent even in disrepair, was the subject of her mother’s exquisite paintings. What she doesn’t understand is why her mother never mentioned it to her. As Olivia begins digging into her mother’s past, she discovers that the peeling wallpaper, debris-laden halls, and ceiling-high Elizabethan windows covered in lush green vines hide unimaginable secrets.

Although personal problems and her life back home beckon, Olivia finds herself falling for the charming English village and its residents. But before she can decide what Rosemere’s and her own future hold, Olivia must first untangle the secrets of her past.

About Barbara

Barbara Samuel (also known as Barbara O’Neal) is the bestselling author of more than 60 books, and has won Romance Writers of America’s RITA award seven times. Her books have been published around the world, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and Australia/New Zealand, among others.

A native of Colorado Springs, Barbara lives there with her partner, Christopher Robin, an endurance athlete, along with her dogs and cats. She is an avid gardener, hiker, photographer, and traveler.

Connect with Barbara

Instagram Tour:

Monday, July 16th@_literary_dreamer_

Monday, July 16th@girlandherbooks

Tuesday, July 17th@read.write.coffee

Wednesday, July 18th@novelgrounds

Thursday, July 19th@novelmombooks

Thursday, July 19th@bookishaurora

Friday, July 20th@mamareadsblog

Saturday, July 21st@artbookscoffee

Sunday, July 22nd@readingandranunculus

 

Review Tour:

Monday, July 16thLiterary Quicksand

Tuesday, July 17thSatisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Wednesday, July 18thBookmark Lit

Thursday, July 19thBookNAround

Friday, July 20thBook Date

Monday, July 23rdBroken Teepee

Tuesday, July 24thMidwest Ladies Who Lit

Wednesday, July 25thWhat is That Book About

Thursday,  July 26thDiary of a Stay at Home Mom

Monday, July 30thPatricia’s Wisdom

Tuesday, July 31stThe Romance Dish

Wednesday, August 1stReading Reality

Thursday, August 2ndA Holland Reads

Monday, August 6thBooks and Bindings

Tuesday, August 7thA Bookish Way of Life

Wednesday, August 8thEliot’s Eats

Monday, August 13thFrom the TBR Pile

Wednesday, August 15thKahakai Kitchen

The Art of Inheriting Secrets Book Cover
The Art of Inheriting Secrets Lake Union Publishing Paperback 364

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4 comments

Heather J @ TLC Book Tours July 29, 2018 - 9:05 pm

Thanks for being on the tour!

Reply
Barbara O'Neal, author of THE ART OF INHERITING SECRETS, on tour July/August 2018 | TLC Book Tours August 3, 2018 - 1:40 pm

[…] Monday, July 16th: Literary Quicksand […]

Reply
Emily February 10, 2020 - 12:45 am

Hi! I just bought the book and wondered if it was clean. I don’t read anything mature and I just wanted to be safe.

Reply
Caleigh February 13, 2020 - 8:47 pm

It’s squeaky clean! I loved how innocent the romance was 🙂
– Caleigh from LQ

Reply

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