September 23, 2024October 1, 2024 Mrs England by Stacey Halls ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5. Title: Mrs England Author: Stacey Halls Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery Quick Review: Brilliant. I absolutely loved this book. Every moment was interesting in a sense that it kept giving subtle hints, but often in the wrong direction, to what exactly is happening in this family. I loved the protagonist, I found it was really well written. I saw this advertised at my local library as a trending book. They gave a short blurb on it’s Edwardian nature which drew me in as I know I often enjoy books based on this era. Yet, from the moment I began this book, to the end, I was captivated and wanted more. I really didn’t want to put this book down, and if life duties did not call, I believe I would had finished this in one day. Oh, life. Synopsis From Goodread: When newly graduated nurse Ruby May takes a position looking after the children of Charles and Lilian England, a wealthy couple from a powerful dynasty of mill owners, she hopes it will be the fresh start she needs. But as she adapts to life at the isolated Hardcastle House, it becomes clear there’s something not quite right about the beautiful, mysterious Mrs England. Ostracised by the servants and feeling increasingly uneasy, Ruby is forced to confront her own demons in order to prevent history from repeating itself. After all, there’s no such thing as the perfect family – and she should know.1 Review Mrs England, surprisingly, is not the protagonist. Ruby, the lovable and innocent Ruby, is our protagonist who is so well crafted and characterised brilliantly for her role in this book. Her inner turmoil as she is torn from her first role as a nanny, who loved her dearly and she them, to then begin again in a new family is detailed so elegantly that we cannot help but get attached to Ruby’s character. I believe Halls did an incredible job on characterisation. Ruby’s development from start to end is really well done. And as for the end, I usually do not find good endings, but this was heart warming and very well thought-out. Halls also created a great plot with lots of foreshadowing and twists that kept our interest and brain cogs moving as we try to understand what is happening. Men, aye? How’d had known. It felt very Jane Eyre at times, with the madwoman in the attic. Brilliant idea. Plenty of secrets to unfold through both Mrs England and her husband. Overall, I highly recommend this book if you enjoy Edwardian storylines and mysteries. The characters are well thought out, as with the plot and the order of events. Also Recommend: Angelika Frankenstein – Similar vibe in rich families. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56089437-mrs-england ↩︎ Books Fiction