I absolutely LOVE Jenni Keer's writing. What an incredible imagination. Every book I've read of hers is such a page-turner.

I was already hooked by the premise for The House of Lost Whispers and became completely mesmerised as this brilliant story unfolded. Cannot recommend it enough.

Captivating, romantic, mysterious and simply brilliant. The House of Lost Whispers kept me guessing and I know that this story and the wonderful characters will stay with me for a long time.

Jenni Keer has become one of my top favorite authors, due to her unmatched ability to craft and execute the most complex and puzzling stories. I expected this one to be a bit different from her previous books in terms of mystery, and I was pleasantly surprised by how distinct it is.

Let me say, without giving too much away, that at the point of the "split," let's call it, I became a bit skeptical of how Keer would pull this one off, but then I remembered that this was written by Jenni Keer and she knows exactly what she's doing.

Another fantastic story, and an easy 5 stars!

Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another superb read from Keer which combines romance, mystery and a bit of the supernatural. It was an effective blend that lead to an enthralling story covering different worlds.

At first I thought this book would shift more between the different worlds that are created – one where the Titanic never sank. However, we are firmly in the world that we all know and this disaster sees orphaned Olivia live with her guardians. Naturally grieving for her parents, Olivia moves herself to a tower of Merriford Manor where she starts to hear noises coming from the other side of her bedroom wall…

As the world moves to the First World War, Olivia seeks solace in this disembodied voice. They seem to anchor her back to reality and Olivia finds herself immersing herself more in the Fairchilds’ family. However, the question of why she cannot see this person and vice versa is one that dominates the narrative.

I loved how the romance built across the story and Olivia becomes a tragic heroine. Despite her lively outlook on life, she is inevitably affected by the war and the loss of her parents. The story builds into a mystery behind the disappearance of Annie Taylor which is common for Olivia and the world beyond the wall. Yet, as not everything is the same for the “voice” – not just the Titanic, but also different survivors of the war – it would seem that both Olivia and the “voice” are keen to try and connect across the worlds and in the life they know.

There is plenty of mystery and uncertainty throughout the book and I was keen to see how Olivia would come together with this “voice”. She is an admirable character and I liked seeing how resilient she becomes. Keer presents how social expectations alter after the war, particularly the role of women, and how much of an emotional impact Olivia had on the Fairchilds. Her growing strength is reflected in her determination to seek a physical connection with the parallel world, although how she does this remains unclear.

Towards the end of the story, Keer moves readers to the parallel world and I was fascinated to see how much was different to what Olivia has experienced. It added a supernatural element to the story and I thought this made the romance even stronger. The story ends on such an optimistic note, it felt like I had experienced the same journey of growth that Olivia had in the novel.

Another great book from Keer that explores heartache and the strength of humanity in tough times, it was engrossing from start to finish.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Best selling author, Jasper Davenport, his wife and daughter were booked to sail on the maiden voyage of the much lauded RMS Titanic. With only a week before departure their daughter, thirteen year old Olivia, contracted measles and to her and her parents’ dismay, she was unable to make the trip.

After the devastating news of the fate of the Titanic, Olivia finds herself an orphan living at Merriford Manor, the home of her godparents, The Fairchilds and their four sons. Olivia was finding her loss difficult to bear but after several months her innate optimism and imagination began to surface. She was free to roam the extensive grounds and made up all sorts of day dreams which helped her to keep the pain at bay by living in make believe worlds. This also resulted in her wish to sleep in the tower bedroom, uneasily granted by her godparents as it was away from the main house. What, or who, she found there was ultimately destined to follow her into adulthood and this is where the dual timeline comes into play.

Having been used to demonstrations of love and affection from her parents, the reserved nature of her godparents left Olivia craving some of the physical contact she’d had with her mother and father, even if it was only a hug now and again.

As I’ve found with Jenni Keer’s previous books, the plot is always unpredictable (in a good way) and very imaginative with several unexpected twists to boot, along with wonderfully drawn characters brought to life vividly. Olivia and Seth are the stand out characters for me. I love how Olivia is portrayed and how she develops during the course of the story, which in itself is an extremely enjoyable mixture of historical fiction, parallel worlds and romance. The WW1 part of the story is very moving, adding another level to the story. I couldn’t imagine how things would unfold, much less conclude. I was totally invested, loved it and can’t wait to see what Jenni Keer comes up with next.

In 1912, thirteen-year-old Olivia Davenport is orphaned when her father, author Jasper Davenport, and mother Selina die on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Olivia is invited to live with her father’s friend, Sir Hugo Fairchild and his wife Cynthia and their four sons, Clarence, Louis, Howard and Benji, at their lavish home, Merriford Manor.

The new house becomes the setting for Olivia’s overactive imagination, which she uses to deal with her grief, imagining that her parents aren’t dead but that they have lost their memories and will someday find their way to her.

Moving to an unused part of the mansion, Olivia has the initially unsettling experience of being able to hear and converse with a man called Seth who seems to be living on the other side of the wall in her tower bedroom. Both think the other is a ghost or a product of their overwrought imaginations.

Meanwhile, with the war breaking out in Europe, Sir Hugo and Lady Cynthia watch with increasing dismay and sorrow, as one by one, three of their sons go to war and never return.

It’s only after the war that Olivia realizes that Seth lives in another world where her parents are alive. And now she wants to get to that other world. But how can she find a way into his world?





I liked Olivia, her imagination, her contentment in her solitude, her longing for her parents, her faither, her larger than life outlook, her willingness to stand up for the bullied, Benji. These are the traits that get her in trouble, pushing some of the events forward, particularly in the fate of Seth, the undergardener.

I liked that Olivia wasn’t coy but knew exactly what she wants with regard to her future and the role she wanted to play in it. That she imagines a life for herself that isn’t limited to marriage and keeping house. But the scene in which she pleasures herself and explores her own sexual awakening was unreal and completely out of sync with the reality of an older teenager in the aftermath of World War I.

Among the others, the only one I liked was Lady Cynthia, who had the only developing character arc to speak of. From being standoffish and reserved, she learns to show affection, to get past her hangups. It’s a pity she ceased to play a role in Olivia’s life in the section called After the War.



I was a little uncomfortable with the scenes between Olivia, as a child, and Seth, because of the vast age difference between the two. While these scenes are driven by her imagination, there is no explanation for why Seth should turn out to be the one big love of her life.



It’s also more than a little strange that Olivia, no stranger to grief after the death of her parents and then the death of her fiancé soon after, should suddenly forget him, and begin to imagine that a guy she really doesn’t know all that well is the one great love of her life. What’s more, she is not even mildly curious about her parents who are alive and well in the other world.



The novel suffers because it tries to become too many things at once. Until the 23 percent mark, nothing happens. When things start happening, the novel starts shifting from one genre to another.



In the first part, Before the War, we get a hint of magical realism. This part of the novel is more than a little bulky. While the boys are away, and Olivia is basically entertaining herself, these scenes and chapters were boring and ordinary. Nothing of any significance happens during this period.



In Part II, During the War, we get historical fiction, and even war fiction, of sorts. This was the part I liked the most. The author brings out well the sense of bravado and adventure with which young men went out to the battlefront, unaware of the horrors that awaited them. The victorious nations found themselves just as broken as those they had defeated.

Through Clarence, the author gives us her views on the utter futility of war. Clarence says, “As a species, why are we so destructive?”

His mother tells him, “Poetry won’t sustain you in the trenches,” when poetry is sometimes the only thing that has the power to get us through the dark times.



In Part III, After the War, the brief hint of magical realism returns, then gives way to romance and a bit of a mystery, when Olivia tries to uncover why Seth’s old love suddenly disappeared.



This is where the problem arises, with the book trying to be several books at once. The back-of-the-book synopsis gives us a sense of this being a time-slip, parallel world issue, but in time, the romance between Olivia and two other characters takes precedence. I was disappointed by this turn.



Also, the parallel world bit doesn’t show up until quite deep into the book, when we have almost despaired of even seeing it. The explanation of how the parallel world came into being was interesting, but then it was sidelined and the story ended up being just another historical romance.



The idea of another world being created out of nothing, a world in which the Titanic did not crash, unleashing a whole different set of possibilities and history, was interesting, but wasn’t explored on a larger scale. All we are left with is a world in which Olivia’s parents did not die, but the World War still took place.



It would have been better if the author had found some way of getting Olivia to the other world where her parents lived. Instead, we get a muffling of the parallel world in favour of making do with the current one.



I also disagree with the notion that Olivia and Seth are the same in both worlds. A person’s nature and character are heavily influenced by their experiences. An Olivia that had not known grief and sorrow would grow up to be very different from one that had. It would have been better if the book had ended without the forced and rushed happy ending.

In this fascinating dual-timeline historical romance, readers follow Olivia Davenport, recently orphaned after the Titanic's sinking, as she moves to live with her new guardians, the Fairchilds, in their mansion. Alone and friendless, Olivia is understandably miserable, but she hears a voice from behind the wall in her tower bedroom; the voice belongs to Seth, and they both believe that the other is a product of their imagination until the war ends, when Olivia discovers that Seth is from a parallel world where the Titanic sank and everything is just a bit different. With its fascinating premise and emotionally rich storyline, readers follow Olivia and Seth as they bond and discover their parallel worlds in the aftermath of World War I. The two characters and their different perspectives really highlight the different timelines and worlds, and the depth of detail really brings this incredible story to life. The world-building is the true star of this novel, and readers will really enjoy Keer’s work in creating Seth’s slightly different world and figuring out what events from the 1910s can change (and what this might lead to). Unique and fascinating, this is a great new historical fiction novel that fans of dual-timeline novels will love.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. The setting and historical details were well done and overall it was an enjoyable read.

A very unique story, bit "sliding doors" . Two different worlds after a ripple in time. I enjoyed it but often thought "where is this going" . Not entirely sure the ending was enough. Loved the characters, and how much Olivia changed the Fairchild family. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy

I really enjoyed this book. I would not categorize it as a historical fiction because while it is set in a historical time period, the characters do not behave in that manner sometimes. There are a few other details that seemed off. But if you look past all of them the book is an enjoyable cozy read and I'd recommend it for a quite afternoon.

The House of Lost Whispers, a haunting historical novel with a touch of magical realism by Jenni Keer, weaves loss, love, and other possibilities. The story begins in 1912 when Olivia Davenport, a thirteen-year-old girl, loses both her parents in the Titanic disaster. Guest of a wealthy family at Merriford Manor, she discovers the voice behind the wall in her own bedchamber—speaking to her from another world where the Titanic never sank and where her parents survive.

As Olivia grows up during the First World War, the novel tracks her process of healing from trauma and finding hope. The narrative voice, revealed later as belonging to a boy named Seth, acts as a thread running through two time frames and as an intense connection. The parallel worlds map out how a change in destiny could have immense consequences across lives, offering a compelling twist to the narrative.

Keer creates a richly detailed and atmospheric world. The Edwardian atmosphere and wartime years are particularly well drawn, and the emotional tone of the time is treated sensitively. Olivia's transformation from a grieving child to a strong young woman is the emotional core of the book, and her unpretentious determination makes her a likable heroine.

The pacing is regulated, particularly during the onset, with focus on world-building and character introduction. As the alternate timeliness develop, tension is slowly escalated toward a satisfying resolution. While the establishing shots invite a feeling of mystery, the heart of the book is in its emotional depth and exploration of loss, longing, and do-overs.

The House of Lost Whispers is a reflective and poignant read, ideal for fans of historical fiction with a gentle supernatural bent. It's a story that lingers, imbued with poignancy and delicate magic.

This is an absolutely beautiful book, and if I could give it six stars I would.

My emotions were all over the place reading this book - from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, this book has it all.

In this glorious book, we meet Olivia Davenport, a thirteen-year-old girl who goes through the enormous trauma of losing both her parents on the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912. She is taken in by the Fairchild family, who were close friends of both her parents. She lives with the couple and their four sons in their home at Merriford Manor. She has a tempestuous relationship with the three elder brothers, but she establishes a real kinship with the youngest brother Benji. As a way of dealing with her grief, Olivia plays out her fantasy life around the grounds of the house, fighting dragons and pirates.

She decides she wants to live in the tower of the home, seeking a little more independence from the family and alone time to grieve. When she hears a man's voice on the other side of the wall, she initially believes she is hearing things. But it soon becomes apparent that she is talking with a man living in an alternate version of her world. The man, Seth, tells her that in his world, the Titanic never sank.

Olivia starts to rely more and more on Seth to help maintain her sanity while enduring not only the loss of her parents but also the devastation of the First World War, and the tragedy that comes with it.

This is a beautifully written book that is an absolute joy to read. Olivia is such a delightful and endearing young woman, and you can't help but fall in love with her and want only the best for her. I highly recommend this gorgeous book.

The House Of Lost Whispers by Jenny Keer, I have read many magical realism romances written by the author and I have to admit this is my favorite one. A Multiverse novel where in one Olivia‘s parents died on the Titanic and after being sent to live with guardians her newfound brothers are lost in World War I. in the other universe who’s only Thai is her relationship with the gardener Seth William Tanner who they call Tanner, through the wall in her room at the Davenports. he lives in the world where the Davenports are just friends of her parents and the Titanic had a lovely safe voyage. As time goes on they’re not only fall in love with each other but their counterpart in the world they live in. Although their world has different aspects to it the one thing that is the same as their attraction to each other and despite not having the same relationship with them as Olivia and Tanner do through the wall they eventually come up with a plan to result in both of them having the happy endings they want so desperately. I thought the author did a great job creating Olivia as a child who would grow up to be an eccentric author and found the evolution of that was perfect. I also thought Seth in both universes seemed like such an attractive smart intelligent person and really loved his character although I totally get his weariness and hesitancy when the beautiful Olivia wanted him the way he now was after the war. There are many things I left out of this review because there’s a lot and I must say I loved it all. In previous books I found the author had contradictions not to mention the language the character use seemed out of context as most of our books are written in the 1920s and before but as for this one she was spot on and did a brilliant job so kudos to the author I love the type of books she writes and must say this one is my absolute favorite. #Netgalley, #BoldWoodBooks,#MyHonestReview, #JennyKer, #TheHouseOfLostWhispers,

This book is utterly fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. I laughed and I cried and I craved to read more and more.
So beautifully written!

I was so excited for this one, especially as the story makes reference to the Titanic which is always a big draw for me. In fact the sinking of the tragic ship is only a very brief part of the story but it’s the aftermath that forms the basis of this tale.

When her parents are tragically lost on the Titanic, 13 year old Olivia Davenport’s is sent to live with guardians, The Fairchilds at their Norfolk home, Merriford Manor.

This is really a coming of age story for Olivia against the backdrop of grief, romance and WW1. The unusual concept of an alternate reality and a crossover of worlds where the Titanic didn’t sink and Olivia is living a different life was interesting. Was the voice through the wall merely her imagination comforting her through her grief and loneliness or was there really someone the other side that she formed a connection to?

I found this a hugely engrossing and emotional story not least because the timeline includes the Great War beginning in 1914 which had devastating consequences for so many families including the Fairchilds.

Olivia was such a great character that I took to my heart. She made a positive impact on other people with her sunny and caring nature and I loved watching her grow from a young girl with dreams and ambitions to a young woman experiencing both the highs and the crushing lows of love.

I so enjoyed the historical and romantic facets to The House of Lost Whispers. Jenni’s books do not fit into a particular genre but include a bit of everything. Definitely recommended.

Thank you NetGalley for my copy in exchange for a review:

I was initially drawn to the premise of what if the titanic never sunk alongside a time slip (which I’m obsessed with) and I had a good time reading The House of Lost Whispers.

I enjoyed the main world and alternate world for the most part but I wish that the differences were played up more.

The romance in this one was not for me and while I understand the choice for Olivia being so young at the start it icked me out a little. However the character of Olivia herself was standout for me and I really liked her.

The writing was engaging and I enjoyed the overall premise of the book but I felt that it started very slow and the crammed a lot in at the end.

A creepy historical book which really gave me shivers. It reminded me a lot of Rebecca which is up there in my all time favorite books. This was brilliant and I enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The House of Lost Whispers is so unique! I loved the depth of the writing and the character development. However, I was disappointed to reach the end only to realize it was to be co tinted in another book. I want to know what happens! I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next book!

Olivia Davenport should have been on the Titanic with her parents but got left behind due to having measles. Her parents didn't survive so Olivia goes to live with the Fairchild family. With war looming Olivia feels alone when she hears a voice behind the wall in her bedroom.

I have read a previous book by the author, The Ravenswood Witch which I did really enjoy so was looking forward to this one. However I didn't enjoy this book as much I'm sorry to say.

The story started really well. I always find I'm drawn to books about the Titanic so felt this book was for me. The story then becomes more of a historical drama with the middle section set during WW 1. Then there is a little bit of magical realism thrown in with the voice behind the wall.

I always struggle with books that verge on fantasy and I don't read fantasy it's not for me. In this case is a parallel world where some situations are the same but some are different. In this case the Titanic didn't sink.

I feel confused as to what the story is supposed to be. It is clearly a historical family drama. There is a romance and also a mystery of a missing girl. The main character Olivia is involved in all three. The romance I can take or leave but I did like the mystery.

I felt a little disappointed as the story didn't explore the Titanic angle more. So going into the book expecting a tale that mentions the Titanic and doesn't cover it much in both worlds is a little bit of a let down. The story bring what it turned out to be may aswell have had any reason for Olivia staying with her guardians. Her parents could have been involved in a car accident or whatever just so there was a scenario for Olivia.

Anyway overall I liked the book but didn't love it. I would read more by the author in the future.

This book was lovely, if you are after a somewhat slow burn, HEA, main FMC POV and also multiple worlds, set in a historical time that involves a time-space continuum that has been disrupted, this is the book for you. The House of Lost Whispers captured young love and coming of age perfectly, encapsulating Olivia’s ‘through the looking glass’ perspective amazingly well. There is briefly a dual POV, but mostly we see Olivia’s side of the story, and also her HEA, in all the variants the fissure in the time-space continuum created. I really enjoyed the build up, but would have loved to have more of Seth’s POV too.

When the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic leaves Olivia Davenport orphaned, she’s sent to live with her guardians, the Fairchilds, in their huge Jacobean mansion. But the Fairchilds have more to worry about than a grieving young girl – with war in Europe imminent and four sons to protect.

Olivia feels alone and friendless. Until she hears a voice from behind the wall in her tower bedroom. A voice from a man called Seth. Convinced he’s merely a product of her grieving imagination, it’s not until after the heartbreak of war that Olivia discovers that he exists in an overlapping world, just a shudder in time away from her own. A world where the Titanic never sank… Where everything since has been just slightly… different.

All Olivia wants is to find a way into his reality. And not just to see the faces of her beloved parents once again. But also to meet Seth. Who might just be the love of her life…

This book reminds me off the ‘sliding doors’ kind of storyline. I did find myself getting a bit confused BUT that was more on me, than the authors writing! I’m a great believer in what’s meant to be and all that … BUT surely a little ‘help’ in the right direction is ok 😉?!) what a gorgeous book this was. #followback #love #myself