House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick

This was provided as an ARC by Graydon House and set to be released on October 17 of this year.

With one phone call in the middle of the night Holly Ansell's life changes forever. Her brother has vanished from his country home without a trace, as though he simply stepped outside for a breathe of air. With her own personal life in shambles, Holly moves into his house to find out what she can to find him. However as she begins to unfold his last moments, Holly begins to realize that the man she thinks her brother was was only a mirage. He had started the search for an ancient jewel tied to the Winter Queen herself and in doing so created repercussions that are still rippling out even as Holly fights to find the answers she needs. When Holly begins to realize there is more happening than she can explain she begins to doubt her own sanity as time and place begin to collude to expose a story centuries in the making of a great evil power, of a last chance at love, and of a quest finally nearing completion. Will the answers Holly uncovers help her to find forgiveness and healing or will the ancient power the jewel claims bring another black end to those involved.

Written by Cornick, who is a guide at Ashdown House, the story is based on the idea that William, First Earl of Craven had the house built for Elizabeth Stuart, The Winter Queen as a token of his love. Cornick has done a remarkable job of joining historical fact with possibility in this story and it was a pleasure to read. A recommend for anyone interested in English monarchy or historical fiction. Could be the next pick for a reading group as there is plenty of non fiction to follow up on in this story as well.