Confession time. I have copies of The Once and Future Witches and Ten Thousand Doors of January by this author hanging out on my shelves, and they have been since they were released. I have no idea why I’ve not yet read them because they both sound great. The premise of this one definitely intrigued me, so I added it to my BOTM, and then when I saw that Reese picked it for her book club in October, I bumped it up my list. I guess this was the push I needed to move the other two up on my TBR because I really liked this one. It has a cast of endearing characters and a beautifully crafted story; Harrow’s writing is nothing short of exquisite.

The book focuses on 20-something-year-old Opal, who is down on her luck and still mourning the loss of her mother a few years earlier. Her mother ran off the road and crashed into the river. Opal was with her but managed to escape the car. Her mother wasn’t so lucky. After the accident, Opal fudged some documents so that she could take over as her younger brother, Jasper’s guardian. The two live in a room at a hotel free of charge, thanks to an agreement Opal’s mother had with Bev, the owner of the hotel.

For a while now, Opal has had vivid dreams of Starling House – a local house steeped in lore – it’s your typical local haunted house on the surface, but when Opal has a run-in with Arthur Starling – the heir to the house, she is offered a job and soon finds herself working as a housekeeper. The money is great and is exactly what she needs so that she can pay for her brother’s tuition at a private school and help him get out of their dreadful hometown. It’s not long, though, before Opal realizes that there may be something more to the stories about Starling House, and not only that but whatever lurks on the grounds after dark might be hunting her.

The story itself is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the power of home and the lengths one would go to protect it. As sinister forces threaten to take over Starling House, Opal, and Arthur are faced with a dire choice: confront the buried secrets of the past or let Eden be consumed by nightmares. Harrow weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and romance effortlessly, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and eagerly turning the pages. And yes, you heard me – this book does have a romance woven into it, and while I often find that when a romance is introduced, sometimes it takes over and becomes a main part of the book, but that was not the case here (thankfully).

One of the strongest aspects of Starling House is its characters. Opal, the main protagonist, is a strong-willed and determined young woman who finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Starling House. Her love for her brother shines through the pages, as she takes on an unexpected job offer in hopes of freeing him from the confines of Eden. Opal’s relatability and inner strength make her a character that readers will definite ly root for.

Alongside Opal is Arthur Starling, the last heir of Starling House. With a brooding demeanor and a haunted past, Arthur is the perfect complement to Opal’s fiery spirit. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their interactions are filled with tension and vulnerability. The rest of the cast is equally as strong. I loved Bev – the owner of the Garden of Eden hotel. She has a tough exterior and a heart of gold, and I loved the relationship she had with Opal. I also really liked Charlotte, the local librarian, and Elizabeth Baine is a villain that I loved to hate.

The setting of the novel, Eden, Kentucky, is brought to life through Harrow’s rich and descriptive prose. The town itself becomes a character, with its history and legends adding depth and texture to the story. The descriptions of Starling House are particularly vivid, making it easy for readers to feel the haunting presence of the house and understand why it holds such allure and danger.

Harrow’s writing style is gorgeous. Every sentence is carefully crafted, adding to the overall experience of the book. I found myself rereading several passages simply because they were so beautifully written. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a good Southern Gothic tale with a tinge of romance. I really enjoyed it.