The House of Closed Doors

The author kept the story moving. The descriptions of the time, the people and their attitudes put you back to the post-Civil War era. I'm not good at describing plots and such. All I can say is this is a well-written book that was difficult to put down.

I was expecting a romance, but was intrigued by the twist of murder and intrigue of the step father to be involved in the poor house residents. Also interesting that the friendship of the child Tess should evolve.

This story had some definite twists and ideas I've never read before. The characters were well defined and the story line moved along at a great pace. There really wasn't a lot of history brought out, but what was there was interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. *S*

Spent more time reading than usual, trying to find out if Nell and Martin marry!! I was pleased that som of the more "indelicate" parts were handled with better taste than many novels. Great historical background and compassion and love with Tess.

Fairly well written, but a part of a series without a bit of hope. The girls is basically a slave to her family until she gets pregnant. Then after the baby is born she is the slave to her step mother. By the end of the story she has agreed to marry a man whom she is afraid of. How could the next series possibly be any better?

What a sweet novel. I really liked the story, the pace, the time period (although some small anachronisms exist in the dialogues, but I think it makes it more readable, so I'm not complaining.) and especially Nell. Lovely character.

Tess is also a wonderful addition once she appears. Really liked this story and I'll start reading the second book asap.

Great story telling. It drew me in at the beginning and I could not stand to put it down until it was finished. Now I miss the characters as if they are good friends that have moved away and wonder what they have gotten into, what they are doing, how their lives are turning out. Hope to read the next in the series soon.

I loved the characters in this book. All were developed well by the author and were complex in their thoughts, actions, and
conversations. I enjoyed reading about Nell, growing from a silly naive girl into a woman of strength, but knowing she still has much more to learn of life.

An enjoyable book - not a literary masterpiece but a very pleasant read all the same. The characters could have been developed more ; however, having said that, it did not detract from the book. The plot was not as intense as I had thought it would be, from the synopsis given. For a 'free' book I am not complaining! I dislike reviewing books in too much detail as it often gives far too much away - plus, many other readers have supplied all the necessary details I do enjoy the historical facts when they have been well researched and supply the descriptions of the time and the storyline with interesting credibility

I would have given this book 5 stars, except there were a lot of spelling and grammatical errors. That has a huge impact on my reviews. The story itself was quite good, though. I loved Nell's independent nature, and approved of her choices. I'm not sure I would have made it in those years if marriage was the only option for an unplanned pregnancy. The mystery behind her stepfather and the dead girl gave this book extra flair, as did the circumstances around his trips.

What a fabulous story! The social mores in the story are not so shockingly different than of today. I loved the strong women throughout this book. Strangely enough, they were strong because they knew how to manipulate a patriarchal culture. Can't wait to read the next book!

Riveting binge read. Very well written. Totally sucked me in by being believable enough and clean enough. Only one part near the end that seemed a bit unbelievable and then a hidden cliffhanger that I found a bit obvious and surprising in that nobody in the story seemed suspicious... on to the next book in the series!

This story introduced me to the plight of unwed mothers, and people with physical/mental disorders in the 1800s and later generations! The fight for power and control of women still exist but is exceedingly better than in Nell's time! What I didn't like was Nell's attitude concerning independence that was almost as ruthless as her stepfather's attempt to controll. That isn't a criticism of the author's story, just my opinion of that particular character's character! I think we all admire people like Mrs. Lombardy!

I enjoyed this book about an out-of-wedlock mother, her evil stepfather and her journey to self-awareness and maturity. The author obviously spent a great deal of time editing because I didn't see or find one single flaw which is certainly unusual in many of the free downloads I've read. I liked the strong female characters and felt their personalities were developed nicely. The story line was interesting and kept my attention. Was glad to see the villain got what he deserved. I think the ending may have left an opening for a sequel. This takes place in the U.S., but I couldn't seem to get that in my head. Felt like something that would have taken place in England.

Jane has a way with words and she creates characters that are easy to imagine. This book flowed like fluid and I just couldn't put it down. I bought the next two books in the series and hope they are equally as intriguing.

I like this book because it had you interested in the very beginning , like you were back in that time and you could imagine stuff like that happening . I really did like your book . Thank you for letting me read it. Marydiaz

A gentle book, written with a charming flow and historical confidence. Well-tempered (as in the clavier), and original. Particularly pleasing in that the book presents a Poor Farm with progressive and positive oversight.

And wanted more...
Such an unusual plot and cast of characters.
Although I know the author's strategy for the end of this novel I would very much Have seen the independent heart of Nell having some recognition of feelings for a certain friend

Being from NE Illinois, I enjoyed the background history of the area. The characters were well developed and I felt like they were my friends by the end of the book. Once I hit the suspenseful part of the book I had to stay up and read the whole thing. Now I’m ready to go on to the next book and find out the adventures for Nell, her daughter and Tess.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and the social boundaries of the time period that it delved into. Although quite long, the characters were charming and it lacked the cliche love interests that the majority of novels have.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well written with interesting characters and an engaging story. I was sorry when I came to the end. I am going to read the next book in line which, I hope, continues the story of Nell, Sarah and Tess after their move to Kansas.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but the characters were likable, and the setting was set up well, making it easy for me to imagine the time and place. I look forward to reading more in the series.

An independent young woman has her mind made up! The story has mini-plots winding around the main plot without confusing the reader. This book has mystery, compassion, and suspense. Ms. Stern has crafted fully 3D characters.

Enjoyed this book very much. The entire story kept me spellbound, as it moved along very quickly. I've read many but this book. I did not put down!. The historical fire of Chicago, along with an unmarried woman giving birth is great movement of bringing the time period to light!

What a enjoyable read. Author is amazing. Well written and JS a very good story teller. Holds interest with each page. I laughed & cried. Looking forward to next book. Recommend for all ages 13+. A pleasure to read without profanity through out story.

The writing was great, although I am no authority on how to write a novel. Most of the sections of this story were very engaging, and pulled me back often. The reason I have decided to give it 3 stars instead of 5 is because the ending really let me down, and I was left wishing I hadn't spent time reading it. Also, it did drag in some places, and I skimmed over them.

I thought it was written true to the times the story took place, but when the pregnant young lady began to show, she called it a "bump." I am very sure it was never called that at that time, or any time up until the last 10 years or so. I was pregnant in the 1960's, and in 1979, (3 times in all) and to have ever referred to my condition after I began to show, a "bump" would have been the most disrespectful word I could use. It is a very new term, and I am sure during the historical times it would have been even more distasteful.

I would still have given it 5 stars though, because it was a great story; just a story with a careless and disappointing end.

Different subject matter. Very informative and well told . I am happy it was a little longer because I could have just kept right on reading. Well written and edited. I am certainly looking forward to more of your work.

I enjoyed the characters in this book, especially those at the Poor Farm. The glimpse into communal living in the late 19th century was interesting. The author's notes concerning the methods used by the fictional Mrs. Lombardi were helpful.

Sorry. This was a very boring story. Not as mystery. I was exhausted by the main character and her stupidity. For a woman craving I dependence she was rescued again and again. I will not read any more by this bland author.

Written in my favorite era. Characters come to life in this story. Imagine being a woman in a generation when your only goal is marriage with babies. I choose to believe that some woman were like the story's heroine, determined to break convention and do it her way. Ready to read book 2.

There were a few descriptions of some of the residents that label the people as idiots, imbeciles, etc. However one thing that sprang forward was the kindness and caring from the staff to the residents.

Beautiful story.

I loved this read. The time period stirs my imagination. There was suspense and mystery. I felt sympathy for Nell, but loved her independent spirit during a time when women did not have a lot of rights. Wonderful!

I enjoyed the characters in this book, especially those at the Poor Farm. The glimpse into communal living in the late 19th century was interesting. The author's notes concerning the methods used by the fictional Mrs. Lombardi were helpful.

Sorry. This was a very boring story. Not as mystery. I was exhausted by the main character and her stupidity. For a woman craving I dependence she was rescued again and again. I will not read any more by this bland author.

Written in my favorite era. Characters come to life in this story. Imagine being a woman in a generation when your only goal is marriage with babies. I choose to believe that some woman were like the story's heroine, determined to break convention and do it her way. Ready to read book 2.

There were a few descriptions of some of the residents that label the people as idiots, imbeciles, etc. However one thing that sprang forward was the kindness and caring from the staff to the residents.

Beautiful story.

I loved this read. The time period stirs my imagination. There was suspense and mystery. I felt sympathy for Nell, but loved her independent spirit during a time when women did not have a lot of rights. Wonderful!

This was interesting to the end, I was waiting for more to happen in the lives of the characters. Thinking the ending would be a love story but it just continued on with the main character still trying to find herself, meeting little goals and helping others on the way.

Very well written historical novel taking place in 1870’s.

The characters are well developed in such a way, I felt like I knew them, the good, and the ugly...

Look forward to more from this author.