Clare Clark (1) (1967–)

This novel has something like the feel of Downton Abbey, but with a more tragic atmosphere. The uncertain inheritance of a grand English estate drives much of the plot. After the death of Theo in World War I, the Melvilles are left with only two daughters and heavy debts. The male cousins next in line to inherit have vowed to sell off the house which means so much to Sir Aubrey Melville and he begins exploring alternative methods to find someone to carry on the business of running his estate. Meanwhile, his wife struggles with her grief over their son, turning to seances and mediums to find solance, and his daughters seek out their own paths. And then there's Oscar, an old family friend, who may be unknowingly harboring a few secrets of his own. Overall, this made for a good read, although I would have appreciated a slightly different conclusion.… (more)