25 Comments

This is absolutely wonderful! I love the characters, the beautifully drawn setting, and the delicate thread of foreboding that comes creeping like a shadow. Can’t wait for more!

Expand full comment

Thank you so much, Liz. I had to edit them a million times before they went live so I'm thrilled to hear this. Don't want to show the monster too soon!

Expand full comment

This is giving me a 'Sixth Sense' feeling. Looking forward to seeing how you pull all the little tell-tales together. (And please don't turn the dolls into Chucky or you'll hear my screams even from Liverpool...)

Expand full comment

😂 Oh wouldn't that be something.

Expand full comment

This is so well written Hanna. I'm really enjoying it. There's so much laying under the surface, it makes me want to keep going.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much, Ben. Means a lot.

Expand full comment

This is a fantastic beginning, the subtle hints at darker things at play, the setting, the relationships are all well done. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Expand full comment

This is an exceptionally good beginning. The pacing and the characterisation is just perfect. The atmospheric nature of it likewise, and there is just the right amount of underlying menace.

I believe I am going to enjoy this very much...

Expand full comment

Thank you, Evelyn! And thank you for coming back for more after the last serial 🤣

Expand full comment

Hannah, I just started your story and I like it very much. It reminded me a little of when the second Mrs. DeWinter saw Manderly for the first time in "Rebecca.'" It feels like you've got a romantic, and suspenseful story unfolding. I will certain read on.

Expand full comment

Sandy, thank you for your comment! I am so flattered that you have likened it to Rebecca. I am humbled. I love that book so much. It's going to be a bumpy ride! Thank you for coming along.

Expand full comment

Excellent. Well done.

I like the suspense.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Joseph. Looking forward to sharing this one as it is a fine balance between effective suspense and revealing too much, too soon.

Expand full comment

Really enjoyed this Hanna. I liked the hints that something isn’t quite right about the whole situation with the smell of the dresses and the hair in the cup making for an unsettling atmosphere. Not sure I trust John either 🤔

However, what really got me, apart from the spooky dolls which are always creepy, was the grandfather clock not working properly which put me in mind of one of my favourite books of all time which is Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce

Looking forward to what happens next 👍🏼

Expand full comment

This is awesome, Hanna! I can't wait to find out who Mary is!!

Expand full comment

Thanks Nicole! The first four chapters were so "am I overdoing it?/Have I not said enough?" so I'm pleased it has piqued your interest.

Expand full comment

And oooo I just read another comment from someone who doesn't trust John! And now I'm not sure if I trust John either! You might have to start a chat for conspiracy theories about where this is going!

Expand full comment

🤣 I might! Is he/isn't he? Something isn't right about the house!

Expand full comment

It is honestly spot on. The first chapter made me really care about Frances because of the obvious jump in her family's circumstances (just so we know that she's not some rich bitch) and there has been the perfect amount of creepiness! I also just love how much they love each other! It's so lovely and I'm so worried but excited about their lovely little world being ripped apart!

Expand full comment

Ahhhh YES Nicole. Yes! They adore each other. My husband made a comment about him and I asked "why do you care?" and he said "because she cares about him" so this is great. Frances is my main girl and I love her. 👌

Expand full comment

You have made it really easy to get attached to her!

Expand full comment

Oh the dress …. Blissy … this is all going to go to heck, isn’t it. I can’t tell if the Mr. Is a Bluebeard type character or accidentally stumbled across the house. Looking forward to the next instalment.

Expand full comment

Haha, guess we'll have to find out! Thanks for reading, Leanne. Looking forward to this one.

Expand full comment

Hanna, this is a great start to your new book!

Expand full comment

Thanks Jim!

Expand full comment