When I tell you I absolutely devoured this story. I went into this novel strictly based on the cover without any inkling to look at the synopsis prior to starting, and I'm so happy that I did. Discovering this was a multi-POV and (loosely) multiple timeline story with a sentient home as a prominent character, I was instantly drawn into the plot, but what really made it for me was the characters. Hulda and Merritt are absolutely enchanting with strong personalities, quirks, and deep traumas that effect their interactions with those around them, including each other. Combined with their banter and awkwardness with one another both highlights the time period (mid to late 1800s) and how their histories have shaped the way in which they develop relationships (platonic and romantic).

The only thing I wish we had seen more of was the villain's past timeline POV with a focus on how dangerous of an individual he really could be. 

This was wonderful - both a cozy magical realism read with hints of darkness and a dash of sweet romance. A recipe for perfection in my books. I'm beyond excited to move onto the sequel. 

"Some people prefer women who look like their mothers, and some prefer women who look like their fathers. Beauty is just like a book. Some will not bother to look beyond the cover; others will find the entire tome utterly captivating."