Review of 'Memories of Heather House' by Rebecca Alexander

Review of 'Memories of Heather House' by Rebecca Alexander

Release date: July 28th, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

REVIEW

What another powerful dual timeline by Rebecca Alexander! She had me in tears close to the end of the novel. I really got choked up as this World War Two, Present Day novel carried me through some deeply emotional threads. My heart was squeezed so many times by the strong transforming message that you can find hope, healing and joy in the midst of pain and loss.

Ruby’s home is nestled in the atmospheric moors and we all know how moody this violet heather landscape can be, from reading such classics as Wuthering Heights. This weathered structure that housed and nurtured Ruby through her childhood and beyond, holds many secrets from the past that will unfold throughout the novel. Thankfully, we get to experience the events in the historical timeline through the life of brave Clara, a famous pilot who leaves behind a legacy of two loves, mysteries and more.

Ruby inherits this large treasured homestead with a colourful past. Heather House was once an artists’ retreat filled with her family and unique friends. But it is in much need of repairs now and the cost of refurbishment could be well out of her reach. She knows she must sell. But her heart is heavy with memories and not wanting to let go of the past. Things get more complicated when another person enters the picture who could challenge the will. Ruby is faced with even more difficult decisions and fear permeates her confidence.

Meanwhile, she focuses on uncovering the story of Clara, a beloved female pilot, who lived an intriguing and at times dangerous life. Her tragic end was heart-breaking (and this is where my tears burst through!). As she was a wonderful character I enjoyed following throughout the historical thread. I was fascinated by her journey through her training and work-life during the war, ferrying aircraft, but also I agonised over her personal love dilemma. Truthfully I was as mesmerised by this courageous woman as Ruby was while she uncovered the past. And I admired her selflessness that was evident to the very end when she sacrificed herself to save many. This passage particularly was deeply moving and blew my balanced emotions off the scale!

There is a romance element in both timelines. So while Ruby immerses herself in uncovering the history of the house and Clara, she meets Jake, an American author, who is exploring this same female pilot’s life. He is also taken with this historic house of secrets and together they team up to find a way to save it, while uncovering Clara’s story. In the process they find love in each other and this adds another beautiful dimension to this novel where past and present intersect and create a new union full of promise. An exceptional solution is rendered for the house-- giving it a fresh start and new purpose. Along with the couple who helped put it all in motion. Memories of Heather House is a glorious, triumphant family focused story, where beauty springs forth in the future out of the trials, tears and ashes of the past. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.