Lilly Larsen, upon hearing that her great-aunt Agatha Strand has died, travels with her grouchy father and money hungry family to hear her will be read. In a great turn of events, Agatha has left her vast fortune, grand home, and thriving business to Lilly. Shocked and confused, Lilly has to rely on Agatha's friends and mysterious letters to figure out why she has been left this all this wealth. It isn't surprising that threats against Lilly have been made in order to get the fortune from her. Will she find the inner strength to press forward and find the truth?

Heidi Eljarbo writes a fun mystery novel about a young lady finding her place in a man's world. Lilly tries to stay true to who she is and what she believes in during the chaos of her newfound home/fortune. She meets new friends along the way, who help her in her hunt to find out who her great-aunt really was, and who she really is, too. This is a quick read that sets up and upcoming series titled "Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society." I would have liked to see more suspense and intrigue, but this was an entertaining novel. I hope to see more character development and details in the upcoming series. I think there will be a fantastic sequel! ( )

Secrets of Rosenli Manor was a great read! With vivid descriptions and the language used the reader gets a wonderful picture of the time period and the settings! Heidi Eljarbo is a great storyteller! Lilly was a great main character. She faces a few struggles but her determination and courage and the bonds that were created amongst the other characters is what made me enjoy her character! I enjoyed the surprises and twists the author added and the touch of romance as well! Overall I found this book to be realistic, entertaining and fascinating!
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3.5 Stars

In Secrets of Rosenli Manor, Heidi Eljarbo sets up her new series with a death, an inheritance and lots of questions surrounding the home and the town.

I liked Lilly. She’s intelligent and determined to forge her way in a business world dominated by men. She seeks to remain true to herself and willing to give others a second chance when they maybe don’t make the best decision.

The actual secrets the title refers to were, for me, underwhelming. I like having to dig in and solve the clues to the mysteries presented, but this book contained more of Lilly reacting than hints at who was behind everything.

That said, I am interested in finding out where the author plans to take this series next and whether we’ll see Lilly and the other’s we’ve met in book solve more mysteries or make their mark on their small town.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

What an exhilarating read! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a good mystery, so when the Secrets of Rosenli Manor began I knew I was in for a treat. The overall tone is set from the beginning, with the division of assets for great-aunt Agatha. Everyone knows that the green-eyed monster tends to come out when someone passes away, and for Agatha’s estranged family it is even more so, as the woman was incredibly wealthy. Reading the interaction of the family brought back a distant memory of my own when my great-grandfather passed away. I’ve never understood why people are like this when it comes to wealth that belongs to someone else, and I don’t think I ever will. It tears families apart and for what?

Rather than a mystery, Secrets of Rosenli Manor feels more like a scavenger hunt, going with Lily, the heroine and heir of the estate, from clue to clue, unlocking each piece of the puzzle. You get to know more about Aunt Agatha right along with Lily, revealing the untold secrets that Agatha wants Lilly to know through those that knew and loved her, creating the aura of revelation, almost making the reader feel like she is speaking her truth beyond the grave. Such a wonderful way to tell her story!

As the truths are revealed each slimy family member continues to show their true colors, as well as a few other unsavory characters that I did not care for at all. You know the writing is good when you find yourself audibly growling at the pages! The chauvinism is astounding, and sadly goes right along with the times, but that didn’t make it any less thwarting.

The ending was satisfying and sweet, and there was one particular scene that made me inquisitive. I can’t help but wonder if there will be more to the mystery that has already been revealed, and seeing that this is the first book in a series, I am even more excited to see if this particular question will be answered in future books.

I adored the overall tone, the unique scavenger hunt feel, and the characters are simply divine. This was truly a fun read and I can’t wait to read more in the series!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

After Lilly Larsen surprisingly inherits her Aunt Agatha's estate, she has a lot of decisions to consider. Lilly is already an accomplished woman in 1898 Norway with an advanced degree and job in accounting but is unsure that she can take on the entirety of her Aunt's household and business. With the entire rest of the family feeling like they have been cheated out of a substantial inheritance, Lilly must follow the advice of her Aunt's letters, her new friends at Rosenli and most importantly, her heart.

Secrets of Rosenli Manor is an exciting, fast paced and heartfelt mystery with plenty of adventure. Lilly's character is intelligent, caring and open minded for her new opportunity. I really enjoyed the letters that Aunt Agatha left for Lilly. The letters were compelling and helped Lilly dive into her adventure as well as lead her to solving the many mysteries surrounding Rosenli Manor, Aunt Agatha's life and her own. The town of Glass Cove seemed charming and idyllic, I do wish there were more descriptions of the countryside and architecture so I could get a better sense of place. If the description hadn't said it was set in Norway, it could have been anywhere in Europe. Overall, Secrets of Rosenli Manor is a dramatic quest with great characters and a wonderful focus on expanding women's rights. I'll definitely want to read more of the Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society series.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )