The Lancaster House by Taylor Dean

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard? The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

Initial Thoughts: 
I am obsessed with old houses, so as soon as I read "1920's Victorian Mansion", I was sold.

The Pros:
I loved the author's attention to detail in regards to the house. It's apparent that she did some extensive research to accurately portray the house as she did. As a 1920's house junkie (I live in a 1924 American Bungalow), all of the details were spot on.

The hidden rooms that were inspired by the Winchester House were awesome treats throughout the book

I liked that they showed Zoe's doctor as a kind and gentle person. More often than not, mental health professionals are shown as cruel in books. The way he changed her medication so that she could think properly was a major turning point for her.

The unexpected visitor was easy enough to figure out from the beginning. It did add an underlying paranormal story line.

The Cons:
The whole vampire thing. It felt SO unnecessary.

Was Andre seriously that dumb that he couldn't see what she was doing to herself? I doubt he was that unobservant.

I don't like when women are so codependent on the men in their lives that they forget everything else around them. When Zoe doesn't leave the house for two months, I got a bit angry.

The Wrap Up: 3/5
The vampire thing ruined it for me. I really had high hopes for the book having more to do with the house, which seemed like a casualty of her love by the end of the book. There is a preview to the prologue of the follow up book at the end of this one and it confused me so thoroughly that I will probably have to read it.

Favorite Quote:
"I feel it Zoe, I feel you . I feel every touch, every kiss - I feel it keenly. I feel it in my heart."

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