Reader reviews for “Tales from the Manor”

Hello friends, another Monday dawns! Hope you’re all staying warm and having a great start to the week 🥰 Today, I’ll be sharing some of the very lovely reviews I’ve received from those who have read “Tales from the Manor” ~ I cannot thank you enough! And if you would like to- please head on over to Goodreads/Amazon to give a review and share your thoughts, experiences, or anything you’d like future readers to know. The link is provided below as always 🤗

And so let’s begin with review number 1!

“Chills… goosebumps… get me out of the manor…

How Kate managed to tie in psychological trauma into manor terrors is phenomenal. Each short story shines on its own and I was on the edge of my seat reading each one. Not to mention, the stories are derived from true events (my personal fav when it comes to horror).

The characters each has a unique tale to tell. Though I have my favourites, each one is special. I don’t want to spoil anything but I’d go back to the psychological elements they entail. This book is more than just fictional horror stories (which is once again, my fav kind!). It makes you question your own fear and ask whether it has manifested in any way similar to the characters’ (I better stop now or I might spoil everything).

If you want a cosy yet thrilling read, I highly recommend Tales from the Manor! You’ll see what I mean!”

~ Lyn

“The book is split into 5 stories, all set in the grotesquely gothic Hartshaw Manor. At first I thought the stories were only connected by the location but as the book goes on it becomes clear that there is much more than that connecting these creepy tales.

Each story is told from a different characters point of view but they all have a dream-like quality. The narrative is split into little sections, the slight disconnect helps time move forward quickly and sporadically. It’s difficult to know if the events are truly happening or if they’re just a dream. I was questioning all the way to the end! It really messed with my head and I loved that!

I really enjoyed each story and each character, but it’s the ending that really blew me away. I’ll say nothing more because I don’t want to spoil it but it is so clever!

And the writing in this is so beautiful. The author truly captures what I mean when I say that I love the beauty in horror! The juxtaposition between the terrifying scene and the beautiful, lyrical words to describe it. It’s so well done!

I love the little afterword at the end from the author too. I was focused mostly on the horror of the situation so I appreciated the few notes at the end pointing out some of the nuances I wouldn’t have thought about.

There really is so much to this little book. It is gripping, gothic, horrifying, disgusting, disturbing and psychologically twisted. I loved every single page.

My only warning would be to proceed with caution, or you may find yourself waking in the night to little green flies crawling all over your skin.”

~ Samantha

“This is a perfect book to read on a rainy day at home (or any other weather, of course)!

Kate created a world that is spooky yet familiar to all of us because sometimes our fear is a projection from our internal world. I was very much immersed in the creepy manor when I read. I actually really enjoyed how it manifested in the manors through paintings, dolls etc.! It’s crazy, I know.

Particularly loved the Kary chapter. I was instantly hooked and wanted to know what actually happened in the past…I won’t spoil it for you.

5 out of 5, I definitely recommend it!”

~Wendy

Though I can only include a small selection here, I appreciate each and every one of you have taken the time to read, be immersed in the world, and are so eloquent in expressing your thoughts in your reviews!


I hope you enjoy this little collection of cosy, gothic short stories that conjure up the image of old manor houses and days snuggled by warm country fires; nestled deep in the English countryside. Lose yourself for a moment.

Follow me… for things are not as they seem. And the power of what you can’t see – can be truly wondrous indeed. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222142687-tales-from-the-manor

Synopsis:

Inspired by true events…

In these five stories, the gothic awaits. From eerie oil paintings that come alive, devilish dolls, and a sinister game of hide and seek; there are more than creepy crawlies that lurk in the crevices of Hartshaw Manor. The secrets the structure holds will keep anyone up at night. But is it the work of mischievous spirits, or are they merely horrors conjured from their own frenzied imaginations?
Join Dinah, Peter, Kary, Tony and Violet as they each spend an unforgettable night deep in the folds of the British countryside.

Read on if you dare, because we’ve saved the best till last….

Home of the Book Stack

On this chilly, wintry Monday afternoon, what better way to celebrate all things cosy than with a book stack? If any of you follow my Instagram you’ll know I like to create (sometimes precariously tall!👀) leather bound stacks, and most recently, vintages (which, can also pose a risk as they’re all different sizes and weights!) 📚 Beware candles (and noses!) 🕯🐽

Here’s a selection that made it over the years. Which is your favourite? Vote below!

@canterburyclassics
Leather bounds
Vintages
Christmas Edition

If you have any questions about any of the books above then feel free to drop a comment or use the contact me page, and I’ll be happy to answer them! And especially for you vintage lovers, some of the titles may also be up for grabs (tab above)!

Stay warm and safe friends, until next time 🙂

Kate ❤

Tapas.io- Read “Caskets of Ice” for free!

Hi friends! Happy New Year! 🥳🎉🥂

To kick start Jan, I have uploaded episodes (or chapters!) on tapas for free, link below:

https://tapas.io/episode/3400974

Press subscribe directly on the site to read the latest segment when I post a new chapter weekly!☺️ I’d love to hear your thoughts over the course of the trilogy ~ who are your favourite characters, what do you think of the setting of the dreamworld? Do you have vivid dreams?

Synopsis:

How far would you go, if you had the power to control your dreams?

“One thing is true for them all; and what a price to pay-
When they realise the ice caskets, which were once their tomb, are the only thing keeping them alive.”


Entering lands where things are eerily not what they seem, cannibalistic witches and glowing jade cicadas that bring nothing but misfortune. Where a dream devil wanders the dreamscape collecting souls, building his empire on nothing but fear and death. Beyond the caskets of ice, some doors should remain unopened….

Come closer and listen my dear…

Where do we really go when we fall asleep?

If you’d like to own your very own copy to add to your shelves, the link on Amazon, including my latest gothic short story release “Tales from the Manor” can be found below. I have a collection of poetry too for you poetry lovers!

https://linktr.ee/Katewjwhite

Happy weekend friends! ❤

The Rag Dolls ~ Artwork & Happy 2025!

Hello guys! I’m alive again! (Kinda!) Being in dental pain over Xmas is no fun! 😖 Sending hugs to you friends, and be sure to look after yourself! Wishing you the best for 2025 🥳🥂😘

Have you managed to achieve your reading goal, or set up any for the coming year? I read around 56 this time, (58 last year) but to be honest, I’m just going with the flow! I do plan on branching out more with genres- thank you to those who recommended some historical retellings in my last post, I found copies & will be reading them soon!! 🥰

Aside from this, this year was definitely something- it really forced me to prioritise mental and physical HEALTH above all & and if there’s something you’ve been meaning to do, just do it! Really don’t put it off!

So the last post of the year is for the last batch of artwork created for ~ “Tales from the Manor” ~ The rag-dolls Violet finds in the dolls house of each of the friends. (For the rest, you’ll have to read for yourself… 👀)

Violet
Don’t look back ~ Peter
Kary
Dinah
Tony

Writing this collection of short stories was definitely a highlight for me, and I’ve loved sharing the (true!) stories that inspired them! Thank you for those who have shown so much kindness & support and if you’d like to read “Takes from the Manor” and experience this cosy, spooky journey, the link to order is below: ❤️

See you in 2025! 🤩🤗

The Nightmares ~ Artwork & Christmas Read!

Brr, it’s cold outside (typical UK!) so what better way to celebrate than by reading something gothic & cosy over Xmas? ❤

What are your fav book features? I made sure to add gold foiling & ribbons inside my little hardcover creations! It doesn’t change the content, but it certainly adds a little happiness to the reading experience I think! 🙂

Showcasing the little horrors artwork for ‘Tales from the Manor’ that correspond with each of the stories in the book. Which are your favourite? 🙂

If you’d like to get your hands on a copy & have it delivered in time for Christmas (either for you or a loved one!) scroll below. The full link can also be found in ‘Tales from the Manor’ tabs!

Nightmares abound… (Violet)
The Doll ~ (Kary)
Night at the Carnival ~ (Tony)
The Crypt ~ (Peter)
Serving of Greenflies ~ (Dinah)
The Grandmaster ~ (Tony)

Paper, hardcover & e-book versions are all available for you to choose from! ❤ If you are based in the UK and would like a signed copy, feel free to send a message over in the ‘contact me’ page.

Stay warm friends! Kate x

Celebrating Christmas ~ Tales & the festive spirit

Christmas is finally around the corner! Are there any festive books on your radar?

They say to write what you want to read and this time I was really yearning for that gothic, historical cosy feeling, with a bit of the uncanny (also to try my hand at writing a psychological horror!) Especially as the cold, dark, winter months are upon us!

I was inspired by more traditional folk tales, as well as some more of the unique eerie, Victorian Literature based around this season! You’ve got your dolls and dream terrors, but also more fantastical, gothic romance.

If you end up picking ‘Tales from the Manor‘ either for yourself or a loved one this Christmas, firstly thank you! and secondly, I hope you enjoy this journey.

Let me know if you’ll be reading ‘Tales from the Manor‘ (I’ll probably be dipping into it during the Xmas week!) & we can do a buddy read together! 🙂

Festive book tree using my hardcover creations!

Click video below to see the book in more detail:

Lots of love, Kate x

Artwork ~ a look inside Hartshaw manor & grounds!

‘Tales from the Manor’ is officially available on Amazon, and as a little thank you for supporting my work, I have uploaded the second batch of unseen before internal artwork for the Manor & their inhabitants ~ significant parts of each of their story (see captions for Chapters) that might give you more of an impression of the sights and sounds the friends experience on their spooky stay! Enjoy, and please feel free to leave a comment on your favourites ❤ I would love to hear your thoughts!

Luscious Manor roses
The Library ~ Peter
Carnival Ghosts ~ Tony
Manor Corridors
Lost in the grounds ~ Dinah
Hell Loop ~ Manor gates

Press ‘follow/subscribe’ below if you’d like to receive further free artwork sent directly to your inbox in the coming weeks. My instagram will also have further news, reels, and more ~ ‘Tales from the Manor’ is the perfect cosy, eerie Xmas gift for any gothic loving friends in your life, and right in time for the festive season too! 🙂

Link to order in time for Christmas:

Inspired by true events…

In these five stories, the gothic awaits. From eerie oil paintings that come alive, devilish dolls, and a sinister game of hide and seek; there are more than creepy crawlies that lurk in the crevices of Hartshaw Manor. The secrets the structure holds will keep anyone up at night. But is it the work of mischievous spirits, or are they merely horrors conjured from their own frenzied imaginations?
Join Dinah, Peter, Kary, Tony and Violet as they each spend an unforgettable night deep in the folds of the British countryside.

Read on if you dare, because we’ve saved the best till last…

Stay tuned for the HORRORS, which are coming in the next e-mail!!

Release Day!! ‘Tales from the Manor’ is OUT!!

EEE!! ‘Tales from the Manor’ (or TFTM!) is finally out today! ❤ I’m beyond excited to share it with you all! It is available to order on Amazon on e-book, paperback AND hardcover right this second! (link below!)

November was a wait and a half and I was so impatient for you to get your hands on it! This is for all you friends who share the love for eerie, yet cosy gothic reads, set in rural/country houses, and don’t mind a collection of short stories to get you through these chilly (or downright freezing!) winter months 🙂

Do pop a comment on Goodreads/Amazon if you’d like to share your thoughts, or just message me, I’d be delighted to have a chat with you about it (and finally reveal to you which stories were based on real life LOL!)

Synopsis:

“In these five stories the gothic awaits.

From eerie oil paintings that come alive, devilish dolls and a sinister game of hide and seek; there are more than creepy crawlies that lurk in the crevices of Hartshaw Manor. The secrets this structure holds will keep anyone up at night. But is it the work of mischievous spirits, or are they merely horrors conjured from their own frenzied imaginations?

Join Dinah, Peter, Kary, Tony and Violet as they each spend an unforgettable night deep in the folds of the British countryside.

Read on if you dare, because we’ve saved the best till last…”

Link to purchase:

Lots of love x

Artwork reveal ~ Hartshaw Manor Chambers!

So excited to reveal some of the unseen artwork for ‘Tales of the Manor’. You will get glimpses inside the gothic suites the five friends are staying in… which coloured chamber would you choose? Comment below! 🙂

The Cardinal Suite ~ Peter
The Sienna Suite ~ Tony
The Imperial Suite ~ Dinah
The Juniper Suite ~ Kary
The Windsor Suite ~ Violet

Stay tuned for more artwork coming your way, that corresponds with each of the 5 stories in ‘Tales of the Manor’! Release date *3rd Dec!* ❤

Official look at ‘Tales from the Manor’!

It’s a gloomy old, wet Monday here in UK! The temperature has plummeted and it surely feels like winter has arrived. Comment below something good that’s happened in your life recently? 🙂 For me, I can finally hold the official copies of my new book in my hands, and that’s a cause for celebration ~ For those of you who have shown interest already in the collection- THANK YOU! ❤

The time for release is almost upon us * 3rd of Dec * and the weather already suits the vibe lol >.< perfect if you want to curl up nice and cosy and dip into a collection of gothic, short stories! 

If you missed the floor plan & snippet of the first story, you can find it under my tabs above! I actually can’t wait because some of the stories are based on true events, (as unsettling as that is) and I’m excited to see if you can guess which they are! 

Synopsis:

“In these five stories the gothic awaits. 

From eerie oil paintings that come alive, devilish dolls and a sinister game of hide and seek; there are more than creepy crawlies that lurk in the crevices of Hartshaw Manor. The secrets this structure holds will keep anyone up at night. But is it the work of mischievous spirits, or are they merely horrors conjured from their own frenzied imaginations?  

Join Dinah, Peter, Kary, Tony and Violet as they each spend an unforgettable night deep in the folds of the British countryside. 

Read on if you dare, because we’ve saved the best till last…” 

Have a great Monday friends! ❤ If you’d like to continue to follow the process and journey of publication, and receive new artwork in the next post, press ‘Follow’ to get updates directly to your e-mail 🙂

Until next time…here’s a little preview for what is to come: