Can I just take a minute to appreciate the beautiful, gothic front cover. I love it. It was the cover that initially drew me to the book. Then readingCan I just take a minute to appreciate the beautiful, gothic front cover. I love it. It was the cover that initially drew me to the book. Then reading the synopsis I couldn't wait to get a copy.
Set in 1839, Victorian London. Cemeteries are full and there is money to be made in death, Bonnie and Crawford lead a life of trickery, surviving off ill-gotten coin and nefarious schemes. But one hot evening, their luck runs out. A man lies in a pool of blood at Bonnie’s feet and now she needs to disappear.
As soon as I read the blurb it reminded me of 'Burke and Hare' the infamous Scottish murders who carried out sixteen murders over ten months in 1828 in Edinburgh, Scotland. By initially grave robbing then realising there was money in the business they started producing dead bodies themselves. The horrid morbid business just dragged me in.
The horrid morbid business just dragged me in. This book was brilliant and I was transported right back in time. I actually read the book in one sitting. As the plot unfolded and we saw the manipulation and lies involved coming to light I was so eager to know what was going to happen next.
This is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Macneal but it won't be the last. Her writing style, obvious research of the subject, period and pacing of the book is right up my alley. The fact that things like this actually happened just makes it all the more enjoyable and your hackles raise as you read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Macneal and Picador Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review....more
This book was a great mix of Historical fiction and mystery and family secrets.
In the summer of 1928, a death takes place that will lead to events thaThis book was a great mix of Historical fiction and mystery and family secrets.
In the summer of 1928, a death takes place that will lead to events that change the Challant family forever. The youngest of their children Ines will be plagues with memories that she has buried of that night, long ago. We are brought back to the present day where is starting to rewind her journey and rediscover the truth of what really happened. On the surface they look like the perfect family as as the book flows the cracks begin to show.
Set in the family summer house on the French Riviera we are swept away by the opulence. This is a very well written book with in depth characters that keep you turning the pages waiting to see what the outcome would be. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely look out for other books by the author. I really enjoyed her writing style, especially as she weaved between the timelines,
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
The Nightingale's Castle is an historical fiction novel, based on the true story of Erzsébet Báthory also known as the blood countess, who is rumouredThe Nightingale's Castle is an historical fiction novel, based on the true story of Erzsébet Báthory also known as the blood countess, who is rumoured to have murdered 600 peasant girls who were in her employ.
The story is based in 1610, Hungary and it is a thrilling gothic tale. I have to say I have never heard of the Countess before, but after reading this book I have realised that she was rather infamous. The author has obviously done her research very well ,and beautifully mixes history with a little artistic licence. I enjoyed the pace of the book and writing style. It is the first time I have read the author but I will definitely look out for other books in the future. The front cover of the book is also very beautiful and it definitely made me want to read it.
The book is very dark and disturbing in places, I think due to it being based on real life invests but it just makes the reading all the more interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Set in Meirionydd, Wales in 1783. Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post at a prestigious London hospital where he worked as a surgeon and lectSet in Meirionydd, Wales in 1783. Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post at a prestigious London hospital where he worked as a surgeon and lecturer. Having only had one offer of employment for a wealthy family in Wales, he leaves to start a fresh. Arriving at Plas Helyg he realises that things here are very different from London.
Julian his employer is rarely at home, spending time in London or at his mines in the local village. Linette Tresilian, the unconventional mistress of Plas Helyg, lives a lonely life and has become self sufficient having only herself to reply on, she is very aloof with Henry. Her Mother also resides in the house who is rumoured to have defects of the mind. And the locals are not happy that there is a new 'English' doctor in the village, who is a man of science. They are superstitious bunch who still have a rich belief in myth and magic and do not welcome his presence. Henry soon realises that things are not as they appear at Plas Helyg, nor are it's residents.
I did enjoy this book, but I definitely expected a more occult, gothic horror that I actually got. The opening chapter of the book had me gripped and was spine chilling but after that the book just seemed to turn into more of a mystery, with the odd reference to the occult. Which I found rather disappointing. I wanted to be kept on my ties and scared whilst reading, this didn't happen Whilst the book is full or twists and turns which kept me reading, I was still rather miffed with the ending, it just seemed a little too quickly wrapped up. I did enjoyed the authors writing style, and she has obviously done a lot of research into Welsh folklore which shows. Being of part Welsh descent I really enjoyed this. Also I have to say I love the cover of the book and Merlin the dog was a lovely little addition for me.
I would rate the book 3.5 stars. I did enjoy it but expected it to be more gothic horror.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and PanMacillan publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my Thank you to NetGalley and PanMacillan publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is set in 1589. It is a turbulent time at home and abroad, as witchcraft is on the rise and King James is convinced they are all conspiring to uproot him from his throne.
It is a beautifully written, somewhat haunting book based on true historical events, which follows the story of three very different women, living very different lives in a time when it was dangerous to be a woman. During 16th century North Berwick witch trials .
Princess Anne of Denmark is betrothed to King James VI of Scotland – a royal union designed to forever unite the two countries. But first, she must pass the trial period: one year of marriage in which she must prove herself worthy of being Scotland's new Queen. If the King and the Scottish royal court in Edinburgh find her wanting, she faces permanent exile to a convent. Determined to fulfil her duties to King and country, Anne resolves to be the perfect royal bride. Beside her is her servant and loyal maid Kirsten Sorenson who has travelled to Scotland with her from Denmark,. And Jura a young healer taught to her by her mother in the ways of old who is herself accused of witchcraft.
This book will appeal to all fans of historical fiction and witch trials in general. The description of some of the happening to these poor women who were persecuted due to a lot of the time peoples naivety and superstition is almost barbaric in places so some sensitive readers might find it difficult to read.
Having been to Edinburgh, Scotland and North Berwick I really enjoyed the scene setting and different locations in the book as I could see myself transported back to the 16th century and how different things would have been and looked at that time.
A really enjoyable book and I will definitely look out for the authors other works in the future....more
This was a brilliant end to the highland myths series. Lord Varrick is the Legendary Highlander who has well-earned the myth centered around him. He isThis was a brilliant end to the highland myths series. Lord Varrick is the Legendary Highlander who has well-earned the myth centered around him. He is known for his endless victories in battle, his fearless skill as a warrior, and his soulless nature. In a bid to save his clan he is in search of a witch.
Fia, is a gentle and gifted healer from a long line. The locals have branded her a witch. In a bid to get rid of her and keep his people safe, Her clan chief makes a deal with the legendary highlander Lord Varrick to marry her.
I really enjoyed this book the characters are so well written and the chemistry between them works really well. I will definitely be reading some of the authors other series as I believe some of the character make other appearances. A brilliant series full of romance and a little bit of magic....more
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mThank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Life-long friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate are following in the footsteps of their families, working at the Clarks shoe factory in the Somerset village of Street. When war is declared in 1914 the village is shocked. It is a close nit community and the war against Germany is causing a divide. The Clark family who own the factory are Quakers and pacifists and do not believe in war. Whilst a lot of the villages men go of to fight for King and Country, it’s left to the women to keep the factory going, alongside some of those men who because of religious or politic views won’t be signing up.
I really liked this book, it brought back so many memories from when I was a child and my Nan who lived through both the first and second world wars would tell me of going to work in the munitions factories whilst the men when away to fight. The men might have been fighting for their lives abroad but so were the women, who were fighting to keep a home going and put food on the table for those left behind all the while worrying if their husbands, sons, lovers would even return.
I grew up in a small Britain city, where a Clarks factory dominated the skyline until the late 80's. It employed a large number of the town and was how lots of local people made their bread and butter. So I was really interested to read this book....more
I think most people brought up in the UK will remember those famous lines. Remember, remember the 5th of November, gun powder treason and plot. As chiI think most people brought up in the UK will remember those famous lines. Remember, remember the 5th of November, gun powder treason and plot. As children back in the 80's when I was growing up, would have a 'Guy Fawkes' ready to throw on the bonfire. And fireworks are still released in this day on the 5th November in remembrance of the gun powder plot.
It is still a big part of British history which is why I was really interested to read this book told from two very different periods of time and connected by Crestwell Hall. The dual timeline story switching back and forth from 1605 and the present day. The writing style and the obvious research the author has done is brilliant and really draws you into the story.
Hearing this story from a woman point of view was a really interested concept and something I really enjoyed. It always amazes me when you hear of things happening like this, did their families know? were there wives involves? Women can do amazing things to protect their families.
I really enjoyed this book and the historical characters throughout. I will definitely look out for more books by the author in the future.
Did anyone else google Cresswell Hall to see if you can still visit?
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
The book is set over dual time periods. Firstly, we start in a war torn Rome in 1943 then it flits back to the present day.
Zara a palliative care nurThe book is set over dual time periods. Firstly, we start in a war torn Rome in 1943 then it flits back to the present day.
Zara a palliative care nurse is called home by her sister to take care of her ailing grandmother who 98. When she arrives back home, it transpires that it is actually her Sister, Gina who is dying after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Zara settles back into the childhood home that she loves and is made to promise by her grandmother that she will help he clear through the attic as she wants to find somethings from her past before she leaves this earth. In the attic Zara finds a diary taking her back to 1943 and reads the heartbreaking story of Isabella and Mia, two very brave Italian women who tried to help both their country and their fellow countrymen and women when the Germans took up occupation in their city.
This is such a beautifully written book, which has taken me on an emotional roller coaster and made me ugly cry. It is filled with very brave and determined women who made a difference to many lives.
Whilst the book is very sad and heart wrenching in places, it is filled with humour and not at all doom and gloom. Zara turns up at her Nonnas with 3 dogs in tow and a van. She also finds love where she least expects it, and gets a happy ever after. ...more
Jade aka MrsTosh
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