Although I have described this book as a historical fiction novel, this book covers so many topics, including murder, deceit, secrets, racism, snobbery and mother-in-law issues.
At the very start of the book we are made aware that a body is hidden but is ready to be discovered at Kelly Castle in 1949. This is around the same time as Caro Gillan moves in with Alasdair, the son of the owner of the castle, and their new baby. But how will she cope living with her new mother-in-law Martha?
Alongside the events of 1949, we have an earlier time line featuring the ancestors of Alasdair including Oliver, his grandfather. We learn about how Oliver’s family befriended orphaned girls Louisa and Charlotte and how his mother was keen for him to marry a wealthy woman, rather than to fall in love. So who did Oliver marry and why was her name deleted from the family records?
The historical events in Oliver’s life were fascinating to read, an area of history I knew nothing about. I loved reading Elisabeth’s notes about her research at the end of the book
Both time lines are full of action and secrets, and I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know what happened to Oliver and who had been buried in the grounds. I did have a couple of ideas, but was proved to be wrong.
A beautifully written and emotional read by Elisabeth Gifford that has been added to my favourite books of the year list. Happy to recommend this book.
At the very start of the book we are made aware that a body is hidden but is ready to be discovered at Kelly Castle in 1949. This is around the same time as Caro Gillan moves in with Alasdair, the son of the owner of the castle, and their new baby. But how will she cope living with her new mother-in-law Martha?
Alongside the events of 1949, we have an earlier time line featuring the ancestors of Alasdair including Oliver, his grandfather. We learn about how Oliver’s family befriended orphaned girls Louisa and Charlotte and how his mother was keen for him to marry a wealthy woman, rather than to fall in love. So who did Oliver marry and why was her name deleted from the family records?
The historical events in Oliver’s life were fascinating to read, an area of history I knew nothing about. I loved reading Elisabeth’s notes about her research at the end of the book
Both time lines are full of action and secrets, and I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know what happened to Oliver and who had been buried in the grounds. I did have a couple of ideas, but was proved to be wrong.
A beautifully written and emotional read by Elisabeth Gifford that has been added to my favourite books of the year list. Happy to recommend this book.