The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown

A dual-timeline murder mystery set in an English country manor, when an ambitious professor discovers the long-lost manuscript of a Reformation-era prophetess.

Historian Alison Sage has made a groundbreaking archival discovery—she found a manuscript containing the prophecies of a 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton’s prophecy condemning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn led to her execution and the destruction of all copies of her prophecies—or so the world believed.

With Alison’s discovery, she is catapulted to academic superstardom and scores an invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium, a week of research among a select handful of fellow historians at a crumbling manor in England, located next to the ruins of the priory where Elizabeth herself once lived.

What begins as a promising conference turns into a nightmare as the eerie house becomes the site of a murder. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect, and it seems that answers lie at the root of a local legend about centuries-old hidden treasure. Alison’s research makes her best-suited to solve the mystery—but when old feelings resurface for a former colleague, and the stakes of the search skyrocket, everyone's motives become murky.

Alison’s cutthroat world of academia is almost as dangerous as Elizabeth Barton’s sixteenth-century England, where heretics are beheaded, visions can kill, and knowing who to trust is a deadly art. The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a thrilling novel, crackling with the voices of the past and propelled by a mystery that will leave readers in suspense until the very last page.

Kindle Edition, 307 pages

Published April 14, 2026 

by St. Martin's Press

3/5 stars

This is my first time reading Jennifer N. Brown, the premise drew me in: a dual-timeline mystery connecting a present-day academic who discovers a lost manuscript to its author, Elizabeth Barton, a real sixteenth-century nun who prophesied against Henry VIII.  Dual timelines is a trope I always enjoy, and the way Brown connects the two centuries was interesting.

Present day there is Alison, she is presented as a brilliant academic, but I found myself wishing the page backed that up a little more.  Elizabeth, a woman whose visions and convictions put her directly in the path of danger. I found myself thinking that sometimes, especially in sixteenth-century England, it might have been wiser to keep both your mouth and your visions to yourself.

The story-line itself held my interest, but I found the characters a little flat on both sides of the timeline. The plot kept me reading, though I wouldn't call it unputdownable,  it was the kind of book you're happy to pick up but not desperate to get back to.

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a story of conviction, determination and treasure, yes there is a treasure, or is there really? 

A solid debut with an interesting historical thread. 

My thanks to St. Martin's Press (via NetGalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn

From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes a deeply moving novel following the transformative journeys of two women walking entwined paths on a legendary route across Europe a generation apart.

Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight. Seventeen years later, she still carries that grief. When her budding journalism career takes an unexpected turn, it leads her to the ancient five-hundred-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain. Now she finds herself embarking on the same pilgrimage that her father made at her age, unaware of how profoundly it will change her.

Back in 1997, Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run. Fleeing from her boarding school, she heads straight for the Way of Saint James. She’s heard the Camino will provide. And so it does, in the form of a handsome young American and the promise of a new life. But it could all fall apart if her troubles catch up with her.

One woman is coming to grips with her past; the other is grasping for her future. But as each treads the same hallowed trail, it will knot their destinies together in a most miraculous way.

Kindle Edition, 295 pages

Expected publication October 1, 2025

 by Lake Union Publishing

4/5 stars

I enjoyed Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn and jumped at the chance to review this her latest.  Call of the Camino was a rewarding read. Set along the famous Camino de Santiago, this novel is as much about the journey of the soul as it is about the miles walked. I was immediately pulled into the pilgrimage atmosphere with its breathtaking landscapes, the mix of strangers becoming companions, and the way each step seemed to bring the characters closer to their truths.

Layered with multiple perspectives each character carried its own secrets and struggles and slowly watching these unfold added a richness to the story and emotional depth. The central mystery kept me turning the pages,  I enjoyed how the past and present wove together seamlessly, giving the book a sense of both urgency and reflection. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about your own journey and what you carry with you along the way.

Like I said this is only the second book I’ve read by Suzanne Redfearn, but it’s convinced me to dive deeper into her backlist. If Call of the Camino is any indication, there are many more powerful, heartfelt stories waiting.

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same.

New York City, 1978: Eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.” Though Annie soon realizes she’ll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana’s capricious demands and exacting standards.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening.

As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they’re to have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

Hardcover, 339 pages

Published January 7, 2025

 by Dutton

4/5 stars

It felt good to not only get back into historical Egypt and the Valley of the Kings, but also to read a Fiona Davis book. It has been a while and once I started reading, I felt the familiarity of why I enjoy her stories.

This dual time-period story alternates between Egypt 1936 and New York City 1978. I love both time periods, the historical one because I have a soft spot for Egypt having had the privilege of touring Giza once while on a cruise. In 1978 it was a refreshing change reading a time-period without the distraction of social media, cell phones, etc.

The Stolen Queen is a story of two women from vastly different backgrounds, but each connected to the Met, specifically the department of Egyptian art. I love the history lesson on Hathorkare, whom I knew nothing about. I enjoyed getting a glimpse at the agricultural digs and also the illegal activity of stolen artefacts and fakes.

The Stolen Queen is a story of women ahead of their time, it has an intricately woven mystery, there is deception, and lost treasures. Released earlier this year. I highly recommend this book to those that like historical fiction off the beaten track and strong women.

My copy was obtained through my local public library with the audio via my Spotify account.

The Champagne Letters by Kate Macintosh

Perfect for fans of bubbly wine and Kristin Harmel, this historical fiction novel follows Mme. Clicquot as she builds her legacy, and the modern divorcee who looks to her letters for inspiration.

Reims, France, 1805: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot has just lost her beloved husband but is determined to pursue their dream of creating the premier champagne house in France, now named for her new identity as a Veuve Clicquot. With the Russians poised to invade, competitors fighting for her customers, and the Napoleonic court politics complicating matters she must set herself apart quickly and permanently if she, and her business, are to survive. 

In present day Chicago, broken from her divorce, Natalie Taylor runs away to Paris. In a book stall by the Seine, Natalie finds a collection of the Widow Clicquot’s published letters and uses them as inspiration to step out of her comfort zone and create a new, empowered life for herself. But when her Parisian escape takes a shocking and unexpected turn, she’s forced to make a choice. Should she accept her losses and return home, or fight for the future she’s only dreamed about? What would the widow do?

Audiobook, 9 hours, 36 minutes

Published December 10, 2024 

by Blackstone Pub

3.5/5 stars

The Champagne Letters is a dual time period story taking place in France.

For Natalie Taylor, a recent divorcee, she takes an impulsive trip to Paris that sets her on a journey of self discovery. But it is a journey that isn’t easy with many bumps along the way. It is at a book stall that she discovers a collection of letters published by Barbe-Nicole Clicquot written in 1805. 

This was an audio read for me with the narrator being Cassandra Campbell and Jackie Sanders. Both are ones I’ve listened to before and have enjoyed. Again they brought the story to life with the required accents to make it as authentic as possible.

The Champagne Letters is a story or rather a journey for two women on their own and the decisions they make that will form their future. I’m glad I went the audio route, it was easy listening with emphasis on the wine market or rather champagne house in France.  I liked both characters and both storylines the same and like how they parallel each other.

Released just this past December it is readily available in all formats and I recommend for those that like their historical fiction with travel and relevant subject matter. Oh and yes I loved the fact that Clicquot was a real historical figure - yes I googled her.

I was able to obtain the audiobook via my library through CloudLibrary

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Two women a century apart are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance from bestselling author Carrie Turansky.

Paperback, 368 pages

Published September 26, 2023 

by Bethany House Publishers

4/5 stars

I will confess that it was the cover that drew me to this book, along with the secret diary and dual time period story. Both are a couple of my favourite reads.

Taking place first in 2012 as antiques appraiser Gwen travels to Longdale Manor.  It's there that she finds a 100 year old journal, which gives clues that point to a connection to her own past. In 1912 Charlotte begins writing in this journal and tells of her family's painful secrets.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor is a story of two women, a century apart with similar journeys. Each time period has its own secrets, faith journeys, and mystery, as well as some romance. This is my first time reading a Carrie Turansky novel. It’s a well written story about shattered faith and reconciliation, challenges, as well as healing and forgiveness. It was an entertaining, feel good read. I am glad that I took the chance on a new author and will definitely be on the lookout for more of her works.

My thanks to Graf-Martin Communication for a print copy in exchange for a honest review.

The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Four women. One family heirloom. A secret connection that will change their lives—and history as they know it.

Present Day: Julia Baxter’s wedding veil, bequeathed to her great-grandmother by a mysterious woman on a train in the 1930s, has passed through generations of her family as a symbol of a happy marriage. But on the morning of her wedding day, something tells her that even the veil’s good luck isn’t enough to make her marriage last forever. Overwhelmed and panicked, she escapes to the Virgin Islands to clear her head. Meanwhile, her grandmother Babs is also feeling shaken. Still grieving the death of her beloved husband, she decides to move out of the house they once shared and into a retirement community. Though she hopes it’s a new beginning, she does not expect to run into an old flame, dredging up the same complicated emotions she felt a lifetime ago.

1914: Socialite Edith Vanderbilt is struggling to manage the luxurious Biltmore Estate after the untimely death of her cherished husband. With 250 rooms to oversee and an entire village dependent on her family to stay afloat, Edith is determined to uphold the Vanderbilt legacy—and prepare her free-spirited daughter Cornelia to inherit it—in spite of her family’s deteriorating financial situation. But Cornelia has dreams of her own. Asheville, North Carolina has always been her safe haven away from the prying eyes of the press, but as she explores more of the rapidly changing world around her, she’s torn between upholding tradition and pursuing the exciting future that lies beyond Biltmore’s gilded gates.

In the vein of Therese Anne Fowler’s A Well-Behaved Woman and Jennifer Robson’s The Gown, The Wedding Veil brings to vivid life a group of remarkable women forging their own paths—and explores the mystery of a national heirloom lost to time.

Hardcover, 416 pages

Published March 29th 2022

 by Gallery Books

4.5/5 stars

The Wedding Veil was a fun and entertaining read for me. I really enjoyed the author's previous book, Under the Southern Sky, it was my first time reading a Harvey book, I will definitely be reading more.

The Wedding Veil is more than the story of Julia and her upcoming wedding. Cut short with startling revelations she embarks on her honeymoon alone. This book is told not just from Julia‘s point of view but also her grandmother, Babs, who is still grieving the loss of her husband. Going on a journey with these two was enjoyable to read, to watch their progression as life changes and to see the outcome. I love Babs, I loved her wit, strength and character.

Jump back to 1914, Edith Vanderbilt, also a recently widow is struggling, trying to keep afloat the Vanderbilt legacy, as well as the mansion.

I love the historical aspect, I don’t know much about the rich and famous in the US but the Vanderbilt name evokes money and power. The Wedding Veil is a story of three women, their strengths and weaknesses and how they overcame in ways we wouldn’t expect.

Kristy Woodson Harvey has turned into a go-to author for me, I love her writing style, the southern charm and how she weaves various time pieces together in what looks and feels effortlessly. I read this book when it was first released, how I missed reviewing until now was an oversight. I highly recommend both the author and this book.

I obtained this book from the library but honestly I wish I had bought it to put on my shelf.

Review: Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

It was called "The Titanic of the South." The luxury steamship sank in 1838 with Savannah's elite on board; through time, their fates were forgotten--until the wreck was found, and now their story is finally being told in this breathtaking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis.

When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she's shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can't resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.

Everly's research leads her to the astounding history of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together, and the extraordinary stories of two women from this family: a known survivor, Augusta Longstreet, and her niece, Lilly Forsyth, who was never found, along with her child. These aristocratic women were part of Savannah's society, but when the ship exploded, each was faced with difficult and heartbreaking decisions.

This is a moving and powerful exploration of what women will do to endure in the face of tragedy, the role fate plays, and the myriad ways we survive the surviving. 

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published March 9th 2021 

by Berkley

4.5/5 stars

Surviving Savannah was one of my highly anticipated books of 2021.  I can't really explain other then between the author, THAT cover and the historical story this was a preorder for me.  My instincts were correct.

Even though this was a slower paced story I found it captivating.  I love reading pieces of history that I'm unfamiliar with, which was the case with the Pulaski sinking.  One might think being only 30 miles off the coast isn't that far but it's 1838 with no way to call for help.  Told between Lilly and Augusta a vivid picture was painted of what could have happened along with the physical and emotional trauma that went with it.  There were times I questioned the pace but in the end I understood and appreciated looking at the whole picture when I finished the book.

Present day is the story of Everly, and while the blurb doesn't give much of the story away (thank you publisher) she under takes a journey during her research.  I loved the historical part, learning more about Savannah in both the past and present day.  Its a place that has been bumped up higher on my bucket list. Suffice to say I really enjoyed reading this book.  It wasn't one I rushed through but savored the writing and getting to know some wonderful characters and places to visit.

"You know," he said finally, "not everyone who survives trauma becomes a better person.  The idea that surviving brings everyone to a new and better place is a lie told by people who need the world to make sense."

The book ended with some wonderful author notes and a chapter on resources and facts which I found informative and sent me off to google on a quest for pictures.

This book was part of my 2021 Reading off my Shelf Challenge.

Audio Review: Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman

From the author of Wildflower Hill, this breathtaking novel travels more than a century between two love stories set in the Australian seaside town of Lighthouse Bay.

 In 1901, a ship sinks off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The only survivor is Isabella Winterbourne, who clutches a priceless gift meant for the Australian Parliament. This gift could be her ticket to a new life, free from the bonds of her husband and his overbearing family. But whom can she trust in Lighthouse Bay?

 Fast-forward to 2011: after losing her lover, Libby Slater leaves her life in Paris to return to her hometown of Lighthouse Bay, hoping to gain some perspective and grieve her recent loss. Libby also attempts to reconcile with her sister, Juliet, to whom she hasn’t spoken in twenty years. Libby did something so unforgivable, Juliet is unsure if she can ever trust her sister again.

 In these two adventurous love stories, both Isabella and Libby must learn that letting go of the past is the only way to move into the future. The answers they seek lie in Lighthouse Bay.

Audible Audio - Length: 16 hrs and 15 mins

Published January 1st 2017

by Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd (first published 2012)

***

Lighthouse Bay was original published in 2012 and follows two storylines set over 100 years apart. Dual time periods are a trademark of Kimberley Freeman that I love, usually, with a common factor she weaves together interesting tales of secrets, mysteries, and intrigue.

Lighthouse Bay has all the aspects that make a great read, an abandoned lighthouse, old photos, diaries with missing pages that adds to the mysterious factor.  Libby and Isabella have much in common, each having to navigate through changes and confront the past before they can move into the future.  Through different circumstances, Lighthouse Bay is a story of searching, relationships and discovering oneself.

Kimberley Freeman is a go-to for me (yes I have a lot of go-to authors). Though I have the print copy I did go the audio route here. The print copy had a number of pages of interview type questions which gave insight to motivation and writing process. While it isn’t one of my favorite Freeman books it is one I recommend.

This book is part of my 2019 reading off my shelf challenge

click on cover to see my thoughts

The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Rice

Spanning four generations, The Midnight Rose sweeps from the glittering palaces of the great maharajas of India to the majestic stately homes of England, following the extraordinary life of a remarkable girl, Anahita Chaval, from 1911 to the present day . .

In the heyday of the British Raj, eleven-year-old Anahita, from a noble but impoverished family, forms a lifelong friendship with the headstrong Princess Indira, the privileged daughter of Indian royalty. As the princess' official companion, Anahita accompanies her friend to England just before the outbreak of WorldWar I. There, she meets young Donald Astbury; reluctant heir to the magnificent, remote Astbury Estate and his scheming mother.

Ninety years later, Rebecca Bradley, a young American film star, has the world at her feet. But when her turbulent relationship with her equally famous boyfriend takes an unexpected turn, she is relieved that her latest role, playing a 1920s debutante, will take her away from the glare of publicity to a distant corner of the English countryside. Shortly after filming begins at the now-crumbling Astbury Hall, Ari Malik, Anahita's great-grandson, arrives unexpectedly, on a quest for his family's past. What he and Rebecca discover begins to unravel the dark secrets that haunt the Astbury dynasty . . .

A multilayered, heartbreaking tale filled with unforgettable characters caught in the sweep of history, The Midnight Rose is Lucinda Riley at her most captivating and unforgettable.

Paperback, 496 pages

Published March 18th 2014 by Atria Books (first published August 29th 2013) 
ARC provided via netgalley (free of charge) for a honest review
 ***1/2

Isn't that a gorgeous cover?  There is that Gothic, mysterious feel to it.  I love covers and 

have been known to pick up a book just because I love the cover, never reading what the

book is actually about.    

Lately I have been reading more dual time period books (because they are a favorite), this

one beginning in India, with a large part taking place in England.  First introduced to Anahita 

on her 100th birthday it wasn't hard to sympathize with her as she begins her story.  I have to

say that I really enjoyed the 'past' storyline.  It felt genuine, believable and emotional.  How

a world war, friendships, a mothers love (actually more like control) can shape ones future 

and do so much damage.  

The modern day storyline didn't cut it for me.  Rebecca Bradley is a world famous actress,

I couldn't connect with her.  She wasn't given the chance to share her background and 

there was no real opportunity to get to know her better.  The encounters that she  had

lacked depth and feeling.   Its a long book with almost 500 pages and honestly I think 

she could have been excluded and the book would have been a 5 star for me.  The ending 

was rushed and kinda weird.