The Last Party at Silverton Hall - Rachel Burton

 

A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.

Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...

1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...

2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?

Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?

'I was absolutely transported to Silverton Bay... I loved it and wanted to savour every page.' Kathleen McGurl

My Review:

Enchanted by this story from start to finish. I think a combination of setting and characters won me over and I was reluctant to put it down!

I think for a dual timeline to work, both elements have to be captivating, whether by character or storyline but this was written perfectly, the “older” timeline playing out in clever ways, hinting at what was to come, drip feeding tasty titbits. I was fully investing in both stories, although they are both part of one. Vivien and Isobel are both strong women in difficult or uncomfortable circumstances. Vivien promised one life but presented with something she never anticipated; Isobel finding herself at a point where she can reassess her life and reconnect with those she holds close in her heart.

A beautiful story of secrets, choices and opportunities; it highlights the importance of being honest, open and willing to see things from another point of view.

With great writing, strong and likeable characters. I wishes it continued on a little longer; a must read for fiction fans. 

Praise for Rachel Burton:

'Enticing and atmospheric... Packed with love and mystery that will keep you wanting more from the first page to the last' Lauren North, author of Safe at Home

'A wonderful escape... I adored the characters, the headiness of their first loves, and vulnerabilities as they hoped for their own happily-ever-afters'  Jenny Ashcroft

'With her signature nostalgia, swoon-worthy hero and wistful setting, this is a romance to whisk you away any time of the year' Victoria Cooke

About Rachel:

 Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order) and lives with her husband in Yorkshire. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @RachelBWriter

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On Twitter: @RachelBWriter

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachelburton74

On Instagram: @rachelbwriter

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Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Party-Silverton-Hall-ebook/dp/B0B3SCGXYF/

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-last-party-at-silverton-hall/rachel-burton/9781803287256

Where we belong - Sarah Bennett

 

On paper, Hope Travers has an idyllic life.

Living in a bustling farmhouse with her mum, aunt and uncles, cousin and too many dogs to count, surrounded by the breath-taking Cotswolds countryside, she knows she is privileged and protected.

But all families have secrets, and the Travers family are no exception. Their farmhouse sits in the grounds of the Juniper Meadows estate, passed down through the generations and now being made to pay its own way with a myriad of businesses and projects. When a construction crew uncover what appear to be historical ruins, the history of the Travers family is put under ever closer scrutiny as a dig gets underway.

Hope may have found a blossoming romance with local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson who is running the dig, but when things start to go wrong around the estate and family secrets begin to be revealed, Hope wonders if she’s made a big mistake in digging up the past.

My Review:

I had high hopes for this new series from Sarah Bennett and this is a brilliant start. I adored Mermaids Point so was excited to see where we would be next. Juniper Meadows sounds great, I love the idea of some big estate and already can sense there is so much to explore and discover. There are some lovely characters (and already one I could happily not see again) that have created some interesting relationships I am keen to see develop. I wonder what will play out, who will find love etc. 
With family secrets, historic finds, romance and drama; I feel like there is much more to come and I couldn’t be happier. I am already intrigued and love the quirky characters. 
A nicely paced, calm read that pulls you in from the start, I loved the historic element and wonder if more will come from that. I have high hopes for Cameron and Hope, will there romance be a short term or something long lasting? Will any further secrets be uncovered affecting the lives of the family?
A lovely read, realistic and with characters that are believable and interesting. I will look forward to the next!

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3jQEYqg

Author Bio:

Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas. 

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Bookbub profile: Sarah Bennett Books - BookBub