To uncover the past of your new home…

Synopsis

The gripping new historical novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Bletchley Park and The Forgotten Secret.

A heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for centuries.

1784. When Esther Harris’s father hurts his back, she takes over his role helping smugglers hide contraband in the secret cellar in their pub. But when the free traders’ ships are trapped in the harbour, a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers leads to murder and betrayal – and Esther is forced to choose between the love of her life and protecting her family…

Present day. Fresh from her divorce, Millie Galton moves into a former inn overlooking the harbour in Mudeford and plans to create her dream home. When a chance discovery behind an old fireplace reveals the house’s secret history as a haven for smugglers and the devastating story of its former residents, could the mystery of a disappearance from centuries ago finally be solved?

Sweeping historical fiction perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kathryn Hughes and Tracy Rees.

My review

Millie Galton has just divorced very amicably from her husband and just bought a place that is totally ‘her’. Being a former inn, it’s logical that the building needs a lot of renovations. As Millie loves the history of the place, she wants to keep the charm of it. When renovations are taking place, and the house reveals its secrets behind an old fireplace, Millie becomes more intrigued by its past.
A past that involves a young woman, Esther Harris, that in 1784 was helping out her father not only in their pub, but also in helping smugglers to hide the contraband in their cellar.
But when a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers starts, involving murder, Esther must decide what to do: follow her heart and the love of her life? Or protect her family and friends?
While Millie tries to find out what happened with her new home, she also has to choose who to believe: her kind and welcoming neighbour, or trust her instinct and trust Nick, who is responsible for her renovations?

I always love reading this author’s books, and discovering how different timelines can be entwined in one story.
And even if smugglers and contraband in that era is not something I know all about, it surely intrigues me!

I immediately liked Millie, and not only because she is also a cat – person. It a nice change reading about a couple separating, but still deeply cares about each other and truly remain friends after a marriage that wasn’t meant to be.
It was lovely to see how Millie finds her dream house, with character and age, in desperate need  of some TLC.
Moving to a new place isn’t easy, and also recognizable. I understood Millie desire to become friends with her neighbours. But I admired her also how she disregards some ‘nice’ advice and just follows her guts.
Help is nice but not always something to be followed. So I cheered on her when she decides to follow her gusts and trust Nick.
Even if I am not into history and dark past, I was just like Millie intrigued by the past of the house. And loved going on a journey with her.

Which brings us to Esther and her tale…
Her story was definitely a sadder one, but also a stronger one. Not only has she lost her mother, but also her brother is away and her father is facing some health issues.
As their pub is being used by the smugglers, I admired how Esther, disguised as ‘Blue’ helps out in what is seen as a work for men.
And that is what I admired in Esther, because right from the start she shows her capability of working and doing what is required.

While doing her job and duty, Ester also finds herself recipient of the affection of two total different men. And while my heart was also set on one man, I saw together with her the good in each man, but also the not so nicer parts.

This story is about two strong women, connected through time by Fate. Their paths couldn’t be more different, yet they are also very similar. There isn’t a thing they wouldn’t do for those close to them, even if that would mean sacrifice themselves. They give everyone a fair chance without prejudice and let people show our ladies their true nature. And with the acceptance of our main characters, it’s just impossible not to be genuine and show them every bit, even the hurtful ones.

I loved reading about these two women, about the hardship of the past and present. But also about the fierceness of people, especially women, their determination and strength to do no matter what for love.

The pages flew through my hands as I was eager to figure out what else was going to happen to these two women. Proof that this author managed again to write a captivating story!