We are returning to France for another great summer read by Gillian Harvey . The Village Cafe in the Loire was published by Boldwood on July 12th. High-flyer Becky Thorne cannot believe what she’s being told. She doesn’t need to be signed off for burnout! Life has been a bit chaotic lately, that’s all. As if dealing with her enviable job and permanent meddling from her mother aren’t enough, she’s also inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, complete with sitting tenant who refuses to budge. But nobody stands in Becky’s way! Ignoring her best friend Amber’s advice, she decides to storm over to France and sort the tenant out. Then she can finally get the café sold and jump back on the career ladder. What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change. Not to mention the village and the secrets it holds about her past. Becky’s path to succes...
The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh #Review
‘The Brandon blood is dark with lies and treachery and as it
flows through my heart, my vow is this: they will all pay.’
Hampton Court Palace 1530s
Anne Brandon has always understood the power of a king’s patronage and, though the court of Henry VIII is a dangerous place for women, as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne feels safer than most. But Anne’s husband Lord Powis is tiring of her childlessness and when Henry VIII begins plotting to rid himself of a queen in his quest for an heir, suddenly Anne’s life is in danger. And as whispers of the name of her friend Anne Boleyn get ever louder, there is peril in every loose word, every forbidden conversation.
Pembrokshire Present Day
Caroline Harvey has spent years helping her grandfather, the reclusive bestselling novelist Dexter Blake, hide from his legions of fans in his home on the Pembrokshire coast. After his death, the vultures begin to circle Dexter’s fortune. When Caroline’s ownership of the house she has inherited is called into question, her research into its history reveals it was once owned by Anne Brandon who had sought refuge there. Intrigued, Caroline is determined to discover why Anne fled the court of Henry VIII.
Two women divided by centuries but joined by secrets and courage. And when a twist in their histories threatens them both with the same fate – losing the man they love – their revenge will be the same too. Because there’s no one mightier than a woman underestimated or more powerful than the need to save those they love.
Bestseller Alexandra Walsh is back with a compelling, captivating insight into the Tudor court through the eyes of a woman who had only her guile to keep her alive. Perfect for all fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory, Anne O’Brien and Elena Collins.
My Thoughts
I loved following the two stories of these strong women. The Tudor story thread took you straight back to those times, full of period detail. In addition, you came to appreciate the place of women in the politics of the time. Disregarded by some, their talents were overlooked as they were treated by some as mere pawns as part of the family power struggle. In marriage, the lands and wealth of even the most aristocratic women were taken over by their husbands. They may have enhanced their husband's status through their own family connections but it was the men of the family who made the decisions. Of course what Anne's story showed was the 'soft power' of the females. They ran the houses and organised a large household. They facilitated the lives of their men.
The present day story around the life of Caroline was quite different in tone. However, she too was in the background, facilitating her grandfather's glittering literary career. Without her, there would have been no book series. Now that she has the chance to set out on her own ambitions, you realise that past secrets could harm her future.
The two women complement each other with the strength of their personalities.The setting links both lives across the centuries, resulting in an engrossing read for readers of historical fiction.
In short: secrets and mysteries across the centuries
About the Author
Alexandra Walsh is the bestselling author of dual timeline historical mysteries, previously published by Sapere. Her books range from the fifteenth century to the Victorian era and are inspired by the hidden voices of women that have been lost over the centuries. Formerly a journalist, writing for national newspapers, magazines and TV, her first book for Boldwood will be published in Spring 2023.
You can follow Alexandra here:
Facebook: @themarquesshousetrilogy
Twitter: @purplemermaid25
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Bookbub profile: @acwalsh69
Thanks to Alexandra Walsh, Boldwood and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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