| Title | : | The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0063075431 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780063075436 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published April 1, 2021 |
Madame Burova--beloved Tarot reader, palmist, and clairvoyant--is retiring and leaving her booth on the Brighton seafront.
After inheriting her mother's fortune-telling business as a young woman, Imelda Burova has spent her life on the Brighton pier practicing her trade. She and her trusty pack of Tarot cards have seen the lovers and the liars, the angels and the devils, the dreamers and the fools. Now, after a lifetime of keeping other people's secrets, Madam Burova is ready to have a little piece of life for herself. But she still has one last thing to do--to fulfill a promise made in the 1970s, when she and her girlfriends were carefree, with their whole lives still before them.
In London, it is time for another woman to make a fresh start. Billie has lost her university job, her marriage, and her place in the world when a sudden and unlikely discovery leaves her very identity in question. Determined to find answers, she must follow a trail...which leads to Brighton, the pier, and directly to Madame Burova's door.
In a story spanning over fifty years, Ruth Hogan has conjured a magical world of 1970s holiday camps and seaside entertainers, eccentrics, heroes and villains, the lost and the found. Young people will make careless choices which echo down the years....but it's never too late to put things right.
The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova Reviews
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Madame Burova is a Tarot card and palm reader, and while I have neither of those skills I still might be able to predict if you’ll like Ruth Hogan’s latest novel or not.
Yes:
- You enjoy dual-timeline stories. Here one is set in Brighton in the 1970s and one is in present-day London.
- Mystical, magical realism-adjactent elements appeal, as Madame Burova’s psychic talents make her at home among a colorful cast of entertainers at a holiday camp on the Brighton Pier.
- You’re interested in adoption journeys, because readers follow the story of Billie as she learns upon the death of her father that she was actually an abandoned baby that he and her mother took in.
No:
- You cannot handle any storylines about the mistreatment of animals. There’s a poor, abused and neglected Collie referenced throughout the novel, and while the resolution of that thread is satisfying, it’s still hard to read.
On the whole, The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova is a lovely story for readers of character-driven fiction. I’ve only read one other book by Ruth Hogan, but my crystal ball tells me there are more of them in my future.
3.5 stars rounded up.
My thanks to the author and William Morrow / Custom House for the advance readers copy to review via NetGalley. The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova is now available.
Blog:
https://www.confettibookshelf.com/ -
4-5 stars.
There are two central characters in this multilayered latest novel from the talented Ruth Hogan. The first is obviously Madame (Imelda) Burova, Tarot reader, palmist, clairvoyant and keeper of secrets since 1972 when she took over dukkering from her Romany mother Shunty Mae on Brighton’s beach front. The second is Billie who discovers in adulthood on the death of her much loved parents that she is a ‘foundling’. The story is told between 1972 and now as we eventually learn the truth about Billie’s parentage.
This novel takes a little more getting into than usual with this author, mainly because there are a lot of characters. However, once you establish who is who were off and it’s a very enjoyable ride. There’s a lot going on in the storytelling but the threads come together extremely well as it reaches a lovely conclusion. There are quite a lot of themes, such as love between Imelda and Cillian Byrne the Wall of Death rider at Larkin’s Holiday Camp where they meet. There’s racism in the 197O’s directed at adorable mixed race Treasure and his treatment at school makes your blood boil especially as he is such a kind boy. There’s the casual sexually inappropriate advances of the predatory and far too handsy manager at Larkin’s. The mystery of Billie is central to the storyline and brings all the themes together extremely well. I love how Billie finds herself and her voice through this journey of self discovery. There’s a brilliant scene in a railway carriage where you realise the hidden depth of her personality and I love the humour of this encounter - there’s always plenty of clever humour peppering a Ruth Hogan novel. There’s a fantastic mix of characters from bitchy self centred Vivienne to adorable Henry the pianist. What can I say about Madame Burova except that she utterly fabulous and I fell under her spell immediately. One of the authors greatest strengths in her novels is her ability to craft wonderfully colourful and memorable characters. Even the peripheral ones such as Clive the ‘MI5 agent’ are extremely well depicted. I must mention the dogs too, who wouldn’t want to steal the divine Dasha the Borzoi in the 70’s or Mabel in the present day. They feel almost human and I love how they interpret their owners mood so accurately!
Overall, I really enjoyed this once I’d established the cast of characters. I love the connections from the past to the present and how it all plays out. I love the outcome and it’s one I wholeheartedly approve of!! I hope some of the characters will feature again in the wonderful Brighton setting.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to John Murray Press for the much appreciated arc for an honest review. -
I’m a big fan of Ruth Hogan’s character driven books. How can she create so many memorable deeply layered, vivid, realistic characters with extremely interesting back stories? Sometimes reading them make me forget the center of the story but it’s worth it! She’s quiet meticulous
story-teller takes us to fulfilled journeys at different time zones.
This time I had a little hard time to concentrate on my main story because I’d enjoyed to read multiple characters’ adventures ( Vivien, Cillian, Clive, Henry, Treasure etc.) which entertained me a lot even though I should have kept my focus on Madame Burova and Billie.
Let’s focus on the plot line: this book intercepts two different time zones and multiple deliciously enjoyable characters. One of is taken place in 70’s Brighton, as the other one is taken place in present time’s London.
In 70’s Brighton, we’re introduced to Imelda Burova, an eccentric tarot reader, clairvoyant, palm reader, who is ready to get retired after 50 years. She’s keeper of secrets. What happens in her tent stays in tent located in Brighton seafront. But something is bothering her for a long time: an envelope she keeps in her box of the secrets should be delivered to its recipient.
In the present time, we’re introduced to Billie, suffering from her losses including her job, her husband and now she loses her father which brings out a big secret makes her question her own identity. To answer her piling up questions, she follows the traces and her path crosses with Imelda who may be the only one can give her the ugly truth.
There are so many realistic and lovely character portraits drawn you into this story and enjoy the each chapter. Billie was my favorite! I loved to see her self growth and the way she finds her own voice and inner power!
It’s always pleasure to read a new novel of Ms Hogan and I’m looking forward to read the new ones in near future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House/ William Morrow Paperbacks for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts. -
This is a very sweet and pleasant book, the fourth that I've read by the delightful Ruth Hogan.
This novel is told in two timelines:
1970s when Imelda Burova has just taken over the dukkering (Romany word for fortune telling) booth from her mother. She reads the Tarot cards, peers into her crystal ball, and knows the answers to all of her customers' questions. She has taken a side job with some of her friends working for a holiday camp and is enamored with Cillian, the stunt rider, who may be equally as taken with her.
Present day when Billie's father has just died and she discovers that she is adopted. Information points to Madame Burova, and when Billie goes to find her, old secrets begin to come to light.
Although this is a lovely read, there's nothing extra special about it. In fact, my main disappointment is that the "big reveal" of the identity of Billie's birth parents occurs off the page, so we don't even get to experience Billie's reaction.
Hogan's strengths are through characterization, all of her novels are filled with quirky and interesting characters. I would have liked a bit more background and depth from some of them, as with her previous books. Even Madame Burova's readings were kind of glossed over, that would have added some of Hogan's usual magical realism to the story that was kind of lacking in this book. Another one of her usual strengths is here, but not in as much detail or with as much heart as I was hoping--the idea of a found family, a family centered around friendship rather than solely through blood relations. Carving out those found families is one of the things that keeps me coming back to Hogan's novels time and again, but this one is not nearly as touching as
The Keeper of Lost Things or
Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel
I still think this is a worthwhile read because Hogan's books are so comforting and heartfelt. A warm hug on a cool fall or winter day.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. -
I’ve become a huge fan of Ruth Hogan’s whimsical and insightful books! The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova is her newest.
You just have to meet Madame Imelda Burova, a fortune teller reading Tarot cards and palms in Brighton. I remember seeing fortune telling businesses on the side of the road while I was growing up, but I don’t often see them now? Anyone else? Imelda inherits her gift, as well as her business, from her mother.
Now she’s ready to retire after a lifetime of work, but there’s one last item on her to-do list, and it has to do with a promise she made in the 1970s.
You also have to meet Billie, a character to love and cherish who has a history that connects to the fortune teller.
This rich story takes place over 50 years. I loved the seaside and holiday setting. I also enjoyed the important theme of it never being too late to right a mistake. There’s a light mystery, adding building tension to the story. Overall, this delivered exactly what I’ve come to expect from Ruth Hogan, and I cannot wait for her next book. Also, I love how all her cover designs complement each other. 😍
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog:
www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram:
www.instagram.com/tarheelreader -
This book was an absolute delight to read. As soon as I heard it was a book about a beloved woman that reads palms, tarot card and is clairvoyant...I knew I needed to read it! I mean just look at that cover!
I am a big fan of dual time lines and this did a fantastic job of taking us from the 1970s and then to the present time.
1970's - a baby is found on the steps of Madame Burova's booth on the Brighton seafront...abandoned by her mother...
Flash forward to present time...Sadly Billie's parents have passed away...with a secret they have kept all those years...Billie is the baby found on the pier...yet she didn't know it...what?! So many questions!
As Billie searches for answers to her past...Madame Burova may just hold the key...except she is holding that secret close to her heart.
This was a very well spun mystery. I didn't know exactly how it would pan out until the very end. The characters were quirky and likable.
I loved the journey we took with Billie and I loved the ending!! Extra points for all the dogs!!
Thank you so much to Bibliolifestyle and William Morrow for this gorgeous gifted copy!! It was an absolute pleasure to read. -
I found this to be a very enjoyable book and one which lingered in my mind after I had finished it.
The main character, Imelda, is a Tarot card reader and one with a genuine talent to 'see' the future. I wished the author had made much more of this, but the main theme of the book really follows Billie who has only just discovered that she was a foundling and that Imelda may know the secrets she needs to discover her real parentage.
The story is told in two time lines and the reader is left guessing throughout the book as to which of the many players are going to be the mother and the father. I guessed the mother easily but the author plays a bit of a trick on us regarding the father. The solution in the end is perfect and left me feeling happy.
Lots of smiles, a few tears. Not quite as brilliant as
The Keeper of Lost Things or
Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel but still very good indeed. -
When Billie Marie’s father dies, the secrets and lies he left behind begin to unravel. His daughter, following the instructions her father left for her, is to visit one of his old connections, a tarot reader in Brighton, Madame Burova. A woman who 'knew where the bodies were buried. She had spent a lifetime keeping other people’s secrets.' Over time it had weighed on her spirit, and left her weary.
Madame Burova is aware of Billie Marie’s background, and has something left with her to pass on to Billie Marie - a trust fund from her biological mother. There is nothing for Billie Marie that identifies who her biological mother had been. The letter does, however, indicate that Madame Burova had known her biological father, and would like to meet with her, but allows that it is Billie Marie’s choice, and that she will abide by her decision.
This wanders back and forth through time, sharing Madame Burova’s younger years in the 1970’s, and the people who were memorable in both the negative and positive sense. She remembers Treasure, a biracial child who was persecuted by others, Cillian the daredevil performer, as well as Vivienne, who is somewhat of a self-entitled diva.
This is the third book of Ruth Hogan’s that I’ve read, and I’ve enjoyed them all. I loved the journey this took me on, as well as how it was shared from multiple views, allowing for multiple themes, as well. Friendship, devotion, romantic love, familial love and the ugliness of prejudice, while offering the best that life offers us, as well. A journey of the lost, and the found.
Published: 21 Sep 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by William Morrow and Custom House / William Morrow Paperbacks
#TheMoontheStarsandMadameBurova #NetGalley. -
This is the first Ruth Hogan novel I have read, but it will certainly not be the last.
Madame Burova follows Imelda and Billie. Imelda is a tarot card reader, palmist and clairvoyant who has had to keep many secrets because of her trade. Shortly after the death of Billie's father she discovers that the life she was living wasn't the entire truth. The two women's worlds come together in a story full of secrets, love and hope.
The novel jumps between the current day and the 1970's (with a brief period in the 1990's). At first I found this difficult to follow, but once I got into the swing of things, and was able to identify and remember the characters, I enjoyed it. I liked that both the past and the present unfolded at a similar rate, to create an overarching story.
I also loved the characters that Ruth Hogan created. They were unique, vivid and diverse. I became so immersed in their lives that I truly felt like they had become my own friends.
I particularly enjoyed the sections based in Larkin's holiday park, which reminded me of my own family trips away as a child. This book is an excellent feel-good read, with many mysteries thrown in. I didn't want to put it down and found myself devouring the pages. It also touched on some really important topics in a profound and moving manner. I love the way that Ruth managed to tie up all the loose ends, it gave a really satisfying and heart-warming ending.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys easy to-read novels. I want to thank Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. -
After reading and LOVING Hogan's The Keeper of Lost Things a few years ago, I was so excited to get my hands on the ARC for her latest novel, Madame Burova.
I am just starting out my reading career with regards to fantasy novels, and whilst this has some elements of magic in it, I expected more of the content to be centred around Imelda's clients and her readings, which it wasn't. Imelda was coming to the end of her career so it frustrated me a little when people's readings were glossed over. It was much more character driven and not as plot driven as I would have liked.
It has to be said, maybe my reading has altered over the years and I need more engagement or maybe I have less patience because my life restricts my reading more than it used to.
Ruth Hogan is a great writer and I continue to chase the wonderful qualities I found in The Keeper of Lost Things. -
Ruth Hogan, bestselling author of “The Keeper of Lost Things” is the Queen of up-lit fiction and her latest novel “Madam Burova” is no exception. I have adored Ruth’s previous books and couldn’t wait to read this one. The intriguing premise, like no other I’ve read before, had me chomping at the bit to get started and with a tarot reader with a name like Imelda Burova, you just know she will be a character with character!
Madame Imelda Burova - tarot reader, palmist and clairvoyant is retiring and leaving her booth after fifty years on Brighton’ seafront. She has spent a lifetime keeping people’s secrets and her silence has come at a price. Imelda is weary of other people’s lives, she needs some peace and a life for herself. But before that, she has to fulfil a promise she made a long time ago. Meanwhile in London, Billie has lost her job, her marriage and her parents are now both dead but she has suddenly discovered something that puts her identity in doubt. To follow the trail of clues, it may just take her to Madame Burova’s door and a remarkable past world that features the lives of many a wonderful and unique character.
Set intermittently between two timelines, now and early 1970’s, where life in Brighton was full of holiday camps and seaside entertainers. You truly enter a world that transports you to an authentic happy place of time in the UK but which sadly also features a cultural, social and political society filled with racism and work place sexual harassment. Ruth Hogan conveyed these subjects with empathy and an obvious first hand knowledge.
This novel is pure perfection and as like her other books, had me choked many a time with emotion. Incredibly atmospheric, I saw myself walking along the promenade enjoying the sights and sounds of Brighton’s eclectic lifestyle. Pure beauty and tremendous storytelling.
I was saddened to learn that the author’s parents both died whilst she was completing this book and the emotions she surely experienced must have made it difficult to finish it but she did and wow! What another beautifully written, utterly exquisite tale with many memorable characters that stay with you forever.
5 stars for a wholly original “Madame Burova”. -
Very heartwarming and sweet! Starting off, there is a lot of characters in this book and a lot of different storylines going on. Once you get it all figured out, it is an enjoyable read. I liked how the storyline goes between the current with Billies story and the past with Madame Burova. I was hoping from the title for a little bit more of fantasy and magic vibes in this book than there were. It took me a little bit to get into the book but overall, it was a great, enjoyable read. The ending was fabulous. Looking forward to reading more from Ruth Hogan in the future.
Thank you Net Galley and William Morrow Custom House for a digital ARC in return for my honest reviews -
This is a gentle mystery/drama with multiple timelines and characters. I love Ruth Hogan's books and this is no exception.
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I was a bit weary going into this audiobook as I tend not to enjoy witchy elements in books. While the book isn't about witches it is about clairvoyant and tarot cards. But I'm glad I gave it a chance as I ended up really enjoying my audiobook experience with this one. Very entertaining and easy to listen to and a lot going on to keep my interest up
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3.45
It is a nice book. I liked the dual timeline and I think they were equally strong.
There's a dash of mystery, but mainly it's about weaving the present and the past.
Overall a pleasant and easy read. -
I could see how this was going to end up and for once called it right, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment 😊 Lovely story!
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"𝙼𝚊𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚊 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍. 𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎'𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚎."
Madame Burova (also known as The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova) by Ruth Hogan is a mystical novel set with a dual timeline, with the two main POVs of Madame Burova (Imelda) and Billie as well as snippets of other characters such as Treasure.
Madame Burova is a tarot reader, palmist, clairvoyant and keeper of secrets. The booth on the promenade has seen many visitors come and go, except for one returning visitor looking for answers that tarot cards can't reveal.
With a character-driven plot and found family, the reader is engrossed in the story and unable to put it down. We see Madame Burova's reluctance to open up about her true love, memories of her taking over the booth from her mother and her ever-growing secret-keeping. We experience Billie's search for answers after her father's passing and her growing friendship with Madame Burova and other characters in the story. This is a story stretching over fifty years but with memories that are as clear as yesterday, events coming together to the perfect conclusion.
"𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜."
Cillian Byrne is one of my favourite characters, he is charming and sweet. This is an enchanting read laced with heartbreak, self-discovery and the beauty of friendship.
Be sure to check the TW for this book.
Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers for this gifted copy. -
To be fair, the only reason that I chose this book was that it was being offered through Amazon Vine, so whilst I suspected that it wouldn't exactly be my cup of tea, because I wasn't having to pay for it, I thought I would give it a go. Overall, I am glad that I didn't purchase it. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad book; it's what I would class as "chick-lit" which is a genre that doesn't usually work for me.
The basic premise is that Madame Burova - or Imelda - is retiring from her booth on the promenade. As a teller of fortunes, and tarot reader, she has been privy to a fair few secrets along her years. And at this time, her life is going to become entwined with Billie; a woman whose parents have now both died, and who she discovers were not her biological parents. But Imelda may be able to help her find some of the answers that she is looking for, she knows who Billie's mother is but was sworn to secrecy not to reveal it.
This was a very light read. I never really felt that there was any drama, or any tension which wasn't all over and done with in the matter of a few paragraphs. Other than the question of Billie's parentage (which, to be fair, I guessed pretty early on anyway), there is little driving force to this novel. Hogan does touch on subjects such as sexism, diversity, rejection and attachment, love and betrayal, but never in a way which goes too deep. And, this is why, for me it would only be a 2 star read - I need more interest, more challenge and more grit from a book. If you are looking for a novel which won't take you too far out of your comfort zone, this may be the one for you. -
Madame Burova is a riveting story and a gem of a read. One of my favourite books is The Keeper of Lost Things and this one is up there alongside it. It's the story of Billie, who's searching for her birth parents and Imelda Burova, the mystic who holds the key to her past, and it's all marvellously done. The way Ruth Hogan portrays her characters is just brilliant; not necessarily sympathetically, but so real that you can't help but care about them. I am still thinking about the story and what happened with the characters even after I have finished reading Madame Burova. This is incredibly good storytelling by Ruth Hogan so don't miss out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from John Murray Press/ Two Roads via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion. -
Ruth Hogan has done it again. Enchanted me with her words. Another great story as only Ms. Hogan can create. There's a large cast of characters with major or minor roles. All easily kept in check. Besides the humans, there are some fur babies and even a few feathered friends. All charming in their own right. And all loved. Big plus!
All the feels are here. Sure, there's some sadness but that's slight in comparison to all the positives this story has to offer. This is one that I'll read again and again. Adding to my "favorites" list along with everything this author writes. -
This novel was easy going bittersweet based in the early 1970's and modern day Brighton of lost love and an abandoned baby and through chance the journey of discovery for the baby to find out who were her biological parents and the relationships of people as the pieces fall in place together.
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DNF @ 52%.
When I realized I was already 50% in with no real attachment to the characters OR the plot, I knew it was time to quit. -
3 stars is generous. I am disappointed in this one. Would not recommend.
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What a lovely book! Truly enjoyed it!
Full review coming soon x -
5⭐
Beautiful book, great novel!
The story evolves around two main characters, Madame Burova and Billie, and a number of secondary, but not less engaging ones.
Imelda Burova is a tarot reader who in 1972 takes over from her mother Shunty Mae to run their sea front booth in Brighton and also starts to work at the local holiday park, getting to meet a lot of interesting people.
Billie is an almost 50 years old woman who, when her father dies, finds out to be a "foundling" .
The story is a dual time-line narration between early 70s and present days, full of wonderfully depicted characters (my personal favourite Clive) who you can't but fall in love with (or despise in certain cases).
Through the plot, with its twists and turns, we get to know the truth about Billie's past and who her real parents are. The main theme is love in all its variations, but other themes are also debated (racism and inappropriate sexual behavior towards women in workplaces).
I really enjoyed this beautiful book, so much that I didn't want it to end!
Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#madameburova #NetGalley -
"Nothing stays secret forever"
Imelda Burova has been a tarot reader, palmist and clairvoyant on Brighton seafront for 50 years and has decided to retire but has to fulfill a promise she made a long time ago.
Meanwhile Billie is divorced, jobless and has lost her beloved parents but has made a discovery and is determined to find answers.
This story spans five decades from the 1970s and Ruth really brings the characters and eras to life. I got completely engrossed. (Plus, it has dogs in it - perfect!)
The last page had me broken and sobbing, in fact I read the last few pages a couple of times as it was so beautiful but sad.
I loved The Keeper of Lost Things and will definitely be looking for the other two novels she has written. Her writing is truly as beautiful as the new cover designs. -
I got this from a book club subscription where all the books are a surprise. Didn't look like my style, but the Brighton setting was appealing.
Only made it a few pages in. I don't do seances, ghosts, taking to dead people.
Next. -
This is a charming story full of secrets that are gradually revealed in the dual timelines. There are a lot of characters, which is a bit confusing at the beginning, but stick with it because you will grow to love (almost) all of them. Although I live in the US and the book is set in the UK, I could definitely relate to many things from the past in the early 1970’s. Overall the book took me on an engrossing journey with a very satisfying ending.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and William Morrow for the ARC.
