My latest book was published on 15th May 2020 as an ebook, and the paperback and audiobook were released on 23rd July. It’s set in France, with the historical parts during the French revolution. This one required quite a bit of research, but it was no hardship to spend some time exploring the Alpes Maritimes where much of the novel is set!
There’s a Pinterest board I used to help inspire me here.
Preorder from Amazon UK
Preorder from Amazon US
Everything is about to change…
1789. Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais, have fled the palace of Versailles for their château, deep in the French Alps. But as revolution spreads through the country, even hidden away the Auberts will not be safe forever. Soon they must make a terrible decision in order to protect themselves, and their children, from harm.
Present day. When Lu’s mother dies leaving her heartbroken, the chance to move to a château in the south of France with her husband and best friends seems an opportunity for a new beginning. But Lu can’t resist digging into their new home’s history, and when she stumbles across the unexplained disappearance of Catherine Aubert, the château begins to reveal its secrets – and a mystery unsolved for centuries is uncovered…
Blog tour begins on 14th May 2020
First review from Jennifer Wilson says the book is “pacey, and a real page-turner, and once I absolutely loved” – thank you so much!
Tessa found the historical story especially “compelling and poignant” – thank you!
On Books, Life and Everything the novel was praised for its plotting: “As you pick up the threads of each timeline, there is no confusion, so deftly is this novel plotted.” – thank you!
A “a beautifully written dual time narrative which takes you back to a dark period in French history” says Jaffa the cat on Jaffa Reads Too – cheers!
“superb to escape into and a real page turner” says a lovely review at Splashes Into Books– thanks!
Jena thought that “from the charming cover to the end of the story, this book is a lovely read” – thank you very much!
Joanna found the book “a fast paced absorbing read” – thank you!
“There’s an excellent mystery at the story’s centre” says Anne Williams – thank you very much!
At Books and Bookends the novel was described as “brilliant escapism” – thank you!
“well researched, intriguing and captivating” said Jess at Comfort Reads – thanks!
“a lovely and heart-warming read” says Donna at Donna’s Book Blog – thank you!
Karen at Go Buy the Book “loved the slow, mysterious build-up leading to a heart-breaking yet satisfying conclusion” – thank you very much!
“A gem of a book” says Sarah at booksandi – thank you!
Jane Hunt found the book “an absorbing page-turning read” – thank you!
Jacqui at French Village Diaries said: “I loved it, and the story stayed with me long after I finished the last page” – thank you so much!
Jessica Belmont liked the descriptions: “The way the setting is described, my goodness…I felt as if I was there” – thank you!
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this novel, and am finding a deep appreciation for historical fiction” says Em at VainRadical in a long and thoughtful review – thank you very much!
Thanks to Sharon for her lovely review at SharonBeyondTheBooks – she said: “I adored this gentle stroll through the previous centuries of France and the interweaving of the two stories was really well done”
Julie at Bookish Jottings has made me blush with her words: “an involving, engrossing and captivating timeslip novel from a gifted storyteller” – thank you!
“I was eager to know when the secrets would be out” says Tiziana– thank you!
“If you love a touch of history with your mystery, then this is the book for you” says Lynne Fellows – thank you!
Sharon at Stardust book reviews said the novel has “a truly mesmerising storyline” – wow, thank you!
Sarah at Sarah’s Vignettes said she “got lost in this story about new beginnings, communal living, a sense of community, and finding yourself” – thank you!
Chelle at Curled up with a good book said “The tale is heartbreaking, eye opening, heartwarming in places and so interesting.” – thank you!
Pam Norfolk wrote a wonderful review, published both on her blog and at the Lancashire Post: “If history, mystery, romance and a soupçon of the supernatural float your boat, set sail with Kathleen McGurl’s enthralling summer read… a beautiful and heartbreaking time-slip story of excess and despair, revolution and revenge set against the stunning backdrop of France’s Alpine foothills.” – Thank you Pam!
Kathleen McGurl 