A Tale of Two Sisters

by Merryn Allingham

When Alice Verinder’s beloved sister Lydia goes missing, Alice boards the Orient Express bound for Topkapi Palace in Constantinople, determined to find her. Lydia was governess to the Sultan’s young children and though her letters spoke of exotic delights and welcoming hosts, the reception Alice receives is decidedly cold and answers unforthcoming. Now, as Alice digs deeper into the secrets of a land foreign to her she has only Englishman Harry Frome to help her. But as their search uncovers unforeseen dangers and exposes an unexpected ardour, is Alice ready for the truths they’ll uncover?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2019

About the author

I was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.

I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.

I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.

My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo Publishing and Merryn Allingham for giving me the chance to read: A Tale Of Two Sisters..
The book is a based around the story of two English sisters Alice and Lydia Verinder's in the early 1900's.
The book is classed as historical fiction saga, but it's also a mystery and the front cover of the book is beautiful.

Lydia travels to Constantinople to work as a governess for the Sultans two daughters , but her sister Alice becomes concerned when she suddenly stops writing.
Alice's is given some money by her Aunt to go on a holiday to Venice and have a much needed break from her parents.
Alice decides to travel to Constantinople to try to find out what happened to her sister and along the way she meets the handsome Harry Frome.

The story is very interesting, it has many twists and turns, and it keeps you guessing until the end to find out what happened to Lydia?
I enjoyed A Tale Of Two Sisters, it's a great story, full of interesting facts about life in Turkey at that time, the culture, the food, the Sultans harem, travel on the orient express, and living in the palace.
I gave the book three stars, I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this story and the mystery will keep you reading until the end. There is also a sweet romance. It had some wonderful descriptions of the bazaars and the buildings. It tells the story of Alice looking for her sister, Lydia but there are also flashbacks to two years previous and what Lydia was doing. Lydia was the type of person to get involved in political movements, without thinking her actions through and whereas previously Alice got her out of trouble, Alice wasn’t with her in Turkey. Alice seems to be the one everyone in the family relies upon. There is a strong family bond and Alice is determined to find Lydia. There are a number of facets to this story, a few surprises and some tense and heartbreaking moments. This is well worth a read.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read

The book was set in Constantinople, Turkey, before the First World War and the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Englishwoman Lydia is a tutor for the two princesses in the palace. After not hearing from Lydia for months, Alice travels from London to Constantinople on the Orient Express to find Lydia. What Alice finds is a beautiful city, described very well by the author, palace intrigue, her sister's child and a love of her own. What happened to Lydia? I shall not spoil the mystery. The author's mechanics were good, but I wanted more history than romance. How did one travel on the Orient Express from London to Constantinople across the English Channel? Had one character not plainly said that one could travel from London to Constantinople via that train, it would not have been an issue. But, since it was said, I had to know how. There were no similar mysteries concerning the how and why of matters concerning the Ottoman Empire.

Thank you, Ms. Allingham, for a good read.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the early twentieth century Turkey, and is so beautifully written you feel a part of the time and culture…

I found this to be a well plotted tale with enough mystery and twists to keep you engrossed and guessing right to the end..

Lydia and Alice are sisters, but so different in outlook. Lydia is driven by what she feels is inequality and is full of life, but still a not quite ready for what life throws at her. While Alice, is a homebody, and looks out for her family first and foremost….but who is the brace one in the end?

This is not a fast paced read, but one to settle down to and enjoy….it’s full of history with the mystery of Lidia’s disappearance adding to the suspense….with a little romance too…..a lovely, deep and emotion packed read.

Thank you to Canelo for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book because I'm in love with Istanbul and was happy to read a book set in this town.
I liked this book even if the characters sometimes grated on my nerves, especially Lydia.
I loved the evolution of Alice and I like the well written cast of characters.
The plot was engaging and entertaining, the historical background well researched and I loved the descriptions of the Topkapi.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Wytzia Raspe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sister disappears in early 20th century Constantinople

The switching of the stories between the two sisters makes for a bit difficult bonding with the heroines. Some of the colour local felt odd. Like a prince is called a shehzade and not a sultan too. And the same for the Valide where sultan will be placed behind the name. I was also surprised when it was said the water was far from Topkapi and you could walk easily to Dolmabace palace as it is quite a walk and you need to cross a bridge into Galata.

[Toast · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read considering the period and the place and I found myself learning a lot about Constantinople. It was a very atmospheric story, very readable and yet the reader was held at arms length by the narrative.
Toast

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told story of sisterly love, impetus youth, and evil. The Tale of Two Sisters is set in the vibrant historical background of early twentieth century Turkey. Full of vivid imagery and intricate historical details, you can imagine the opulence and the culture the two sisters experience.

The plot is believable and well thought out, the twists and turns, which keep the reader guessing are plentiful and the mystery keeps its terrible secrets to the end.

Lydia is a woman before her time, driven by political equality, yet naive and ill-equipped for what she becomes embroiled in. She is selfish and flawed, but her exuberance and zest for life’s experiences make this forgivable, Ultimately she becomes a heroine.

Alice is the antithesis of her sister, dependable, selfless and resigned to subjugating her needs for the good of her parents and sibling. She is easy to empathise. Her courage is notable and as the story progresses her adventurous and impulse qualities come to the fore, making her share more with her sister than you would first imagine.

Gentle pacing reflects the many obstacles Alice faces as she tries to discover her sister’s whereabouts. Told from both sisters’ points of view, the story is full of emotion, historical interest and suspense, as the mystery surrounding Lydia’s disapperance is solved. There is also a tender, unexpected romance, which adds extra depth to the story and allows its ending to be hopeful.

If like me, you love historical fiction with a mystery to solve, and just a touch of gentle romance, this lovely tale will draw you in.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Gail Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two close sisters travel by The Orient Express to Constantinople but for different reasons.
Lydia takes a job as a Governess to the Sultan's two daughters but she's stopped writing to her sister Alice. Alice decides she needs to look for her sister but she doesn't tell her family of concerns.
On arrival at the palace, Alice doesn't receive the answers to her questions regarding her missing sister.
The book flits between the two sisters stories.
Interesting facts are thrown in within the fiction.
An interesting insight into life in Turkey in the early 1900's.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Recommended for those who enjoy women’s fiction and tales of the Turkish Orient."

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story highlights the clash of cultures, family disagreements and secrets, and doesn't end in a nice, tidy happy-ever-after. Even though it may seem as though the ending ties up all the loose ends nicely, there is still losses to deal with in the family. I cannot tell from reading this book, how true to reality the various customs/practices are. So I waver between a 2 star and a 3 star, and settle on a 2 star for now.

[Gloria Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely book thoroughly enjoyed this book though there was some very sad parts to the story Still a very good book to read In 1905 Lydia goes abroad to work but then goes missing In 1907 her sister Alice goes off to see if she can find her theres a shock and terrible news waiting for her when shes investigating

[J.G. Harlond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Verinder is the sensible, responsible sister: the one who thinks it is her role to care for her ailing parents in their sad Pimlico home. Lydia is the impulsive, dynamic sister: a suffragette who has been caught throwing stones and had to escape the country – all the way to Constantinople. Between them lies the ghost of a much-loved brother, a joyful spirit who has recently died in a university prank. Quiet Alice, the spinster in Pimlico, lives for Lydia’s letters from the Topkapi palace, where she is supposed to be working as a governess. When the letters stop Alice becomes uneasy, then determined to find and save her wayward sister, as she has done many times before. But this time it is far, far more difficult because when Alice finally arrives in the palace, to which she is made welcome, she can find no trace of her sister, and no one willing to suggest where Lydia might be.
Alone in an alien environment, Alice turns to a diffident yet somewhat brusque Englishman called Harry Frome for help. Harry works in the palace library, a quiet occupation that has some very disturbing connections. The library, like much else related to ex-patriot life in Constantinople, is controlled by the large, over-bearing and sinister Valentin Boucher, who Alice fears is involved in Lydia’s disappearance. As Alice and Harry begin to investigate Lydia’s secret life, they know they are being followed, a situation that draws them together and helps them find affection – but otherwise puts their own lives in danger.
A Tale of Two Sisters is a gently exciting good read. Told from the two sisters’ different points of view, this is the sort of old-fashioned story that implies the worst without exaggeration or explicit sex and violence – although they are all there. A chocolate box novel with sharp spikes and unexpected twists and turns. Highly recommended for those who enjoy women’s fiction and tales of the Turkish Orient.
This review was written for Discovering Diamonds.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was being generous with two stars. I suppose when you are completely indifferent to what happened to the missing sister Lydia (or even Alice as well), then a novel has failed completely. I suppose it is no coincidence that the wayward sister in this book has the same first name as in Pride and Prejudice. I love Alice's sense of priority it is more important to protect her parents from knowing that Lydia is gone AWOL than actually doing something about it. She was lucky a random aunt just showed up and said you could do with two weeks in Venice [which is not that far from Constantinople] so off she goes making sure not to tell anybody (even the police) as secrecy is more important than actually finding her.

The absolute howler was the section of the grave yard with the big neon sign (OK maybe not a sign) saying "area reserved for secretly burying people you have murdered". Wow that was lucky and even more so that the grave yard attendent watched the whole event.

If I wanted to hide a log book that would send me to prison for a zillion years, I don't think I would hide it under some loose floor boards in somebody elses office. But I suppose the author though hiding the necklace under the piece of wood in the window sill worked so well she would try it again. How that book just magically appeared in the last few pages was amazing. I suspect the author forgot about that storyline and had to stick it in somehow.

I love Harrys cool move! Alice was traumatized by the knowledge that her sister was probably dead and in consoling her he made his move. And Alice "yum that was nice lets have more of that". So much for the sister!

How big are the wheels on the Orient Express? She made it sould like they were about five metres diamater with the faffing in trying to sneak on board.

Nothing wrong with the writing, it was just a rubbish story.

[Eloise Robbertze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Tale of Two Sisters by Merryn Allingham is an historical mystery / romance novel set in Constantinople (Turkey) during the early 20th Century.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the country and the customs of the people. You can easily imagine the majestic opulence of the Topkapi, and the beautiful, demure women in the harem. Ms. Allingham has created characters that grow in maturity and develop in personality and I love this. The two women are both flawed yet intimately relatable and I felt I could be friends with both of them.

The story is told from both points of view. It is filled with emotion and both women are the heroes at the end of this novel. The historical details are fascinating and intriguing. The ending is also very satisfying.

I would certainly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance.

#netgalley #ataleoftwosisters #merrynallingham #canelo

[Susanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read Merryn Allingham’s Flora Steele cozy mystery series, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with A Tale of Two Sisters. It is historical fiction, taking place in England and in Constantinople in the late 1800s.

Alice’s younger sister, Lydia, had taken a position as governess to two daughters of the royal house, but after a while her letters home stopped. Alice is busy taking care of her ailing parents, being the dutiful spinster daughter. Then an aunt comes to visit and insists Alice take a vacation because she’s worn out, and she promises to stay to take care of the invalids. Alice agrees to visit Venice, but instead she goes to Constantinople in search of her sister.

Intrigue ensues, and Alice finally unravels Lydia’s secrets and make some significant life changes of her own.

[Natalya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I enjoyed this one, mainly because of its location. I could really picture Turkey and Topkapi in my head. I also liked that it switched between Lydia and Alice's viewpoints.
I felt like the mysterious Valide Sultan could have had more of a role, she had the potential to be very interesting but wasn't featured much. Valentin Boucher was shown to be highly unpleasant, but I wish in the end we could have seen if he really did meet his comeuppance. It didn't feel like the story was completely tied up, and it left me wondering what happened after they left Constantinople. Nevertheless it was a good read.

[Viola80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storia carina con una Istanbul affascinantissima di inizio 900, scorci e snodi narrativi tutto sommato non banali e un finale piuttosto inaspettato o quantomeno non prevedibile. Questo è l'esempio di come un romanz(ett)o con poche pretese se scritto e gestito con garbo e un po' di respiro, lontano dai soliti luoghi o stereotipi, possa essere davvero riuscito. L'avesso scritto Lucinda Riley sarebbe un best seller tradotto in mille lingue. Merita di essere letto.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather slow start but enjoyed the second half. Set in Constantinople in 1907. Lydia goes out to Turkey to work as a teacher in the palace and her sister, Alice who is still at home to look after their parents starts to fret when she doesn’t hear from Lydia. She goes out there to try to discover what has happened but comes up against an uneasiness in discussing Lydia. Can she get to the bottom of her disappearance?

[Cel Jel]

An independent woman looks for adventures and travels to Istanbu to act as tutor. She does not come home and her sister deceives her parents and Aunt and travels to Istanbul to try to find to try to find her sister or what happened. I listened to the audio book, and quite enjoyed it.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fantastic work of fictional brilliance.

[Sharon Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tale of two sisters

Love historical novels especially with a mystery and suspense attached. This didn’t disappoint. Would have preferred a longer ending. Enjoy!

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story

This is my first Merryn story and I really enjoyed it. A very descriptive and engaging book. I highly recommend this .story. Thanks Merryn

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough tale which never soars but has some good moments

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great storyline that captivates your attention. It has believable characters.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia Verinder, a carefree young English woman who has taken the position of governess at the Topkapi Palace goes missing. Even with no word coming from her, sister Alice, carer of their mother tries to reassure her that Lydia would soon return; with the pressure building Alice gives into their aunt's suggestion into having some time away; not Venice as their aunt had suggested, rather, Alice decides to make the trip to Constantinople with the sole purpose of finding Lydia.

Subtle investigations from the many quarters of the Palace don't reveal anything, the mystery of Lydia's disappearance is treated in an evasive manner, simply dismissed by all. Even when Alice is presented to Rahime Perestu, the Valide Sultan, little substance is revealed. Lydia was obviously loved by all at the Palace and her disappearance is incomprehensible.

Alice has assistance from Englishman Harry Frome who is working at the Palace and together they are able to discover some of the events surrounding Lydia's disappearance revealing also the many dangers surrounding the political events of the time and corruption that she had obviously involved herself in, the consequences shocking Alice.

With dangers increasing and the need to repatriate quickly to England, tickets are arranged for Alice and Harry along with a small bundle of joy on the Orient Express. Surprising herself, Alice who once considered herself too old for romance is happy to discover that this isn't the case.

[Krystal]

The last few chapters will have you on the
edge of your seat.
Romance is in the air,but adventure and sadness too.
The sadness turns to happiness also.
I would love to know what happened to
Alice,Harry and Charlie once they went home!



Chapters 15-29

This story is reminding me of a soap opera(love them).
The more you read it,the more you will say NO WAY.
Will Alice ever find Lydia and if/when she does,
what will the outcome be?


Chapters 11-14

These chapters have me saying
we need to make a call to
Aurora Tea Garden or Nancy Drew.

Alice needs to find Lydia,
Lydia needs to find out why
Paul's mom is nervous/scared,
and who has been following her.
What are these documents
Ismet has spoken about?



Chapters 6-10

These chapters continue on
Alice and Lydia's adventure
(but not together).
A precious gift hidden,but why?
There is a budding friendship,
more questions then answers,
a wait on a call(but not a phone).

I CAN'T WAIT to read more






This is my second reading a book by
author Merryn Allingham.

I like to read 5 chapters of the book and do a
review,until I finish the book.

Chapters 1-5

The vibe the book is giving me is
Christy,
Dr.Quinn Medicine Woman
Or
When Calls the Heart.

I am not getting a clear picture of who
I see Alice or Lydia just yet.

We have just started the book and there is a
mystery and now an adventure.
Where has Lydia gone and why has her letters stopped?
Alice's Aunt Cisse sends Alice on a trip to Venice,
but Alice wants to go to a different place,but why?

Alice meets a stranger aboard the train,
she learns more about her sister,but again
where has she gone?

Alice makes it to the palace and she feels
uncomfortable.

I CAN'T WAIT to read more