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The Guernsey Novels #8
Her Previous Self
Mary, miserable in her marriage to Thomas Carre, a merchant and privateer and living in the new family mansion in Georgian Guernsey.
Lucy, separated from her husband after a tragic loss and now acting as an unwilling sitter for her elderly grandfather, Gregory Carre, who has inherited the same mansion.
Lucy is haunted by Mary’s continued presence in the house and finds herself being pulled more and more back in time. How is it possible for her to live as Mary? To experience scenes from her tragic life? Lucy is forced to come to terms with Mary’s grief as well as her own.
The more enmeshed she becomes the more anxious Lucy is to discover the truth. Why is Mary still restless? What caused her mysterious disappearance two hundred years ago?
And can Lucy move on from her own loss to find happiness again?
Lucy, separated from her husband after a tragic loss and now acting as an unwilling sitter for her elderly grandfather, Gregory Carre, who has inherited the same mansion.
Lucy is haunted by Mary’s continued presence in the house and finds herself being pulled more and more back in time. How is it possible for her to live as Mary? To experience scenes from her tragic life? Lucy is forced to come to terms with Mary’s grief as well as her own.
The more enmeshed she becomes the more anxious Lucy is to discover the truth. Why is Mary still restless? What caused her mysterious disappearance two hundred years ago?
And can Lucy move on from her own loss to find happiness again?
272 pages, ebook
Published August 2, 2021
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Anne Allen
12 books302 followersAnne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. She was born in Rugby, to an English mother and Welsh father. As a result she spent many summers with her Welsh grandparents in Anglesey and learnt to love the sea. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns.
By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.
By profession Anne was a psychotherapist but has long had creative ‘itches’, learning to mosaic, paint furniture, interior design and sculpt. At the back of her mind the itch to write was always present but seemed too time-consuming for a single mum with a need to earn a living. Now retired from the 'day job', there’s more time to write and Anne has now published seven books in The Guernsey Novels series as at April 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 3, 2021
Favorite Quote:
Marriage and motherhood had given Lucy a different view of family and after losing her child and the subsequent breakdown of her marriage, her view had sharpened.
My Review:
This book was a unique hybrid of genres including women’s fiction, family drama, mystery, historical fiction, and a budding romance; and I enjoyed them all. While not my typical read, I enjoyed the tale as well as the variation from my usual habits. Ms. Allen has woven quite a chronicle with writing and storylines that were easy to fall into and featured a cast of likable and relatable characters and detestable villains, an intriguing mystery, and an unusual predicament with tragic and paranormal aspects. It ended a bit too soon for me, I would have liked a bit more, but then I always do when reading a good tale.
Marriage and motherhood had given Lucy a different view of family and after losing her child and the subsequent breakdown of her marriage, her view had sharpened.
My Review:
This book was a unique hybrid of genres including women’s fiction, family drama, mystery, historical fiction, and a budding romance; and I enjoyed them all. While not my typical read, I enjoyed the tale as well as the variation from my usual habits. Ms. Allen has woven quite a chronicle with writing and storylines that were easy to fall into and featured a cast of likable and relatable characters and detestable villains, an intriguing mystery, and an unusual predicament with tragic and paranormal aspects. It ended a bit too soon for me, I would have liked a bit more, but then I always do when reading a good tale.
August 10, 2021
I love a timeslip novel and with this Guernsey series, Anne Allen does them so well. Two hundred years may separate Lucy Stewart and Mary Carre but they are both very unhappy. Lucy, recovering from a recent tragic loss and now separated from her husband, returns to her family home in Guernsey expecting some TLC from her parents however she is greeted with the news that that they are departing on a world cruise and could Lucy look after her elderly and infirm grandfather Gregory Carre. None too pleased, not least because she has never really been close to her grandfather, Lucy has to agree.
Living in the Carre mansion, Lucy experiences some very unsettling times, she hears whispers and is particularly affected by an old painting in her bedroom of Mary and Thomas Carre. Mary looks unhappy and Thomas, well he just looks cruel.
There is partly a supernatural element to this story and I just had to believe the unbelievable and just go with the flow. Lucy was susceptible, grieving for what she had lost, and was the perfect vehicle for Mary’s spirit to tell her story which was an engrossing one of love, betrayal and cruelty. The difference between the two women couldn’t be starker – Lucy, independent and free to make her own choices and poor Mary, born of an age where first her parents decided her life and who she would marry and then she became the property of her husband.
Lucy may have been abandoned by her parents at her time of need, but she has other people around her giving support including Meg, the daily help and cook tempting her with food and some mothering. Molly, the mother of an old friend and a counsellor who helps Lucy cope with her own feelings as well as trying to help with the mystery of Mary’s story. A little bit of my heart went to grandfather Gregory; far from being the cold and aloof man of Lucy’s memory, he was a charming character and one of the stars of the book. Mary was a wonderfully engaging character, as was Lucy, once I had got past my initial misgivings about her being a tad spoilt.
There is a little bit of everything in this book, a little taste of Guernsey’s history told with a vividly described sense of place; an intriguing historical mystery and the final realisation of long held family secrets, all fused together with a contemporary story of friendship, the coming to terms with the past, looking forward to the future and a very nicely done touch of romance. I very much enjoyed it.
Living in the Carre mansion, Lucy experiences some very unsettling times, she hears whispers and is particularly affected by an old painting in her bedroom of Mary and Thomas Carre. Mary looks unhappy and Thomas, well he just looks cruel.
There is partly a supernatural element to this story and I just had to believe the unbelievable and just go with the flow. Lucy was susceptible, grieving for what she had lost, and was the perfect vehicle for Mary’s spirit to tell her story which was an engrossing one of love, betrayal and cruelty. The difference between the two women couldn’t be starker – Lucy, independent and free to make her own choices and poor Mary, born of an age where first her parents decided her life and who she would marry and then she became the property of her husband.
Lucy may have been abandoned by her parents at her time of need, but she has other people around her giving support including Meg, the daily help and cook tempting her with food and some mothering. Molly, the mother of an old friend and a counsellor who helps Lucy cope with her own feelings as well as trying to help with the mystery of Mary’s story. A little bit of my heart went to grandfather Gregory; far from being the cold and aloof man of Lucy’s memory, he was a charming character and one of the stars of the book. Mary was a wonderfully engaging character, as was Lucy, once I had got past my initial misgivings about her being a tad spoilt.
There is a little bit of everything in this book, a little taste of Guernsey’s history told with a vividly described sense of place; an intriguing historical mystery and the final realisation of long held family secrets, all fused together with a contemporary story of friendship, the coming to terms with the past, looking forward to the future and a very nicely done touch of romance. I very much enjoyed it.
August 18, 2021
A delightful read. Evocative descriptions of Guernsey and Herm. An almost predictable narrative arc, nonetheless a good read. As usual, with Allen, once you start, you can't put the book down. Waiting now for Book nine...might have to go back to Book one and read them again.
August 8, 2021
Having read all of the author's previous works of fiction I was eager to read this eighth Gurnsey novel. Once again Anne with her attention to detail transported the reader to Guernsey enabling the reader to feel the atmosphere and background of the story. For example her references to places of interest and the historical connections with smugglers and privateers.
The protagonist Lucy Stewart moves back home to Guernsey following the tragic loss of her daughter Amber to cot death and the resulting breakdown of her marriage. Selfishly her parents leave her to care for her sick grandfather despite her depression. However, caring for him brings them closer together and enables her to learn more about her family history. While looking at a family portrait of a couple on their wedding day two hundred years previous, Lucy makes a connection with the sad-looking bride, and in doing so slips through time and into the life of Mary whose own tragic life is revealed to Lucy.
This is a well-written story that kept me interested to the end.
The protagonist Lucy Stewart moves back home to Guernsey following the tragic loss of her daughter Amber to cot death and the resulting breakdown of her marriage. Selfishly her parents leave her to care for her sick grandfather despite her depression. However, caring for him brings them closer together and enables her to learn more about her family history. While looking at a family portrait of a couple on their wedding day two hundred years previous, Lucy makes a connection with the sad-looking bride, and in doing so slips through time and into the life of Mary whose own tragic life is revealed to Lucy.
This is a well-written story that kept me interested to the end.
August 3, 2021
Her Previous Self by Anne Allen is the eighth book in the Guernsey series. This is the only that book I have read though. I had no problems with just dipping in. There are some references to things that have happened previously but nothing to cause an issue.
A historical fiction time slip novel in which Lucy Stewart has moved back to Guernsey after the tragic death of her daughter and the disintegration of her marriage. Lucy is left looking after her grandfather as her parents leave to go on a cruise. She finds herself haunted by a portrait of Mary a woman who lived in the the same mansion two hundred years previously. Lucy is haunted by Mary’s continued presence in the house and finds herself being pulled more and more back in time. How is it possible for her to live as Mary? To experience scenes from her tragic life? Lucy is forced to come to terms with Mary’s grief as well as her own.
The more enmeshed she becomes the more anxious Lucy is to discover the truth. Why is Mary still restless? What caused her mysterious disappearance two hundred years ago? And can Lucy move on from her own loss to find happiness again?
A tale of two women, divided by history but each have the power to set each other free. As Lucy is dragged into Mary's world she can empathise with what Mary's sadness and she feels her around. She understands that Mary needs her story telling and as it unfolds we experience the brutal life she lived.
A book that is full of emotion as we see Lucy and Mary both attempting to deal with the life they have been handed. The story interweaves both women's stories together so it almost feels like they are as one as the emotions almost overflow from the pages of the book. The amount of sadness I felt for Mary almost made me cry at certain points, that she had to deal with such things really affected me as I was reading. This is a credit to Anne Allen's skill in creating characters that the reader can really feel attached to in a way that you care about said characters and it has the power to affect you.
A very compelling and immersive story that I would recommend if you are a historical fiction lover with a time slip that increases the edge to the story.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Anne Allen for my place on the tour and the copy of the book.
A historical fiction time slip novel in which Lucy Stewart has moved back to Guernsey after the tragic death of her daughter and the disintegration of her marriage. Lucy is left looking after her grandfather as her parents leave to go on a cruise. She finds herself haunted by a portrait of Mary a woman who lived in the the same mansion two hundred years previously. Lucy is haunted by Mary’s continued presence in the house and finds herself being pulled more and more back in time. How is it possible for her to live as Mary? To experience scenes from her tragic life? Lucy is forced to come to terms with Mary’s grief as well as her own.
The more enmeshed she becomes the more anxious Lucy is to discover the truth. Why is Mary still restless? What caused her mysterious disappearance two hundred years ago? And can Lucy move on from her own loss to find happiness again?
A tale of two women, divided by history but each have the power to set each other free. As Lucy is dragged into Mary's world she can empathise with what Mary's sadness and she feels her around. She understands that Mary needs her story telling and as it unfolds we experience the brutal life she lived.
A book that is full of emotion as we see Lucy and Mary both attempting to deal with the life they have been handed. The story interweaves both women's stories together so it almost feels like they are as one as the emotions almost overflow from the pages of the book. The amount of sadness I felt for Mary almost made me cry at certain points, that she had to deal with such things really affected me as I was reading. This is a credit to Anne Allen's skill in creating characters that the reader can really feel attached to in a way that you care about said characters and it has the power to affect you.
A very compelling and immersive story that I would recommend if you are a historical fiction lover with a time slip that increases the edge to the story.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Anne Allen for my place on the tour and the copy of the book.
August 6, 2021
4.5*
Anne Allen’s latest novel in the Guernsey series ‘Her Previous Self’ is described as ‘a moving, atmospheric time-slip story’ and that’s certainly an apt description.
Lucy Stewart has returned to Guernsey after losing her daughter to cot death. The tragedy also signalled the end of her marriage. Lucy and her husband weren’t able to comfort each other and separated. Gripped by depression, Lucy hopes being with family will help her to heal. Her parents, never ones to put others before themselves, have booked a last minute cruise, leaving a reluctant Lucy in charge of her elderly grandfather, Gregory Carre, who isn’t in the best of health.
Lucy is drawn to an ancestral portrait hanging on the wall of her bedroom in the grand but faded Georgian mansion, which has been handed down through the Carre family, and recognises the painting, and the woman in it, from when she was a child. She saw her walk through the wall. And it seems she’s not the only one to have seen the apparition.
Lucy discovers the couple in the painting are Mary and Thomas Carre who lived in the house two centuries earlier. Apparently Mary went missing in mysterious circumstances—there is no record of her death in the family tree—and although it’s thought she ran away from her brutish husband the riddle has never been solved. And he was a brute, as Lucy discovers through her experiences drawn from Mary’s life.
Lucy takes this opportunity to get to know the grandfather she remembers from childhood as severe and unapproachable. Time has mellowed him and he and Lucy get on extremely well. He is eager to learn Mary’s fate, helping Lucy with the available documentation as a close bond forms between them.
Lucy’s and Mary’s stories, although separated by centuries, have parallels that tie them together. Mary’s story is harrowing, interwoven through the narrative as Lucy deals with her own unresolved feelings, together with the unfolding revelations about Mary’s life. The depiction of a woman’s lot all those years ago is all too realistic, at the mercy of the men in her life, be it father or husband, with no recourse.
The island is described as evocatively as always with some added historical details about how Guernsey became a wealthy and successful port and how the elegant Georgian mansions were funded.
Another compelling addition to the series, Her Previous Self can also be read as a standalone. Previous characters are mentioned but without any cause for confusion.
Anne Allen’s latest novel in the Guernsey series ‘Her Previous Self’ is described as ‘a moving, atmospheric time-slip story’ and that’s certainly an apt description.
Lucy Stewart has returned to Guernsey after losing her daughter to cot death. The tragedy also signalled the end of her marriage. Lucy and her husband weren’t able to comfort each other and separated. Gripped by depression, Lucy hopes being with family will help her to heal. Her parents, never ones to put others before themselves, have booked a last minute cruise, leaving a reluctant Lucy in charge of her elderly grandfather, Gregory Carre, who isn’t in the best of health.
Lucy is drawn to an ancestral portrait hanging on the wall of her bedroom in the grand but faded Georgian mansion, which has been handed down through the Carre family, and recognises the painting, and the woman in it, from when she was a child. She saw her walk through the wall. And it seems she’s not the only one to have seen the apparition.
Lucy discovers the couple in the painting are Mary and Thomas Carre who lived in the house two centuries earlier. Apparently Mary went missing in mysterious circumstances—there is no record of her death in the family tree—and although it’s thought she ran away from her brutish husband the riddle has never been solved. And he was a brute, as Lucy discovers through her experiences drawn from Mary’s life.
Lucy takes this opportunity to get to know the grandfather she remembers from childhood as severe and unapproachable. Time has mellowed him and he and Lucy get on extremely well. He is eager to learn Mary’s fate, helping Lucy with the available documentation as a close bond forms between them.
Lucy’s and Mary’s stories, although separated by centuries, have parallels that tie them together. Mary’s story is harrowing, interwoven through the narrative as Lucy deals with her own unresolved feelings, together with the unfolding revelations about Mary’s life. The depiction of a woman’s lot all those years ago is all too realistic, at the mercy of the men in her life, be it father or husband, with no recourse.
The island is described as evocatively as always with some added historical details about how Guernsey became a wealthy and successful port and how the elegant Georgian mansions were funded.
Another compelling addition to the series, Her Previous Self can also be read as a standalone. Previous characters are mentioned but without any cause for confusion.
August 2, 2021
After the loss of a child and the end of her marriage, Lucy Stewart doesn’t believe life could get any worse.
Of course, she’s wrong.
Just two weeks after returning to live with her parents on the Island of Guernsey, they inform her they’re taking a “much needed” three month vacation… and she is charged with looking after the ninety-year-old grandfather she barely knows and fears a little.
Surprised but not shocked by her selfish parents, Lucy feels she’ll never be free of her dark depression. However, life begins to brighten for her as she reconnects with old friends, makes new friends, and finds a loving relationship with her grandfather.
Now if she could just make sense of her connection to the woman in the two-hundred-year-old portrait that hangs in her bedroom.
Lucy learns the woman, Mary Carre, is a distant relative who not only lived in the same house, but Lucy now occupies her bedroom. As Lucy gets more and more glimpses into Mary’s sad and tragic life, she doesn’t know if she’s having visions, actually going back in time, or living a past life. But it doesn’t matter. She feels Mary is leading her to something and she’s determined to find out what.
One of the things I admired most in the story was as Lucy shared her experiences with others, no one called her crazy or bonkers even if they were skeptical. Perhaps it was owing to the lore of Guernsey, but people pulled together to support her instead of shunning her.
A compelling read, Her Previous Self has a great sense of balance with Lucy/Mary. While both women suffered through loss and tragedy, and Lucy’s glimpses into Mary’s life were heartbreaking, I believe Lucy became stronger for it, “seeing” Mary live in a time where having no agency over her life only deepened her misery. But, knowing recovery didn’t happen overnight, Lucy knew she could/would recover and make her own choices and decisions.
Excellent writing and pacing made this a one-sitting read that I do recommend!
Enjoy!
Of course, she’s wrong.
Just two weeks after returning to live with her parents on the Island of Guernsey, they inform her they’re taking a “much needed” three month vacation… and she is charged with looking after the ninety-year-old grandfather she barely knows and fears a little.
Surprised but not shocked by her selfish parents, Lucy feels she’ll never be free of her dark depression. However, life begins to brighten for her as she reconnects with old friends, makes new friends, and finds a loving relationship with her grandfather.
Now if she could just make sense of her connection to the woman in the two-hundred-year-old portrait that hangs in her bedroom.
Lucy learns the woman, Mary Carre, is a distant relative who not only lived in the same house, but Lucy now occupies her bedroom. As Lucy gets more and more glimpses into Mary’s sad and tragic life, she doesn’t know if she’s having visions, actually going back in time, or living a past life. But it doesn’t matter. She feels Mary is leading her to something and she’s determined to find out what.
One of the things I admired most in the story was as Lucy shared her experiences with others, no one called her crazy or bonkers even if they were skeptical. Perhaps it was owing to the lore of Guernsey, but people pulled together to support her instead of shunning her.
A compelling read, Her Previous Self has a great sense of balance with Lucy/Mary. While both women suffered through loss and tragedy, and Lucy’s glimpses into Mary’s life were heartbreaking, I believe Lucy became stronger for it, “seeing” Mary live in a time where having no agency over her life only deepened her misery. But, knowing recovery didn’t happen overnight, Lucy knew she could/would recover and make her own choices and decisions.
Excellent writing and pacing made this a one-sitting read that I do recommend!
Enjoy!
April 9, 2023
Lucy is still recovering from the death of her infant daughter. She and her husband have separated. So when she is asked to take care of her elderly grandfather on Guernsey, she sees it as a chance to recover emotionally and physically. To add to her stress, she starts having blackouts and/or dreams of Mary, an ancestor who is apparently trying to tell Lucy something.
As in several of her previous novels, Allen uses ghosts to tell a story of the past. Also some of the characters from Allen's previous books make an appearance -- Molly, the therapist who works with Lucy, and others. And, of course, there's a nice, hunky, young man who captures Lucy's attentions. These recurrences are features of all Allen'g books and help create the character of the island of Guernsey. I admit this was not my favorite of the 8 novels, but I still enjoyed it. Allen's books are pleasant reads with lots of heart, and they really transport the reader to the island.
As in several of her previous novels, Allen uses ghosts to tell a story of the past. Also some of the characters from Allen's previous books make an appearance -- Molly, the therapist who works with Lucy, and others. And, of course, there's a nice, hunky, young man who captures Lucy's attentions. These recurrences are features of all Allen'g books and help create the character of the island of Guernsey. I admit this was not my favorite of the 8 novels, but I still enjoyed it. Allen's books are pleasant reads with lots of heart, and they really transport the reader to the island.
August 9, 2021
I've read all the stories in 'The Guernsey Novel series, and this one travels further back in time than previous ones but still retains its unique connection to the island. Georgian Guernsey was built on privateering and most likely smuggling. It is against this dangerous background that part of this timeslip story takes place.
Lucy returns to her island home after a tragic life-altering loss that left her broken and depressed. The strain on her marriage proved insurmountable, and she separates from her husband. Her parents, currently resident at her paternal grandfather's mansion, offer little emotional support and leave Lucy to look after her ailing grandparent when they take an extended holiday.
The contemporary element of this story charts Lucy's battle with depression after the loss of her baby. It is emotional and realistic and makes her easy to empathise with. Her vulnerability makes a supernatural experience possible. She feels emotionally connected to Mary, a distant relative who went missing over two hundred years previously.
The timeslip element of this story is cleverly crafted. The two stories are both well-written drawing the reader into different worlds. The story is poignant, and the historical element disturbing, but it's addictive reading because you are invested in the characters.
Guernsey gives this story added uniqueness, both in the historical detail and contemporary imagery.
This is another compelling chapter in this gentle saga of Guernsey life past and present.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Lucy returns to her island home after a tragic life-altering loss that left her broken and depressed. The strain on her marriage proved insurmountable, and she separates from her husband. Her parents, currently resident at her paternal grandfather's mansion, offer little emotional support and leave Lucy to look after her ailing grandparent when they take an extended holiday.
The contemporary element of this story charts Lucy's battle with depression after the loss of her baby. It is emotional and realistic and makes her easy to empathise with. Her vulnerability makes a supernatural experience possible. She feels emotionally connected to Mary, a distant relative who went missing over two hundred years previously.
The timeslip element of this story is cleverly crafted. The two stories are both well-written drawing the reader into different worlds. The story is poignant, and the historical element disturbing, but it's addictive reading because you are invested in the characters.
Guernsey gives this story added uniqueness, both in the historical detail and contemporary imagery.
This is another compelling chapter in this gentle saga of Guernsey life past and present.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
I’m not always a huge fan of time-slips but found the latest Anne Allen read was compelling. It is beautifully written with plausibility, in a 200 year difference between the two main female characters. Set in Guernsey and having visited a few times lovely to recognise many of the places mentioned. I don’t want to spoil this review by giving any spoilers but you will find this draws you in and makes you want to read on. Sad but poignant conclusion to the story and hope that a sequel might well be coming and I can’t wait to read it.
August 5, 2021
“A moving, atmospheric time-slip story” – now that looks like the book for me, doesn’t it? Combined with the Guernsey setting the author always draws so wonderfully well, and the possible treat of coming across some of the characters I’d enjoyed in the earlier books in the series, I already knew this was a book I would enjoy.
Lucy is back in Guernsey following the sad loss of her baby daughter and the disintegration of her marriage that followed: she’s hoping for some recovery time with her parents – never the easiest of relationships – but they decide to head off on holiday, leaving her responsible for the care of her ailing grandfather Gregory, who lives alone in his neglected Georgian mansion. But the hands-on care is managed by others, and she has the opportunity to get to know the grandfather she’d always found austere and forbidding, while trying to rebuild her life by reconnecting with friends from her youth and spending time at the gym. In her room, there is a portrait of the mansion’s original owners, Thomas and Mary Carre, which she’s fascinated by – and then she begins to feel Mary’s presence, with a story she needs to tell, the portrait the catalyst for some distinctly unsettling experiences, and she can’t fully move on with her own life before discovering Mary’s complete sad story.
And what she uncovers really is quite a story – forced into marriage with the brother of a man who was originally her love match, Mary encounters abuse and cruelty at his hands, her suffering only alleviated when she becomes mother to two children she can love. But there’s far more to the story – as well as being a drunkard and a bit of a sadist, Mary discovers evidence of other dark deeds he’s committed, in a particularly dramatic fashion. Lucy knows that Mary’s fate is shrouded in mystery, with the date of her death unrecorded in family history, and she needs to follow her story through to its end to allow Mary the closure she needs and to achieve some of her own.
I’m always a fan of a well-handled time-slip story, and this one most certainly was – the way Lucy interacts with the portrait was particularly effective and original, and something I particularly enjoyed, although I will admit that I did find some of the supernatural elements distinctly disturbing (but I am a bit of a wuss about such things!). The links and echoes between the two stories are very strong, largely through the shared experience of motherhood – and I particularly liked the way Lucy’s ability to move on with her own life depended on the final resolution to Mary’s story. However much a story like this needs a suspension of disbelief, it’s entirely fitting that Lucy experiences Mary’s difficult life rather than simply seeing it – and her whole experience is never less than real and believable, as she is supported by therapist Molly to keep her on an even keel through it all.
The success of a time-slip can depend on equal engagement with both stories – and I will confess I did find the historical story a touch more engaging than Lucy’s own, although her grief was particularly well-drawn, and I enjoyed her tentative steps into a new friendship with a possibility of it becoming rather more. I also particularly liked her new-found closeness with her grandfather – a character I particularly liked – his enthusiasm for finding out the full story of Mary’s fate almost matching her own. Mary’s story is particularly high on emotion, and her story compelling – the author wonderfully recreates the settings and social expectations of the time, Mary is a particularly sympathetic and strong heroine, and Thomas an absolute monster who darkens every scene in which we encounter him.
The other “presence” in the book is, of course, Guernsey itself – the settings were as beautifully described as I’ve come to expect from the author, and it was especially interesting to find out more about the privateering past that funded the construction of those magnificent Georgian mansions. And I was also delighted to find that there were indeed opportunities to meet up with characters from earlier books – Lucy isn’t the first to have experienced a brush with Guernsey’s past – although there’s no need to have read those earlier books to enjoy this one every bit as much as I did. A very enjoyable read – and one I’d most certainly recommend to others.
Lucy is back in Guernsey following the sad loss of her baby daughter and the disintegration of her marriage that followed: she’s hoping for some recovery time with her parents – never the easiest of relationships – but they decide to head off on holiday, leaving her responsible for the care of her ailing grandfather Gregory, who lives alone in his neglected Georgian mansion. But the hands-on care is managed by others, and she has the opportunity to get to know the grandfather she’d always found austere and forbidding, while trying to rebuild her life by reconnecting with friends from her youth and spending time at the gym. In her room, there is a portrait of the mansion’s original owners, Thomas and Mary Carre, which she’s fascinated by – and then she begins to feel Mary’s presence, with a story she needs to tell, the portrait the catalyst for some distinctly unsettling experiences, and she can’t fully move on with her own life before discovering Mary’s complete sad story.
And what she uncovers really is quite a story – forced into marriage with the brother of a man who was originally her love match, Mary encounters abuse and cruelty at his hands, her suffering only alleviated when she becomes mother to two children she can love. But there’s far more to the story – as well as being a drunkard and a bit of a sadist, Mary discovers evidence of other dark deeds he’s committed, in a particularly dramatic fashion. Lucy knows that Mary’s fate is shrouded in mystery, with the date of her death unrecorded in family history, and she needs to follow her story through to its end to allow Mary the closure she needs and to achieve some of her own.
I’m always a fan of a well-handled time-slip story, and this one most certainly was – the way Lucy interacts with the portrait was particularly effective and original, and something I particularly enjoyed, although I will admit that I did find some of the supernatural elements distinctly disturbing (but I am a bit of a wuss about such things!). The links and echoes between the two stories are very strong, largely through the shared experience of motherhood – and I particularly liked the way Lucy’s ability to move on with her own life depended on the final resolution to Mary’s story. However much a story like this needs a suspension of disbelief, it’s entirely fitting that Lucy experiences Mary’s difficult life rather than simply seeing it – and her whole experience is never less than real and believable, as she is supported by therapist Molly to keep her on an even keel through it all.
The success of a time-slip can depend on equal engagement with both stories – and I will confess I did find the historical story a touch more engaging than Lucy’s own, although her grief was particularly well-drawn, and I enjoyed her tentative steps into a new friendship with a possibility of it becoming rather more. I also particularly liked her new-found closeness with her grandfather – a character I particularly liked – his enthusiasm for finding out the full story of Mary’s fate almost matching her own. Mary’s story is particularly high on emotion, and her story compelling – the author wonderfully recreates the settings and social expectations of the time, Mary is a particularly sympathetic and strong heroine, and Thomas an absolute monster who darkens every scene in which we encounter him.
The other “presence” in the book is, of course, Guernsey itself – the settings were as beautifully described as I’ve come to expect from the author, and it was especially interesting to find out more about the privateering past that funded the construction of those magnificent Georgian mansions. And I was also delighted to find that there were indeed opportunities to meet up with characters from earlier books – Lucy isn’t the first to have experienced a brush with Guernsey’s past – although there’s no need to have read those earlier books to enjoy this one every bit as much as I did. A very enjoyable read – and one I’d most certainly recommend to others.
August 5, 2021
Great read
Another wonderful book by Anne Allen. The setting in Guernsey, of course, the characters - old and new - and a very exciting and touching storyline in both the past and present.
I will be waiting for the next book, but will be patient.
Another wonderful book by Anne Allen. The setting in Guernsey, of course, the characters - old and new - and a very exciting and touching storyline in both the past and present.
I will be waiting for the next book, but will be patient.
July 28, 2021
I have had the pleasure of reading all of Anne's Guernsey Novel series. My husband family heritage is from Guernsey and we have visited the beautiful island three times. Anne really captures the readers attention in this lovely story of self discovery in this haunting tale of two women who live two hundred years apart and the places of Guernsey. As Lucy faces her loss of her baby girl, which led to the separation from her husband Hamish, she reluctantly returns home to Guernsey to look after her elderly grand father in the old family mansion. Her parents have decided to take off for a three month cruise around the world and need her to step in. Once she starts to spend time with her grandfather she looks forward to her time in getting to know him, he is very ill and has carers to look after him. She is drawn to a painting on her bedroom wall of a couple on their wedding day, although they look far from happy. This begins a series of strange events when Lucy is drawn back into the past and has what she thinks are dreams about Mary, each occurrence brings her to be Mary she experiences the sadness and suffering Mary experienced two hundred years ago. Her grandfather cannot recall the full history but knows that Mary disappeared and there is no record of her death on the family tree document. As these strange events unfold Lucy discovers the truth about Marys tragic life. She is introduced to Molly a psychotherapist who helps her through what is happening, at the same time understanding herself. She meets up with an old friend and her group of friends and finds love again. Even though Anne's books can be read as a stand alone, I love the thread that Anne weaves with her characters and story line and the connections with old and new friends. I enjoyed reading'Her Previous Self' very much.
November 6, 2021
Time slip novel set in GUERNSEY
This is the latest novel from the ‘Donna Leon of Guernsey’! You certainly get a good feel for the island (a visit to Dix Neuf, no less “… neither a restaurant, nor a wine bar, café or pub. It is all these things and more!“).
This is the story of Lucy who arrives in Guernsey to take care of her grandfather – with whom she hasn’t had a particularly close relationship – whilst her parents go on an extended holiday. She herself is in need of parental care and nurture because she is on a trial separation from her partner after a bereavement. It is also the story of Mary in the early 1800s, whose presence Lucy can feel; she comes to dream of her and discovers that her story was full of heartache, as she fielded a boorish and bullying husband, her mysterious death adding a piquancy to the story.
Naturally there are clues to be gleaned around the Georgian family house, which help Lucy to identify the mysterious ghost and put the pieces of the jigsaw together. She is on a mission to understand Mary’s agitated state, which appears to her in technicolour detail, all the while trying to heal her own heart.
There is an interesting look at history and free trading, piracy and the wealth thus accrued, which bear witness to the grand houses that can be found around Guernsey.
I am not usually a great fan of stories with a ghost at the heart but this is cohesive and the author negotiates the threads of past and present very well. It is an easy-to-read story and sees growing affection between granddaughter and grandfather, and perhaps there might even be a bit of a love interest!
This is the latest novel from the ‘Donna Leon of Guernsey’! You certainly get a good feel for the island (a visit to Dix Neuf, no less “… neither a restaurant, nor a wine bar, café or pub. It is all these things and more!“).
This is the story of Lucy who arrives in Guernsey to take care of her grandfather – with whom she hasn’t had a particularly close relationship – whilst her parents go on an extended holiday. She herself is in need of parental care and nurture because she is on a trial separation from her partner after a bereavement. It is also the story of Mary in the early 1800s, whose presence Lucy can feel; she comes to dream of her and discovers that her story was full of heartache, as she fielded a boorish and bullying husband, her mysterious death adding a piquancy to the story.
Naturally there are clues to be gleaned around the Georgian family house, which help Lucy to identify the mysterious ghost and put the pieces of the jigsaw together. She is on a mission to understand Mary’s agitated state, which appears to her in technicolour detail, all the while trying to heal her own heart.
There is an interesting look at history and free trading, piracy and the wealth thus accrued, which bear witness to the grand houses that can be found around Guernsey.
I am not usually a great fan of stories with a ghost at the heart but this is cohesive and the author negotiates the threads of past and present very well. It is an easy-to-read story and sees growing affection between granddaughter and grandfather, and perhaps there might even be a bit of a love interest!
August 5, 2021
This was certainly a blend of genres. I listed it as historical but that is not all that it is. It has time-travel, some romance, plenty of historical, and so much more. I hadn't read any of the other books in the series so I am only assuming they are similar.
That being said I was drawn in from the first page to the last. After life knocks her down Lucy goes home to live with her parents only to have them go on a three month vacation. Leaving Lucy to care for her grandfather whom she barely knows. If that's not enough she is also have "visions" of the woman in the portrait hanging in her bedroom.
Lucy and Mary have similar struggles although they are 200 years apart. The visions Lucy sees is where the time-travel comes in. Lucy isn't sure if they are visions or she is actually somehow going back into to time, or what.
This book had so much going for it that I am so thrilled I took a chance on it. Take a chance I know that you will enjoy it.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance >
That being said I was drawn in from the first page to the last. After life knocks her down Lucy goes home to live with her parents only to have them go on a three month vacation. Leaving Lucy to care for her grandfather whom she barely knows. If that's not enough she is also have "visions" of the woman in the portrait hanging in her bedroom.
Lucy and Mary have similar struggles although they are 200 years apart. The visions Lucy sees is where the time-travel comes in. Lucy isn't sure if they are visions or she is actually somehow going back into to time, or what.
This book had so much going for it that I am so thrilled I took a chance on it. Take a chance I know that you will enjoy it.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance >
August 7, 2021
I love dual timeline stories and this time slip mystery is very cleverly done via a painting. The book deals with loss and grief and the relationship between the two women living two hundred years apart will pull on your heartstrings. There are light-hearted moments too and I loved how Lucy began to bond with her grandfather. Of course, Anne Allen paints a wonderful picture of the Guernsey scenery as Lucy meets some of the characters from previous books. Just as the painting begins to haunt Lucy, this book will haunt the reader just a little too. A wonderful series.
February 2, 2022
Excellent!
An exceptionally moving dual timeline set on the island of Guernsey.
Lucy is staying with her grandfather in the ancestral home when she has a connection to Mary, an ancestor from the 1800s.
As the story unravels, many long forgotten secrets are revealed.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this wonderful series, and this one did not disappoint; in fact I didn't want it to end.
Highly recommended for lovers of history with a touch of romance; I do hope there will be more.
An exceptionally moving dual timeline set on the island of Guernsey.
Lucy is staying with her grandfather in the ancestral home when she has a connection to Mary, an ancestor from the 1800s.
As the story unravels, many long forgotten secrets are revealed.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this wonderful series, and this one did not disappoint; in fact I didn't want it to end.
Highly recommended for lovers of history with a touch of romance; I do hope there will be more.
October 12, 2021
A collection of different things happening. Two women in different times seem to interact. Historical times, romance and time travel brought together to makes this book outstanding.
August 9, 2021
Lucy Stewart has been asked keep her elderly grandfather company while her parents are on an extended holiday. Lucy is hoping that recuperative time spent on the sheltered island of Guernsey will give her the space she needs to come to terms with a sense of loss after a devastating tragedy shattered her life into pieces.
Picking up on the faded grandeur of Carreville, her grandfather's Georgian home, Lucy is inexplicably drawn towards the portrait of Mary Carre, a distant ancestor, who seems determined to tell her own emotional story through Lucy. Moving effortlessly between past and previous Her Previous Self shares just what happened to Mary Carre in the early nineteenth century, whilst at the same time allowing Lucy the opportunity to explore the fractured threads of her own life.
Separated by centuries these strong, but emotionally adrift, women seem to recognize a kindred spirit and all credit to the author for bringing such a strong sense of history into the time slip element. All too often in time slip stories one time period seems to dominate but not so with this as I felt equally at home with Mary Carre, in 1800, as she struggles with an unhappy marriage, as I did in 2013 with Lucy's own search for happiness.
The soothing atmosphere of the wonderful island of Guernsey takes centre stage and it's been so lovely to return to the island in this eighth book in the series. As always the author brings the place, and its people so beautifully alive, it's just as if you are revisiting old friends, who you haven't seen for a while but in whose company you feel comfortable, and at ease.
Beautifully written, Her Previous Self is a worthy addition to this lovely series and even though it can be read as a standalone story, it would be best to start the series at the beginning in order to enjoy this talented writer's wonderful storytelling. Let the enjoyment of The Guernsey Novels sweep you away to this beautiful island - you won't be disappointed.
Picking up on the faded grandeur of Carreville, her grandfather's Georgian home, Lucy is inexplicably drawn towards the portrait of Mary Carre, a distant ancestor, who seems determined to tell her own emotional story through Lucy. Moving effortlessly between past and previous Her Previous Self shares just what happened to Mary Carre in the early nineteenth century, whilst at the same time allowing Lucy the opportunity to explore the fractured threads of her own life.
Separated by centuries these strong, but emotionally adrift, women seem to recognize a kindred spirit and all credit to the author for bringing such a strong sense of history into the time slip element. All too often in time slip stories one time period seems to dominate but not so with this as I felt equally at home with Mary Carre, in 1800, as she struggles with an unhappy marriage, as I did in 2013 with Lucy's own search for happiness.
The soothing atmosphere of the wonderful island of Guernsey takes centre stage and it's been so lovely to return to the island in this eighth book in the series. As always the author brings the place, and its people so beautifully alive, it's just as if you are revisiting old friends, who you haven't seen for a while but in whose company you feel comfortable, and at ease.
Beautifully written, Her Previous Self is a worthy addition to this lovely series and even though it can be read as a standalone story, it would be best to start the series at the beginning in order to enjoy this talented writer's wonderful storytelling. Let the enjoyment of The Guernsey Novels sweep you away to this beautiful island - you won't be disappointed.
June 23, 2024
Done. I've enjoyed re-reading these books again
August 6, 2021
Having read two other novels in this series I was very much looking forward to reading Her Previous Self, another duel-timeline story. This time we travel back in time 200 years to Georgian Guernsey, to uncover a Carre family mystery.
Lucy Stewart has returned to Guernsey following a personal tragedy which led to the breakdown of her marriage. Her parents have been living in the ancestral home with Gregory Carre, her grandfather, for the last three years as he has been unwell. Upon her arrival, they announce they are off on a cruise and leaving her to look after her grandfather. In the beginning she resents the idea, but soon comes to enjoy his company, finding a softer side to the gruff old Advocate she remembers from her childhood.
Lucy finds herself drawn to a painting of a man with an unhappy woman on their wedding day. That's when she starts to slip through time, and learn what happened to her ancestor Mary Carre, as though she were Mary herself.
I loved the main characters, Lucy and Mary, and was invested in both their stories. Lucy is very likeable and recovering from her own troubles. I wanted her to be well again and find happiness. She takes a couple of knocks along the way, but with support from her friends and family, is making a new start for herself. In contrast, Mary's life was tragic from the day she married. Her fiancé, Nathaniel, died in mysterious circumstances a few days before their wedding, so her father insisted she marry his brother Thomas instead. Nothing like his brother, Thomas is abusive and married Mary for her dowry. Only her two children and Nathaniel's dog Storm bring her any joy. Mary's story cannot be undone, but as Lucy relives fragments of Mary's life, she discovers what happened to Mary and is able to help the restless spirit.
This is the eighth book in Allen's Guernsey Novels series, but is easily read as a standalone. Her Previous Self is another well-written and intriguing story of healing and moving forward which I very much enjoyed.
Lucy Stewart has returned to Guernsey following a personal tragedy which led to the breakdown of her marriage. Her parents have been living in the ancestral home with Gregory Carre, her grandfather, for the last three years as he has been unwell. Upon her arrival, they announce they are off on a cruise and leaving her to look after her grandfather. In the beginning she resents the idea, but soon comes to enjoy his company, finding a softer side to the gruff old Advocate she remembers from her childhood.
Lucy finds herself drawn to a painting of a man with an unhappy woman on their wedding day. That's when she starts to slip through time, and learn what happened to her ancestor Mary Carre, as though she were Mary herself.
I loved the main characters, Lucy and Mary, and was invested in both their stories. Lucy is very likeable and recovering from her own troubles. I wanted her to be well again and find happiness. She takes a couple of knocks along the way, but with support from her friends and family, is making a new start for herself. In contrast, Mary's life was tragic from the day she married. Her fiancé, Nathaniel, died in mysterious circumstances a few days before their wedding, so her father insisted she marry his brother Thomas instead. Nothing like his brother, Thomas is abusive and married Mary for her dowry. Only her two children and Nathaniel's dog Storm bring her any joy. Mary's story cannot be undone, but as Lucy relives fragments of Mary's life, she discovers what happened to Mary and is able to help the restless spirit.
This is the eighth book in Allen's Guernsey Novels series, but is easily read as a standalone. Her Previous Self is another well-written and intriguing story of healing and moving forward which I very much enjoyed.
December 17, 2021
The eighth book in the Guernsey series by Anne Allen. I enjoy how the author includes some of the characters we met in her previous books in each of the following ones but each of them could be standalones.
Lucy has returned to Guernsey following the separation from her husband Hamish as they were grieving the loss of their infant daughter, Amber in entirely different ways. He returned to his home in Scotland and they decided to give their marriage a break and reassess their feelings in a year. Lucy has barely returned home when her parents announce they are going on a three month cruise and she must stay with her elderly grandfather in his huge mansion. He is 90 years old. She has never been close to him nor her father and whenever she wanted to do something, her mother always sided with her father.
She has a painting in her room of a couple who lived in the house in the 1700's when the house was built but Lucy realizes when she looks at the woman that she was very unhappily married. It isn't long before she has episodes in which she is taken back to that time period into Mary's life. Although some of those episodes take place over several days, only half an hour or so pass by before Lucy returns to the present time. Mary, the woman seems to want to tell her something and Lucy is drawn to helping her share her secret.
Lucy finds she enjoys being with her grandfather and together they try to figure out who the woman must be. She is still grieving but as she reconnects with some of her old friends and goes back to the gym, she realizes her depression is lifting. At the gym, she meets one of the trainers, Sam and is drawn to him.
It's an interesting book partly because of the time travel aspect and because we learn more about the history of Guernsey during that time period. I think this was the final episode in this series.
Lucy has returned to Guernsey following the separation from her husband Hamish as they were grieving the loss of their infant daughter, Amber in entirely different ways. He returned to his home in Scotland and they decided to give their marriage a break and reassess their feelings in a year. Lucy has barely returned home when her parents announce they are going on a three month cruise and she must stay with her elderly grandfather in his huge mansion. He is 90 years old. She has never been close to him nor her father and whenever she wanted to do something, her mother always sided with her father.
She has a painting in her room of a couple who lived in the house in the 1700's when the house was built but Lucy realizes when she looks at the woman that she was very unhappily married. It isn't long before she has episodes in which she is taken back to that time period into Mary's life. Although some of those episodes take place over several days, only half an hour or so pass by before Lucy returns to the present time. Mary, the woman seems to want to tell her something and Lucy is drawn to helping her share her secret.
Lucy finds she enjoys being with her grandfather and together they try to figure out who the woman must be. She is still grieving but as she reconnects with some of her old friends and goes back to the gym, she realizes her depression is lifting. At the gym, she meets one of the trainers, Sam and is drawn to him.
It's an interesting book partly because of the time travel aspect and because we learn more about the history of Guernsey during that time period. I think this was the final episode in this series.
September 17, 2021
TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains cot death and domestic abuse.
Lucy Stewart moves back to Guernsey following the breakdown of her marriage after her daughter's tragic death. Her parents abandon her to go on a cruise, leaving Lucy in charge of her elderly grandfather. But she is haunted by a woman's portrait in her bedroom and finds herself drawn back in time. She witnesses Mary's unhappy life and mysterious disappearance...
Her Previous Self is the eighth book in the Guernsey series by Anne Allen but is the first that I have read. I believe there are some characters that appeared in earlier books as well as references to events in previous plotlines but no major spoilers.
Lucy has been through her own share of heartache in the last year. Now she finds herself emotionally drawn to the sadness of one of her ancestors. I was a little unclear as to whether Mary was reincarnated as Lucy or merely reaching out her spirit to another filled with grief.
There are some unpleasant scenes in the past as Mary is beaten, raped and generally mistreated by her husband. I found that I wanted to hear more of Mary's story in the last third of the book as her story is subsumed by Lucy's life which fills with hope as she gets another chance at happiness.
This is an emotionally charged book as Lucy and Mary strive to cope with their lot in life. Love and grief radiate through the pages as their lives intermingle. I felt almost angry with Lucy for focusing on moving forward in her own life in the later parts of the book when Mary was desperate to have her story revealed. I think it is a good sign when you care about the characters!
Her Previous Self is an engaging and interesting combination of historical and contemporary fiction.
Lucy Stewart moves back to Guernsey following the breakdown of her marriage after her daughter's tragic death. Her parents abandon her to go on a cruise, leaving Lucy in charge of her elderly grandfather. But she is haunted by a woman's portrait in her bedroom and finds herself drawn back in time. She witnesses Mary's unhappy life and mysterious disappearance...
Her Previous Self is the eighth book in the Guernsey series by Anne Allen but is the first that I have read. I believe there are some characters that appeared in earlier books as well as references to events in previous plotlines but no major spoilers.
Lucy has been through her own share of heartache in the last year. Now she finds herself emotionally drawn to the sadness of one of her ancestors. I was a little unclear as to whether Mary was reincarnated as Lucy or merely reaching out her spirit to another filled with grief.
There are some unpleasant scenes in the past as Mary is beaten, raped and generally mistreated by her husband. I found that I wanted to hear more of Mary's story in the last third of the book as her story is subsumed by Lucy's life which fills with hope as she gets another chance at happiness.
This is an emotionally charged book as Lucy and Mary strive to cope with their lot in life. Love and grief radiate through the pages as their lives intermingle. I felt almost angry with Lucy for focusing on moving forward in her own life in the later parts of the book when Mary was desperate to have her story revealed. I think it is a good sign when you care about the characters!
Her Previous Self is an engaging and interesting combination of historical and contemporary fiction.
December 12, 2021
This is the first time I have read a book by this author, although I do own 3 or 4 from the Guernsey series. This is book 8 in the series and from what I can see with this latest book, they can be read as stand-alone books.
This is a mix of present-day and historical fiction. The present-day is set with Lucy returning home to Guernsey and she keeps her Grandfather company while her parents take a break. Lucy is tired, feeling alone and is grieving. The house in which she returns is one that has been in the family for generations. One of those ancestors is Mary, there is a mystery surrounding her. There is a date of birth, a marriage date and then a blank as to when she died.
This is told in a timeslip format, and not quite the usual back and forth format. I have to say it worked really well for me and I don't know which character I wanted to know more about each time. When I was reading about Lucy I needed to know more about Mary, and vice versa.
I did like the historical side of this story, set in a regency style it is one that has heartbreaking revelations. The characters in this era are a mix of really good and also downright wicked. In the present day, the characters are mainly good, although there is the odd one or two who did annoy me a very small amount due to their attitudes.
Overall a great story and one that I really enjoyed reading over a couple of days. One for fans of historical fiction and romance, with a historical fantasy streak to it. Very enjoyable reading and it is an author to who I will be returning and one I would happily recommend.
This is a mix of present-day and historical fiction. The present-day is set with Lucy returning home to Guernsey and she keeps her Grandfather company while her parents take a break. Lucy is tired, feeling alone and is grieving. The house in which she returns is one that has been in the family for generations. One of those ancestors is Mary, there is a mystery surrounding her. There is a date of birth, a marriage date and then a blank as to when she died.
This is told in a timeslip format, and not quite the usual back and forth format. I have to say it worked really well for me and I don't know which character I wanted to know more about each time. When I was reading about Lucy I needed to know more about Mary, and vice versa.
I did like the historical side of this story, set in a regency style it is one that has heartbreaking revelations. The characters in this era are a mix of really good and also downright wicked. In the present day, the characters are mainly good, although there is the odd one or two who did annoy me a very small amount due to their attitudes.
Overall a great story and one that I really enjoyed reading over a couple of days. One for fans of historical fiction and romance, with a historical fantasy streak to it. Very enjoyable reading and it is an author to who I will be returning and one I would happily recommend.
August 11, 2022
This book has a bit everything in adventure and romance past and present. I felt like I was on a holiday in Guernsey.
November 7, 2021
I love these books, very entertaining and keep you turning those pages. Lucy goes home to look after her grandfather and finds out a lot more than she bargained for. I enjoyed the way this all came together.
August 5, 2021
Another wonderful read.
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