Between Light and Shadow

by Julia Bell

Beatrice has been a psychic since a child but has always suppressed her ability, wanting a normal life. But at the age of thirty-four, she becomes a widow with a young daughter to raise.
In the year 1895, her life changes when she overhears a conversation about a missing boy. This event and meeting Sir Oliver Welburn sets her feet on a path she never wanted to tread.
Visiting Oliver’s stately home in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, she sees the ghostly image of her daughter, Clara, in a derelict cottage on the estate. To her horror, Clara is asking for help. Knowing Clara is visiting relatives in London, Beatrice believes it must be her imagination. And then an urgent telegram arrives.
Beatrice discovers she has a further ability in a dangerous area in which she has never ventured before. A realm that could put her life at risk.

ebook

First published December 15, 2024

About the author

I'm a writer of historical romances mostly and I'm pleased to say my historical romance Songbird won a Chill Book Premier Readers' Award in March 2019 and in September 2020 it was the Finalist Winner in historical romance with Readers' Favourite. I've also been awarded a 5* review from Readers' Favourite for The Wild Poppy (2021) and A Cruel Suspicion (2023).

I've lived in Yorkshire, England for most of my life. I have two children and five grandchildren with lots more family in the North of England.

I've done many jobs in my time, including a nurse; training at St James's Hospital in Leeds and I've also done 'time' working for the Prison Service.

When my children were young I successfully completed an Open University degree studying psychology and sociology.

I'm now a proud member of Promoting Yorkshire Authors and love attending the get-togethers and meeting other authors.

As well as writing I love country walks and travelling abroad. I have great fun while waiting at bus stations, railways stations, airports and ferry ports - any place where people are on the move, as I'm a terrible people watcher.

Reviews

[Anna Faversham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In no time at all, Julia Bell had me immersed in this well-written historical story of a rather reluctant psychic who feels compelled to help with finding a missing boy. Of course, the police are not keen to associate their work with someone they regard as a loony but they are missing out.

The story is so well-written, with great attention to detail, that I felt as if I were there, urging her on. I have enjoyed many of this author’s books and this must be one of the best. I would definitely recommend this book

[Sherrie Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gripped from the start by the psychic theme of this novel. Beatrice overhears a conversation about the disappearance of a young boy and knows immediately where his body will be found. Whilst reporting it to the police it brings about a meeting with a man who she believes to be a private investigator but who turns out to be so much more. As the story develops her psychic abilities are brought into action once again to solve a mystery but I won't say more for giving too much away. As always there was superb attention to detail from the author in the fashions and decor of the era, the 1800s, and lots of twists and turns linking characters. I have read several Julia Bell books and all have been excellent but this is definitely her best one yet! I loved it! Also a superb cover by The Book Khaleesi, very atmospheric describing a scene in the story perfectly.