The Secrets of Saffron Hall

[Anne-Marie]

This was a well-crafted dual timeline book, set in 1538 and 2019. I found the earlier time setting the most convincing of the writing, with the main character more developed, and the descriptions more evocative.

The Tudor storyline followed Eleanor, who, after an arranged marriage to a much older man, uses her skills to improve their fortunes by growing saffron. As well as providing factual information about the court of King Henry through her husband’s strand to the tale, we also see, through Eleanor, the resourcefulness and strength of a young woman taking over the running of an estate, and responding bravely to religious and political turmoil. These chapters were well researched and beautifully written.

In 2019, Amber is hiding away in Norfolk, cataloguing her grandfather’s immense collection of books. When she comes across Eleanor’s hidden journal, the lives of the two women begin to intertwine. Both women are haunted by tragedy, the description of the miscarriages that both suffered are quite emotional reading, but have been handled deftly, and sympathetically by Marchant. We learn more about Eleanor’s life, and the intrigues, and dangers of court, as Amber tries to solve the mystery she left behind.

A criticism would be that, although Amber’s tale has a heart warming and definite ending, I felt a little cheated that Eleanor’s tale left me with so many loose ends, and unanswered questions.

That aside, this was a very promising debut novel. A pleasure to read, and a very interesting concept, written with skill, and accuracy of detail. An author to watch.