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Shadows in the Ashes
The sunlight caught her gold bracelet, sending a flash that almost blinded her.
She closed her eyes, but jumped when the earth started shaking and there was an almighty boom behind her.
Present Day
Finally escaping an abusive marriage, Caterina Rossi takes her three-year-old daughter and flees to Italy. There she's drawn to research scientist Connor, who needs her translation help for his work on volcanology. Together they visit the ruins of Pompeii and, standing where Mount Vesuvius unleashed its fire on the city centuries before, Cat begins to see startling visions. Visions that appear to come from the antique bracelet handed down through her family's generations...
AD 79
Sold by his half-brother and enslaved as a gladiator in Roman Pompeii, Raedwald dreams only of surviving each fight, making the coin needed to return to his homeland and taking his revenge. That is, until he is hired to guard beautiful Aemilia. As their forbidden love grows, Raedwald's dreams shift like the ever more violent tremors of the earth beneath his feet.
The present starts eerily to mirror the past as Cat must fight to protect her safety, and to forge a new path from the ashes of her old life...
She closed her eyes, but jumped when the earth started shaking and there was an almighty boom behind her.
Present Day
Finally escaping an abusive marriage, Caterina Rossi takes her three-year-old daughter and flees to Italy. There she's drawn to research scientist Connor, who needs her translation help for his work on volcanology. Together they visit the ruins of Pompeii and, standing where Mount Vesuvius unleashed its fire on the city centuries before, Cat begins to see startling visions. Visions that appear to come from the antique bracelet handed down through her family's generations...
AD 79
Sold by his half-brother and enslaved as a gladiator in Roman Pompeii, Raedwald dreams only of surviving each fight, making the coin needed to return to his homeland and taking his revenge. That is, until he is hired to guard beautiful Aemilia. As their forbidden love grows, Raedwald's dreams shift like the ever more violent tremors of the earth beneath his feet.
The present starts eerily to mirror the past as Cat must fight to protect her safety, and to forge a new path from the ashes of her old life...
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2024
60 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Christina Courtenay
35 books369 followersChristina Courtenay writes historical romance, time slip and time travel stories, and lives in Herefordshire (near the Welsh border) in the UK. Although born in England, she has a Swedish mother and was brought up in Sweden – hence her abiding interest in the Vikings. Christina is a former chairman of the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association and has won several awards, including the RoNA for Best Historical Romantic Novel twice with Highland Storms (2012) and The Gilded Fan (2014) and the RNA Fantasy Romantic Novel of the year 2021 with Echoes of the Runes. Christina is a keen amateur genealogist and loves history and archaeology (the armchair variety).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 20, 2024
***TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic Violence in Chapter 1***
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for hosting this Book's Tour this week and for the FREE EBook to promote and review for Christina.
This was my first time reading a Historical Fantasy Book by Christina so i wasnt sure what to expect but i do have to say i really enjoyed this one especially when the rich history of Italy was described.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I really felt for Caterina and all that she and her 3 year old daughter went through so i was happy to see them go to Italy and start a new life while helping Connor find out the history of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Italy while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Phenomenal Historical Fantasy set in Italy!! Can't wait to read more by Christina in the future!!
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for hosting this Book's Tour this week and for the FREE EBook to promote and review for Christina.
This was my first time reading a Historical Fantasy Book by Christina so i wasnt sure what to expect but i do have to say i really enjoyed this one especially when the rich history of Italy was described.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I really felt for Caterina and all that she and her 3 year old daughter went through so i was happy to see them go to Italy and start a new life while helping Connor find out the history of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Italy while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Phenomenal Historical Fantasy set in Italy!! Can't wait to read more by Christina in the future!!
January 22, 2024
I have only recently started reading dual time/timeslip novels and now enjoy them more and more.
Shadows in the Ashes caught my eye because of of the Pompeii setting - a place that has fascinated me since I was in primary school and a place I was finally lucky enough to visit in 2023.
Shadows in the Ashes brings Pompeii alive as we follow the almost parallel lives of our heroines Caterina (present day) and Aemilia (AD 79) as they fight to escape their controlling, abusive partners as well as having a young child to love and protect. The tension and danger, hardship and heartbreak is softened by the appearances of the women's exposure to better, stronger men in the form of research scientist, Connor and gladiator, Raedwald.
A fabulous, high stakes romantic journey through time which I thoroughly recommend!
Shadows in the Ashes caught my eye because of of the Pompeii setting - a place that has fascinated me since I was in primary school and a place I was finally lucky enough to visit in 2023.
Shadows in the Ashes brings Pompeii alive as we follow the almost parallel lives of our heroines Caterina (present day) and Aemilia (AD 79) as they fight to escape their controlling, abusive partners as well as having a young child to love and protect. The tension and danger, hardship and heartbreak is softened by the appearances of the women's exposure to better, stronger men in the form of research scientist, Connor and gladiator, Raedwald.
A fabulous, high stakes romantic journey through time which I thoroughly recommend!
February 12, 2024
I have loved reading Christina’s Viking runes series, always eagerly awaiting the next, and was excited to read a new Roman themed novel.
I was particularly looking forward to reading this one, as much of it is set in and around Sorrento in Italy where I visited when I was a teenager. Like Christina, the history of the eruption of Vesuvius and the pictures of all those poor people who died had quite an effect on me.
This novel, although still set over a dual timeline, it is slightly different as there is no physical travel through time. Cat in the present snd Aemilia in the past are connected by a gold bracelet. Cat can often see the past when wearing the bracelet, and feels a strong connection to its past owner.
The two women are living strikingly similar lives. Abusive husbands. A young daughter. A new love who is a very similar character in both looks and personality in both timelines.
I couldn’t have been more immersed in the lives of Aemilia and Raedwald and Cat and Connor. I absolutely loved both timelines. The gladiator fights in the Roman times had me on the edge of my seat.
I was particularly looking forward to reading this one, as much of it is set in and around Sorrento in Italy where I visited when I was a teenager. Like Christina, the history of the eruption of Vesuvius and the pictures of all those poor people who died had quite an effect on me.
This novel, although still set over a dual timeline, it is slightly different as there is no physical travel through time. Cat in the present snd Aemilia in the past are connected by a gold bracelet. Cat can often see the past when wearing the bracelet, and feels a strong connection to its past owner.
The two women are living strikingly similar lives. Abusive husbands. A young daughter. A new love who is a very similar character in both looks and personality in both timelines.
I couldn’t have been more immersed in the lives of Aemilia and Raedwald and Cat and Connor. I absolutely loved both timelines. The gladiator fights in the Roman times had me on the edge of my seat.
January 13, 2024
I was truly excited to read this book and found myself immersed in the story from page one. Although I have loved the author’s Viking books, I found it easy to switch to the Roman Empire and follow the story of enslaved gladiator Raedwald as he undertook the role of bodyguard to Aemilia. The depth of research in the history of Pompeii was immediately obvious as I was guided through those streets in the shadow of Vesuvius.
Whilst this story has the predictability that comes with a story set in Pompeii – we all know what happened there - the twists and turns kept me absorbed as I followed their blossoming attraction. The pace was perfect and played out under the shadow of the impending doom from a distinctly unstable volcano.
As this is a dual timeline story, the present day introduces Cat who is escaping domestic hell and fearing for both her own safety and that of her precious daughter. As they seek safety in Italy, we meet Connor, a research scientist studying volcanic activity.
As the synopsis tells us, Cat wears an antique bracelet that appears to be the source of some visions that she experiences as she walks the streets of modern-day Pompeii and the surrounding vicinity. While those visions tie in the ancient timeline, the spectre of Cat’s abusive husband holds the story firmly in the present day.
This book left me feeling like I had been through some of the situations myself. Christina’s writing had me believing that I was witnessing the events first-hand, and I felt my nerves rising in response to the jeopardy on the pages. In both timelines, there was a similar yet differing story as the characters faced the challenges that fell upon them. The sense of urgency and escape was palpable, and I genuinely felt their fears.
This is a very engaging novel that is expertly told. The characters are well-developed and definitely triggered my imagination. The dual timelines worked flawlessly as they each provided a sense of history despite the different centuries as the response of flight or fight transcends the years.
Of course, there were no Vikings in this story, but Raedwald made for a fitting alternative and if he’d hailed from slightly further north…
Whilst this story has the predictability that comes with a story set in Pompeii – we all know what happened there - the twists and turns kept me absorbed as I followed their blossoming attraction. The pace was perfect and played out under the shadow of the impending doom from a distinctly unstable volcano.
As this is a dual timeline story, the present day introduces Cat who is escaping domestic hell and fearing for both her own safety and that of her precious daughter. As they seek safety in Italy, we meet Connor, a research scientist studying volcanic activity.
As the synopsis tells us, Cat wears an antique bracelet that appears to be the source of some visions that she experiences as she walks the streets of modern-day Pompeii and the surrounding vicinity. While those visions tie in the ancient timeline, the spectre of Cat’s abusive husband holds the story firmly in the present day.
This book left me feeling like I had been through some of the situations myself. Christina’s writing had me believing that I was witnessing the events first-hand, and I felt my nerves rising in response to the jeopardy on the pages. In both timelines, there was a similar yet differing story as the characters faced the challenges that fell upon them. The sense of urgency and escape was palpable, and I genuinely felt their fears.
This is a very engaging novel that is expertly told. The characters are well-developed and definitely triggered my imagination. The dual timelines worked flawlessly as they each provided a sense of history despite the different centuries as the response of flight or fight transcends the years.
Of course, there were no Vikings in this story, but Raedwald made for a fitting alternative and if he’d hailed from slightly further north…
November 29, 2024
Should’ve known by the prologue that this story would be super male-centered, despite having two female main characters who were both mothers to little girls.
The low rating is solely due to the horrendously cringeworthy, absolutely unrealistic dialogue between the modern couple - and even sometimes between the two in Pompeii as well. The classic “I would never hurt you like your ex did” came up WAY too much, as if Connor was trying to convince US that he’d never hurt Cat. “I’ll stop if you want me to” okay…thanks? Like that’s expected my guy. The dialogue was so robotic and corny and automatic, I couldn’t take it.
The book was about men saving women from atrocities and then calling them “brave” for following their lead. Give. Me. A. Break. The misogyny was woven into this story - it’s subtle in specific places, very clear in others (hey so why are we mentioning the circumference of your wife’s waist after giving birth? And then saying “but I love her either way”…unnecessary).
ALSO, at times I felt like I was reading a step-by-step history book detailing Ancient Rome. Like the author wanted me to trust that she’d done her research. Okay girl, I believe you! But the constant dry explanations about gladiator traditions and basic Roman life were simplistic and lacked any creative prose.
And can I say - I wish someone would have died in the volcanic eruption. Like let’s add the tragedy that everyone assumed would be part of the story. At least then it would have been raw and emotional. The happy ever after of “thank you for saving me and my daughter, I would have lived in squalor with you ilysm” GAG!!!!
The low rating is solely due to the horrendously cringeworthy, absolutely unrealistic dialogue between the modern couple - and even sometimes between the two in Pompeii as well. The classic “I would never hurt you like your ex did” came up WAY too much, as if Connor was trying to convince US that he’d never hurt Cat. “I’ll stop if you want me to” okay…thanks? Like that’s expected my guy. The dialogue was so robotic and corny and automatic, I couldn’t take it.
The book was about men saving women from atrocities and then calling them “brave” for following their lead. Give. Me. A. Break. The misogyny was woven into this story - it’s subtle in specific places, very clear in others (hey so why are we mentioning the circumference of your wife’s waist after giving birth? And then saying “but I love her either way”…unnecessary).
ALSO, at times I felt like I was reading a step-by-step history book detailing Ancient Rome. Like the author wanted me to trust that she’d done her research. Okay girl, I believe you! But the constant dry explanations about gladiator traditions and basic Roman life were simplistic and lacked any creative prose.
And can I say - I wish someone would have died in the volcanic eruption. Like let’s add the tragedy that everyone assumed would be part of the story. At least then it would have been raw and emotional. The happy ever after of “thank you for saving me and my daughter, I would have lived in squalor with you ilysm” GAG!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2024
Fleeing an abusive marriage Cat escapes to Naples, her familiarial home, once there she soon becomes attracted to Connor, but on a visit to Pompeii has a sensation of deja vu, everything seems so familiar to her but how can it be.
Pompeii 79AD, and Aemilia's husband is in debt and being threatened, hiring a couple of Gladiators to protect himself. Raedwald, is saving his winnings to escape the arena and to return to his native Frisia. But frequent tremors are threatening everyone in the area and Vesuvius isn't the only danger looming.
Christina has woven a tapestry of words in this, her latest dual timeline novel. The research she does is proven as the past and present merge perfectly. The descriptive writing positioned me perfectly on the streets of Pompeii. A perfect read for fans of Barbara Erskine
Pompeii 79AD, and Aemilia's husband is in debt and being threatened, hiring a couple of Gladiators to protect himself. Raedwald, is saving his winnings to escape the arena and to return to his native Frisia. But frequent tremors are threatening everyone in the area and Vesuvius isn't the only danger looming.
Christina has woven a tapestry of words in this, her latest dual timeline novel. The research she does is proven as the past and present merge perfectly. The descriptive writing positioned me perfectly on the streets of Pompeii. A perfect read for fans of Barbara Erskine
January 17, 2024
Fleeing an abusive marriage Cat escapes to Naples, her familiarial home, once there she soon becomes attracted to Connor, but on a visit to Pompeii has a sensation of deja vu, everything seems so familiar to her but how can it be.
Pompeii 79AD, and Aemilia's husband is in debt and being threatened, hiring a couple of Gladiators to protect himself. Raedwald, is saving his winnings to escape the arena and to return to his native Frisia. But frequent tremors are threatening everyone in the area and Vesuvius isn't the only danger looming.
Christina has woven a tapestry of words in this, her latest dual timeline novel. The research she does is proven as the past and present merge perfectly. The descriptive writing positioned me perfectly on the streets of Pompeii. A perfect read for fans of Barbara Erskine
Pompeii 79AD, and Aemilia's husband is in debt and being threatened, hiring a couple of Gladiators to protect himself. Raedwald, is saving his winnings to escape the arena and to return to his native Frisia. But frequent tremors are threatening everyone in the area and Vesuvius isn't the only danger looming.
Christina has woven a tapestry of words in this, her latest dual timeline novel. The research she does is proven as the past and present merge perfectly. The descriptive writing positioned me perfectly on the streets of Pompeii. A perfect read for fans of Barbara Erskine
January 27, 2024
I love a good timeslip read and have always been invested in Roman history, so this was a definite must for me, it didn't dissapoint on any level.
It's the second book I've read by Courtenay and I have to say she certainly knows how to envelop you in the story, allowing the streets of Pompeii and modern day Italy to come alive from the pages.
Shadows in the Ashes is a wonderfully written timeslip romance, it's captivating, engaging and I absolutely loved it!
It's the second book I've read by Courtenay and I have to say she certainly knows how to envelop you in the story, allowing the streets of Pompeii and modern day Italy to come alive from the pages.
Shadows in the Ashes is a wonderfully written timeslip romance, it's captivating, engaging and I absolutely loved it!
January 23, 2024
My review of Shadows in the Ashes can be found on my blog.....
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
December 21, 2024
I really loved the concept of this book, how we followed a couple in the present day and a couple back to AD 79 and how they linked
February 27, 2024
Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Domestic and family violence
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• Suicide
• Gambling addiction
• Gladiator fighting and wounds depicted in detail.
Characters
As a time slip novel, we have four main characters: Caterina, Connor, Raedwald and Aemilia.
Caterina is of Italian descent living in the modern world in a marriage she’s not entirely happy in. She’s a strong woman doing her best with what she has to work with, but she’s also incredibly isolated in her life.
Connor is staying in Italy while he completes his thesis for his PHD in volcanology. He’s a friendly, happy go lucky kinda guy when he meets Caterina and finds himself changing his idea of what he wants for his life.
Raedwald is from a tribe in the Frisia region when he was betrayed by his half brother and sold as a slave to the Romans. Through that, he was sold into the Gladiator system and spent more than 6 years fighting for his life daily with a single goal. To take out revenge on his half-brother and stepmother and get his place back in his tribe.
Aemilia is a Roman noble lady living within the Roman society while doing her best to be ready to support herself if, and when she is left to support herself and her daughter. She’s aware of the limitations and challenges facing her in her situation, but she’s still trying to figure out what and how she can make the changes she wants.
Storyline
Our four characters are following almost dual storylines with the challenges they’re facing with some differences between them. Both timelines had slow starts with moments of intense drama that slowly increased in frequency as their situations were unfolded and explored.
Overall Thoughts
Christina Courtney is known for great time travel and time slip romances and I’ve enjoyed every single one I’ve read. While most of the ones I’ve read of hers is time travel, the previous time slip was quite different to this one.
Instead of the historical time period supporting the modern time, this was two distinct stories that happened to run concurrently. In a way, the two timelines had nothing to do with each other, and yet they were still intricately linked supporting each story.
While I’m excited to get back to her Runes series, this was such a great story where I could tell how much research she’d done to be historically accurate which made the story so much more enriching. And something I noticed in the version I read was that Christina spoke about the research she’d done and how it contributed to the story and why she made decisions she did.
And then finished on a bonus chapter back in AD times that again linked us back to the ending of the modern timeline!
This book contains:
• Domestic and family violence
• Stalking
• Kidnapping
• Suicide
• Gambling addiction
• Gladiator fighting and wounds depicted in detail.
Characters
As a time slip novel, we have four main characters: Caterina, Connor, Raedwald and Aemilia.
Caterina is of Italian descent living in the modern world in a marriage she’s not entirely happy in. She’s a strong woman doing her best with what she has to work with, but she’s also incredibly isolated in her life.
Connor is staying in Italy while he completes his thesis for his PHD in volcanology. He’s a friendly, happy go lucky kinda guy when he meets Caterina and finds himself changing his idea of what he wants for his life.
Raedwald is from a tribe in the Frisia region when he was betrayed by his half brother and sold as a slave to the Romans. Through that, he was sold into the Gladiator system and spent more than 6 years fighting for his life daily with a single goal. To take out revenge on his half-brother and stepmother and get his place back in his tribe.
Aemilia is a Roman noble lady living within the Roman society while doing her best to be ready to support herself if, and when she is left to support herself and her daughter. She’s aware of the limitations and challenges facing her in her situation, but she’s still trying to figure out what and how she can make the changes she wants.
Storyline
Our four characters are following almost dual storylines with the challenges they’re facing with some differences between them. Both timelines had slow starts with moments of intense drama that slowly increased in frequency as their situations were unfolded and explored.
Overall Thoughts
Christina Courtney is known for great time travel and time slip romances and I’ve enjoyed every single one I’ve read. While most of the ones I’ve read of hers is time travel, the previous time slip was quite different to this one.
Instead of the historical time period supporting the modern time, this was two distinct stories that happened to run concurrently. In a way, the two timelines had nothing to do with each other, and yet they were still intricately linked supporting each story.
While I’m excited to get back to her Runes series, this was such a great story where I could tell how much research she’d done to be historically accurate which made the story so much more enriching. And something I noticed in the version I read was that Christina spoke about the research she’d done and how it contributed to the story and why she made decisions she did.
And then finished on a bonus chapter back in AD times that again linked us back to the ending of the modern timeline!
April 20, 2024
As a fan of Christina Courtenay's timeslip and dual-timeline novels, and of the tragedy in ancient Pompeii, I was very excited when I first heard about Shadows in the Ashes. And I was not to be disappointed. It's a riveting, but also thought-provoking read. Let me explain...
In the present, we have Cat, a married stay-at-home mum of a three-year-old girl. But Cat is not a confident, outgoing woman – she is married to an abusive, manipulative husband, whose actions and demands have eroded any confidence she had prior to her marriage. This made an interesting change, and it added a strong sense of urgency and danger. Finding excuses to describe her husband's physical abuse, she has been caught in a tight net from which there seemed no escape. But she must find a way, not only for her own sake but also that of her child, when Derek does the unforgivable and threatens their daughter. He always wanted a son, and her fear finally leads her to flee to Italy – to Naples. There, she meets volcanologist Connor. Then she begins to have visions...
In a parallel situation in Pompeii in the tragic year of 79AD, we have Aemilia - heiress wife to a Patrician husband addicted to gaming, who turns increasingly desperate, and cruel, as his debts grow out of control – and there's nothing left to pawn (well, so he thinks...). To keep himself and his family safe from the creditors, he hires Raedwald, a Germanic slave captured through the treachery of his younger half-brother, and forced into a life as a Gladiator. Soon, a bond begins to grow between the bodyguard and the Roman lady. But will there be a future for them, with her husband growing suspicious and Vesuvius about to erupt? Read the novel to find out!
I found it very brave of the author to use the theme of domestic violence, often overlooked or airbrushed in fiction. And the parallel fates of Cat and Aemilia make for gripping reading. You go with them through their emotions and pain, and you feel their love for their daughters. All these are evocatively described by Ms Courtenay, and the scenes are in no way gratuitous. It shows the skill of a fine writer if you are able to describe the horror inflicted on the women in such a sensitive, but still realistic manner. Their emotional turmoil and their journey out of pain and misery are also shown sensitively. Neither woman is suddenly 'cured', but they stay aware of their psychological dilemma. It's very well done.
As always, Ms Courtenay's research is impeccable, and in Pompeii, we can see the settlement in its splendour, and its darker side unveiled, and as the tension grows, we can smell the volcanic gases in the air. The residents were ignorant of what was going on, as we see in Aemilia who doesn't understand why the land she has inherited on the slope of Vesuvius doesn't yield any produce. Until later.
I found this a very emotional read, mainly because of the women having escaped such personal terror, only for Aemilia to experience a terror of a different kind altogether as the volcano begins its eruption. The novel begins on a more serious note than, for example, Ms Courtenay's Viking timeslip romances, and in my view, this made a welcome, if a little harrowing change.
Shadows in the Ashes is a wonderful novel about the bravery of two women to find the courage to face their dire situation when they need to. Despite living in different eras, there is a delicate bond between Cat and Aemilia that runs like a thread through the centuries. Cudos to Ms Courtenay for tackling this subject, and for giving us two brilliant, strong female leads who, despite their fears, show the courage to move on.
Highly recommended.
In the present, we have Cat, a married stay-at-home mum of a three-year-old girl. But Cat is not a confident, outgoing woman – she is married to an abusive, manipulative husband, whose actions and demands have eroded any confidence she had prior to her marriage. This made an interesting change, and it added a strong sense of urgency and danger. Finding excuses to describe her husband's physical abuse, she has been caught in a tight net from which there seemed no escape. But she must find a way, not only for her own sake but also that of her child, when Derek does the unforgivable and threatens their daughter. He always wanted a son, and her fear finally leads her to flee to Italy – to Naples. There, she meets volcanologist Connor. Then she begins to have visions...
In a parallel situation in Pompeii in the tragic year of 79AD, we have Aemilia - heiress wife to a Patrician husband addicted to gaming, who turns increasingly desperate, and cruel, as his debts grow out of control – and there's nothing left to pawn (well, so he thinks...). To keep himself and his family safe from the creditors, he hires Raedwald, a Germanic slave captured through the treachery of his younger half-brother, and forced into a life as a Gladiator. Soon, a bond begins to grow between the bodyguard and the Roman lady. But will there be a future for them, with her husband growing suspicious and Vesuvius about to erupt? Read the novel to find out!
I found it very brave of the author to use the theme of domestic violence, often overlooked or airbrushed in fiction. And the parallel fates of Cat and Aemilia make for gripping reading. You go with them through their emotions and pain, and you feel their love for their daughters. All these are evocatively described by Ms Courtenay, and the scenes are in no way gratuitous. It shows the skill of a fine writer if you are able to describe the horror inflicted on the women in such a sensitive, but still realistic manner. Their emotional turmoil and their journey out of pain and misery are also shown sensitively. Neither woman is suddenly 'cured', but they stay aware of their psychological dilemma. It's very well done.
As always, Ms Courtenay's research is impeccable, and in Pompeii, we can see the settlement in its splendour, and its darker side unveiled, and as the tension grows, we can smell the volcanic gases in the air. The residents were ignorant of what was going on, as we see in Aemilia who doesn't understand why the land she has inherited on the slope of Vesuvius doesn't yield any produce. Until later.
I found this a very emotional read, mainly because of the women having escaped such personal terror, only for Aemilia to experience a terror of a different kind altogether as the volcano begins its eruption. The novel begins on a more serious note than, for example, Ms Courtenay's Viking timeslip romances, and in my view, this made a welcome, if a little harrowing change.
Shadows in the Ashes is a wonderful novel about the bravery of two women to find the courage to face their dire situation when they need to. Despite living in different eras, there is a delicate bond between Cat and Aemilia that runs like a thread through the centuries. Cudos to Ms Courtenay for tackling this subject, and for giving us two brilliant, strong female leads who, despite their fears, show the courage to move on.
Highly recommended.
January 24, 2024
Thank you to Headline and Christina Courtenay for the chance to review the chance to review Shadows In The Ash in exchange for a fair review. In my view, Christina Courtenay is a queen of historical fiction and time-travel/time-slip stories. Her storytelling brings history to life with such earthy realism the world springs off the page in vivid detail - whether it be the 16th Century, Vikings, or the Roman era.
A gritty, bold plot that delves into darker spaces than her other books. The writing handled the dark elements very delicately and brought to life realistically the pain and damage domestic abuse and controlling relationships can have on the victim. How Christina Courtenay has woven these topics into her story narrative proves to me how versatile her writing talent is to bring the reader from darkness into light through love.
Shadows in the Ash is a dual-time romance, portraying the love of two couples Cat and Connor & Aemilia and Raedwald, almost two millennia apart bound by an artifact under the towering Mount Vesuvius ancient Pompeii, modern-day Sorrento & Naples in Italy and the UK. The chemistry between these forbidden relationships between a Gladiator and Roman lady & a mother in hiding and academic leaps off the page as attraction grows into passion and love through kindness and understanding. A compelling and engaging read full of forbidden love, danger, and heartbreak.
The characters are beautifully crafted and wonderfully mirrored in each other in their past and modern incarnation of Raedwald/Connor and Aemilia/Cat. My heart ached for Cat and Aemilia, admired them for their strength, love of their daughters, and caring natures. You can’t help but get caught up in their stories and journey to finding a happy ending with good men who adore them after all they endure at the hands of husbands who are cruel and abusive. Raedwald and Connor’s charm, thoughtfulness, and kindness despite how their wounds make them hero-worthy men to love these special ladies whom they risk everything for. The romance story between these couples was captivating and engrossing – I was on the edge of my seat every time I turned a page waiting to see how their stories unfolded.
Having visited this beloved, beautiful area of Italy and Roman history being one of my favourite eras, my expectations for the writing and delivery of research were exceptionally high. I wasn’t disappointed by the vivid portrayal of the landscape and quaintness of Sorrento or the grittier qualities of Naples. The vivid hustle and bustle of the ruined city of Pompeii and the invocative impression it leaves on you. The eerie alienness of visiting Mount Vesuvius, the power of the volcano under your feet, and the sliver of terror it invokes knowing the devastation it unleashed in 79 AD. Courtenay captured it all authentically and vibrantly as I can remember being there in person.
Another powerful, moving historical time-slip story that can boast powerful storytelling, heartwarming romance, swoony passion, and delectable heroes to make your heart sigh. If Christina Courtenay dips her writing toes back into more Roman-era historical romances, I will be there to gobble them up. A must for any readers who love time slips, historical romances, and dappling in low-level fantasy components or suggestive reincarnation.
A gritty, bold plot that delves into darker spaces than her other books. The writing handled the dark elements very delicately and brought to life realistically the pain and damage domestic abuse and controlling relationships can have on the victim. How Christina Courtenay has woven these topics into her story narrative proves to me how versatile her writing talent is to bring the reader from darkness into light through love.
Shadows in the Ash is a dual-time romance, portraying the love of two couples Cat and Connor & Aemilia and Raedwald, almost two millennia apart bound by an artifact under the towering Mount Vesuvius ancient Pompeii, modern-day Sorrento & Naples in Italy and the UK. The chemistry between these forbidden relationships between a Gladiator and Roman lady & a mother in hiding and academic leaps off the page as attraction grows into passion and love through kindness and understanding. A compelling and engaging read full of forbidden love, danger, and heartbreak.
The characters are beautifully crafted and wonderfully mirrored in each other in their past and modern incarnation of Raedwald/Connor and Aemilia/Cat. My heart ached for Cat and Aemilia, admired them for their strength, love of their daughters, and caring natures. You can’t help but get caught up in their stories and journey to finding a happy ending with good men who adore them after all they endure at the hands of husbands who are cruel and abusive. Raedwald and Connor’s charm, thoughtfulness, and kindness despite how their wounds make them hero-worthy men to love these special ladies whom they risk everything for. The romance story between these couples was captivating and engrossing – I was on the edge of my seat every time I turned a page waiting to see how their stories unfolded.
Having visited this beloved, beautiful area of Italy and Roman history being one of my favourite eras, my expectations for the writing and delivery of research were exceptionally high. I wasn’t disappointed by the vivid portrayal of the landscape and quaintness of Sorrento or the grittier qualities of Naples. The vivid hustle and bustle of the ruined city of Pompeii and the invocative impression it leaves on you. The eerie alienness of visiting Mount Vesuvius, the power of the volcano under your feet, and the sliver of terror it invokes knowing the devastation it unleashed in 79 AD. Courtenay captured it all authentically and vibrantly as I can remember being there in person.
Another powerful, moving historical time-slip story that can boast powerful storytelling, heartwarming romance, swoony passion, and delectable heroes to make your heart sigh. If Christina Courtenay dips her writing toes back into more Roman-era historical romances, I will be there to gobble them up. A must for any readers who love time slips, historical romances, and dappling in low-level fantasy components or suggestive reincarnation.
January 27, 2025
‘Shadows in the Ashes’ is the new dual-timeline romance novel by Viking specialist Christina Courtenay. Alternating between the present day and AD79 Pompeii, it tells the story of gladiator Raedwald and Aemilia, a wealthy Roman woman trapped in a loveless marriage; and Caterina, an English-Italian woman who flees to Italy leaving behind an abusive husband, and Connor a red-hair volcanologist she meets in Sorrento.
The story opens in AD73 with Raedwald, a young man in Frisia (today’s Netherlands) who, after being betrayed and sold into slavery, finds himself training as a gladiator in Pompeii. In 2022 in North London, Cat works from home as a translator, shielding young daughter Bella from her manipulative husband Derek. Both Raedwald and Cat fall in love when it is most inconvenient; Cat because she is on the rebound and not looking for a boyfriend, Raedwald because he is planning to escape from Pompeii and return home to Frisia to seek revenge for his betrayal. To earn extra money, Cat takes a live-in position at a hotel in Sorrento where Connor is a guest; Raedwald and his fellow gladiator Duro take on extra work as bodyguards, their client is Lucius Licinia, husband of the beautiful Aemilia.
The two stories switch effortlessly between the centuries as Courtenay creates a mirroring effect as the people in each timeline face similar, but not identical, situations. The story becomes more mystical when Cat visits the ruins at Pompeii and starts to have visions. The actual date of the real Vesuvius eruption isn’t known so this adds tension to the Pompeii timeline as days pass and the warning signs increase. Minor earthquakes become bigger, smoke rises from the ground.
I had a few quibbles – there are a few easy coincidences, some difficult actions are achieved too simply or without mention, and the Pompeii research sometimes lies heavily on the page – but this is an easy read to sink into after a difficult day. The author treads a careful path through her narrative, including the tragic volcanic explosion and an abusive marriage, counter-balancing these threats by emphasizing the security of true love, of family, of friends, of partners. Even if the romance and flirting at times edges into over-the-top ‘teenage crush’ territory, the characters quickly return to the hard reality of daily life. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Cat’s Italian family, particularly her two uncles who are just the men to have on your side in a tough situation.
Included as ‘Bonus Material’ is an intriguing short story called ‘Alaric’s Dilemma’ which hints at a sequel to ‘Shadows in the Ashes.’
Welcome escapism.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
The story opens in AD73 with Raedwald, a young man in Frisia (today’s Netherlands) who, after being betrayed and sold into slavery, finds himself training as a gladiator in Pompeii. In 2022 in North London, Cat works from home as a translator, shielding young daughter Bella from her manipulative husband Derek. Both Raedwald and Cat fall in love when it is most inconvenient; Cat because she is on the rebound and not looking for a boyfriend, Raedwald because he is planning to escape from Pompeii and return home to Frisia to seek revenge for his betrayal. To earn extra money, Cat takes a live-in position at a hotel in Sorrento where Connor is a guest; Raedwald and his fellow gladiator Duro take on extra work as bodyguards, their client is Lucius Licinia, husband of the beautiful Aemilia.
The two stories switch effortlessly between the centuries as Courtenay creates a mirroring effect as the people in each timeline face similar, but not identical, situations. The story becomes more mystical when Cat visits the ruins at Pompeii and starts to have visions. The actual date of the real Vesuvius eruption isn’t known so this adds tension to the Pompeii timeline as days pass and the warning signs increase. Minor earthquakes become bigger, smoke rises from the ground.
I had a few quibbles – there are a few easy coincidences, some difficult actions are achieved too simply or without mention, and the Pompeii research sometimes lies heavily on the page – but this is an easy read to sink into after a difficult day. The author treads a careful path through her narrative, including the tragic volcanic explosion and an abusive marriage, counter-balancing these threats by emphasizing the security of true love, of family, of friends, of partners. Even if the romance and flirting at times edges into over-the-top ‘teenage crush’ territory, the characters quickly return to the hard reality of daily life. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Cat’s Italian family, particularly her two uncles who are just the men to have on your side in a tough situation.
Included as ‘Bonus Material’ is an intriguing short story called ‘Alaric’s Dilemma’ which hints at a sequel to ‘Shadows in the Ashes.’
Welcome escapism.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
January 21, 2024
There was, perhaps, a certain inevitability about future developments in the historical thread – the residents of Pompeii, 79 AD, living under the shadow of grumbling Mount Vesuvius. But the author tells the engaging story of Raedwald – now a gladiator, having been sold into slavery by his father’s new family, awaiting the day he can return to his homeland and take his revenge – and his forbidden relationship with Aemilia, the wife of the dissolute Lucius who treats her cruelly when she fails to provide him with a son, and who hires him as a bodyguard while he gambles his way through what remains of her fortune. Raedwald and his loyal friend Duro have already planned their escape, and are just waiting for the right moment – but as the threat from volcanic activity intensifies, risking his life and freedom, he can’t leave the woman he’s grown to love and her young daughter behind.
The balancing contemporary story is equally strong and engaging – Cat has finally found the courage and opportunity to flee her abusive husband along with her own young daughter, finding refuge with her mother’s family in Italy. Slowly overcoming her fears of discovery and trusting another man, after agreeing to help as his translator, she finds friendship (and the possibility of more) with volcanologist Connor – but when they visit the ruins of both Pompeii and Herculaneum she becomes disturbed by vivid glimpses of past lives apparently linked with the ancient gold bracelet she wears. But the threat to their future happiness is firmly in the present…
The dual timeline is beautifully handled, both stories equally engaging and with unpredictable outcomes, fast-paced and laced with drama and danger, the tension rising in parallel – just perfectly handled, and entirely gripping and compelling. The author’s meticulous research into the historical setting is used quite wonderfully to make the reader feel entirely present as the story of Raedwald and Aemilia unfolds, filled with the kind of small detail that makes you feel you’re sharing their experience. The romance was strong and believable too, despite the many obstacles in its way – and equally so in the present day story.
The storytelling is just superb, and I really liked the way the stories cleverly mirrored each other in so many ways, only helped by the small touches of the supernatural – I felt completely invested in both sets of characters, with none of those uncomfortable wrenches as we moved between past and present, and my heart was in my mouth throughout the later part of the book as developments called for considerable bravery from everyone involved.
The author’s writing just gets better with every book – this one was most definitely a personal favourite, and a book I’d very highly recommend.
The balancing contemporary story is equally strong and engaging – Cat has finally found the courage and opportunity to flee her abusive husband along with her own young daughter, finding refuge with her mother’s family in Italy. Slowly overcoming her fears of discovery and trusting another man, after agreeing to help as his translator, she finds friendship (and the possibility of more) with volcanologist Connor – but when they visit the ruins of both Pompeii and Herculaneum she becomes disturbed by vivid glimpses of past lives apparently linked with the ancient gold bracelet she wears. But the threat to their future happiness is firmly in the present…
The dual timeline is beautifully handled, both stories equally engaging and with unpredictable outcomes, fast-paced and laced with drama and danger, the tension rising in parallel – just perfectly handled, and entirely gripping and compelling. The author’s meticulous research into the historical setting is used quite wonderfully to make the reader feel entirely present as the story of Raedwald and Aemilia unfolds, filled with the kind of small detail that makes you feel you’re sharing their experience. The romance was strong and believable too, despite the many obstacles in its way – and equally so in the present day story.
The storytelling is just superb, and I really liked the way the stories cleverly mirrored each other in so many ways, only helped by the small touches of the supernatural – I felt completely invested in both sets of characters, with none of those uncomfortable wrenches as we moved between past and present, and my heart was in my mouth throughout the later part of the book as developments called for considerable bravery from everyone involved.
The author’s writing just gets better with every book – this one was most definitely a personal favourite, and a book I’d very highly recommend.
January 27, 2024
Shadows in the Ashes is the latest enthralling, atmospheric and mesmerizing novel from award-winning author Christina Courtenay.
Caterina Rossi has left her abusive marriage behind and gone to Pompeii with her three year old daughter. Caterina hopes that this move to Italy will be the fresh start she desperately needs and among the ruins of the city, she strikes a connection with research scientist Connor. Cat is immediately drawn to Connor and as the two of them begin working closely together, their work on volcanology takes them to Mount Vesuvius where Cat finds herself unsettled by chilling visions that appear to come from the bracelet handed down through her family’s generations…
In AD 79, Raedwald had been sold by his half-brother and enslaved as a gladiator. Getting through each day and surviving the bloody battles he is forced to fight is what keeps Raedwald going. He hopes to make enough money to be able to go back home and exact his revenge. However, vengeance will need to wait when he is hired to guard the beautiful Aemilia. Drawn together by a passion that cannot be denied, Raedwald soon finds himself falling for Aemilia, however, when his dreams begin to shift and become more and more brutal and violent, he begins to wonder – and fear – what might be in store for him…
As the past and present begin to merge in the most unexpected of ways, Cat realises that she has a fight of epic proportions on her hands if she is to keep her loved ones – and herself – safe and forge a brand new destiny from the ashes of her old life.
It’s impossible not to fall under Christina Courtenay’s spell and Shadows in the Ashes is a dazzling tale of danger, passion, intrigue and emotion full of romance, tension and adventure that will hold readers in thrall from start to finish. With her gift for creating nuanced characters and ability to make the past come splendidly to life, Christina Courtenay effortlessly grabs her readers from page one and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
A superbly written page-turner from a terrific storyteller, Shadows in the Ashes is another triumph for Christina Courtenay.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Caterina Rossi has left her abusive marriage behind and gone to Pompeii with her three year old daughter. Caterina hopes that this move to Italy will be the fresh start she desperately needs and among the ruins of the city, she strikes a connection with research scientist Connor. Cat is immediately drawn to Connor and as the two of them begin working closely together, their work on volcanology takes them to Mount Vesuvius where Cat finds herself unsettled by chilling visions that appear to come from the bracelet handed down through her family’s generations…
In AD 79, Raedwald had been sold by his half-brother and enslaved as a gladiator. Getting through each day and surviving the bloody battles he is forced to fight is what keeps Raedwald going. He hopes to make enough money to be able to go back home and exact his revenge. However, vengeance will need to wait when he is hired to guard the beautiful Aemilia. Drawn together by a passion that cannot be denied, Raedwald soon finds himself falling for Aemilia, however, when his dreams begin to shift and become more and more brutal and violent, he begins to wonder – and fear – what might be in store for him…
As the past and present begin to merge in the most unexpected of ways, Cat realises that she has a fight of epic proportions on her hands if she is to keep her loved ones – and herself – safe and forge a brand new destiny from the ashes of her old life.
It’s impossible not to fall under Christina Courtenay’s spell and Shadows in the Ashes is a dazzling tale of danger, passion, intrigue and emotion full of romance, tension and adventure that will hold readers in thrall from start to finish. With her gift for creating nuanced characters and ability to make the past come splendidly to life, Christina Courtenay effortlessly grabs her readers from page one and keeps them on the edge of their seats until the very end.
A superbly written page-turner from a terrific storyteller, Shadows in the Ashes is another triumph for Christina Courtenay.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2024
4.5
I recently had the opportunity to read and listen to an ARC copy of a book in both eBook and audiobook form. This was made possible thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Headline. I must say, experiencing the story in both formats was a truly enjoyable and immersive experience.
One aspect that stood out to me was the narrator's exceptional skill in distinguishing between the dual timelines. Through her changes in voice and emotions, she effectively conveyed the characters' feelings and brought their stories to life.
Among the many intriguing characters in the book, one that particularly captured my attention was Rufus. His vibrant red hair in the past added a unique touch to his character. However, as the story progressed and we shifted to the present day, a new character named Cat was introduced. Cat is facing a tumultuous domestic abusive situation and is deeply concerned about the safety of her daughter. Seeking solace and protection, she finds herself in Italy, where she crosses paths with Connor, a research scientist specializing in volcanic activity.
What fascinated me about Cat's character was the antique bracelet she wears. This seemingly innocuous piece of jewellery becomes the catalyst for a series of visions she experiences while walking the streets of modern-day Pompeii and its surroundings. These visions, although rooted in the ancient timeline, serve as a backdrop to Cat's present-day struggle with her abusive spouse. It is truly remarkable how the author seamlessly weaves together the past and present, creating a rich and captivating narrative.
In conclusion, the book I had the pleasure of reading and listening to was a masterful blend of historical and contemporary storytelling. The way the author intertwined the past and present was skillfully executed, and it made for a truly engaging reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a captivating tale that transcends time.
#bookreview #historicalfiction #contemporaryfiction #audiobook #ebook #dualtimelines #characterdevelopment #captivatingnarrative #Italy #volcanicactivity #Pompei
I recently had the opportunity to read and listen to an ARC copy of a book in both eBook and audiobook form. This was made possible thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Headline. I must say, experiencing the story in both formats was a truly enjoyable and immersive experience.
One aspect that stood out to me was the narrator's exceptional skill in distinguishing between the dual timelines. Through her changes in voice and emotions, she effectively conveyed the characters' feelings and brought their stories to life.
Among the many intriguing characters in the book, one that particularly captured my attention was Rufus. His vibrant red hair in the past added a unique touch to his character. However, as the story progressed and we shifted to the present day, a new character named Cat was introduced. Cat is facing a tumultuous domestic abusive situation and is deeply concerned about the safety of her daughter. Seeking solace and protection, she finds herself in Italy, where she crosses paths with Connor, a research scientist specializing in volcanic activity.
What fascinated me about Cat's character was the antique bracelet she wears. This seemingly innocuous piece of jewellery becomes the catalyst for a series of visions she experiences while walking the streets of modern-day Pompeii and its surroundings. These visions, although rooted in the ancient timeline, serve as a backdrop to Cat's present-day struggle with her abusive spouse. It is truly remarkable how the author seamlessly weaves together the past and present, creating a rich and captivating narrative.
In conclusion, the book I had the pleasure of reading and listening to was a masterful blend of historical and contemporary storytelling. The way the author intertwined the past and present was skillfully executed, and it made for a truly engaging reading experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a captivating tale that transcends time.
#bookreview #historicalfiction #contemporaryfiction #audiobook #ebook #dualtimelines #characterdevelopment #captivatingnarrative #Italy #volcanicactivity #Pompei
January 24, 2024
Now I love dual-timeline historical fiction so I can't believe that I'd never heard of Christina Courtenay's books before now! And I'm so glad this was my first one of her's because I absolutely loved it, I read it in two sittings one of which took me into the small hours of the morning because I just needed to know what happened.
I really felt for poor Cat and her situation, it was so brilliantly written it brought out all the emotions when reading anything to do with her and her abusive husband and I was cheering her along when she finally made that escape from him. The relationship between her and Connor was really well-paced, she had that uncertainty which you'd expect considering her previous situation and I loved how they started with a friendship and just visiting places in Italy together rather than a rushed relationship. And I really enjoyed the Flashbacks/visions that Cat started to have after that visit to Pompeii, I liked how she got those insights into Aemilia and Raedwald's life by catching those glimpses.
Speaking of Aemilia and Raedwald I loved the forbidden nature of their relationship and how it quietly grew on both sides until they couldn't contain it any longer, it was lovely to read in those chapters and to be there willing them to get together and escape Pompeii before its too late. Much like Cat's husband i really disliked Aemilia's husband, both of them were nasty pieces of work who treated their wives like a piece of property. It was good to see both women find a man who treated them like they were something to treasure rather than something to possess. The switches between timelines were brilliantly done, it was very easy to flick between the two and it was all very well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book and I can't wait to read more by her.
I really felt for poor Cat and her situation, it was so brilliantly written it brought out all the emotions when reading anything to do with her and her abusive husband and I was cheering her along when she finally made that escape from him. The relationship between her and Connor was really well-paced, she had that uncertainty which you'd expect considering her previous situation and I loved how they started with a friendship and just visiting places in Italy together rather than a rushed relationship. And I really enjoyed the Flashbacks/visions that Cat started to have after that visit to Pompeii, I liked how she got those insights into Aemilia and Raedwald's life by catching those glimpses.
Speaking of Aemilia and Raedwald I loved the forbidden nature of their relationship and how it quietly grew on both sides until they couldn't contain it any longer, it was lovely to read in those chapters and to be there willing them to get together and escape Pompeii before its too late. Much like Cat's husband i really disliked Aemilia's husband, both of them were nasty pieces of work who treated their wives like a piece of property. It was good to see both women find a man who treated them like they were something to treasure rather than something to possess. The switches between timelines were brilliantly done, it was very easy to flick between the two and it was all very well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book and I can't wait to read more by her.
February 19, 2024
Christina Courtenay writes dual-time romances. I think her books would be great for fans of authors like Elena Collins and Diana Gabaldon.
Shadows in the Ashes tells the stories of Raedwald in the past and Cat in the present. We first meet Raedwald in Frisia in AD 73, where we see him at eighteen with his younger half-brother Osbehrt. Six years later, he has moved to Pompeii and has become a famous gladiator known as Rufus the Barbarian, due to his long red hair.
Rufus and his friend, fellow gladiator, Duro (Drusus) are asked to guard Lucius and his wife Aemilia and daughter Caia (3). We soon see the conflict in their marriage, as Lucius is a controlling, abusive husband with debts and gambling problems.
Meanwhile in North London in April 2022, we meet Caterina (Cat) who lives with her controlling, abusive husband Derek and their daughter Bella (3). After she finally escapes from him, she moves back to Italy, the country of her birth and begins a new life as a waitress, where she meets an interesting man called Connor, who has beautiful green eyes and stunning red hair.
I really enjoyed this book and was emotionally invested in both stories. The characters were all very believable and I loved the descriptions of life in the past and could easily visualise everything. It is obvious how much research the author has done. I loved the parallels between Aemilia and Cat’s lives and was interested to see how things would turn out for both the women. Rufus/Raedwald and Connor are great characters too, really decent and kind men you root for.
The links between the two timelines were beautifully done and felt very natural. The story is well-paced and holds your interest throughout. Overall, Shadows in the Ashes has everything – romance, drama, tension, intrigue, mystery – and I would definitely recommend it.
Shadows in the Ashes tells the stories of Raedwald in the past and Cat in the present. We first meet Raedwald in Frisia in AD 73, where we see him at eighteen with his younger half-brother Osbehrt. Six years later, he has moved to Pompeii and has become a famous gladiator known as Rufus the Barbarian, due to his long red hair.
Rufus and his friend, fellow gladiator, Duro (Drusus) are asked to guard Lucius and his wife Aemilia and daughter Caia (3). We soon see the conflict in their marriage, as Lucius is a controlling, abusive husband with debts and gambling problems.
Meanwhile in North London in April 2022, we meet Caterina (Cat) who lives with her controlling, abusive husband Derek and their daughter Bella (3). After she finally escapes from him, she moves back to Italy, the country of her birth and begins a new life as a waitress, where she meets an interesting man called Connor, who has beautiful green eyes and stunning red hair.
I really enjoyed this book and was emotionally invested in both stories. The characters were all very believable and I loved the descriptions of life in the past and could easily visualise everything. It is obvious how much research the author has done. I loved the parallels between Aemilia and Cat’s lives and was interested to see how things would turn out for both the women. Rufus/Raedwald and Connor are great characters too, really decent and kind men you root for.
The links between the two timelines were beautifully done and felt very natural. The story is well-paced and holds your interest throughout. Overall, Shadows in the Ashes has everything – romance, drama, tension, intrigue, mystery – and I would definitely recommend it.
January 19, 2024
Another winner from Christina Courtenay. I have been a fan of her time-slip novels for several years and was intrigued to read one set in ancient Pompeii.
In the present Cat is stuck in an abusive marriage to Derek. She feels unable to leave until he does the unforgivable, he hurts her young daughter Bella, Now with the impetus to leave and the help of her neighbor Suzanne, Cat escapes to her mother’s and to Naples. In Naples Cat meets Connor a scientist earning his PhD in Volcanology. As Connor and Cat start to get know one another and visit the ancient cites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Cat starts to have visions of a man and woman from the Roman times of Pompeii.
In 79 AD, Raedwald is fighting as a gladiator in Pompeii, after being sold into slavery by his backstabbing half-brother and step-mother, so his half-brother can inherit their tribe from their father. Raedwald is working to earn enough money to purchase his freedom to go back home and take back his inheritence. Aemilia is a patrician Roman woman married to the degenerate Lucius. Lucius is from a patrician family who has fallen on hard times, his gambling habit does not help. He has run through Ameilia’s dowry and is being threatened by money lenders. He hires Raedwald and another gladiator Duro to act as bodyguards for himself, Aemelia and their daughter Caia. Raedwald and Aemilia fall in love, but can there be a happy ending between a gladiator and a Roman matron when Pompeii is about to erupt?
I really enjoyed this story. The two couples have intriguing back stories and the history of Pompeii has always fascinated me.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Headline and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
In the present Cat is stuck in an abusive marriage to Derek. She feels unable to leave until he does the unforgivable, he hurts her young daughter Bella, Now with the impetus to leave and the help of her neighbor Suzanne, Cat escapes to her mother’s and to Naples. In Naples Cat meets Connor a scientist earning his PhD in Volcanology. As Connor and Cat start to get know one another and visit the ancient cites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Cat starts to have visions of a man and woman from the Roman times of Pompeii.
In 79 AD, Raedwald is fighting as a gladiator in Pompeii, after being sold into slavery by his backstabbing half-brother and step-mother, so his half-brother can inherit their tribe from their father. Raedwald is working to earn enough money to purchase his freedom to go back home and take back his inheritence. Aemilia is a patrician Roman woman married to the degenerate Lucius. Lucius is from a patrician family who has fallen on hard times, his gambling habit does not help. He has run through Ameilia’s dowry and is being threatened by money lenders. He hires Raedwald and another gladiator Duro to act as bodyguards for himself, Aemelia and their daughter Caia. Raedwald and Aemilia fall in love, but can there be a happy ending between a gladiator and a Roman matron when Pompeii is about to erupt?
I really enjoyed this story. The two couples have intriguing back stories and the history of Pompeii has always fascinated me.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Headline and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
January 27, 2024
As Ancient Rome is one of my favourite historical settings, I was bound to be interested in this novel. It being by one of my favourite authors only added to it, making for an instant pre-order instead of "add to wish list and wait for a sale".
Like several other books by the same author, this is a time slip romance, so the story alternates between two time periods as well as between four characters : in 79, Aemilia, a formerly wealthy woman stuck in Pompeii with a husband who's been gambling all their money, and Raedwald, a gladiator who's saving to escape back to his native Frisia ; in 2022, Cat, an English-Italian woman who moves from London to the Naples area to save her daughter and herself from an abusive husband, and Connor, a Scottish man working on a thesis about volcanoes. As usual, I loved the way the stories were linked, and I always wanted to read more and find out what happened in both time periods.
In case you're as squeamish as I am (which is very), don't worry too much about the fact that Raedwald is a gladiator - there is one scene that shows him and others fighting in the arena so yes, there are wounds, but nothing too graphic. And anyone interested in big historical events must read this if only for the chapter in which the people of Pompeii try to flee as Mount Vesuvius starts erupting (this is no more of a spoiler than mentioning that the ship starts sinking in Titanic, right?).
Now I must say I really appreciated that this is a romance novel, which guarantees the main characters' eventual safety and happiness. It would have been a stressful read otherwise.
P.S. Don't miss the bonus short story after the author's note and aknowledgments.
Like several other books by the same author, this is a time slip romance, so the story alternates between two time periods as well as between four characters : in 79, Aemilia, a formerly wealthy woman stuck in Pompeii with a husband who's been gambling all their money, and Raedwald, a gladiator who's saving to escape back to his native Frisia ; in 2022, Cat, an English-Italian woman who moves from London to the Naples area to save her daughter and herself from an abusive husband, and Connor, a Scottish man working on a thesis about volcanoes. As usual, I loved the way the stories were linked, and I always wanted to read more and find out what happened in both time periods.
In case you're as squeamish as I am (which is very), don't worry too much about the fact that Raedwald is a gladiator - there is one scene that shows him and others fighting in the arena so yes, there are wounds, but nothing too graphic. And anyone interested in big historical events must read this if only for the chapter in which the people of Pompeii try to flee as Mount Vesuvius starts erupting (this is no more of a spoiler than mentioning that the ship starts sinking in Titanic, right?).
Now I must say I really appreciated that this is a romance novel, which guarantees the main characters' eventual safety and happiness. It would have been a stressful read otherwise.
P.S. Don't miss the bonus short story after the author's note and aknowledgments.
January 18, 2024
What a brilliant dual timeline romance this proved to be,
Set now and in Pompeii back in history.
Two timelines are followed, life for the characters revealed
Though for years the wives kept their abuse concealed.
When her husband threatens their daughter with harm
Her neighbour helps them escape and keeps her calm.
Her Mum then helps her flee to family in Italy where
Her uncles and cousins don't hesitate to show them care.
Back in history, Raedwald was sold by his half-brother
Who wanted to be their father's heir as Raedwald was to discover.
Raedwald becomes a gladiator in Roman Pompeii
And a bodyguard for those who hire him and pay.
When Caterina visits Pompeii she's shocked to see
She has visions of life as it used to be.
She can see the places as before the volcano erupted
And feel the earth shake as life then was disrupted.
An enthralling read with two heroines whose lives
Mirror each other as for safety they strive.
A story with strong men who will play their parts
As they endeavour to win the lady's safety and heart.
I really enjoyed escaping into this book
And highly recommend you give it more than a look!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Set now and in Pompeii back in history.
Two timelines are followed, life for the characters revealed
Though for years the wives kept their abuse concealed.
When her husband threatens their daughter with harm
Her neighbour helps them escape and keeps her calm.
Her Mum then helps her flee to family in Italy where
Her uncles and cousins don't hesitate to show them care.
Back in history, Raedwald was sold by his half-brother
Who wanted to be their father's heir as Raedwald was to discover.
Raedwald becomes a gladiator in Roman Pompeii
And a bodyguard for those who hire him and pay.
When Caterina visits Pompeii she's shocked to see
She has visions of life as it used to be.
She can see the places as before the volcano erupted
And feel the earth shake as life then was disrupted.
An enthralling read with two heroines whose lives
Mirror each other as for safety they strive.
A story with strong men who will play their parts
As they endeavour to win the lady's safety and heart.
I really enjoyed escaping into this book
And highly recommend you give it more than a look!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
January 24, 2024
This story is atmospheric and immersive from the beginning as it tells its dual timeline stories, One set in ancient Pompeii and the other in present-day England and Italy. Both female protagonists suffer domestic violence and have a young child. The domestic abuse is heartbreaking, but this is a story of courage and second chances. The timeslip element is intense and believable, drawing the women together over time. The romance is passionate and mirrored by the emotional commitment that makes it credible and heartwarming. The historical details evoke ancient Pompeii and the Romans. It immerses you in the time, and you can experience the fear of the volcanic eruption. The ending is lovely. I enjoyed the historical details, the sensory imagery, the romance and the mystical timeslip elements.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 25, 2024
I have always been fascinated by Pompeii and was curious to read this story as soon as I heard about it. I was not disappointed. Christina Courtenay has written a beautiful dual-timeline story, with modern Naples and ancient Pompeii overlapping across the millennia. I thought it was especially clever how the two stories moved in parallel, and both worlds were painted so well I could see, smell, and taste everything the characters experienced. My favourite character was Raedwald: his backstory, experiences, and character arc were very well depicted, and I may have ended the novel slightly in love with him myself! I much enjoyed reading the book (I think I read the entire second half in one sitting) and highly recommend it.
May 31, 2024
Another wonderful bit of escapism romance to take me away from everyday life. This is a dual time period novel taking place in Pompei and Naples/Sorrento. I loved how the two stories paralleled each other and I was equally drawn into the lives of both major characters. Her descriptions of the scenery were spot on as I have previously visited both locales. Definitely recommended if you enjoy historical romance.
January 26, 2024
Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with this book for review. Very excited to read this one, as I absolutely adore the series of Runes books. I was hesitant, thinking that maybe I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but thankfully I was wrong as I loved this book too. For anyone who hasn't read this author before, please do, give her books a try.
April 16, 2024
Shadows in the Ashes
I loved this book, I started reading and it drew you in immediately. I was just watching the tv and it was all about an excavation of a part of Pompeii that had never been unearthed. So this book seemed so appropriate. The duel stories were just wonderful, and I hated to come to the end.
I loved this book, I started reading and it drew you in immediately. I was just watching the tv and it was all about an excavation of a part of Pompeii that had never been unearthed. So this book seemed so appropriate. The duel stories were just wonderful, and I hated to come to the end.
January 12, 2024
Another brilliant time slip book this time set in 2022 and the eruption of vesuvius in ad 79 in Pompeii.
There is a dual time line and 2 stories that Co exist that run along a similar vein.
I really enjoyed this if you are a fan of Christina Courtenay's other books you will devour this one
There is a dual time line and 2 stories that Co exist that run along a similar vein.
I really enjoyed this if you are a fan of Christina Courtenay's other books you will devour this one
January 22, 2024
Another wonderful time slip by Christina Courtney. The book takes you to the places she describes with her captivating descriptions. Now I want to go to Pompeii!!
And as always her book has a happy ending. Can’t wait for her next book!
And as always her book has a happy ending. Can’t wait for her next book!
February 3, 2024
Christina Courtenay shines yet again. Wonderfully written book. Well researched too, as I have been to Pompeii, Naples, and Sorrento / this is a book that’s good from start to finish.
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