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The Golden Hour
Crossing oceans, cultures, and timelines, The Silver Thread is the brand new Kate Lord Brown novel coming summer 2026.
From decadent Cairo in the 1930s to bohemian Beirut in the 1970s, an epic yet intimate story of great love and lasting friendship . . .
As her home, Beirut, teeters on the brink of war, Polly Fitzgerald has one last story to tell – about her best friend, Juno, and their life together in Cairo. Juno was vital and brilliant – and determined to succeed in her ambition to uncover Nefertiti’s tomb.
But Juno and Polly’s friendship was bound by a secret, one that has never been told. Now, as Polly’s daughter, Lucie, travels to Beirut to be with her dying mother, the mystery of what happened many years ago must be revealed . . .
From decadent Cairo in the 1930s to bohemian Beirut in the 1970s, an epic yet intimate story of great love and lasting friendship . . .
As her home, Beirut, teeters on the brink of war, Polly Fitzgerald has one last story to tell – about her best friend, Juno, and their life together in Cairo. Juno was vital and brilliant – and determined to succeed in her ambition to uncover Nefertiti’s tomb.
But Juno and Polly’s friendship was bound by a secret, one that has never been told. Now, as Polly’s daughter, Lucie, travels to Beirut to be with her dying mother, the mystery of what happened many years ago must be revealed . . .
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
35 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Kate Lord Brown
14 books201 followersTHE GOLDEN HOUR - 2025
Welcome to 30s Cairo, an epic and intimate story of friendship, survival and love.
Kate grew up in the wild and beautiful Devon countryside. After studying philosophy at Durham University and art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art, Kate gained a MA in Creative Writing.
Welcome to 30s Cairo, an epic and intimate story of friendship, survival and love.
Kate grew up in the wild and beautiful Devon countryside. After studying philosophy at Durham University and art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art, Kate gained a MA in Creative Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 3, 2025
Beautifully atmospheric and so gripping. I was drawn in from the very beginning and spent hours immersed in the audiobook, brought to life by Avita Jay’s wonderful narration.(Need to find more books that she's narrating) While the Egyptology added a rich layer to the story, what truly stayed with me was the deep sense of sisterhood between the characters and the idea of a love that never truly fades. It felt like watching a movie in my mind, emotional, vivid, and unforgettable.
July 10, 2025
*Life Adventure*
**4.5 Stars**
This dual timeline story spans the 1930s and 1970s, primarily set in Beirut. It follows the friendship between Juno and Polly. Juno, an archaeologist, is in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man whose obsession with her becomes more evident as the story progresses.
Polly, on the other hand, is married to a wonderful husband and desperately wants a child. She falls pregnant but miscarries in an accident. The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head when Juno unexpectedly becomes pregnant.
In the present, Polly’s health is deteriorating, and she has a story to tell her daughter, Lucie. This story is filled with surprises, and Lucie, also an archaeologist, begins to uncover her mother’s life. We witness the devastating consequences when Polly, driven by jealousy, makes a remark to Juno’s husband that has far-reaching repercussions, leading to the loss of lives.
We embark on a journey through the vibrant life of Juno, witnessing her brilliance as an archaeologist. Marital affairs, danger, loss, and sacrifice all intertwine in this epic tale of love, loss, and discovery.
We also meet Lucie, another archaeologist who is skilled in uncovering the past but fails to see the obvious in her own life.
**4.5 Stars**
This dual timeline story spans the 1930s and 1970s, primarily set in Beirut. It follows the friendship between Juno and Polly. Juno, an archaeologist, is in an unhappy marriage to a controlling man whose obsession with her becomes more evident as the story progresses.
Polly, on the other hand, is married to a wonderful husband and desperately wants a child. She falls pregnant but miscarries in an accident. The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head when Juno unexpectedly becomes pregnant.
In the present, Polly’s health is deteriorating, and she has a story to tell her daughter, Lucie. This story is filled with surprises, and Lucie, also an archaeologist, begins to uncover her mother’s life. We witness the devastating consequences when Polly, driven by jealousy, makes a remark to Juno’s husband that has far-reaching repercussions, leading to the loss of lives.
We embark on a journey through the vibrant life of Juno, witnessing her brilliance as an archaeologist. Marital affairs, danger, loss, and sacrifice all intertwine in this epic tale of love, loss, and discovery.
We also meet Lucie, another archaeologist who is skilled in uncovering the past but fails to see the obvious in her own life.
June 13, 2025
Having the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens as a backdrop while reading this story was the most phenomenal experience. Walking the valley and seeing the tombs have you could the feel of excitement that was felt my Juno and Lucie for the incredible history that lays here.
Part from just being in the places spoken of in the book, the book was a beautifully illustrated depiction of life, love and loss and gave a vivid feel of the grandeur Egypt holds, while still being historically accurate.
Part from just being in the places spoken of in the book, the book was a beautifully illustrated depiction of life, love and loss and gave a vivid feel of the grandeur Egypt holds, while still being historically accurate.
April 7, 2025
Ten years ago, I read my first Kate Lord Brown novel, and The Golden Hour reminds me why I love this author’s writing. Kate delivers a rich, sweeping story that blends history, emotion, and unforgettable characters with such vivid detail that it’s impossible not to be transported.
Set across two timelines – 1930s Cairo and 1970s Beirut – this is a story about love, loss, legacy, and the meaning of home. At the heart of it are two women: Polly, who is nearing the end of her life, and her daughter Lucie, who returns to Beirut to be with her. As Polly reveals the secrets of her past and the extraordinary life of her childhood friend Juno, Lucie begins to piece together a history that stretches from the golden sands of Egypt to the volatile beauty of war-torn Lebanon.
From the first scene – Polly and Juno climbing a pyramid in 1939 – I was captivated. Juno’s spirited independence, Polly’s quieter resilience, and Lucie’s search for belonging all struck a chord.
Kate Lord Brown’s ability to immerse the reader in time and place is exceptional. Cairo’s heat, Cairo’s secrets, Cairo’s allure – it’s all there. And the archaeology! The excitement and wonder of the dig, the textures and smells of the desert – I was completely swept up.
But it’s not just the settings that stay with you. It’s the emotional weight of the story – the sacrifices made, the relationships lost and found, the quiet strength of women who carry on in the face of heartbreak.
There’s a slow-burn romance for Lucie, subtle but meaningful, and moments of quiet catharsis that left me in tears (a particular scene related to the horses undid me entirely).
Themes of identity and belonging run deeply throughout – both Polly and Lucie grapple with the idea of “home,” and the book explores how it can mean different things at different times in our lives. For Lucie, Beirut may be home, even if she hasn’t quite found where she belongs in the world. For Polly, perhaps it was always Cornwall – or maybe something less tangible.
This is the kind of novel I would have shared with my mum – the kind we would have stayed up late talking about, passing tissues back and forth as we read.
I still think about these characters. The Golden Hour is a story that lingers, that stays with you in the quiet moments. Beautifully told and deeply felt.
Set across two timelines – 1930s Cairo and 1970s Beirut – this is a story about love, loss, legacy, and the meaning of home. At the heart of it are two women: Polly, who is nearing the end of her life, and her daughter Lucie, who returns to Beirut to be with her. As Polly reveals the secrets of her past and the extraordinary life of her childhood friend Juno, Lucie begins to piece together a history that stretches from the golden sands of Egypt to the volatile beauty of war-torn Lebanon.
From the first scene – Polly and Juno climbing a pyramid in 1939 – I was captivated. Juno’s spirited independence, Polly’s quieter resilience, and Lucie’s search for belonging all struck a chord.
Kate Lord Brown’s ability to immerse the reader in time and place is exceptional. Cairo’s heat, Cairo’s secrets, Cairo’s allure – it’s all there. And the archaeology! The excitement and wonder of the dig, the textures and smells of the desert – I was completely swept up.
But it’s not just the settings that stay with you. It’s the emotional weight of the story – the sacrifices made, the relationships lost and found, the quiet strength of women who carry on in the face of heartbreak.
There’s a slow-burn romance for Lucie, subtle but meaningful, and moments of quiet catharsis that left me in tears (a particular scene related to the horses undid me entirely).
Themes of identity and belonging run deeply throughout – both Polly and Lucie grapple with the idea of “home,” and the book explores how it can mean different things at different times in our lives. For Lucie, Beirut may be home, even if she hasn’t quite found where she belongs in the world. For Polly, perhaps it was always Cornwall – or maybe something less tangible.
This is the kind of novel I would have shared with my mum – the kind we would have stayed up late talking about, passing tissues back and forth as we read.
I still think about these characters. The Golden Hour is a story that lingers, that stays with you in the quiet moments. Beautifully told and deeply felt.
April 10, 2025
This really was such an engaging and wonderfully told story, richly atmospheric, filled with unexpected twists and turns – a dual timeline impeccably managed, and a multi-sensory experience of life in Cairo in the 1930s and 1970s Beirut.
Childhood friends Polly and Juno, having grown up in Cornwall, are reunited in Cairo as war approaches – a cultural melting pot, a chaotic way of life that suits Juno’s independent and adventurous spirit far better than it does her more cautious friend. Juno’s determined that her gender and her marriage won’t get in the way of her deep need to join an archaeological dig deep in the desert – Nefertiti has long been her fascination, she’s always harboured the desire to be part of the team who finally uncover her tomb, and will overcome any barriers that lie in her way. Polly, meanwhile, is quietly supportive – finding her own comfort of home in working with horses.
In the 1970s, archaeologist Lucie travels to Beirut to be with Polly, her mother, at the end of her life – again with war casting a dark shadow. She finds a friend and ally – and a welcome touch of romance – but also discovers a complicated family mystery to disentangle, with its roots deep in the childhood friends’ shared history, but its impact far reaching in the present day.
Juno describes Cairo as having “the novelty of Paris, the charm of Vienna and the nobility of Istanbul” – but it’s the author’s wonderful writing that entirely transports the reader to the city at that point in history, and it’s certainly a heady experience. The ex-pat lifestyle, with its many excesses and moral uncertainties, is so perfectly captured – and the author’s descriptions of the more opulent oases and seedier backstreets, the pervading sense of danger and unrest, were truly exceptional with an atmosphere I found entirely immersive. There’s a cinematic quality to the writing that makes you feel present in the moment – one of those books that made it easy to disappear into its pages and entirely escape from life.
The excitement – and discomfort – of the dig was perfectly captured too, as Juno’s moral compass shifts, tempted by the forbidden, always striving to be taken seriously in a world run by men and overshadowed by their struggles for dominance. And the author’s extensive research really shines through – all the archaeological detail bringing her desert experience to life, along with the palpable excitement of being tantalisingly close to a discovery that will change history.
The three main characters – Polly and Juno, and Lucie in the present day – are very real and quite perfectly drawn, all of them sympathetic in their different ways, all wrestling with finding happiness in the place they feel they belong. The supporting cast is just as strong – the male characters are equally well rounded, sometimes odious, but often playing their own important parts in the women’s unfolding stories. The central mystery linking the timelines and driving the story totally fascinates, its discoveries and revelations perfectly paced – I might have joined up the pieces ahead of the ending, but it couldn’t have been more perfect, rounded off by a particularly moving and fitting epilogue. But there are so many moving moments – the author really does have such a well-judged emotional touch.
It’s the story of a particularly special friendship, about love and betrayal, deeply hidden secrets, following your dreams, defeating the odds, overcoming fear and finding bravery – and a really gripping story, with characters I felt deeply about. And it’s a story that will stay with me for a very long time – a shared experience I really couldn’t have enjoyed more.
Childhood friends Polly and Juno, having grown up in Cornwall, are reunited in Cairo as war approaches – a cultural melting pot, a chaotic way of life that suits Juno’s independent and adventurous spirit far better than it does her more cautious friend. Juno’s determined that her gender and her marriage won’t get in the way of her deep need to join an archaeological dig deep in the desert – Nefertiti has long been her fascination, she’s always harboured the desire to be part of the team who finally uncover her tomb, and will overcome any barriers that lie in her way. Polly, meanwhile, is quietly supportive – finding her own comfort of home in working with horses.
In the 1970s, archaeologist Lucie travels to Beirut to be with Polly, her mother, at the end of her life – again with war casting a dark shadow. She finds a friend and ally – and a welcome touch of romance – but also discovers a complicated family mystery to disentangle, with its roots deep in the childhood friends’ shared history, but its impact far reaching in the present day.
Juno describes Cairo as having “the novelty of Paris, the charm of Vienna and the nobility of Istanbul” – but it’s the author’s wonderful writing that entirely transports the reader to the city at that point in history, and it’s certainly a heady experience. The ex-pat lifestyle, with its many excesses and moral uncertainties, is so perfectly captured – and the author’s descriptions of the more opulent oases and seedier backstreets, the pervading sense of danger and unrest, were truly exceptional with an atmosphere I found entirely immersive. There’s a cinematic quality to the writing that makes you feel present in the moment – one of those books that made it easy to disappear into its pages and entirely escape from life.
The excitement – and discomfort – of the dig was perfectly captured too, as Juno’s moral compass shifts, tempted by the forbidden, always striving to be taken seriously in a world run by men and overshadowed by their struggles for dominance. And the author’s extensive research really shines through – all the archaeological detail bringing her desert experience to life, along with the palpable excitement of being tantalisingly close to a discovery that will change history.
The three main characters – Polly and Juno, and Lucie in the present day – are very real and quite perfectly drawn, all of them sympathetic in their different ways, all wrestling with finding happiness in the place they feel they belong. The supporting cast is just as strong – the male characters are equally well rounded, sometimes odious, but often playing their own important parts in the women’s unfolding stories. The central mystery linking the timelines and driving the story totally fascinates, its discoveries and revelations perfectly paced – I might have joined up the pieces ahead of the ending, but it couldn’t have been more perfect, rounded off by a particularly moving and fitting epilogue. But there are so many moving moments – the author really does have such a well-judged emotional touch.
It’s the story of a particularly special friendship, about love and betrayal, deeply hidden secrets, following your dreams, defeating the odds, overcoming fear and finding bravery – and a really gripping story, with characters I felt deeply about. And it’s a story that will stay with me for a very long time – a shared experience I really couldn’t have enjoyed more.
April 8, 2025
I was captivated by that classy cover and right from the prologue, I was gripped by the beautiful storytelling as the author whisked me from 1930s Cairo to 1970s Beirut.
I just adored the intertwining stories of friends Polly and Juno living in Egypt in the 1930s, then Polly and her daughter Lucie in Beirut in the 1970s. Both storylines are overshadowed by coming wars. Juno in particular was the standout character for me. She was determined and passionate both in her work and her living. She refused to accept that women were lesser than men or that working on archaeological digs was too dangerous and would not take no for an answer.
The ancient Egyptians are endlessly fascinating and it was clear that the author also has a passion for Egypt. It is incredible to think about this ancient civilisation and how what it created so many thousands of years ago still exists and captures the imagination of people today. I was swept up in the excitement of the search for further tombs and treasures in the deserts and in particular for the resting place of Nefertiti.
This is a book of stories. The stories of the two women, the stories of the Egyptians, the stories we tell each other, the stories we pass down through the generations. I loved a phrase from the very last paragraph which does not give anything away but gives a glimpse of the beautiful writing you will find throughout the book.
“We walk on, carrying the past and the present and the future in us. We are the libraries of the world with stories to tell.”
The Golden Hour is a sweeping epic novel with gorgeous locations, beautifully described characters and a gripping story combining adventure, secrets, love and friendship. A must-read for historical fiction fans.
I just adored the intertwining stories of friends Polly and Juno living in Egypt in the 1930s, then Polly and her daughter Lucie in Beirut in the 1970s. Both storylines are overshadowed by coming wars. Juno in particular was the standout character for me. She was determined and passionate both in her work and her living. She refused to accept that women were lesser than men or that working on archaeological digs was too dangerous and would not take no for an answer.
The ancient Egyptians are endlessly fascinating and it was clear that the author also has a passion for Egypt. It is incredible to think about this ancient civilisation and how what it created so many thousands of years ago still exists and captures the imagination of people today. I was swept up in the excitement of the search for further tombs and treasures in the deserts and in particular for the resting place of Nefertiti.
This is a book of stories. The stories of the two women, the stories of the Egyptians, the stories we tell each other, the stories we pass down through the generations. I loved a phrase from the very last paragraph which does not give anything away but gives a glimpse of the beautiful writing you will find throughout the book.
“We walk on, carrying the past and the present and the future in us. We are the libraries of the world with stories to tell.”
The Golden Hour is a sweeping epic novel with gorgeous locations, beautifully described characters and a gripping story combining adventure, secrets, love and friendship. A must-read for historical fiction fans.
January 31, 2025
First of all, a big thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for allowing me to read this book before its publication.
It is the 1970s and Lucie has to leave England for Beirut where her mother is dying. Polly will then tell her her story in Egypt with her best friend Juno, an archaeologist passionate about Nefertiti. This confession will be an opportunity for Lucie to lift the veil on a family secret.
I loved the descriptions of Egypt in the 1930s, the heat, the souks, the archaeological wonders, the pyramids... We really feel like we are there and the author describes this truly fascinating country wonderfully.
The characters are endearing and I loved the relationship between Polly and Juno, a truly incredible friendship. But there are also strong secondary characters like Raif who moved me a lot at the end of the novel.
The plot is gripping even if we quickly guess Polly's secret. However, the novel is really pleasant to read, the construction with the double temporality is effective and it is a novel that I would recommend to all lovers of historical novels.
It is the 1970s and Lucie has to leave England for Beirut where her mother is dying. Polly will then tell her her story in Egypt with her best friend Juno, an archaeologist passionate about Nefertiti. This confession will be an opportunity for Lucie to lift the veil on a family secret.
I loved the descriptions of Egypt in the 1930s, the heat, the souks, the archaeological wonders, the pyramids... We really feel like we are there and the author describes this truly fascinating country wonderfully.
The characters are endearing and I loved the relationship between Polly and Juno, a truly incredible friendship. But there are also strong secondary characters like Raif who moved me a lot at the end of the novel.
The plot is gripping even if we quickly guess Polly's secret. However, the novel is really pleasant to read, the construction with the double temporality is effective and it is a novel that I would recommend to all lovers of historical novels.
April 8, 2025
Soaked in the air of the exotic, this is a story of love, friendship and adventure which I absolutely devoured.
It’s 1975 and as Polly Fitzgerald nears the end of her life, it’s time to tell her daughter Lucie the truth. Lucie, an archaeologist has her life upended by the secrets her mother reveals and it changes her understanding of everything, right down to the career she has chosen
With the story set in 1940s Egypt and 1970s Beirut, the shadow of war hangs over them both adding tension and uncertainty..
I felt Kate really captured the sense of excitement and potential an archaeological dig can offer all infused with the added mystery of Egypt and I particularly enjoyed that story especially the bravery of Juno and the friendship between her and Polly.
The Golden Hour is sweeping and atmospheric and a perfect piece of escapist fiction
It’s 1975 and as Polly Fitzgerald nears the end of her life, it’s time to tell her daughter Lucie the truth. Lucie, an archaeologist has her life upended by the secrets her mother reveals and it changes her understanding of everything, right down to the career she has chosen
With the story set in 1940s Egypt and 1970s Beirut, the shadow of war hangs over them both adding tension and uncertainty..
I felt Kate really captured the sense of excitement and potential an archaeological dig can offer all infused with the added mystery of Egypt and I particularly enjoyed that story especially the bravery of Juno and the friendship between her and Polly.
The Golden Hour is sweeping and atmospheric and a perfect piece of escapist fiction
February 17, 2025
On the brink of war in 1970's Beirut Lucie Fitzgerald travels home to be with her beloved dying mother Polly. Lucie is a professor in archaeology, a subject she's always been fascinated by, inspired by stories from her mum who lived in Cairo in the 1930's with her friend Juno.
Juno was determined to find the tomb of Nefertiti, she made it her lifes work. This is her story as much as Lucie's.
This wonderful novel showcases life for expats in Cairo before WW2, its decadent and richly atmospheric. I loved being on the digs with Juno, the author has articulated the dusty climate and the feeling of wonder. The title of the novel is so apt.
I loved it and its a book to remember.
Juno was determined to find the tomb of Nefertiti, she made it her lifes work. This is her story as much as Lucie's.
This wonderful novel showcases life for expats in Cairo before WW2, its decadent and richly atmospheric. I loved being on the digs with Juno, the author has articulated the dusty climate and the feeling of wonder. The title of the novel is so apt.
I loved it and its a book to remember.
April 5, 2025
The Golden Hour is the latest book from Kate Lord Brown set in Egypt in 1939 and Beirut in 1975. The stunning cover for this book is very evocative of the time and place and would easily catch readers attention. Once you have then picked up the book it’s difficult to leave it down as the chapters just flow so well melding effortlessly into one another with the dual timeline aspect weaving back and forth between the past and the present. This is a beautifully written and impeccably researched story with such powerful and impactful imagery and symbolism. There are many layers to the story with hidden meanings and the comparisons between the past and present are stark and memorable. It’s evident the author spent a lot of time researching Egyptology and the history of the Valley of the Kings and the Pharaohs and it was all completely riveting and fascinating. In fact, it really makes you want to continue to do your own research and delve deeper into the topic. Yet, the story never came across as stuffy and rigid filled with historical fact that bogged the themes and plot down instead it felt as if everything was natural and richly atmospheric.
I think what I loved most about this book was that it was something different from the usual World War Two books that I have read. Having it set on a different continent and in Egypt made for something new, fresh and exciting for me. Although it’s more the threat of a war that the characters face in the past and present rather than the specific events of both wars that are dealt with but still the tension, the unrest and the unnerving atmosphere still pervades. In 1975, Lucie has been called back to Beirut where she learns her mother Polly has not long left to live. As Polly is on the brink of leaving this world and entering the next, her beloved city of Beirut is itself facing challenges. Unrest and war are about to break out with many leaving the city. Polly runs an Arabian stud farm and she needs her horses to be taken care of but also she has a story to tell that she has long kept secret. She can’t let go until she has done so and through calling Lucie home, she will reveal a remarkable story of love, secrets and the power of friendship.
Lucie is shocked to learn that Polly has not much longer left with her. When she meets local vet David at the airport a connection is formed and despite his anxiety about leaving the city as trouble brews ever stronger he comes to Polly’s farm and helps where needed. The bond that developed between the pair was subtle and it did not take over the story for their friendship was not the sole focus and nor should it have been. Yet, still it was essential to show the contrast between relationships in the past and how they can be so different in the present. Lucie works as an archaeologist, again another comparison with the past. Like Juno in the past she too is searching for Nefertiti’s tomb but now is the time to be with Polly as she slowly reveals her story with its many shocking twists, turns, trials and tribulations which is also heart-breaking in equal measure. The tissues may very well be needed on more than one occasion.
The chapters set in the present are a way of bridging the gap back to the past and truthfully it is Polly and Juno’s story set in Egypt in 1939 that truly captured my attention. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate Lucie’s aspect of the overall plot. It was essential but it was just the way the story was written as the world hovered on the brink of war was absolutely fantastic and I loved every chapter. Polly and her best friend Juno are like sisters who have been there for each other through thick and thin ever since they met each other at boarding school in England, sharing the common bond of both being orphans. Theirs was a deep and long lasting friendship whose paths merge once again in Cairo as Polly and her new husband Fitz have been posted to the city. Juno already lives there with her husband Alec and young son Billy who is tended to by the male nanny Raif. Juno was a pure enigma. I felt we learned so much about her but yet there were so many things that she kept hidden. But one thing she did not keep secret was her passion for Ancient Egypt. Her love and devotion for the topic shone through from every page and it as clear that the author herself shares this same passion. I think when you are deeply interested in something and want to write about it you will do so to perfection and that really came across here throughout the book.
Juno has a long held ambition to discover the lost tomb of Nefertiti and is determined to get on Professor Brandt’s team as he excavates in the Valley of the Kings which may very well be the last dig before war shuts everything down. Juno is stubborn and determined in her plans and she had a fiery spirit about her. Polly looked up to her so much and admired her even if at times she got herself into precarious positions. Also, at times I felt Juno was neglectful of Polly and unaware of what she herself was going through. Almost as if it was always Juno who had challenges and struggles and she didn’t always reciprocate Polly’s need for support. Juno’s husband Alec was not the man that she had married and to say the relationship was strained was an understatement. His experiences from the Great War had deeply affected him but the further I read the more I thought that this was just an excuse. This I feel made Juno jealous of Polly in that she didn’t have the same depth to her relationship as had Polly and Fitz. I thought Juno was an independent woman so why didn’t she break free from Alec? Alec was ghastly, controlling and a bully and his actions throughout portrayed him as cruel and domineering and not worthy of the any attention that he received throughout.
Juno and Polly’s story in Cairo unfolds at a perfect pace and the reader really gets to know them. The crux of the plot starts to become clearer and it’s when Juno gets a position on a dig in Luxor that the basis of the story which had been put in place in the first half begin to come to fruition. All the details of the various Kings and how the digs were carried out and what the Kings believed at the time etc were brilliant. A history lesson was unfolding before my eyes and one in which I was very much invested. It’s a fascinating time period which is not written about enough in books and the fact it was blended with the two shall I say modern day stories made this all the more appealing. I did kind of guess one aspect of the reveal just before it occurred but it didn’t detract from when the big moment came which itself was equally shocking and heart-breaking.
All in all, The Golden Hour was a wonderful book. A complete success for Kate Lord Brown who has written a book the reader can completely immerse themselves in and you catapult yourself back to a very different world from the one in which we live today. I just hope Kate won’t leave it as long before she publishes her next book.
I think what I loved most about this book was that it was something different from the usual World War Two books that I have read. Having it set on a different continent and in Egypt made for something new, fresh and exciting for me. Although it’s more the threat of a war that the characters face in the past and present rather than the specific events of both wars that are dealt with but still the tension, the unrest and the unnerving atmosphere still pervades. In 1975, Lucie has been called back to Beirut where she learns her mother Polly has not long left to live. As Polly is on the brink of leaving this world and entering the next, her beloved city of Beirut is itself facing challenges. Unrest and war are about to break out with many leaving the city. Polly runs an Arabian stud farm and she needs her horses to be taken care of but also she has a story to tell that she has long kept secret. She can’t let go until she has done so and through calling Lucie home, she will reveal a remarkable story of love, secrets and the power of friendship.
Lucie is shocked to learn that Polly has not much longer left with her. When she meets local vet David at the airport a connection is formed and despite his anxiety about leaving the city as trouble brews ever stronger he comes to Polly’s farm and helps where needed. The bond that developed between the pair was subtle and it did not take over the story for their friendship was not the sole focus and nor should it have been. Yet, still it was essential to show the contrast between relationships in the past and how they can be so different in the present. Lucie works as an archaeologist, again another comparison with the past. Like Juno in the past she too is searching for Nefertiti’s tomb but now is the time to be with Polly as she slowly reveals her story with its many shocking twists, turns, trials and tribulations which is also heart-breaking in equal measure. The tissues may very well be needed on more than one occasion.
The chapters set in the present are a way of bridging the gap back to the past and truthfully it is Polly and Juno’s story set in Egypt in 1939 that truly captured my attention. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate Lucie’s aspect of the overall plot. It was essential but it was just the way the story was written as the world hovered on the brink of war was absolutely fantastic and I loved every chapter. Polly and her best friend Juno are like sisters who have been there for each other through thick and thin ever since they met each other at boarding school in England, sharing the common bond of both being orphans. Theirs was a deep and long lasting friendship whose paths merge once again in Cairo as Polly and her new husband Fitz have been posted to the city. Juno already lives there with her husband Alec and young son Billy who is tended to by the male nanny Raif. Juno was a pure enigma. I felt we learned so much about her but yet there were so many things that she kept hidden. But one thing she did not keep secret was her passion for Ancient Egypt. Her love and devotion for the topic shone through from every page and it as clear that the author herself shares this same passion. I think when you are deeply interested in something and want to write about it you will do so to perfection and that really came across here throughout the book.
Juno has a long held ambition to discover the lost tomb of Nefertiti and is determined to get on Professor Brandt’s team as he excavates in the Valley of the Kings which may very well be the last dig before war shuts everything down. Juno is stubborn and determined in her plans and she had a fiery spirit about her. Polly looked up to her so much and admired her even if at times she got herself into precarious positions. Also, at times I felt Juno was neglectful of Polly and unaware of what she herself was going through. Almost as if it was always Juno who had challenges and struggles and she didn’t always reciprocate Polly’s need for support. Juno’s husband Alec was not the man that she had married and to say the relationship was strained was an understatement. His experiences from the Great War had deeply affected him but the further I read the more I thought that this was just an excuse. This I feel made Juno jealous of Polly in that she didn’t have the same depth to her relationship as had Polly and Fitz. I thought Juno was an independent woman so why didn’t she break free from Alec? Alec was ghastly, controlling and a bully and his actions throughout portrayed him as cruel and domineering and not worthy of the any attention that he received throughout.
Juno and Polly’s story in Cairo unfolds at a perfect pace and the reader really gets to know them. The crux of the plot starts to become clearer and it’s when Juno gets a position on a dig in Luxor that the basis of the story which had been put in place in the first half begin to come to fruition. All the details of the various Kings and how the digs were carried out and what the Kings believed at the time etc were brilliant. A history lesson was unfolding before my eyes and one in which I was very much invested. It’s a fascinating time period which is not written about enough in books and the fact it was blended with the two shall I say modern day stories made this all the more appealing. I did kind of guess one aspect of the reveal just before it occurred but it didn’t detract from when the big moment came which itself was equally shocking and heart-breaking.
All in all, The Golden Hour was a wonderful book. A complete success for Kate Lord Brown who has written a book the reader can completely immerse themselves in and you catapult yourself back to a very different world from the one in which we live today. I just hope Kate won’t leave it as long before she publishes her next book.
July 29, 2025
I had really hoped to love this, but perhaps I tried to read it at the wrong time as I found it slow and... it didn't grip me so it ended as a DNF for me.
June 22, 2025
This review can be found at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy of the book in return for this honest review.
The Golden Hour is an evocative story of time and place that begins with its stunning cover and ends with its surprisingly moving conclusion. Taking place between Cairo in 1939 and Beirut in 1970, it’s an epic historical fiction. The story illustrates how actions in the past can have ripple effects across generations.
I first became interested in The Golden Hour after seeing its gorgeous cover on social media. When Kate Lord Brown talked about it and read an extract from it at the Books and the City 2025 Showcase in February, I knew it was a story I wanted to read. As a matter of fact, I began reading it on my way home.
At its core, The Golden Hour is about the enduring power of female friendships. Juno and Polly met at school, and we meet them as World War II looms. Polly is exploring her affinity for horses while preparing to see her husband go to war, while Juno wants to join the dig to find Nefertiti’s tomb. I enjoyed reading the parts set in Cairo the most. It was as if I was immersed in the desert. I am sure I could feel the heat from the desert radiating from the pages and taste the sand at one point! The fact that I was able to follow Juno on the dig and visualise the treasures they discovered made me feel I was there with her.
I still enjoyed the parts set in 1970’s Beirut. This part of the story follows Lucie, an archaeologist who has returned home from London to visit her sick mother, Polly. Lucie listens as Polly recounts her time in Cairo and the past starts to unravel.
As the two stories blend seamlessly, the past and present are brought together. Even though I figured out how the story would end before the end, I enjoyed the story and its denouement.
The Golden Hour is the first novel by Kate Lord Brown that I’ve read, and I wonder what I’ve been missing! Her writing is beautiful and it has the ability to plunge the reader straight into the setting as though we are part of the story. The cast of characters are well drawn too.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Kate Lord Brown writes next and exploring her back catalogue.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy of the book in return for this honest review.
The Golden Hour is an evocative story of time and place that begins with its stunning cover and ends with its surprisingly moving conclusion. Taking place between Cairo in 1939 and Beirut in 1970, it’s an epic historical fiction. The story illustrates how actions in the past can have ripple effects across generations.
I first became interested in The Golden Hour after seeing its gorgeous cover on social media. When Kate Lord Brown talked about it and read an extract from it at the Books and the City 2025 Showcase in February, I knew it was a story I wanted to read. As a matter of fact, I began reading it on my way home.
At its core, The Golden Hour is about the enduring power of female friendships. Juno and Polly met at school, and we meet them as World War II looms. Polly is exploring her affinity for horses while preparing to see her husband go to war, while Juno wants to join the dig to find Nefertiti’s tomb. I enjoyed reading the parts set in Cairo the most. It was as if I was immersed in the desert. I am sure I could feel the heat from the desert radiating from the pages and taste the sand at one point! The fact that I was able to follow Juno on the dig and visualise the treasures they discovered made me feel I was there with her.
I still enjoyed the parts set in 1970’s Beirut. This part of the story follows Lucie, an archaeologist who has returned home from London to visit her sick mother, Polly. Lucie listens as Polly recounts her time in Cairo and the past starts to unravel.
As the two stories blend seamlessly, the past and present are brought together. Even though I figured out how the story would end before the end, I enjoyed the story and its denouement.
The Golden Hour is the first novel by Kate Lord Brown that I’ve read, and I wonder what I’ve been missing! Her writing is beautiful and it has the ability to plunge the reader straight into the setting as though we are part of the story. The cast of characters are well drawn too.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Kate Lord Brown writes next and exploring her back catalogue.
May 23, 2025
Discover the locations in the novel here
What a compelling story and the writing just draws you in!
Polly tells her story of the time she spent in Egypt with her best friend Juno, an archaeologist passionate about Nefertiti. Years later, someone by the name of Lucie heads out there and a family secret is gradually revealed. Not going to share what links these two timelines or what it is all about but suffice to say a story about secrets and tombs in ancient Egypt is just going to draw me in right away.
The scene setting was out of this world – Egypt in the 1930s is a sight to behold with its souks, noise and heat. Then there’s the pyramids and the tombs of past rulers. Kate has either travelled to the country many times and unearthed some of its treasures herself ( through maps, not illegally!) or she has a time machine. The attention to detail and scene setting draws you in and it’s a wonder to be there. This is what armchair travel is all about!
The women in the novel are strong and intriguing and the two friends in 1930s Cairo were some of the best I have come across. Lucie in the later thread is the main character there and she is a force to be reckoned with. I immediately warmed to all three.
By far the biggest character and source of intrigue was Nefertiti herself. I know very little about Egypt, its figures and history sadly but this was an eye opener that I think everyone would learn from. Nefertiti was a queen of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, the great royal wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. The couple were known for their radical overhaul of state religious policy so they were very important. Secrets and intrigue relating to this figure? Yes please!
The whole package – from the story to the characters and wartime background – well the book read like a film in my head with the most majestic of soundtracks.
Highly recommended!
April 10, 2025
Beirut, 1975. Archaeologist Lucie Fitzgerald is called home from London to be with her dying mother, Polly. Lebanon is on the brink of civil war, but it is not this that is preying on Polly's mind. Instead, Polly knows it is finally time to share the truth about her childhood friend Juno with her daughter, before it is too late.
From her death bed, Polly has secrets to share with Lucie about what happened to beautiful, driven Juno, and the dream she has passed on to Lucie to discover the tomb of Nefertiti.
Kate Lord Brown's beautiful novel unfurls in two evocative timelines - Beirut in 1975, when Lucie travels home to be with her dying mother, and 1939, through the story that Polly shares with Lucie about the heady days she and Juno spent together in Cairo. Brown does an incredible job bringing time and place alive in both storylines, so you feel the political climate, the heat, the dust, the chaos, and the quiet moments of calm - particularly when it comes to the intoxicating atmosphere of ex-pats negotiating the ending of eras.
Moving back and forth between the two timelines, Brown spins stories that pound your emotions in more ways than one through meandering threads of enduring love, unbearable loss, sacrifice, passion, and sisterhood - finally revealing the secret that begins to emerge in only the way a truly accomplished storyteller can manage. In the telling, she immerses you completely in oodles of compelling Egyptian mythology and archaeological wonder, entwining Juno's ambition to find the tomb of Nefertiti with her struggle to have the accomplishments of female archaeologists recognised alongside their male counterparts - a theme which flows gloriously into Lucie's life too. If horses are your bag, then you will also find much in this novel to please,
I was totally consumed by this book, completely transported into the lives of the characters, and I shed more than a few tears as I travelled alongside them through their triumphs and tragedies. Sweeping and intensely moving, this is easily one of my books of 2025.
From her death bed, Polly has secrets to share with Lucie about what happened to beautiful, driven Juno, and the dream she has passed on to Lucie to discover the tomb of Nefertiti.
Kate Lord Brown's beautiful novel unfurls in two evocative timelines - Beirut in 1975, when Lucie travels home to be with her dying mother, and 1939, through the story that Polly shares with Lucie about the heady days she and Juno spent together in Cairo. Brown does an incredible job bringing time and place alive in both storylines, so you feel the political climate, the heat, the dust, the chaos, and the quiet moments of calm - particularly when it comes to the intoxicating atmosphere of ex-pats negotiating the ending of eras.
Moving back and forth between the two timelines, Brown spins stories that pound your emotions in more ways than one through meandering threads of enduring love, unbearable loss, sacrifice, passion, and sisterhood - finally revealing the secret that begins to emerge in only the way a truly accomplished storyteller can manage. In the telling, she immerses you completely in oodles of compelling Egyptian mythology and archaeological wonder, entwining Juno's ambition to find the tomb of Nefertiti with her struggle to have the accomplishments of female archaeologists recognised alongside their male counterparts - a theme which flows gloriously into Lucie's life too. If horses are your bag, then you will also find much in this novel to please,
I was totally consumed by this book, completely transported into the lives of the characters, and I shed more than a few tears as I travelled alongside them through their triumphs and tragedies. Sweeping and intensely moving, this is easily one of my books of 2025.
February 28, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this eCopy to read
"The Golden Hour" by Kate Lord Brown, is an unforgettable and richly woven novel that I'd rate a perfect 6 out of 5 stars—if that were possible! This epic dual timeline story captivated me so much that I wanted to go back to the start and read it all over again.
The novel masterfully interweaves the lives of glory-seeking desert archaeologists in 1930s Cairo and the restless expats in 1970s Beirut. At the heart of the story is archaeologist Lucie Fitzgerald, who returns to Beirut to be with her dying mother, Polly. Polly, from her deathbed, reveals one last story that uncovers secrets about her childhood best friend, Juno, and their adventurous life in 1930s Cairo.
As Lucie delves into her mother's past, the narrative shifts seamlessly between the two timelines, unravelling the complex and riveting history of Polly and Juno’s search for Nefertiti’s tomb. The themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice are beautifully explored as Lucie uncovers the truth about her family and their shared legacy.
Brown's writing is both evocative and atmospheric, transporting the reader to the golden sands of Cairo and the vibrant streets of Beirut. The historical details are meticulously researched and vividly described, making you feel as if you've been whisked away to another time and place.
The characters are deeply compelling and multi-dimensional. Lucie is a strong and relatable protagonist, while Polly and Juno’s friendship and bravery add layers of emotional depth to the story. The relationships and interactions between characters are authentic and moving, making the reader care deeply about their fates.
The plot is masterfully constructed, with twists and revelations that keep you hooked until the very end. The dual timeline structure enhances the storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
"The Golden Hour" by Kate Lord Brown, is an unforgettable and richly woven novel that I'd rate a perfect 6 out of 5 stars—if that were possible! This epic dual timeline story captivated me so much that I wanted to go back to the start and read it all over again.
The novel masterfully interweaves the lives of glory-seeking desert archaeologists in 1930s Cairo and the restless expats in 1970s Beirut. At the heart of the story is archaeologist Lucie Fitzgerald, who returns to Beirut to be with her dying mother, Polly. Polly, from her deathbed, reveals one last story that uncovers secrets about her childhood best friend, Juno, and their adventurous life in 1930s Cairo.
As Lucie delves into her mother's past, the narrative shifts seamlessly between the two timelines, unravelling the complex and riveting history of Polly and Juno’s search for Nefertiti’s tomb. The themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice are beautifully explored as Lucie uncovers the truth about her family and their shared legacy.
Brown's writing is both evocative and atmospheric, transporting the reader to the golden sands of Cairo and the vibrant streets of Beirut. The historical details are meticulously researched and vividly described, making you feel as if you've been whisked away to another time and place.
The characters are deeply compelling and multi-dimensional. Lucie is a strong and relatable protagonist, while Polly and Juno’s friendship and bravery add layers of emotional depth to the story. The relationships and interactions between characters are authentic and moving, making the reader care deeply about their fates.
The plot is masterfully constructed, with twists and revelations that keep you hooked until the very end. The dual timeline structure enhances the storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
March 30, 2025
Rarely do I need to resort to the use of tissues during a read, but my word, The Golden Hour certainly had me reaching for them.This dual timeline novel is set in Egypt during the summer of 1939 and the Lebanon thirty six years later. The story opens in 1975 when Lucie Munro arrives in Lebanon to visit her mother Polly, who is terminally ill. It then switches to 1939 where army newly weds Polly and her husband Fitz have been posted to Ciaro. They are met at the station by her long term friend Juno and her pilot husband Alec. From the outset it is clear Alec is a totally unpleasant individual, with little regard for anyone, including Juno or their small son Billy. The story catalogues their lives together as World War II approaches. The women are caught up in the decadent lifestyle of ex-pats in Ciaro. The descriptions are vivid and atmospheric and give the reader a strong sense of place - of sights, sounds and customs in a colourful middle eastern city and beyond. With a background in Egyptology, Juno is keen to use the time when Alec is away to join a dig, with their servant Raif and Polly looking after Billy. in her absence. She secures a post on a dig in the Valley of the Kings, knowing Alec's reaction when he returns will be less than favourable, but unaware of greater problems her actions will cause.
I absolutely lost myself in this book. It's a compelling read and I found myself immediately invested in the characters and keen to know what the future held for them. There are secrets, love, friendship and sadness - the latter, unusually for me, involved tissues! The Golden Hour is definitely one of those books that you'll remember long after you have turned the last page. A lovely, lovely read. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Simon and Schuster, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Golden Hour in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely lost myself in this book. It's a compelling read and I found myself immediately invested in the characters and keen to know what the future held for them. There are secrets, love, friendship and sadness - the latter, unusually for me, involved tissues! The Golden Hour is definitely one of those books that you'll remember long after you have turned the last page. A lovely, lovely read. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Simon and Schuster, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Golden Hour in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2025
Polly Fitzgerald is dying. So her daughter, Lucie, travels home to be by her side. But as she sits by her mother’s deathbed, Lucie is unprepared for the final story that she will tell her. Transporting us to Cairo on the brink of World War 2, Polly tells Lucie the story of her childhood best friend, Juno, and what happened in Cairo in the 30s. It is a story of the unbreakable bonds of friendship, of forbidden love, long-held secrets, and unspeakable tragedy.
I’ve always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt so I knew that a story about Archaeologists, priceless artifacts and the search for Nefertiti’s tomb would be one that captivated my attention. Beautiful, immersive, fascinating and transportive, I was pulled in from the opening pages. Exquisitely written, skillfully interwoven and full of evocative imagery, Kate Lord Brown had me in her thrall from beginning to end. She expertly kept me in the palm of her hand by rationing the reveals as she moves between timelines and narrators. I was on a knife-edge of suspense and couldn’t stop reading.
At the centre of this story are three compelling women who were a joy to read. They and the other characters were richly drawn, making you care about them and I quickly felt invested in their lives. I was even rooting for the forbidden romance between two of the characters. But there were so many questions I needed the answer to, and I was powerless, unable to stop listening until all was revealed. But when they were I was unprepared for just how much they would break me.
So, if you’re looking for a summer read full of exotic escapism, this is the book for you.
I’ve always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt so I knew that a story about Archaeologists, priceless artifacts and the search for Nefertiti’s tomb would be one that captivated my attention. Beautiful, immersive, fascinating and transportive, I was pulled in from the opening pages. Exquisitely written, skillfully interwoven and full of evocative imagery, Kate Lord Brown had me in her thrall from beginning to end. She expertly kept me in the palm of her hand by rationing the reveals as she moves between timelines and narrators. I was on a knife-edge of suspense and couldn’t stop reading.
At the centre of this story are three compelling women who were a joy to read. They and the other characters were richly drawn, making you care about them and I quickly felt invested in their lives. I was even rooting for the forbidden romance between two of the characters. But there were so many questions I needed the answer to, and I was powerless, unable to stop listening until all was revealed. But when they were I was unprepared for just how much they would break me.
So, if you’re looking for a summer read full of exotic escapism, this is the book for you.
May 24, 2025
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, it totally drew me in. I know they say don’t judge a book by its cover but in this case, please do! The outside reflects the inside perfectly: it is dreamy, full of emotion, with wonderful, strong female characters and the setting is so vivid, I felt like I was there myself.
This novel is so many stories in one: it is the story of Juno and Polly, best friends since childhood, different in their personalities but both such incredible women; it is also the love stories of Polly and Fitzy and Juno and Max, as well as the story of Polly’s daughter Lucie and the secret that binds them altogether m, all set against the backdrop of Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.
This dual timeline book is partly set in 1939 Cairo and partly in 1975 Beirut. Both locations are described beautifully: I could see it all so clearly in my mind’s eye and felt like I was there myself. In 1939 Juno and Max are trying to locate the tomb of Nefertiti in the heat of the Egyptian summer with the Second World War very much looming in the background. In 1975, Lebanon is also on the brink of war, but the civil war is the last thing on Polly mind as she gathers all her courage to tell Lucie all that happened that summer in the Valley of the Kings.
Such a wonderful read that flows easily. It moves back and forth across the two timelines seamlessly and it has everything you could ask for in a story: love, sadness, friendship, adventure and secrets.
This novel is so many stories in one: it is the story of Juno and Polly, best friends since childhood, different in their personalities but both such incredible women; it is also the love stories of Polly and Fitzy and Juno and Max, as well as the story of Polly’s daughter Lucie and the secret that binds them altogether m, all set against the backdrop of Egypt and the Valley of the Kings.
This dual timeline book is partly set in 1939 Cairo and partly in 1975 Beirut. Both locations are described beautifully: I could see it all so clearly in my mind’s eye and felt like I was there myself. In 1939 Juno and Max are trying to locate the tomb of Nefertiti in the heat of the Egyptian summer with the Second World War very much looming in the background. In 1975, Lebanon is also on the brink of war, but the civil war is the last thing on Polly mind as she gathers all her courage to tell Lucie all that happened that summer in the Valley of the Kings.
Such a wonderful read that flows easily. It moves back and forth across the two timelines seamlessly and it has everything you could ask for in a story: love, sadness, friendship, adventure and secrets.
September 20, 2025
The Golden Hour sets out to weave a dual-timeline story between Egypt on the eve of World War II and Beirut during the civil war. On paper, it promises themes of female friendship, archaeology, and buried secrets. In practice, though, I found the execution underwhelming.
The characters struck me as insipid. Much of their energy seemed directed toward romantic entanglements, which ironically reinforced the very gender stereotypes of the 1940s the novel appeared to critique. The personal relationships dominated so much of the narrative that deeper explorations of ambition, independence, or even friendship often felt sidelined.
From an academic standpoint, the research into archaeology and Egyptology felt frustratingly surface-level. There are gestures toward digs and hieroglyphs, but little meaningful engagement with figures such as Howard Carter or Flinders Petrie, whose methodologies shaped the field. A more critical or even opinionated discussion of these practices would have grounded the novel in its historical setting and given it the intellectual heft it lacked.
That said, it is an easy read, with straightforward prose and a smooth pace. For readers looking for a light historical novel with a touch of romance, it may be appealing. For me, though, it didn’t offer enough depth or originality to keep me captivated.
The characters struck me as insipid. Much of their energy seemed directed toward romantic entanglements, which ironically reinforced the very gender stereotypes of the 1940s the novel appeared to critique. The personal relationships dominated so much of the narrative that deeper explorations of ambition, independence, or even friendship often felt sidelined.
From an academic standpoint, the research into archaeology and Egyptology felt frustratingly surface-level. There are gestures toward digs and hieroglyphs, but little meaningful engagement with figures such as Howard Carter or Flinders Petrie, whose methodologies shaped the field. A more critical or even opinionated discussion of these practices would have grounded the novel in its historical setting and given it the intellectual heft it lacked.
That said, it is an easy read, with straightforward prose and a smooth pace. For readers looking for a light historical novel with a touch of romance, it may be appealing. For me, though, it didn’t offer enough depth or originality to keep me captivated.
November 13, 2024
In 1975, as Lucie Fitzgerald sits by her mother Polly's deathbed in Beirut, the city teeters on the edge of war.
Knowing her time is short, Polly reveals a long-buried secret - a hidden chapter of her life involving her best friend Juno, a quixotic, determined, beauty who harbored an obsession with Egypt’s ancient past.
Their shared history in late-1930s Cairo, marked by wartime intrigue, personal tragedy, and Juno’s relentless pursuit of the legendary tomb of Nefertiti, has remained shrouded in silence for decades.
As Polly begins to unravel the past, uncovering the dark truths of her family, Lucie is overcome by the emotional weight of the revelations.
All the characters are well realised and convincing, but Juno and Polly are particularly vivid as they rush to claim a future in world which is busy making history.
Will the lessons of their story help Lucie, who has spent a lifetime combing the past for evidence left by lives lived, chart a course through her own troubled times?
With its fascinating setting and compelling characters - broken by one war and now caught in the grip of another - this novel is absorbing and moving, delivering expertly-judged notes of triumph and tragedy.
Knowing her time is short, Polly reveals a long-buried secret - a hidden chapter of her life involving her best friend Juno, a quixotic, determined, beauty who harbored an obsession with Egypt’s ancient past.
Their shared history in late-1930s Cairo, marked by wartime intrigue, personal tragedy, and Juno’s relentless pursuit of the legendary tomb of Nefertiti, has remained shrouded in silence for decades.
As Polly begins to unravel the past, uncovering the dark truths of her family, Lucie is overcome by the emotional weight of the revelations.
All the characters are well realised and convincing, but Juno and Polly are particularly vivid as they rush to claim a future in world which is busy making history.
Will the lessons of their story help Lucie, who has spent a lifetime combing the past for evidence left by lives lived, chart a course through her own troubled times?
With its fascinating setting and compelling characters - broken by one war and now caught in the grip of another - this novel is absorbing and moving, delivering expertly-judged notes of triumph and tragedy.
April 11, 2025
This is just the sort of book I’m really enjoying right now. A dual timeline story set in 1970’s Beirut and 1930’s Cairo. The story starts in 1975 when archaeologist Lucie visits her mother Polly who is terminally ill. With war in Lebanon clearly imminent Polly is worried about her horses, she runs a stud farm. But she also has a story she needs to share with Lucie. I’m fascinated by Egyptology and it’s clear the author is too, the detailed research is evident.
Briefly, shortly before the outbreak of WWII Polly and her husband Fitz were posted to Cairo. Polly’s friend Juno is already living there with her husband Alec, a pilot, and young son Billy. Although she knows her husband won’t like it Juno wants to take part in excavations going on in the Valley of the Kings looking for the tomb of Nefertiti and with Polly’s help she does just that.
Both timelines were good but I was so engrossed by the earlier one, although the later one was a great conduit for the early story. The descriptions are fabulous and I particularly relished all the historical detail of ancient Egypt. The search for the tomb of Nefertiti, in both timelines, was well done, and I could clearly imagine both women taking part in their respective excavations. An atmospheric and very enjoyable historical saga, I loved it.
Briefly, shortly before the outbreak of WWII Polly and her husband Fitz were posted to Cairo. Polly’s friend Juno is already living there with her husband Alec, a pilot, and young son Billy. Although she knows her husband won’t like it Juno wants to take part in excavations going on in the Valley of the Kings looking for the tomb of Nefertiti and with Polly’s help she does just that.
Both timelines were good but I was so engrossed by the earlier one, although the later one was a great conduit for the early story. The descriptions are fabulous and I particularly relished all the historical detail of ancient Egypt. The search for the tomb of Nefertiti, in both timelines, was well done, and I could clearly imagine both women taking part in their respective excavations. An atmospheric and very enjoyable historical saga, I loved it.
October 20, 2025
3.5/5
I enjoyed reading this despite the negatives summed up below.
+ I lost myself in the descriptions of 1930s Egypt and the dig. Very well done.
+ I was happy we spent most of the book in the 1930s and only a little in 1970s.
- I did not care for Lucie since we spent so little time with her and her love story felt a bit too instant and not fleshed out.
- The foreshadowing was very clear, zero surprise that Lucie was really Juno's daughter and that Alec would murder Juno. The reason for keeping it secret her whole life also made no sense. Sure, you don't want to burden a child with this, but when she was older? They also deprived her of a grandmother. It just felt very selfish, Polly wanted a child of her own so that is what she got. The pressure on Lucie to immediately forgive Polly for lying to her her whole life just because she is dying and had good intentions? Bullshit.
- The epilogue was too sickly sweet
I enjoyed reading this despite the negatives summed up below.
+ I lost myself in the descriptions of 1930s Egypt and the dig. Very well done.
+ I was happy we spent most of the book in the 1930s and only a little in 1970s.
- I did not care for Lucie since we spent so little time with her and her love story felt a bit too instant and not fleshed out.
- The foreshadowing was very clear, zero surprise that Lucie was really Juno's daughter and that Alec would murder Juno. The reason for keeping it secret her whole life also made no sense. Sure, you don't want to burden a child with this, but when she was older? They also deprived her of a grandmother. It just felt very selfish, Polly wanted a child of her own so that is what she got. The pressure on Lucie to immediately forgive Polly for lying to her her whole life just because she is dying and had good intentions? Bullshit.
- The epilogue was too sickly sweet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
With two timelines, Cairo in the 1930s and Beirut in the 1970s, The Golden Hour is a story of great love and lasting friendship. Juno and Polly have been best friends since they were children.
They meet up again when Polly and her new husband Fitz move to Cairo, where Juno lives with her husband Alec and their young son Billy. Juno is an archaeologist and is desperate to get a job on a dig in the Valley of the Kings / Queens because she has always longed to find the tomb of Nefertiti. She also wants to distance herself from her marriage to Alec for a while. Juno asks Polly to help look after their young son Billy so she can go back to work. The story continues from there.
Fast forward to the 1970's.....
Polly’s daughter, Lucie, travels to Beirut to be with her dying mother. The mystery of what happened in Egypt all those years ago must be revealed by Polly before she dies....
They meet up again when Polly and her new husband Fitz move to Cairo, where Juno lives with her husband Alec and their young son Billy. Juno is an archaeologist and is desperate to get a job on a dig in the Valley of the Kings / Queens because she has always longed to find the tomb of Nefertiti. She also wants to distance herself from her marriage to Alec for a while. Juno asks Polly to help look after their young son Billy so she can go back to work. The story continues from there.
Fast forward to the 1970's.....
Polly’s daughter, Lucie, travels to Beirut to be with her dying mother. The mystery of what happened in Egypt all those years ago must be revealed by Polly before she dies....
July 10, 2025
As Beirut teeters on the brink of war, Polly Fitzgerald has one last story to share about her brilliant friend Juno, their life in Cairo, and the secret that bound them. When Polly’s daughter, Lucie, arrives in Beirut, the truth of what happened years ago must finally be revealed.
It is atmospheric and reminiscent of classic black-and-white films. This book has a little bit of everything. Romance, female friendship, family secrets, and Egyptology. It does have a feminist angle (female archaeologists), but I don’t think that aspect was strong enough, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re specifically looking for a feminist read. However, if you’re after a sweeping, moving epic historical fiction that’s accessible and not too heavy, I highly recommend this for your summer reading. I used the audiobook and it was very easy to listen to. 4 🌟
It is atmospheric and reminiscent of classic black-and-white films. This book has a little bit of everything. Romance, female friendship, family secrets, and Egyptology. It does have a feminist angle (female archaeologists), but I don’t think that aspect was strong enough, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re specifically looking for a feminist read. However, if you’re after a sweeping, moving epic historical fiction that’s accessible and not too heavy, I highly recommend this for your summer reading. I used the audiobook and it was very easy to listen to. 4 🌟
August 12, 2025
I was swept away by the evocative prose in this story. I could smell the smells of Cairo and feel the grit of the swirling desert sands whipped up by the winds. This is more than one love story, it is several.
Fierce friendship, loyalty, romantic and parental love all intertwined. I loved it and can’t wait to find and read other novels by this author.
The search for Nefertiti’s tomb continues to this day and this novel has sparked my interest in Ancient Egyptian history - the oldest civilisation on earth. I will now seek to learn more.
An immersive story - highly recommended if you want to be swept away.
Fierce friendship, loyalty, romantic and parental love all intertwined. I loved it and can’t wait to find and read other novels by this author.
The search for Nefertiti’s tomb continues to this day and this novel has sparked my interest in Ancient Egyptian history - the oldest civilisation on earth. I will now seek to learn more.
An immersive story - highly recommended if you want to be swept away.
December 22, 2025
2.5 rounded up to 3.0. This book hovered on the surface for me. The irritating bit was that Juno complains that women archaeologists aren't recognised, but then becomes a stereotypical woman caught up in romance & pregnancy that basically ends her career (1930s). I hoped for more archaeology, scenes in tombs, but it is basically a romance. Lucie - well, it was predictable who she was and the 'insta' romance with David was too coincidental. On the upside, the author did a good job of recreating Cairo in the 1930s.
Easy-to-read writing style, but I didn't really engage with any of the characters except Raif.
The final page I found too dramatic.
Easy-to-read writing style, but I didn't really engage with any of the characters except Raif.
The final page I found too dramatic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
Picked this up blindly and very glad i did. A third person, dual timeline which circles around found family, friendship, love. loss and betrayal. This was my first Kate Lord Brown's book so I had no idea of her writing style, structures, emotional ranges or story building but safe to say i was impressed with all, especially her focus on writing unique characters that all flow well with each other adding to the story building. One weak point i think may be more personal for me was the pacing of the story was a bit slow near a beginning but this just leaves more room to introduce characters and story lines.
Overall, I did enjoy this. The last maybe 60% was my fav.
Overall, I did enjoy this. The last maybe 60% was my fav.
January 31, 2026
*2,5 Sterne
In diesem Buch steckt eine gute Geschichte, aber leider macht die Autorin zu wenig daraus.
Die Figuren sind eindimensional und austauschbar, die Geschichte ist größtenteils langweilig und ereignislos. Es gibt ein wichtiges, spannendes Ereignis und am Ende einige Twists, die aber nicht wirklich überraschen können.
Das Setting Kairo und die bevorstehenden Kriege (Zweiter Weltkrieg und Bürgerkrieg im Libanon) hätten so viele Anknüpfungspunkte zu bieten, aber die Chancen bleiben völlig ungenutzt.
Was bleibt, ist eine lauwarme, weitgehend spannungsarme Geschichte, die vor allem an Oberflächlichkeit krankt und schnell vergessen wieder wird. Da wäre mehr drin gewesen!
In diesem Buch steckt eine gute Geschichte, aber leider macht die Autorin zu wenig daraus.
Die Figuren sind eindimensional und austauschbar, die Geschichte ist größtenteils langweilig und ereignislos. Es gibt ein wichtiges, spannendes Ereignis und am Ende einige Twists, die aber nicht wirklich überraschen können.
Das Setting Kairo und die bevorstehenden Kriege (Zweiter Weltkrieg und Bürgerkrieg im Libanon) hätten so viele Anknüpfungspunkte zu bieten, aber die Chancen bleiben völlig ungenutzt.
Was bleibt, ist eine lauwarme, weitgehend spannungsarme Geschichte, die vor allem an Oberflächlichkeit krankt und schnell vergessen wieder wird. Da wäre mehr drin gewesen!
February 11, 2025
I do like a historical fiction book set in a foreign land and this one didn’t disappoint. Although I am not a great lover of Egyptian history I found this story interesting and knowledgeable.
I loved the female characters especially Polly, Juno and Lucie as their intertwined lives unfolded.
Passion, friendship and tragedy kept this story alive and even through the sorrow a goodness shone.
My thanks to Net Galley and publisher for the advanced digital copy of this lovely book.
I loved the female characters especially Polly, Juno and Lucie as their intertwined lives unfolded.
Passion, friendship and tragedy kept this story alive and even through the sorrow a goodness shone.
My thanks to Net Galley and publisher for the advanced digital copy of this lovely book.
April 9, 2025
This is such a beautiful story. I could so imagine it as a film with the gorgeous setting of Cairo and these wonderful characters Kate has described.
It’s a fascinating dual timeline and I thought the archaeological digs, the history of Nerfetiti was so interesting. Entwine this with a love story and it made for such a gorgeous tale.
The friendship between Polly and Juno was one to celebrate - from the age of 7 their relationship had grown and was so inspiring. I loved seeing how their relationship was being seen in Poppy’s stories to Lucie - bringing the warmth and love between them to the next generation.
Love and hope, grief and loss wrapped up in such a vivid and beautiful story.
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