The Distant Daughter

by Lorna Cook

Singapore, 1941: Singapore City lights up with explosions as the first Japanese bombs rain down. Until now, the war has seemed a distant threat for Issey and her friends, drinking and dancing at Raffles. But with the Japanese invasion looming, Issey knows she must leave. Mysterious, handsome Alex Cartwright has sworn he will see her to safety.

Cornwall, 2025: Nursing a broken heart, Lamorna flees her life in Singapore, returning to Trelenna, her Cornish family home. With ambitious plans to save and finance the crumbling house, her sister Zennor needs Lamorna’s help.

When Zach, a local archivist, suggests telling the house’s story through the family archives, Lamorna discovers a battered leather diary written by Issey, a young woman living a glamorous life in 1940s Singapore.

Within its pages, she finds the gripping story of Issey’s desperate escape. Fascinated by the links with her own life, Lamorna longs to know: did Issey and Alex survive the horrors of the Japanese attack on Singapore? And can their story of enduring love, strength and sacrifice inspire Lamorna to embrace a new life—and new love—at Trelenna?

The Distant Daughter is an epic, heart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling family story.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Family, Ebooks, British Literature

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Lorna Cook writes historical fiction, weaving secrets and forgotten history with mystery and romance.

She also writes contemporary fiction under the name Elle Cook.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is dual timeline and looks at the invasion of Singapore during WWII. This was the first I knew of this and the history was sad, yet intriguing. I loved all the main characters in both timelines. There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding the outcome for several of the main characters during WWII. This definitely had me on the edge of my seat. The romances ran deep. There were two descriptive scenes of sex and some profanity. I chose not to deduct a star for this, though I did blush. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Amazon Prime for this early review copy. I devoured this novel right from the first page. Loved both timelines, intricately researched, richly layered, fantastic settings and breathtaking love story. Book 2 is too far away!

[Tej Dhawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t encountered stories inspired by Japanese attacks on SE Asia or Singapore in my reading. So when Amazon first reads offered this book AND it included Singapore AND Cornwall (two favorite locations) I had to read. I liked the emotions encountered by the two lead characters, the balanced supporting roles played by the 3 men along the way, and the near non-fiction possibility of the threadline.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much. It was a dual timeline set in present day in Cornwall and Singapore just before the Japenese invaded the island. Such terrible events that should never be forgotten.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging dual-timeframe story tying family together through a home’s historical documents. A story about moving forward, rebuilding, family, love.

I liked learning about Singapore and the Japanese invasion during WWII, which I had no prior knowledge of. I appreciated both storylines and the authors skill of weaving them together so seamlessly.

[Stephanie Marks-Leavitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the dual timeline and settings of this book, Singapore right before the Japanese invasion during WWII and present day at a rundown family estate in Cornwall. As much as I love dual timelines I often find myself more invested in on period - not with this story! I was so excited when the timeline would switch back and forth and felt so interested in the continuing stories of both, Issey and Lamorna. I also really enjoyed the three supporting male characters and the added depth they brought to the plot. Loved that it ended teasing us for part 2! Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an audio ARC.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 - good plane ride read. Formulaic - wish they’d developed more of the war part of the story rather than just the relationships. Of course it ended with a cliff hanger cuz it’s part 1…

[Anna Mattamana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very okay - but i will continue

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely dual-timeline from Lorna Cook. She really nails these WW2 novels & I loved the settings of Singapore and deepest, darkest Cornwall. You know you’re in for a good read when you pick up anything by Lorna & I’m really excited that there will be two more in this series & we will learn more about Trelenna House, Zennor, Merry, Veryan & Lamorna.

[Vic Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the story in the past, but I felt the current day story was too rushed as a result.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing read, albeit a gripping tale from the past based on the war with Japan and a rather tedious tale based on recent times. The storyline in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion was compelling and followed the horrors of that war and the effects on the local population. All the characters were memorable in their own way, not so those based on the lives of a more recent generation. The storyline, years later in the UK was drawn out, predictable and rather tedious. A great pity. This could have been a much better read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the story was interesting. There was a bit more romance for my liking and a somewhat storybook ending which didn't mix well with the vagaries of war.

[Bonnie R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring Slog

Other than historical account of the fall of Singapore during WWII, this was tedious & boring. The story was rife with predictable cliches. When Issey returns broke & heartbroken to her ancestral home, she notes how utterly rundown the old mansion is. She & her equally broke young sister decide to turn it into a tourist destination. With no money & no ability to do construction, miraculously they have the place up & running in a few
months. Stupid ridiculous book.

[Kerrie Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook told two stories
The story of Issey, in 1941 Singapore working for the war office she is living her best life although the war is raging Singapore is safe until it wasn’t any longer we hear Issey’s story through her diary told in extracts throughout the book

2025 Cornwall Lamorna has recently returned home to Cornwall from Singapore. She is nursing a broken heart and has returned to the family home of Trelenna, it has been 10 years since she left and in that time the house has become neglected her parents have given up and want to sell her younger sister Zennor is determined to keep the house. She begs for help from Lamorna and she reluctantly agrees.

They decide to see if they can turn the house into a country home that people visit giving tour guides they begin to delve through the records that they find in the house and this is where they come up across the diary

This story tells both tales 1941 Singapore as Issey flees the horrors as Japan begin to invade and 2025 Cornwall as the sisters strive to save their home.

I loved all of the characters in this audiobook and was left hoping for more the epilogue wow I cannot wait to discover what happens next

[Helen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Distant Daughter is the first in a new series featuring Trelenna House; a grand country house in Cornwall and the family generations who have, and still reside there.

The dual timelines and settings are woven together seamlessly. Superbly researched, this book offers a comprehensive, historical insight into British Colonial Singapore in WW2; before and during the Japanese invasion.

The audio narration is an enjoyable listening experience. Every character is eloquently brought to life with accents, expression and emotion.

An engaging story of love and grief; the strength and legacy of family; of coming back home and the healing this can bring.
Highly recommended. I look forward to book two in the series.

[Julianna Zieno · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite duel timeline historical read I think, set in WW2 Singapore this gave a different perspective I haven’t seen done before with present day Cornwall. Some romance in both timelines and I was so intrigued. I hope there’s more to this story!

[Sue Weakland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy ending

Loved the story with a touch of everything in it. Romance, mystery, and a bit of history. Made me want to go to England.

[Justine Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved reading Lorna Cook books since my sister gifted me The Forgotten Village, I could not believe this book 'The Distant Daughter' was on Amazon's First Reads. Really loved the story, loved reading the history intertwined - need to read some of my other Lorna Cook books on my Kindle shelf!

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling story about a house and its inhabitants during two different times (current and WWII). It follows Issey and Lamorna through their journey at Singapore. Lamorna and her sister are trying to save their home and decide to start doing tours, and possibly weddings. That how they met Zach, who, along with his sister, have been doing tours and weddings in their house.

[Charlotte Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Had forgotten how much I enjoy Lorna Cook as an author.
Well done 👏

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an engaging dual-timeline read. The 1940s Singapore storyline completely gripped me; the atmosphere of fear and tension during the Japanese invasion was vividly drawn and kept me turning the pages. It had that sense of urgency and high stakes that made it the standout thread for me.

The present-day Cornwall setting didn’t capture me in quite the same way, but I still enjoyed it — especially the process of transforming the old family mansion into a tourist attraction, which added a charming and realistic touch.

Both timelines featured love stories, and I found myself enjoying them equally. They balanced the drama with warmth and hope, making the characters’ journeys all the more satisfying.

Overall, The Distant Daughter delivers a captivating historical backdrop, intertwined with modern-day discoveries and romance — perfect if you like stories that bridge the past and present.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about a different part of WW2. I also enjoyed the back and forth between the diary entries and modern day events. The journey of getting the house ready for tours seemed to happen much quicker than what would could possibly happen, so this part of the narrative felt rather unbelievable and rushed.

The book had too many cliche moments, which made it feel tired.

I’m left feeling kind of meh overall.

[Ingrid Lemmens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat heb ik genoten van dit prachtige eerste deel in de serie "De vier windstreken". Elk boek gaat over een van de Trelenna zussen en broer die op ontdekkingsreis gaan in hun eigen leven en in dat van een van hun voorouders, ik hou enorm van boeken met twee tijdlijnen en dit verhaal heeft me vanaf het begin gepakt en niet meer losgelaten. In dit deel staat Lamorna centraal, ze heeft jaren in Singapore gewoond en is na een vreselijke relatiebreuk terug op hun landgoed op de kliffen van Cornwall. Ze wil het landgoed herstellen in zijn oude glorie en op de zolder stuit ze op een oud dagboek en begint erin te lezen. Dan gaan we terug naar 1941 waar de jonge Issey Trelenna tijdens de tweede wereldoorlog als typiste voor de britse inlichtingendienst werkt in Singapore. Op een avondje uit leert ze de knappe Alex kennen, hij is heel geheimzinnig over zijn baan maar ze worden halsoverkop verliefd. Als dan ineens de Japanse bommenwerpers komen breekt paniek uit. Zullen ze elkaar ooit nog terug zien? Zullen haar vrienden en collega's het overleven? Het verhaal van Issey sleepte me helemaal mee, ze moet vluchten en dat is zo ontzettend spannend. "Lamorna had het gevoel dat ze urenlang haar adem had ingehouden terwijl ze issey's dagboek las". Zo ervaarde ik het ook, ik vergat alles om me heen. Zowel de tijdlijn in het verleden als de tijdlijn in het heden zijn boeiend, Lamorna haar zoektocht naar de geschiedenis van hun landgoed en haar voorouders is fascinerend. Daarbij krijgt ze hulp van de charmante Zach, maar ze is niet klaar voor liefde, of wel?

"Achterflap:
Cornwall, heden. Lamorna Trelenna keert na tien jaar terug naar haar ouderlijk huis op de kliffen van Cornwall. Het ooit zo statige landgoed is danig in verval geraakt. Terwijl haar jongste zusje een plan heeft bedacht om het huis in zijn oude glorie te herstellen, zou Lamorna het liefst zo snel mogelijk weer vertrekken. Totdat ze op de zolder de familiearchieven ontdekt. Singapore, 1941. Issey Trelenna werkt op een afluisterpost van de Britse marine in Singapore. Als gefortuneerde expat leidt ze een leven van cocktailparty’s en luxe. Maar de Japanse dreiging komt met de dag dichterbij, en het gerucht gaat dat Singapore zal worden binnengevallen. Als Issey tijdens een bal de charmante Alex Cartwright ontmoet, is ze geïntrigeerd: het lijkt alsof hij meer weet dan hij wil loslaten. "

Lorna Cook schrijft vlot, beeldend en met veel flair. Ik zag het verhaal voor me alsof ik een film aan het kijken was. Het is spannend, fascinerend, romantisch, hartverscheurend en ook hartverwarmend. Wat zal Lamorna allemaal ontdekken en zal ze zich weer kunnen openstellen voor de liefde? Het prachtige landgoed met uitzicht op zee zag ik voor me, ik had het gevoel alsof ik zelf door dit prachtige huis vol geschiedenis liep. En Issey, hoe zal haar verhaal aflopen? Het heeft me een paar uur slaap gekost en dat vond ik helemaal niet erg want ik moest weten hoe dit afliep! Het boeiende verhaal van Issey, haar prachtige, ontroerende liefdesgeschiedenis en de gruwelijke gebeurtenissen die in Singapore en omgeving tijdens de tweede wereldoorlog gebeurd zijn laten je niet los. Het is een kant van de oorlog waar ik nog niet zo bekend mee was en het raakte me diep.

De epiloog is een voorproefje op het volgende deel, Zennor is de jongste zus en een culinair talent. Tijdens hun zoektocht naar de geschiedenis van het landgoed stuit zij op een oude mysterieuze brief... Ik verheug me nu al op de volgende delen. Een dikke aanrader wat mij betreft!

[marleen persoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oosterlicht is een verhaal over twee vrouwen die verschillende zaken met elkaar gemeen hebben en toch in een andere tijdsperiode leefden.
Lamorna keert na eental jaren terug vanuit Singapore naar haar ouderlijk landhuis in Cornwall. Haar zus ontvangt haar met open armen, maar het landhuis straalt helaas niet meer zo. Er is een nieuwe wind nodig, een plan om het terug te laten renderen en floreren. Maar is Lamorna hier wel de geschikte persoon voor? Als ze een oud dagboek in het archief ontdekt, is ze heel nieuwsgierig en gefascineerd wie Issey was en hoe het verder is gegaan met haar. Ze is extra getriggerd daar het over Singapore gaat en er een connectie is met Cornwall rond de periode van 1940.
Ze krijgt hulp van een collega landhuis eigenaar in de buurt, die ook een historicus is. Zach is een zeer allround man, die haar terug wat de zin en hoop geeft in leven & liefde en helpt in haar zoektocht van Issey.
Keren de vrouwen terug naar Singapore of is Cornwall uiteindelijk hun echte thuishaven?
Oosterlicht geeft in zijn titel al iets prijs, maar pas tijdens het lezen gaat het nog meer invulling krijgen.
Twee vrouwen die voor werk wegtrekken uit hun vertrouwde omgeving, die misschien wel wat vluchtte en uitkeken naar nieuwe avonturen.
Toch ook daar ontdekken dat het leven evengoed op een nieuwe plek geen roze geur en maneschijn is.
Dat liefde onverwacht komt, dat hopen, vasthouden en onvoorwaardelijk, iets is waar ze geen grip op hebben. Ook de rekbaarheid, power en kracht die ze creëren in moeilijke omstandigheden, ze juist maken wie ze zijn.
Lorna Cook heeft twee verhaallijnen met verschillende tijdslijnen zo uitgewerkt dat er toch steeds een verbondenheid was. Het vormde op het einde een mooi geheel.
De uitwerking van historische en hedendaagse feiten, gebeurtenissen en tradities kwamen zeer waarheidsgetrouw en realistisch over. Je ziet heel duidelijk dat er veel tijd en opzoekwerk naar is gedaan.
Het leest heel fijn weg dit door de hedendaagse schrijfstijl en variatie in het verhaal en personages.
Verrassend is de keuze van Singapore, toch weer een stukje geschiedenis dat wat in de vergeethoek is geraakt en het de lezer weer bewustmaakt wat er in 1940 zich daar heeft afgespeeld.
Ik kijk nu al zo enorm uit naar de 3 andere delen, welke invalshoek ze daar weer zal gebruiken en een verhaal rond creëert.

4 sterren

@missp_her_books_read

[Alva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ Lamorna returns home to her family estate named Trelenna in Cornwall after ten years of spreading her wings and making a life for herself in Singapore. Sadly, Trelenna has not been maintained by her parents or siblings in the time she’s been away, her parents believing the best plan of action would be to sell. Lamorna’s youngest sibling Zennor has other plans and with Lamorna’s surprising and sudden return home, wants her help figuring out a way to finance and restore the house to what it once was.

While going through the family archives, a diary is found belonging to a mystery woman named Issey who, like Lamorna, lived in Singapore in 1941 during the Japanese invasion. Working long hours during the day to help the war effort and enjoying the night life to dance and unwind, Issey documents the things that happened to her while living abroad and the tragic things that happened to herself and others due to the war. Including a man named Alex Cartwright who suddenly comes in and out of her life there.

As Lamorna delves further into Issey’s diary, she is engrossed by her story and becomes determined to find out who this woman is, what her ultimate fate was, and why her diary was found in her family home. Lamorna feels a strong connection to Issey and can’t put her out of her mind even though she must prioritize getting the house back to its former glory.



I am pleasantly surprised with this one! I didn’t realize that this was book one in a series so I was surprised with the way that it ended and clearly wanted to read on!
There were some things introduced that were not embellished on in book one that would be so fun to read about in future books- such as the ghost that Zennor claims to have seen in the Trelenna house, as well as the letter she found in the epilogue. I was confused as to why the oldest sister Veryan was even mentioned at all since she had zero role to play in this book, but now I see the author was setting things up for future books. I did like both the present day with Lamorna and the past with Issey, but Issey’s story was what really made this book shine. Looking forward to reading on and seeing what other mysteries the Trelenna house has kept secret.

[Patrice Van Trigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Met 'Oosterlicht' opent Lorna Cook haar nieuwe serie De vier windstreken, en dat doet ze met een sfeervolle, toegankelijke historische roman waarin heden en verleden elegant met elkaar verweven zijn. Het verhaal speelt zich af op twee tijdlijnen: het ruige Cornwall van nu en het broeierige Singapore aan de vooravond van de Japanse invasie in 1941.
In het heden keert Lamorna Trelenna na tien jaar terug naar het vervallen ouderlijk landgoed op de kliffen van Cornwall. Ze draagt het gewicht van een recente relatiebreuk en voelt weinig enthousiasme voor de plannen van haar jongere zus om Huize Trelenna te restaureren. Pas wanneer Lamorna op zolder een dagboek ontdekt, ontwaakt haar nieuwsgierigheid. Samen met de lokale archivaris Zach duikt ze in de familiegeschiedenis, die haar onvermijdelijk dichter bij zichzelf brengt.

De tweede verhaallijn volgt Issey Trelenna in Singapore tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Issey leidt aanvankelijk een beschermd expatbestaan, maar de dreiging van oorlog hangt zwaar in de lucht. Haar ontmoeting met de mysterieuze Alex vormt het begin van een intense liefdesgeschiedenis, die abrupt wordt ingehaald door de gruwelijke realiteit de oorlog. Deze historische lijn is zonder twijfel het sterkste deel van de roman: spannend, emotioneel en sfeervol. Cook weet de onzekerheid, angst en veerkracht van deze periode overtuigend over te brengen.

De afwisseling tussen de tijdlijnen houdt het verhaal in beweging, al heeft het hedendaagse deel wat meer tijd nodig om op gang te komen. Sommige ontwikkelingen zijn voorspelbaar en hadden hier en daar meer diepgang mogen krijgen. Toch leest "Oosterlicht' vlot en beeldend, met duidelijke liefde voor plaats en geschiedenis.

De epiloog werpt alvast een blik vooruit naar het volgende deel, waardoor de nieuwsgierigheid wordt geprikkeld. 'Oosterlicht' is geen grensverleggende roman, maar wel een warme, meeslepende start van een familiesaga die liefhebbers van Lucinda Riley en Kate Morton zeker zal aanspreken.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornwall, 2025: Following a relationship gone very wrong, Lamorna flees from Singapore leaving behind a job she loved and returns to the family home in Cornwall, Trelenna. After a ten year absence from home and her younger sister Zennor, Lamorna is at a loss as to what her life will now be. Zennor, who has always lived at Trelenna, wishes to save the house when their parents show no interest and would prefer to sell. Lamorna and Zennor become closer despite a separation of ten years and Lamorna decides to help her sister prepare the now partly crumbling property for showing to visitors. Zach, a local archivist, suggests telling the house's story through the family archives and Lamorna discovers a battered diary written by Issy, a young woman living in 1940s Singapore.

Singapore, February 1942: Issy delights in living in Singapore with friends and a job that she loves. But when the Japanese invade Singapore, Issy knows it is time for her to leave. Handsome, mysterious Alex Cartwright vows he will see her to safety.

In present time Cornwall, Lamorna is determined to learn the fate of Issy when she realises the diary ends in February 1942, when Singapore fell to the invading Japanese.

I am beginning to feel that Cornwall, England is the home of my heart. Though I have never visited that part of England, I return time after time in reading and love it every single time. I have read most of, if not all, the books by Lorna Cook. I love her stories and this one does not disappoint. I also love that it is the first book in a series and I very much look forward to returning again to Trelenna, Cornwall for the remaining books in the series.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥 (mild open door scenes)

Quick Notes:
*Book 1 in a Series
*Historical & Literary Fiction
*Dual Timelines
*WWII
*Tragedy
*Family History

My Thoughts:
Since I've loved the contemporary romances by this author, I thought I'd give this book a chance. Historical fiction is hit or miss for me, but the synopsis sounded so interesting. There were a few parts in the present timeline that felt slow to me, but overall this was an enjoyable read.
The past timeline was admittedly my favorite. Issey's story involved danger, loss, passion, grief, and healing. I didn't know much about the events that took place in Singapore in the 1940's, so that was interesting to read about. I did think the romance in this timeline was very insta-love, but it didn't bother me, especially considering the circumstances.
The present timeline involved Lamorna finding Issey's diary and trying to uncover what happened to Issey after the war. She and her sister were also working on turning Trelenna, their family home, into a site for historical tours. This storyline got better for me as the romance picked up, and I liked how Lamorna found herself coming to appreciate her family home and fell in love while doing it.
This book is meant to be the start of a series, so the epilogue teased who book 2 will follow. I'd definitely be willing to continue whenever that book comes out to see what other history is uncovered. I'm glad I gave this a try and would definitely recommend it to those who love historical fiction.
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oplæser: Anne-Mette Johansen ****
OK oplæsning.

Lorna Cook skriver bare rigtig godt. Når man tager fat i en af hendes romaner, ved man, at nu får man en god læseoplevelse. Og Den fjerne datter er ingen undtagelse.

Romanen foregår i 2 spor:

1941 / Singapore: Issey arbejder for den britiske flåde. Hun føler sig rigtig tilpas. Er glad for job og omgivelserne er helt perfekte. Hendes fritid går med fester, dans og farver. Krigen derhjemme, er så fjern, at hun nærmest ikke tænker på den. Da Japanerne angriber Singapore er hun derfor meget overrasket. Hendes chef vil have hende til at rejse hjem, men inden hun når at komme ombord på skibet, bliver hun syg. Vi følger hendes kamp for overlevelse.

Nutiden: Lamorna har boet i Singapore de sidste 10 år, men hendes liv er pludseligt blevet rykket op med rode. Hun er nu rejst hjem til sit barndomshjem i England, for at slikke sårene. Ved hjemkomsten opdager hun, at det hjem og det liv hun troede var der, er i opløsning. Huset er ved at forfalde og hendes forældre vil bare sælge ejendommen og slippe af med den. Men hendes lillesøster vil gerne beholde ejendommen. Men det kræver en stor og fælles indsats, for at finde en løsning. I fællesskab, beslutter de to søstre, at begynde med at lave guidede rundvisninger i huset, for på den måde at tjene lidt penge til vedligehold. Undervejs i processen, finder Lamorna en dagbog. Det viser sig at være den for hende helt ukendte Isseys dagbogsnotater for de sidste dage hun var i Singapore. Lamorna bliver grebet af fortællingen - men der mangler en slutning.

Jeg nød at læse romanen og kan næsten ikke vente på, at der kommer en fortsættelse.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free Amazon Prime First Reads, better than I expected. More historical fiction than a romance, but there are indeed love stories both present and past. Past is Issey in Singapore during WWII, and meeting Alex just before the Japanese invasion. As fate would have it, Alex grew up in Truro, not far from her own home in Cornwall.
Issey’s diary is discovered by present day Lamorna, home to regroup after leaving her job and manipulative boyfriend in Singapore. Issey’s story engages her with the parallels in their lives.
Lamorna’s younger sister Zennor is living in their falling down ancestral home and hoping to “save” it so that their parents don’t sell it. The sisters quickly decide to open it up to tourism and meet Zach when they take a tour of his ancestral home.
Zach and Lamorna become friends, she asks Zach to help her in going through the family archives and coming up with tour-worthy stories. Their relationship develops in a healthy, normal way and they confide their recent relationship disasters to each other.
As with many dual timeline novels, the historical timeline is the more interesting one. But the present is fine too.
You could find fault with how easily the sisters ready the house for tours. How the one social media post gets the attention of a woman in Vancouver who knows what happened to Issey and Alex. Even how their brother Merry (and seriously, he thought that was better than his given name??) turned up just in time to help them with their opening day. But these faults were not fatal flaws for me. I enjoyed this book, imagine many others will too, and in fact I’d read the next one expecting to enjoy it as much as I did this one.