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Daughter of the Tarot
Let a multiple Earphones Award–winning narrator whisk you away with this dual-timeline mystery! London, 1644: A tarot reader leaves coded messages for women who need an escape. In the present day, Beatrice finds an old tarot deck missing the Devil — a card tied to a series of 17th-century murders. What long-kept secrets will she uncover?
Brand new from the bestselling author of THE HOUSE OF THE WITCH. Perfect for fans of The Midnight House and The Square of Sevens.
Two women, linked by the cards, unravel a secret spanning the decades...
1644: Portia is living in London, having escaped an abusive man in Italy, with just baby Vittoria and the clothes on their backs. Making her living reading tarot cards, she starts to realise there are other women like her – who need help. As she delivers the Devil card to their door, each has the chance to escape… But to what future? Because Portia is a woman with secrets. And they are about to come back to haunt her.
After her mother’s death and father’s hasty plans to remarry, Beatrice has left home to open a tarot shop in London. But when she’s unpacking, she finds a set of cards she’s never seen before, one that’s evidently been handed down through generations of her family. It’s a set that is missing a card though… the Devil’s Card. She begins to search for the lost card, but she also starts to hear rumours of that very card being linked to a series of murders of women in 17th century London…
Will she find the truth… or will she only see the illusions the cards are suggesting?
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Published August 18, 2025
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August 22, 2025
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Got its moments!
1644: After escaping an abusive man in Italy, Portia is living in London with baby Vittoria. She makes a living by reading tarot cards and realizes there are women like her who need help. Portia delivers the Devil card to each door as a chance to escape. But where do they go when their secrets will continue to haunt them?
Now: Beatrice moved to London to open a tarot shop after her mother’s death and her father’s plans to remarry in haste. She finds a strange pack of tarot cards, clearly a family set passed from one generation to another. But the Devil is missing, and Beatrice begins to search for it. This leads her to rumors about a series of murders of women in the 17th century. Can she find out the truth?
The story comes in Portia and Beatrice’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
I grabbed this book mainly for the tarot appeal. In that context, the book delivers well. The interpretations are accurate, and the story uses tarot reading seamlessly. We see both FMCs giving readings to others, which I enjoyed.
The dual timeline in the third-person POV made it easier to keep their voices separate, though it shouldn’t have been hard since the characters are different from each other in many ways.
The core premise in the past timeline was interesting, even if it wasn’t something new. Still, the idea of using the Devil card to help women escape from abusive homes was well done.
The contemporary timeline was easy to read and had a bit of a love track (doesn’t dominate the plot). I wish my tarot business (side hustle) grew as quickly as hers. I’d love it if I earned enough from it one day to commission a custom-designed deck. Sigh!
There were a couple of revelations that added to the intrigue, though a few developments were guessable. My issue was with how a certain character was made to act to suit the plotline. It felt a bit contrived and hard to believe at times. Frustrating at other times. No parent ever saved a child by hiding the truth from them if it meant life or death.
Luckily, both tracks had a positive ending, so that was a relief. Still, a certain thread didn’t go anywhere or seemed like it didn’t matter towards the end. I wish it were also tied up with the rest.
To summarize, Daughter of the Tarot is an engaging read with some dark themes contrasted by hopeful developments in another timeline. This keeps the pace steady.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DaughterOfTheTarot
One Liner: Got its moments!
1644: After escaping an abusive man in Italy, Portia is living in London with baby Vittoria. She makes a living by reading tarot cards and realizes there are women like her who need help. Portia delivers the Devil card to each door as a chance to escape. But where do they go when their secrets will continue to haunt them?
Now: Beatrice moved to London to open a tarot shop after her mother’s death and her father’s plans to remarry in haste. She finds a strange pack of tarot cards, clearly a family set passed from one generation to another. But the Devil is missing, and Beatrice begins to search for it. This leads her to rumors about a series of murders of women in the 17th century. Can she find out the truth?
The story comes in Portia and Beatrice’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
I grabbed this book mainly for the tarot appeal. In that context, the book delivers well. The interpretations are accurate, and the story uses tarot reading seamlessly. We see both FMCs giving readings to others, which I enjoyed.
The dual timeline in the third-person POV made it easier to keep their voices separate, though it shouldn’t have been hard since the characters are different from each other in many ways.
The core premise in the past timeline was interesting, even if it wasn’t something new. Still, the idea of using the Devil card to help women escape from abusive homes was well done.
The contemporary timeline was easy to read and had a bit of a love track (doesn’t dominate the plot). I wish my tarot business (side hustle) grew as quickly as hers. I’d love it if I earned enough from it one day to commission a custom-designed deck. Sigh!
There were a couple of revelations that added to the intrigue, though a few developments were guessable. My issue was with how a certain character was made to act to suit the plotline. It felt a bit contrived and hard to believe at times. Frustrating at other times. No parent ever saved a child by hiding the truth from them if it meant life or death.
Luckily, both tracks had a positive ending, so that was a relief. Still, a certain thread didn’t go anywhere or seemed like it didn’t matter towards the end. I wish it were also tied up with the rest.
To summarize, Daughter of the Tarot is an engaging read with some dark themes contrasted by hopeful developments in another timeline. This keeps the pace steady.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DaughterOfTheTarot
July 20, 2025
In 1629 Portia and her baby girl Vittoria flee Milano for London.
In 2025 Beatrice runs an esoteric shop and finds an antique tarot deck when unpacking her late mother's possesions. It's missing one card though and Bea is determined to find it.
What follows is a dual timeline, London in 1644 and 2025, the stories of both women and the journey of the missing card.
Daughter of Tarot is a fast paced cosy read, exploring family, freedom and spirituality in different centuries. An exciting story set in beautiful surroundings. I felt a bit let down by the abrupt ending.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
In 2025 Beatrice runs an esoteric shop and finds an antique tarot deck when unpacking her late mother's possesions. It's missing one card though and Bea is determined to find it.
What follows is a dual timeline, London in 1644 and 2025, the stories of both women and the journey of the missing card.
Daughter of Tarot is a fast paced cosy read, exploring family, freedom and spirituality in different centuries. An exciting story set in beautiful surroundings. I felt a bit let down by the abrupt ending.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
July 4, 2025
Reading "Daughter of the Tarot" on a rare, rainy day felt like a wonderful gift. Clare Marchant has worked her magic once again, transporting me to another continent and a different century. This is the story of two women, separated by 500 years but connected through time by a set of Italian tarot cards. Death and betrayal were the catalysts for both Portia and Beatrice to make drastic changes in their lives. As Beatrice searches for the lost Devil card missing from the ancient pack, she unknowingly traces the life of her Italian ancestor. The writing is flawless, with each piece of the genetic puzzle falling into place until the final one is put in its rightful position. In Portia's story, we learn of an underground sisterhood of women helping each other escape abusive marriages. For Beatrice, the journey is learning how to move beyond grief to find the life she was meant to have. For both women, reading the tarot cards and accepting their message is at the center of who they are. This story will resonate with women of all ages because the struggles are universal. I highly recommend Daughter of the Tarot, even if you don't have a rainy day.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
October 26, 2025
It was a cute story idea, a little fast paced, though I really wish the main character (early 30’s) wasn’t portrayed with the emotional maturity of a teenager throughout 99% of the story.
August 19, 2025
Review to follow nearer publication date.
5 stars
I loved this story by Clare Marchant, another great historical dual timeline book. I have an interest in Oracle and Tarot cards myself so I loved finding out about the different cards and their meanings.
Portia was my favourite character, her helping other women touched me. I really enjoyed the way the story took shape through one of the missing cards.
I enjoy Clare Marchants books and this is my favourite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Published yesterday, I recommend this book highly.
5 stars
I loved this story by Clare Marchant, another great historical dual timeline book. I have an interest in Oracle and Tarot cards myself so I loved finding out about the different cards and their meanings.
Portia was my favourite character, her helping other women touched me. I really enjoyed the way the story took shape through one of the missing cards.
I enjoy Clare Marchants books and this is my favourite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Published yesterday, I recommend this book highly.
February 11, 2026
(4.5 Stars) Tarot, historical fiction, girls helping girls, mysteries from the past, finding out the truth about said mysteries in the present and two wholesome love interests - I enjoyed a lot of themes in this book.
In 2025 we follow Beatrice who has just moved to London to open a tarot shop, after her dad has decided to get married a few years after the death of her mum and has sold the family home. Beatrice is also on a mission to recover a missing tarot card from an old deck, passed down by the women in her family for hundreds of years.
In 1644 we follow Portia who, 15 years prior, escaped the plague and a bad man in Italy, taking with her, her baby daughter Vittoria as well as Maria - a friend and help. She has made a life for herself in London giving tarot readings to anyone interested, and unbeknownst to Vittoria and Maria, she is helping other women escape dangerous situations just as she did, giving them a replica Devil card from her tarot deck to show to the man who helps grant them safe passage to their new life.
The situations from the past and present reflected each other in ways, both women going through life lessons, centuries apart.
Both Portia and Beatrice learned things about themselves and their own lives through doing tarot readings for their customers.
I really loved this book, I found the modern day story almost as interesting as the historical story. I loved the romantic interests for Portia and for Beatrice, I liked that there were no difficulties in their love lives, but instead had support through the men they cared about during other problems they faced.
I also really enjoyed learning more about the different tarot cards and how each woman interpreted them. As well as the story slowly unfolding from the past and present.
The character progression was good for them both, Beatrice, I thought, was a bit too harsh with her views on her dad moving on after the death of her mother. I like as well that Jack was real with her and didn’t agree with her when she mentioned her opinion but gave her a reality check in a kind and caring way.
Portia was keeping so many secrets from her family and loved ones, I’m glad that by the end the secrets were revealed, even though I think it would have been better for her to own up to them. I can see why she was afraid though.
Overall I really liked this book, I kept wanting to read it to find out what happened next. I liked Beatrice’s adventures and learning about Portia’s life.
December 27, 2025
This was... ok? The premise of the story was good but it was ultimately let down by stiff dialogue and lukewarm characters. I did enjoy the 1644 side of the story more as the formal character conversations suited the period more and I felt the relationship between the characters were more fleshed out.
The 2025 sections were a hard read and I felt myself starting to skim over it so I could get it done quicker. I found Beatrice to be quite stiff and the dialogue between her customers felt cold for someone who's set up their business to help others. More so, the conversations between her and Jack were so business like I don't understand at all how they ended up together?
I'm also a little confused how she seemed to have endless time and money to spend searching for the card when she consistently says she has neither? Also what happened to the other person chasing the card? did the author forget about that plot line?
Not for me but I can see why others may like it.
The 2025 sections were a hard read and I felt myself starting to skim over it so I could get it done quicker. I found Beatrice to be quite stiff and the dialogue between her customers felt cold for someone who's set up their business to help others. More so, the conversations between her and Jack were so business like I don't understand at all how they ended up together?
I'm also a little confused how she seemed to have endless time and money to spend searching for the card when she consistently says she has neither? Also what happened to the other person chasing the card? did the author forget about that plot line?
Not for me but I can see why others may like it.
November 28, 2025
Mettons 2.5. J’ai pas full aimé comment c’était écrit. L’histoire aurait pu être bonne mais… je sais pas
September 30, 2025
[NetGalley Read #47]
4.25 ⭐️
"People like to have something nobody else does."
Brilliant.
This was a slow burn. Quite an enjoyable one. This one story has elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and thriller. And that isn't evident as you start reading, because, in the earlier chapters, a lot of it just feels like a small snippet of two people's lives, in different times, that you've been allowed to look through, but then it unfolds quite beautifully. Takes its time, raises the stakes in one story and the mystery in the other and eventually reaches a satisfying conclusion.
Characters are great. Whether it's Bea, coping with change and loss, or Portia, dealing with fear, secrets and love and helping women with her tarot cards, these characters were a joy to read. Also liked the little stories both Portia and Bea's customers brought with them.
The dialogue didn't work for me at times. It was fine in other chapters and quite good in the last few chapters. Anyway, it's not that big of a problem. There are other elements of the story I found more enjoyable that made up for any shortcomings I felt there were in the dialogues (exposition-heavy or just felt...unnatural).
There are tons of elements to like in this story. The contrast between Bea and Portia's stories. At one point, things were going at an upward trajectory for one character and a downward one for the other. And reading that in alternative chapters with elements of a thriller in one story and the potential unfolding of a mystery in the other, sprinkled with a bit of romance in both stories was quite an experience. And alternating chapters are handled quite well. I didn't find myself wishing to skip or hasten through a chapter to get to the next.
If you, like me, find yourselves wanting to DNF this book in the earlier parts or think the story isn't going anywhere, don't. Stick with it. I don't generally DNF books and this is the second time I'm really glad I didn't. It rewards you with its intricately woven tale of two women in different times, their relationships, and themes of love, fear, loss, and redemption.
It's a short-ish book (270+ pages). Easy to read.
Recommended. 👍
4.25 ⭐️
"People like to have something nobody else does."
Brilliant.
This was a slow burn. Quite an enjoyable one. This one story has elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and thriller. And that isn't evident as you start reading, because, in the earlier chapters, a lot of it just feels like a small snippet of two people's lives, in different times, that you've been allowed to look through, but then it unfolds quite beautifully. Takes its time, raises the stakes in one story and the mystery in the other and eventually reaches a satisfying conclusion.
Characters are great. Whether it's Bea, coping with change and loss, or Portia, dealing with fear, secrets and love and helping women with her tarot cards, these characters were a joy to read. Also liked the little stories both Portia and Bea's customers brought with them.
The dialogue didn't work for me at times. It was fine in other chapters and quite good in the last few chapters. Anyway, it's not that big of a problem. There are other elements of the story I found more enjoyable that made up for any shortcomings I felt there were in the dialogues (exposition-heavy or just felt...unnatural).
There are tons of elements to like in this story. The contrast between Bea and Portia's stories. At one point, things were going at an upward trajectory for one character and a downward one for the other. And reading that in alternative chapters with elements of a thriller in one story and the potential unfolding of a mystery in the other, sprinkled with a bit of romance in both stories was quite an experience. And alternating chapters are handled quite well. I didn't find myself wishing to skip or hasten through a chapter to get to the next.
If you, like me, find yourselves wanting to DNF this book in the earlier parts or think the story isn't going anywhere, don't. Stick with it. I don't generally DNF books and this is the second time I'm really glad I didn't. It rewards you with its intricately woven tale of two women in different times, their relationships, and themes of love, fear, loss, and redemption.
It's a short-ish book (270+ pages). Easy to read.
Recommended. 👍
September 13, 2025
Wow, this was such a a good story. I got immersed straight away. It was a dual time line which ticked all the boxes and had romance as well. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
July 5, 2025
With Tarot in the title I just had to dive into this story by Clare Marchant. I have a vast collection of Oracle, Fortune and Tarot cards, so this element was always going to pull me in.
It’s told in two time lines, 1600s Italy and England and 2025 London.
Portia’s story takes place in the former and Beatrice’s in the latter time frame.
I was gripped by the strength and determination that Portia shows in running from her old life to her new life with Marie and Vittoria by her side and the lengths she goes through to protect women from abuse with the help of her trusted tarot cards and the often misrepresented Devil card.
Beatrice took herself off to London to escape her fathers’ decisions and embrace the dream her deceased mother had carried within; in her honour she really makes a go of it. Whilst unpacking she discovers a maternal family heirloom handed down from one female to another, it’s there she discovers a mission card.
A search for the missing card begins and a quest to uncover the trust about the dead women linked to the card. Along the way she forms a strong bond with Jack who is a book-seller and totally engrossed in the mystery of the card.
Will both women find the present they deserve, whilst dreaming of a future and running from the past? Interesting, page turning and informative.
It’s told in two time lines, 1600s Italy and England and 2025 London.
Portia’s story takes place in the former and Beatrice’s in the latter time frame.
I was gripped by the strength and determination that Portia shows in running from her old life to her new life with Marie and Vittoria by her side and the lengths she goes through to protect women from abuse with the help of her trusted tarot cards and the often misrepresented Devil card.
Beatrice took herself off to London to escape her fathers’ decisions and embrace the dream her deceased mother had carried within; in her honour she really makes a go of it. Whilst unpacking she discovers a maternal family heirloom handed down from one female to another, it’s there she discovers a mission card.
A search for the missing card begins and a quest to uncover the trust about the dead women linked to the card. Along the way she forms a strong bond with Jack who is a book-seller and totally engrossed in the mystery of the card.
Will both women find the present they deserve, whilst dreaming of a future and running from the past? Interesting, page turning and informative.
July 23, 2025
Once again Clare Marchant dazzled me with her incredible skill in writing a dual timeline historical mystery in Daughter of the Tarot. What a mesmerising story! The descriptions as always transported me to the heart of the setting and I felt very much a part of the scene. Atmosphere galore pulled me in, too. It was effortless moving between past and present making it a seamless and enjoyable experience as I learned about these two women divided by time.
I love that fact that one woman has been saved and she goes on to help others achieve the same freedom. For one, she knows what it is like to live in fear of an abusive husband. In 1644 there weren’t many options so Portia puts her heart into helping those who have fallen to the same horrors as herself. She has a gift of reading tarot cards and she uses her skill to make a living. At the same time she gives other women courage to pursue a new life. It is interesting that the card she delivers to those who need to escape is the Devil card. When she turns it over for a woman who seeks her direction and answers, the woman recoils when she sees the horns and fiery tail but Portia reassures her, ‘This is not a terrible card…It tells us of a new life. What is the truth in your world, and what is shown to others, the illusion.’
A number of women go missing in the middle of the night while husbands are away or out in taverns, etc. What has happened to each of them? For their beds appear to be slept in but their clothes are still in the wardrobes? Mystery and suspicion surround these women of 1644 as a pattern is realised.
Fast forward to 2025 and we meet Beatrice, a future generation relative of Portia. She has lost her mother and dealing with grief and the fact her father is remarrying (which she does not approve of as nobody can equal her mother). She moves to a new location, gets a shop and begins her new life. While unpacking boxes she finds a package of unique Tarot cards that are unlike any she has seen before. They are very old, from Italy, and although she has heard they had been packed away in the attic, she never saw them previously. But her mother talked about the tarot cards, and others in general, how she learned to use them from her own mother and grandmother: a skill passed down from mother to daughter for many years and generations. Beatrice also has the gift and offers readings in her shop. When asked if she gives lessons, she says, 'No'. ‘Reading the cards was something in her blood, as though she’s always been able to do it. She could not teach that to someone else, it was part of who she was, and that wouldn’t happen with just anyone.’ It is quite interesting to read of the descriptions of the connections that Beatrice feels with her pack of tarot cards.
Beatrice consults a tarot card historian, about her find. He writes to her of an ancient pack with a missing Devil card. Various sightings have been recorded over the years. This card has been ‘reputed to have the power to make people disappear.’ And that it caused women to be murdered. The mystery begins and Beatrice cannot help but follow the trail of clues to find the answers and missing card. Some lead to even more mystery and illusion (like the card itself). The more she digs, the more secrets unfold—including information about Portia. But one thing Beatrice knows is that tarot cards are meant as an aid for people and not meant to bring about death. So what is going on here?
Two good men, one in each timeline, play a gentle part as support to these two women. A romance blossoms for each which adds a sweet ingredient to the mix of tragic events. Nothing else matters to Jack but books, coffee and friends and he surrounds himself in their beauty. But he falls for Beatrice and is on the journey with her to find the truth about the card she seeks to re-join with her pack. In the past, John is a wonderful kind man who would do anything for Portia. There is a particular heart-warming scene I loved that shows his dedication when Portia is in danger.
As with all of Clare Marchant’s dual timeline books, I truly enjoyed the journey through past and present and how the two stories come together. And what a tense lead up to the climax in 1644 and an exciting resolution in 2025! This is another exceptional delivery that pulled me in with its mystical theme, stunning plot, vivd descriptions and believable characters. This book will resonate with many and I am so glad I read it! Highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.
I love that fact that one woman has been saved and she goes on to help others achieve the same freedom. For one, she knows what it is like to live in fear of an abusive husband. In 1644 there weren’t many options so Portia puts her heart into helping those who have fallen to the same horrors as herself. She has a gift of reading tarot cards and she uses her skill to make a living. At the same time she gives other women courage to pursue a new life. It is interesting that the card she delivers to those who need to escape is the Devil card. When she turns it over for a woman who seeks her direction and answers, the woman recoils when she sees the horns and fiery tail but Portia reassures her, ‘This is not a terrible card…It tells us of a new life. What is the truth in your world, and what is shown to others, the illusion.’
A number of women go missing in the middle of the night while husbands are away or out in taverns, etc. What has happened to each of them? For their beds appear to be slept in but their clothes are still in the wardrobes? Mystery and suspicion surround these women of 1644 as a pattern is realised.
Fast forward to 2025 and we meet Beatrice, a future generation relative of Portia. She has lost her mother and dealing with grief and the fact her father is remarrying (which she does not approve of as nobody can equal her mother). She moves to a new location, gets a shop and begins her new life. While unpacking boxes she finds a package of unique Tarot cards that are unlike any she has seen before. They are very old, from Italy, and although she has heard they had been packed away in the attic, she never saw them previously. But her mother talked about the tarot cards, and others in general, how she learned to use them from her own mother and grandmother: a skill passed down from mother to daughter for many years and generations. Beatrice also has the gift and offers readings in her shop. When asked if she gives lessons, she says, 'No'. ‘Reading the cards was something in her blood, as though she’s always been able to do it. She could not teach that to someone else, it was part of who she was, and that wouldn’t happen with just anyone.’ It is quite interesting to read of the descriptions of the connections that Beatrice feels with her pack of tarot cards.
Beatrice consults a tarot card historian, about her find. He writes to her of an ancient pack with a missing Devil card. Various sightings have been recorded over the years. This card has been ‘reputed to have the power to make people disappear.’ And that it caused women to be murdered. The mystery begins and Beatrice cannot help but follow the trail of clues to find the answers and missing card. Some lead to even more mystery and illusion (like the card itself). The more she digs, the more secrets unfold—including information about Portia. But one thing Beatrice knows is that tarot cards are meant as an aid for people and not meant to bring about death. So what is going on here?
Two good men, one in each timeline, play a gentle part as support to these two women. A romance blossoms for each which adds a sweet ingredient to the mix of tragic events. Nothing else matters to Jack but books, coffee and friends and he surrounds himself in their beauty. But he falls for Beatrice and is on the journey with her to find the truth about the card she seeks to re-join with her pack. In the past, John is a wonderful kind man who would do anything for Portia. There is a particular heart-warming scene I loved that shows his dedication when Portia is in danger.
As with all of Clare Marchant’s dual timeline books, I truly enjoyed the journey through past and present and how the two stories come together. And what a tense lead up to the climax in 1644 and an exciting resolution in 2025! This is another exceptional delivery that pulled me in with its mystical theme, stunning plot, vivd descriptions and believable characters. This book will resonate with many and I am so glad I read it! Highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.
November 29, 2025
As a tarot reader of over 10 years, I really wanted to love this book. I was excited by the concept, but its execution didn't live up to my expectations. While the "past" sections of the book were colorful and interesting, the "modern-day" narrative couldn't quite capture my attention. We're told that Beatrice's family history is steeped in tarot and that it connected her with her late mother, yet she "hadn't realized" that tarot cards were originally playing cards until she did a quick Google and cracked open a couple of books? Huh??? She has a shop that ONLY sells tarot cards and readings, including antique sets, yet somehow doesn't know any of the history behind the thing she's set up her whole life around. While I think the book does a pretty good job with its interpretations of the cards during scenes with readings, this part was frustrating for me. I understand that authors often communicate information that readers may not already know in this way, but there are other ways to do it. She could have already known the history of tarot and explained this fact to her boyfriend.
There is also the issue of believability when it comes to the way she runs her very new small business. Again, Beatrice ONLY sells tarot, unlike many metaphysical/witchy/spiritual shops who sell a range of items (not only tarot but books, crystals, incense, etc.) and draw in customers of various beliefs and backgrounds. I struggled to understand how her business was staying afloat with the amount of times she closed the store to take a trip to talk to some antiques dealer. We're told numerous times that her boyfriend (I have already forgotten his name) can't accompany her because he's needed at his bookstore. He already has an established business with staff to help him run it. Beatrice is running a brand new small business by herself. So how is it that she can afford to take all of this time off? I know that she opened the business with money she got from her father after the sale of their family home. But surely that money is not enough for her to be spending so much throughout the book Commissioning an entire set of custom tarot cards, which will take at the very least around 80 hours to produce but probably much more, is not cheap. And at one point she is planning on offering at least five grand to buy back her missing tarot card.
I really enjoyed Portia's story but the ending was very anticlimactic for me after the somewhat glacial pacing of other parts of the book. I'm not sure what I was expecting to happen, but I didn't think the reason for the missing card would be what it was. I don't even understand why Caterina stole the card and then passed it down through her family. Why would you steal this card and then pass the story down through generations? What's the point? It seemed like it was just a convenient way for Beatrice to learn the full history of the cards, but it doesn't make sense why it happened the way it did.
There is also the issue of believability when it comes to the way she runs her very new small business. Again, Beatrice ONLY sells tarot, unlike many metaphysical/witchy/spiritual shops who sell a range of items (not only tarot but books, crystals, incense, etc.) and draw in customers of various beliefs and backgrounds. I struggled to understand how her business was staying afloat with the amount of times she closed the store to take a trip to talk to some antiques dealer. We're told numerous times that her boyfriend (I have already forgotten his name) can't accompany her because he's needed at his bookstore. He already has an established business with staff to help him run it. Beatrice is running a brand new small business by herself. So how is it that she can afford to take all of this time off? I know that she opened the business with money she got from her father after the sale of their family home. But surely that money is not enough for her to be spending so much throughout the book Commissioning an entire set of custom tarot cards, which will take at the very least around 80 hours to produce but probably much more, is not cheap. And at one point she is planning on offering at least five grand to buy back her missing tarot card.
I really enjoyed Portia's story but the ending was very anticlimactic for me after the somewhat glacial pacing of other parts of the book. I'm not sure what I was expecting to happen, but I didn't think the reason for the missing card would be what it was. I don't even understand why Caterina stole the card and then passed it down through her family. Why would you steal this card and then pass the story down through generations? What's the point? It seemed like it was just a convenient way for Beatrice to learn the full history of the cards, but it doesn't make sense why it happened the way it did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Clare’s books are always an absolute joy to read and lose myself in.
Having been a huge fan since her first book, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, I eagerly await each new release.
Daughter of the Tarot is another fantastic dual timeline novel, where Clare’s talent for writing absorbing, meticulously researched historical fiction shines through the pages. I absolutely loved it, both the historical part set in 1644 and the part set in the present.
My heart was in my mouth as in 1644 Portia, who herself escaped a dangerous life, helps married women with abusive husbands escape their life threatening lives with the help of her tarot cards. A chance meeting puts her own life in danger again, but can she escape a second time?
In the present timeline, Bea has opened a shop selling tarot cards and offering readings. She finds an antique set of hand painted cards in her mother’s possessions but the Devil card is missing. She sets out on a mission to find it and make the set whole again, and at the same time finds romance.
I paced myself as I wanted this book to last as long as possible but I couldn’t resist finishing it today!
Wonderful!
Huge thanks to the publisher for my advance copy of the book.
Having been a huge fan since her first book, The Secrets of Saffron Hall, I eagerly await each new release.
Daughter of the Tarot is another fantastic dual timeline novel, where Clare’s talent for writing absorbing, meticulously researched historical fiction shines through the pages. I absolutely loved it, both the historical part set in 1644 and the part set in the present.
My heart was in my mouth as in 1644 Portia, who herself escaped a dangerous life, helps married women with abusive husbands escape their life threatening lives with the help of her tarot cards. A chance meeting puts her own life in danger again, but can she escape a second time?
In the present timeline, Bea has opened a shop selling tarot cards and offering readings. She finds an antique set of hand painted cards in her mother’s possessions but the Devil card is missing. She sets out on a mission to find it and make the set whole again, and at the same time finds romance.
I paced myself as I wanted this book to last as long as possible but I couldn’t resist finishing it today!
Wonderful!
Huge thanks to the publisher for my advance copy of the book.
March 24, 2026
This was ok. I liked the premise and it was an easy quick read. Nothing particularly wrong with it, just kind of vanilla. The historical part of the story was the most interesting piece. The ending was a bit uneventful. I was also convinced something weird was up with Jack and then it just turned out he was just a boring, perfect love interest. Him being secretly evil would have made a good twist 😜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
The characters were well developed and the scenes so splendidly drawn, I couldn’t help but feel I was there. The dual time line and the plot timeline were handled perfectly.
This was a good story and I enjoyed it.
This was a good story and I enjoyed it.
March 18, 2026
i needed more depth to the characters but the premise of the story was really good and has got me fascinated with tarot cards.
March 12, 2026
Intrigued by tale of the tarot deck and the historical timeline linking it with the people involved. Overall it proved to be an interesting read, and I enjoyed how it all came together.
April 22, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I loved the historical fiction side of this book and honestly felt like the modern/contemporary parts ruined it for me.
It dragged in sections, felt a lil' repetitive and overall was poorly executed and unpolished in a lot of sections and felt more like a rough draft.
I would have been happy to just chill with Portia in 1644 🤷♀️
I loved the historical fiction side of this book and honestly felt like the modern/contemporary parts ruined it for me.
It dragged in sections, felt a lil' repetitive and overall was poorly executed and unpolished in a lot of sections and felt more like a rough draft.
I would have been happy to just chill with Portia in 1644 🤷♀️
September 2, 2025
I absolutely loved Marchant's The House of the Witch, so when I saw her latest release had a tarot theme I knew I had to read it!
It's a timeslip read that takes place across dual timelines, 1644 and modern day.
I found the story to be absolutely captivating and before I knew it I'd finished. I did like how the two different threads of the story wound seamlessly together with the p̶i̶e̶c̶e̶s̶ cards complete together at the end.
Fabulous.
It's a timeslip read that takes place across dual timelines, 1644 and modern day.
I found the story to be absolutely captivating and before I knew it I'd finished. I did like how the two different threads of the story wound seamlessly together with the p̶i̶e̶c̶e̶s̶ cards complete together at the end.
Fabulous.
Read
April 16, 2026Look forward to discussing during our next book club where we will have our very own tarot reading sessions!
September 8, 2025
1644, Portia is living in London with her daughter Vittoria after fleeing Milan and her abusive husband. For a living she reads tarot card. With the turn of The Devil card she helps women escape their own abusive husbands. In the present Beatrice has left home to open a tarot shop. She uncovers a pack of tarot cards but The Devil card is missing.
This is the third book which I have now read by Clare Marchant. The House of the Witch is still my favourite. This book I found just ok.
The format of this book is very much the same as the other two I've read. The story is told in both past and present with both time periods having a connection. For me I again enjoyed reading Portia's story the best but found it did drag on slightly. The story with Bea had a romance but nothing too much. As I've found with the other two books the present story has been my least favourite parts.
I quite enjoyed the tarot aspect of the story. Having an interest myself and having my own cards I did enjoy the readings in the story both in the past and the present.
I didn't dislike the book by all means but I did find that this one did drag slightly. I would read more by the author in the future.
This is the third book which I have now read by Clare Marchant. The House of the Witch is still my favourite. This book I found just ok.
The format of this book is very much the same as the other two I've read. The story is told in both past and present with both time periods having a connection. For me I again enjoyed reading Portia's story the best but found it did drag on slightly. The story with Bea had a romance but nothing too much. As I've found with the other two books the present story has been my least favourite parts.
I quite enjoyed the tarot aspect of the story. Having an interest myself and having my own cards I did enjoy the readings in the story both in the past and the present.
I didn't dislike the book by all means but I did find that this one did drag slightly. I would read more by the author in the future.
October 8, 2025
I really enjoyed Clare Marchant’s House of the Witch, so I was excited to see a new book from her featuring the world of tarot. Huge thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Daughter of the Tarot is a dual-timeline story set in 1644 and the present day. As someone interested in tarot, I appreciated the historical details about the cards and their meanings, as well as the readings woven throughout the story. I especially liked the way the Devil card was used symbolically to help women find the courage to escape abusive situations. I found this a thoughtful and empowering touch.
That said, I found Beatrice a little difficult to warm to; she came across as somewhat spoilt and self-centered at times. I also struggled to believe how quickly her shop became such a success. It just felt a bit too convenient.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing premise and some lovely historical detail, but it didn’t quite capture the magic of House of the Witch for me.
Daughter of the Tarot is a dual-timeline story set in 1644 and the present day. As someone interested in tarot, I appreciated the historical details about the cards and their meanings, as well as the readings woven throughout the story. I especially liked the way the Devil card was used symbolically to help women find the courage to escape abusive situations. I found this a thoughtful and empowering touch.
That said, I found Beatrice a little difficult to warm to; she came across as somewhat spoilt and self-centered at times. I also struggled to believe how quickly her shop became such a success. It just felt a bit too convenient.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an intriguing premise and some lovely historical detail, but it didn’t quite capture the magic of House of the Witch for me.
March 25, 2026
This was definitely a slow burner for me. I usually love a dual timeline when it’s done well, but in this case I found myself impatiently waiting to return to the 17th century storyline, which I found far more gripping overall. The historical context and narration had a richness and sense of intrigue that kept pulling me in, whereas the present day storyline struggled to hold my attention in the same way. Part of this came down to the main character: unfortunately I didn’t warm to her as a person. I found her quite emotionally immature and at times frustrating which made it hard for me to fully invest in her journey.
Whilst this wasn’t a standout book for me, the historical elements were compelling enough to keep me turning the pages and it had it had its moment which resonated with me.
Whilst this wasn’t a standout book for me, the historical elements were compelling enough to keep me turning the pages and it had it had its moment which resonated with me.
January 19, 2026
Meh. It was fine. Wouldn’t pickup anything else from this writer again. Too thin of a story although it had a lot of potential.
August 11, 2025
Cool cover, exciting blurb – and since I'd already enthusiastically read a "time-slip novel" by Ms. Marchant, I jumped at this one :-). I like this kind of plot, when stories unfold on two temporal levels that are then gradually brought together.
Here, we have one level in the here and now, and one that takes place a few centuries earlier in roughly the same setting, each featuring a strong female character. So, the two protagonists are connected across the centuries. Okay, the author didn't reinvent the wheel with this structure of her novel – but it didn't need to; the story was definitely new in itself and captivated me!
We're (mostly) in London, and Beatrice plays the main role in the present day. She's recently moved to Hampstead and opened a shop for tarot cards and readings. While unpacking her moving boxes, she finds a long-forgotten deck of cards that has been passed down through the generations in her family. Historical, old, and therefore valuable—but not really useful, because one card is missing. The Devil. Beatrice decides to search for this card....
The second time frame takes place in 1644. 15 years ago, the Italian woman Portia fled from Milan to London with her daughter Vittoria and friend Maria under dramatic circumstances, and earns her living by reading tarot cards. But not only that—she also helps other women in need to escape domestic violence, and a special tarot card serves as a distinguishing symbol here...that of the Devil.
This much can be revealed about the plot: it quickly becomes clear that the tarot cards are the link between the narrative threads—and following the journey of the two women becomes fascinating and exciting. The Devil card, as we readers have now learned, represents the big question: what is real and what is illusion in life? A question that Portia and Beatrice have to ask themselves again and again....
My reading impression: Very, very exciting. I found the historical part particularly interesting. A household of only women that manages to survive in these times is fascinating in itself, and Portia has done some really cool things. Overall, the novel was – as expected from the author :-) – very fluid and grippingly written, and the story grabbed my attention. We also had a love story in both narrative strands, each without any unnecessary drama, which I really liked; it was beautiful, romantic, and fitting – and, as I said, the romance fit well with the rest of the story. The story was about the cards and the connection between the two women, and about the things that women can achieve, about personal freedom, and the love stories were nice "surroundings," but the novel would have worked wonderfully without them.
Yes, overall, a really good story, a great novel that kept me wonderfully entertained. I'm looking forward to Ms. Marchant's next books!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!
Here, we have one level in the here and now, and one that takes place a few centuries earlier in roughly the same setting, each featuring a strong female character. So, the two protagonists are connected across the centuries. Okay, the author didn't reinvent the wheel with this structure of her novel – but it didn't need to; the story was definitely new in itself and captivated me!
We're (mostly) in London, and Beatrice plays the main role in the present day. She's recently moved to Hampstead and opened a shop for tarot cards and readings. While unpacking her moving boxes, she finds a long-forgotten deck of cards that has been passed down through the generations in her family. Historical, old, and therefore valuable—but not really useful, because one card is missing. The Devil. Beatrice decides to search for this card....
The second time frame takes place in 1644. 15 years ago, the Italian woman Portia fled from Milan to London with her daughter Vittoria and friend Maria under dramatic circumstances, and earns her living by reading tarot cards. But not only that—she also helps other women in need to escape domestic violence, and a special tarot card serves as a distinguishing symbol here...that of the Devil.
This much can be revealed about the plot: it quickly becomes clear that the tarot cards are the link between the narrative threads—and following the journey of the two women becomes fascinating and exciting. The Devil card, as we readers have now learned, represents the big question: what is real and what is illusion in life? A question that Portia and Beatrice have to ask themselves again and again....
My reading impression: Very, very exciting. I found the historical part particularly interesting. A household of only women that manages to survive in these times is fascinating in itself, and Portia has done some really cool things. Overall, the novel was – as expected from the author :-) – very fluid and grippingly written, and the story grabbed my attention. We also had a love story in both narrative strands, each without any unnecessary drama, which I really liked; it was beautiful, romantic, and fitting – and, as I said, the romance fit well with the rest of the story. The story was about the cards and the connection between the two women, and about the things that women can achieve, about personal freedom, and the love stories were nice "surroundings," but the novel would have worked wonderfully without them.
Yes, overall, a really good story, a great novel that kept me wonderfully entertained. I'm looking forward to Ms. Marchant's next books!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!
August 16, 2025
A single deck of cards changed the fate of generations of women. The tarot cards, created in 16th-century Italy, will connect two women separated by centuries. One was a woman in 17th-century London, originally from Milan, who used the cards to rescue women from abusive relationships. The other is a woman from modern-day London starting her life anew when she comes across an old tarot card deck with a missing card. What began as a hunt for a missing card will connect the two women and change lives forever. The cards hold secrets to the past, but will they bring hope or disaster? This is the premise for Clare Marchant’s latest dual-timeline novel, “Daughter of the Tarot.”
I would like to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I recently read her novel, “The Shadow on the Bridge,” which I enjoyed, so when I saw this novel, it had such an intriguing description that I wanted to read it. I am not familiar with the history of tarot cards, and I have not read many novels set in the 17th century, so I was excited for a new adventure.
As this is a dual-timeline novel, there are two protagonists from two different periods: Portia from 17th-century England and Beatrice from 21st-century England. We begin in Milan in 1629, which has just been hit by the plague, where we are introduced to Portia and her baby daughter, Vittoria, who are struggling to survive. The next time we see Portia and Vittoria, iits 1644 and they are living in London. Vittoria is 15 years old, and Portia is using her talent with tarot cards to help those in need. What Vittoria does not know is that Portia uses her readings to help women escape abusive relationships by using the Devil’s Card as a message for the boatsman Jack, who is in love with Portia. Secrets and truths slowly begin to reveal themselves as someone from Portia’s past has come to London and may destroy her relationship with Vittoria.
In the modern storyline, we meet Beatrice, or Bea, who is starting a new life in London and is opening her own antiques shop. Bea has been avoiding her father and his new love interest since her mother died. She has the gift of reading tarot cards, and one day, she comes across an old deck of cards. The only problem is that it is missing a key card, the Devil’s Card. Bea and her landlord, Jack, search high and low for the missing card and find exactly what they are searching for, and some surprises.
It took me a while to get into this book as it was a slower pace than the previous novel that I read by Marchant. While I enjoyed the modern storyline, the 17th-century portion felt a bit slower, and it didn’t feel like the 17th century to me, but more like the 16th century. Overall, I think it was a decent novel with an interesting pair of protagonists. If you want a story about the 17th century with a unique premise, I recommend you read “Daughter of the Tarot” by Clare Marchant.
I would like to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I recently read her novel, “The Shadow on the Bridge,” which I enjoyed, so when I saw this novel, it had such an intriguing description that I wanted to read it. I am not familiar with the history of tarot cards, and I have not read many novels set in the 17th century, so I was excited for a new adventure.
As this is a dual-timeline novel, there are two protagonists from two different periods: Portia from 17th-century England and Beatrice from 21st-century England. We begin in Milan in 1629, which has just been hit by the plague, where we are introduced to Portia and her baby daughter, Vittoria, who are struggling to survive. The next time we see Portia and Vittoria, iits 1644 and they are living in London. Vittoria is 15 years old, and Portia is using her talent with tarot cards to help those in need. What Vittoria does not know is that Portia uses her readings to help women escape abusive relationships by using the Devil’s Card as a message for the boatsman Jack, who is in love with Portia. Secrets and truths slowly begin to reveal themselves as someone from Portia’s past has come to London and may destroy her relationship with Vittoria.
In the modern storyline, we meet Beatrice, or Bea, who is starting a new life in London and is opening her own antiques shop. Bea has been avoiding her father and his new love interest since her mother died. She has the gift of reading tarot cards, and one day, she comes across an old deck of cards. The only problem is that it is missing a key card, the Devil’s Card. Bea and her landlord, Jack, search high and low for the missing card and find exactly what they are searching for, and some surprises.
It took me a while to get into this book as it was a slower pace than the previous novel that I read by Marchant. While I enjoyed the modern storyline, the 17th-century portion felt a bit slower, and it didn’t feel like the 17th century to me, but more like the 16th century. Overall, I think it was a decent novel with an interesting pair of protagonists. If you want a story about the 17th century with a unique premise, I recommend you read “Daughter of the Tarot” by Clare Marchant.
August 17, 2025
Daughter of the Tarot by Clare Marchant caught my eye because I love historical fiction, especially if there is a magical element and though there is less "magic" in the story than I expected it is still a charming tale. The dual timeline narrative takes us from seventeenth century Italy to modern day London and shows how two different families are linked by a single set of tarot cards.
Beatrice has moved to London still grieving the mother she lost several years before. Her biggest connection to her mother is tarot, reading the cards is a skill they both shared, and so she decides to open a tarot shop, selling cards and doing readings, While unpacking she finds a tarot deck that has been handed down for generations, beautifully hand painted and priceless not just because of their age but even more so because of their links to her mother and the generations of women who had gone before. Unfortunately the deck is not complete, the Devil card is missing. Determined to track down the missing card Bea embarks on a quest that will take her back to Italy and uncover a story of love, strength and compassion.
Centuries before her ancestor Portia fled from Italy to London, bringing little more than the clothes on her back, her deck of cards and her newborn daughter. Fleeing both the plague that was decimating Italy and the cruelty of the man who fathered her child she sets herself up in a new home and establishes a reputation not just for her tarot readings but also for helping other women in desperate circumstances to escape. For years Portia and her daughter live in relative peace until one day a chance encounter on the streets of the city brings the past back into their lives and threatens the peace and comfort they have found in their new home.
I really enjoyed the use of dual timelines in this story and I think the author did a very good job of bringing the two stories and the two timelines together. The writing style is very descriptive, almost too much so at first, in the early chapters of the book I felt like the author did a little too much telling rather than showing and I was worried that I would find the writing too stilted but that did ease as the story progressed and was far less noticeable as the book went on and the author found their flow. Both characters were well crafted and I enjoyed both timelines, though I think I preferred the historical setting a little more, and I appreciated seeing that the trait of wanting to help others through the cards passed down the generations and the parallels between the two women despite the centuries that separated them.
This book is a great blend of historical fiction, mystery and just a touch of romance and I can imagine that many other readers will enjoy it as much as I did.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Beatrice has moved to London still grieving the mother she lost several years before. Her biggest connection to her mother is tarot, reading the cards is a skill they both shared, and so she decides to open a tarot shop, selling cards and doing readings, While unpacking she finds a tarot deck that has been handed down for generations, beautifully hand painted and priceless not just because of their age but even more so because of their links to her mother and the generations of women who had gone before. Unfortunately the deck is not complete, the Devil card is missing. Determined to track down the missing card Bea embarks on a quest that will take her back to Italy and uncover a story of love, strength and compassion.
Centuries before her ancestor Portia fled from Italy to London, bringing little more than the clothes on her back, her deck of cards and her newborn daughter. Fleeing both the plague that was decimating Italy and the cruelty of the man who fathered her child she sets herself up in a new home and establishes a reputation not just for her tarot readings but also for helping other women in desperate circumstances to escape. For years Portia and her daughter live in relative peace until one day a chance encounter on the streets of the city brings the past back into their lives and threatens the peace and comfort they have found in their new home.
I really enjoyed the use of dual timelines in this story and I think the author did a very good job of bringing the two stories and the two timelines together. The writing style is very descriptive, almost too much so at first, in the early chapters of the book I felt like the author did a little too much telling rather than showing and I was worried that I would find the writing too stilted but that did ease as the story progressed and was far less noticeable as the book went on and the author found their flow. Both characters were well crafted and I enjoyed both timelines, though I think I preferred the historical setting a little more, and I appreciated seeing that the trait of wanting to help others through the cards passed down the generations and the parallels between the two women despite the centuries that separated them.
This book is a great blend of historical fiction, mystery and just a touch of romance and I can imagine that many other readers will enjoy it as much as I did.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
I was entirely immersed in this book from its opening pages – the very best dual time writing, and a tale that entirely gripped me to the very last page.
In 1629, abandoned by the man who should have provided protection and with Milan in the grip of the plague, Portia flees for her life with baby Vittoria – and we encounter them again living in 1640s London. Portia reads tarot cards, but the women who visit her are often looking for more tangible help – with the assistance of boatman John (a man she really trusts, and to whom she’s growing closer), she helps them escape their lives of neglect and abuse in the dead of night, giving each of them a Devil card as proof of their identity. Rumours abound about the women’s disappearance, and her task becomes increasingly difficult – but then the threat is increased by a chance meeting when her past begins to catch up with her, and threatens both her relationship with Vittoria and her life.
In the present day, Bea is finding her feet with a new venture – a small shop where she sells tarot cards and offers readings – still trying to come to terms with the loss of her mother and her father’s decision to make a fresh start. Her delight at finding an antique set of tarot cards is only dimmed when she finds its Devil card is missing, making them unusable – and, with the support of landlord Jack who owns a nearby bookshop and becomes a close friend, she embarks on a mission to find the missing card, with a number of false leads and obstacles along the way. And, during her search, she gradually uncovers Portia’s amazing story.
The storylines are wonderfully wrapped around each other, equally compelling and involving – and the pacing of the whole story, with its seamless shifts between past and present, is so perfectly handled. The historical setting is vividly drawn, very atmospheric, bringing the period to life – and the connecting thread of the tarot cards is absolutely fascinating. Both Portia and Bea are beautifully drawn, very real and wholly sympathetic – and I enjoyed too the romantic elements to both their stories. There are some particularly well written moments of drama that had me on the edge of my seat – but plenty of emotional moments too, all handled with the perfect touch. There are a number of recurring themes – reality and illusion, interpreting the truth – and I’ll leave them for you to discover, but I really loved the way they were mirrored in both stories, everything perfectly balanced.
I’m so impressed by the author’s writing – this was a book I really loved, undoubtedly one of my books of the year, and would very much recommend to others.
In 1629, abandoned by the man who should have provided protection and with Milan in the grip of the plague, Portia flees for her life with baby Vittoria – and we encounter them again living in 1640s London. Portia reads tarot cards, but the women who visit her are often looking for more tangible help – with the assistance of boatman John (a man she really trusts, and to whom she’s growing closer), she helps them escape their lives of neglect and abuse in the dead of night, giving each of them a Devil card as proof of their identity. Rumours abound about the women’s disappearance, and her task becomes increasingly difficult – but then the threat is increased by a chance meeting when her past begins to catch up with her, and threatens both her relationship with Vittoria and her life.
In the present day, Bea is finding her feet with a new venture – a small shop where she sells tarot cards and offers readings – still trying to come to terms with the loss of her mother and her father’s decision to make a fresh start. Her delight at finding an antique set of tarot cards is only dimmed when she finds its Devil card is missing, making them unusable – and, with the support of landlord Jack who owns a nearby bookshop and becomes a close friend, she embarks on a mission to find the missing card, with a number of false leads and obstacles along the way. And, during her search, she gradually uncovers Portia’s amazing story.
The storylines are wonderfully wrapped around each other, equally compelling and involving – and the pacing of the whole story, with its seamless shifts between past and present, is so perfectly handled. The historical setting is vividly drawn, very atmospheric, bringing the period to life – and the connecting thread of the tarot cards is absolutely fascinating. Both Portia and Bea are beautifully drawn, very real and wholly sympathetic – and I enjoyed too the romantic elements to both their stories. There are some particularly well written moments of drama that had me on the edge of my seat – but plenty of emotional moments too, all handled with the perfect touch. There are a number of recurring themes – reality and illusion, interpreting the truth – and I’ll leave them for you to discover, but I really loved the way they were mirrored in both stories, everything perfectly balanced.
I’m so impressed by the author’s writing – this was a book I really loved, undoubtedly one of my books of the year, and would very much recommend to others.
September 28, 2025
Clare Marchant does it again.....spellbound in the mystical world of tarot this time. I have previously read "The Mapmakers Daughter" and "The House of the Witch", so was super keen to read Clare's 2025 release "Daughter of the Tarot", which is her sixth book.
Again a dual timeline story set in the 1600s and modern day, The ability to read tarot cards and one beautifully painted set, binds generations of the same family, of Italian descent.
In 1629 Milan was in the depths of the plague, killing many and causing seperation amongst families. Those with money escaped to their hillside villas. Those with a moral compass remained to care for others, until they could flee to countries abroad. And so we meet Portia, who has come to London, bringing Vittoria, Maria and her mother's tarot cards. Her gift for reading the cards, provides the refocus of thoughts for many who approach her, seeking to solve the questions in their lives.
Beatrice has inherited this same set of cards and also has the ability to read and transform lives. Two women bound by 1 set of tarot cards....with the elusive Devil card missing by the time the set reaches Beatrice. This ominous sounding card actually speaks of what is real and what is an illusion. What might not be as it appears. Coupled with other cards speaking of worries, anxiety, a time to take control and make the right choice for oneself it can lead to a decision point and turning point.
Portia hides many secrets. She has worked hard to cover her past running from an abusive husband. She can relate to the many women who approach her, looking for the same escape and has found a way to help them.
Beatrice is determined to find this missing Devil card, so she can begin to use the full set of beautiful ancient cards in her new business. Twists and turns and many disappointments, take her back to the start of Portia's troubles. (A little romance is thrown in too).
400 years pass in this book, but the strength of women striving for independence, reinventing and stretching their resilience never changes across the generations.
A magical, mystical and often heart stopping book of family secrets, for which I thank Boldwood Books, Clare Marchant, and NetGalley for my copy.
The tarot symbolism has me hooked and I am keen to track down a tarot reader as soon as possible
Again a dual timeline story set in the 1600s and modern day, The ability to read tarot cards and one beautifully painted set, binds generations of the same family, of Italian descent.
In 1629 Milan was in the depths of the plague, killing many and causing seperation amongst families. Those with money escaped to their hillside villas. Those with a moral compass remained to care for others, until they could flee to countries abroad. And so we meet Portia, who has come to London, bringing Vittoria, Maria and her mother's tarot cards. Her gift for reading the cards, provides the refocus of thoughts for many who approach her, seeking to solve the questions in their lives.
Beatrice has inherited this same set of cards and also has the ability to read and transform lives. Two women bound by 1 set of tarot cards....with the elusive Devil card missing by the time the set reaches Beatrice. This ominous sounding card actually speaks of what is real and what is an illusion. What might not be as it appears. Coupled with other cards speaking of worries, anxiety, a time to take control and make the right choice for oneself it can lead to a decision point and turning point.
Portia hides many secrets. She has worked hard to cover her past running from an abusive husband. She can relate to the many women who approach her, looking for the same escape and has found a way to help them.
Beatrice is determined to find this missing Devil card, so she can begin to use the full set of beautiful ancient cards in her new business. Twists and turns and many disappointments, take her back to the start of Portia's troubles. (A little romance is thrown in too).
400 years pass in this book, but the strength of women striving for independence, reinventing and stretching their resilience never changes across the generations.
A magical, mystical and often heart stopping book of family secrets, for which I thank Boldwood Books, Clare Marchant, and NetGalley for my copy.
The tarot symbolism has me hooked and I am keen to track down a tarot reader as soon as possible
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