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Echoes from the Past #4
The Forsaken: An utterly heart-wrenching historical novel
Some betrayals echo through the centuries.
Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1461. When Lady Catherine Dancy saves the life of a wounded knight, Guy de Rosel, her fate is sealed. Though they share a powerful connection, Guy’s manipulative brother Hugh discovers her identity and forces her into a loveless political marriage. Trapped in the crumbling de Rosel keep on the Scottish borders, Catherine faces an impossible choice between duty and desire. But Hugh’s cruel ambitions run deeper than she knows, and when betrayal strikes, will the chapel where she sought solace become her tomb?
Present day. Archaeologist Quinn Allenby’s psychic gift has often been a curse, but when she discovers a medieval skeleton and amber rosary beads beneath her husband’s family home, the visions that flood through her are darker than any she’s experienced before. As Quinn’s high-risk pregnancy pushes her to breaking point, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Catherine’s fate. But solving this ancient mystery may cost her everything, including the man she loves…
A devastating story of deadly betrayal, forbidden love and the dangerous power of the past to reshape the present. An unputdownable read for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine.
Praise for the
“Hooked me from the prologue. I seriously couldn’t stop reading. I stayed up through the night and into the next morning to find out what happened… Can’t wait to read the whole series!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating… unputdownable… I completed it in one day. If you enjoy romantic suspense and historical genre, this combo is definitely for you!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Gut-wrenching and spellbinding simultaneously. I enjoyed the seamless storylines with the modern-day events and 17th century love story. I literally could not put this one down!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“From the very first page, I was drawn in and could not put this one down.
Would I spend my hard-earned cash on this book? Yes.
Would I recommend to friends & family? Yes!
Will I search out the next one? You bet, I’m addicted now.
Is this a Kindle Keeper (delete on pain of death)? Definitely.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book so much that it was hard for me to put down and go to bed some nights. The characters came alive and jumped off the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A captivating story… The characters felt real, and you were wanting the best for them… a book that will keep you up at night, reasoning ‘just one more chapter’… My only complaint is that the book had to end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1461. When Lady Catherine Dancy saves the life of a wounded knight, Guy de Rosel, her fate is sealed. Though they share a powerful connection, Guy’s manipulative brother Hugh discovers her identity and forces her into a loveless political marriage. Trapped in the crumbling de Rosel keep on the Scottish borders, Catherine faces an impossible choice between duty and desire. But Hugh’s cruel ambitions run deeper than she knows, and when betrayal strikes, will the chapel where she sought solace become her tomb?
Present day. Archaeologist Quinn Allenby’s psychic gift has often been a curse, but when she discovers a medieval skeleton and amber rosary beads beneath her husband’s family home, the visions that flood through her are darker than any she’s experienced before. As Quinn’s high-risk pregnancy pushes her to breaking point, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Catherine’s fate. But solving this ancient mystery may cost her everything, including the man she loves…
A devastating story of deadly betrayal, forbidden love and the dangerous power of the past to reshape the present. An unputdownable read for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine.
Praise for the
“Hooked me from the prologue. I seriously couldn’t stop reading. I stayed up through the night and into the next morning to find out what happened… Can’t wait to read the whole series!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Captivating… unputdownable… I completed it in one day. If you enjoy romantic suspense and historical genre, this combo is definitely for you!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Gut-wrenching and spellbinding simultaneously. I enjoyed the seamless storylines with the modern-day events and 17th century love story. I literally could not put this one down!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“From the very first page, I was drawn in and could not put this one down.
Would I spend my hard-earned cash on this book? Yes.
Would I recommend to friends & family? Yes!
Will I search out the next one? You bet, I’m addicted now.
Is this a Kindle Keeper (delete on pain of death)? Definitely.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book so much that it was hard for me to put down and go to bed some nights. The characters came alive and jumped off the pages. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A captivating story… The characters felt real, and you were wanting the best for them… a book that will keep you up at night, reasoning ‘just one more chapter’… My only complaint is that the book had to end.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
794 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
84 books1,134 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 13, 2018
I really enjoy Quinn's story and everything that is happening in her life. I love the glimpse into the past as well. I love historical fiction and this is a good mix of modern day and the past. I just wish that the author could find some way for the stories in the past to have some sort of happy ending. I know that is not the way things happen but this is fiction. It is very depressing to know that every time I read about the story about the past I am just waiting for something bad to happen to the main character. The author makes me care about her and I would just love for once for her to have some good come to her.
January 14, 2020
Quinn still has incredibly bad judgement for a woman with a high-risk pregnancy, that really wants a baby. Grrr! The writing is so good, but falls short with a female protagonist that is independent until 30 and well educated yet makes such mindless and reckless decisions. The historical story was the highlight in this book and was suspenseful to the very end. I feel leg-shackled to this series for some reason, so I will continue and try to see this series to the end.
September 13, 2018
The general comments I've made about this series and the author from the earlier Echoes of the Past still hold true for this recently-published book of the series.
As with the other books, this book weaves the stories from two ages: modern and long past. This book continues the story of Quinn, a woman who can see the past when touching objects. As with the past books in this series, an unearthed skeleton starts the historical storyline. This time the skeleton is close-to-home, literally. An ancestor of her husband is unearthed during a kitchen renovation in his childhood home that has been in the family for centuries. We are brought back to the 1400s and the War of the Roses.
I had a little trouble staying engaged in the first chapter or so of the historical story as I'm not overly familiar with the details of the conflict and had a hard time keeping the Yorkist and Lancastrians straight. Thankfully, it really wasn't that critical to the story. Like her other books, Ms. Shapiro quickly brought the story to the human level with relatable and appealing characters.
The contemporary story line with Quinn and her family is dramatic, yet realistic, and introduces a big plot twist that sets us up to look forward to future installments.
I pre-ordered this book and was happy to see it delivered on my Kindle. I took a break from another book to read it. I think I enjoyed it more because I had a little space between reading this and the last book of the series. I wish this was was better edited to fix a number of minor but distracting typos throughout the book.
I do look forward to the next edition and I'm sorry I will have to wait. The next one delves into Russian history, which is my area of expertise and interest. England just never much did it for me, but I have enjoyed learning more through the stories so far.
As with the other books, this book weaves the stories from two ages: modern and long past. This book continues the story of Quinn, a woman who can see the past when touching objects. As with the past books in this series, an unearthed skeleton starts the historical storyline. This time the skeleton is close-to-home, literally. An ancestor of her husband is unearthed during a kitchen renovation in his childhood home that has been in the family for centuries. We are brought back to the 1400s and the War of the Roses.
I had a little trouble staying engaged in the first chapter or so of the historical story as I'm not overly familiar with the details of the conflict and had a hard time keeping the Yorkist and Lancastrians straight. Thankfully, it really wasn't that critical to the story. Like her other books, Ms. Shapiro quickly brought the story to the human level with relatable and appealing characters.
The contemporary story line with Quinn and her family is dramatic, yet realistic, and introduces a big plot twist that sets us up to look forward to future installments.
I pre-ordered this book and was happy to see it delivered on my Kindle. I took a break from another book to read it. I think I enjoyed it more because I had a little space between reading this and the last book of the series. I wish this was was better edited to fix a number of minor but distracting typos throughout the book.
I do look forward to the next edition and I'm sorry I will have to wait. The next one delves into Russian history, which is my area of expertise and interest. England just never much did it for me, but I have enjoyed learning more through the stories so far.
February 17, 2019
Quinn is an interesting character. With her ability to see into the past by using a personal item makes for a unique story when she happens to stumble across an ancient skeleton at her husband’s home. When she dives deep into the past, she learns about the skeleton, a woman named Kate who went through many trials in her last few weeks alive.
I loved learned about Kate’s tale, and the jump between the present-day timeline and the historical made it so we could see both what happened to Kate as well as Quinn’s reactions to it. Kate herself was a bit of a frustrating character, but that was what made her so real. I think of all of them, Quinn was my favorite, not only for what she could do, but for her intrigue to want to learn all that she could, even when she didn’t think it the best idea to do so.
With that being said, I did find the book a little hard to get into at first. I’m not sure if it was because this is the first book in the series I’ve picked up or if it was just not the genre for me, but I am glad that I pushed through whatever it was because the ending of this book was fantastically done.
I loved learned about Kate’s tale, and the jump between the present-day timeline and the historical made it so we could see both what happened to Kate as well as Quinn’s reactions to it. Kate herself was a bit of a frustrating character, but that was what made her so real. I think of all of them, Quinn was my favorite, not only for what she could do, but for her intrigue to want to learn all that she could, even when she didn’t think it the best idea to do so.
With that being said, I did find the book a little hard to get into at first. I’m not sure if it was because this is the first book in the series I’ve picked up or if it was just not the genre for me, but I am glad that I pushed through whatever it was because the ending of this book was fantastically done.
September 15, 2021
I am still enthralled by this series! Not only do we piece together a mystery from the past, but little by little we learn something more about our heroine Dr. Quinn Allenby Russell. Each novel adds more depth to the story line. The mystery is always a heartache ... and sometimes as I near the end of the book, I am reluctant to relive the character's last moments! I'm ready for #5 to see what new adventures await!
July 13, 2019
1461: On the cusp of taking her vows at the Holystone Priory, Lady Catherine is informed by the Abbess that her three brothers fell during the Battle of Towton and her father, Lord Dancy has now summoned her home. As she journeys back, she happens upon a squire who asks her to perform the last rites on a grievously wounded knight. Kate has no idea how her life is about to change as love, jealousy, betrayal and ultimately murder will tragically cut her life short.
2014: While doing renovations at their ancestral home, Gabe’s mother unearths skeletal remains along with a sword and rosary beads. With an ancestry that can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, Gabe has always held a deep fascination with his past. With her psychic gift, Quinn is able to ascertain that the sword belonged to Guy de Rosel and the rosary beads to Lady Catherine Dancy. As she tries to piece together the mystery behind the secret burial place, Quinn discovers a shocking revelation about her own past.
The Forsaken is the fourth compelling instalment of the Echoes of the Past series and is a dual time novel set in 1461 and 2014. The time frame from the past is set in the aftermath of the Battle of Towton which took place during the War of the Roses which culminated in the dynastic struggles between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. The engagement ultimately ending in an overwhelming victory for the Yorkists. In a time of political turmoil and shifting allegiances where women were mere pawns to be used for personal gain and political clout, Kate unwittingly becomes a victim of her time. The abuse she suffered was very difficult to read at times, particularly the rape scene. Despite the prologue revealing the nature of her death, I genuinely sobbed when I read the scene where she is found in the aftermath. I had suspected someone else to be the culprit and the fact that they never got their just desserts was a bitter pill to swallow.
Quinn’s story continues to be intriguing. Usually with dual time stories, the present day tends to be less interesting than the past but throughout the series, both dual frames have held my interest equally. We see Quinn, now roughly 8 months pregnant, dealing with the nightmares that have plagued her since her trip to Louisiana. Coupled with pre eclampsia and a shocking revelation about her past, she’s struggling somewhat in this book.
The author has once again managed to write a masterfully woven plot which moves seamlessly back and forth between the past and present. Throughout the series, the author’s descriptive writing and historical detail has made each one of her stories come alive and this book was no exception.
I received an advanced free audible copy of The Unforgiving and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson has once again managed to bring the characters and story to life with her clear, concise narration. I recommend this series for fans of historical fiction, dual time mysteries and psychic gifts.
2014: While doing renovations at their ancestral home, Gabe’s mother unearths skeletal remains along with a sword and rosary beads. With an ancestry that can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, Gabe has always held a deep fascination with his past. With her psychic gift, Quinn is able to ascertain that the sword belonged to Guy de Rosel and the rosary beads to Lady Catherine Dancy. As she tries to piece together the mystery behind the secret burial place, Quinn discovers a shocking revelation about her own past.
The Forsaken is the fourth compelling instalment of the Echoes of the Past series and is a dual time novel set in 1461 and 2014. The time frame from the past is set in the aftermath of the Battle of Towton which took place during the War of the Roses which culminated in the dynastic struggles between the houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne. The engagement ultimately ending in an overwhelming victory for the Yorkists. In a time of political turmoil and shifting allegiances where women were mere pawns to be used for personal gain and political clout, Kate unwittingly becomes a victim of her time. The abuse she suffered was very difficult to read at times, particularly the rape scene. Despite the prologue revealing the nature of her death, I genuinely sobbed when I read the scene where she is found in the aftermath. I had suspected someone else to be the culprit and the fact that they never got their just desserts was a bitter pill to swallow.
Quinn’s story continues to be intriguing. Usually with dual time stories, the present day tends to be less interesting than the past but throughout the series, both dual frames have held my interest equally. We see Quinn, now roughly 8 months pregnant, dealing with the nightmares that have plagued her since her trip to Louisiana. Coupled with pre eclampsia and a shocking revelation about her past, she’s struggling somewhat in this book.
The author has once again managed to write a masterfully woven plot which moves seamlessly back and forth between the past and present. Throughout the series, the author’s descriptive writing and historical detail has made each one of her stories come alive and this book was no exception.
I received an advanced free audible copy of The Unforgiving and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson has once again managed to bring the characters and story to life with her clear, concise narration. I recommend this series for fans of historical fiction, dual time mysteries and psychic gifts.
January 28, 2019
In 2014 Quinn's mother in law comes upon a grisly discovery beneath the kitchen of her ancestral home. Quinn and Gabe go to her aid and unearth skeletal remains, a sword, and a rosary that Quinn can't wait to get her hands on. The mystery is made more pressing since whoever was found under the floor was somehow connected to Gabe's family. But as Quinn learns time and time again in her own life, some familial secrets are best left undisturbed.
In 1462, Lady Kate has just been forced from the priory to go home to her parents. She's grieving the loss of her brothers from the last battle of the War of the Roses and fears her father will marry her off, something her mother always warned would be the worst thing to ever happen to her. But she comes upon some wounded knights, and although she never took her vows to become a nun, seeing them safe is her Christian duty. While she sees her nursing as nothing more than a necessity, one of the knights is making his own plans, plans that will change her life forever.
Where to begin...I guess I can start with Quinn's tale, our favorite psychic who often dives into the past. Over the course of the other few books, I've gotten attached to her and wish that she could just live her life in peace instead of constantly picking through the rubble of of other peoples mistakes to find answers. She's been betrayed over and over in a series of events that leaves me both wanting more and just wishing Quinn could finally settle down into the simple life she's trying to build. And as far as her biggest problem, the person I blame for it all? A certain biological parent who doesn’t know how to not be selfish.
The War of the Roses is the beginning of one of my favorite times in history. Bloody, wrought with scandals, and focused on a cast of real people placed in almost otherworldly situations, Shapiro touches on that in her book. She slips slivers of historical events into conversations and passing news from riders to intertwines Kate's life with real events and keeps the reader, or in my case the listener, gently reminded of what's going on in the wider world.
When it comes to narration, Wendy Wolfson consistently knocks it out of the park. Her silky smooth voice can highlight the southern drawl of a business man, the low brow accent of a 15th century stable boy, and the gentle tones of a well born lady pining for her knight in shining armor. It's always a pleasure to listen to her read a story so wonderful.
I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book to lovers of historical, romances, dramas, general fiction, reading, history, air, basically everyone. Lovers of the Outlander series and works by Philippa Gregory will be particularly enthralled, but I really mean it when I say all readers should give this series a try.
In 1462, Lady Kate has just been forced from the priory to go home to her parents. She's grieving the loss of her brothers from the last battle of the War of the Roses and fears her father will marry her off, something her mother always warned would be the worst thing to ever happen to her. But she comes upon some wounded knights, and although she never took her vows to become a nun, seeing them safe is her Christian duty. While she sees her nursing as nothing more than a necessity, one of the knights is making his own plans, plans that will change her life forever.
Where to begin...I guess I can start with Quinn's tale, our favorite psychic who often dives into the past. Over the course of the other few books, I've gotten attached to her and wish that she could just live her life in peace instead of constantly picking through the rubble of of other peoples mistakes to find answers. She's been betrayed over and over in a series of events that leaves me both wanting more and just wishing Quinn could finally settle down into the simple life she's trying to build. And as far as her biggest problem, the person I blame for it all? A certain biological parent who doesn’t know how to not be selfish.
The War of the Roses is the beginning of one of my favorite times in history. Bloody, wrought with scandals, and focused on a cast of real people placed in almost otherworldly situations, Shapiro touches on that in her book. She slips slivers of historical events into conversations and passing news from riders to intertwines Kate's life with real events and keeps the reader, or in my case the listener, gently reminded of what's going on in the wider world.
When it comes to narration, Wendy Wolfson consistently knocks it out of the park. Her silky smooth voice can highlight the southern drawl of a business man, the low brow accent of a 15th century stable boy, and the gentle tones of a well born lady pining for her knight in shining armor. It's always a pleasure to listen to her read a story so wonderful.
I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this book to lovers of historical, romances, dramas, general fiction, reading, history, air, basically everyone. Lovers of the Outlander series and works by Philippa Gregory will be particularly enthralled, but I really mean it when I say all readers should give this series a try.
February 2, 2019
First and foremost I want to thank the author Irina Shapiro for gifting me this audible book. When she did so I realized that it was part of a series and messaged her if it could be read as a stand-alone, she messaged me back that it could, but after the first chapter I decided I wanted to know more. I got the first three previous books and I’m glad I did. This series is so intriguing. The day to day life of Quinn Allenby with her psychic ability to see the past though the touch of a personal object, her husband Gabe and the many characters that have developed though these stories are interesting. Quinn’s insatiable desire to find not only her past, but those poor souls whose demise can’t be explained, because they have been buried in strange out of place manors. Quinn is essentially a woman who will not rest till she gets to the bottom of a case, sometimes even when it puts her in jeopardy, which it has many times. I’m sure there will be more in this series and will await it.
March 15, 2022
Following on from the previous book in this series, Quinn Allenby a archeologist, is now married to Gabe Russell.
Gabe's mother Pheobe has contacted him to tell him about the skeleton found by builders under the kitchen floor.
The family home is a mansion which has gone into disrepair. The kitchen being built onto the ground of the old Chapel.
Gabe and Quinn travel from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed to look at the skeleton which has been buried with a sword from the Plantagenet era and a rosary.
Quinn's ability to see the lives of people who have died through an item they owned, finds Kate.
Kate is married to Hugh De Rosel,but is in love with his brother Guy. Hugh is aggressive and abusive to Kate because she does not become pregnant. Guy is kind and loving, they become lovers. Kate falls pregnant straight away, but in the middle of her pregnancy she is poisoned by a servant who knows what Kate and Guy have done. Her death is treated a suicide so Hugh and Guy, bury her in under the floor of their Chapel. Guy buries his sword with her once the family go back to the house.
Gabe's mother Pheobe has contacted him to tell him about the skeleton found by builders under the kitchen floor.
The family home is a mansion which has gone into disrepair. The kitchen being built onto the ground of the old Chapel.
Gabe and Quinn travel from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed to look at the skeleton which has been buried with a sword from the Plantagenet era and a rosary.
Quinn's ability to see the lives of people who have died through an item they owned, finds Kate.
Kate is married to Hugh De Rosel,but is in love with his brother Guy. Hugh is aggressive and abusive to Kate because she does not become pregnant. Guy is kind and loving, they become lovers. Kate falls pregnant straight away, but in the middle of her pregnancy she is poisoned by a servant who knows what Kate and Guy have done. Her death is treated a suicide so Hugh and Guy, bury her in under the floor of their Chapel. Guy buries his sword with her once the family go back to the house.
October 27, 2018
Excellent novel!
I love the way Irina mixes the present characters Quin & Gabe etc, with the characters in the past . The story line draws you in and I felt sad reading the fates of both Kate who was unexpectedly murdered and her lover Guy, plus the miscarried fetus that was burnt in the kitchen without any remorse.
Although this is fictional, the fact that some women during those times were actually treated badly and beaten adds to the sadness that I felt as read through the story line.
This novel had 74 chapters ... i don't normally like to read novels of this length because I like to read quickly. However, the story was riveting - I couldn't put the book down and I have already pre- ordered book 5 due to be published in January.
I think this is a book that readers of historical fiction will really enjoy!
Well done Irina!
I love the way Irina mixes the present characters Quin & Gabe etc, with the characters in the past . The story line draws you in and I felt sad reading the fates of both Kate who was unexpectedly murdered and her lover Guy, plus the miscarried fetus that was burnt in the kitchen without any remorse.
Although this is fictional, the fact that some women during those times were actually treated badly and beaten adds to the sadness that I felt as read through the story line.
This novel had 74 chapters ... i don't normally like to read novels of this length because I like to read quickly. However, the story was riveting - I couldn't put the book down and I have already pre- ordered book 5 due to be published in January.
I think this is a book that readers of historical fiction will really enjoy!
Well done Irina!
January 16, 2019
Wow.Just.Wow! Sometimes, as a series progresses, the storylines become dull but not this one! The dual plot line between present day and early 21st century England is simply fascinating. In this book, we discover the tragic story of a young woman, who was a pawn in the world of titles, land and wealth in the 1400s. We also learn that Quinn, in the last stage of her pregnancy, discovers and is searching for her twin sister. Meanwhile, Gabe is torn about possibly selling his ancestral home. Lots going on in this story...you’re never bored! I look forward to book 5...I’m dying to know if Quinn finds her twin!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2019
The Forsaken by Irina Shapiro is an incredible story. I love the vivid imagery with this book, and find the character of Quinn to be intriguing. This book is two incredible stories woven together like a tapestry. The details are rich and engrossing. I love both the historical story and the current story. This book is part of the Echoes from the Past series and a standalone listen. Wendy Wolfson performs this book perfectly. She adds the right emotions and brings the characters to life. I love how I did not guess the real killer in this book, which is kudos to the author. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I will definitely listen to more books by this amazing author and narrator.
October 29, 2019
This series is Epic. If your a lover of mysteries this is a must read. Dr Quinn and her husband Gabe discover bones at his Ancestrial home. So why Quinn is doing her job with discovering the story behind the bones. She learns other surprises about her ancestry. Theres lots of twists and turns. This series is hard to put down because I couldn't wait to see what was happening next in this real page turner. This series would be great on netflix or a movie made. The Narrator does a fantastic job. And the Authors writing is so creative. This is an Epic listen definitely more than 5 stars.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
September 8, 2018
History can
Without giving away too many details, the main character is an archeologist with a gift of seeing the past by holding an artifact. This particular book delves into the lives of people who Iived during the War of the Roses and concurrently goes into the current life of the protagonist. If you're a fan of history and enjoy good family drama read this series. I love this series,as I have enjoyed the other books by this author. Waiting for the next book in the series.
Without giving away too many details, the main character is an archeologist with a gift of seeing the past by holding an artifact. This particular book delves into the lives of people who Iived during the War of the Roses and concurrently goes into the current life of the protagonist. If you're a fan of history and enjoy good family drama read this series. I love this series,as I have enjoyed the other books by this author. Waiting for the next book in the series.
December 3, 2023
The Forsaken
Another intriguing storyline past and present. Early on, the trader learns who the Forsaken is and there are many suspects for the murderer. Misguided loyalty versus lack of compassion make unfortunate bedfellows.
Quinn has her own mystery to unravel with yet another twist in her family tree. We traders are not given full closure on that account. Perhaps in the next book of the series.
Well written storytelling with Quinn's psychic gifts supplying a bittersweet or tragic twist to the owners of the objects found as echoes of the past
Another intriguing storyline past and present. Early on, the trader learns who the Forsaken is and there are many suspects for the murderer. Misguided loyalty versus lack of compassion make unfortunate bedfellows.
Quinn has her own mystery to unravel with yet another twist in her family tree. We traders are not given full closure on that account. Perhaps in the next book of the series.
Well written storytelling with Quinn's psychic gifts supplying a bittersweet or tragic twist to the owners of the objects found as echoes of the past
August 28, 2024
This is the 9th book of Shapiro’s that I have read and I always enjoy the historical aspect that always mirrors the modern day happenings of her characters.
My one criticism is the constant Americanisms in the language. She’s writing primarily about English characters and we just don’t say things the same. We especially never use the word ‘gotten’! And we say an historian, not a historian. I know this is probably very pedantic but if you are trying to make it accurate these things matter. However, this is my mild irritation and doesn’t detract from the story.
My one criticism is the constant Americanisms in the language. She’s writing primarily about English characters and we just don’t say things the same. We especially never use the word ‘gotten’! And we say an historian, not a historian. I know this is probably very pedantic but if you are trying to make it accurate these things matter. However, this is my mild irritation and doesn’t detract from the story.
November 26, 2018
Interesting find
Even though I didn't care much for a recap of things over and over again in each book this series was a great find. Each book tells a story of someone life from the past, but also takes you through the life of a woman who is very much trying to find out who she is, where she came from and how she was born with a very special gift. I cannot wait until the next book.
Even though I didn't care much for a recap of things over and over again in each book this series was a great find. Each book tells a story of someone life from the past, but also takes you through the life of a woman who is very much trying to find out who she is, where she came from and how she was born with a very special gift. I cannot wait until the next book.
November 6, 2021
Really good really lovely addition to the series
I really do like the flitting between present and the past and developing stories in each era. I like the continuing saga of Quinn and her growing family. My only moment is that I can find the story a bit labouring at times but think this is down to having to tell a story with so much historical element to it and if Shapiro didn't then it would not have the same effect. Good read though and doesn't put me off the next book!
I really do like the flitting between present and the past and developing stories in each era. I like the continuing saga of Quinn and her growing family. My only moment is that I can find the story a bit labouring at times but think this is down to having to tell a story with so much historical element to it and if Shapiro didn't then it would not have the same effect. Good read though and doesn't put me off the next book!
February 6, 2025
amazing
Each new book in the series is better and better. I so enjoyed the Forsaken and had a hard time sleeping because I couldn’t quit reading. I really wanted Kate to find happiness and knew that the end was already written but while I read I still hoped that happiness and love would prevail. Such a beautifully written book and of course I love the dual stories in each book with Quinn and Gabe. I can’t wait to find out about Quentin.
Each new book in the series is better and better. I so enjoyed the Forsaken and had a hard time sleeping because I couldn’t quit reading. I really wanted Kate to find happiness and knew that the end was already written but while I read I still hoped that happiness and love would prevail. Such a beautifully written book and of course I love the dual stories in each book with Quinn and Gabe. I can’t wait to find out about Quentin.
May 26, 2019
I am in love with this series. The author never ceases to throw me for a loop. When you expect the story to take a turn she switches the story. I suggest reading or listening to this series from the beginning to appreciate the path of the characters.
If you love Outlander this is right up your alley.
If you love Outlander this is right up your alley.
June 29, 2019
Irina Shapiro’s fourth installment in the Echoes from the Past series, The Forsaken is a blended tale of family duty and misguided trust. I have grown attached to the present day characters and look forward to learn more from the next book in the series.
I listened to this tale with Wendy Wolfson’s clear voice bringing the characters and their personality to life with clarity and ease.
I listened to this tale with Wendy Wolfson’s clear voice bringing the characters and their personality to life with clarity and ease.
January 19, 2021
Love raising series!
If you like history, great characters that become family to you, and stories you can't put down, you'll love this series! Irina has such a gift at writing and I'm so glad she decided to pursue that and share it with us! She is ever in my heart and prayers because her writing soothes my heart.
If you like history, great characters that become family to you, and stories you can't put down, you'll love this series! Irina has such a gift at writing and I'm so glad she decided to pursue that and share it with us! She is ever in my heart and prayers because her writing soothes my heart.
February 18, 2021
Do not anger the cook!
I am enjoying this series. How sad to think it has taken centuries for women, namely wives, to have some rights. And poor Kate had to endure so much in her short life.
Quinn’s ability is pretty intriguing - is it safe to think Quentin also shares this ability??
I am enjoying this series. How sad to think it has taken centuries for women, namely wives, to have some rights. And poor Kate had to endure so much in her short life.
Quinn’s ability is pretty intriguing - is it safe to think Quentin also shares this ability??
March 8, 2021
A good read. Wish sometimes the old story could have a good end. I have to read something more cheerful between between books. I love the history I get from the books. So glad we live in a more civilized time.
I'm glad I'm a woman in today's world even if it's a crazy world! The past centuries were definitely dangerous for women in a thousand d different ways.
I'm glad I'm a woman in today's world even if it's a crazy world! The past centuries were definitely dangerous for women in a thousand d different ways.
October 11, 2022
AUDIBLE: making my way through this series. It’s fabulous. This was a really good one. This one takes us back to the time of the Lancastrian Knights and War of the Roses. And I figured out the killer before the end! Ha! Other reviewers complain about the decisions and actions of Quinn and Gabe cause sometimes it seems reckless or overly dramatic but it’s a FICTION book…so I enjoy the drama!
February 3, 2023
Medieval forbidden love and sorrow
Injured soldier Guy first meets Kate as she tends to his wounds
he received in battle and immediately falls in love with her. Although betrothed to his brother Kate cannot help but also fall in love with Guy. Set against an unforgiving world can their love survive?
Injured soldier Guy first meets Kate as she tends to his wounds
he received in battle and immediately falls in love with her. Although betrothed to his brother Kate cannot help but also fall in love with Guy. Set against an unforgiving world can their love survive?
September 27, 2018
A decent story series
As time goes on during book series, you lose the essence of the characters . I mainly like the medieval suspense stories . The present stories are getting boring and tedious ..
As time goes on during book series, you lose the essence of the characters . I mainly like the medieval suspense stories . The present stories are getting boring and tedious ..
September 20, 2018
Ending
I would have preferred that someone discovered who the murderer was and that she was dealt with appropriately. Otherwise, an excellent story. Can't wait until the next story is available.
I would have preferred that someone discovered who the murderer was and that she was dealt with appropriately. Otherwise, an excellent story. Can't wait until the next story is available.
June 6, 2019
Very good and interesting Story line
I really enjoy all the Characters in this series, even the bad ones. Only thing I would change is the long length of the story.. Funny, Sweet and as I said Great story
I really enjoy all the Characters in this series, even the bad ones. Only thing I would change is the long length of the story.. Funny, Sweet and as I said Great story
February 2, 2021
Audible.
This was a free offering from the author. I enjoy all the research she has done. I don't know how much worse Silvia can turn out to be, And how many more siblings Quin will discover.
I did like the historical story.
This was a free offering from the author. I enjoy all the research she has done. I don't know how much worse Silvia can turn out to be, And how many more siblings Quin will discover.
I did like the historical story.
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