Nightingale Hall

by Rachel Burton

A BRAND NEW enchanting dual-timeline historical mystery of lost love, family secrets and a mysterious painting from the BESTSELLING author of The Butterfly Garden, Rachel Burton. Perfect for fans of Eve Chase, Lorna Cook and Kate Morton! 🎨🌙'A fabulous dual timeline mystery with a tale of lost love and family ties. I was totally captivated and raced through to the end!' Clare MarchantOne mysterious painting. One vanished artist. And a secret hidden for fifty years.

In the storeroom of a North London gallery sits a picture shrouded in mystery. The old painting, of a grand house beneath a luminous moon, was the final work of a rising young artist who was poised for stardom... until they vanished without a trace.

2019: Still grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, Rosie has let her world grow small. But when she discovers a postcard of the painting tucked inside her grandmother's unfinished book, Rosie realises the artwork may be hiding a secret much closer to home.

1969: Lex Cooper has talent, ambition and a dazzling future in the artworld ahead. But one heartbreaking decision threatens everything Lex has worked for, and the painting that was set to make them famous, could well prove Lex's undoing...

As Rosie follows the trail Lex left behind, she uncovers a story of love, loss and reinvention – and a truth that will change everything.

Praise for Rachel

'Exquisite storytelling. Two timelines, two poignant love stories, one heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for many years is slowly revealed against the breathtaking backdrop of the butterfly garden. Loved it.' Elena Collins

'A fabulous dual timeline mystery with a tale of lost love and family ties. I was totally captivated and raced through to the end!' Clare Marchant

'A charming read, expertly plotted and beautifully researched. An intriguing dual time story, exquisitely told.' Jenni Keer

'Enticing and atmospheric... Packed with love and mystery that will keep you wanting more from the first page to the last' Lauren North

'A wonderful escape... I adored the characters, the headiness of their first loves, and vulnerabilities as they hoped for their own happily-ever-afters' Jenny Ashcroft

‘I was hooked on this book practically from the first paragraph.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Beautifully written, intriguing characters, lost loves, betrayal and lies. Fabulous and highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Such a heartwarming story which I devoured in one sitting.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a brilliant book! I loved how it dipped through many histories and kept it flipping seamlessly through many peoples histories.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Beautifully written, I loved the unexpected twist at the end. A definite five stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘This novel really holds you fast, all the way to a lovely twist of an ending that warms the cockles of your heart. Just the ticket for the perfect escapist read.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘As the secret is revealed and the mystery solved, the reader will be surprised til the final paragraph. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A wonderful tale of love, family and so much more!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Love, romance, mystery and family secrets - what more could I want? Highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genres: Historical Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2026

About the author

Rachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies. The Butterfly Garden and A Bookshop Christmas were both shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2025 and 2022 respectively.

Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.

After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.

She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.

She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.

Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter or sign up to her newsletter on Substack.

Reviews

[ABCme · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does the painting unveiled on the night of the moonlanding end up in a dusty storeroom of a London gallery 50 years later?

Nightingale Hall is a well crafted feelgood novel following Laura in 1969 and her granddaughter Rosie in 2019, both women chasing their dream.
The story starts in Los Angeles and continues in Hampstead, a wealthy suburb in London, UK. While it shows the reader the joy of art, the pleasure of pretty things and the moon's mysteries, it also holds some big family secrets.

Set in cosy surroundings with a small cast of interesting characters, this book grabbed me and had me read through the night, eager to find out what happened.
Although the ending was quite predictable, the quirky bonus material made it a five star read for me.
This was the first book I've read by this author and it will definitely not be the last!

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this wonderful ARC.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only my second book by the author and I enjoyed it immensely.
Rosie has just lost her beloved grandmother who reared her for most of her life. She lives in the house she grew up in which has now been turned into flats. She lives in one, her grandmother lived in another. Her mother appears periodically in her life and they haven't the best of relationships. After her grandmother dies she's at a kind of crossroads, especially as family secrets start to come out that she knew nothing about.
This book is about strong women and the choices they make. It's also about relationships, familial and friends and beyond.
I enjoyed the story a lot and the past story was interesting. There are some well drawn characters and quite a few of them so you have to keep up with the story.
Obviously I've dropped a star and that's because the present day story dragged a bit and some of it went round in circles. I would also have liked more of the past.
But take nothing away from it, it's an excellent read and if you enjoy dual timelines you'll certainly enjoy this.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightingale Hall is one of those stories that feels quietly spellbinding from the moment you step into it — a painting shrouded in mystery, a vanished artist, and a house beneath a luminous moon that seems to hold its breath. Rachel Burton has such a gentle way of weaving past and present together, and this novel leans into that beautifully.

In 2019, Rosie is still raw from losing her grandmother, and I liked how the book lets her grief sit softly in the background — not overwhelming her, but shaping the smallness of her world. When she finds the postcard tucked inside her grandmother’s unfinished book, it feels like a nudge from someone she loved, a whisper that the painting might be more than a curiosity. It might be a thread leading straight back to her own family.

The shift to 1969 is gorgeous. Lex Cooper is vibrant, talented, and on the cusp of something extraordinary. Their future in the art world feels dazzling, full of promise — until one heartbreaking decision tilts everything off its axis. The painting that should have made Lex famous becomes instead a kind of haunting, a reminder of what was lost and what couldn’t be undone. I loved how Burton captures that moment when ambition collides with life’s messier truths, leaving behind a story that refuses to stay buried.

The dual timeline works beautifully. Rosie’s search for answers feels tender and determined, and as she follows the trail Lex left behind, the past unfurls with that lovely, moonlit melancholy Burton does so well. Nightingale Hall itself becomes a quiet anchor — a place where secrets linger in the corners, where art becomes memory, and where the truth waits patiently for someone brave enough to look.

What lingered for me is the emotional layering: love, loss, reinvention, and the way art can hold pieces of a life long after the person is gone. Rosie’s journey isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about stepping back into herself, letting grief soften, and discovering that her grandmother left her more than memories — she left her a story.

A gorgeous, atmospheric historical mystery threaded with art, family secrets, and the quiet courage it takes to face the past. Enchanting, tender, and beautifully told — the kind of book that feels like standing beneath a luminous moon and finally seeing what was always there.

With thanks to Rachel Burton for the ARC

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

In the storeroom of a North London Gallery sits a picture shrouded in mystery. The old painting, of a grand house under a luminous moon, was the final work of a rising young artist who was poised for stardom.... until they vanished without a trace.

2019: Still grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, Rosie has let her world grow small. But when she discovers a postcard of the painting tucked inside her grandmother's unfinished book, Rosie realises the artwork maybe hiding a secret much closer to home.

1969: Lex Cooper has talent, ambition and a dazzling future in the artworld ahead. But one heartbreaking decision threatens everything Lex has worked for, and the painting that was set to make them famous, could well prove Lex's undoing....

This book is full of strong female characters and a dual timeline. This is a story of love and loss that has been beautifully written. I loved the mystery surrounding the painting. It's filled with family secrets that are slowly revealed to us. This is an atmospheric read. This is only the third book that I've read by the author, but she's quickly heading up my favourite author list.

Published 3rd November 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RachelBurton for my ARC of #NightingaleHall in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I loved Rachel Burton’s The Strawberry House, which I read earlier this year, so I was looking forward to reading her new book, Nightingale Hall. Like the previous novel, this one features a house at the heart of the story.

The book begins in 1969 with a party being held at Nightingale Hall, home of the baronet Sir Charles Nightingale, to celebrate the moon landing. During the evening, Sir Charles unveils a special painting, Moonlight on Nightingale, which he had commissioned from the artist Lex Cooper for the occasion.

In 2019, art gallery assistant Rosie Lopez has recently lost her beloved grandmother, Lauren, who had been closer to her than her own mother. Beginning to sort through Lauren’s possessions in her London flat, she finds a postcard tucked inside a book. The postcard depicts a painting of a full moon rising above a large stately home. When Rosie shows it to her mother and to Claire, the manager of the art gallery, they claim never to have seen either the postcard or the painting before, but Rosie is sure they’re lying. Convinced that there must be some connection between the painting and her own family, Rosie decides to find out more.

This is a dual timeline novel, moving between Rosie in the present day and Lauren in the 1960s. Although the more interesting parts of the story happen in the 1960s sections, I found I was more invested in Rosie’s chapters, maybe because she narrates hers in the first person whereas Lauren doesn’t. I also found Rosie a very easy character to like and had a lot of sympathy for her as she tries to deal with the loss of her grandmother despite the lack of support she receives from her mother, something Rosie doesn’t quite understand. Luckily, Rosie has several good friends who help her through her grief and it was nice to see her move forward with her life, gaining the confidence to work on her own art and develop her stationery business.

The two timelines weave together very well and I enjoyed seeing the characters in both periods celebrating the moon landings 50 years apart. However, the mystery element of the book is slightly disappointing and the secrets Rosie uncovers regarding Nightingale Hall, the painting and Lex Cooper are not very shocking or surprising. I also expected the Hall itself to play a bigger part in the story. The focus is much more on relationships, romance and the various ways in which decisions made in the past can affect the future.

Of the two Rachel Burton books I read, I definitely preferred The Strawberry House as I found the plot more interesting and the setting stronger, but this one was enjoyable enough, if not entirely satisfying. I need to find time to try some of her earlier novels, which also sound interesting.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a story that weaves together two different timelines, especially when there’s a mystery connecting the past and present. This one sounds like a beautifully intriguing read!

When Rosie discovers an old postcard tucked inside her late grandmother’s unfinished book, she has no idea that it will lead her into a mystery surrounding a painting hidden away in a North London art gallery.

The painting, depicting a grand house beneath a glowing moon, was the final work of a talented young artist who disappeared without a trace just as their career was taking off.

Travelling back to 1969, we meet Lex Cooper, a gifted and ambitious artist with the world at their feet. But one heartbreaking decision threatens to destroy everything, and the painting destined to bring fame may hold the key to what really happened.

As Rosie begins piecing together the clues, the connections between her grandmother, the mysterious artwork and Lex’s disappearance slowly emerge.

💕 What really draws me to this story is the mystery spanning two generations. I love discovering how the past can shape the present, and the combination of art, family secrets, love and loss makes this such an appealing premise.

There’s something rather special about stories that uncover forgotten lives and give a voice to secrets that have been hidden for decades.

This sounds like an emotional and captivating read, full of twists, discoveries and a journey of self-discovery that promises to stay with you long after the final page.

A mysterious painting with a story to tell… and I definitely want to know what that story is! 🎨📖💕

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Rachel Burton's stories, and Nightingale Hall was a wonderfully nuanced, atmospheric novel that I absolutely loved.
A mystery painting, an artist who seems to have disappeared, and a deep, unknown connection keep the pages turning.
Rosie is grieving the loss of her darling grandmother, someone who brought her up after her flighty mother kept disappearing and reappearing every few years. The women in the family were strong and independent, and though there were men in their lives, none filled the father-figure gap.
A postcard featuring a print of a hauntingly familiar painting and building, found by Rosie while she tries to clear out her grandma's flat, becomes the catalyst that brings many hushed secrets to the surface, giving Rosie answers to questions she didn't know she wanted answered.
The story uses a dual timeline: Rosie's POV in the present, and her grandmother's from the 50s, which continues and morphs into her mother's as time goes on.
The supporting cast was also brilliant, with brief connections to Rosie, her mother, or her grandmother that moved the story along, and a little love interest for Rosie added that romantic touch.
I loved this entire premise, and though it is not always pleasant to not know everything about your past, the way Burton unravels and reveals little tidbits within the story, using both the past and the present, I felt Rosie was given a chance to process all the truths in a way that she didn't find them too much. The women were the stars in this story: strong women with independent souls and minds.

[Kathryn · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A dual-timeline story set around the moon landing in 1969 and the anniversary of it 50 years later in 2019.

In 1969, Lauren has escaped from her overbearing father to build a new life for herself as an artist in London. When she is commissioned to paint Nightingale Hall she is reunited with old acquaintance Charlie Nightingale.

In 2019, Rosie is grieving for her grandmother and finds a postcard of a mysterious painting. She recognises the house in the painting, but nobody will tell her why.

I enjoyed the story and I loved the characters of Rosie and Lauren. I wasn't keen on Rosie's mum as a character, but by the end of the book I could start to understand why she acted the way she did.

I loved the romantic feel to the story. I did feel that the 'mystery' was predictable and unsurprising, but it was still an enjoyable story. I liked the connection across the decades and loved how the past inspired Rosie in the present.

I previously read The Strawberry House by the same author and I felt this book had similar vibes to that one.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. It’s told through dual times and both were really good. It has romance, some family drama and a little mystery. I really liked all the characters too. Definitely add to your list!!

[Bookfan36 · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

What It’s About

In 2019, Rosie is grieving the loss of her grandmother, the person who grounded her throughout her life. When she finds a postcard of a mysterious painting tucked inside her grandmother’s unfinished book, she becomes convinced the artwork holds a secret connected to her own family.

In 1969, Lex Cooper is a rising artist with talent, ambition, and a dazzling future ahead — until one heartbreaking decision threatens everything. The painting that should have made Lex famous becomes the centre of a story that spans decades.

As Rosie follows the trail Lex left behind, she uncovers a story of love, loss, identity, and reinvention — and a truth that changes everything she thought she knew.

Review
I was drawn to Nightingale Hall because I enjoy atmospheric, dual‑timeline stories with a sense of nostalgia and mystery. The blurb immediately intrigued me: a vanished artist, a luminous painting, a grand house, and a secret hidden across decades. This is the kind of genre I naturally gravitate toward, and I’ve read Rachel Burton before — so I was curious to see how she would handle this blend of art, identity, and rediscovery.

Nightingale Hall is a beautifully atmospheric and mysterious novel — exactly the kind of story that always intrigues me. The setting, the luminous painting, the grand house, and the sense of nostalgia create a mood that pulled me in immediately. It’s the kind of atmosphere I love: quiet, reflective, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The story was interesting from the start, and it became more and more captivating as it unfolded. Both timelines are strong, but Lex’s 1969 storyline was the one I felt most drawn to — though it was a close call, because Rosie’s timeline is equally well written. Rosie’s grief is portrayed in a healthy, realistic way. She misses her grandmother deeply, but she isn’t stuck. What holds her back is her mother’s absence and lack of support, leaving Rosie unable to move forward even when she’s ready.

Lex’s story is vivid, emotional, and full of artistic ambition. The choices Lex makes — and the consequences — give the novel its emotional weight. The dual timeline structure works seamlessly, with each chapter adding depth to the other.

The mystery is well done. It unfolds at a natural pace, never rushed or dull. The clues feel organic, and the final truth is satisfying. The tone is emotional but balanced, with the right mixture of darkness and light. It felt realistic, and at times quietly uplifting.

The theme that resonated most with me was identity — the rediscovery of who you are after losing someone who shaped your life. Rosie’s journey feels natural and believable, and her gradual reconnection with herself is one of the strengths of the novel.

The ending is nicely concluded, tying together both timelines and giving closure without losing the emotional complexity of the story.

Overall, Nightingale Hall is exactly the kind of book I enjoy: atmospheric, nostalgic, character‑driven, and emotionally honest. The art‑world angle adds an interesting arc, and I will certainly continue reading Rachel Burton’s work.

My Rating Breakdown
Plot – 4 out of 5 stars
Strong dual timeline, well‑paced mystery, satisfying conclusion.

Characters – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Rosie and Lex are vivid, believable, and emotionally resonant.

Writing – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Atmospheric, nostalgic, and beautifully balanced.

Pacing – 4 out of 5 stars
Natural flow, increasingly captivating, never rushed.

Enjoyment – 4.5 out of 5 stars
A deeply engaging, emotionally meaningful read.

Overall – 4.5 stars
Atmospheric, mysterious, and quietly powerful — a standout dual‑timeline novel.

Recommended For

Readers who enjoy dual‑timeline mysteries with emotional depth
Anyone who loves atmospheric, nostalgic stories
Fans of art‑world settings and creative ambition
Readers exploring themes of identity, grief, and reinvention
Those who appreciate balanced storytelling — darkness and light together
People who enjoy character‑driven mysteries rather than high‑action thrillers

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightingale Hall by Rachel Burton is an atmospheric and engaging dual-timeline mystery filled with family secrets, love, loss, and the discoveries that can change everything we thought we knew about the people closest to us.

When Rosie loses her beloved grandmother, she is left navigating her grief and an uncertain relationship with her mother. Then she discovers a postcard featuring a mysterious painting tucked among her grandmother’s belongings. Working at an art gallery, Rosie is intrigued when she comes across the actual painting in the storeroom and realizes that those who know its history seem reluctant to discuss it. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins piecing together a mystery that reaches back to the late 1960s and connects far more closely to her own family than she could have imagined.

I really enjoyed the atmospheric feel of this book and the way Rachel Burton gradually reveals the secrets surrounding the painting and Nightingale Hall itself. The dual timelines allow us to follow Rosie’s present-day search alongside the story of Lex, a talented young artist whose life takes an unexpected turn. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the two storylines gradually came together, with each new revelation adding another piece to the puzzle.

One of my favorite aspects was the exploration of family relationships across generations. Rosie’s grief felt relatable, and I liked how her journey to uncover her grandmother’s past also became a journey toward better understanding herself and her family. The characters are flawed in believable ways, and the themes of identity, difficult choices, and the things families keep hidden gave the story emotional depth beyond the central mystery.

The art-world setting was also a lovely touch, and the painting itself provides an intriguing focal point for a story about memory and the lives we leave behind. The writing is warm and accessible, with a gentle sense of romance and some lovely moments of connection that balance the heavier themes.

Although I occasionally wanted the present-day storyline to move a little faster, I found the mystery enjoyable and the resolution satisfying. This is a character-driven story rather than a fast-paced thriller, and its appeal lies in watching the pieces slowly fall into place.

Overall, Nightingale Hall is a lovely choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with dual timelines, atmospheric settings, art-related mysteries, and long-buried family secrets. It kept me interested as the connections unfolded and left me with that satisfying feeling of having enjoyed a well-told story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Rachel Burton for the opportunity to read this advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Nightingale Hall by Rachel Burton was such an enjoyable read! I love a good dual-timeline story, especially when there's a family mystery involved, and this one had a little bit of everything. With a mysterious painting, long-buried secrets, and two storylines set fifty years apart, there was plenty to keep me interested.

The story follows Rosie in 2019, who is still struggling with the loss of her beloved grandmother. When she discovers a postcard featuring a mysterious painting tucked inside one of her grandmother's books, she begins to suspect there's more to her family's history than she's been told. Meanwhile, in 1969, we follow Lex Cooper, a talented young artist whose promising future takes an unexpected turn. As the story moves between the two timelines, the connections between the characters and the painting slowly begin to come together.

I really enjoyed the way the two timelines were woven together. Sometimes with books like this, I find myself much more interested in one storyline than the other, but I thought both had something to offer. I especially liked Rosie's determination to uncover the truth, and I appreciated how her grief and complicated relationship with her mother added another layer to her story. The historical timeline was equally interesting, particularly seeing how decisions made decades earlier could have such a lasting impact on future generations.

I also loved the art world aspect of the story, which made the mystery feel a little different from other family secret novels I've read. The atmosphere was wonderful, and I liked how the author gradually revealed the connections between the past and present. I will say that some of the revelations weren't quite as surprising as I had hoped, and I expected Nightingale Hall itself to play a slightly bigger role. However, I was still invested in the characters and wanted to see how everything would come together.

Overall, this was a lovely, emotional story about love, loss, family secrets, and finding your way forward after difficult experiences. It was more character-driven than suspenseful, but I enjoyed the balance of mystery and family drama. If you enjoy dual-timeline historical fiction with a little romance and secrets from the past, this is definitely worth picking up!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the start of the story Rosie Lopez is in mourning for her beloved grandmother who has recently died and whilst clearing her gran’s personal effects Rosie discovers a postcard of a painting called Moonlight on Nightingale and it is this enigmatic painting which will become the focus for the story. As we begin to see the effect that the search for this painting has on Rosie’s life going forward so we start to see long buried family secrets finally being unravelled.

Splitting into two distinct time frames we follow Rosie in the present as she goes about her life in Hampstead, her fractious relationship with her mother, her job at the small art gallery alongside her new boss Isaac, and her glorious friendship with Kaddy who owns the local coffee shop. All this is juxtaposed against Lauren Lopez’s rather unsettled life in the 1960s, her reasons for settling in London away from her native America and the connection with Lex Cooper, a talented artist with secrets of her own.

The story is a real delight to read, the author does this immersive dual time genre so well so that it becomes a seamless transition between past and present and I was equally engrossed in both eras. I found Nightingale Hall to be a delightful dual time story with strong female characters, a hidden family secret and a beautiful but forgotten painting at its heart.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightingale Hall is the latest historical mystery novel featuring a house that’s practically a character. Told over a dual timeline alternating between 2019 and the mid to late 1960, I enjoyed the focus on the moon landing and its 25th anniversary.
In the modern setting Rosie is mourning the death of her grandmother who raised her. She discovers a postcard in her grandmother’s things and then finds the painting the postcard is based off at her gallery.

In the historical timeline Lauren is grieving her mother’s death and trying to make it as an artist against her father’s wishes. I enjoyed both women’s story of grief, managing difficult relationships with their parents, their romances and finding their own way in life. Lauren’s story for a bit lost and I would have like the dual timelines to alternate a bit earlier on. I did pick most of the mystery elements but there were still some surprises and it didn’t take from the storyline at all. The side characters of Kaddy, Issac were great and I enjoyed learning of the art world and Rosie’s movie obsession. It was fun to have both a movie list and playlist. An atmospheric historical mystery perfect for fans of Lorna Cook and Fiona Valpy.

[Sjoera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Burton definitely is one of my favourite writers so I was chuffed I received an eARC for reviewing.

Still grieving from her grandmother's death, Rosie starts cleaning out her grandmother's flat. Finding the book her grandmother was last reading, Rosie finds a postcard of a painting tucked inside. Rosie recognises the painting or maybe even the house that is so beautifully painted, but is not sure why. It sets her off wanting to know more about the painting and the artist and why it looks so familiar.

Told in a dual timeline, the book alternates between Rosie and her grand mother Lauren. It unravels a secret her grandmother kept close to her heart. But just before her passing Lauren asks Rosie's mother Bex to shed light on a part of her life she is finally ready to share.

I absolutely loved this book! Rachel's storytelling is what keeps me coming back to her books. The women in this book are strong and independent, even if Rosie doesn't realises it just yet. With a nod to the moonlanding and the Artemis II crew while writing this book, Rachel Burton has written another wonderful novel to curl up with on the sofa!

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second book by Rachel Burton and I am quickly becoming a firm fan. I adored The Strawberry House so was expecting great things from this book and she didn't let me down.

I love stories with dual / multiple timelines as I find it intriguing to start unraveling mysteries in the present day then go back to see how they actually came to be as they happened in the past.

I can still remember when my Grandma passed away. She was my only living grandparent when I was a child so her death rocked my world, so I could totally empathise with Rosie when Lauren died, seemingly unexpectedly.

Secrets do tend to have a way of making themselves known in the end, and they can cause no end of drama along the way.

I really loved seeing Rosie grow and acknowledge what it was that she wanted from life.
Also love that Lauren had agreed with Bex for the secrets to be exposed before she passed away.

I look forward to reading more of Rachel's books in future.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read Nightingale Hall.

This was my first book by Rachel Burton, but I’ll definitely be seeking out more of her works! I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Rosie recently lost her beloved Gran, who had been her unwavering source of support and a constant in her life. As she began packing up Gran’s books, Rosie stumbled upon a mysterious postcard tucked in to the last book Gran was reading. This postcard will unravel a web of family secrets, mysteries, and reveal that she may not have known her Gran as well as she had imagined.

This book masterfully weaves together elements of family drama, mystery, humor, and romance. It’s a delightful read that offers a perfect blend of genres. With its release in November, I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list.

[Zandra · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I have read all of Rachel Burton’s books and Nightingale Hall didn’t disappoint. It is a dual timeline story, her grandmother’ Lauren’s story from the 1969 onwards and Rosie’s own present day story. Rosie has just lost her beloved grandmother, who had brought Rosie up when her mother disappeared for quite a while several times. In clearing out her grandmother’s flat, Rosie found a postcard of a painting of a grand country house with the moon rising behind it. She feels it is important and wants to find out why. She works in a small gallery and when the owner goes on maternity leave, Rosie discovers the original painting of the same house as her postcard, so she sets out on her quest to solve the mystery.
Thanks go to NetGalley, Rachel Burton and the publishers, Boldwood Books for an arc of this lovely story.

[Claire Mc Partlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting dual timeline story about a painting that is found in a storeroom of a gallery that Rosie works in, and the mystery surrounding the painter.

There's three generations of women in this story, Rosie (granddaughter), her mother, and her grandmother. Rosie's grandmother has recently died and left her properties (house split into flats) to her and her mother.

The story flips back and forth between the present day and the late sixties, and the moon landing, and uncovers mysteries about Rosie's grandmother that she never knew. Her mother is more a side character, she was never really there when Rosie was growing up and her grandmother was more of a mother to her. The mystery of who Rosie's grandfather and father were too are slowly revealed.

Very enjoyable mystery, with a bit of romance.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Nightingale Hall. It is a warm, gentle romance with a mystery at its heart, and I particularly enjoyed the way Rachel Burton develops her characters and gradually reveals their stories.

There is a lovely sense of place and atmosphere, while the mystery provides just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning as the pieces of the puzzle slowly fall into place. I enjoyed trying to work out what was really going on alongside the characters, and the eventual resolution was satisfying.

This is a gentle, well-executed read, with engaging characters, a touch of romance and a mystery that keeps you interested without ever becoming too dark or demanding. A lovely book to settle down with. It was a perfect holiday read.

[Gem ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly enjoyable read of a dual timeline fiction set in both the 60s and modern era.
In one, Nightingale Hall is hosting a grand party as people gather ready to watch the first moon landing. In the other, the only link to the past is a painting of Nightingale Hall with the moon, what secrets are behind this mysterious painting and the hall it depicts?

I loved the characters in this story, how real and loveable they were. The celebration of creativity, if following your dreams and being brave to forge your own way in the world are all strong themes and are enriching to read.

This may well be my favourite novel yet from Rachel Burton's historical/time slip era. It is a beautiful story well written.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part mystery, part love story and partly about life choices, this book has a lot to keep the reader interested. Rosie is grieving the loss of her grandmother, who helped bring her up. As she is cleaning up her grandmother’s things she finds a postcard of a hall. This leads to finding out more of her grandmother’s story, which was full of secrets and surprises, as well as finding out more about her own mother’s story. As the secrets are uncovered, it brings to mind the various facets a person’s life can have. I enjoyed the friendships and the sense of community in this book, as well as the development of Rosie’s character and self worth. An engrossing read that kept me turning pages. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read and freely review this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is set mainly in the 1960s and 2019. Laura is the main character in the 60s and Rosie, her granddaughter in the latter year. Rosie is finding it difficult to come to terms with her grandmother’s death. She had been such a big part of her life. Rosie’s relationship with her mother was quite fraught. I did like the way Rosie grew during the year and how her self confidence improved. The story revolves around Nightingale Hall and there were secrets that Rosie had not been told. These are all gradually revealed and I did enjoy the ending. There are a number of interesting secondary characters in both eras and I found this book to be an engaging read. There is some humour but also some heartbreaking moments. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dual-timeline novel told between Rosie and her grandmother, Lauren, Nightingale Hall is a story of strong, independent women forging their own paths.

As Rosie tries to navigate the grief of losing her beloved grandmother, she discovers that the woman she thought she knew everything about had secrets of her own. As the mysteries of the past begin to unravel, Rosie also discovers an inner strength she wasn’t quite sure she had.

This really was such a lovely book, with wonderful friendships, the different dynamics between parents and their children, and the tentative steps towards new relationships. A beautiful story of family, friendship, secrets and finding strength when you need it most.

[Tractor Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fantastic read by Rachel Burton.

Set in Hampstead we follow the lives of Rosie, her mother Bex and her grandmother Lauren.

Lauren dies and Rosie is left distraught, she has an on-off relationship with her mother - who after the funeral disappeared to Kos.

Rosie works in a gallery, and when the owner goes on maternity leave Isaac arrives to take over as temporary manager, when sorting the storeroom they find a painting of Nightingale Hall.... Rosie attempts to find out more about the artist Lex Cooper and what connection she has with it all.

A great read.... I couldn't put it down - the flight from Berlin home went very quickly!!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie has grown up in a matriarchal family, her mother and grandmother both single mothers, although it is mostly her grandmother who has brought her up. She misses her grandmother greatly, but is helped by the mystery surrounding a painting that is discovered at the art gallery where she works, which turns out to be of a decaying manor house called Nightingale Hall. Alongside Rosie's story, her grandmother's story gradually unfolds.

As with all Rachel Burton books, this was incredibly well written, with rounded characters and a multilayered story that is revealed little by little. Epic and satisfying, with themes of grief and family - and how little we really know about the generations who came before us.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Lopez escapes from her life in Hollywood, where her father controlled everything, as soon as she turned 21. For the next four years she lived with her aunt in her house in Hampstead learning all she could about painting, even earning herself commissions under the name of Lex Cooper. Years later her granddaughter Rosie would find one of those paintings in the basement of the gallery where she worked and eventually discover the story.
A lovely romance covering the lives of three independent women, grandmother, daughter and granddaughter. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc

[Kara Miller · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I read Strawberry House on NetGalley and was asked to also read Nightingale Hall. While I really enjoyed Strawberry House, I’ll be honest. I was feeling the crunch of a deadline and entered reading this book as a have to, however, I was soon delighted by the book and so glad I had the opportunity to read it. The setting, the characters, the dual timeline reeled me in and showed me again how much I enjoy Rachel Burton as an author. Rosie is a lovable main character. I was rooting for her and for a romance. The family secrets are intriguing but not dark and twisty as is sometimes the case. I recommend and thank Boldwood Books for the opportunity.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
A sweet, absorbing book that I enjoyed immensely. The 3 women: the grandmother, mother and daughter were well rounded, although I did get
impatient with the mother and her tendency to disappear and not reaching out to her daughter for long periods of time. It was explained in the end, but
I still felt she was a bit selfish.
The daughter's love story was sweet and satisfying. All in all it's a read that's well worth it ... it made me feel happy

[Fordie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written atmospheric, dual timeline, family drama dealing with love, loss and secrets. Initially focussing on Rosie who discovers a mysterious picture postcard whilst dealing with the loss of her beloved grandmother who mostly raised her, the entwining of each of the three women was beautifully done with the undoing of the secrets of lives previously lived.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARC. A heartwarming little read perfect for escaping to.