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Orlando
Nella notte di Natale, nella quiete di una libreria specializzata in antichità e libri rari, un uomo entra in cerca dell' la primissima edizione di Canto di Natale, quella con i leggendari risguardi verdi. Orlando Forbes, raffinato libraio e amico fidato delle sorelle d'Aplièse, accetta la sfida. Ma quell'anziano misterioso, che si fa chiamare Fred Jorkin, sembra essere uscito da un racconto di non ha un telefono, né un indirizzo, o un'identità verificabile. Solo una certezza, che quel libro cambierà tutto. Mentre Orlando si immerge nella ricerca, i segreti del passato riaffiorano, collegando la sua storia a fili invisibili che attraversano l'intero universo delle Sette Sorelle.
Un nuovo viaggio nell'eredità creata da Lucinda Riley, scritto interamente da Harry Whittaker.
Un nuovo viaggio nell'eredità creata da Lucinda Riley, scritto interamente da Harry Whittaker.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 6, 2026
Loved being back, and Harry did an amazing job continuing in this world. Also, does this mean we are getting more?? I’m so excited!
Read
October 24, 2026Why Seven sisters is not a TV series yet? I desperately need it!!!!
March 3, 2026
I’ve been counting down the days for the release of this book and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it. I adore the entire series. Harry’s Whittakers writing style is incredible. The book is so beautifully written.
When I first heard Harry was writing Atlas - the story of Pa Salt I looked forward to reading it but I thought readers would tell the difference in authors but he is definitely his mother’s son. I adore his writing as much as Lucinda Riley’s. He will keep her legacy alive with his writing.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
When I first heard Harry was writing Atlas - the story of Pa Salt I looked forward to reading it but I thought readers would tell the difference in authors but he is definitely his mother’s son. I adore his writing as much as Lucinda Riley’s. He will keep her legacy alive with his writing.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
November 10, 2026
As a bookseller and an avid fan of The Seven Sisters series, it felt like Christmas had come early when the announcement was made that we would be returning to this much-loved world, not only with another book, but with Orlando, the wonderfully eccentric bookseller from The Shadow Sister, taking centre stage. And what a treat it is!
This is very much Orlando's story, and it is wonderful to finally have the opportunity to get to know him better. We also get a good dose of Star, along with glimpses of what might be happening with the other sisters and their extended family and friends. It feels like catching up with old friends, which is exactly what fans of the series will be hoping for.
The plot is absolutely brilliant. Full of mystery, family connections, unexpected revelations and the wonderful storytelling that has become synonymous with the Seven Sisters world, I was completely drawn into the story. There is so much to enjoy, and I found myself thoroughly invested in where it was all heading.
There will inevitably be mixed feelings about the continuation of a much-loved series, adjacent or not, following the death of its original author, Lucinda Riley. Harry addresses this beautifully in his opening author's letter, and I think it is important to acknowledge just how special it is that these stories are continuing.
For me, the wonderful writing, evocative settings and characters we have come to know and love have been treated with the utmost care and affection. Who better to continue Lucinda's legacy than her own son, who clearly understands the world she created and the characters who inhabit it? I genuinely feel we are incredibly lucky that these stories can continue.
One of the biggest questions I had before starting was whether Orlando could be read as a standalone. I believe most books should be enjoyable in their own right, even when they belong to a series, and this one certainly delivers. You could absolutely pick it up without having read all the previous books, fall in love with the characters and the story, and then go back and discover the Seven Sisters series for yourself. There may be a couple of spoilers, but nothing that should put you off. Would I recommend reading all the Seven Sisters books? Absolutely! They are wonderful, and this latest instalment is all the more special for anyone who already knows and loves the characters.
And now, having finished it, I have one very big question...When is the next one? Because after that ending, surely there must be more...
Overall
A brilliant return to the world of the Seven Sisters. Harry Whittaker has delivered a thoroughly engaging story that captures the magic, mystery and emotional connections that made Lucinda Riley's series so special. Orlando is a fabulous character to put centre stage, and I loved having the opportunity to spend more time in this wonderful fictional world. I finished it wanting more, which is always the sign of a book that has really hit the spot. A huge thank you to Harry Whittaker for keeping the magic alive. I absolutely loved it!
Recommended for:
Fans of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley, Charles Dickens, bookshops, bookselling, eccentric characters, family secrets and a generous dose of family drama. Also perfect for anyone who loves an epic mystery and enjoys revisiting familiar characters.
This is very much Orlando's story, and it is wonderful to finally have the opportunity to get to know him better. We also get a good dose of Star, along with glimpses of what might be happening with the other sisters and their extended family and friends. It feels like catching up with old friends, which is exactly what fans of the series will be hoping for.
The plot is absolutely brilliant. Full of mystery, family connections, unexpected revelations and the wonderful storytelling that has become synonymous with the Seven Sisters world, I was completely drawn into the story. There is so much to enjoy, and I found myself thoroughly invested in where it was all heading.
There will inevitably be mixed feelings about the continuation of a much-loved series, adjacent or not, following the death of its original author, Lucinda Riley. Harry addresses this beautifully in his opening author's letter, and I think it is important to acknowledge just how special it is that these stories are continuing.
For me, the wonderful writing, evocative settings and characters we have come to know and love have been treated with the utmost care and affection. Who better to continue Lucinda's legacy than her own son, who clearly understands the world she created and the characters who inhabit it? I genuinely feel we are incredibly lucky that these stories can continue.
One of the biggest questions I had before starting was whether Orlando could be read as a standalone. I believe most books should be enjoyable in their own right, even when they belong to a series, and this one certainly delivers. You could absolutely pick it up without having read all the previous books, fall in love with the characters and the story, and then go back and discover the Seven Sisters series for yourself. There may be a couple of spoilers, but nothing that should put you off. Would I recommend reading all the Seven Sisters books? Absolutely! They are wonderful, and this latest instalment is all the more special for anyone who already knows and loves the characters.
And now, having finished it, I have one very big question...When is the next one? Because after that ending, surely there must be more...
Overall
A brilliant return to the world of the Seven Sisters. Harry Whittaker has delivered a thoroughly engaging story that captures the magic, mystery and emotional connections that made Lucinda Riley's series so special. Orlando is a fabulous character to put centre stage, and I loved having the opportunity to spend more time in this wonderful fictional world. I finished it wanting more, which is always the sign of a book that has really hit the spot. A huge thank you to Harry Whittaker for keeping the magic alive. I absolutely loved it!
Recommended for:
Fans of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley, Charles Dickens, bookshops, bookselling, eccentric characters, family secrets and a generous dose of family drama. Also perfect for anyone who loves an epic mystery and enjoys revisiting familiar characters.
November 3, 2026
Eccentric antiquarian bookseller Orlando is at his happiest in his shop. A mysterious visitor’s request for a first-edition copy of A Christmas Carol sets in motion a long-buried literary mystery that Orlando and his best friend Star D’Aplièse can’t resist investigating. What explosive secret is hidden within the pages of the rare first edition? And what devastating act of revenge is planned against the Seven Sisters’ legacy? Moving back and forth from Victorian London to modern-day Kent, the two timelines unravel a historical mystery that uncovers even more secrets about the D’Aplièse family.
Firstly - can you read this without finishing the Seven Sisters series? I think you could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Notwithstanding all the spoilers, the book is filled with nods to the series. I would absolutely recommend reading those first and then enjoying this. Orlando is a brilliant character and I loved hearing more of his voice and learning more about him and his life. Harry Whittaker has done a beautiful job of honouring his mother’s legacy while making Orlando his own. The story weaves across time slowly revealing the links between the timelines in a true tribute to Lucinda Riley’s trademark writing. I loved all the literary nods and the way the book focused on a prized first edition! I’m particularly impressed with the way that the author made the story heartwarming without being trite. Bringing back all of the sisters for an emotional celebration could have been overly cutesy, but it was beautifully done and I have to say it was a wonderful tribute to his mother’s characters.
I really enjoyed the way that Orlando’s character was developed and we learned more about him. He was decidedly quirky in the earlier books, and Harry Whittaker has done an excellent job of forming a backstory and deepening our understanding.
This would make a brilliant Christmas read. While not all of the story takes place at Christmas time , it does play a prominent role. It’s a fantastic festive mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie! If you love historical mysteries, or traditional detective tales, this is one for your TBR.
Thank you so much PanMacmillan for an early ebook.
Product gifted for promotional purposes, but opinions entirely my own.
Firstly - can you read this without finishing the Seven Sisters series? I think you could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Notwithstanding all the spoilers, the book is filled with nods to the series. I would absolutely recommend reading those first and then enjoying this. Orlando is a brilliant character and I loved hearing more of his voice and learning more about him and his life. Harry Whittaker has done a beautiful job of honouring his mother’s legacy while making Orlando his own. The story weaves across time slowly revealing the links between the timelines in a true tribute to Lucinda Riley’s trademark writing. I loved all the literary nods and the way the book focused on a prized first edition! I’m particularly impressed with the way that the author made the story heartwarming without being trite. Bringing back all of the sisters for an emotional celebration could have been overly cutesy, but it was beautifully done and I have to say it was a wonderful tribute to his mother’s characters.
I really enjoyed the way that Orlando’s character was developed and we learned more about him. He was decidedly quirky in the earlier books, and Harry Whittaker has done an excellent job of forming a backstory and deepening our understanding.
This would make a brilliant Christmas read. While not all of the story takes place at Christmas time , it does play a prominent role. It’s a fantastic festive mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie! If you love historical mysteries, or traditional detective tales, this is one for your TBR.
Thank you so much PanMacmillan for an early ebook.
Product gifted for promotional purposes, but opinions entirely my own.
November 10, 2026
J’ai adoré ce livre, comme j’ai aimé les Sept Soeurs. Le fils de Lucinda Riley a fait un travail phénoménal et j’avais l’impression de lire la série de sa mère. La fin m’a laissé SUR LE CUL, directement liée à la série des Sept Soeurs, et il FAUT qu’il y ait une suite à ça!! 🤯
November 9, 2026
Amazing! Couldn’t put it down!!!!
November 9, 2026
This book was everything I was hoping it was going to be, and so much more.
I absolutely loved being immersed into the world of Orlando, who first appeared in ‘The Shadow Sister’ where he is an antiquarian book dealer.
Although we meet past characters from ‘The Seven Sisters’ series within this book, and Star plays quite a big role, it’s very much ‘Orlando’s’ book; and I adored Harry’s portrayal of him.
Like ‘The Seven Sisters’ books, this one has a dual timeline. Orlando finds himself embroiled in a mystery unfolding in the present, which leads to the discovery of another mystery in the past. I loved the inclusion of an 1835 London and meeting Charles Dickens, just as he begins to make a name himself. However, the star of the past is Eliza - a woman with an incredible talent, trying to make her way as a writer in a world of men.
It’s a brilliant plot and I loved the mystery surrounding it all; which deepens as we move into the second half of the book. It’s one reveal after another until we come to the biggest reveal of them all which is just so utterly clever! It’s like a mystery within a mystery.
I’ve been completely riveted to these pages while reading: I’ve been so intrigued, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve had goosebumps and I’ve even raged at a couple of characters too. There is one day in the book where most of the sisters are together, and that was such a poignant moment. I felt totally immersed in their world again, and remembered them all so fondly.
After thinking ‘The Seven Sisters’ series had ended, and that was the last we’d see of them, I remember being so excited upon hearing of the publication of this one. In my opinion, it’s an absolute triumph! It was a pure delight to read and, after that ending, it’s just brilliant knowing there are more books on the way.
Thank you so much for keeping the world of the ‘Seven Sisters’ alive, Harry - and in the most accomplished way too. It’s a gem of a book!
I absolutely loved being immersed into the world of Orlando, who first appeared in ‘The Shadow Sister’ where he is an antiquarian book dealer.
Although we meet past characters from ‘The Seven Sisters’ series within this book, and Star plays quite a big role, it’s very much ‘Orlando’s’ book; and I adored Harry’s portrayal of him.
Like ‘The Seven Sisters’ books, this one has a dual timeline. Orlando finds himself embroiled in a mystery unfolding in the present, which leads to the discovery of another mystery in the past. I loved the inclusion of an 1835 London and meeting Charles Dickens, just as he begins to make a name himself. However, the star of the past is Eliza - a woman with an incredible talent, trying to make her way as a writer in a world of men.
It’s a brilliant plot and I loved the mystery surrounding it all; which deepens as we move into the second half of the book. It’s one reveal after another until we come to the biggest reveal of them all which is just so utterly clever! It’s like a mystery within a mystery.
I’ve been completely riveted to these pages while reading: I’ve been so intrigued, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve had goosebumps and I’ve even raged at a couple of characters too. There is one day in the book where most of the sisters are together, and that was such a poignant moment. I felt totally immersed in their world again, and remembered them all so fondly.
After thinking ‘The Seven Sisters’ series had ended, and that was the last we’d see of them, I remember being so excited upon hearing of the publication of this one. In my opinion, it’s an absolute triumph! It was a pure delight to read and, after that ending, it’s just brilliant knowing there are more books on the way.
Thank you so much for keeping the world of the ‘Seven Sisters’ alive, Harry - and in the most accomplished way too. It’s a gem of a book!
Read
November 6, 2026Enjoyed this immensely. However, I was left a little confused by Star's pregnancy discovered in Chapter 8 but never mentioned again; then right near the end, in Chapter 52, (maybe a couple of years later) a new pregnancy anouncement from Star! (Twelve weeks pregnant.) Not sure what happened to the first pregnancy.
Apart from that, a great read - I especially enjoyed Eliza's story (a story within a story).
Although many of the characters in this book are from the world of "The Seven Sisters", it's not imperative that you've read the series. Helpful, but not critical. Helpful, in particular, because there's a little mystery at the end (there might be a sequel coming?) ... and knowing more about the sisters and their stories helps you connect a couple more dots.
Apart from that, a great read - I especially enjoyed Eliza's story (a story within a story).
Although many of the characters in this book are from the world of "The Seven Sisters", it's not imperative that you've read the series. Helpful, but not critical. Helpful, in particular, because there's a little mystery at the end (there might be a sequel coming?) ... and knowing more about the sisters and their stories helps you connect a couple more dots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed it a lot, though associated with Lucinda Riley's Seven Sisters, it is very much on its own. It doesn't quiet have the pazaz of the series itself, or Lucinda Riley, I still liked very much what he did, that Alex Morcant is the son of Maia and Zed and that he is angry. I wonder if he met Zed? Or came to that anger himself. Part of me feels a second book may be in store, or want it to be coming, as I have questions of what he will do next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2026
Was een vervolg echt nodig na Atlas? Niet echt, maar ik ben wel heel blij om weer in de wereld van de Zeven Zussen te zijn. Ik had bij de eerste pagina al door wie A.M was maar wist het halverwege even niet meer zeker, de reveal was wel echt geweldig maar ook waarom is A.M zo boos??? Dat hoop ik bij een volgend boek te leren.
November 7, 2026
Fijn dat er toch nog iets van een vervolg op de Zeven Zussen serie is.
Na dit boek moet er wel meer komen! Ik ben benieuwd.
Over het boek zelf: Ik had al vrij snel door wie AM was, maar het verhaal erachter vind ik dan wel echt weer een mooi verhaal.
Na dit boek moet er wel meer komen! Ik ben benieuwd.
Over het boek zelf: Ik had al vrij snel door wie AM was, maar het verhaal erachter vind ik dan wel echt weer een mooi verhaal.
November 10, 2026
Oh my goodness cannot leave it there .
Could not put down.
So enjoyed being back into this world.
Did not disappoint.
Need more please Harry.
Loved loved it and Orlando .
Need more to solve the mystery.
Could not put down.
So enjoyed being back into this world.
Did not disappoint.
Need more please Harry.
Loved loved it and Orlando .
Need more to solve the mystery.
November 8, 2026
In een ruk uitgelezen. Geweldig om weer in de zeven zussen wereld te lezen, Lucinda’s zoon heeft het stokje goed overgenomen. Nu maar hopen dat dit niet het einde was.
November 8, 2026
I loved being back in this world so much ❤️
November 9, 2026
Absolutely delightful!
Everything I could have hoped for and more.
I genuinely hope Harry writes Book 10 soon!
Everything I could have hoped for and more.
I genuinely hope Harry writes Book 10 soon!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews