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The Three Miss Allens
A Women's Fiction dual narrative that is set in the same beautiful mansion in both contemporary South Australia and in the 1930s.
How much of who we are is destiny and how much is chance? In 1934, the three Miss Allens - Ruby, Adeline and Clara - arrive in the seaside town of Remarkable Bay for their annual summer holiday. It's the last time they'll spend summer as a family. Adeline is engaged, Ruby is weighing up an offer, and Clara is just eighteen and about to start her life. But by summer's end, the lives they have known will change irrevocably and a mysterious secret will tear the family apart. Eighty-two years later, Ruby's great-granddaughter Roma Harris moves to the now sleepy Remarkable Bay, retreating from tragedy. Roma's distant cousin Addy arrives too, fleeing a life with too much drama. It's only when the women discover an old guest book that they start asking questions about the mysterious third Miss Allen. Who was she? Why has she disappeared from the family's history? If they solve this mystery from their past, could it change their futures?
How much of who we are is destiny and how much is chance? In 1934, the three Miss Allens - Ruby, Adeline and Clara - arrive in the seaside town of Remarkable Bay for their annual summer holiday. It's the last time they'll spend summer as a family. Adeline is engaged, Ruby is weighing up an offer, and Clara is just eighteen and about to start her life. But by summer's end, the lives they have known will change irrevocably and a mysterious secret will tear the family apart. Eighty-two years later, Ruby's great-granddaughter Roma Harris moves to the now sleepy Remarkable Bay, retreating from tragedy. Roma's distant cousin Addy arrives too, fleeing a life with too much drama. It's only when the women discover an old guest book that they start asking questions about the mysterious third Miss Allen. Who was she? Why has she disappeared from the family's history? If they solve this mystery from their past, could it change their futures?
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
122 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Purman
39 books429 followersVictoria Purman is an Australian bestselling author.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
January 3, 2017
4.5★s
For the past three years Roma Harris had lived in a cocoon – shielding herself from everything and everyone. Her grief was deep and at times she felt it was insurmountable. Roma made a decision; rash or not, she knew something had to happen. And so it was that Roma found herself back in the small seaside village of Remarkable Bay, an hour or so south of Adelaide, which had been a big part of her childhood for family holidays. The old rundown B&B, Bayview, which they’d crossed to the other side of the road to pass as children, had been for sale – now, it was hers and she was moving in, whether Leo, her brother who lived in Sydney thought she was crazy or not.
When Roma’s distant cousin Addy arrived, their finding of a dusty old guest book during renovations, and the subsequent discovery that both Addy and Roma’s great-great-grandparents, Adeline and Ruby Allen had stayed at Bayview B&B back in 1934 stunned and excited them. But it was the sight of another Allen signature in the book which startled them. Roma and Addy had never heard of Clara Allen – who was she? Was she even a relative?
Secrets and lies, heartbreak and tragedy would tear that long ago family apart – would Roma and Addy manage to unearth the history that was formed more than eighty years ago?
The Three Miss Allens by Aussie author Victoria Purman is a wonderful story of parallel lives lived eighty plus years apart. Set in two time frames – 2016 with Roma and Addy; and 1934 onward with Ruby, Adeline and Clara. The author’s first foray into the historical fiction genre, The Three Miss Allens hits the spot nicely. I appreciated the setting as I know the area well – Victor Harbour and McLaren Vale are close by to the fictional Remarkable Bay. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Harlequin Mira for the uncorrected proof copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
For the past three years Roma Harris had lived in a cocoon – shielding herself from everything and everyone. Her grief was deep and at times she felt it was insurmountable. Roma made a decision; rash or not, she knew something had to happen. And so it was that Roma found herself back in the small seaside village of Remarkable Bay, an hour or so south of Adelaide, which had been a big part of her childhood for family holidays. The old rundown B&B, Bayview, which they’d crossed to the other side of the road to pass as children, had been for sale – now, it was hers and she was moving in, whether Leo, her brother who lived in Sydney thought she was crazy or not.
When Roma’s distant cousin Addy arrived, their finding of a dusty old guest book during renovations, and the subsequent discovery that both Addy and Roma’s great-great-grandparents, Adeline and Ruby Allen had stayed at Bayview B&B back in 1934 stunned and excited them. But it was the sight of another Allen signature in the book which startled them. Roma and Addy had never heard of Clara Allen – who was she? Was she even a relative?
Secrets and lies, heartbreak and tragedy would tear that long ago family apart – would Roma and Addy manage to unearth the history that was formed more than eighty years ago?
The Three Miss Allens by Aussie author Victoria Purman is a wonderful story of parallel lives lived eighty plus years apart. Set in two time frames – 2016 with Roma and Addy; and 1934 onward with Ruby, Adeline and Clara. The author’s first foray into the historical fiction genre, The Three Miss Allens hits the spot nicely. I appreciated the setting as I know the area well – Victor Harbour and McLaren Vale are close by to the fictional Remarkable Bay. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Harlequin Mira for the uncorrected proof copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2017
This is a story set in two separate times but linked by family members. It was a nice, easy read which attempted along the way to deal with a number of serious issues including domestic violence and rape. For me it was a little too obvious and superficial. I had guessed what had happened and by whom for each incident way before its big reveal.
However I enjoyed the developing relationships, the dialogue and the characters. The author switched easily from one time period to the other and the only thing that caused any confusion was when Ruby was suddenly called Roma. Just a misprint or two but confusing for an instant!
Overall an enjoyable historical romance with a lovely Australian setting.
However I enjoyed the developing relationships, the dialogue and the characters. The author switched easily from one time period to the other and the only thing that caused any confusion was when Ruby was suddenly called Roma. Just a misprint or two but confusing for an instant!
Overall an enjoyable historical romance with a lovely Australian setting.
December 5, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Victoria Purman is best known for her fresh contemporary romance stories set in her home state of South Australia. Purman changes direction for her 2016 release, The Three Miss Allens. Although this story is set in South Australia, it is a melding of a historical 1930’s set storyline, which crosses over to a contemporary, 2016 based storyline. The connection between the two narratives is strong, as the ties and secrets families keep is the overriding theme of this memorable novel.
In the present day, Roma Harris is a young woman grieving over the loss of her husband. Her grief sends her packing from her life in the city of Adelaide and it takes her to the beautiful coastline of Remarkable Bay. Joining Roma in her new abode is her distant cousin Addy, who is also using Remarkable Bay as a retreat, after her dramatic life becomes too much to bear. As Roma starts the renovation process, the cousins make a startling discovery. An old guest book from their new residence reveals the existence of three sisters who once stayed at this residence in the 1930’s as a holiday home. However, the cousins are aware of the existence of two Miss Allens, but not a third. The search to find out what happened to the mysterious third Miss Allen forms part of Roma and Addy’s new preoccupation. This family mystery travels back to 1934, a year when Adeline, Clara and Ruby Allen, travel with their parents to partake in their annual summer holiday in the picturesque coastal locale of Remarkable Bay. It is a time of change for the Allen family and this holiday marks the end of their time together as a family unit. With Adeline happily betrothed, Ruby considering a proposal and Clara almost ready to join her sisters, the future looks promising for the three Miss Allens. As the season comes to a close at Remarkable Bay, a shocking event and the family secret that follows is enough to fracture the Allen family. The effects reverberate across the decades, impacting on the lives of those related to the Miss Allens.
I always enjoy Victoria Purman’s novels, she has an uncanny ability to bring the perfect combination of characterisation, setting and a full bodied narrative to her novels. Purman steps it up a notch in her latest novel. The Three Miss Allens is a novel that touched me, it was a heartbreaking and heart-warming, from the opening to the close of the novel.
Purman takes a different approach to structuring her latest novel. Best known for her contemporary romance novels, The Three Miss Allens does contain a 2016 contemporary thread, with plenty of love to satisfy seasoned romance readers. However, Purman adds another intriguing layer to her story. A 1930’s based storyline, which is linked to the contemporary storyline, is perfectly executed. Purman does a fine job of portraying the social graces and attitudes of the 1930’s. The historical aspect of the book was so well handled. It also gave a specific insight into societal expectations in South Australia. It is this storyline that allows Purman the opportunity to tackle some fairly heavy themes such as rape, pregnancy out-of-wedlock, adoption and abuse. Purman handles each of these themes with a deft hand.
Purman deserves credit for her characterisation, which is of a high standard, both in the past and present storylines. In the contemporary storyline, Roma in particular stood out to me. Her situation drew much sympathy and empathy. Addy is equally compelling and Leo was a lovely male influence in Roma’s life. In the past storyline, I was very much taken with Ruby Allen. She was a loyal and noble character. I felt the heartbreak of the decisions she made in love and life right through the entire novel. Adeline was a well drawn protagonist, representing a typical young woman of this era. Clara was less defined, but I believe this was a conscious decision on behalf of Purman to reveal less about this character to the audience. It certainly served to heighten the tension and intrigue in the novel. The central mystery and the overwhelming reason why I kept reading this novel was the whole Clara storyline. I will confess to having predicted what happened to Clara, but the after effects of this event took me by utter surprise. I will say my heart felt like it had been ripped out of my chest when I read the passages involving the final circumstances to Clara’s whereabouts.
As we come to expect with Victoria Purman, the romance in the present day was simply divine. I also liked how Purman handled the topic of grief. Purman’s aptitude for delivering a high quality romance also extends to her historical storyline. The courting experiences and eventual marriages highlight the issues, in particular the lack of decision making these young women faced. It all seems quite unfathomable now, but it did happen.
With an appealing coastal South Australian setting, reflecting Purman’s love for her home state really shines through this novel. The dual narrative combination of the past and present was seamless. Family and the secrets we keep across generations is what defines this novel. Purman has outdone herself with The Three Miss Allens.
Victoria Purman is best known for her fresh contemporary romance stories set in her home state of South Australia. Purman changes direction for her 2016 release, The Three Miss Allens. Although this story is set in South Australia, it is a melding of a historical 1930’s set storyline, which crosses over to a contemporary, 2016 based storyline. The connection between the two narratives is strong, as the ties and secrets families keep is the overriding theme of this memorable novel.
In the present day, Roma Harris is a young woman grieving over the loss of her husband. Her grief sends her packing from her life in the city of Adelaide and it takes her to the beautiful coastline of Remarkable Bay. Joining Roma in her new abode is her distant cousin Addy, who is also using Remarkable Bay as a retreat, after her dramatic life becomes too much to bear. As Roma starts the renovation process, the cousins make a startling discovery. An old guest book from their new residence reveals the existence of three sisters who once stayed at this residence in the 1930’s as a holiday home. However, the cousins are aware of the existence of two Miss Allens, but not a third. The search to find out what happened to the mysterious third Miss Allen forms part of Roma and Addy’s new preoccupation. This family mystery travels back to 1934, a year when Adeline, Clara and Ruby Allen, travel with their parents to partake in their annual summer holiday in the picturesque coastal locale of Remarkable Bay. It is a time of change for the Allen family and this holiday marks the end of their time together as a family unit. With Adeline happily betrothed, Ruby considering a proposal and Clara almost ready to join her sisters, the future looks promising for the three Miss Allens. As the season comes to a close at Remarkable Bay, a shocking event and the family secret that follows is enough to fracture the Allen family. The effects reverberate across the decades, impacting on the lives of those related to the Miss Allens.
I always enjoy Victoria Purman’s novels, she has an uncanny ability to bring the perfect combination of characterisation, setting and a full bodied narrative to her novels. Purman steps it up a notch in her latest novel. The Three Miss Allens is a novel that touched me, it was a heartbreaking and heart-warming, from the opening to the close of the novel.
Purman takes a different approach to structuring her latest novel. Best known for her contemporary romance novels, The Three Miss Allens does contain a 2016 contemporary thread, with plenty of love to satisfy seasoned romance readers. However, Purman adds another intriguing layer to her story. A 1930’s based storyline, which is linked to the contemporary storyline, is perfectly executed. Purman does a fine job of portraying the social graces and attitudes of the 1930’s. The historical aspect of the book was so well handled. It also gave a specific insight into societal expectations in South Australia. It is this storyline that allows Purman the opportunity to tackle some fairly heavy themes such as rape, pregnancy out-of-wedlock, adoption and abuse. Purman handles each of these themes with a deft hand.
Purman deserves credit for her characterisation, which is of a high standard, both in the past and present storylines. In the contemporary storyline, Roma in particular stood out to me. Her situation drew much sympathy and empathy. Addy is equally compelling and Leo was a lovely male influence in Roma’s life. In the past storyline, I was very much taken with Ruby Allen. She was a loyal and noble character. I felt the heartbreak of the decisions she made in love and life right through the entire novel. Adeline was a well drawn protagonist, representing a typical young woman of this era. Clara was less defined, but I believe this was a conscious decision on behalf of Purman to reveal less about this character to the audience. It certainly served to heighten the tension and intrigue in the novel. The central mystery and the overwhelming reason why I kept reading this novel was the whole Clara storyline. I will confess to having predicted what happened to Clara, but the after effects of this event took me by utter surprise. I will say my heart felt like it had been ripped out of my chest when I read the passages involving the final circumstances to Clara’s whereabouts.
As we come to expect with Victoria Purman, the romance in the present day was simply divine. I also liked how Purman handled the topic of grief. Purman’s aptitude for delivering a high quality romance also extends to her historical storyline. The courting experiences and eventual marriages highlight the issues, in particular the lack of decision making these young women faced. It all seems quite unfathomable now, but it did happen.
With an appealing coastal South Australian setting, reflecting Purman’s love for her home state really shines through this novel. The dual narrative combination of the past and present was seamless. Family and the secrets we keep across generations is what defines this novel. Purman has outdone herself with The Three Miss Allens.
December 20, 2020
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
The Three Miss Allens is an intriguing story about a horrifying family secret. The setting is Adelaide, Australia in the 1930’s. I really didn’t want this story to end, I found it so entertaining!
1934- The young three Miss Allens, Ruby, Adeline and Clara travel with their parents to the beautiful seaside town Remarkable Bay near Victor Harbour for their usual summer holidays each year but this will be the last time they will be together as it’s here their lives change forever!
Eighty-two years later Roma Harris who is grieving and wants to escape memories from a tragedy in her life buys an old run down guest house mansion in Remarkable Bay where she used to spend holidays as a child. Roma is a great grand-daughter of Ruby one of the Allen sisters. Whilst renovating the house with her distant cousin and good friend Addy they discover an old dusty guest book and are startled to learn that their great-grandmothers (sisters) stayed at this actual house, but there was also a third sister who they had never known or heard about.
A page turner that takes you back to the past and old family secrets. The storyline and characters in this story are excellently written, some you will love and others are absolutely despicable. Recommended read!
The Three Miss Allens is an intriguing story about a horrifying family secret. The setting is Adelaide, Australia in the 1930’s. I really didn’t want this story to end, I found it so entertaining!
1934- The young three Miss Allens, Ruby, Adeline and Clara travel with their parents to the beautiful seaside town Remarkable Bay near Victor Harbour for their usual summer holidays each year but this will be the last time they will be together as it’s here their lives change forever!
Eighty-two years later Roma Harris who is grieving and wants to escape memories from a tragedy in her life buys an old run down guest house mansion in Remarkable Bay where she used to spend holidays as a child. Roma is a great grand-daughter of Ruby one of the Allen sisters. Whilst renovating the house with her distant cousin and good friend Addy they discover an old dusty guest book and are startled to learn that their great-grandmothers (sisters) stayed at this actual house, but there was also a third sister who they had never known or heard about.
A page turner that takes you back to the past and old family secrets. The storyline and characters in this story are excellently written, some you will love and others are absolutely despicable. Recommended read!
January 6, 2017
The story starts in 2016 with Roma Harris who has bought a large old house in need of repair at Remarkable Bay, a small place on the coast of South Australia. She sees it as the start of a new life after the death of her husband three years earlier. I loved the setting and the name of the place, Remarkable Bay. Remarkable Bay had been the site of many family holidays when she was young, holidays that included her cousin Addy. Roma is less than impressed when at her brother Leo’s request, Addy lobs on the doorstep of her house which she is starting to renovate.
The two women find a guest book from 1934 when the house operated as a guest house. It contains the names of both their grandmothers, Ruby and Adeline Allen. But who is Clara, the other Miss Allen in the guest book? The mystery intrigues Roma and Addy and they are keen to find out more. But she seems to have disappeared from any record? What could have happened to her?
I liked the way the two stories, from the present day and starting from 1934 were twined together. However that also became a problem, as more than once the author confused the names. While in the older story about Ruby, in several places her name becomes Roma. It was disconcerting. At first I thought I was overtired and not reading properly. Then it happened again. Pages 82, and 98 are two examples. Maybe that is a problem of having names that start with the same letters and the wrong name wasn’t picked up in the editing process.
The story was interesting and I liked Roma, Keira and Connor, Roma’s next door neighbour and others were well portrayed. Two of the male characters are despicable in the way they treat women but the reader is meant to thoroughly dislike them and with good reason. Other male characters like Connor and Cain were lovely. Although the author did her best to try and explain reasons why Addy behaves as she does, I struggled with reading about her, her attitudes, selfishness and the liberal use of the f word mostly associated with passages about her. At times I just got sick of her and put the book down for a while.
Another problem I had was the overuse of the word ’obfuscated’ which crops up several times. So while I found it interesting and enjoyed some aspects of this book and the story line in general, for me, it wasn’t a perfect read. It was however a good read with an interesting setting, story line and characters. Other people may enjoy it and find it more engrossing than I did.
The two women find a guest book from 1934 when the house operated as a guest house. It contains the names of both their grandmothers, Ruby and Adeline Allen. But who is Clara, the other Miss Allen in the guest book? The mystery intrigues Roma and Addy and they are keen to find out more. But she seems to have disappeared from any record? What could have happened to her?
I liked the way the two stories, from the present day and starting from 1934 were twined together. However that also became a problem, as more than once the author confused the names. While in the older story about Ruby, in several places her name becomes Roma. It was disconcerting. At first I thought I was overtired and not reading properly. Then it happened again. Pages 82, and 98 are two examples. Maybe that is a problem of having names that start with the same letters and the wrong name wasn’t picked up in the editing process.
The story was interesting and I liked Roma, Keira and Connor, Roma’s next door neighbour and others were well portrayed. Two of the male characters are despicable in the way they treat women but the reader is meant to thoroughly dislike them and with good reason. Other male characters like Connor and Cain were lovely. Although the author did her best to try and explain reasons why Addy behaves as she does, I struggled with reading about her, her attitudes, selfishness and the liberal use of the f word mostly associated with passages about her. At times I just got sick of her and put the book down for a while.
Another problem I had was the overuse of the word ’obfuscated’ which crops up several times. So while I found it interesting and enjoyed some aspects of this book and the story line in general, for me, it wasn’t a perfect read. It was however a good read with an interesting setting, story line and characters. Other people may enjoy it and find it more engrossing than I did.
March 10, 2024
Remarkable Bay, South Australia.
A sleepy coastal town, an hour’s drive from Adelaide. People come here to “get away” from the heat in the city, to unwind and refresh, before returning to their lives elsewhere.
Set in dual timelines of 1934 and 2016, this story beautifully tells the story of not only the Three Miss Allens of the title, but also the women - and men - who are related to them many generations later.
The centrepiece of the story is Bayview. A glorious, two story ornate guesthouse, situated on Ocean Street, overlooking the sea. Stained glass panels in a floral design of pale pink and forest green greet visitors at the front door. Balconies face the beach, so that the gorgeous view can be easily enjoyed. High ceilings with intricate cornices, and wide rooms with space to allow the sea breeze to move languidly between them, give the place an airy, comfortable feel . The cooling breeze and lush surrounds make it the perfect home away from home for well to do folk in 1934. However by 2016, it sits in crumbled disrepair with only spiderwebs and dust motes for company.
Roma Harris buys Bayview to the consternation of her brother and co-workers. Remembering holidays she spent as a teen in Remarkable Bay, Roma makes the impulsive decision to move all her belongings and life from Adelaide to sleepy Remarkable Bay. Suffering from grief, she needs to leave both literal and figurative ghosts behind. Taking on the challenge of repairing the building to its former glory, she hopes to begin a new life. To start afresh.
”New or old. Replace or repair. Live or exist."
Ruby, Adeline and Clara Allen arrive with their mother at Bayview in December 1934. Ranging in age from eighteen to twenty two, it’s to be the last summer the sisters will spend together before adult life begins. Adeline is to be wed in the new year, with her older sister Ruby having been given an offer of marriage that she will spend the summer mulling over. The youngest, Clara, is more interested in rambling nature walks and birdwatching than the social side of the holiday that her older sisters, particularly Adeline, are excited about.
I found myself hankering to get back to reading this novel whenever I had to put it down (work, life and sleep getting in the way), and would happily spend any time I could with it. I was completely immersed in the dual storylines, and felt such empathy and understanding of the characters, even those that weren’t “favourites”.
It’s such a beautiful story about womanhood, sisterhood and friendship (both new and old). The complexities. The expectations that society places on us, and the ones we burden ourselves with. The masks we wear for protection. Victoria Purman has gently shown that while time has moved forward and women are now more independent, there’s still plenty of pain and heartache along the way, until we find our bliss. The restrictions of the world the three Miss Allens lived in is absolutely heart rending. In particular, the story of Miss Clara Allen. While I had guessed a portion of it, the ending took me completely by surprise, and was devastating.
Many heavy topics are handled here with honesty and sensitivity. Grief and its after effects, alcoholism, rape, domestic abuse. Not easy subjects to talk about, but woven into the story, it makes you realise how little you perhaps know about a close friend, co-worker or even a relative. There are some things that are kept secret, as they're simply too painful to share.
We all make assumptions, and appearances can be deceptive.
I have previously read Ms.Purman’s The Land Girls which I enjoyed immensely. She truly has the knack to evoke the era that the book is set in so that you feel completely immersed in that time.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Three Miss Allens had me pondering that we truly are the sum of all that has gone before us. Not only do we carry the physical characteristics of previous generations (such as the red hair or aqua blue eyes of the characters), but also any generational pain or emotional quirks. It was interesting to me how the modern day characters (both male and female) not only had such a strong resemblance to their great-great Grandmothers and Grandfathers in their appearance, but also in their temperaments. There’s so much to think about here, while enjoying a darn good story.
In fact, there’s a line in here about each of our lives being a story that we're writing, which is so true.
I absolutely adored this book.
✩✩✩✩✩ All the stars ✩✩✩✩✩
Set in dual timelines of 1934 and 2016, this story beautifully tells the story of not only the Three Miss Allens of the title, but also the women - and men - who are related to them many generations later.
The centrepiece of the story is Bayview. A glorious, two story ornate guesthouse, situated on Ocean Street, overlooking the sea. Stained glass panels in a floral design of pale pink and forest green greet visitors at the front door. Balconies face the beach, so that the gorgeous view can be easily enjoyed. High ceilings with intricate cornices, and wide rooms with space to allow the sea breeze to move languidly between them, give the place an airy, comfortable feel . The cooling breeze and lush surrounds make it the perfect home away from home for well to do folk in 1934. However by 2016, it sits in crumbled disrepair with only spiderwebs and dust motes for company.
Roma Harris buys Bayview to the consternation of her brother and co-workers. Remembering holidays she spent as a teen in Remarkable Bay, Roma makes the impulsive decision to move all her belongings and life from Adelaide to sleepy Remarkable Bay. Suffering from grief, she needs to leave both literal and figurative ghosts behind. Taking on the challenge of repairing the building to its former glory, she hopes to begin a new life. To start afresh.
”New or old. Replace or repair. Live or exist."
Ruby, Adeline and Clara Allen arrive with their mother at Bayview in December 1934. Ranging in age from eighteen to twenty two, it’s to be the last summer the sisters will spend together before adult life begins. Adeline is to be wed in the new year, with her older sister Ruby having been given an offer of marriage that she will spend the summer mulling over. The youngest, Clara, is more interested in rambling nature walks and birdwatching than the social side of the holiday that her older sisters, particularly Adeline, are excited about.
I found myself hankering to get back to reading this novel whenever I had to put it down (work, life and sleep getting in the way), and would happily spend any time I could with it. I was completely immersed in the dual storylines, and felt such empathy and understanding of the characters, even those that weren’t “favourites”.
It’s such a beautiful story about womanhood, sisterhood and friendship (both new and old). The complexities. The expectations that society places on us, and the ones we burden ourselves with. The masks we wear for protection. Victoria Purman has gently shown that while time has moved forward and women are now more independent, there’s still plenty of pain and heartache along the way, until we find our bliss. The restrictions of the world the three Miss Allens lived in is absolutely heart rending. In particular, the story of Miss Clara Allen. While I had guessed a portion of it, the ending took me completely by surprise, and was devastating.
Many heavy topics are handled here with honesty and sensitivity. Grief and its after effects, alcoholism, rape, domestic abuse. Not easy subjects to talk about, but woven into the story, it makes you realise how little you perhaps know about a close friend, co-worker or even a relative. There are some things that are kept secret, as they're simply too painful to share.
We all make assumptions, and appearances can be deceptive.
I have previously read Ms.Purman’s The Land Girls which I enjoyed immensely. She truly has the knack to evoke the era that the book is set in so that you feel completely immersed in that time.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Three Miss Allens had me pondering that we truly are the sum of all that has gone before us. Not only do we carry the physical characteristics of previous generations (such as the red hair or aqua blue eyes of the characters), but also any generational pain or emotional quirks. It was interesting to me how the modern day characters (both male and female) not only had such a strong resemblance to their great-great Grandmothers and Grandfathers in their appearance, but also in their temperaments. There’s so much to think about here, while enjoying a darn good story.
In fact, there’s a line in here about each of our lives being a story that we're writing, which is so true.
I absolutely adored this book.
✩✩✩✩✩ All the stars ✩✩✩✩✩
September 27, 2017
Finally getting around to typing a proper review of this, some three months after finishing! Even now, this is still one of my most favourite reads of 2017, and arguably my favourite.
This was the first of Victoria’s I had read, and like I mentioned in my initial reaction here, I truly hope she writes many more historical fiction stories in the future. I was absolutely thrilled when she told me that she is! 😊
This story takes place over two different eras, initially starting in 2016 when Roma Harris moves to the tiny Remarkable Bay, and moves into, what becomes arguably the most important “character” if you like, the old guesthouse - Bayview. Her cousin Addy soon follows her, at the request of Roma’s big brother Leo – who is worried about his little sister after an extremely tough time over the last five years or so. Addy’s got her own issues to try and sort out, so it works for her too.
While the girls are renovating the rather dilapidated Bayview they find an old guestbook and stumble across their great-grandmothers’ names, Rudy and Adeline, in that book from eighty years previous – and also a name they’ve never heard of, Clara Allen.
This is the perfect segue for stepping back in time to 1934 when Victoria gives us the story of their summer in 1934. The story flips back and forth in time and little by little we uncover the truth behind the mystery of Clara Allen and what happened to her. I also love how we find out more about Roma and Addy too.
The only minor issue I had with this is the typos – occasionally Roma and Rudy were incorrectly used.
I absolutely loved this book to bits, and have no hesitation in recommending it for lovers of historical and Australian fiction. I cannot wait for the next venture into historical fiction from Victoria, and I’ll be also making every effort to read some of her previous work. 😊
This was the first of Victoria’s I had read, and like I mentioned in my initial reaction here, I truly hope she writes many more historical fiction stories in the future. I was absolutely thrilled when she told me that she is! 😊
This story takes place over two different eras, initially starting in 2016 when Roma Harris moves to the tiny Remarkable Bay, and moves into, what becomes arguably the most important “character” if you like, the old guesthouse - Bayview. Her cousin Addy soon follows her, at the request of Roma’s big brother Leo – who is worried about his little sister after an extremely tough time over the last five years or so. Addy’s got her own issues to try and sort out, so it works for her too.
While the girls are renovating the rather dilapidated Bayview they find an old guestbook and stumble across their great-grandmothers’ names, Rudy and Adeline, in that book from eighty years previous – and also a name they’ve never heard of, Clara Allen.
This is the perfect segue for stepping back in time to 1934 when Victoria gives us the story of their summer in 1934. The story flips back and forth in time and little by little we uncover the truth behind the mystery of Clara Allen and what happened to her. I also love how we find out more about Roma and Addy too.
The only minor issue I had with this is the typos – occasionally Roma and Rudy were incorrectly used.
I absolutely loved this book to bits, and have no hesitation in recommending it for lovers of historical and Australian fiction. I cannot wait for the next venture into historical fiction from Victoria, and I’ll be also making every effort to read some of her previous work. 😊
August 4, 2025
I have been making my way slowly but surely through this author's books as each so far has been a great read; this one is no different and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Featuring dual timelines which alternate between 1934 and 2016, both storylines were interesting and cleverly connected. In 1934 the three Miss Allen sisters, being Ruby, Adeline and Clara, arrive in Remarkable Bay for their last family holiday before Adeline marries. In 2016 Ruby's great-granddaughter moves to Remarkable Bay trying to move on from tragedy and her distant cousin Addy joins her to escape her own life drama. Together they discover an old guest book listing the three Miss Allens, but nobody in the family knows who Clara is. I found both timelines very absorbing with their combination of romance, secrets and drama.
Overall: happily recommend!
Overall: happily recommend!
October 23, 2016
I actually would like to give this more than 5 stars and I have no idea how I'm going to write a spoilerless, objective review.
The Three Miss Allens is a step outside the comfort zone of author Victoria Purman, it's like nothing she has written before and it is amazing. I love this story, I love these characters and the setting is just divine.
Once again Purman keeps us in her home state of South Australia and much of the story takes place on the coast a couple of kms along from Victor Harbor. We aren't heading to Middle Point this time though; the three Miss Allens spend their summer holidays in Remarkable Bay.
The story opens in 2016 with Roma Harris packing up her Adelaide life to move to Remarkable Bay and hide out at Bayview, the dilapidated old house she's bought. Roma spent many childhood summers in Remarkable Bay with her family though never staying at Bayview, by the time she was summering on the coast the house was already in its twilight years and used as a squat.
Roma has been doing it tough for a few years and she finally got to the point she needed an escape, and something drew her to Remarkable Bay. With no long term plans Roma leaves her job, packs up and sells her house and makes her sea change. She's happy to cocoon herself in her new house, insulated from the world and live in isolation. That's not what life has in store for her though...
Leo is Roma's brother and he's worried about her; he's worried about why his sensible and cautious sister would leave everything and move to Remarkable Bay after sinking a small fortune into a house that even the real estate agent thinks is better off knocked down to subdivide the block and build modern townhouses. His concern sees him call a distant cousin who was once quite close to the family and ask her to head down to Remarkable Bay and check on Roma.
Addy takes a much needed break from her Adelaide life and heads down to Remarkable Bay, the film she had been working on had just hit a delay anyway. Bayview is far from anything Addy is used to but she pitches in to help Roma tidy and refresh the place; it's her that finds the mysterious old guestbook that lists three Miss Allens staying in the house in 1934.
This is where the story forks into two time periods, we continue to follow Roma and Addy in 2016 but we also head back to 1934 to enjoy the summer with Ruby, Adeline and Clara Allen at Bayview. The distant cousins happen to be joined by the Allen sisters; Roma is Ruby's great-granddaughter and Addy is the great-granddaughter of Adeline but neither of them ever remember hearing mention of a Clara.
That's as much of the story as I really want to tell, actually it's probably more than I want to tell, but it's late on a Friday night and I had trouble starting this review.
The Three Miss Allens boasts quite an impressive cast and I think this could convincingly be stretched into a series that completely fills the gap between 1934 and 2016, telling us how the close knit family that was the Allens expands through the generations into a family whose branches don't keep in touch; it was by pure coincidence that Addy and Roma ended up connecting because they went to school together.
There are two complete casts in this story, one in 1934 and one in 2016. In 1934 the Allen family heads to Bayview to holiday for the summer, the girls are at a marrying age so there are fiances and future in-laws as well as the Remarkable Bay community, many of whom are also Adelaide families on holiday. 2016 sees us get to know Roma and Addy as well as some of the Remarkable Bay community.
I think one of the things I love the most about this book is the connections; familial and generational. But really there is a lot that I love about this book and trying to put it into words without spoiling the intrigue and the suspense is really difficult, regardless of the fact that I should be sleeping.
The biggest mystery is this third Miss Allen, who is Clara Allen? She wasn't written with the other sisters so was she family, how common was the name, could it be coincidence and if she is related why has no-one heard mention of her? This is a question that runs right through the story.
The parallels between the generations are uncanny which is something I got a real kick out of, it wasn't necessarily a case of history repeating so much as time throwing up similar situations and demonstrating how different the decisions can be depending on the time.
Each of the characters have secrets, as do each of the families, and sometimes those secrets are best left buried. Time has a way of sorting things out in the end.
The Three Miss Allens took me through the complete range of emotions, all the way to rage and anger in stark contrast to the heartbreak and the empathy.
What begins as a run and hide defense mechanism slowly transforms into something completely different, something beautiful and empowering even.
The Three Miss Allens is a gorgeous tale of new beginnings, the circle of life, the restorative power of the South Australian beaches and the importance of family.
It addresses the way that women often compare themselves and measure themselves against someone else; never seeing themselves reflected in other eyes and never being able to see yourself the way other people see you. That person you are so envious of for whatever reason could have on a mask as convincing as your own and they too only see the face you are projecting, not the real you.
The secrets we keep aren't always for the best, of anyone, but all people and all families have secrets and sometimes you just can't tell what damage unearthing them could do.
The Three Miss Allens is a step outside the comfort zone of author Victoria Purman, it's like nothing she has written before and it is amazing. I love this story, I love these characters and the setting is just divine.
Once again Purman keeps us in her home state of South Australia and much of the story takes place on the coast a couple of kms along from Victor Harbor. We aren't heading to Middle Point this time though; the three Miss Allens spend their summer holidays in Remarkable Bay.
The story opens in 2016 with Roma Harris packing up her Adelaide life to move to Remarkable Bay and hide out at Bayview, the dilapidated old house she's bought. Roma spent many childhood summers in Remarkable Bay with her family though never staying at Bayview, by the time she was summering on the coast the house was already in its twilight years and used as a squat.
Roma has been doing it tough for a few years and she finally got to the point she needed an escape, and something drew her to Remarkable Bay. With no long term plans Roma leaves her job, packs up and sells her house and makes her sea change. She's happy to cocoon herself in her new house, insulated from the world and live in isolation. That's not what life has in store for her though...
Leo is Roma's brother and he's worried about her; he's worried about why his sensible and cautious sister would leave everything and move to Remarkable Bay after sinking a small fortune into a house that even the real estate agent thinks is better off knocked down to subdivide the block and build modern townhouses. His concern sees him call a distant cousin who was once quite close to the family and ask her to head down to Remarkable Bay and check on Roma.
Addy takes a much needed break from her Adelaide life and heads down to Remarkable Bay, the film she had been working on had just hit a delay anyway. Bayview is far from anything Addy is used to but she pitches in to help Roma tidy and refresh the place; it's her that finds the mysterious old guestbook that lists three Miss Allens staying in the house in 1934.
This is where the story forks into two time periods, we continue to follow Roma and Addy in 2016 but we also head back to 1934 to enjoy the summer with Ruby, Adeline and Clara Allen at Bayview. The distant cousins happen to be joined by the Allen sisters; Roma is Ruby's great-granddaughter and Addy is the great-granddaughter of Adeline but neither of them ever remember hearing mention of a Clara.
That's as much of the story as I really want to tell, actually it's probably more than I want to tell, but it's late on a Friday night and I had trouble starting this review.
The Three Miss Allens boasts quite an impressive cast and I think this could convincingly be stretched into a series that completely fills the gap between 1934 and 2016, telling us how the close knit family that was the Allens expands through the generations into a family whose branches don't keep in touch; it was by pure coincidence that Addy and Roma ended up connecting because they went to school together.
There are two complete casts in this story, one in 1934 and one in 2016. In 1934 the Allen family heads to Bayview to holiday for the summer, the girls are at a marrying age so there are fiances and future in-laws as well as the Remarkable Bay community, many of whom are also Adelaide families on holiday. 2016 sees us get to know Roma and Addy as well as some of the Remarkable Bay community.
I think one of the things I love the most about this book is the connections; familial and generational. But really there is a lot that I love about this book and trying to put it into words without spoiling the intrigue and the suspense is really difficult, regardless of the fact that I should be sleeping.
The biggest mystery is this third Miss Allen, who is Clara Allen? She wasn't written with the other sisters so was she family, how common was the name, could it be coincidence and if she is related why has no-one heard mention of her? This is a question that runs right through the story.
The parallels between the generations are uncanny which is something I got a real kick out of, it wasn't necessarily a case of history repeating so much as time throwing up similar situations and demonstrating how different the decisions can be depending on the time.
Each of the characters have secrets, as do each of the families, and sometimes those secrets are best left buried. Time has a way of sorting things out in the end.
The Three Miss Allens took me through the complete range of emotions, all the way to rage and anger in stark contrast to the heartbreak and the empathy.
What begins as a run and hide defense mechanism slowly transforms into something completely different, something beautiful and empowering even.
The Three Miss Allens is a gorgeous tale of new beginnings, the circle of life, the restorative power of the South Australian beaches and the importance of family.
It addresses the way that women often compare themselves and measure themselves against someone else; never seeing themselves reflected in other eyes and never being able to see yourself the way other people see you. That person you are so envious of for whatever reason could have on a mask as convincing as your own and they too only see the face you are projecting, not the real you.
The secrets we keep aren't always for the best, of anyone, but all people and all families have secrets and sometimes you just can't tell what damage unearthing them could do.
November 11, 2016
Heartbreakingly delicious is how I would say reading this book was for me. I so want to run off and buy an old house and run a B n B. A story-line to die for and the characters as rich as the best dark chocolate and I cried, and I am not a crier in books. I so desperately wanted to finish it yet made my self hold off as I wanted to Saver the whole book. Thankfully being self employed I could read at work and I did.
The Allen Sisters were just written so beautifully I really felt that I had stepped back in time the description was just perfect, so sad for women back then. The modern day writing was just was good. I loved how you gave us a few chapters of each and didn't rip us the reader out of one time line and into another but gave us time to saver.
One of the best storylines of this genre I have read this year.
I just loved this book.
The Allen Sisters were just written so beautifully I really felt that I had stepped back in time the description was just perfect, so sad for women back then. The modern day writing was just was good. I loved how you gave us a few chapters of each and didn't rip us the reader out of one time line and into another but gave us time to saver.
One of the best storylines of this genre I have read this year.
I just loved this book.
November 1, 2016
Loved it! And wondering if it could be perhaps the beginning of a series of more stories between 1935 and 2016? Such wonderful characters with so many secrets.
February 5, 2017
Could not put it down! Amazing story - full review to follow in a couple of days.
November 14, 2016
What a fabulous story strong characters that leapt off the pages and became so real the setting is beautiful with such a great name Remarkable Bay and it was so remarkable to bring generations together without knowing they had all been there, there is a definite pull for this family to return.
Three Miss Allen sisters growing up in the 1930's and at Remarkable Bay for their summer holiday and it will be their last time together like this with Adeline about to get married Ruby contemplating marriage and young Clara hiding a devastating secret that will change all of their lives forever.
Then eighty odd years later Ruby's great granddaughter Roma buys the guest house that they had stayed in and Adeline's great granddaughter comes to stay as well and when a guest book is found and there is a mystery to try and uncover another Allen sister that no one had heard about, new people to meet who all have ties with Remarkable Bay and the Allen family and perhaps links with past generations makes this one a story that will keep you turning the pages.
This is a compelling story that covers some tough issues like domestic violence and secrets that have been kept by past and present generations hard decisions to be made on whether these secrets should be kept or told and of loves that are true or not. All in all this was a story that I savoured every word it is beautifully written and there were tears and joy with the past and present. I cannot highly recommend this one enough do yourself a favour and get compfy while you read this one because you are not going to want to put it down yes this one is going to stay with me for a while it already has me re thinking about it and the characters while doing tasks around the house fabulous story.
Three Miss Allen sisters growing up in the 1930's and at Remarkable Bay for their summer holiday and it will be their last time together like this with Adeline about to get married Ruby contemplating marriage and young Clara hiding a devastating secret that will change all of their lives forever.
Then eighty odd years later Ruby's great granddaughter Roma buys the guest house that they had stayed in and Adeline's great granddaughter comes to stay as well and when a guest book is found and there is a mystery to try and uncover another Allen sister that no one had heard about, new people to meet who all have ties with Remarkable Bay and the Allen family and perhaps links with past generations makes this one a story that will keep you turning the pages.
This is a compelling story that covers some tough issues like domestic violence and secrets that have been kept by past and present generations hard decisions to be made on whether these secrets should be kept or told and of loves that are true or not. All in all this was a story that I savoured every word it is beautifully written and there were tears and joy with the past and present. I cannot highly recommend this one enough do yourself a favour and get compfy while you read this one because you are not going to want to put it down yes this one is going to stay with me for a while it already has me re thinking about it and the characters while doing tasks around the house fabulous story.
May 4, 2017
The Three Miss Allens is the first book by Victoria Purman that I've read and I'll certainly be reading more of her books in the future! I absolutely loved the split narrative between the three Miss Allens, set in 1934, and their great grand daughter Roma, whose tale is set now. The three women are Ruby, Adeline and Clara, each of them dealing with their own problems in a life where the rights of women are changing. Roma is running away from her past and returns to Remarkable Bay, home to many of her childhood summer holidays. Here Roma decides to renovate her new home, unexpectedly reuniting with her cousin Addy and making friends with the locals. A diary found during renovations opens Roma's eyes up to her family history and what follows is an intriguing, complex, in depth story of how the past and present are undoubtedly interlinked.
December 30, 2016
Absolutely loved it
June 15, 2017
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed this story, the two stories really, set in two different times but merging into one, stories about family, secrets and love.
I enjoyed this story, the two stories really, set in two different times but merging into one, stories about family, secrets and love.
February 5, 2017
The Three Miss Allens is different from Victoria Purman's usual contemporary romance, though there is still plenty of that to keep romance readers happy. This story contains a few more heart wrenching and hard hitting themes than her normal stories, but I won't discuss them at length here because I think it's better to discover them yourself as you read in this instance.
Roma, Addy, and Ruby's viewpoints are all captivating enough to hold your attention, with their unique voices and problems distinct and interesting enough to keep the pages turning. On a few occasions in Ruby's storyline, her name was accidentally changed to Roma, but that aside, I didn't have any trouble understanding which viewpoint I was in. As usual, the characterisation was extremely well written. I felt drawn to Roma's predicament, and sympathy for Addy, even more so towards the end of the novel when the truth about her life is finally revealed.
Very little information was given regarding the mysterious Clara, even in Ruby's viewpoint, so I was a little perplexed when it seemed to take a long time to find out much about her and why she disappeared. I had guessed her big secret early on, but I wasn't prepared for the twist at the end. I love it when an author can keep me on my toes.
Another great read by Victoria Purman, and highly recommended.
Roma, Addy, and Ruby's viewpoints are all captivating enough to hold your attention, with their unique voices and problems distinct and interesting enough to keep the pages turning. On a few occasions in Ruby's storyline, her name was accidentally changed to Roma, but that aside, I didn't have any trouble understanding which viewpoint I was in. As usual, the characterisation was extremely well written. I felt drawn to Roma's predicament, and sympathy for Addy, even more so towards the end of the novel when the truth about her life is finally revealed.
Very little information was given regarding the mysterious Clara, even in Ruby's viewpoint, so I was a little perplexed when it seemed to take a long time to find out much about her and why she disappeared. I had guessed her big secret early on, but I wasn't prepared for the twist at the end. I love it when an author can keep me on my toes.
Another great read by Victoria Purman, and highly recommended.
November 8, 2016
I loved this book. Not only was it a mix of modern day and historical it was based in South Australia.
The descriptions of modern and old Adelaide and rural South Australia was really lovely and I could picture myself in these places.
Would highly recommend.
The descriptions of modern and old Adelaide and rural South Australia was really lovely and I could picture myself in these places.
Would highly recommend.
March 2, 2019
Loved the cover, which initially drew me to to this book. Has to be one of my favourite reads this year! I am not usually fond of stories with different time lines as i normally get annoyed with the switching, but not with 'The Three Miss Allens'. Loved the characters and loved the setting. I am not going to write what the story is about as i prefer one to read the story for themselves, but i do recommend. It is the first time that i have read a book by Victoria Purman and hope to read more of her books sooner or later.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy.
September 14, 2019
Wow. What a ride this book takes you on. This dual timeline tale ties the great grandchildren to their ancestors through a house in a coastal (fictional) town of Remarkable Bay.
In 1934, the three Allen sisters spend their last summer together in a boarding house before the middle sister will marry. The narrator is Ruby, the eldest. The interplay between the sisters is realistic with sibling rivalry, arguing, teasing, love, and worry. The family is well-to-do and there are expectations placed on the three girls to marry well. Society's expectations curtails Ruby's dreams and she spends the summer questioning her life and uncovering a secret that will change her world forever.
In 2016, Ruby's great granddaughter buys the very same boarding house. Her distant cousin Addy comes to stay, and the two women each struggle with their own battles. At the same time making assumptions about each other.
There are a lot of themes in this book - grief, identity, secrets, reputation and image - and they are wonderfully interwoven within the two timelines to give us a wonderful book.
I'll definitely be reading more from Victoria.
Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this doesn't affect the star rating.
In 1934, the three Allen sisters spend their last summer together in a boarding house before the middle sister will marry. The narrator is Ruby, the eldest. The interplay between the sisters is realistic with sibling rivalry, arguing, teasing, love, and worry. The family is well-to-do and there are expectations placed on the three girls to marry well. Society's expectations curtails Ruby's dreams and she spends the summer questioning her life and uncovering a secret that will change her world forever.
In 2016, Ruby's great granddaughter buys the very same boarding house. Her distant cousin Addy comes to stay, and the two women each struggle with their own battles. At the same time making assumptions about each other.
There are a lot of themes in this book - grief, identity, secrets, reputation and image - and they are wonderfully interwoven within the two timelines to give us a wonderful book.
I'll definitely be reading more from Victoria.
Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this doesn't affect the star rating.
January 20, 2017
Really liked this book. It wasn't confusing the way it went back and forward in time. I did work out early on in the book some of the secrets but it didn't change the way i felt continuing on with the story.
August 28, 2017
This is the first book of Victoria Purman's that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it, once I got over my initial disappointment that it was not called the three Miss Aliens as I thought when I applied to review it (the joys of being severely short sighted!!!).
The story is set in Remarkable Bay, a fictitious area on the Fleurieu Peninsula, not far from Victor Harbor. Living on the Peninsula myself I was able to relate to much of Purman's description of the area which brought a sense of reality to the tale.
The story begins in 2016, cautious and sensible Roma Harris, still coming to terms with a major trauma in her life that occurred three years prior, leaves her steady well paid job and purchases a run down unoccupied guest house in sleepy run down Remarkable Bay. She has just collected the keys and is looking to begin a new life, away from all the memories of her old one.
Roma is familiar with the house, named Bayview, she and her brother Leo spent their childhood summer holidays in Remarkable Bay with their parents. Sometimes their (3rd?) cousin, Adelaide, or Addy as she prefers to be known, would also come to stay. They never stayed in Bayview, in those days it was a squat, but they walked past it often enough.
Leo lives in Sydney, and thinks Roma has gone completely bonkers in making the decision to move to Remarkable Bay. He contacts Addy, who works as a film production manager in Adelaide, to try and persuade her to go and visit Roma to see if she is okay. Initially Addy refuses, after all she is in the middle of a big shoot, but then circumstances change and she finds she is able to visit after all.
Despite initial reservations Roma agrees to Addy staying and helping with the house renovations. Then Addy discovers an old guest book from 1934 when Bayview was an operating guest house which had slipped behind a shelf in a cupboard.
Roma and Addy are stunned to discover that on December 27 1934 a Mr and Mrs Charles Allen and their two daughters Miss Ruby and Miss Adeline Allen (Roma and Addy's great grandmothers) had checked into the guest house, As they continue to look at the names in the book, there at the bottom of the page, a hastily dashed off smudged and cramped signature, Miss Clara Allen, a third and totally unknown Miss Allen?
From this point on the story diverges into two periods, the current period with Roma and Addy, and 1934 with Ruby, Adeline and the mysterious Clara. Purman beautifully reconstructs the social mores of the 1930's, events, choices and consequences while at the same time exploring the lives of Roma and Addy in the current day where all is not quite what at first it seems.
By the end of the book the lives on none of the characters would be the same, but I particularly liked the way Purman did not categorically tie up all the loose ends, allowing the reader to reach their own conclusions from some of the subtle hints dropped along the way.
A most enjoyable, and at times thought provoking, read. Highly recommended.
The story is set in Remarkable Bay, a fictitious area on the Fleurieu Peninsula, not far from Victor Harbor. Living on the Peninsula myself I was able to relate to much of Purman's description of the area which brought a sense of reality to the tale.
The story begins in 2016, cautious and sensible Roma Harris, still coming to terms with a major trauma in her life that occurred three years prior, leaves her steady well paid job and purchases a run down unoccupied guest house in sleepy run down Remarkable Bay. She has just collected the keys and is looking to begin a new life, away from all the memories of her old one.
Roma is familiar with the house, named Bayview, she and her brother Leo spent their childhood summer holidays in Remarkable Bay with their parents. Sometimes their (3rd?) cousin, Adelaide, or Addy as she prefers to be known, would also come to stay. They never stayed in Bayview, in those days it was a squat, but they walked past it often enough.
Leo lives in Sydney, and thinks Roma has gone completely bonkers in making the decision to move to Remarkable Bay. He contacts Addy, who works as a film production manager in Adelaide, to try and persuade her to go and visit Roma to see if she is okay. Initially Addy refuses, after all she is in the middle of a big shoot, but then circumstances change and she finds she is able to visit after all.
Despite initial reservations Roma agrees to Addy staying and helping with the house renovations. Then Addy discovers an old guest book from 1934 when Bayview was an operating guest house which had slipped behind a shelf in a cupboard.
Roma and Addy are stunned to discover that on December 27 1934 a Mr and Mrs Charles Allen and their two daughters Miss Ruby and Miss Adeline Allen (Roma and Addy's great grandmothers) had checked into the guest house, As they continue to look at the names in the book, there at the bottom of the page, a hastily dashed off smudged and cramped signature, Miss Clara Allen, a third and totally unknown Miss Allen?
From this point on the story diverges into two periods, the current period with Roma and Addy, and 1934 with Ruby, Adeline and the mysterious Clara. Purman beautifully reconstructs the social mores of the 1930's, events, choices and consequences while at the same time exploring the lives of Roma and Addy in the current day where all is not quite what at first it seems.
By the end of the book the lives on none of the characters would be the same, but I particularly liked the way Purman did not categorically tie up all the loose ends, allowing the reader to reach their own conclusions from some of the subtle hints dropped along the way.
A most enjoyable, and at times thought provoking, read. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2022
That was a really good book. I picked this up as a bit of a joke, as my surname is Allen, and I thought three Miss Allens would be hubby's worst nightmare! Then I read the back and thought "I think I'd like this story" - and I did.
Set over two timelines, in 1934 with the three Miss Allens, and in 2016, with two of the Miss Allens great grand daughters, this is a family drama that highlights the differing expectations of women at different times in history.
1934 - the three Miss Allens couldn't be more different. Ruby, the eldest knows her role is to submit to her father's wishes and marry the right kind of suitor, Adeline wants nothing more than to marry and become a wife and mother, while Clara, the youngest, cares nothing for fashion, or having tea, preferring to spend her time alone studying. Their last summer vacationing at Remarkable Bay will change all of their lives.
2016 - Roma Harris needs a new start. Tragically widowed three years earlier, she has wallowed for long enough. But is buying a run down old guest house in Remarkable Bay the new start she was after? When her distant cousin Addy turns up on her doorstep, Roma is not sure if she is ready for her company, or the memories of their teen years spent in Remarkable Bay.
With references to many places in South Australia that I love, mainly Victor Harbour and McLaren Vale, this was a thoughtfully told story full of characters with heart and soul.
Set over two timelines, in 1934 with the three Miss Allens, and in 2016, with two of the Miss Allens great grand daughters, this is a family drama that highlights the differing expectations of women at different times in history.
1934 - the three Miss Allens couldn't be more different. Ruby, the eldest knows her role is to submit to her father's wishes and marry the right kind of suitor, Adeline wants nothing more than to marry and become a wife and mother, while Clara, the youngest, cares nothing for fashion, or having tea, preferring to spend her time alone studying. Their last summer vacationing at Remarkable Bay will change all of their lives.
2016 - Roma Harris needs a new start. Tragically widowed three years earlier, she has wallowed for long enough. But is buying a run down old guest house in Remarkable Bay the new start she was after? When her distant cousin Addy turns up on her doorstep, Roma is not sure if she is ready for her company, or the memories of their teen years spent in Remarkable Bay.
With references to many places in South Australia that I love, mainly Victor Harbour and McLaren Vale, this was a thoughtfully told story full of characters with heart and soul.
November 4, 2016
The Three Miss Allens is the first book I read by Victoria Purman. I must confess that when I opened the first pages it took me a small while to get into the story. I'm usually one of those bang-bang fast paced plot people and for a fraction of a second, wondered if it was going to appeal to me. I'm so glad I kept reading because not long after, I was hooked. The plot was certainly engaging and had me enthralled. I read the rest of the book in one sitting and was thankful that Victoria spent the time to set the scene at the beginning because without it, I wouldn't have been so thoroughly transported into another world that felt so familiar.
Read more at my blog
Read more at my blog
October 9, 2016
3 1/2 stars. Thank you for my ARC of this book. I enjoyed the story of 2 generations of three women and how they are constrained by expectations of others. I particularly liked the Adelaide/Victor Harbor/Remarkable Bay settings. A number of issues were explored including women's rights, domestic violence and independence. The crossing over of times periods allowed historical references to be explored about these issues. A nicely circular story where the sins of the past could find redemption in the present.
December 8, 2016
This was another great book from Victoria Purman. I have enjoyed all of hers that I have read especially as they are based close to home.
September 20, 2021
This book typifies why I like reading challenges. This is a book I would never have read had I not needed a book to fit a set criteria thus forcing me to read outside my comfort area and while I didn't love this book, I am glad that I read it.
This book moves back and forth between two time periods. The earlier time period is in the 1930s and details the lives of three (Miss Allen) sisters visiting a seaside South Australian town one last time before they embark on their married lives. The later time period is 80+ years later where three descendants of the Miss Allens find themselves in the same seaside town with events from the early time period paralleling events in the later time period.
It was an okay story. A little slow paced (with not much variance) and lacking any real surprise as the story unfolded exactly as you would expect. There was also numerous typos with the author mixing up the names of Roma and Ruby and given that Roma and Ruby were in different time periods I think this was quite a bad mistake and I am amazed how something so obvious ever made it through mainstream publishing. A nice read - but not overly memorable.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 Annual Read Around Australia Challenge: Read a book set in South Australia
Aussie Readers 2021 Spring Bingo Challenge: Column 1, Row 2 - Read a book from your library
Aussie Readers 2021 September Celebrating Libraries Challenge: Read a book borrowed from your library
This book moves back and forth between two time periods. The earlier time period is in the 1930s and details the lives of three (Miss Allen) sisters visiting a seaside South Australian town one last time before they embark on their married lives. The later time period is 80+ years later where three descendants of the Miss Allens find themselves in the same seaside town with events from the early time period paralleling events in the later time period.
It was an okay story. A little slow paced (with not much variance) and lacking any real surprise as the story unfolded exactly as you would expect. There was also numerous typos with the author mixing up the names of Roma and Ruby and given that Roma and Ruby were in different time periods I think this was quite a bad mistake and I am amazed how something so obvious ever made it through mainstream publishing. A nice read - but not overly memorable.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 Annual Read Around Australia Challenge: Read a book set in South Australia
Aussie Readers 2021 Spring Bingo Challenge: Column 1, Row 2 - Read a book from your library
Aussie Readers 2021 September Celebrating Libraries Challenge: Read a book borrowed from your library
March 15, 2017
Remarkable Bay had been a family holiday destination for Roma Harris while growing up. Twenty years later having bought a rundown holiday accommodation villa, Bayview, she returns to the seaside town to nurse her grief following the death of her husband.
Unknown to her until an old guestbook is found while renovating the villa, Roma's great grandmother Ruby Allen and her family had also spent a summer at Remarkable Bay and Bayview 82 years earlier. A summer that was to change Ruby's life irrevocably.
In the style of Kate Morton, Victoria Purman gets the mix of romance and mystery just right, capturing a golden era on the South Australian south coast of heatwaves, lemonade, croquet, tea parties and ballroom dances.
This is however no ordinary romance novel. While Purman has captured the glitz and glamour of society summers between the wars, her generational storylines also enable her to address modern day issues such as the choices women face, violence and even class in a subtle but nevertheless thought provoking way.
If you want your romance novels to be not just about what happens when boy meets girl, then I can highly recommend this one for your bookshelf.
Unknown to her until an old guestbook is found while renovating the villa, Roma's great grandmother Ruby Allen and her family had also spent a summer at Remarkable Bay and Bayview 82 years earlier. A summer that was to change Ruby's life irrevocably.
In the style of Kate Morton, Victoria Purman gets the mix of romance and mystery just right, capturing a golden era on the South Australian south coast of heatwaves, lemonade, croquet, tea parties and ballroom dances.
This is however no ordinary romance novel. While Purman has captured the glitz and glamour of society summers between the wars, her generational storylines also enable her to address modern day issues such as the choices women face, violence and even class in a subtle but nevertheless thought provoking way.
If you want your romance novels to be not just about what happens when boy meets girl, then I can highly recommend this one for your bookshelf.
January 5, 2018
This book tells the story of three Miss Allens in the 1930s and their great grandchildren in 2016 and is set in Australia. It is a delightful book, very well written and filled with real characters. It clearly depicts the difference in acceptable standards from the thirties to those of the present day. The effect of decisions made by the original Miss Allens has enormous consequences for their descendants. Based around an old rundown house at Remarkable Bay this is a mystery as well as a romance.
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