The Emerald Affair

The Raj Hotel #1

by Janet MacLeod Trotter

In this evocative tale of life in India between the wars, friendships will be tested and loyalties torn. But can love win the day?

In Scotland in the aftermath of the First World War, nurse Esmie McBride meets handsome Captain Tom Lomax at her best friend Lydia’s home. Esmie is at first concerned for Tom’s shell shock, then captivated by his charm, but it’s effervescent Lydia he marries, and the pair begin a new adventure together in India.

When marriage to Tom’s doctor friend Harold offers Esmie the chance to work in India, the two sets of newlyweds find themselves living wildly different lives on the subcontinent. Esmie, heartbroken but resolved, is nursing at a mission hospital on the North West Frontier. Lydia, meanwhile, is the glamorous mistress of the Raj Hotel, where Tom hopes his sociable new wife will dazzle international guests.

As Esmie struggles with her true feelings for Tom and the daily dangers of her work, Lydia realises the Raj is not the centre of high society she had dreamed of. And when crisis strikes both couples, Esmie faces a shattering should she stay the constant friend she’s always been, or risk everything and follow her heart?

Genres: Historical Fiction, India, Historical, Romance, Fiction, Historical Romance, Audiobook

551 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Janet was brought up in the North East of England with her four brothers, by Scottish parents. She is a best-selling author of 24 books, including the hugely popular INDIA TEA SERIES, THE JARROW TRILOGY and a childhood memoir, BEATLES & CHIEFS, which was featured on BBC Radio Four. Her novel, THE HUNGRY HILLS, gained her a place on the shortlist of The Sunday Times’ Young Writers’ Award, and the TEA PLANTER’S DAUGHTER and IN THE FAR PASHMINA MOUNTAINS were nominated for the RNA Historical Novel Award. Her India-set novels, such as THE RAJ HOTEL SERIES, are inspired by her grandparents who lived and worked in India from the 1920s to '50s.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, she has been editor of the Clan MacLeod Magazine, a columnist on the Newcastle Journal and has had numerous short stories published in women’s magazines. Aged 18 she climbed on a bus and went to Kathmandu - the result was a mystery novel, THE VANISHING OF RUTH. Her second mystery, THE HAUNTING OF KULAH is set on the remote Outer Isles of Scotland. She has also written a Scottish historical novel, THE JACOBITE LASS, based on the epic story of Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.

Reviews

[Jennifer (Jaye) (I was on a roll, now struggling to add comments - why???) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A Matter of The Heart*

This book absolutely captured my heart. This is historical fiction based in Scotland following the aftermath of WW1 in 1919. It is
about two best friends Esme a nurse who has a caring nature. Lydia is a free spirit socialite whose parents are rich and she is spoiled and self centred. The two become especially close through the losses and grief that Esme experiences and the family looked after her and think of her as a daughter.

One day she meets Captain Tom Lomax at Lydia’s home and his best friend Harold a doctor. The quartet become close as they spend time together. Esme and Tom clash straight away for different reasons, but Esme knows in time Lydia will be the one who he will end up with.

Having spent time in dangerous countries nursing there seems to be a chance for them all to go to India, Tom wants to buy and run a hotel. It appears Lydia & Tom are the dream pair whilst Esme cannot go to work in the Indian hospital as a single woman. So Harold & Esme form a platonic marriage agreement and we soon discover where Harold’s heart really lies.

Over time we see how the quartet get on and in amongst the quartet there is a potential better pairing and secrets are discovered and danger is on the horizon with more heartache on the way as the reckless actions of one put them all in jeopardy….

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotland 1919, after her terrible experience as a nurse during WW I Esmie McBride visits her childhood friend Lydia at Templeton Hall and for a well deserved holiday. Home from India, visiting Scotland at the same time are best friends Captain Tom Lomax and Dr Harold Guthrie. Tom is a handsome widower, both women find him very attractive and Lydia has her sights set on becoming the next Mrs. Lomax. He has plans to buy a hotel in India; Lydia is bored with her life in Scotland and finds the idea of moving to the subcontinent exciting.

Harold offers Esmie the chance to work in India as his nurse and the only catch is they need to be married. Esmie accepts Harold’s proposal, they have so much in common and many marriages are built on less. Soon both couples are in living in India, Lydia is very disappointed in Tom’s hotel, it’s not at all what she was expecting, she misses her parents and she does nothing but complain. Esmie is enthralled by India; she travels with Harold to the mission clinic in Taha, she finds the work fulfilling and she hopes to have a proper marriage with Harold?

The Emerald Affair is a story about life in Ralwalpindi in the 1920’s, the beautiful countryside, customs, food, people and civil unrest. Both couples have issues with their marriages, I’m sure this was a very common problem in colonial India; many women would have been prepared for the isolation, heat, food and it would have caused tension. I enjoyed reading The Emerald Affair, four stars from me and I looking forward to reading the second book in the series: The Sapphire Child.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Conny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say that I found this book full of stereotypical romance tropes. The insights into India were very interesting, but the characters were painfully predictable and even the big adventure in the story was a bit of a drag...it wasn't a bad book, hence the 3 stars, I did want to finish it, but I was relieved when it came to an end.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emerald Affair is the first book of The Raj Hotel , a new series from writer Janet MacLeod Trotter. Due for release with Lake Union Publishing on Jan 1st 2020, it is described as ‘an evocative tale of life in India between the wars’

The Emerald Affair is a sweeping tale, taking the reader on a journey from Scotland to India. It very much centres on the lives and friendship of four characters, Esmie, Lydia, Tom and Harold. Esmie and Lydia’s friendship goes back many years. After Esmie was left to fend for herself, following the death of both parents, Lydia’s family were very good to her, making their home open to Esmie at all times, with a welcome awaiting her all through the years.

Now returning from her stint overseas as a nurse at The Front during the war Esmie sees life differently. The opulence that now surrounds Lydia is in stark contrast to the devastation and death that Esmie had witnessed during her time in the camps overseas. Esmie has very strong memories of the horror and the smells of the war torn make-shift hospitals, those places where she watched young men die in severe pain and without family to comfort them. Esmie, en route to Scotland, thinks about her own life and the direction it could once have taken, but now everything has changed. Can Esmie adjust to life away from the battle-fields?

Lydia is thrilled to see her old friend, excited to introduce her to eligible men but also excited with the prospect of the fun they are about to have. Harold, an old friend, arrives to Lydia’s home one day with Tom Lomax, the handsome yet mysterious Captain, who immediately charms the girls and all who meet him. Tom Lomax has his own crosses to bear, secrets he keeps very close to his chest. Esmie sees something, feels something yet the two never quite get it together and it is Lydia who finally claims him as her own.

Captain Tom Lomax has plans for his future but, alas, his father is very unsupportive of his dreams and threatens to cut him out of his inheritance. But Tom Lomax cannot be thwarted. He plans to leave the army, up sticks and move to India. He has ambitions to run a hotel and when an offer becomes available he grabs it with both hands. Lydia has expectations of a very glamorous colonial lifestyle in very lush surroundings and after their marriage has taken place, Lydia is bursting with the possibilities for this new life in India. But sometimes dreams don’t work out exactly as planned!

Esmie looks on, envious of this exciting adventure that Tom and Lydia are about to embark on and when an opportunity lends itself, Esmie jumps at the chance. She marries Harold, both knowing that this is a relationship between two friends, a convenience but neither are prepared for the what lies ahead.

The experiences that Lydia and Esmie have on arrival to India could not be more different. Their expectations, their ambitions are poles apart. As friends they have drastically differing personalities, yet, to this point it never really impacted their relationship. But now, in the heat and the challenges faced on the other side of the world, their friendship is tested to the max. Can it survive? Can they survive?

The Emerald Affair is an incredibly descriptive and atmospheric tale. The experiences faced by these four friends, although so very different, weave together into an extremely colourful and compelling read. Esmie’s story is central to the tale and her courageous personality and streak of adventure lend a very exciting element to the story. The burgeoning relationship between Harold and Esmie is very sensitively handled with some very emotional scenes that are beautifully depicted by the author.

Tom and Lydia’s marriage was a complex one from the getgo and on arrival to India, Lydia’s reaction was painted perfectly. Lydia is a marvellous character to watch develop across the chapters. I had so many conflicting feelings towards her behaviour and, yet,I could not help but feel a little sorry for her at times.

Janet MacLeod Trotter has wonderfully captured the personalities of these four main characters and created the perfect dramatic and spectacular scenery to set them in. The amount of research is evident throughout, with incredible detail given to India and it’s people. The portrayal of the native Indians gives the reader a good insight into the lifestyle and beliefs of many who saw their land being taken from them.

The Emerald Affair is a gorgeous book for all historical fiction fans. The colonial lifestyle of the 20s and 30s always fascinates and this book brings a new dimension to that era, away from the glamour, the decadence and the gin cocktails of other tales. A compelling read set against a most atmospheric backdrop, The Emerald Affair is another splendid read from Janet MacLeod Trotter.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with a new sub-genre (for me): historical fiction in colonial India!

From: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...

This first book in the Raj Hotel series tells of four friends from Scotland, Esmie, Lydia, Tom, and Harold, who move to India following WWI. All four did their part in the war – Esmie, the main protagonist, as a nurse on the battlefront, Lydia as a fundraiser for the hospitals, Tom as a captain, and Harold as a doctor.

The four move to India: Harold as doctor at the mission in Taha, Esmie to assist him; Tom has purchased The Raj Hotel in Rawalpindi, Lydia as his wife.

In addition to real characters who we love and frustrate us, Trotter gives us details of British life in India during colonialism and the interactions of two cultures. The Afghan border conflicts are brought into the story at the Taha hospital outpost where Harold and Esmie live and work. This is an engrossing story that leaves the reader looking forward to the second book.

My impressions:

Esmie is a darling and a role model. Sometimes she cares too much, but that is what makes her adorable.
Harold is married to his job.
Tom is dedicated to his new endeavor - hotel owner
Lydia is socially conscious and spends much time with the society of Pindi

This book came from Kindle Unlimited and was accompanied by the audible. What an experience. The audible narrator is a delight, with a Scottish accent that adds to the story.

I definitely DO look forward to the next installment:

The Sapphire Child

5 stars

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emanuela - per RFS
.
Bellissimo romanzo di fresca uscita che mi ha conquistata sin dalle prime pagine, grazie alla capacità dell’autrice di far viaggiare l’immaginazione del lettore tra la Scozia e l’India, e di approfondire i sentimenti e le personalità dei vari personaggi con delicatezza e passione.

La narrazione in terza persona presenta Esmie McBride, la protagonista della storia, attorno alla quale ruotano tutti gli altri personaggi. Infermiera sul fronte serbo durante il primo conflitto mondiale, Esmie arriva a Ebbsmouth in Scozia, per trascorrere le vacanze estive presso la famiglia della sua migliore amica Lydia Templeton, con la quale ha condiviso l’infanzia e la triste esperienza della guerra.

Durante quelle spensierate giornate, la vita di entrambe cambierà con l’incontro con Tom Lomax, ex capitano dei fucilieri di Peshawar nonché vicino dei Templeton e Harold Guthrie, un medico missionario.

Sebbene amiche, le due ragazze non potrebbero essere più diverse: mentre Esmie ha un carattere posato, riflessivo, empatico e altruista; Lydia è egoista, spensierata, desiderosa di divertirsi e di essere al centro dell’attenzione altrui.

Complici il momento e le situazioni, sebbene profondamente attratta da Tom, Esmie preferirà lasciarlo a Lydia e sposare il dottor Guthrie. Un uomo estremamente dedito al proprio lavoro e alle popolazioni povere dell’India coloniale, una terra intrappolata in continui conflitti locali. Ma negli anni, questo amore negato e frustrato, continuerà a crescere nonostante venga sempre tenuto nascosto da entrambi.

Dopo il matrimonio tutti andranno in India. Lydia seguirà Tom in quanto nuovo proprietario dello storico albergo Raja di Rawalpindi ed Esmie sarà impegnata con il marito a curare le popolazioni locali in una sperduta regione.

Alterne vicende vedranno le due coppie travolte dal destino che cambierà la loro vita.

Esmie incarna la perfetta consigliera, la donna saggia e coraggiosa che antepone sempre i bisogni degli altri ai suoi, colei che soffre in silenzio rinunciando al vero amore e immolandosi a un matrimonio platonico. Mentre Lydia, è così egoista e fatua, da non riuscire neppure ad amare il figlio avuto dal marito, così concentrata su feste e divertimenti da non apprezzare né le gioie del matrimonio, né l’esotico mondo che la circonda ma che sente estraneo e sgradito.

Mentre Esmie amerà profondamente la terra che l’ha accolta, sino a sacrificare tutto per lei, Lydia preferirà fuggire lasciando scie di amarezza e astio. Saprà Tom comprendere chi è la donna veramente degna di essere amata? E che ne sarà del matrimonio di Esmie, nato sotto una cattiva stella e destinato al fallimento?

Bellissima storia, con il giusto grado di tensione narrativa, unita alle affascinanti descrizioni di un’India negli ultimi anni della dominazione coloniale inglese.

Tantissimi i temi che l’autrice mette sul tappeto della storia: dai problemi psicologici e mentali che affliggono i reduci, alle gravi ingiustizie patite dagli indiani per mano degli inglesi.

Come di consueto la copertina del libro è leggermente stereotipata rispetto ai temi del romanzo, ma sono contenta di essere andata oltre l’apparenza. Vale veramente la pena di leggere questa storia che, come lascia intendere il titolo originale in inglese (The Emerald affair. Book 1 of the Raj Hotel Series), si presuppone avrà un seguito.

[Michelle Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can best be described as lukewarm. It had a lot of things going for it in theory - exotic setting, nice prose, nice flow, forbidden love. But it just didn’t get anywhere. The romantic tension was tepid due to both the main characters being dull and the supporting characters were either caricatures or cop-outs. Not much in the way of drama happened until last ten percent and the ending was wrapped up too neatly. When I read a book about a woman in love with her best friend’s husband, I expect yearning and desire. I expect deep, dark churning emotions. But all their love for each other was highly restrained except for perhaps two instances. But even those instances should have had me internally screaming but I just...didn’t really care.

It was still enjoyable and I finished it in one sitting, but that’s nothing particularly special for me. Looks like this will become a series, but I’m not particularly interested in reading anymore.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply moving and inspiring story across continents in the years following the Great War. The story follows Esmie and her good friend Lydia as they marry and seek new adventures in India, albeit for different reasons.

Having read the Tea Planters series, I knew I could rely on this author for creating such vivid settings for her characters. It’s always interesting to see history through the eyes of another culture.

This is a large read, and although I felt some areas could have been trimmed down slightly, overall I did enjoy it and will be continuing the series (this is the first of three).

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

So. If you read the synopsis you can basically skip the first 10 chapters.
And then:

Her: I’m in love with my best friend’s husband
Him: I’m in love with my best friend’s wife

Repeat for 500 pages.

I learned a bit of historical context with the English view of ex-pat/colonial life in India. Cringey but probably accurate portrayal. The ending “crisis” was absolutely ridiculous and so unbelievable as to be absurd.

Rating:
1 = didn’t like it
2 = it was ok
3 = liked it, would recommend it
4 = really liked it, would read again or others by the author
5 = loved it, a classic

[Kaelee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always avoided English novels that take me to India because it feels so weird to me to set an English novel in India, even though I know India is a huge part of their history. I handled this one okay. I literally hated Lydia from start to finish. None of the characters are super well developed, this is more plot-driven, but I liked it well enough to be interested in series. 3 1/2 stars

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are as many reasons to wed as there are people who marry, some for love, some to achieve other goals. This story examines two marriages embarked upon for wrong reasons by individuals who commit despite their affections being engaged elsewhere. Set in the lush northeast of India during a period of upheaval and violence between Pathans [Persians living in India] and Indians love eventually finds a way through the norms of the early 1900s. Well told, historically fascinating, intriguing characters, and slowly unwinding tragedy and bravery will keep your attention to the last page.

[Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description of life and the setting especially in India was really good and detailed.

But the characters I didn’t like much, and some of the plot points were very cliché.

It all tidied up very conveniently in the end.

[Anneke Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was going for free with my Amazon prime and I couldn’t resist. I love these kind of books and their neat and happy endings. Pure delight. My guilty secret.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read although I felt it could have been shorter. The ending was predictable but I enjoyed the story, setting and characters. It was a shame that Lydia was quite so annoying and felt that she was a little overdone. However, it did not detract from a nice easy read.

[Peter Jowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now reading the second book in the series. I spent most of the seventh year of my life in Rawalpindi and in the hot weather went up to Ghora Gali. 1938 was the year. My memories are mainly from family albums. So between albums, google maps and the author’s writing the locations were familiar. In reading you will find the plot is very much a study of human relationships.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

twisty and beautiful

This was a very twisty heartbreaking and beautiful story. I cried, smiled, wanted to slap, Shoot, and scream. But by the end, I was satisfied.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of two best friends, Esmie and Lydia. Both marry and find themselves moving from Scotland to India, but it would appear that both couples have all married for the wrong reasons which severely impacts their friendships.

This was a good read, but was perhaps a little long and slow moving at times. For this reason I have rated it 3 stars instead of 4. However I will read the other books in the series as the author has done an excellent job of capturing the exotic setting of the Kashmir region.

[Kimberly Fairchild · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction about India. I have read all of Trotter’s Tea Planter books and found them light and enjoyable. This book followed the same formula but once the book got to the “ dramatic situation” that was at the end I honestly skipped the last several chapters because it dragged on and on and wasn’t interesting.

[Di Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sense of the time in India

The friendship amongst the four main characters whilst strong, has many hidden secrets and effects on their lives as they move from Scotland to India. The details of their every day lives is a joy, but with some danger and excitement added in for good measure. It is thoroughly engrossing, I loved all of the characters and felt investment in their lives. Thoroughly recommend.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised when beginning this book to find that a large part of it is set in and around Ralwalpindi, which is in present day Pakistan but was in India at the time of the novel. I have a tenuous family connection to Rawalpindi as my Grandad was stationed there in the 1920s. Although the main characters in the book are not in the military, the soldiers and garrison are often mentioned. I found it really interesting to get a flavour of what life was like for British people living there at the time. I have always thought it must have been such a surreal experience for people like my grandad, an ordinary working class young man from a relatively poor part of Edinburgh, transported to such a very different place.

Anyway, onto my thoughts about the book. I felt so sorry for both Esmie and Tom whose marriages did not turn out the way they anticipated. There was a strong theme of forbidden love for a few of the characters which was quite sad to read about. It was strange that the two friends Esmie and Lydia should have such different experiences of expat life. Esmie was nursing and caring for the native people in difficult circumstances while Lydia was living a society lifestyle. In a way, it seemed odd that the two had been such close friends as they changed so much over the course of the book.

This is a richly detailed, satisfyingly long book, one to settle down with in these dark winter evenings. It is impeccably researched which really brings colonial India to life: the sights and sounds, the glamorous lifestyles but also the dangers. I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in this book and being transported to India. The Emerald Affair is superb historical fiction and I will definitely be looking out for future books in the series.

[ros bance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Loved this book. I too had a grandmother who lived in India t this period of time. Am at present trying too put together her biography as she had such an unusual life. Her husband was in the R.M.C. in Northern India and also went to Mesopotamia which is mentioned in Janet's book. She travelled to Lahore where my father was born and went on trips into the hills to Kashmir and Tibet. Have diaries of these trips. Janet brings the lives of people living there a feeling of what their lives must have been like and knowing my grandmother and her strength of character and love of adventure as well as her appreciation of the beauty of the place reminds me of Esmie in this book. Eddie is so full of good sense and practicality no matter what circumstances. My grandmother found a life for herself following her love of nature and wildlife coping despite the formalities of being an English Army wife left frequently on her own and making the most of her life out there. I envy the ability of Janet to be able to harness her knowledge and make such a great read using all her experiences of the sights, sounds and people she encountered on India and from her family. Would love to attempt to do this about my grandmother but hope my biography when it is finally completed will be a start. Have followed your novels for some time and admire your ability to write so well. Congratulations Janet.

[Jarrad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a lot of promise

The ideas behind the plot are good but in places it drag as on and on and on and on and on and on and... Like that.

[Martin Drew · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first paragraph of this book and thought maybe it was a send up of creative writing classes because it could be a lesson in how not to write. Button noses, tendrils of hair - not good, but putting the words 'owing' and 'to' together anywhere apart from an invoice is unforgivable - I was taught that at school over 60 years ago. If it had been a spoof it might have been quite funny, but it isn't. So after ploughing on for a chapter or two I actually read the reviews other people had left and a surprising number gave it 3 or 4 stars but said it was boring and they hadn't finished it, so neither did I.

[Jude · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just so “meh” for me. I didn’t find the characters particularly endearing or interesting, and I swear I thought the kidnapping scenes would.never.end.

[Martina Meyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich fand es ein bisschen langweilig und vorhersehbar.

[Kiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5

I really enjoyed this book and felt like I was transported back in time. I thought Esmie's character was very likeable and so brave that it was hard not to find yourself rooting for her. I loved the occasional POV from Tom's end because you got to see Esmie in a different light and I found Tom very likeable also. He wasn't perfect but just confused and I found myself hoping he would work out his issues.

Lydia was an interesting character, I kept going back and forth on her because you could feel how frustrated she was but for the most part I found her very ungrateful and spoiled. I didn't see how she was a good friend to Esmie aside from their childhood and was sometimes annoyed Esmie was so selfless towards her. Esmie was very mature and controlled that it got on my nerves a little, she seemed a little too perfect to her friends. Henry got kind of annoying but you understand why towards the end.

My main issue was the book was that I didn't understand the love Tom and Esmie felt for each other. It was very insta-love to me, Esmie fell in love after like a week and we barely got to see any of their interactions. I wish the author would have made it more lust driven in the beginning and slowly showed us more moments between them where we could see love grow.

Overall it was a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it if you're in the mood for a slower paced book.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

I love this author's books and always look forward to her next! This one is no exception.

The story of a young English nurse who had served in the army during WWI takes place shortly after the war in England (Scotland) and India. Esmie is unmarried and dedicated to her nursing profession . She takes a vacation to her best friend's family home where she is introduced to her friend's newest heartthrob, a British Captain recently retired from service in India, and his best friend who is a doctor serving in India.

The characters are all very well described as are locations in Scotland and India. This author has a unique capability to draw you into the settings. It's a very easy read and hard to put down.

The problems that eventually rise in the marriages are a major part of this plot after Esmie's best friend married the man Esmie has fallen for and the doctor later proposed marriage to her which she accepts. Both couples end up in India where life is very different.

The cultures, customs, people are all described so well. Almost felt like I was there.

All in all, with the exception of a rather abrupt end to such a complex story, this is a great historical fiction and romance read that I will recommend to others. Complex marital issues are a big part of the plot that will kept me reading!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Rating 2.5) —- So I read a lot of books, and I like a romance as much as the next person. I don’t even mind reading a far fetched instalove romance if that’s what I was expecting in a chicklit type of book. But what I really don’t enjoy is when characters fall in love so quickly when we’ve only really seen two scenes with them together, especially when there’s no chemistry in those two scenes. As I said, if it’s chicklit or a spicy book that does this then fine, I guess that’s what you are reading it for and I’m happy to go along with it, but if it’s not that type of book, then I always just feel disappointed when the characters state they are in love so quickly. If the writer wants me to root for their love then I need an actual, deep connection and chemistry that isn’t just them having an argument and I’m sorry, but this can’t be developed by chapter 4 of a book!

Then there were the reveals and the tropes that are so cliche and so obvious that they felt contrived and very predictable! Also, this is quite a long book for not much to happen in. It’s just plods along for a long time then has a rather ridiculous conflict towards the ending.

Even though I’ve listed negatives here, I don’t actually think this is a bad book. It has all the usual historical/cultural information but unfortunately I just didn’t connect with it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an atmospheric read - it's definitely a romance, but a nice piece of historical fiction; an immersive dip into colonial India that was revealing and interesting. I very much enjoyed the contemplative nature of the characters, particularly the heroine, and enjoyed the tangles which they all found themselves in - in this day and age, I would be hard-pressed to find a single person who hasn't overshared their own thoughts, feelings and experiences. As for keeping secrets? Fuhgeddaboudit. This book is set in a different time and place, in which you get ahead by shoving all that is unpalatable as far from the light as you can manage, and that's important to keep in mind. In the spirit of full disclosure, I found it overlong; and at least one character - you know who I mean - however sensitively drawn, really just needed a slap. But a very solid, sensitive story told in beautiful language.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book follows the lives of two best friends Lidia and Esme. I must say I could not warm to Lidia and she irritated me. For me, she came across as a spoilt brat, but looking deeper was a woman of low self esteem that just needs love and attention at all times. Esme was a down to earth practical woman, and a loyal friend to Lidia. They both marry, Lidia to Tom, Esme to Harold (Tom and Harold were friends to meeting the girls) and end up living in India, but it seems they ended up marrying the wrong men. It was all very proper with the best of manners and British stiff up lip type characters of a certain class, with the added mix of the diversity of India. I must say I liked it and will read the follow on.

DIVERSITY, DIFFERENT CULTURES, TRADITIONAL CHARACTERS, EXOTIC CHARACTERS, LONG FRIENDSHIPS, UNREQUITED LOVE.