What do you think?
Rate this book
Deverill Chronicles #4
The Secret Hours
‘Let the wind take me and the soft rain settle me into the Irish soil from where I came. And may my sins be forgiven.’
Arethusa Clayton has always been formidable, used to getting her own way. On her death, she leaves unexpected instructions. Instead of being buried in America, on the wealthy East Coast where she and her late husband raised their two children, Arethusa has decreed that her ashes be scattered in a remote corner of Ireland, on the hills overlooking the sea.
All Arethusa ever told Faye was that she grew up in a poor farming family and left Ireland, alone, to start a new life in America as did so many in those times of hardship and famine. But who were her family in Ireland and where are they now? What was the real reason that she turned away from them? And who is the mysterious benefactor of a significant share of Arethusa’s estate?
Arethusa is gone. There is no one left to tell her story. Faye feels bereft, as if her mother’s whole family has died with her. Leaving her own husband and children behind, she travels to the picturesque village of Ballinakelly, determined to fulfil her mother’s last wish and to find out the reason for Arethusa’s insistence on being laid to rest in this faraway land.
Arethusa Clayton has always been formidable, used to getting her own way. On her death, she leaves unexpected instructions. Instead of being buried in America, on the wealthy East Coast where she and her late husband raised their two children, Arethusa has decreed that her ashes be scattered in a remote corner of Ireland, on the hills overlooking the sea.
All Arethusa ever told Faye was that she grew up in a poor farming family and left Ireland, alone, to start a new life in America as did so many in those times of hardship and famine. But who were her family in Ireland and where are they now? What was the real reason that she turned away from them? And who is the mysterious benefactor of a significant share of Arethusa’s estate?
Arethusa is gone. There is no one left to tell her story. Faye feels bereft, as if her mother’s whole family has died with her. Leaving her own husband and children behind, she travels to the picturesque village of Ballinakelly, determined to fulfil her mother’s last wish and to find out the reason for Arethusa’s insistence on being laid to rest in this faraway land.
501 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
628 people are currently reading
3451 people want to read
About the author
Santa Montefiore
90 books2,745 followersSanta Montefiore is the number one bestselling author of over thirty novels and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages and she won an RNA Award for The Temptation of Gracie in 2019, which is currently in development for film. Born in England in 1970, she grew up in Hampshire and now lives in London with her husband, writer Simon Sebag-Montefiore, their daughter, son, and dog Simba.
Shadows in the Moonlight is the first novel of a trilogy following the character Pixie Tate, with Secrets of the Starlit Sea following in summer 2025. Santa loves to hear from readers and you can find her at www.santamontefiore.co.uk.
Shadows in the Moonlight is the first novel of a trilogy following the character Pixie Tate, with Secrets of the Starlit Sea following in summer 2025. Santa loves to hear from readers and you can find her at www.santamontefiore.co.uk.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
September 2, 2019
I had pre-ordered this book long before I realised it was part of the Deverill series. This is because anything Montefiore writes is genius. It is a guaranteed good read. So I was delighted it was part of this series as I have a special place in my heart for those Deverills.
This novel is the 4th in the series however you can read it as a standalone. It compliments the series fantastic and is like a warm cosy read that hugs the series. It is a bit of a prequel and a bit of a lead on. It is fantastic to rejoin all the magnificent characters and to be introduced to those that were on the peripheral.
The novel is based upon Arethusa Deverill. Not sure who she is? No me neither. In fact it had me digging out the other books looking for a family tree. To help you, Arethusa is Bertie’s sister who ran away to America at a young age. Now, finally it is her story, and what a story it is. Montefiore does what she does best, shocks and scandals which also resonates with love and loyalty.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only critique I can say is that it seemed to flow a bit slower than the other books. It was a lovely calm read that I made my way through over the last bank holiday of the year. The characters are just so wonderful, they truly stay with you, and Ireland! Oh how Montefiore sells it! How she describes Ireland is fascinating, I could never tire of her amazing descriptions of Ballinakelly.
As I pre-ordered a copy, I received and exclusive edition with a letter from the author. In it Montefiore states she has ideas to return to the Deverills in the future. I for one will never tire of these characters and I cannot wait to see what Montefiore creates next!
This novel is the 4th in the series however you can read it as a standalone. It compliments the series fantastic and is like a warm cosy read that hugs the series. It is a bit of a prequel and a bit of a lead on. It is fantastic to rejoin all the magnificent characters and to be introduced to those that were on the peripheral.
The novel is based upon Arethusa Deverill. Not sure who she is? No me neither. In fact it had me digging out the other books looking for a family tree. To help you, Arethusa is Bertie’s sister who ran away to America at a young age. Now, finally it is her story, and what a story it is. Montefiore does what she does best, shocks and scandals which also resonates with love and loyalty.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only critique I can say is that it seemed to flow a bit slower than the other books. It was a lovely calm read that I made my way through over the last bank holiday of the year. The characters are just so wonderful, they truly stay with you, and Ireland! Oh how Montefiore sells it! How she describes Ireland is fascinating, I could never tire of her amazing descriptions of Ballinakelly.
As I pre-ordered a copy, I received and exclusive edition with a letter from the author. In it Montefiore states she has ideas to return to the Deverills in the future. I for one will never tire of these characters and I cannot wait to see what Montefiore creates next!
January 23, 2025
5/5⭐
Culebrón con secretos y supersticiones, debo reconocer que el personaje de ésta novela me confundió entre tanto Deverill pero @majo de @loleoono me ayudó en el árbol genealógico de modo que Arethusa Deverill, “Tussy”, es hija de Hubert Deverill quien se casó con Adeline y hermana de Bertie (que se casó con Maud) y de Rupert (fallecido en la guerra) y sobrina nieta de “las arbolillos”. También consulté dicho árbol que aparece en cada libro de la trilogía.
Ambientado en Nantucket, 1960 y narrado por Faye, de 58 años de edad, la historia nos lleva hacia el pasado de su mamá Tussy, gracias a un diario que ésta le dejó a su hija y está narrado en tercera persona ambientado en Irlanda a principios del siglo XX y no es otra cosa que la propia historia de Arethusa. Cuando volvemos a 1961 somos testigos de cómo reacciona Faye ante tantos secretos guardados llegando a la conclusión que no conocía a su madre.
La trama da comienzo con la muerte de Arethusa dejando en su testamento su última voluntad, en donde le pide a sus hijos que viajen a Irlanda su tierra natal para esparcir sus cenizas. Faye y su hermano Logan están desconcertados porque ni siquiera tenían conocimiento de que tuviese parientes en su país de origen; Lo único que sabían es que llegó sola a América y sola se fue.
Faye para descubrir la verdad y conocer los orígenes de su madre, así como sus secretos, decide embarcarse en la aventura de su vida: viajar hasta Ballinakelly desde Estados Unidos, aunque a su marido -con el cual tiene tres hijos- no le hace ninguna gracia. Y mientras va descubriendo muchos secretos sobre su familia se enamora del lugar de procedencia de su madre y reconoce que quizás no está preparada para enfrentarse a la realidad que el castillo de Deverill guarda tras sus muros. Y a partir de aquí los lectores que ya leímos la trilogía que empieza con “Canciones de amor y guerra”, nos reencontramos con personajes tan queridos como Kitty y su esposo; Aparecerá Cormac, un misterioso hombre que será un gran apoyo para Faye en aquellas tierras llenas de encanto. Y del pasado de Arethusa me encantó reencontrarme con Adeline, Maud y las terribles “Arbolillos”.
¿Qué puedo decir de Arethusa? Que era una mujer atrevida, incluso temeraria para su época, pero QUÉ personaje nos regaló Montefiore: Un mujer que termina siendo repudiada por su padre porque su corazón pensó que sería posible amar a un hombre prohibido y de color. Además la manera que tiene de narrarnos la autora no sólo el contexto histórico donde se abordan temas como pobreza, racismo, el embarazo fuera del matrimonio, la preparación a conciencia para el mercado matrimonial. Santa sabe muy bien cómo hilvanar todo y que el lector no pueda soltar el libro. Una vez más, la descripción que hace del paisaje Irlandés es… un viaje donde contemplamos los verdes inmensos con sus colinas, la niebla, las lluvias acompañado de unos espíritus que le dan magia a ésta historia. Con un estilo descriptivo, detallista, sencillo, bonito y emotivo Santa Montefiore nos regala una novela que es un culebrón ante tantas confesiones y secretos.
He de decir que NO es una historia romántica como las que ascotumbro a leer, sino, la historia de una mujer que busca la libertad, que necesita reencontrarse así misma y no solo descubrir la verdad de su madre, sino que en tierras irlandesas descubrirá que no está satisfecha con su vida, la cual fue apocada y resignada a la apariencia y desamor en su matrimonio.
RECOMENDADÍSIMO. A ésta autora yo le rezo.
Culebrón con secretos y supersticiones, debo reconocer que el personaje de ésta novela me confundió entre tanto Deverill pero @majo de @loleoono me ayudó en el árbol genealógico de modo que Arethusa Deverill, “Tussy”, es hija de Hubert Deverill quien se casó con Adeline y hermana de Bertie (que se casó con Maud) y de Rupert (fallecido en la guerra) y sobrina nieta de “las arbolillos”. También consulté dicho árbol que aparece en cada libro de la trilogía.
Ambientado en Nantucket, 1960 y narrado por Faye, de 58 años de edad, la historia nos lleva hacia el pasado de su mamá Tussy, gracias a un diario que ésta le dejó a su hija y está narrado en tercera persona ambientado en Irlanda a principios del siglo XX y no es otra cosa que la propia historia de Arethusa. Cuando volvemos a 1961 somos testigos de cómo reacciona Faye ante tantos secretos guardados llegando a la conclusión que no conocía a su madre.
La trama da comienzo con la muerte de Arethusa dejando en su testamento su última voluntad, en donde le pide a sus hijos que viajen a Irlanda su tierra natal para esparcir sus cenizas. Faye y su hermano Logan están desconcertados porque ni siquiera tenían conocimiento de que tuviese parientes en su país de origen; Lo único que sabían es que llegó sola a América y sola se fue.
Faye para descubrir la verdad y conocer los orígenes de su madre, así como sus secretos, decide embarcarse en la aventura de su vida: viajar hasta Ballinakelly desde Estados Unidos, aunque a su marido -con el cual tiene tres hijos- no le hace ninguna gracia. Y mientras va descubriendo muchos secretos sobre su familia se enamora del lugar de procedencia de su madre y reconoce que quizás no está preparada para enfrentarse a la realidad que el castillo de Deverill guarda tras sus muros. Y a partir de aquí los lectores que ya leímos la trilogía que empieza con “Canciones de amor y guerra”, nos reencontramos con personajes tan queridos como Kitty y su esposo; Aparecerá Cormac, un misterioso hombre que será un gran apoyo para Faye en aquellas tierras llenas de encanto. Y del pasado de Arethusa me encantó reencontrarme con Adeline, Maud y las terribles “Arbolillos”.
¿Qué puedo decir de Arethusa? Que era una mujer atrevida, incluso temeraria para su época, pero QUÉ personaje nos regaló Montefiore: Un mujer que termina siendo repudiada por su padre porque su corazón pensó que sería posible amar a un hombre prohibido y de color. Además la manera que tiene de narrarnos la autora no sólo el contexto histórico donde se abordan temas como pobreza, racismo, el embarazo fuera del matrimonio, la preparación a conciencia para el mercado matrimonial. Santa sabe muy bien cómo hilvanar todo y que el lector no pueda soltar el libro. Una vez más, la descripción que hace del paisaje Irlandés es… un viaje donde contemplamos los verdes inmensos con sus colinas, la niebla, las lluvias acompañado de unos espíritus que le dan magia a ésta historia. Con un estilo descriptivo, detallista, sencillo, bonito y emotivo Santa Montefiore nos regala una novela que es un culebrón ante tantas confesiones y secretos.
He de decir que NO es una historia romántica como las que ascotumbro a leer, sino, la historia de una mujer que busca la libertad, que necesita reencontrarse así misma y no solo descubrir la verdad de su madre, sino que en tierras irlandesas descubrirá que no está satisfecha con su vida, la cual fue apocada y resignada a la apariencia y desamor en su matrimonio.
RECOMENDADÍSIMO. A ésta autora yo le rezo.
August 25, 2019
Slow, slow, slow.
August 2, 2022
Iznenađujuće dobra. Spoj prošlosti i sadašnjosti. Prvi roman od ove autorice koji sam pročitala i pozitvno sam iznenađena. Preporuke ❤️
July 13, 2019
I have read all of Ms Monefiore’s books and loved them all and this was no exception.
I was pleased to see that this was the 4th in the Deverill series and enjoyed it immensely.
I look forward to reading more in the future.
I was pleased to see that this was the 4th in the Deverill series and enjoyed it immensely.
I look forward to reading more in the future.
May 27, 2019
This was a heartwarming family story set in two time periods.
The characters were beautifully drawn and I warmed to both the main protagonists, American Faye in 1961 and her mother,Tussy, who lived in Ireland at the turn of the twentieth century.
When Faye’s mother dies she leaves a will in which she asks her daughter to go to her homeland, Ireland and scatter her ashes. She also leaves a bequest that will only be revealed after this has been done. Both Faye and her brother Logan are astounded as their mother never mentioned Ireland or any relatives whilst she was alive.
Faye is in a loveless marriage with 3 grown up children and she is keen to fly from Boston to County Cork to find her long lost family and discover the reason her mother left in the first place.
Tussy it seems was a difficult woman who never spoke of her past so it was assumed she left Ireland to escape poverty.
Faye’s brother Logan refuses to go and wants to contest the will.
However when Faye arrives in Ireland she discovers many family secrets and also romance which might well break her heart. Faye gradually reads her mother’s diary and the story in the past is moving both for Faye and the reader.
This is a delightful read, perfect for those who like romance and family sagas. I have been reading it on holiday and I really was was transported to the Emerald Isle with its beautiful scenery and changeable weather. The book has been well researched and you are treated to a bit of Irish history as well as a wonderful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were beautifully drawn and I warmed to both the main protagonists, American Faye in 1961 and her mother,Tussy, who lived in Ireland at the turn of the twentieth century.
When Faye’s mother dies she leaves a will in which she asks her daughter to go to her homeland, Ireland and scatter her ashes. She also leaves a bequest that will only be revealed after this has been done. Both Faye and her brother Logan are astounded as their mother never mentioned Ireland or any relatives whilst she was alive.
Faye is in a loveless marriage with 3 grown up children and she is keen to fly from Boston to County Cork to find her long lost family and discover the reason her mother left in the first place.
Tussy it seems was a difficult woman who never spoke of her past so it was assumed she left Ireland to escape poverty.
Faye’s brother Logan refuses to go and wants to contest the will.
However when Faye arrives in Ireland she discovers many family secrets and also romance which might well break her heart. Faye gradually reads her mother’s diary and the story in the past is moving both for Faye and the reader.
This is a delightful read, perfect for those who like romance and family sagas. I have been reading it on holiday and I really was was transported to the Emerald Isle with its beautiful scenery and changeable weather. The book has been well researched and you are treated to a bit of Irish history as well as a wonderful story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Een prachtig afsluitend deel van deze reeks! Wat zal ik de Deverills missen. Ook in dit boek volgen we de Deverills van nabij, er gebeurt veel duq het boek verveelt geen minuut. Opnieuw vlot geschreven maar vooral een heel mooi verhaal.
April 20, 2020
📚 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀! Some books pull the stings of your heart. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 by Santa Montefiore is one of those. The writing is beautiful and the story moving. It is a tale of forbidden love, loss, and defiance. After the death of her mother, Faye Clayton discovers that her mother Arethusa had many secrets. In order to find out Arethusa’s story, Faye goes to Ireland to read her mother’s journal and discover the truth of why she left her beloved home. Faye will be changed by what she discovers and will fall in love with her mother’s country. Will this change Faye and how she sees her life? Will she be able to go back to America and be happy? This is a beautiful novel that will surprise you. I recommend it.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 for sending me an ARC of this moving novel. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 by Santa Montefiore is available at your favourite bookstore.
#poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #thesecrethours #santamontefiore #bookreview
June 30, 2022
Tiempo de secretos en Deverill trata de la vida de Arethusa Deverill.
Tussy, una mujer caprichosa y de buena familia, que tiene que dejar Irlanda después de haber arruinado su vida. A lo largo de la historia aprendemos a conocer y a querer al personaje.
Contado de manera ágil y amena es uno de los libros que más me ha gustado de la serie.
Tussy, una mujer caprichosa y de buena familia, que tiene que dejar Irlanda después de haber arruinado su vida. A lo largo de la historia aprendemos a conocer y a querer al personaje.
Contado de manera ágil y amena es uno de los libros que más me ha gustado de la serie.
May 20, 2019
The enchanting new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author, Santa Montefiore.
The perfect summer read for 2019!
An epically, well written, well researched book. Perfect for a holiday in the beach. Where you can get lost in the pages of the book without having to worry about household chores or adult life.
Arethusa Clayton has always been formidable, used to getting her own way. On her death, she leaves unexpected instructions.
Instead of being buried in America, on the wealthy East Coast where she and her late husband raised their two children, Arethusa has decreed that her ashes be scattered in a remote corner of Ireland, on the hills overlooking the sea.
All Arethusa ever told Faye was that she grew up in a poor farming family and left Ireland, alone, to start a new life in America as did so many in those times of hardship and famine. But who were her family in Ireland and where are they now? What was the real reason that she turned away from them? And who is the mysterious benefactor of a significant share of Arethusa’s estate?
Arethusa is gone. There is no one left to tell her story. Faye feels bereft, as if her mother’s whole family has died with her. Leaving her own husband and children behind, she travels to the picturesque village of Ballinakelly, determined to fulfil her mother’s last wish and to find out the reason for Arethusa’s insistence on being laid to rest in this faraway land.
The perfect summer read for 2019!
An epically, well written, well researched book. Perfect for a holiday in the beach. Where you can get lost in the pages of the book without having to worry about household chores or adult life.
Arethusa Clayton has always been formidable, used to getting her own way. On her death, she leaves unexpected instructions.
Instead of being buried in America, on the wealthy East Coast where she and her late husband raised their two children, Arethusa has decreed that her ashes be scattered in a remote corner of Ireland, on the hills overlooking the sea.
All Arethusa ever told Faye was that she grew up in a poor farming family and left Ireland, alone, to start a new life in America as did so many in those times of hardship and famine. But who were her family in Ireland and where are they now? What was the real reason that she turned away from them? And who is the mysterious benefactor of a significant share of Arethusa’s estate?
Arethusa is gone. There is no one left to tell her story. Faye feels bereft, as if her mother’s whole family has died with her. Leaving her own husband and children behind, she travels to the picturesque village of Ballinakelly, determined to fulfil her mother’s last wish and to find out the reason for Arethusa’s insistence on being laid to rest in this faraway land.
December 12, 2020
There is a “I finished a 487-page book in half day because oh my god I just HAD to”, and then there is “I finished a 487-page book in half a day because oh my god how and when is this ever going to end please I just need to make this end”, and I am sad that for me, this book was the latter. Why did I keep going? Well, because I spent money on this book, so let’s not waste it. Right? Silly me.
It’s not because the writing is particularly terrible,it’s because it very nearly put me into a diabetic coma, and goodness, is it repetitive. I feel slightly foolish for not realizing that the author writes romances, I was hooked by the whole mystery angle advertised. Misled. This was my first Santa Montefiore book, I did not know she is a romance novelist. That would have spared me in a lot of ways.
Anyway, if you’re looking for something that is light and breezy entertainment, something that does not have particularly deep characterizations, doesn’t require any brain power whatsoever, contains 3 million tonnes of sugary sweetness, is full of the requisite intense romance feels, you might like this book.
It’s not because the writing is particularly terrible,it’s because it very nearly put me into a diabetic coma, and goodness, is it repetitive. I feel slightly foolish for not realizing that the author writes romances, I was hooked by the whole mystery angle advertised. Misled. This was my first Santa Montefiore book, I did not know she is a romance novelist. That would have spared me in a lot of ways.
Anyway, if you’re looking for something that is light and breezy entertainment, something that does not have particularly deep characterizations, doesn’t require any brain power whatsoever, contains 3 million tonnes of sugary sweetness, is full of the requisite intense romance feels, you might like this book.
January 9, 2022
Este cuarteto de libros se ha convertido sin duda en uno de mis favoritos. En este caso estamos ante una especie de spin off que me ha gustado un montón. Nos desvela que es lo que ocurrió con Arethusa, las razones por las que rompió con la familia y abandonó Irlanda. Y todo ello a través del presente y descubierto paso a paso por su hija.
Un buen cierre y con una historia del pasado absorbente. Y lo mejor es que la autora deja abierto que haya más deverill en un futuro...
Un buen cierre y con una historia del pasado absorbente. Y lo mejor es que la autora deja abierto que haya más deverill en un futuro...
February 20, 2023
Favourite one so far. One more to go!!!
August 2, 2023
I finally finished it and OMG I loved this book!! Every time i opened it and started reading, i didn’t want to stop. I longed and longed to know what was going to happen after. When I started reading this book, i discovered that it was part of a quadrate which I will obviously be getting very soon ;). It’s a very good book with loads of little plot twists; when you think it can’t get any better or more complicated, WELL IT DOES!
I can’t find words to describe what this book means to me and what it has made me feel. I recognized myself in Faye’s character as she fell in love with Ireland just like i did. This book is like medicine to my home sickness. I loved every chapter, every page and every line. It made me realize how lucky I am to have been able to live in Ireland for 10months and like Faye, I’ll be back. ;)
I can’t find words to describe what this book means to me and what it has made me feel. I recognized myself in Faye’s character as she fell in love with Ireland just like i did. This book is like medicine to my home sickness. I loved every chapter, every page and every line. It made me realize how lucky I am to have been able to live in Ireland for 10months and like Faye, I’ll be back. ;)
September 24, 2020
When I was a few pages in and realised Kitty Deverill was part of this story I almost cried with joy. Consider this a 4th instalment to the trilogy you love so much. If you accidentally read this first, have no fear...next go to Songs of Love and War and enjoy the beginnings of brilliance!
Merged review:
I read this one out loud to my mum and at times I struggled to get my voice to work due to my chest being tight and needing to cry. When I realised this was linked to the chronicles of the Deverill's, I felt at home. This story could stand on it's own...my mum ended up getting the trilogy and reading them straight after this. I wish there was a lifetime of books that kept this story alive!
Merged review:
I read this one out loud to my mum and at times I struggled to get my voice to work due to my chest being tight and needing to cry. When I realised this was linked to the chronicles of the Deverill's, I felt at home. This story could stand on it's own...my mum ended up getting the trilogy and reading them straight after this. I wish there was a lifetime of books that kept this story alive!
August 24, 2021
This book took me so long to read, it was quite slow to get started and dragged out the start of the real action but equally it was a rather complicated story. Once the story line got going it was very entertaining!
June 30, 2022
Aunque bellamente escrito tanto las descripciones de Irlanda como los personajes y sus sentimientos, le ha faltado argumento, la protagonista repite los mismos pensamientos para rellenar esa falta de acción. Bonito como relato pero escaso como libro, le sobran páginas
December 18, 2024
Tengo el corazón chiquito porque me duele desprenderme de esta increíble saga y de sus personajes. Me encariñé con todos.
Conocer de primera mano la historia de Tussy nos permitió ver desde otra perspectiva a la familia Deverill.
No dejen de leer esta historia.
Se los ruego.
Conocer de primera mano la historia de Tussy nos permitió ver desde otra perspectiva a la familia Deverill.
No dejen de leer esta historia.
Se los ruego.
July 21, 2023
I simply loved this book. Very descriptive regarding the beautiful Irish landscape, AND you can’t help but love most of the characters. If you like reading about women following their hearts and becoming true to themselves, this book is for you. I wish there was the option to give half stars, as I wanted to rate this book as 4.5/5
March 18, 2024
В книгата поведението на майката и на дъщерята се оприличава като хитрост, забавление, бягство към свободата, откриване на себе си,а в наше село си го наричаме к*рвалък
September 30, 2020
Absolutely loved this book!
November 9, 2022
Slow start for me but then gripped me to the end.
June 3, 2023
Lovely Italian American Irish story Wa good story
May 14, 2024
Gal noretusi pabaigos jau
November 2, 2024
Това е четвъртата книга от Хрониките на Деверил. Въпреки,че има връзка с останалите три книги,то тази може да се чете и самостоятелно,защото разкрива герои, за които се споменава много малко в първите 3 части.Историята много ми хареса. Все така динамична и интересна.Достойно продължение на предходните книги.
December 25, 2021
Cuando Arethusa Deverill muere, deja en el testamento la indicación clara de que sus hijos deben viajar a Irlanda, si no cumplen este requisito, una parte de su testamento no se revelará. Por ello Faye, una de sus hijas decide viajar a Irlanda para descubrir el origen de su madre. Pero el pasado de Arethusa guarda muchos secretos y Faye quizás no está preparada para enfrentarse a la realidad que el castillo de Deverill guarda tras sus muros.
No soy muy fan de este género pero últimamente me he aficionado a leer estos libros aunque tengo que decir que este me ha decepcionado un poco. Mi principal problema ha sido la manera en la que la autora lleva la trama, para mi gusto es demasiado lineal y no hay nada en el desarrollo de la historia que te anime a continuar leyendo, no hay una gran revelación, giro en la trama o acción que te enganche. Principalmente la trama gira en torno al misterio de por qué Arethusa tuvo que abandonar Irlanda y marcharse a Estados Unidos, cosa que es fácil de adivinar, y también en torno al cambio que sufre Faye, su descubrimiento interior, cosa que no me acabé de creer aunque puedo entender su situación en aquella época y por qué se produjo ese cambio tan repentino en su forma de ser. La ambientación, en cambio, sí que está muy bien desarrollada, la autora da descripciones muy detalladas de los paisajes y lugares con lo que te sientes transportado a los parajes verdes y lluviosos de Irlanda. Además la autora da detalles de cómo era la situación en Irlanda en aquellos años, la historia se ambienta en 1960 y aún estaba muy presente el conflicto norirlandés, cosa que queda muy bien reflejado a lo largo de la historia. La pluma de la autora aunque no está mal me hubiera gustado que fuera algo más ágil y que no se recreara tanto en algunas descripciones ya que en algunos momentos eso hacía que desconectara de la trama y enlentecía el ritmo de la lectura. Por otro lado decir, que la historia está narrada en dos tiempos cronológicos diferentes, por un lado tenemos capítulos que nos cuentan el presente de Faye, situado alrededor de 1960, tratando de descubrir el pasado de su madre; y por otro, tenemos capítulos en el que se nos cuenta cómo era la vida de Arethusa en el castillo de Deverill antes de que tuviera qe huir. En cuanto a los personajes tengo que decir que aunque todos tienen su papel en la historia ninguno me convenció totalmente. Por destacar, mencionaría a las dos protagonistas, Arethusa y Faye Deverill, ambas no me cayeron bien y la verdad es que me resultó difícil entender muchos de sus comportamientos. Entiendo que ambas quisieran más libertad de la que tenían pero no creo que para conseguirla tuvieran que hacer daño o jugar con los sentimientos de los demás. Faye me pareció un personaje soso y sin iniciativa y Arethusa me pareció egoísta, egocéntrica y algo altiva. Otra cosa que no me convenció fue el romance, no hay la suficiente evolución o interacciones necesarias para entender ciertos comportamientos de los personajes. En definitiva una historia con una gran ambientación que está bien pero sin más.
No soy muy fan de este género pero últimamente me he aficionado a leer estos libros aunque tengo que decir que este me ha decepcionado un poco. Mi principal problema ha sido la manera en la que la autora lleva la trama, para mi gusto es demasiado lineal y no hay nada en el desarrollo de la historia que te anime a continuar leyendo, no hay una gran revelación, giro en la trama o acción que te enganche. Principalmente la trama gira en torno al misterio de por qué Arethusa tuvo que abandonar Irlanda y marcharse a Estados Unidos, cosa que es fácil de adivinar, y también en torno al cambio que sufre Faye, su descubrimiento interior, cosa que no me acabé de creer aunque puedo entender su situación en aquella época y por qué se produjo ese cambio tan repentino en su forma de ser. La ambientación, en cambio, sí que está muy bien desarrollada, la autora da descripciones muy detalladas de los paisajes y lugares con lo que te sientes transportado a los parajes verdes y lluviosos de Irlanda. Además la autora da detalles de cómo era la situación en Irlanda en aquellos años, la historia se ambienta en 1960 y aún estaba muy presente el conflicto norirlandés, cosa que queda muy bien reflejado a lo largo de la historia. La pluma de la autora aunque no está mal me hubiera gustado que fuera algo más ágil y que no se recreara tanto en algunas descripciones ya que en algunos momentos eso hacía que desconectara de la trama y enlentecía el ritmo de la lectura. Por otro lado decir, que la historia está narrada en dos tiempos cronológicos diferentes, por un lado tenemos capítulos que nos cuentan el presente de Faye, situado alrededor de 1960, tratando de descubrir el pasado de su madre; y por otro, tenemos capítulos en el que se nos cuenta cómo era la vida de Arethusa en el castillo de Deverill antes de que tuviera qe huir. En cuanto a los personajes tengo que decir que aunque todos tienen su papel en la historia ninguno me convenció totalmente. Por destacar, mencionaría a las dos protagonistas, Arethusa y Faye Deverill, ambas no me cayeron bien y la verdad es que me resultó difícil entender muchos de sus comportamientos. Entiendo que ambas quisieran más libertad de la que tenían pero no creo que para conseguirla tuvieran que hacer daño o jugar con los sentimientos de los demás. Faye me pareció un personaje soso y sin iniciativa y Arethusa me pareció egoísta, egocéntrica y algo altiva. Otra cosa que no me convenció fue el romance, no hay la suficiente evolución o interacciones necesarias para entender ciertos comportamientos de los personajes. En definitiva una historia con una gran ambientación que está bien pero sin más.
March 20, 2020
Thank you @simonschusterca for sending me a copy of this book!
-
I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t realize that it’s part of a series! While I think you can definitely read this as a stand-alone, I would have been more comfortable reading this as part of the series! But that’s just me personally!
-
The book follows Faye, who’s mother has recently passed away. Her mother wants her ashes scattered in Ireland, but Faye did not realize her mother still felt a connection to her home country! Faye goes to Ireland and uncovers so many secrets about her mother’s past!
-
The first part of the book felt slow to me, but then really picked up in the second half! I love reading about the past! One thing that bugged me is Fayes part of the book was set in 1961, but then her mother’s didn’t have a date until the end! I kept trying to do math to figure out when the “past” was taking place!! But the story was super engrossing and I’m glad I read it! The descriptions of Irish history was super interesting and I loved how Faye started to gain independence as she learned about her mother’s past!
-
I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t realize that it’s part of a series! While I think you can definitely read this as a stand-alone, I would have been more comfortable reading this as part of the series! But that’s just me personally!
-
The book follows Faye, who’s mother has recently passed away. Her mother wants her ashes scattered in Ireland, but Faye did not realize her mother still felt a connection to her home country! Faye goes to Ireland and uncovers so many secrets about her mother’s past!
-
The first part of the book felt slow to me, but then really picked up in the second half! I love reading about the past! One thing that bugged me is Fayes part of the book was set in 1961, but then her mother’s didn’t have a date until the end! I kept trying to do math to figure out when the “past” was taking place!! But the story was super engrossing and I’m glad I read it! The descriptions of Irish history was super interesting and I loved how Faye started to gain independence as she learned about her mother’s past!
June 26, 2020
I hesitated calling this historical fiction, however the time periods are the late 1890’s until 1961... and the prevailing attitudes highly influenced the opportunities and outcomes of Arethusa Deverill and her daughter Faye.
The writing is very flowery, and this is a ROMANCE in every sense of the word - the saga of a titled Irish family, a castle and ill-fated love affairs - hopeful new ones- a mysterious will and diary- I simply had to continue reading, even when things hit the doldrums with too many flowers, fancy balls, and fainting for me.
Fortunately it did pick up, and it continued on, quite smoochingly and smoothly resolved.
Don’t think I’ll be running to look for another by this author, but it was fun for the duration. If you like these big, flowery HEAs, this one is for you!
It did keep me reading, I didn’t learn anything, and I didn’t quit. 3.5 stars. Maybe not fair because this isn’t my genre. Just a nice long yarn.
The writing is very flowery, and this is a ROMANCE in every sense of the word - the saga of a titled Irish family, a castle and ill-fated love affairs - hopeful new ones- a mysterious will and diary- I simply had to continue reading, even when things hit the doldrums with too many flowers, fancy balls, and fainting for me.
Fortunately it did pick up, and it continued on, quite smoochingly and smoothly resolved.
Don’t think I’ll be running to look for another by this author, but it was fun for the duration. If you like these big, flowery HEAs, this one is for you!
It did keep me reading, I didn’t learn anything, and I didn’t quit. 3.5 stars. Maybe not fair because this isn’t my genre. Just a nice long yarn.
April 10, 2020
"Let the wind take me and the soft rain settle me into the Irish soil from where I came. And may my sins be forgiven."
Arethusa is gone. There is no one left to tell her story. All Arethusa ever told her daughter, Faye, was that she grew up in a poor farming family and left Ireland, alone, to start a new life in America. But who were her family in Ireland? Where are they now? Leaving her own husband and children behind, Faye travels to the picturesque village of Ballinakelly, determined to fulfil her mother’s last wish and to find out the reason for Arethusa’s insistence on being laid to rest in this faraway land.
It was okay but not so engrossing story as I hoped.
Arethusa is gone. There is no one left to tell her story. All Arethusa ever told her daughter, Faye, was that she grew up in a poor farming family and left Ireland, alone, to start a new life in America. But who were her family in Ireland? Where are they now? Leaving her own husband and children behind, Faye travels to the picturesque village of Ballinakelly, determined to fulfil her mother’s last wish and to find out the reason for Arethusa’s insistence on being laid to rest in this faraway land.
It was okay but not so engrossing story as I hoped.
September 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this book,it took me back to when I was a little girl and went to my family's home in Ireland.I can understand how Faye falls in love with Ireland as it is so beautiful,and the locals do whisper about strangers they can't help it, it's the way they are. I love how Kitty coves for Faye knowing exactly what is happening,as she doesn't want Faye to regret not following her heart. I'm so pleased Logan eventually decided to go to Ireland. I did not like Wyatt at all he was a man who thought his wife was a possession not a person to be loved for herself. A beautiful story that is well written,one day I hope I might return to Ireland ❤️
.
.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews