The Sapphire Child

The Raj Hotel #2

by Janet MacLeod Trotter

In the dying days of the Raj, can paths divided by time and circumstance ever find each other again?

In 1930s Northern India, childhood friends Stella and Andrew have grown up together in the orbit of the majestic Raj Hotel. Spirited Stella has always had a soft spot for boisterous Andrew, though she dreams of meeting a soulmate from outside the close-knit community. But life is turned on its head when one scandal shatters their friendship and another sees her abandoned by the man she thought she loved.

As the Second World War looms, Andrew joins the army to fight for freedom. Meanwhile in India, Stella, reeling from her terrible betrayal, also throws herself into the war effort, volunteering for the Women’s Auxiliary Corps, resigned to living a lonelier life than the one she dreamed of as a child.

When Andrew returns to the East on the eve of battle with Japan, the two former friends are reunited, though bitter experience has changed them. Can they rekindle what they once had or will war demand of their friendship the ultimate sacrifice?

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

523 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 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

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

India 1933: Stella Dubois and Andrew Lomax grew up together playing at the Raj Hotel in Rawalpindi. Stella’s father Charlie Dubois is the manager of the hotel and Andrew’s father Tom Lomax is the owner. When Andrew gets into trouble at school, his mother Lydia insists he visits her in Scotland and Stella is given the opportunity to go with him. They will need a chaperone to accompany them aboard the ship, Miss Moria Jessop is employed by the Tom Lomax to keep an eye on the teenagers and she’s not your typical paid companion.

Lydia Lomax is Andrews’s mother, she’s nasty to Stella from the moment she arrives in Scotland, and she considers her nothing more than a servant. Stella’s holiday in Scotland comes to an end and she returns to India without Andrew, he decides to stay with his mother and go to a new school. Andrew has a very complicated relationship with his parents and his stepmother. His parents separated when he was only a baby; with one living in India and the other living in Scotland it was always going to be difficult. Due to rumors, hear say and Andrew not being told the entire truth it makes the situation worse, it’s a heavy burden for the young man to carry and he's very confused.

The Second World War begins, Andrew is sent to India and of course he wants to see his dad, Esmie and his best friend. Stella has joined the Women’s Auxiliary Corps as a secretary and Andrew is stationed near the Burma border to stop the fast moving Japanese army invading. Stella and Andrew meet again, despite the age difference, they still get on well and both feel confused about their changing feelings for each other?

The Sapphire Child is the second book in The Raj Hotel series and the first book is called The Emerald Affair. I really enjoyed reading about beautiful Colonial India; it’s a magical place, the countryside, people and customs. The Sapphire Child is a story about family, relationships, marriage, friendship and secrets. The connection between Andrew and Stella is an interesting one; they went from being childhood friends, during the war it changed and did they both feel the same? I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; I really enjoyed reading The Sapphire Child and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Raj Hotel #2

1930's Nothern India childhood friends Stella and Andrew have grown up together in the orbit of the majestic Raj Hotel. Stella has always had a soft spot for Andrew but she dreams of meeting a soulmate from outside her close knit community. But scandal shatters Stella and Andrew's friendship. As WWII looms,Andrew joins the army to fight for freedom. Stella is reeling from her horrible betrayal so she throws herself into the war effort, volunteering for the women's Auxiliary Corps.

I did not know that this was the second book in the Raj Hotel series. Set in Nothern India the book is descriptively written as we faced the horrors that war can bring. This is quite a long read with over 500 pages. But its enjoyable from beginning to end. I would have preferred to have read the first book in this series. The book covers friendships, love and war.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroupUK and the author #JanetMacLeodTrotter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, challenging time) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Epic Tale*

Stella and Andrew have grown up together in The Raj Hotel, Stella is Anglo Indian but has blonde hair. One day Andrew is sent with Stella to visit his mother Lydia now residing in Scotland after trouble at his school. Lydia has has no intentions of Andrew returning and it’s a difficult decision for his father Tom and Esme former best friend to Lydia to let him go as for the first 15 years of his life his mother has never bothered with him. In his time away Lydia fills her sons head with things that make him view his father & Esme in a bad light but is it the truth?

Throughout this Stella and Andrew remain the best of friends, as Stella is a few years older than Andrew is there a possibility of more but life has other ideas. With the threat of the Second World War 2 looming Andrew decides to sign up and enlist. Whilst this is going on Stella gets involved with a man who lets her down in the most cruel way and she is left to pick up the pieces with Esme & Tom.

Then with the threat of Japan, Andrew is posted to the East and he meets up with Stella, will there be more to their friendship and what does the future hold as secrets are revealed and Andrew’s eyes are finally open to the man his father is will they be able to move forward and what will the future hold for them all…

This one is so emotional and what Andrew experiences in the war is heartbreaking, I did not think this would be as good as the first book, but I was wrong

[nicole baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book just as much as the prequel. Often I find a second book can be a disappointment, with loose ends not tied up, but the detail in this book was phenomenal. I don’t think there’s a single character from The Emerald Affair who’s fate you don’t discover. I also don’t find the storyline predictable and the detail about the war, the lead up to that period and the challenges faced by the people who lived through it seem to be very well researched and described accurately. Well worth a read for anyone who enjoys historical facts and events interspersed within a fictional tale!

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This long, detailed story takes us from pre-war India and Scotland to the tragic events during World War Two in India and Burma. The heroine, Stella Dubois, assists both her parents at the Raj Hotel, Rawlpindi and Mr and Mrs Lomax at the Raj-in-the-hills Hotel. She has always been a good friend of Andrew Lomax, even though the young teenager is 6 years younger than her, so when it is decided that he should visit his mother, Lydia, former wife of Tom Lomax, Stella accompanies him on the journey to Scotland. Expecting to be welcomed by Lydia, whom she remembers from her childhood, she is surprised to be treated like a servant. Lydia soon turns Andrew against his father and stepmother, so Stella returns to India leaving Andrew in Scotland.
Although this is Book 2 of a series, I read it as a standalone and it works perfectly. Past events happened when Andrew, was a child, so we learn about book one as he struggles to come to terms with secrets kept from him.
Stella misses Andrew and regrets the loss of a possible romantic experience with a young man she met on board ship but she gratefully returns to her busy life at the hotels. We gradually learn of the momentous events at the beginning of the second world war and as Andrew joined up at the first opportunity, he was one of the men recued at Dunkirk. Inadvertently Andrew gives Stella information which enables her to reconnect with the Irishman she had met on board ship. This time they are able to develop their relationship and Stella believes she has finally found her life partner. But wartime events separate them and the Lomax family worry about the safety of Andrew.
There is sadness and tragedy as in all wartime stories but family bonds, friendship and love reunite Stella with those she holds dear in a very satisfying denouement.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy read novel set in Scotland and India. It is escapist with great descriptions of places in India to allow me to travel from my home- the only option we seem to have in covid times.

I enjoyed the first in the series some time ago so when I spotted this on kindle for 88p I grabbed it.

It is well written, may not be entirely historically accurate but it's a good story - a bit of adventure combined with romance.

I had read the first in the series but I think this would stand alone if you haven't read the first as it refers back with some explanation for those who are coming to this series in this book.

It is escapist and just the kind of book I want to read in these depressing time.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chai tea anyone? You’ll need it if you’re hunkering down with Janet MacLeod Trotter’s ‘The Sapphire Child’ to be published December 08, 2020. You are about to embark on a 524-page evocative journey back to Rawalpindi in the foothills of the Himalayas and discover what life was like in colonial India.

Set against the sweeping grandeur of the Himalayas in Northern India in 1933, Trotter shares the story of childhood friends, Stella Dubois and Andrew Lomax. Andrew’s father and stepmother own the vibrant Raj Hotel in Rawalpindi and Stella is the daughter of the hotel manager. Strain is put on their friendship when Andrew, expelled from school, leaves India to join his overbearing mother in Scotland. Over the next few years, the two see little of each other as life keeps them busy. When WW2 breaks out, Andrew joins the army and Stella, having suffered recent betrayal, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Corps. Embittered with life, the two unexpectedly meet in India and receive the answers they each need to move on with their life. Has their friendship withstood the test of time? Has war changed them too much to rekindle their friendship? Can they put scandal and heartbreak behind them?

I absolutely loved the backdrop of colonial India! It reminded me of the 2015-2106 British drama, Indian Summers, with Julie Walters. Trotter’s impeccable research made for such a fantastic read. She wrote to all the senses; I could almost feel the heat and humidity, smell the pungent spices, hear the throngs and see the architecture and décor of the British Raj that flavoured the final years of their rule in India. A true smorgasbord for the senses.

Paramount to Trotter’s success is her access to the treasure trove of old diaries, letters, photos and home movies of her grandparents. Having left Edinburgh to live and work in Northern India she was able to draw on their intrepid travels between 1920 – 1950. Her encompassing story is full of twists and turns, unexpected events and colourful, unique characters. Trotter masterfully brings to life colonial India and the ex-pat experiences.

Central to the theme of this historical family drama is forbidden love, the devastation of heartbreak, the power of family and the importance of getting to the truth instead of making assumptions.

My heart is full and I’m feeling uplifted after such a purely indulgent experience.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction bookstagram, I’ve got a new one for you

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

The Sapphire Child by Janet MacLeod Trotter is Book 2 in The Raj Hotel Series and will be published with Lake Union Publishing on December 8th 2020. Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The Emerald Affair, Book 1 in this series, I was delighted to be returning to India and to the gorgeous and atmospheric imagery that Janet MacLeod Trotter writes about so well. I wrote in December 2019 that The Emerald Affair was ‘a sweeping tale, taking the reader on a journey from Scotland to India’ and The Sapphire Child continues in the same fashion as the reader is taken on a wonderful voyage across oceans as the world faces the horror and turmoil of the Second World War.

Tom and Esmie now run two hotels in Northern India, The Raj-in-the-Hills Hotel, Gulmarg and The Raj Hotel, Rawalpindi. Their relationship has been put through the mill but they have come out stronger together than ever. Tom’s estranged wife, Lydia is now back living in Scotland following on from her very troublesome and damaging behaviour of the past. Their son Andrew remained with his father and boards at a very reputable school. Although Tom and Esmie have their secrets, life is content. Tom has chosen to keep his past from Andrew, lightly skipping over questions when raised. But Andrew is now getting older and at thirteen he is starting to question. Stella is an Anglo-Indian with a passion for India. At twenty years of age she sees the world in a very positive light and, although her family are employed by Tom and Esmie, she has never felt in any way inferior , accepted completely as a very important part of the greater Raj Hotel family.

Stella has a very close friendship with Andrew. They have always been able to talk to each other, to playfully joke and have fun. Stella treats Andrew as an equal, something he very much appreciates as he embarks on his teenage years. Following a shocking incident at school, Andrew returns to Scotland with Stella as his chaperone. His mother, Lydia, treats Stella with total disrespect and, with a few poisonous words about his past, she encourages Andrew to remain with her. Stella returns to India, heartbroken that she has had to leave Andrew behind but also excited at the prospect of possible love on the horizon.

As war breaks out, the lives of all change dramatically and the peace at The Raj becomes a thing of the past. Tom and Esmie are distraught without Andrew by their sides and when they hear he joins up, they fear for his safety.

With all the finer details depicted with great clarity, Janet MacLeod Trotter brings the reader into the trenches of warfare as the world is upturned and people’s lives are changed forever. Andrew and Stella embark on very different paths yet there is always a very tentative connection between them as the years of war roll on. Reading this series , and any of Janet MacLeod Trotter’s books, is a very immersive affair where all the senses are tantalised. The smells, the tastes, the colour of the Indian landscape come alive on the pages as love, grief, anger and fear play out before the reader. Every single character in this book is depicted beautifully giving the reader a real sense of their personalities. I would genuinely love to see this series come truly alive on screen as it really would be a treat and a joy to watch (she hopes!)

The Sapphire Child is a captivating and sumptuous novel, remarkably researched with wonderful and vivid descriptions of an India of yesteryear. It’s a chunky read at over 500 pages so be prepared to lose yourself in the nostalgia of times gone by. Historical fiction that will sweep you away, this is a perfect read to escape the winter blues.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sapphire Child is the second in Janet MacLeod Trotter’s Raj Hotel series, though can be enjoyed as a standalone if you haven’t read the first book, The Emerald Affair. The book features many of the characters from the first book but brings more focus on the next generation as they grow to adulthood and the Second World War approaches.

Thirteen year old Andrew is the son of Tom Lomax and his estranged wife Lydia. At the beginning of the book, after an altercation which results in him leaving his school, he is excited to have the opportunity to travel to Scotland to spend the summer with his mother who he hasn’t seen since he was a baby. Escorting him on the voyage is his childhood friend Stella. She is equally as excited to be visiting Britain, a place she, like many Brits living in India at the time, considers home even though she’s never been there before. We follow these characters over the next few years both in Scotland and back in India at very important stages of their lives.

This is a book which will appeal to all the senses. The author depicts the heat of India so well and also the cold of Scotland. Although, it was also cold in India up in the hills where Tom and Lydia are snowed in over the winter months. It’s an aspect of India I don’t often consider, as it’s a country I always think of as being hot. The food in India in particular sounded delicious. I always enjoy a book that takes me away to another place and, although Ebbsmouth was certainly a more familiar setting, being not far from Edinburgh, I so enjoyed the trip to Raj India.

Family secrets are a big theme in this book and that’s what I enjoyed the most. It was clear to see the effect that these secrets had on young Andrew’s life. Sometimes the secrets had been kept with the best of intentions and sometimes for more devious reasons. As he gradually became aware of them, he really had to rethink a lot of what he thought he knew. Stella had some secrets of her own and my heart really went out to her and the predicament she found herself in.

Although not the main focus of the book, there is a rather lovely romance woven throughout the story too. As a reader, I was fairly sure I knew how this would pan out but it was lovely to see the characters come to this same realisation, a rather beautifully written heartwarming scene.

The historical aspect of the book is also deserving of a mention. As well as taking her readers to a different place, the author is excellent at transporting them to a different time too. This book takes place in the 1930s and 40s, a time when British rule in India and indeed throughout the Empire was rightly being questioned and beginning to reach its end.

The Sapphire Child is a book you can lose yourself in for many hours as you experience life in a different place and a different time. The author obviously has a passion for India as well as personal knowledge and this comes across clearly in her writing. Fans of historical fiction set in exotic climes with a side order of family secrets and love will enjoy this book. A very satisfying read, I do hope there might be another book in this series continuing to follow the lives of these characters.

[Bookfan36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief synopsis from the book cover:

In 1930s Northern India, childhood friends Stella and Andrew have grown up together in the orbit of the majestic Raj Hotel. Spirited Stella has always had a soft spot for boisterous Andrew, though she dreams of meeting a soulmate from outside the close-knit community. But life is turned on its head when one scandal shatters their friendship and another sees her abandoned by the man she thought she loved.

As the Second World War looms, Andrew joins the army to fight for freedom. Meanwhile in India, Stella, reeling from her terrible betrayal, also throws herself into the war effort, volunteering for the Women’s Auxiliary Corps, resigned to living a lonelier life than the one she dreamed of as a child.

When Andrew returns to the East on the eve of battle with Japan, the two former friends are reunited, though bitter experience has changed them. Can they rekindle what they once had or will war demand of their friendship the ultimate sacrifice?

My rating:

Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Women’s Fiction
Historical Fiction



Review:

The book is beautifully written and poignant. The scenery is depicted vividly; it’s not hard to imagine that you are actually there. The book starts a little bit slow but once you are past this, it really captures you and doesn’t let go until the end. The characters are well developed and although I didn’t like all of them, their actions were explained in detail this made them appear realistic. The historical background set in northern India during the 1930s and WII provided an interesting insight into colonial India during this time.

Overall:

This is a well written book, with fascinating characters. The landscape and events are vividly depicted It feels a little like going on a journey back in time. The plot flows well and is easy to follow. This is a great book to escape with for a while.

Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me

[Mrs Annette Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sapphire Child is the long awaited sequel in Raj hotel series. Set in Pindi during the 1930s it carries on the story of Esme and Tom from the first book through the eyes of Stella and Andrew, Tom’s son. The scene shifts from India to Scotland and back again. It follows Andrew’s discovery that all that he believed about his father was not as it seemed. The anger the resentment and lies wash through the story tearing father and son apart. Stella Dubois tries to protect Andrew and his parents while coming to terms with living as an Anglo-Indian trying to find love. Heartbreak, death, and illness lead her away from the Raj Hotel and a secret she must keep. The war intervenes and throws Andrew back into India and the subsequent meeting with his father, Esme and Stella. This begins a turn round in beliefs, feelings and friendships. To say more would spoil the many twists and turns of the second half of the book.
The characters from Book 1 are developed in this book and new characters are introduced not only to keep reappearing but also from her other books so there is a tie in with other stories. Beautiful descriptions of India make it magical and add to the story. Keep a map, a hot drink and sit in a cosy seat as it’s a long read. But don’t be put off, once started it’s hard to put down. It holds your attention as you are wrapped up in the web. Will there be a book 3? I do hope so.

[Maralie Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read for me, I found that i really enjoyed the characters and the uniqueness of the surroundings, being that it primarily took place in India and then the on going events of the war that was included within the story. It was want drew me into reading this one, as it had connections to the World Wars weaved throughout the story, putting yet another perspective on what it may have been like to experience the horror of living during the time of war.

This was a 5 star read for me, meaning that it was one Id reread and it most defiantly made me feel along with the characters as the story unfolded.

Highly recommend this story to those who enjoy a simple and subtle love story, the creation of friendships, family and all other bonds in between, mixed into the events of a world war!
for more in-depth review please check out my book blog.
skysbookblog.wordpress.com

[Helen Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As hoped this followed on beautifully from the first Raj Hotel book, The Emerald Affair, I know that might seem a daft thing to say but sometimes series' of books don't strictly follow on. All the main characters were in it, thankfully some, or should I say, one despite sticking their oar in did not have an impact on the final outcome. As I read this immediately after the previous book, I didn't have to spend time getting back into it, I was already engrossed in the story and the characters and the contrasts of the times and places. I really loved this book despite getting a little emotional right at the end! Now I'm raring to read book 3, The Diamond Daughter! Thinking about how book 2 followed the next generation from the first I have my theory of who book 3 will follow so can't wait to see if I'm right!

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the story is split in two countries India & Scotland.

I hadn't really read anything about India what happened in the Second War II so it was interesting to read about that. They fought hard and the Japanese never made through India.

Andrew is living with his Father and Stepmother in India while in Scotland his Mother lives there, things happen that it is decided to go and stay in Scotland for a holiday this is where circumstances happen to change things for Andrew.

Stella works for Andrew's parents and splits her time between the two hotels they own. Andrew and Stella are friends even though there is 8 years between them Stella being the elder.

I found this a every enjoyable book and would recommend you read the book before and this one.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sapphire Child by Janet MacLeod Trotter was just beautifully written throughout. This new book is the second book in The Raj Hotel series.
I love the way Janet writes. When I open all her books and start to read them, I always become apart of the story. I feel I am apart of The Sapphire Child. This new novel that spans across the ocean between Scotland and India; within a family who have ancestors on both continents and it's a long one. But don't let that put you off.....Before I knew it I was on the last few chapters

I highly recommend this series of book.

Big Thank you to NetGalley,Amazon Publishing Group UK and the author Janet MacLeod Trotter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Reena G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a historical fiction which is set in Scotland and India in the 1930’s. It is a beautiful story about childhood friendship that evolves into love between Andy and Stella. As the war breaks everything changes in their lives. The book is long but one will never get bored of the detailed research the author has done. She describes India and the culture so well that readers will get right away transported into the era of The Raj. Even though it is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. I am looking forward to reading more books in the series. Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Janet MacLeod Trotter for your giveaway which I truly enjoyed. This is my honest review.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sapphire Child is the second book in Janet Trotter’s Raj Hotel Series. Picking up the Lomax family story in 1933, this second book focuses particularly on young Andrew Lomax, Tom’s son. His relationship with childhood friend, Stella Dubois forms the major storyline.

As a 13 year old, Andrew travels to Scotland to be reunited with his estranged mother, Lydia. Through lies and deceit, Lydia turns Andrew against his father and Stella. Only returning to India as a soldier when India is drawn into the second world war, does Andrew start to learn the truth and damage that his mother’s lies have caused.

This is an excellent sequel and a thoroughly enjoyable read especially if you enjoy stories of Colonial India.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Superb Book!

Audio Version - After completing the Emerald Affair and discovering there was a second book I was delighted. The Sapphire Child was every bit as good. Janet Macleod Trotter is an amazing author and I will never forget these two books. Th emotion she brings to the page is outstanding. The audio narration brought the books alive and I could see India in my minds eye through her wonderful descriptions. I also learnt a lot about the war in India and am keen to learn more. I will seek out more to listen to by Janet. I would highly recommended you either read or listen to this two book series. They were truly amazing!

[Vivian Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic and Spellbinding. Amazing Sequel

This book seamlessly followed on from Book 1. It was written with knowledge and passion. The narrative takes you back to a time of unbelievable sacrifice, strength, heartbreak and passion. The writing gives over to your imagination and you feel everything and can believe you are there. I don’t give spoilers read the book that’s why it was written.

Absolutely outstanding book

1 click now you will not be disappointed. Ensure you read Book 1 first

[Melinda Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Raj Hotel Series but i wasn't lost not reading the first one. Stella Dubois works at the hotel her parents run plus at an addition hotel where the owners of both hotels live in the mountains of India. They have a son, Andrew Lomax that is younger than Stella but they are still friends. Andrew"s parents are divorced and his mother lives in Scotland. When she asks for Andrew to come to Scotland for summer vacation Stella is sent as well to be a chaperone. Their travel to Scotland will influence their future forever.
I loved this book for the history as well as the romance.

[Diane Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I hoped and more for the 2nd Raj Hotel series.

Having just finished this book I am feeling lost. I have been totally absorbed from beginning to end in the characters and locations of both Scotland and India. There was such warmth and knowledge of the lives and times that I felt a part of it. I would say it was a complete joy but admit to many tears also. Thank you. I can't wait for a third in the series

[Kate Millin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in Scotland and India before and during WW2

It took a bit of time to get back into the stories of Andrew and Stella. Andrew starts with a fight at school about his father and step mum and Stella is still helping at the two Lorax hotels. This is about how their relationships develop and how teenagers grow to adults with secrets and different views of the past being given to them by Andrews parents, especially his mother living in Scotland.

[Kelly A. Foth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book

This book and its prequel are masterful stories, two of the best I have ever read. ( Considering that I was an English professor for forty-five years puts that assessment into perspective.) The depiction of British India before, during, and after World War II was vividly descriptive, and the characters were so fully developed that I could "see" each one. Be sure to read "The Emerald Affair "first.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book written with an old-fashioned touch that makes me feel like I've known these people and places for a long time. Stella and Andrew are great characters and the people surrounding them are really well depicted. I loved the information regarding India, its move to independence and its participation in WWII. And, I'm going to have to find the earlier book in this series.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[CHud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Raj Hotel series. If you have not yet read the first book in the series, I would recommend reading it first. The Sapphire Child is the story of Stella and Andrew who grow up in 1930's India and Scotland. The story carries over into WWII and details how each of their lives veer apart, only to come together again.

My only criticism would be that the conclusion felt very sudden and last minute.

[Morris-Ken Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series

I learned so much from this book. In life we never know when life will end and in today's time of pandemics I was similar to time of war and we really should tell those we love that we love them greatly no matter the circumstances. I hope that there are more to come with The Raj Hotel

[Jackie White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 of 2 in The Raj series.

This one centres on Stella & Andrew, the next generation.

Includes WW2 and how this affects them all.

Ending was a bit predictable but the way the story got there was well written; I’ve never been to India but could imagine how everything looked from the writer’s descriptions.

[Mr D Woolhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story of loyalty

This is a wonderful story that had me in tears .The love story between Andrew and Stella is amazing and unusual. The main characters of Tom and Esmie are inspiring . Lydia the spoilt young girl who turns into a selfish woman . I hope there is a third book in this series as I never want to stop reading the characters story .

[Susan Baranoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel good story set in WWII India, sequel to The Emerald Affair. Where the first book was beautifully written literature, this was a more simply told romance story. Most of the plot "twists" were obvious, but hoped for. In true Bollywood style (and paraphrasing John Lennon) "Life is like a film, it always has a happy ending and if it's not happy then it's not yet the end."