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The Forgotten Sister
One woman’s secret will shape another’s destiny…
1560: Amy Robsart is trapped in a loveless marriage to Robert Dudley, a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Surrounded by enemies and with nowhere left to turn, Amy hatches a desperate scheme to escape – one with devastating consequences that will echo through the centuries…
Present Day: When Lizzie Kingdom is forced to withdraw from the public eye in a blaze of scandal, it seems her life is over. But she’s about to encounter a young man, Johnny Robsart, whose fate will interlace with hers in the most unexpected of ways. For Johnny is certain that Lizzie is linked to a terrible secret dating back to Tudor times. If Lizzie is brave enough to go in search of the truth, then what she discovers will change the course of their lives forever.
Moving between the Tudor era and the present day,The Forgotten Sister draws on one of history’s most compelling mysteries.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2020
477 people are currently reading
8055 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
222 books1,164 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
July 29, 2021
The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick is a historical mystery with touches of science fiction and paranormal. The story is told in dual timelines from the sixteenth century Tudor era and the current time along with being told from differing points of view.
The timeline in 1560 features Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, who was a member of Queen’s Elizabeth’s court and his wife, Amy Robsart. These characters were real in the Tudor era but they are involved in this story in a fictional take on their lives where Amy and Robert were in a loveless marriage.
In the present time Lizzie Kingdom is a television celebrity who is going through a scandal. Lizzie’s best friend, Dudley Lester, is a rock star who is married to Amelia. Dudley and Amelia are set to divorce when Amelia dies a suspicious death.
As someone who is always attracted to the Tudor era I was curious when I saw that timeline involved in a mystery/paranormal type of story. This was one that the dual timelines flowed well and it was easy to follow as the point of view switched between characters. This novel ended up being the type that had some of the parts that had me totally engaged and loving the story then other parts that just seemed to stall out for me and I didn’t quite like. Overall when I was finished reading The Forgotten Sister I’d say this interesting mix of genres fell in at about three and a half stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The timeline in 1560 features Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, who was a member of Queen’s Elizabeth’s court and his wife, Amy Robsart. These characters were real in the Tudor era but they are involved in this story in a fictional take on their lives where Amy and Robert were in a loveless marriage.
In the present time Lizzie Kingdom is a television celebrity who is going through a scandal. Lizzie’s best friend, Dudley Lester, is a rock star who is married to Amelia. Dudley and Amelia are set to divorce when Amelia dies a suspicious death.
As someone who is always attracted to the Tudor era I was curious when I saw that timeline involved in a mystery/paranormal type of story. This was one that the dual timelines flowed well and it was easy to follow as the point of view switched between characters. This novel ended up being the type that had some of the parts that had me totally engaged and loving the story then other parts that just seemed to stall out for me and I didn’t quite like. Overall when I was finished reading The Forgotten Sister I’d say this interesting mix of genres fell in at about three and a half stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 30, 2020
I was hooked when I read the blurb, "In the tradition of the spellbinding historical novels of Philippa Gregory and Kate Morton comes a stunning story based on a real-life Tudor mystery." Kate Morton is one of my all-time favorite authors, but I should have known I would be disappointed, as every time a book touts "if you love so and so, you will love this one," it always falls short. This one fell WAY short.
This is a dual timeline story that takes place in 16th Century Tudor era and the 21st Century, with a time travel element thrown in for kicks. I love a good time travel plot, but this one had too many other farfetched elements that overshadowed the time travel - the biggest one being that the 21st century characters were named for their Tudor era counterparts, and the situations were massively over-orchestrated in order to interweave them. Not to mention, this is one of those books where the title of the book gives much of the plot away (why do authors do that?!).
For the most part, I enjoyed the Tudor era storyline of Amy Robsart who was married to Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley. Amy is deeply in love with her husband, but Robert is just as deeply in love with his first love, Queen Elizabeth. You know from the prologue that Amy's story ends tragically with her death. If you're a Tudor fan, you know this is all based on true history, and it has always been a fascinating mystery to me. It is the present day storyline that completely falls apart for me, as it centers around girl band has-been, Lizzie Kingdom, who has been best friends with boy band star Dudley Lester for years. Dudley is married to Amelia Robsart, who has always been jealous of the bond between Dudley and Lizzie. Dudley and Amelia are in the process of a divorce when an "accident" happens that mirrors Amy's "accident" in the past. Note the names from the past and present (eye roll). Other reviewers found the name patterns clever, but I found it cheesy. Combined with the title of this book, which totally gives the ending away, it was all disappointing.
Overall, a book with much promise but just fell short on execution. 3 stars.
This is a dual timeline story that takes place in 16th Century Tudor era and the 21st Century, with a time travel element thrown in for kicks. I love a good time travel plot, but this one had too many other farfetched elements that overshadowed the time travel - the biggest one being that the 21st century characters were named for their Tudor era counterparts, and the situations were massively over-orchestrated in order to interweave them. Not to mention, this is one of those books where the title of the book gives much of the plot away (why do authors do that?!).
For the most part, I enjoyed the Tudor era storyline of Amy Robsart who was married to Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley. Amy is deeply in love with her husband, but Robert is just as deeply in love with his first love, Queen Elizabeth. You know from the prologue that Amy's story ends tragically with her death. If you're a Tudor fan, you know this is all based on true history, and it has always been a fascinating mystery to me. It is the present day storyline that completely falls apart for me, as it centers around girl band has-been, Lizzie Kingdom, who has been best friends with boy band star Dudley Lester for years. Dudley is married to Amelia Robsart, who has always been jealous of the bond between Dudley and Lizzie. Dudley and Amelia are in the process of a divorce when an "accident" happens that mirrors Amy's "accident" in the past. Note the names from the past and present (eye roll). Other reviewers found the name patterns clever, but I found it cheesy. Combined with the title of this book, which totally gives the ending away, it was all disappointing.
Overall, a book with much promise but just fell short on execution. 3 stars.
April 19, 2020
This is a duel timeline story that's told from 16th century Tudor times and the present day. It centres around the mysterious death of Amy Robsart. Amy was married to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
Dudley Lester and Amelia Robsart are set to divorce. But she's found dead at the bottom of the stairs. The same way Amy had been found centuries ago.
This story has a duel timeline that blend Historical and modern day stories. It revolves around the mysterious death of Amy Robsart. The past is told from Amy's perspective whilst the present is told by Lizzie Kingdom. I did find the story hard to get into at first as the pace is quite slow and confusing. But once I got into it I really enjoyed it. There is quite a lot of characters to try and remember. This is an interesting and thought provoking read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Nicola Cornick for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dudley Lester and Amelia Robsart are set to divorce. But she's found dead at the bottom of the stairs. The same way Amy had been found centuries ago.
This story has a duel timeline that blend Historical and modern day stories. It revolves around the mysterious death of Amy Robsart. The past is told from Amy's perspective whilst the present is told by Lizzie Kingdom. I did find the story hard to get into at first as the pace is quite slow and confusing. But once I got into it I really enjoyed it. There is quite a lot of characters to try and remember. This is an interesting and thought provoking read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Nicola Cornick for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
Engaging, mysterious, and immersive!
The Forgotten Sister is an intriguing time-slip novel set in England during both the sixteenth century as well as present-day and is told from two different perspectives, Amy Robsart, the wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester whose untimely death is laced with suspicion and doubt, and Lizzie Kingdom, a young star who after getting mixed up in a scandal where history seems to be repeating itself uses her psychometric abilities to uncover what truly happened.
The writing is eloquent and smooth. The characters are complex, troubled, and endearing. And the plot using a past/present, back-and-forth style captivates and entertains as it sweeps you away into a suspenseful tale of life, loss, love, familial responsibility, duty, honour, betrayal, friendship, passion, mystery, and a silver of the supernatural.
Overall, The Forgotten Sister is another well-paced, creative, entertaining novel by Cornick that does a wonderful job of interweaving a satisfying blend of historical facts, compelling fiction, budding romance, and a touch of magic.
Thank you to HTP Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Forgotten Sister is an intriguing time-slip novel set in England during both the sixteenth century as well as present-day and is told from two different perspectives, Amy Robsart, the wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester whose untimely death is laced with suspicion and doubt, and Lizzie Kingdom, a young star who after getting mixed up in a scandal where history seems to be repeating itself uses her psychometric abilities to uncover what truly happened.
The writing is eloquent and smooth. The characters are complex, troubled, and endearing. And the plot using a past/present, back-and-forth style captivates and entertains as it sweeps you away into a suspenseful tale of life, loss, love, familial responsibility, duty, honour, betrayal, friendship, passion, mystery, and a silver of the supernatural.
Overall, The Forgotten Sister is another well-paced, creative, entertaining novel by Cornick that does a wonderful job of interweaving a satisfying blend of historical facts, compelling fiction, budding romance, and a touch of magic.
Thank you to HTP Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2021
Lost interest... sorry it was ME, not the book.
December 1, 2020
3.75 stars.
Nicola Cornick has done it again. This was riveting and compelling, forcing me to stay up way past my bedtime to finish it. It would've been a 4+ star read had the historical plot and the modern day one not been so closely aligned. As it was, though, I found it very interesting with well rendered, flawed characters. Both female protagonists were so realistic I couldn't help but feel for their struggles and private pain.
Nicola Cornick has done it again. This was riveting and compelling, forcing me to stay up way past my bedtime to finish it. It would've been a 4+ star read had the historical plot and the modern day one not been so closely aligned. As it was, though, I found it very interesting with well rendered, flawed characters. Both female protagonists were so realistic I couldn't help but feel for their struggles and private pain.
May 2, 2020
Lizzie Kingdom is a children's TV presenter, and her best friend from school, Dudley Lester, is the lead singer in a rock band. When Dudley's wife Amelia dies in mysterious circumstances Dudley and Lizzie fall under suspicion. But there are parallels with events which happened in Tudor times where Amelia's ancestor Amy was married to Robert Dudley, first Earl of Leicester and lover of Queen Elizabeth.
Alternating between Lizzie's POV in the present day and Amy's POV in the 1500s we learn of how Amy Robsart married Robert Dudley but all too soon her husband's obsession with his childhood friend the Princess Elizabeth draws them into the often lethal politics after the death of Henry VIII. How Amy and her sister Anna sit on opposite sides of the religious division, Anna married to a papist supporter of Princess Mary and Robert Dudley's family supporting Lady Jane Grey and Princess Elizabeth.
In the present day Lizzie comes to realise that she has put her trust in the wrong people, things are not what they seem, and it falls on her to uncover the truth about the Robsart family and a pattern that has repeated itself throughout history.
I guessed the truth behind Amelia's death quite early on, but I really enjoyed the insights into the political machinations of Dudley and his family, the way in which a family could rise to power one minute and then be locked in the Tower of London the next.
Part history lesson, part mystery, part romance this was an engaging read that kept me on tenterhooks right to the end.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release
Alternating between Lizzie's POV in the present day and Amy's POV in the 1500s we learn of how Amy Robsart married Robert Dudley but all too soon her husband's obsession with his childhood friend the Princess Elizabeth draws them into the often lethal politics after the death of Henry VIII. How Amy and her sister Anna sit on opposite sides of the religious division, Anna married to a papist supporter of Princess Mary and Robert Dudley's family supporting Lady Jane Grey and Princess Elizabeth.
In the present day Lizzie comes to realise that she has put her trust in the wrong people, things are not what they seem, and it falls on her to uncover the truth about the Robsart family and a pattern that has repeated itself throughout history.
I guessed the truth behind Amelia's death quite early on, but I really enjoyed the insights into the political machinations of Dudley and his family, the way in which a family could rise to power one minute and then be locked in the Tower of London the next.
Part history lesson, part mystery, part romance this was an engaging read that kept me on tenterhooks right to the end.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release
May 5, 2020
There’s nothing I like better than a good dual timeline mystery and Nicola is one of my favourite authors for this genre.
In The Forgotten Sister the author has taken a real historical mystery and made an intriguing story out if it. I really enjoyed learning more about Amy Robsart and her horrible, callous husband Robert Dudley, particularly as I think there was more to Amy than history has given her credit for. The characters really seem to come to life with real character traits that they were known to have being included into the story. The fact that the modern characters seemed like the historical characters reincarnated was well done and made the story very interesting.
The amount of historical details in this book was brilliant and I enjoyed learning more about Elizabethan England. Amy and Robert were two characters that I hadn’t heard of before so it was especially interesting learning more about their lives and the legacy they left behind. As always it was the little everyday details which made the book for me as I always find it fascinating to see how different life was back then compared to now. I spent a few hours looking up Amy and Robert on the internet and learning more about her mysterious death.
I was engrossed in this story from the start and found the book very hard to put down. It isn’t immediately clear what the links between the two timelines are and I enjoyed trying to work out how they were connected. The supernatural element of the story was a nice touch and helped add an unusual element to the story as it was done in a very believable way.
Huge thanks to HQ for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
In The Forgotten Sister the author has taken a real historical mystery and made an intriguing story out if it. I really enjoyed learning more about Amy Robsart and her horrible, callous husband Robert Dudley, particularly as I think there was more to Amy than history has given her credit for. The characters really seem to come to life with real character traits that they were known to have being included into the story. The fact that the modern characters seemed like the historical characters reincarnated was well done and made the story very interesting.
The amount of historical details in this book was brilliant and I enjoyed learning more about Elizabethan England. Amy and Robert were two characters that I hadn’t heard of before so it was especially interesting learning more about their lives and the legacy they left behind. As always it was the little everyday details which made the book for me as I always find it fascinating to see how different life was back then compared to now. I spent a few hours looking up Amy and Robert on the internet and learning more about her mysterious death.
I was engrossed in this story from the start and found the book very hard to put down. It isn’t immediately clear what the links between the two timelines are and I enjoyed trying to work out how they were connected. The supernatural element of the story was a nice touch and helped add an unusual element to the story as it was done in a very believable way.
Huge thanks to HQ for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
Read
July 9, 20211752 Prologue Amy Robsart mentions her enemy Elizabeth
2010 Lizzie @ BFF Dudley’s wedding to Amelia. Lizzie meets Arthur & Johnny
1549 Amy is pining for Dudley
Present day Lizzie + BFF Dudley - Amelia has died in suspicious circumstances falling down the stairs
1550 Amy mentions half-brother Arthur & brother John
Way too much jumping around for me. Names all too obvious. Anyway, I didn’t like Lizzie.
2010 Lizzie @ BFF Dudley’s wedding to Amelia. Lizzie meets Arthur & Johnny
1549 Amy is pining for Dudley
Present day Lizzie + BFF Dudley - Amelia has died in suspicious circumstances falling down the stairs
1550 Amy mentions half-brother Arthur & brother John
Way too much jumping around for me. Names all too obvious. Anyway, I didn’t like Lizzie.
November 9, 2020
Blog Tour: November 10th
September 13, 2020
Book: The Forgotten Sister
Author: Nicola Cornick
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Graydon House, for providing me with an ARC.
This one is a rather difficult one for me to rate. On the one hand, I had a great time reading this. On the other, I really didn’t. I think a lot of it had to do with the pacing. I found the first half of the book to be very boring. Nothing really happened until at least the halfway point and it was really annoying to have to wait that long to actually be hooked. If you are going to try to hook your readers, you need to have something to hook your readers and make them want to keep reading. I just didn’t get that here. I felt like the author was trying to hook us with the murders, but it wasn’t enough.
The murder hook didn’t work for a couple of reasons. The first reason was that it happened so early in the book that we didn’t really have a chance to feel a connection to the characters. This is supposed to be a love triangle. Yes, it is told in two times and two points of views. Yes, I am fully away that it does follow history. However, had I not known the backstory, I don’t think I would had been able to grasp what was actually going on. I think that had the murders happened a little bit later in the story, giving us a time to actually bond and feel something for the characters, then the events would have had a much greater impact. I just felt like it was missing that punch that we needed.
I think a lot of it comes back to the writing as well. I did feel something, but, again, with all of the gossip and whatnot, it felt like it was missing something. I know some people have said that and I agree. I think it would have met more had we also had the men’s point of view. They are the ones dealing with backlash and suffering. I’m not saying that the women didn’t have it, but their point of view just seemed shallow. Had we gotten the men’s point of view, I think the point would have been driven home a lot more and a lot harder.
I really did like the characters and getting to see the dual histories. I think that this was done pretty well. I liked that in both the now and then that we got to see the backlash of the actions and see just how the females wanted to be the males and how the males were keeping them away. I liked this and getting to see the women struggle with it was amazing. Again, had we gotten some of the men’s point of view, I think it would have driven the point home even more.
I really did kind of struggle with rating this one. I went back and forth between a two and three star rating. I did decide to settle on a two star because there really a lot of things that just didn’t work for me.
This book comes out on November 10, 2020.
Author: Nicola Cornick
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Graydon House, for providing me with an ARC.
This one is a rather difficult one for me to rate. On the one hand, I had a great time reading this. On the other, I really didn’t. I think a lot of it had to do with the pacing. I found the first half of the book to be very boring. Nothing really happened until at least the halfway point and it was really annoying to have to wait that long to actually be hooked. If you are going to try to hook your readers, you need to have something to hook your readers and make them want to keep reading. I just didn’t get that here. I felt like the author was trying to hook us with the murders, but it wasn’t enough.
The murder hook didn’t work for a couple of reasons. The first reason was that it happened so early in the book that we didn’t really have a chance to feel a connection to the characters. This is supposed to be a love triangle. Yes, it is told in two times and two points of views. Yes, I am fully away that it does follow history. However, had I not known the backstory, I don’t think I would had been able to grasp what was actually going on. I think that had the murders happened a little bit later in the story, giving us a time to actually bond and feel something for the characters, then the events would have had a much greater impact. I just felt like it was missing that punch that we needed.
I think a lot of it comes back to the writing as well. I did feel something, but, again, with all of the gossip and whatnot, it felt like it was missing something. I know some people have said that and I agree. I think it would have met more had we also had the men’s point of view. They are the ones dealing with backlash and suffering. I’m not saying that the women didn’t have it, but their point of view just seemed shallow. Had we gotten the men’s point of view, I think the point would have been driven home a lot more and a lot harder.
I really did like the characters and getting to see the dual histories. I think that this was done pretty well. I liked that in both the now and then that we got to see the backlash of the actions and see just how the females wanted to be the males and how the males were keeping them away. I liked this and getting to see the women struggle with it was amazing. Again, had we gotten some of the men’s point of view, I think it would have driven the point home even more.
I really did kind of struggle with rating this one. I went back and forth between a two and three star rating. I did decide to settle on a two star because there really a lot of things that just didn’t work for me.
This book comes out on November 10, 2020.
June 3, 2020
Brilliant. Didn't want to put it down! Beautifully written.
Loved the two stories - Amy Robsart in 1560 and Lizzie Kingdom in the present day, and how their lives are entwined. (But you don't quite see until the end of the book... so cleverly done.)
I don't want to say too much, just read it! It has everything; history, magic; time travel, mystery, and of course, romance!
Loved the two stories - Amy Robsart in 1560 and Lizzie Kingdom in the present day, and how their lives are entwined. (But you don't quite see until the end of the book... so cleverly done.)
I don't want to say too much, just read it! It has everything; history, magic; time travel, mystery, and of course, romance!
April 30, 2020
The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick is a marvellous time-slip novel that has its roots in fact. The story has two time periods – 1550’s and present day. Actual historical figures are within the tale including Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley. They were both familiar to me as a historian.
The novel is an exciting read as both stories run parallel, causing the reader to read with heart racing. As the action flows, we are powerless to prevent the conclusion.
I loved the characters. They were well drawn and realistic. The leading ladies were very likable and easy to empathise with. A couple of characters elicited feelings of dislike as my emotions were guided by the pen of Nicola Cornick.
I was familiar with many of the locations. It gave me a thrill to read of Hales Owen in Worcestershire, as we actually go to Lifecentral, a church in Halesowen.
I always love Nicola Cornick’s novels. They thrill, entertain and educate me. I can never put them down (except to sleep!)
The Forgotten Sister is a fabulous read that I can highly recommend.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel is an exciting read as both stories run parallel, causing the reader to read with heart racing. As the action flows, we are powerless to prevent the conclusion.
I loved the characters. They were well drawn and realistic. The leading ladies were very likable and easy to empathise with. A couple of characters elicited feelings of dislike as my emotions were guided by the pen of Nicola Cornick.
I was familiar with many of the locations. It gave me a thrill to read of Hales Owen in Worcestershire, as we actually go to Lifecentral, a church in Halesowen.
I always love Nicola Cornick’s novels. They thrill, entertain and educate me. I can never put them down (except to sleep!)
The Forgotten Sister is a fabulous read that I can highly recommend.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 15, 2020
The Forgotten Sister is told in dual timelines. In 1560, we follow Amy who is in a bad marriage with Robert Dudley. Robert is infatuated with the queen. All Amy wants is to escape her life. In the present day, we follow Lizzie who finds herself at the center of a scandal.
This ended up being a mixed bag for me. I liked Lizzie's timeline more than Amy's. I felt more invested in her. Amy came across as unlikable to me. I just didn't have much sympathy for her and felt like she made poor decisions. There is a paranormal element to the story. That was probably my favorite part of the book and I wish it was explored more. When the book ended, I just felt kind of indifferent. It wasn't a waste of time, but it isn't one I will remember for a long time. Give it a try. Maybe it will resonate more with you.
December 7, 2020
I think this will be my last Nicole Cornick book. I love historical fiction and I like the dual storyline of past and present. The past storyline was about Amy Dudley who I don't know much about so that interested me. The problem was with the present storyline. The girl was supposed to represent a modern Elizabeth (all of the names from the past were repeated which became confusing). The annoying part was that she was telepathic and there was also a time traveler. I just don't think the supernatural elements are necessary and it ruined the book for me.
August 30, 2020
A really compellingly structured time slip with an insightful look at celebrity culture as the royalty of today.
January 20, 2021
On one hand, I really loved that the book centered around Amy Dudley and her story, since I've never read anything about her. Amy Dudley was married to Robert Dudley, who was Queen Elizabeth I's "favorite" which meant she had a longstanding affair with him but did not want to marry him. (Real life drama!) On the other hand, this book has been compared to Philippa Gregory's sweeping historical fictions, and I don't really think that's a good comparison.
The story unfolds in alternating times: the 1500's, centering around Amy Dudley, and present day, centering around Lizzie Kingdom. Lizzie is a famous television personality who finds herself being investigated in the murder of Amelia, who was married to her best friend Dudley.
So the two timelines are related and have similar character names, but it isn't really apparent how they're related into well into the story. Things started out slow and then built up a lot around the middle, and then felt really jumbled toward the end as the big reveals started happening. I think things would have been better for me had the story not had a bit of a magical/supernatural/time travel aspect, but I think there are other readers who will really like that part. I also think that the alternation of the time periods kept me from being fully immersed in either storyline because I was pulled back and forth so often.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to look into Queen Elizabeth I's time. (I stopped reading to go do some research on my own, which I always enjoy.) However, I didn't really feel emotionally attached to anyone and I never really felt like I was there watching the story unfold around me.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Harlequin/Graydon House!
The story unfolds in alternating times: the 1500's, centering around Amy Dudley, and present day, centering around Lizzie Kingdom. Lizzie is a famous television personality who finds herself being investigated in the murder of Amelia, who was married to her best friend Dudley.
So the two timelines are related and have similar character names, but it isn't really apparent how they're related into well into the story. Things started out slow and then built up a lot around the middle, and then felt really jumbled toward the end as the big reveals started happening. I think things would have been better for me had the story not had a bit of a magical/supernatural/time travel aspect, but I think there are other readers who will really like that part. I also think that the alternation of the time periods kept me from being fully immersed in either storyline because I was pulled back and forth so often.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to look into Queen Elizabeth I's time. (I stopped reading to go do some research on my own, which I always enjoy.) However, I didn't really feel emotionally attached to anyone and I never really felt like I was there watching the story unfold around me.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Harlequin/Graydon House!
April 25, 2021
Inspired by the untimely death of Amy Robsart, wife to Robert Dudley, the Queen‘s favorite. The story has always sat with me wrong. It’s caused me to think ill of Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley. I can’t imagine that I am that different from people of the time, and I have always looked upon Amy as a victim of circumstance. This book has dual timelines, which I generally do not care for, but I thought it was woven well in this instance. That said, the end got thick with gobbledygook as I neared the end
November 3, 2020
Thank you to the publisher, Graydon House Books, for providing me with an ARC of The Forgotten Sister in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
I was intrigued by the duality of the narration The Forgotten Sister promised to offer. One part historical fiction plus one part contemporary fiction makes for an interesting read for sure.
Throw in the promise of a murder mystery, a ghost and a special gift and I’m all yours.
The Details
I did not particularly like the two main characters. I thought they were both very self-absorbed, but at least they admitted as much and didn’t pretend otherwise.
The problem with a dual narrative is that each chapter swings from one storyline to the other. So, there are constant breaks in the narrative.
This creates a greater challenge in keeping the reader’s interest and attention as well as being able to create characters that are worth our time reading about.
I found that the story kept it very safe with regards to developing the two main characters. Whatever personality trait had been established at the beginning was kept just as is; nothing new was added that could enhance the complexity of the character.
There were also a lot of different elements thrown at the reader right at the beginning that took a long time to either surface again or really get established.
A few interesting snippets are dangled in front of us like a carrot on the stick that are suppose to have us continue to read until it gets to the good part.
The good parts came rather late in The Forgotten Sister. The first half was slow moving, had a lot of breaks within one storyline, while the other just kept circling around one point.
It got a little repetitive.
As well, if I hadn’t already been a little familiar with the Tudor reign, the one storyline would have been a quite over my head and confusing.
I thought the writing was very good. It was clear and concise and easy to follow from a technical point of view.
The Verdict
Overall, The Forgotten Sister had a lot of potential and the idea was a very good one. I just hoped for a little more focus in the story.
I would suggest it.
ElliotScribbles
The Gist
I was intrigued by the duality of the narration The Forgotten Sister promised to offer. One part historical fiction plus one part contemporary fiction makes for an interesting read for sure.
Throw in the promise of a murder mystery, a ghost and a special gift and I’m all yours.
The Details
I did not particularly like the two main characters. I thought they were both very self-absorbed, but at least they admitted as much and didn’t pretend otherwise.
The problem with a dual narrative is that each chapter swings from one storyline to the other. So, there are constant breaks in the narrative.
This creates a greater challenge in keeping the reader’s interest and attention as well as being able to create characters that are worth our time reading about.
I found that the story kept it very safe with regards to developing the two main characters. Whatever personality trait had been established at the beginning was kept just as is; nothing new was added that could enhance the complexity of the character.
There were also a lot of different elements thrown at the reader right at the beginning that took a long time to either surface again or really get established.
A few interesting snippets are dangled in front of us like a carrot on the stick that are suppose to have us continue to read until it gets to the good part.
The good parts came rather late in The Forgotten Sister. The first half was slow moving, had a lot of breaks within one storyline, while the other just kept circling around one point.
It got a little repetitive.
As well, if I hadn’t already been a little familiar with the Tudor reign, the one storyline would have been a quite over my head and confusing.
I thought the writing was very good. It was clear and concise and easy to follow from a technical point of view.
The Verdict
Overall, The Forgotten Sister had a lot of potential and the idea was a very good one. I just hoped for a little more focus in the story.
I would suggest it.
ElliotScribbles
October 4, 2020
Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley, Tudor England with a modern twist and a curse. What’s not to love I ask you? Not. One. Darn. Thing. That’s what.
Thanks to NC for breaking my ho-hum book slump. You are a treasure, Ms. Cornick! A real treasure. Write faster.
NOTE: The romance element for the modern counterparts of this dual timeline is drawn with a light, subtle hand. Just my style actually but may not suit others I know.
Thanks to NC for breaking my ho-hum book slump. You are a treasure, Ms. Cornick! A real treasure. Write faster.
NOTE: The romance element for the modern counterparts of this dual timeline is drawn with a light, subtle hand. Just my style actually but may not suit others I know.
January 21, 2020
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time! The Forgotten Sister has everything you want from a time slip story and it was utterly, utterly brilliant!!! I've been a complete bore, totally ignoring my family since I started reading it, but I really didn't want to put it down. The author has managed to incorporate the story of Amy Robsart (wife of Robert Dudley in Tudor times) so cleverly with the characters in the present, and I love her take on Amy’s death – it definitely rang true. It was great to see Amy as feisty too and not just a doormat, even if that was the persona the world saw, plus witness the true callousness of her husband. And most of all, I loved the love story in the present – that was the icing on the cake for me! These characters will stay in my mind for a long time. Highly recommended!
November 4, 2020
4.5 Stars Rounded Up! This book is SO GOOD! It is intriguing, moving, heart-wrenching, thrilling, and so much more. Whenever I picked up "The Forgotten Sister", I was whisked away on an emotional journey, and was hooked from the first page to the last.
This is the second book I have read by Nicola Cornick, and oh I love her books! She truly knows how to bring a story to life. She brilliantly weaves together various aspects of a mystery until each and every puzzle piece comes in to place, and she keeps you holding your breath until the last moments. Her characters all feel so incredibly real; from the historical figures she brings to life to her fictional characters, all of their wants, fears, desires, and hopes are so clear and so-well written.
This book is split between the 16th Century Tudor Era and the 21st Century. Ms. Cornick draws from the question of the historical mystery surrounding Amy Dudley's death. Although we may never know the circumstances surrounding her death, and what was the actual cause, Ms. Cornick has created a story in which the past mirrors the present and future. Is there a correlation between past events in people's lives continuing into the future? If so, are the threads of the past forever woven into these character's lives, or is there a way for them to break the pattern? You will just have to read to find out!
If you enjoy historical fiction, and / or dual-timeline novels, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages late into the early morning hours as I could not wait to see what happened next. I truly was on the edge of my seat, and there are quite a few twists and turns that made my mouth drop, and I was kept guessing on the connections of everything up until the very end.
Thank you so much to the author, Nicola Cornick, for sending me the ARC of this book, I so enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the second book I have read by Nicola Cornick, and oh I love her books! She truly knows how to bring a story to life. She brilliantly weaves together various aspects of a mystery until each and every puzzle piece comes in to place, and she keeps you holding your breath until the last moments. Her characters all feel so incredibly real; from the historical figures she brings to life to her fictional characters, all of their wants, fears, desires, and hopes are so clear and so-well written.
This book is split between the 16th Century Tudor Era and the 21st Century. Ms. Cornick draws from the question of the historical mystery surrounding Amy Dudley's death. Although we may never know the circumstances surrounding her death, and what was the actual cause, Ms. Cornick has created a story in which the past mirrors the present and future. Is there a correlation between past events in people's lives continuing into the future? If so, are the threads of the past forever woven into these character's lives, or is there a way for them to break the pattern? You will just have to read to find out!
If you enjoy historical fiction, and / or dual-timeline novels, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages late into the early morning hours as I could not wait to see what happened next. I truly was on the edge of my seat, and there are quite a few twists and turns that made my mouth drop, and I was kept guessing on the connections of everything up until the very end.
Thank you so much to the author, Nicola Cornick, for sending me the ARC of this book, I so enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 16, 2021
Although it took me around 3 months to read this book, I really, really enjoyed it.
I loved both stories, the one in the past and the one in the present. I loved the characters.
I loved the setting. I loved the writing. I loved their lives and their challenges.
And I loved the little mystical side of the story.
I loved both stories, the one in the past and the one in the present. I loved the characters.
I loved the setting. I loved the writing. I loved their lives and their challenges.
And I loved the little mystical side of the story.
November 12, 2020
Nicola Cornick always writes books I enjoy. She has such well developed characters that one can relate to and this book was no exception. Could not put it down and it keep me up late reading. Highly recommend for any historical fiction/mystery fan.
January 2, 2021
First off, I made a few incorrect assumptions based on the cover photo and title of this book:
1) it was going to be a terrible book and boring
2) it was going to be similar to something from Jane Austen (which would be terrible)
3) it was a love story
I’m glad to report it wasn’t most of those things (there was some underlying love stories).
I enjoyed trying to figure out what the twist was throughout the book. In fact, in doing so, I came up with a few creative plot lines of my own that may have been better than the real one. I won’t spoil anything here.
Overall, a slightly better than average book, 4 stars.
1) it was going to be a terrible book and boring
2) it was going to be similar to something from Jane Austen (which would be terrible)
3) it was a love story
I’m glad to report it wasn’t most of those things (there was some underlying love stories).
I enjoyed trying to figure out what the twist was throughout the book. In fact, in doing so, I came up with a few creative plot lines of my own that may have been better than the real one. I won’t spoil anything here.
Overall, a slightly better than average book, 4 stars.
January 6, 2022
At first I did not care for the juxtaposition of past and present, it seemed like too much "name dropping", but I did enjoy the story, and what I learned about Amy Robsart. She certainly was and still is , pushed aside in history
December 28, 2024
i ❤️ the metaphysical!
a little too telling rather than showing sometimes but otherwise a stunning novel, just intricate enough to keep you engaged but not so confusing that i got frustrated.
a little too telling rather than showing sometimes but otherwise a stunning novel, just intricate enough to keep you engaged but not so confusing that i got frustrated.
December 18, 2020
Historical fiction with a twist. I was drawn to the cover of this book but unfortunately the story was not quite as good. The story alternates between modern day Lizzie and Amy, Robert Dudley's wife in 1560. Knowing of course Tudor history, it was interesting to see the story from Amy's perspective. It was also interesting to read the modern day parallels with a little mysticism thrown in. However some parts did drag. Overall, an o.k. book.
September 23, 2021
Hundreds of years ago, Amy Robsart fell to her death down a flight of stairs in a terrible accident...or was it murder? Fast forward to the modern age to meet a cast of characters who bear an uncanny resemblance to their Tudor namesakes and you have all the ingredients for a brilliant compelling read.
This is the first book by Nicola Cornick I have read and I'm hooked!
February 27, 2021
What an utter disappointment. This is the 3rd(?) book this year with an interesting premise but horrible execution.
🌙 Too much exposition. There was so much telling and not enough showing.
🌙 This dual timeline stuff didn’t work here. Everything felt so unbalanced.
🌙 Ending made no sense. The twist made even less sense because we didn’t actually *see* what was happening. We were just told, “Oh yeah this happened and then this happened and oh look back to the other timeline.” MADE NO SENSE!!
🌙 Props to the narrator for the audiobook though. Have to give them credit.
🌙 I can’t decide if I hated the characters in the present or past more — but hard to make a judgement on stick figures ya know?
I’m giving this book a F and 1 stars. Definitely don’t recommend this book to anyone.
🌙 Too much exposition. There was so much telling and not enough showing.
🌙 This dual timeline stuff didn’t work here. Everything felt so unbalanced.
🌙 Ending made no sense. The twist made even less sense because we didn’t actually *see* what was happening. We were just told, “Oh yeah this happened and then this happened and oh look back to the other timeline.” MADE NO SENSE!!
🌙 Props to the narrator for the audiobook though. Have to give them credit.
🌙 I can’t decide if I hated the characters in the present or past more — but hard to make a judgement on stick figures ya know?
I’m giving this book a F and 1 stars. Definitely don’t recommend this book to anyone.
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