The Light Within Us

The Spindrift Trilogy #1

by Charlotte Betts

' A delightful historical saga which is so beautifully woven together that from the very start I was enchanted ' Jaffa Reads TooFrom the award-winning author of The Apothecary's Daughter comes a beautifully evocative, family drama, perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet Chronicles .1891. Spindrift House, Cornwall.Talented painter Edith Fairchild is poised to begin a life of newlywed bliss and artistic creation in the inspiring setting of Spindrift House, freshly inherited by her charming husband, Benedict, and overlooking the stunning harbour of Port Isaac. But when her honeymoon turns sour, her dreams are all but dashed and after a moment of madness and desire she finds herself pregnant with another man's child.Edith swears never to tell her secret and devotes herself to her art. Joined at Spindrift House by her friends - Clarissa, Dora and the secret father of her child, Pascal - together they turn the house into a budding artists' community. But despite their dreams of an idyllic way of life creating beauty by the sea, it becomes clear that all is not perfect within their tight-knit community, and that the weight of their secrets could threaten to tear apart their paradise forever...Why do readers love Charlotte Betts?' This book was a pleasure to read, from beginning to end. A story in which to lose yourself, and become part of the community... It's Spindrift House against the world, and you'll be one of them, every step of the way! ' Terri Nixon' I loved this book . . . The Light Within Us is a real page-turner, and I'm very much looking forward to reading the next stage of the journey through the lives of those who inhabit Spindrift House. Highly recommended ' Liz Harris' I can't even begin to explain how much I loved this book. I really wasn't expecting to get so invested in these character's lives... but WOW. I thought this would just be a simple love story, but it is SO MUCH MORE than that ' Rainy Reads' Written with flair, style and confidence, The Light Within Us . . . touches the heart and lifts the spirit ' Bookish Jotting s' The Light Within Us is a book that captivated me from start to finish. Rich in detail, full of passion this is a delightful and fascinating read. I really can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the trilogy ' Book Literati'Romantic, engaging and hugely satisfying' Katie Fforde'A highly-recommended novel of love, tragedy and the power of art' Daily Mail'I was captivated by this moving, heart-warming and beautifully woven story - gripping, atmospheric, eloquently told and full of rich detail' Kate Furnivall

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2020

About the author

Charlotte Betts discovered a passion for writing after her five children had grown up and left her in peace. Demanding careers in hotel design and property force her to be inventive in finding time to write but she has achieved seven novels in eight years. One of her short stories was published in Scribble and others short-listed by Writers’ News and Real Writers’. She has won first prize in five short story competitions and wrote a regular column on interior design for The Maidenhead Advertiser for two years. She is a member of WordWatchers http://www.wordwatchers.net/ and the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Reviews

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction sagas are one of my favourite genres and Cornwall is one my favourite locales. The first of three books, THE LIGHT WITHIN US by Charlotte Betts has got the trilogy off to a fantastic start and I cannot wait for the next one "The Fading of the Light". The only problem is that I now have to wait till January 2021!

Beginning in 1891, Edith marries her beloved Benedict and the couple honeymoon in the South of France with a group of their artist friends from the Slade. An interesting way to spend one's honeymoon - though not unheard of in Victorian times - they meet Pascal, cousin to one of their friends Wilfred, staying at his beautiful villa in Provence. The group spend their time painting, sketching, eating and drinking and basically having a wonderful time.

Having not long graduated from the Slade, Edith begins sketching in an attempt to find her niche whilst her new husband Benedict spends his time laughing and drinking and pretty much anything but painting. When he does produce something, Edith feels it is lacking and somewhat wooden but when she verbally makes this observation, Benedict is enraged and mortified. He in turn decides to ignore his wife until she apologises, humiliating her at every turn. The honeymoon now over, Edith devotes all her energy to painting with some delightful results.

Then one afternoon, missing the closeness she shared with her husband, Edith goes in search of Benedict to try and put their differences aside and move forward in their marriage. What she didn't expect was to walk in on something so shocking, leaving her both humiliated and ashamed by the discovery that in her distress she finds herself in the comfort of another's arms. By the time the group return to Cornwall, Edith finds herself pregnant with his child.

Too ashamed to reveal her secret, Edith resolves to reconcile with Benedict in the hope he will accept the child as his own. By this time, Benedict has shown that he is not the man Edith had thought him to be and so she makes the best of things by devoting herself to her art and creating a community of artists at Spindrift House.

Soon after the friends arrive, they discover the truth behind Benedict's inheritance of Spindrift House and are soon ostracised by the locals, the source of which coming from the Penroses of Cliff House whose family had once owned Spindrift House. For once, Benedict is not to blame but that doesn't stop vicious gossip being spread about the artists living a depraved and bohemian lifestyle.

The story revolves primarily around Edith and Benedict and the difficulties in their marriage, along with their friends who live in the remote house just outside of Port Isaac. Each friend has their own unique talent and shine in their own particular way. Clarissa finds her niche in designing jewelery from sea glass, Dora becomes an illustrator of children's stories whilst Pascal, like Benedict and Edith, is a painter. Benedict, however, has always been jealous of his wife's talent as a better artist than he is.

Benedict is a volatile and disagreeable character who is both lazy and envious of Edith's greater talent. He spends more time drinking and cavorting at the local pub than painting and soon funds are fast depleting that the group must find a way to bring more income into Spindrift House. Edith decides to open the house to other artists, renting out rooms and outbuildings, and open a gallery for passing tourists. However life at Spindrift House was never going to be easy as the community of friends and artists find themselves facing eviction and poverty as well as being ostracised by a number of shopkeepers and residents in the village. But Edith is determined to find a way to keep them at Spindrift House and the threat of eviction far from reality.

THE LIGHT WITHIN US is well told tale that spans several years approaching the end of the 19th century. It is meticulously researched with a wonderful backdrop that brings life to both the story and the characters, each of whom are all carefully developed. Pascal, the French artist, is likable from the start who always seems to be there for Edith when her husband clearly is not. Dora, who did not grow up in the social circles of class as her friends, teaches them all to cook and how to keep house and who becomes one of the most dependable characters in the story. Clarissa, I did not like at the beginning, but her story unfolds we discover she is nursing a secret backstory that will break your heart. There are the other artists who also move into their community - Wilfred, Julian, Augustus and spinster sisters Mabel and Maude (I think?) - who band together when Edith needs them most. Tension is supplied by the vindictive neighbours, the Penroses, along with another secret that lingers on the edge of the story.

An absorbing and compelling tale, THE LIGHT WITHIN USis wonderful easy to read book, with the most difficult thing about it is not being able to put it down!

A poignant and engrossing read, THE LIGHT WITHIN US is a fascinating story that I strongly recommend for lovers of historical fiction. As the first in the trilogy, I cannot wait for the next one to see where Edith and her friend's stories lead.

My first read by Charlotte Betts and it won't be my last!

I would like to thank #CharlotteBetts, #NetGalley and #Piatkus for an ARC of #TheLightWithinUs in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Deborah Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Charlotte Betts' books, and this one - a departure from her usual historicals -is just as good. In 1891 a group of artists from the Slade School of Art, all with different ambitions, come together in an artists colony in Cornwall (similar to the Newlyn group). There, they intend to capture the unique landscape and further their own work. Our main protagonist is Edith, who is married to the charismatic but feckless Benedict, who has little artistic ambition, and cannot bear the fact that his wife might be more of a talent than he is himself. Edith's initial ambition of finding fame for her work is shattered when she finds she is pregnant, and her life must change to encompass her children. Thus the seeds for this multi-generational saga are sown.

This is the first of a trilogy, so this is a big book with multiple characters, all of whom are carefully developed. We can't help liking Pascal, the french artist who is so kind to Edith when she discovers her husband's infidelities, or rooting for the working-class Dora, so self-effacing, who illustrates children's books. There is Clarissa, who from outside appears to be a 'tart with a heart' but is nursing a secret backstory I can't wait to discover. Tension is supplied by the vindictive neighbours, the Penroses, who want to do all they can to make sure the artist's colony fails.

The historical background never gets in the way, but is lightly and accurately drawn, including interesting details about the 'works in progress' and the Aesthetic movement of the time. A book with so many characters could have been hard to navigate, but this succeeds brilliantly, and bodes well for the rest of the trilogy. I can't wait to see what will happen to the characters in the next installment and if you like the Cornish landscape or books about art, you'll love this.

[Helen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith's marriage to her new husband Benedict has a shaky start on their honeymoon. Not helping matters when he invites all of their artist friends to live with them at his house in Cornwall. As Edith's marriage breaks down her friends become more important to her and they develop into a thriving art community.

I really enjoyed this, with three different main female characters there's more than enough to hold the reader's interest. It's a cross between the Bloomsbury group and the Newly school of art. Looking forward to the next book already.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an engrossing read! The small group of artistic friends who take up residence at Spindrift House in Cornwall are intriguing and fascinating people – the newlywed couple, Edith and Benedict, whose marriage is soon on the Cornish rocks, and then their student friends, Clarissa, Dora, Wilfred and Pascal. There is more to Pascal, however, than we first realise... although there is actually more to all the characters, as we discover as the story and their backstories, unfold.

Add into the trauma of the collapsing marriage, several secrets, an unexpected pregnancy, the Bohemian lifestyle of hopeful young artists, a deceased aunt, a dubiously inherited property, the jealous son of a lover and the difficulties encountered by Victorian women who were powerless against the law and society, and you have a highly compelling, engrossing read.

This is not a fast-paced, hold-your-breath read, rather, it is a steady pace with some likeable characters and a few you will loathe – villains with their perhaps somewhat over-dramatised roles. There is a little too much of a non-Victorian, modernistic feel to events - conversations and expectations - that creeps in every so often, but this did not spoil the story, and maybe I am being a little picky to mention it.

The story did end somewhat abruptly – but – this is the first part of a trilogy, so a ‘cliffhanger’ is quite acceptable. A good read. I look forward to part two.

Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Liz Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’m a real sucker for sagas and stories that follow a group of characters over the years, and this trilogy promises to do just that. The first of the three books, The Light Within Us, has got the trilogy off to a brilliant start.

Set in beautiful Cornwall, a group of artist friends, who’d studied together at The Slade, and each of whom had a reason not to want to live in their home, come together to form a community in Spindrift House, a large house with tremendous potential, which had recently been left to Benedict Fairchild by his late aunt Hester.

The novel opens in the early 1890s, shortly before Benedict’s marriage to Edith. After their wedding, they go to France on their honeymoon. Travelling with them are some of their friends from the Slade. This is one of the many interesting things that I learned from the novel – in Victorian times, it wasn’t uncommon for a couple to go on their honeymoon accompanied by their friends.

By the time that the friends return from France, where they’d stayed with Pascal, a cousin of Wilfred, one of the friends travelling with Benedict and Edith, they had decided to live together in Spindrift House, in what would be a community of artists.

But also, by the time they return, Edith has been devasted by something she’d learned about her husband, and she’d done something that would haunt her throughout the novel.

The story revolves around Benedict and Edith and the difficulties in their marriage, and around the friends who comprise the artists' community, particularly Clarissa and Dora. Each of the friends has his or her own particular talent. Both Benedict and Edith are painters, Dora is to become a illustrator of children stories, and Clarissa is drawn into jewellery design by the beautiful sea glass she finds on the beaches near Spindrift House. Pascal, who later joins them, is a painter of considerable talent, and Julian, another late arrival, is a photographer. The glimpse into the lives of these varied artists is fascinating.

With a character as volatile as Benedict, who is both lazy and envious of his wife’s greater talent, life in Spindrift House was never going to be easy. But it’s made even more difficult by the open hostility of the neighbouring Penrose family. Hugh Penrose firmly believes in his right to Penrose House, and is determined to make life for the artists as uncomfortable as possible, first of all by setting the residents of the nearby town against the community. Rumour spreads fast in a small town, and Edith and her friends soon find themselves ostracised by a number of the shopkeepers and residents.

Other characters are gradually introduced, each one drawn with a care that makes them step off the pages. Their interaction is one of the elements that propel the novel.

The novel is meticulously researched, but the research never gets in the way of the story. It makes one very glad to be born in the 21st century, and not in Victorian times, where women had no rights of their own and were seen as their husbands’ chattels. Divorce in those days was open only to wealthy men. Woman had no such recourse, but would suffer from the social stigma. Furthermore, in the case of divorce, the children would be given to the husband, not the wife. This gives Benedict a hold over Edith, who falls pregnant early in their marriage. There are signs in the novel, however, that women are beginning to assert their independence.

The Light Within Us is a real page-turner, and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next stage of the journey through the lives of those who inhabit Spindrift House. Highly recommended.

[Sarah - Sarah's Vignettes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can be found at sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com

This is the first book by Charlotte Betts I have read and I am excited to have found a new author whose books I can explore.

THE LIGHT WITHIN US is the first book in The Spindrift Trilogy. Set at the turn of the century, it follows the marriage of Edith, a talented artist, and Benedict, an artist with little ambition and whose jealous of his wife’s talent. At the beginning of the story, the newlyweds go on honeymoon to the south of France and stay with their friend Pascal, from Slade School of Art, where they are joined by their fellow art student friends: Clarissa, Dora and Wilfred. Things do not quite go as Edith had planned and she finds out things about Benedict that rocks their marriage before it has really started. On returning from honeymoon, they move to Benedict's late aunt's house, Spindrift House, set on the cliffs outside of Port Issac, Cornwall. Edith believes that Cornwall will provide much inspiration for her work but she soon discovers she is pregnant with another man's child (not a spoiler - it's in the book blurb). Ashamed of what she's done, she keeps the infidelity a secret and throws herself into her art.

Clarissa, Dora, Pascal soon arrive at Spindrift House and, with her friends help, Edith turns Spindrift into a working artist's community. But it isn’t all the idyll it could be and is soon rocked by other events. This all sets the groundwork for this multi-generational historical saga set in 1891 England.

THE LIGHT WITHIN US has a cast of characters and, being the first book in the trilogy, it introduces us to them. I'm looking forward to seeing how they develop in the second book, given how THE LIGHT WITHIN US ends. Sometimes, when there are multiple characters and storylines, it can be hard to follow the story and stay engaged but Charlotte Betts made it easy to follow. You will either love or hate these characters and I loathed Benedict for his behaviour towards and treatment of Edith. I didn’t warm to Clarissa straight away but she has a secret backstory, which I am intrigued to find out more about. Pascal is kind and caring towards everyone but makes sure Edith, and Dora, are cared for. Dora brings some working class background to the mix and quickly establishes herself as the mother hen. We don't learn much about Wilfred so hopefully, we will get to know him a bit more in the second book. Each character at Spindrift has their own talents and skills and they learn from one another. There are other characters who come to live at Spindrift but I won't talk about those for fear of spoiling.

In THE LIGHT WITHIN US, Charlotte Betts explores creativity and art at the time, the power of art, as well as the position of women in Victorian England - how they are the responsibilities of their fathers until they are married and then they become the responsibilities of their husbands - and the power of female friendships.

THE LIGHT WITHIN US felt to me a bit of a slow burner but then I remembered it is the first in a trilogy so there is a lot of groundwork to cover: many characters to meet and events to be laid down for the story to continue. This is just the beginning and Charlotte Betts has done really well. It must be difficult to write a book that doesn't have a firm ending and to leave enough of the story to continue over a further 2 books.

THE LIGHT WITHIN US is a poignant, compelling and extensively researched novel that left me wanting the next book in the series: THE FADING OF THE LIGHT. I cannot wait to find out what happens next to these characters.

My thanks to Pikatus for a copy of the book in return for this honest review.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! From the quirky characters, to the wilds of Cornwall. I was hooked from the beginning. I cannot wait for book 2 of this series, and the first chapter at the end of book one, made me go ‘Oh’. This is up there with my favourite The Apothecary's Daughter.

[Steph ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"some secrets can never be revealed..." - The Light Within Us ✨

Thank you to Frankie and Little Brown for sending me a copy of The Light Within Us to read and review ❤️

The book is set in 1891 Cornwall, following talented painter Edith Fairchild beginning a life of newly-wed bliss with her husband Benedict. But as happiness turns to heartbreak, Edith turns to an artist friend for comfort and after a bitterly regretful moment of madness, finds herself pregnant with his child. As Edith tries to put this secret behind her and build a community of artists at her home, Spindrift House, not all is as it seems, and the secrets Edith and her friends are keeping, could threaten to test apart their paradise forever...

Albeit sucked in by the synopsis, I was still a little nervous going into this book. Historical fiction isn't something I usually reach for, and family drama type books are something I usually actively avoid. However, I was really enticed by the synopsis, and thought I'd give it a go. 50% in, I thought the book was just okay, the writing was beautiful, but the story was just your typical drama.

However, as I finished the book I realised it was so much more than that. This book really delves into the oppression women suffered in this time period and the struggles they would have. I found myself admiring them whilst also feeling for them with what they're forced to go through. Charlotte's writing is captivating and all though it took a whilst, I'm now so invested in all of the characters lives. I cannot wait for the second book.

I gave The Light Within Us 4 🌟

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this, as I have done all Charlotte Betts books. Looking forward to the next in the trilogy.

[Joanne Bolwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

The characters were so well written that I either loved them or loathed them completely; either way, I couldn't put the book down and am dying to read the next book in this trilogy.

It was interesting to read about the constraints on women at that time, horrifying actually.

Highly recommend reading it.

[Susan Chapek]

Recommended to those who like family sagas, Cornwall settings, stories about artists.

A pleasant way to travel during a time when the contagion is keeping me at home.

What I know about Cornwall comes mostly from Rosamund Pilcher's novels, and I kept imagining that Betts' central character in this book must be an ancestor of the artist in The Shell Seekers.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A beautifully woven and wonderfully atmospheric family drama set in Cornwall, Charlotte Betts’ The Light Within Us is the first title in what promises to be a superb trilogy following the life of talented painter Edith Fairchild.

The future looks bright and promising for Edith Fairchild. Set to marry handsome and charismatic Benedict, a long and happy life of marital bliss awaits her. With Benedict having inherited Spindrift House in Cornwall from his late aunt Hester, an excited Edith cannot wait until she becomes Benedict’s wife. Yet, all her hopes and dreams for a happy future are shattered when her honeymoon turns sour. A shocked, heartbroken and vulnerable Edith feels betrayed and uncertain of the future she had once been so sure of. Unable to think straight, she unwisely finds herself giving into temptation and indulging in a moment of madness that will have dangerous and devastating consequences.

Pregnant with another man’s child and burdened by the heavy weight of her secret, Edith decides to dedicate herself completely to her art. Edith is determined to make Spindrift House a budding community for artists.
Joined by her friends, Clarissa and Dora, and by Pascal, the father of her child, Edith refuses to let anyone or anything come between her and her art, however, that soon proves to be easier said than done. Spindrift House was meant to be an idyllic sanctuary for artists but it is soon jeopardized by secrets, deceptions and insecurities that threaten to tear this paradise apart for ever. Edith has already lost so much, she is not prepared to lose Spindrift House as well, but will she manage to hold on to this little corner of the world that means everything to her? Or is she destined for further heartbreak and disappointment?

Charlotte Betts writes wonderfully immersive historical novels readers love losing themselves into and The Light Within Us is the latest in a long line of evocative, enthralling and enjoyable tales sure to hold readers spellbound. Written with flair, style and confidence, The Light Within Us is a novel set at the turn of the century that touches the heart and lifts the spirit.

Edith is a fascinating character who is strong, resilient, resourceful, but vulnerable and human too. She is a heroine who is not always perfect, but who makes mistakes and errors of judgements which makes her all the more easy to relate to.

A wonderfully written historical novel, Charlotte Betts’ The Light Within Us is another surefire winner by this talented writer.

[Tamsin Preece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I savoured every word and was dreading the end... never have I been more relieved to realise it’s the first in a trilogy! I hope the author has the following books well underway as I can’t wait to read them.

A real strength of this beautiful novel is the way the author brings the characters to life. You can’t help but form strong opinions about them and you will them to succeed and care deeply about them. I really loved the women in this book. They are all strong, impressive women and I’d be hard pressed to choose a favourite. Edith is brave, Dora is kind and Clarissa (who has the most interesting back story) is so resilient! The author does a great job with Benedict and I look forward to seeing what he will try next.

This is a wonderful, easy to read book and I hardly put it down once I’d started. I can’t wait to read the next instalment! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

[Jemima Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this late 19th century novel, based around an unusual patchwork family drawn together by their love for art. The main characters were well drawn and surprisingly easy to relate to given the significant time difference between us and had you rooting for them from the outside, that is with the exception of the pompous male lead who id be happy to give a piece of my mind. A slow rising, feminist tale of happiness found in the most unconventional of settings, it’s perfect for fans of historical women’s sagas, with a largely happy ending. The first of three too... I’m looking toward to the next instalment.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last because it was brilliant.
You can love or hate the well thought characters but you cannot help being attracted by them and turning pages as fast as you can because you to know what's next.
The style of writing is great as the story telling and I loved the vivid historical background.
It's a poignant, engrossing and fascinating story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Hannah Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a trilogy and I can't wait for the next one! It's the story of a group of friends who trained together at the Slade school of Art in 1890s and then set up home together in North Cornwall. As well as offering a fascinating insight into the world of art and creativity at this time, the other theme that is explored is the tenuous position of women at this period. A single woman was considered to be under the jurisdiction of her father, and a married woman under that of her husband, regardless of their behaviours. This was an absorbing tale and highly recommended.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction books and really enjoyed this one. I loved the characters and really got invested in their lives, especially Ediths and the relationship she had to endure with Bendedict!
I love how they turned Spindrift House around and formed a loving community, with a varied array of characters, whilst the writer tackled some important issues and story lines.
I was rooting for a happy ending for them all, but with the book ending on a cliffhanger of sorts, I look forward to the next book coming out later in the year.

[Alva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of the characters in this beautifully constructed tale takes you into their heart and their life. We care about all of them (except perhaps Benedict) Oh and Hugh, and...no more spoilers! A gorgeous journey back to a time when women were considered nothing less than chattels to men, and Charlotte Betts is truly diligent in her depiction of this period in history. Edith is the leader of a 'coven' of artists. Gorgeous Cornwall as a setting is a winner and I'm delighted to see this is book one of a trilogy. Looking forward to continuing the story in The Fading of the Light.

[Jenny L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete stroke of luck I picked this up in the library to discover it was the first in a trilogy! Really enjoyed it. A gentle pace of a story, with interesting and mostly very likeable characters. Now already on to the second in the series and it continues to twist and turn as a storyline. Looking forward to finishing this and reading the last in the series. I will probably look for more by Charlotte Betts now that I have discovered her.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Light Within Us by Charlotte Betts is set in mainly in Cornwell and tells the story of Edith, a talented artist, as she adjusts to making her own way in life after being betrayed by her devious, selfish husband.
I loved this charming story and found myself wondering what the characters were up to even when I wasn’t reading, the measure of a great book!

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was extremely well written. There was a lot of emotional charge in it, and a well crafted story. I was sad that Edith couldn’t divorce her husband after his many romantic liaisons. I was glad that her love for Pascal and vice versa worked out.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't read any of this authors books and really enjoyed this one you were taken back to another time and how women were treated in the late 1800's no benefits in those days I will be looking for next 2 in the trilogy at our library

[Gtcusack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Light read. Looking forward to book 2.

[Mrs M Hollingdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the
next one in the trilogy, the historical references make it real.
M

[Lorraine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, can't wait for the next one

[Liza Perrat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely enchanting story.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engrossing story, centred around Edith (and the awful Benedict) and her artist friends. Set in Port Isaac in the late 1800s.

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s ok , easy reading a couple of times I skipped bits. I’ll carry on reading the rest in the set . Didn’t take me too long to read .

[Orlagh]

I've read a few of her books and always enjoyed them but this one I felt disappointed with, it was just about ones sleeping around not really a good storyline too it.

[Mrs L A Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I loved this book. I could not outfit down. Download all the characters and an so pleased there is two more to follow on..