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The Secrets of Saffron Hall
Two women. Five centuries apart.
One life-changing secret about to be unearthed…
1538
Though Eleanor is not wealthy, the saffron spice she grows for her new husband is more valuable than gold. But as his reputation in Henry’s court soars, Eleanor soon understands that she has entered into a dangerous game. The king’s affections do not last forever, and she must do anything to protect her family.
2017
Following a tragedy, Amber channels her grief into cataloguing her grandfather’s library. When she finds an ancient book that reveals a dark secret, she feels compelled to investigate. But as the truth begins to unravel, she realises the answers to Eleanor’s story lie closer to home than she could have ever imagined…
A gripping dual timeline historical novel about a mother’s love and hope in the darkest of times, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kathryn Hughes.
One life-changing secret about to be unearthed…
1538
Though Eleanor is not wealthy, the saffron spice she grows for her new husband is more valuable than gold. But as his reputation in Henry’s court soars, Eleanor soon understands that she has entered into a dangerous game. The king’s affections do not last forever, and she must do anything to protect her family.
2017
Following a tragedy, Amber channels her grief into cataloguing her grandfather’s library. When she finds an ancient book that reveals a dark secret, she feels compelled to investigate. But as the truth begins to unravel, she realises the answers to Eleanor’s story lie closer to home than she could have ever imagined…
A gripping dual timeline historical novel about a mother’s love and hope in the darkest of times, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kathryn Hughes.
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First published August 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
October 21, 2020
This mysterious, dual-narrative fiction captured my imagination from the beginning. From the intriguing prologue to the beautiful cover, this book had everything I needed for a five-star read.
Set in Tudor England, I have always been interested in this period of history. As Eleanor is shipped off to an arranged marriage, she learns very quickly that her older husband is forever absent, spending time in London to earn favour with King Henry VIII. Eleanor is like a spoilt child in the early stages of her marriage: grumpy that she cannot join her husband; grumpy that she has been forced into her marriage; grumpy about the flat, Norfolk landscape. However, it is her love for saffron and gardening that turn her and her husband’s fortunes. It is also this that leads to their downfall.
In present day, we meet Amber. She is taking a sabbatical and living with her grandfather. He is presented as a proper bibliophile and Amber has the responsibility to archive his book collection. Some of the things described did make me chuckle; bookish traits that I could recognise in myself! I also liked how her grandfather had hoarded so many versions of the London A-Z street map! How times have changed…
As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Amber and Eleanor have a lot more in common than Saffron Hall. Both women are tainted by tragedy. It is not until the end of the novel do we really learn Eleanor’s outcome, but the writer makes enough hints from the beginning for readers to make this connection. Amber has arrived at her grandfather’s after miscarrying her baby just before it’s due date. This tragedy haunts her and has driven her and her husband, James, apart. The parallels between the two women made this story more poignant, particularly as we witness Amber’s journey of coping with her grief.
Consequently, the theme of miscarriages is rather prevalent and some readers may find this upsetting. It is the reason why Amber is able to discover Eleanor’s journal and she feels herself haunted: both by Eleanor’s story and her own grief. As such, when a resolution is reached at the end, I found it completely satisfying for both female characters because it represented a closure that they yearned for.
The subtle parallels between Amber and Eleanor are cleverly presented by Marchant. It made the story all the more vivid and engrossing for me as I learned how Eleanor made wealth through growing crocuses and harvesting the flowers for their saffron. However, I think I would have liked to have seen a switch to London for the writer to really enforce the Tudor setting. Readers only learn of it through brief letters and I think I missed seeing the court and royalty that is only hinted at during the narrative.
I really enjoyed this story. The two time-frames did not make it complicated to follow and there was not an abundance of characters. It was sad to read of the tragedies, but I enjoyed the growth of the two women. Although an Epilogue was not included at the end of the story, I could easily picture a satisfying, happy ending for Eleanor and Amber.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Tudor England, I have always been interested in this period of history. As Eleanor is shipped off to an arranged marriage, she learns very quickly that her older husband is forever absent, spending time in London to earn favour with King Henry VIII. Eleanor is like a spoilt child in the early stages of her marriage: grumpy that she cannot join her husband; grumpy that she has been forced into her marriage; grumpy about the flat, Norfolk landscape. However, it is her love for saffron and gardening that turn her and her husband’s fortunes. It is also this that leads to their downfall.
In present day, we meet Amber. She is taking a sabbatical and living with her grandfather. He is presented as a proper bibliophile and Amber has the responsibility to archive his book collection. Some of the things described did make me chuckle; bookish traits that I could recognise in myself! I also liked how her grandfather had hoarded so many versions of the London A-Z street map! How times have changed…
As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Amber and Eleanor have a lot more in common than Saffron Hall. Both women are tainted by tragedy. It is not until the end of the novel do we really learn Eleanor’s outcome, but the writer makes enough hints from the beginning for readers to make this connection. Amber has arrived at her grandfather’s after miscarrying her baby just before it’s due date. This tragedy haunts her and has driven her and her husband, James, apart. The parallels between the two women made this story more poignant, particularly as we witness Amber’s journey of coping with her grief.
Consequently, the theme of miscarriages is rather prevalent and some readers may find this upsetting. It is the reason why Amber is able to discover Eleanor’s journal and she feels herself haunted: both by Eleanor’s story and her own grief. As such, when a resolution is reached at the end, I found it completely satisfying for both female characters because it represented a closure that they yearned for.
The subtle parallels between Amber and Eleanor are cleverly presented by Marchant. It made the story all the more vivid and engrossing for me as I learned how Eleanor made wealth through growing crocuses and harvesting the flowers for their saffron. However, I think I would have liked to have seen a switch to London for the writer to really enforce the Tudor setting. Readers only learn of it through brief letters and I think I missed seeing the court and royalty that is only hinted at during the narrative.
I really enjoyed this story. The two time-frames did not make it complicated to follow and there was not an abundance of characters. It was sad to read of the tragedies, but I enjoyed the growth of the two women. Although an Epilogue was not included at the end of the story, I could easily picture a satisfying, happy ending for Eleanor and Amber.
With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2022
Una historia ambientada en dos líneas temporales y con la mansión de Saffron Hall como nexo. La parte que corresponde a la época de 1500 me pareció fascinante y amena. La protagonista es Eleanor, cultivadora de azafrán, que despierta el interés de Enrique VIII.
Pero la parte de la actualidad creo que podría estar mejor trabajada, tanto los personajes como la historia no tienen la misma garra. En este caso la protagonista es Amber, quién descubre en la mansión un libro misterioso que la llevará a investigar el pasado.
Una mezcla de novela histórica e intriga que me ha gustado bastante pero a la que le resta la parte actual de la trama. Podría haber sido un notable pero se queda en un bien.
Pero la parte de la actualidad creo que podría estar mejor trabajada, tanto los personajes como la historia no tienen la misma garra. En este caso la protagonista es Amber, quién descubre en la mansión un libro misterioso que la llevará a investigar el pasado.
Una mezcla de novela histórica e intriga que me ha gustado bastante pero a la que le resta la parte actual de la trama. Podría haber sido un notable pero se queda en un bien.
August 5, 2020
Thank you NetGalley, Clare Marchant, and Avon books for the opportunity to read this book!
I love Tudor history. Who doesn’t? It is such an intriguing time period to study. The Secrets of Saffron Hall by Clare Marchant is a dual timeline that takes place during the reign of Henry VIII and also the year 2019. In 2019, Amber is staying with her Grandfather at his old home called Saffron Hall. She is archiving his massive book collection, even though the real reason she is there is to try to deal with her grief. While there she discovers an old prayer book that belonged to a woman named Eleanor from 500 years before. This book links their lives together in more ways than one. In 1538, Eleanor’s father dies and she is married off to a merchant by her cousin. She takes with her saffron crocus bulbs gifted to her from the local monks. While her husband rises is favor at the court of King Henry VIII, Eleanor makes a successful saffron crop that increases their favor. But if anyone knows anything about Henry VIII, his favor never lasts forever.
Yes. Yes. Yes. When I think of a Tudor historical fiction…this is what I want. We have enough books where the sole focus is on Henry VIII. His infamous wives have been done to death. (No pun intended.) I do love Tudor history, but a few years ago, the publishing industry was absolutely saturated with Tudor historical fiction and quite honestly, I got a little burnt out. This is coming from someone who studied Tudor history in London. But this book renewed my love for the period genre. The dual timeline is very well-done. The stories flow together and are intricately entwined. Then there is the added mystery. In 1538, readers are learning about Eleanor’s life. In 2019, we are working with Amber to solve Eleanor’s mystery. I love it when the timelines play off of each other perfectly.
Then there are the characters. Both deal with grief, and even though 500 years separates them, they can still relate to one another. TRIGGER WARNING. This book does go into detail about miscarriage and stillbirth and the grief process. Having gone through that process myself, I thought the author did a great job of capturing the despair and depression.
If I had one complaint…I would have liked an epilogue. BUT I did enjoy the whole novel. The book releases TOMORROW, August 6th! So go check it out! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars from me!
I love Tudor history. Who doesn’t? It is such an intriguing time period to study. The Secrets of Saffron Hall by Clare Marchant is a dual timeline that takes place during the reign of Henry VIII and also the year 2019. In 2019, Amber is staying with her Grandfather at his old home called Saffron Hall. She is archiving his massive book collection, even though the real reason she is there is to try to deal with her grief. While there she discovers an old prayer book that belonged to a woman named Eleanor from 500 years before. This book links their lives together in more ways than one. In 1538, Eleanor’s father dies and she is married off to a merchant by her cousin. She takes with her saffron crocus bulbs gifted to her from the local monks. While her husband rises is favor at the court of King Henry VIII, Eleanor makes a successful saffron crop that increases their favor. But if anyone knows anything about Henry VIII, his favor never lasts forever.
Yes. Yes. Yes. When I think of a Tudor historical fiction…this is what I want. We have enough books where the sole focus is on Henry VIII. His infamous wives have been done to death. (No pun intended.) I do love Tudor history, but a few years ago, the publishing industry was absolutely saturated with Tudor historical fiction and quite honestly, I got a little burnt out. This is coming from someone who studied Tudor history in London. But this book renewed my love for the period genre. The dual timeline is very well-done. The stories flow together and are intricately entwined. Then there is the added mystery. In 1538, readers are learning about Eleanor’s life. In 2019, we are working with Amber to solve Eleanor’s mystery. I love it when the timelines play off of each other perfectly.
Then there are the characters. Both deal with grief, and even though 500 years separates them, they can still relate to one another. TRIGGER WARNING. This book does go into detail about miscarriage and stillbirth and the grief process. Having gone through that process myself, I thought the author did a great job of capturing the despair and depression.
If I had one complaint…I would have liked an epilogue. BUT I did enjoy the whole novel. The book releases TOMORROW, August 6th! So go check it out! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars from me!
July 24, 2020
Many thanks to Net Galley, Avon Books UK and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
To begin with, that gorgeous cover that had me requesting the book without even checking the blurb. And then my favorite genre of dual time story that had me in heaven.
The Secrets of Saffron Hall is the story of 2 women spanning centuries who fights against unbearable grief and then learn to live with that pain making them that much stronger and tougher to face life.
Eleanor at 17 in 1538 is married by her guardian to Greville Richard Lutton, a wealthy merchant looking to move into the exalted circle of the King’s men. Her only dowry is the bulbs of crocus that is given to her by the priests of the Priory to which Eleanor is infinitely attached. Eleanor and her faithful friend and companion Joan begin a new life in Milfleet, growing into the responsibilities of being a mother to Greville’s 3 yr old child, and as the new mistress of the hall. Each and every change in her life with the birth of Henry, adopting the young mute boy Thomas, bringing her husband riches and value in the form of the saffron she cultivates in the fields, Eleanor has her hands full. It is also the time in history when the King ordered the closure of abbeys and monasteries thus leading to daring acts of courage and bravery.
Amber in 2019, recovering from a traumatic event has taken refuge at her family estate called Saffron Hall cataloguing her grandfather’s immense collection of books. When a Book of hours is discovered in a tower room abandoned by the family for centuries, Amber becomes intrigued and begins the search for answers about her family history and the significance of the name Saffron.
There’s a gentle flow to the story that lures the reader in, a tug at your heart as the story of both women unfolds thru each and every page. The secret that is revealed is not much of a mystery as it is easy to guess the direction it is leading to. But the sense of the era thru Eleanor’s story was brilliant and fans of historical fiction are really going to be overjoyed reading this tale.
The slow and painful process of struggling with grief and finding a semblance of peace to never let go of hope has been described beautifully. I loved the gentle pacing of love between Amber and Jonathan and the space and distance that they both struggle to overcome.
A beautifully written tale of 2nd chances and not forgetting to live!
DUM SPIRO SPERO, while I breathe, I hope
To begin with, that gorgeous cover that had me requesting the book without even checking the blurb. And then my favorite genre of dual time story that had me in heaven.
The Secrets of Saffron Hall is the story of 2 women spanning centuries who fights against unbearable grief and then learn to live with that pain making them that much stronger and tougher to face life.
Eleanor at 17 in 1538 is married by her guardian to Greville Richard Lutton, a wealthy merchant looking to move into the exalted circle of the King’s men. Her only dowry is the bulbs of crocus that is given to her by the priests of the Priory to which Eleanor is infinitely attached. Eleanor and her faithful friend and companion Joan begin a new life in Milfleet, growing into the responsibilities of being a mother to Greville’s 3 yr old child, and as the new mistress of the hall. Each and every change in her life with the birth of Henry, adopting the young mute boy Thomas, bringing her husband riches and value in the form of the saffron she cultivates in the fields, Eleanor has her hands full. It is also the time in history when the King ordered the closure of abbeys and monasteries thus leading to daring acts of courage and bravery.
Amber in 2019, recovering from a traumatic event has taken refuge at her family estate called Saffron Hall cataloguing her grandfather’s immense collection of books. When a Book of hours is discovered in a tower room abandoned by the family for centuries, Amber becomes intrigued and begins the search for answers about her family history and the significance of the name Saffron.
There’s a gentle flow to the story that lures the reader in, a tug at your heart as the story of both women unfolds thru each and every page. The secret that is revealed is not much of a mystery as it is easy to guess the direction it is leading to. But the sense of the era thru Eleanor’s story was brilliant and fans of historical fiction are really going to be overjoyed reading this tale.
The slow and painful process of struggling with grief and finding a semblance of peace to never let go of hope has been described beautifully. I loved the gentle pacing of love between Amber and Jonathan and the space and distance that they both struggle to overcome.
A beautifully written tale of 2nd chances and not forgetting to live!
DUM SPIRO SPERO, while I breathe, I hope
July 16, 2021
Three and a half stars.
Another dual time line story. One starts in 1538 with Eleanor who has a gift for growing saffron. This skill wins her husband a reputation and status in the king's court, where he spends much of his time. But will that fame come at a price? In 2019 and 2020 Amber has separated from her vicar husband Jonathan after the death of their baby daughter Saffron. Amber is staying with her grandfather for a time. While there, she discovers an ancient book her grandfather’s house at Saffron Hall. As Amber investigates a tragic story emerges.
While I found this an interesting novel, it could have done with a little less repetition about the harvesting and production of the saffron. I was also disappointed in the rushed ending of the earlier story with Eleanor and throughout the tale failed to understand why her husband needed to spend so much time at court while Eleanor was left at home.
The story did reach a climatic point when Eleanor is forced to make a life threatening decision. That certainly had the pages turning over.
All in all, a good read just spoiled for me by the couple of things mentioned above. However they may not worry some other readers. Anyone who enjoys a well written historical novel with secrets and a mystery should enjoy this one. A recommended read, dealing with grief, family, and friendship, there is plenty in this book that is sure to appeal to most readers.
Another dual time line story. One starts in 1538 with Eleanor who has a gift for growing saffron. This skill wins her husband a reputation and status in the king's court, where he spends much of his time. But will that fame come at a price? In 2019 and 2020 Amber has separated from her vicar husband Jonathan after the death of their baby daughter Saffron. Amber is staying with her grandfather for a time. While there, she discovers an ancient book her grandfather’s house at Saffron Hall. As Amber investigates a tragic story emerges.
While I found this an interesting novel, it could have done with a little less repetition about the harvesting and production of the saffron. I was also disappointed in the rushed ending of the earlier story with Eleanor and throughout the tale failed to understand why her husband needed to spend so much time at court while Eleanor was left at home.
The story did reach a climatic point when Eleanor is forced to make a life threatening decision. That certainly had the pages turning over.
All in all, a good read just spoiled for me by the couple of things mentioned above. However they may not worry some other readers. Anyone who enjoys a well written historical novel with secrets and a mystery should enjoy this one. A recommended read, dealing with grief, family, and friendship, there is plenty in this book that is sure to appeal to most readers.
August 3, 2020
Two women. Five centuries apart. 1538: New bride Eleanor impresses her husband by growing saffron, a spice more valuable than gold. His reputation in Henry VIII's court soars- but fame and fortune come at a price, for the Kings favour will not last forever.
2019: when Amber discovers an ancient book in her grandfather's home at Saffron Hall, the contents reveal a dark secret from the past. As she investigates, she unravels a forgotten tragic story.
Amber is grieving the stillbirth of her daughter and leaves her husband and moves in with her Grandfather's home at Saffron Hall to catalogue his book collection. That's when she finds Eleanors book. This is a well researched book. The characters are endearing. It could be a little repetitive at times. I would have liked to have known more of what had happened to Eleanor and her family. I liked the mystery surrounding this this story. This is an intriguing, heart warming but also heart breaking book to read. It kept my interest throughout.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Clare Marchant for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2019: when Amber discovers an ancient book in her grandfather's home at Saffron Hall, the contents reveal a dark secret from the past. As she investigates, she unravels a forgotten tragic story.
Amber is grieving the stillbirth of her daughter and leaves her husband and moves in with her Grandfather's home at Saffron Hall to catalogue his book collection. That's when she finds Eleanors book. This is a well researched book. The characters are endearing. It could be a little repetitive at times. I would have liked to have known more of what had happened to Eleanor and her family. I liked the mystery surrounding this this story. This is an intriguing, heart warming but also heart breaking book to read. It kept my interest throughout.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Clare Marchant for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
Alweer een erg geslaagd past - present verhaal ! Beide verhaallijnen zijn voldoende gevarieerd en de personages spreken aan. Het boek laat zich erg vlot lezen en erveelt geen minuut. Een aanrader.
October 28, 2020
I wish I could give this lovely book more than five stars!!! It read a little like a Barbara Erskine novel of which I have read all of hers. This one was such a interesting book to read with some ghostly undertones which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I was sorry to finish this book and I sincerely hope that this author writes more books like this one.
April 13, 2022
Two women living almost five hundred years apart but connected to one Saffron Hall and the secret that lies within it.
1538
After the death of her father, 19 year old orphaned Eleanor is hastily married off by her cousin to a rich merchant Grenville who aims to rise in the ranks at the court of King Henry VIII. The only dowry Eleanor brings with her is her precious saffron crocus bulbs and the knowledge to grow the spice (more valuable than gold) successfully. With each successful harvest, her husband's reputation soars at the King's Court and as he unwittingly becomes part of a court intrigue, Eleanor's worries for her husband increases; it is well known that the King's favour doesn't always last forever and mostly with deadly consequences.
2017
After the birth of her still born daughter Saffron, Amber decides to spend some time with her grandfather at their family estate, Saffron Hall, and busies herself with archiving/cataloguing his library. While doing so she comes across an ancient book of prayers/diary belonging to Eleanor. As Amber reads and translates this book, she gets a glimpse of Eleanor's life as the mistress of Saffron Hall and feels somewhat connected to her and when she finally comes across one entry revealing a secret, Amber feels compelled to investigate as she realises the answer to this secret lies within Saffron Hall.
I enjoyed every minute of listening to the audiobook. The story is intriguing and as a narrator Hattie Ladbury does a wonderful job of bringing Clare Marchant's beautiful and flawless writing to life. I love reading about the Tudor period and this book covers the period of marriage between Catherine Howard and King Henry VIII and the subsequent court intrigue but what I liked was that instead of making it the focal point, it just becomes a base around which the fictional story of Eleanor and her saffron is woven. The dual timeline is done well with the story moving and connecting smoothly between each timeline.
1538
After the death of her father, 19 year old orphaned Eleanor is hastily married off by her cousin to a rich merchant Grenville who aims to rise in the ranks at the court of King Henry VIII. The only dowry Eleanor brings with her is her precious saffron crocus bulbs and the knowledge to grow the spice (more valuable than gold) successfully. With each successful harvest, her husband's reputation soars at the King's Court and as he unwittingly becomes part of a court intrigue, Eleanor's worries for her husband increases; it is well known that the King's favour doesn't always last forever and mostly with deadly consequences.
2017
After the birth of her still born daughter Saffron, Amber decides to spend some time with her grandfather at their family estate, Saffron Hall, and busies herself with archiving/cataloguing his library. While doing so she comes across an ancient book of prayers/diary belonging to Eleanor. As Amber reads and translates this book, she gets a glimpse of Eleanor's life as the mistress of Saffron Hall and feels somewhat connected to her and when she finally comes across one entry revealing a secret, Amber feels compelled to investigate as she realises the answer to this secret lies within Saffron Hall.
I enjoyed every minute of listening to the audiobook. The story is intriguing and as a narrator Hattie Ladbury does a wonderful job of bringing Clare Marchant's beautiful and flawless writing to life. I love reading about the Tudor period and this book covers the period of marriage between Catherine Howard and King Henry VIII and the subsequent court intrigue but what I liked was that instead of making it the focal point, it just becomes a base around which the fictional story of Eleanor and her saffron is woven. The dual timeline is done well with the story moving and connecting smoothly between each timeline.
August 19, 2020
3.5 stars
I wanted to read The Secrets of Saffron Hall by Clare Marchant because I love books about secrets and the Tudor setting is one I can never bypass. So I’m glad to report that it delivered the goods on both those topics.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE SECRETS OF SAFFRON HALL
This book covered two time periods – 1538 and 2019 – and I can’t deny that the one I was really invested in was 1538. The modern day timeline and plot was well handled but didn’t overly appeal to me, and I was always happier when in the 1538 storyline.
The Tudor setting felt very unique to me, as it dealt with the life of a woman whose husband lived at court. Any other book I’ve read during this setting has revolved around life at court. So it was really interesting to see it from another angle.
I enjoyed the detail of everyday life, and how the saffron fitted in to the picture. And there were heart-pounding and heart-rendering moments where I felt in the thick of the action. Knowing what we do about Henry the 8ths volatility, I felt nervous as Eleanor waited for updates for her husband. Especially when he was making all the wrong friends at court.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator had a very pleasant voice. Her voice fit well with both main characters and really brought them to life. Plus her delivery at tense moments increased the jittery atmosphere.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, however my rating would have been higher if I had enjoyed both timelines equally. But I loved the Tudor setting and the element to anxiety that had me listening as often as I could.
WHO SHOULD READ THE SECRETS OF SAFFRON HALL
If you enjoy Tudor settings, emotional storylines and books about long hidden secrets then I’d recommend this book to you. I also think fans of authors such as Philippa Gregory and Kathleen McGurl will also enjoy.
I wanted to read The Secrets of Saffron Hall by Clare Marchant because I love books about secrets and the Tudor setting is one I can never bypass. So I’m glad to report that it delivered the goods on both those topics.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE SECRETS OF SAFFRON HALL
This book covered two time periods – 1538 and 2019 – and I can’t deny that the one I was really invested in was 1538. The modern day timeline and plot was well handled but didn’t overly appeal to me, and I was always happier when in the 1538 storyline.
The Tudor setting felt very unique to me, as it dealt with the life of a woman whose husband lived at court. Any other book I’ve read during this setting has revolved around life at court. So it was really interesting to see it from another angle.
I enjoyed the detail of everyday life, and how the saffron fitted in to the picture. And there were heart-pounding and heart-rendering moments where I felt in the thick of the action. Knowing what we do about Henry the 8ths volatility, I felt nervous as Eleanor waited for updates for her husband. Especially when he was making all the wrong friends at court.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator had a very pleasant voice. Her voice fit well with both main characters and really brought them to life. Plus her delivery at tense moments increased the jittery atmosphere.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, however my rating would have been higher if I had enjoyed both timelines equally. But I loved the Tudor setting and the element to anxiety that had me listening as often as I could.
WHO SHOULD READ THE SECRETS OF SAFFRON HALL
If you enjoy Tudor settings, emotional storylines and books about long hidden secrets then I’d recommend this book to you. I also think fans of authors such as Philippa Gregory and Kathleen McGurl will also enjoy.
June 10, 2022
En mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
Me ha gustado mucho este libro y lo he disfrutado.
Son dos espacios de tiempo que están unidos en un árbol genealógico, ambas historias son muy bonitas y de superación.
Una es en la época actual (2019) con Amber, como protagonista principal acompañada de su abuelo, su marido y su amiga Becky. Amber descubre un libro de horas en casa de su abuelo y contiene unos mensajes muy enigmáticos en ocasiones escritos en latín. Parece que la torre de Saffron Hall contiene un secreto familiar.
La otra historia está ambientada en la época de los Tudor, con Enrique VIII de fondo, su protagonista Eleanor una muchacha muy joven e inexperta en algunos temas pero muy ducha con el cultivo del azafrán. A la muerte de su padre se ve obligada a desposar con alguien a quien no conoce y empezar una nueva vida lejos del que fue su hogar.
Ambas protagonistas están unidas por un mismo hecho que las marca pero las hace creer en el mantra de Dum Spiro Spero.
Me ha gustado mucho este libro y lo he disfrutado.
Son dos espacios de tiempo que están unidos en un árbol genealógico, ambas historias son muy bonitas y de superación.
Una es en la época actual (2019) con Amber, como protagonista principal acompañada de su abuelo, su marido y su amiga Becky. Amber descubre un libro de horas en casa de su abuelo y contiene unos mensajes muy enigmáticos en ocasiones escritos en latín. Parece que la torre de Saffron Hall contiene un secreto familiar.
La otra historia está ambientada en la época de los Tudor, con Enrique VIII de fondo, su protagonista Eleanor una muchacha muy joven e inexperta en algunos temas pero muy ducha con el cultivo del azafrán. A la muerte de su padre se ve obligada a desposar con alguien a quien no conoce y empezar una nueva vida lejos del que fue su hogar.
Ambas protagonistas están unidas por un mismo hecho que las marca pero las hace creer en el mantra de Dum Spiro Spero.
June 8, 2021
Visit the locations in The Secrets of Saffron Hall
A clever dual timeline story set in Tudor times. The story is one of a woman living in Norfolk with her new husband and growing saffron to make a living. Her husband is often away at Court - the court of Henry VIII no less. These are troubled times and it was fascinating to read about them from the point of view of a new wife, alone, scared for her husband in the lion's den. We all know at least some of the history of what happens when Henry VIII starts to dissolve the monasteries and this really added to the sense of foreboding the novel had. I wanted to shout at Eleanor, the woman in the past timeline and try to warn her somehow. She was a determined and courageous character but I felt afraid for her. A certain historical figure entered the scene and the prickles on the back of my neck stood up as I knew what would come next. The author still managed to shock though - this is the story of two women after all and what they did, how they experienced events and that was a very good premise the author evoked and explored well.
Saffron Hall where Eleanor lives is the house that starts to reveal its secrets in the present day. Amber becomes linked to Eleanor's past and she starts to discover what those secrets are. Part of this process is very painful for them and it's very sad to read about. The ending, particularly poignant.
Reading about daily life for women at this time was very interesting and the information about Saffron very different! It all led to a novel that was detailed, easy flowing and a very good atmospheric read.
August 6, 2022
Novela histórica con pinceladas de intriga ambientada en dos tiempos.
Amber, después de sufrir un episodio traumático, se refugia en la mansión familiar con el pretexto de catalogar los libros de la biblioteca. Por casualidad encuentra un libro de horas, del SXV en el que Eleanor, la otra protagonista, nos cuenta su historia.
La parte histórica me ha encantado. Eleanor es una mujer fuerte, con garra, que consigue llevarnos a esa edad media inglesa.
La historia actual, que cuenta Amber, me ha parecido más lineal.
A pesar de que la historia es previsible, la autora lo cuenta bonito y consigue mantener el interés.
Valoración 3.5
Amber, después de sufrir un episodio traumático, se refugia en la mansión familiar con el pretexto de catalogar los libros de la biblioteca. Por casualidad encuentra un libro de horas, del SXV en el que Eleanor, la otra protagonista, nos cuenta su historia.
La parte histórica me ha encantado. Eleanor es una mujer fuerte, con garra, que consigue llevarnos a esa edad media inglesa.
La historia actual, que cuenta Amber, me ha parecido más lineal.
A pesar de que la historia es previsible, la autora lo cuenta bonito y consigue mantener el interés.
Valoración 3.5
August 6, 2020
This book is absolutely incredible and moving. Every time I picked up “The Secrets of Saffron Hall” I was whisked away, and went on an amazing and emotional journey.
This is the first book I have read by Clare Marchant, and I hope there will be many more! Her writing is beautiful and vivid, and she truly knows how to bring the worlds to life. She seamlessly blends history and fiction. The way she unfolds and connects the layers of these stories is brilliant. As the reader, I was drawn in from the first page to the last, and I felt like I was a part of these characters lives.
The two main characters, Amber and Eleanor, are both strong, courageous, and kind women. Eleanor lives in the Tudor Era, and at 17 is married to a man she barely knows. Amber lives in 2019, and she and her husband have just suffered a devastating tragedy. Without spoiling anything, though born almost 500 years apart, they have much in common. Their lives and stories are connected in more ways than one, and you will just have to read to find out how.
Every single character in this book, whether seen or discussed helped to move the plot forward. Each characters’ personality was so well written and thought out. Their fears, desires, and griefs were beautifully communicated to me as the reader, and my heart broke with them at times, yet certainly smiled with them at others. Each part of “Saffron Hall” became a character in its own way to me too.
This book has so much in it: it is intriguing, heartbreaking at times, extremely hopefully in others, and much more. Many moments had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath to see what would happen next, and I absolutely could not put this book down.
If you enjoy historical fiction and / or dual-timeline novels, I highly recommend this book. Watching the various puzzle pieces of connection fit together was such a moving experience. And as a history lover, I enjoyed those aspects as well!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of this novel, I so enjoyed reading it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please Note: This book does explore some heavy topics, and I believe the author handles them with great respect.
This is the first book I have read by Clare Marchant, and I hope there will be many more! Her writing is beautiful and vivid, and she truly knows how to bring the worlds to life. She seamlessly blends history and fiction. The way she unfolds and connects the layers of these stories is brilliant. As the reader, I was drawn in from the first page to the last, and I felt like I was a part of these characters lives.
The two main characters, Amber and Eleanor, are both strong, courageous, and kind women. Eleanor lives in the Tudor Era, and at 17 is married to a man she barely knows. Amber lives in 2019, and she and her husband have just suffered a devastating tragedy. Without spoiling anything, though born almost 500 years apart, they have much in common. Their lives and stories are connected in more ways than one, and you will just have to read to find out how.
Every single character in this book, whether seen or discussed helped to move the plot forward. Each characters’ personality was so well written and thought out. Their fears, desires, and griefs were beautifully communicated to me as the reader, and my heart broke with them at times, yet certainly smiled with them at others. Each part of “Saffron Hall” became a character in its own way to me too.
This book has so much in it: it is intriguing, heartbreaking at times, extremely hopefully in others, and much more. Many moments had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath to see what would happen next, and I absolutely could not put this book down.
If you enjoy historical fiction and / or dual-timeline novels, I highly recommend this book. Watching the various puzzle pieces of connection fit together was such a moving experience. And as a history lover, I enjoyed those aspects as well!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC of this novel, I so enjoyed reading it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please Note: This book does explore some heavy topics, and I believe the author handles them with great respect.
September 14, 2025
I love Clare Marchants writing. She draws me in with her words and is one of the best authors I’ve read to write dual timelines successfully.
June 20, 2025
*Discoveries*
This story is told in dual timelines: in 1538 and in 2019.
In the past, we meet Eleanor, a young woman whose life takes a sudden turn when her father passes away. Her awful relative announces that she is to be married to a man she has never met. In those times, such marriages were not unheard of. Eleanor’s older husband, Greville, in his thirties, decides to get to know her first before becoming intimate, which I found endearing. However, Eleanor finds the task of running a household overwhelming and brings along her trusted ladies’ maid, Joan, who is more like a friend to the new house.
In the present, we meet Amber, who is grieving the tragic loss of her own. She moves out of her marital home temporarily, which she shares with her vicar husband, Jonathan, and goes to stay in the house she knows well with her grandfather—Saffron Hall, the same house where Eleanor lived centuries ago.
The story in Tudor times is fascinating. Eleanor, who grew up knowing how to plant Saffron, decides to grow it at the hall. Her husband, Greville, finds it amusing, but when she asks him to take some to sell when he goes to court, it becomes a hit and raises his profile. However, Greville is hardly at home, insisting that he goes to court to raise his profile even more. Eleanor starts to fear as rumours begin to stir, and even though he never took her, she continues to wish he would take her on his travels. Soon, she would rue the day that her Saffron became so popular.
In the present, Amber cannot see past her own grief, while Jonathan is giving her space. She had agreed to archive her grandfather’s many books into some sort of semblance, but the discovery of an ancient book gives her pause. With cotton gloves, she carefully examines it and uncovers secrets and more about Saffron Hall and its occupants. Through this, we see Amber take her eyes off herself and see the grief her husband was suffering. She also feels a presence from the past that spurs her on.
Although I sympathised with Amber, the present part of the story was a bit slower for me, and Eleanor’s story grabbed me more.
Overall, I would rate this story 3.5-4 stars.
This story is told in dual timelines: in 1538 and in 2019.
In the past, we meet Eleanor, a young woman whose life takes a sudden turn when her father passes away. Her awful relative announces that she is to be married to a man she has never met. In those times, such marriages were not unheard of. Eleanor’s older husband, Greville, in his thirties, decides to get to know her first before becoming intimate, which I found endearing. However, Eleanor finds the task of running a household overwhelming and brings along her trusted ladies’ maid, Joan, who is more like a friend to the new house.
In the present, we meet Amber, who is grieving the tragic loss of her own. She moves out of her marital home temporarily, which she shares with her vicar husband, Jonathan, and goes to stay in the house she knows well with her grandfather—Saffron Hall, the same house where Eleanor lived centuries ago.
The story in Tudor times is fascinating. Eleanor, who grew up knowing how to plant Saffron, decides to grow it at the hall. Her husband, Greville, finds it amusing, but when she asks him to take some to sell when he goes to court, it becomes a hit and raises his profile. However, Greville is hardly at home, insisting that he goes to court to raise his profile even more. Eleanor starts to fear as rumours begin to stir, and even though he never took her, she continues to wish he would take her on his travels. Soon, she would rue the day that her Saffron became so popular.
In the present, Amber cannot see past her own grief, while Jonathan is giving her space. She had agreed to archive her grandfather’s many books into some sort of semblance, but the discovery of an ancient book gives her pause. With cotton gloves, she carefully examines it and uncovers secrets and more about Saffron Hall and its occupants. Through this, we see Amber take her eyes off herself and see the grief her husband was suffering. She also feels a presence from the past that spurs her on.
Although I sympathised with Amber, the present part of the story was a bit slower for me, and Eleanor’s story grabbed me more.
Overall, I would rate this story 3.5-4 stars.
April 23, 2022
As duas histórias, que surgem alternadas, são realmente interessantes e prendem desde o início à leitura. Os capítulos breves deixam-nos na expetativa relativamente a cada história, o que nos leva a não sentir vontade de pousar o livro, sendo a curiosidade aguçada a cada novo capítulo.
A escrita é simples e elegante, permitindo uma leitura fluída. A premissa é boa, cheia de intrigas, com uma tragédia comum às duas protagonistas. Eleanor, no passado; Amber, no presente. Mas, de que forma estará a tragédia de uma ligada à tragédia de outra, se passou quase meio século? O que mais terão de comum, para além da tragédia e de Saffron Hall? O que conterá o livro de orações/diário de Eleanor, que Amber encontrou passados tantos anos? É para desvendarem este e outros tantos mistérios que o livro nos oferece, que aconselho a sua leitura.
A escrita é simples e elegante, permitindo uma leitura fluída. A premissa é boa, cheia de intrigas, com uma tragédia comum às duas protagonistas. Eleanor, no passado; Amber, no presente. Mas, de que forma estará a tragédia de uma ligada à tragédia de outra, se passou quase meio século? O que mais terão de comum, para além da tragédia e de Saffron Hall? O que conterá o livro de orações/diário de Eleanor, que Amber encontrou passados tantos anos? É para desvendarem este e outros tantos mistérios que o livro nos oferece, que aconselho a sua leitura.
December 9, 2021
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Care fenici,
oggi sono qui a parlarvi di quest’incantevole libro: Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano.
Il romanzo segue le storie di due donne vissute, a ben cinquecento anni di distanza, nella stessa tenuta, Saffron Hall.
Eleanor è solo una ragazzina quando, alla morte del padre, è costretta ad abbandonare la casa in cui è cresciuta per sposare sir Greville Lutton. Nonostante la giovane età e l’inesperienza, crescendo, si rivelerà una donna tenace, caparbia ma soprattutto una grande esperta di erbe e rimedi naturali.
La grande passione instillatale sin da piccola dai monaci si rivelerà la sua fortuna: grazie ai raccolti sempre più fruttuosi di zafferano, infatti, il prestigio dei Lutton crescerà notevolmente, fin quando sir Greville si ritroverà a far parte del seguito della regina Caterina, quinta moglie di Enrico VIII.
La sventura è, però, dietro l’angolo: quando il volubile re Tudor decide di sbarazzarsi della giovane consorte, tutto il mondo di Eleanor andrà in frantumi.
A cinque secoli di distanza, Amber si è rifugiata nella vecchia tenuta di famiglia per affrontare il dolore della perdita della sua bambina. Durante un violento temporale, una parte della vecchia torre cede e tra i detriti la donna trova un antico libro delle preghiere perfettamente conservato. A colpirla, oltre alle fini e delicate miniature, è il disperato messaggio d’aiuto che è stato affidato a quelle pagine. Da quel momento, Amber è sempre più convinta che quella richiesta fosse destinata proprio a lei, ipotesi avvalorata dalla sensazione di sentire Eleanor vicina mentre cerca di risolvere l’enigma.
Ho trovato Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano una lettura davvero meravigliosa.
Più che il finale, che a un certo punto risulta abbastanza annunciato, è l’intermezzo il vero cuore del libro. Clare Marchant intreccia alla perfezione la storia delle due protagoniste, che in comune non hanno nulla, se non un ostico e difficile percorso di rinascita. Ci troviamo di fronte a due personaggi formidabili, poliedrici e intensi.
La narrazione è ricercata e fluida, approfondita da descrizioni che mi hanno portato facilmente a immaginare enormi distese di zafferano, profumi e sapori di altri tempi.
I salti temporali non sono mai bruschi o affrettati, ma di capitolo in capitolo il lettore viene con abilità e dolcezza accompagnato da un secolo all’altro, scoprendo sempre più del mistero che funge da filo conduttore per l’intera storia.
Ho apprezzato molto la visione di donna “emancipata” che l’autrice ha cucito a Eleanor. Seppur alle spalle del marito, come quei tempi esigevano, la donna potrebbe essere considerata come un’imprenditrice dei giorni nostri, per le sue abili idee e conoscenze. Il suo è un personaggio che mi ha molto colpito per l’intraprendenza, la forza d’animo e la capacità di non arrendersi anche nei momenti più bui.
L’epilogo dolce amaro completa perfettamente un racconto dai toni nostalgici, che esplora i temi dell’amore e del dolore.
Ho ammirato molto anche l’autrice per la cura posta di fronte al contesto storico in cui è ambientata la storia della famiglia Lutton. Con riferimenti più o meno approfonditi, Clare Marchant ha fornito al lettore tutte le informazioni necessarie per comprendere al meglio la grande confusione e le dure repressioni che segnarono l’Inghilterra negli anni in cui Enrico VIII dichiarò se stesso a capo della Chiesa, creando una scissione con la Chiesa e il papa.
A mio parere, Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano, può essere considerato un piccolo capolavoro. Un romanzo intenso, appassionante ed estremamente coinvolgente.
È un libro che mi ha tenuto incollata dalla prima all’ultima pagina e che rileggerò sicuramente con estremo piacere e entusiasmo.
Ne consiglio vivamente la lettura a chi ha voglia di lasciarsi trasportare in una storia ad alta intensità emotiva.
Vi lascio, infine, con il motto della famiglia Lutton che trovo davvero molto bello e significativo Dum Spiro, spero. Finchè respiro, ho speranza.
.
Care fenici,
oggi sono qui a parlarvi di quest’incantevole libro: Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano.
Il romanzo segue le storie di due donne vissute, a ben cinquecento anni di distanza, nella stessa tenuta, Saffron Hall.
Eleanor è solo una ragazzina quando, alla morte del padre, è costretta ad abbandonare la casa in cui è cresciuta per sposare sir Greville Lutton. Nonostante la giovane età e l’inesperienza, crescendo, si rivelerà una donna tenace, caparbia ma soprattutto una grande esperta di erbe e rimedi naturali.
La grande passione instillatale sin da piccola dai monaci si rivelerà la sua fortuna: grazie ai raccolti sempre più fruttuosi di zafferano, infatti, il prestigio dei Lutton crescerà notevolmente, fin quando sir Greville si ritroverà a far parte del seguito della regina Caterina, quinta moglie di Enrico VIII.
La sventura è, però, dietro l’angolo: quando il volubile re Tudor decide di sbarazzarsi della giovane consorte, tutto il mondo di Eleanor andrà in frantumi.
A cinque secoli di distanza, Amber si è rifugiata nella vecchia tenuta di famiglia per affrontare il dolore della perdita della sua bambina. Durante un violento temporale, una parte della vecchia torre cede e tra i detriti la donna trova un antico libro delle preghiere perfettamente conservato. A colpirla, oltre alle fini e delicate miniature, è il disperato messaggio d’aiuto che è stato affidato a quelle pagine. Da quel momento, Amber è sempre più convinta che quella richiesta fosse destinata proprio a lei, ipotesi avvalorata dalla sensazione di sentire Eleanor vicina mentre cerca di risolvere l’enigma.
Ho trovato Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano una lettura davvero meravigliosa.
Più che il finale, che a un certo punto risulta abbastanza annunciato, è l’intermezzo il vero cuore del libro. Clare Marchant intreccia alla perfezione la storia delle due protagoniste, che in comune non hanno nulla, se non un ostico e difficile percorso di rinascita. Ci troviamo di fronte a due personaggi formidabili, poliedrici e intensi.
La narrazione è ricercata e fluida, approfondita da descrizioni che mi hanno portato facilmente a immaginare enormi distese di zafferano, profumi e sapori di altri tempi.
I salti temporali non sono mai bruschi o affrettati, ma di capitolo in capitolo il lettore viene con abilità e dolcezza accompagnato da un secolo all’altro, scoprendo sempre più del mistero che funge da filo conduttore per l’intera storia.
Ho apprezzato molto la visione di donna “emancipata” che l’autrice ha cucito a Eleanor. Seppur alle spalle del marito, come quei tempi esigevano, la donna potrebbe essere considerata come un’imprenditrice dei giorni nostri, per le sue abili idee e conoscenze. Il suo è un personaggio che mi ha molto colpito per l’intraprendenza, la forza d’animo e la capacità di non arrendersi anche nei momenti più bui.
L’epilogo dolce amaro completa perfettamente un racconto dai toni nostalgici, che esplora i temi dell’amore e del dolore.
Ho ammirato molto anche l’autrice per la cura posta di fronte al contesto storico in cui è ambientata la storia della famiglia Lutton. Con riferimenti più o meno approfonditi, Clare Marchant ha fornito al lettore tutte le informazioni necessarie per comprendere al meglio la grande confusione e le dure repressioni che segnarono l’Inghilterra negli anni in cui Enrico VIII dichiarò se stesso a capo della Chiesa, creando una scissione con la Chiesa e il papa.
A mio parere, Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano, può essere considerato un piccolo capolavoro. Un romanzo intenso, appassionante ed estremamente coinvolgente.
È un libro che mi ha tenuto incollata dalla prima all’ultima pagina e che rileggerò sicuramente con estremo piacere e entusiasmo.
Ne consiglio vivamente la lettura a chi ha voglia di lasciarsi trasportare in una storia ad alta intensità emotiva.
Vi lascio, infine, con il motto della famiglia Lutton che trovo davvero molto bello e significativo Dum Spiro, spero. Finchè respiro, ho speranza.
June 8, 2020
The secrets of saffron hall is a lovely historical story set in two time lines. The 1500's when the King was Henry of many wives and modern day time. There are links between Saffron Hall in tudor times when Eleanor was the mistress and when Amber is living there temporarily with her Grandfather following the loss of her baby.
While grieving and trying to keep herself busy Amber discovers an old book of hours with latin incsriptions referring to Eleanor's life and her children, one in particularly - Mary.
What is the mystery of Saffron Hall and why is she drawn to the tower and what secrets does it hold behind that locked door?
The past slowly unfolds and the writing reveals how life was during this uncertain religious time when Henry was disobeying the Pope. We learn about Eleanor's life running the hall on a day to day basis and how her husband Greville is away at court trying to earn favour with the king.
Lots of beautiful descriptions of tudor life and how life was for a young wife 500 years ago.
Heartbreak and secrets are revealed and eventually all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
I did enjoy this story I believe the author Clare Marchant did a great job but I felt the modern element of the dual time line was repetetive and the characters in our time line were not developed enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon publishing for the opportunity to read this.
While grieving and trying to keep herself busy Amber discovers an old book of hours with latin incsriptions referring to Eleanor's life and her children, one in particularly - Mary.
What is the mystery of Saffron Hall and why is she drawn to the tower and what secrets does it hold behind that locked door?
The past slowly unfolds and the writing reveals how life was during this uncertain religious time when Henry was disobeying the Pope. We learn about Eleanor's life running the hall on a day to day basis and how her husband Greville is away at court trying to earn favour with the king.
Lots of beautiful descriptions of tudor life and how life was for a young wife 500 years ago.
Heartbreak and secrets are revealed and eventually all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
I did enjoy this story I believe the author Clare Marchant did a great job but I felt the modern element of the dual time line was repetetive and the characters in our time line were not developed enough.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon publishing for the opportunity to read this.
June 18, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⠀
⠀
Cari lettori, mi ritrovo a scrivere questa recensione subito dopo aver finito il romanzo. Preferisco scrivere adesso, piuttosto che riflettere ancora su quello che sto provando. “Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano“ mi ha lasciato una sensazione di inquietudine addosso, un malessere strano che sento possa avermi fatto, anche, del bene. ⠀
⠀
Ho amato questo romanzo, dalla prima all’ultima pagina. Saffron Hall è diventata un po’ la mia casa ed Eleanor una amica fidata. Ho imparato molto da lei e da Amber, le quali mi hanno permesso di conoscere le diverse sfaccettature del dolore e dell’amore, i quali sono spicchi di una stessa mela che, in alcuni momenti della vita e per alcune persone, sono costretti a combaciare.⠀
⠀
Dum spiro, spero. Finché respiro, ho speranza. Questo è il motto della famiglia di Eleanor e, d’ora in poi, sarà anche il mio.⠀
___⠀
⠀
“Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano” vede come protagoniste due donne che sono vissute a quasi cinquecento anni di distanza l’una dall’altra. Da un lato abbiamo Eleanor, la quale narra la sua storia tra il 1538 e il 1541. Ella è stata costretta a sposarsi con un uomo che neanche aveva mai visto, del quale si è innamorata e dal quale è stata brutalmente separata. Ciò che le ha permesso di ottenere la stima meritata è stata la sua coltivazione di zafferano. Questa pianta, però, sarà la fortuna e la rovina della famiglia di Eleanor. ⠀
Dall’altro lato abbiamo Amber, La quale vive la sua storia nel 2019. Una storia segnata da un lutto, una perdita precoce che la spinge a ritornare nella casa di famiglia: Saffron Hall.⠀
In questa casa, a seguito di un temporale che ha distrutto la torre già precaria, trova un piccolo libro di preghiere, rilegato in pelle, col quale sente un’affinità particolare. Questo diario, infatti, custodisce il segreto di Eleanor, la quale pare ancora vagare per le stanze di Saffron Hall alla ricerca di qualcuno che possa finalmente dar pace alla sua anima inquieta. ⠀
⠀
completa sul blog. Alla fine dell’articolo, troverete il mio link di affiliazione Amazon per acquistare il libro direttamente da lì. Riceverò una piccola percentuale, la quale non causerà a voi nessun sovrapprezzo!
⠀
Cari lettori, mi ritrovo a scrivere questa recensione subito dopo aver finito il romanzo. Preferisco scrivere adesso, piuttosto che riflettere ancora su quello che sto provando. “Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano“ mi ha lasciato una sensazione di inquietudine addosso, un malessere strano che sento possa avermi fatto, anche, del bene. ⠀
⠀
Ho amato questo romanzo, dalla prima all’ultima pagina. Saffron Hall è diventata un po’ la mia casa ed Eleanor una amica fidata. Ho imparato molto da lei e da Amber, le quali mi hanno permesso di conoscere le diverse sfaccettature del dolore e dell’amore, i quali sono spicchi di una stessa mela che, in alcuni momenti della vita e per alcune persone, sono costretti a combaciare.⠀
⠀
Dum spiro, spero. Finché respiro, ho speranza. Questo è il motto della famiglia di Eleanor e, d’ora in poi, sarà anche il mio.⠀
___⠀
⠀
“Il profumo dei fiori di zafferano” vede come protagoniste due donne che sono vissute a quasi cinquecento anni di distanza l’una dall’altra. Da un lato abbiamo Eleanor, la quale narra la sua storia tra il 1538 e il 1541. Ella è stata costretta a sposarsi con un uomo che neanche aveva mai visto, del quale si è innamorata e dal quale è stata brutalmente separata. Ciò che le ha permesso di ottenere la stima meritata è stata la sua coltivazione di zafferano. Questa pianta, però, sarà la fortuna e la rovina della famiglia di Eleanor. ⠀
Dall’altro lato abbiamo Amber, La quale vive la sua storia nel 2019. Una storia segnata da un lutto, una perdita precoce che la spinge a ritornare nella casa di famiglia: Saffron Hall.⠀
In questa casa, a seguito di un temporale che ha distrutto la torre già precaria, trova un piccolo libro di preghiere, rilegato in pelle, col quale sente un’affinità particolare. Questo diario, infatti, custodisce il segreto di Eleanor, la quale pare ancora vagare per le stanze di Saffron Hall alla ricerca di qualcuno che possa finalmente dar pace alla sua anima inquieta. ⠀
⠀
completa sul blog. Alla fine dell’articolo, troverete il mio link di affiliazione Amazon per acquistare il libro direttamente da lì. Riceverò una piccola percentuale, la quale non causerà a voi nessun sovrapprezzo!
May 6, 2022
Não podemos falar acerca deste livro sem mencionar Saffron Hall, uma casa com mais de 500 anos que faz a ponte entre duas mulheres separadas por cinco séculos.
Mas a casa não é a única coisa que as une, têm outra ligação emocional causada por uma dor indescritível de perda.
Eleanor viveu em Inglaterra em pleno reinado de henrique VIII. Casada com um mercador, que tenta a sua sorte na corte, fica responsável pela gestão da casa e das propriedades.
Amber, nos dias de hoje, encontra-se em Saffron Hall para catalogar a biblioteca do seu avô. Tarefa que tem como objetivo ajudá-la a ultrapassar uma fase muito difícil. Durante essa mesma tarefa, encontra um livro de horas pertencente a Eleanor e é aí que as suas vidas se interligam.
As descrições da vida de Eleanor foram as que mais me cativaram. A narração de como ela se dedica ao cultivo do açafrão está formidável. A autora consegue transmitir de uma forma muito bonita o amor e dedicação de Eleanor.
As transações entre as duas linhas temporais é feita de um modo muito harmonioso e estão muito bem conseguidas.
É uma história de dor e sofrimento mas também de superação e de força.
Recomendo muito esta leitura, penso que vão gostar de descobrir todos os mistérios de Saffron Hall.
Mas a casa não é a única coisa que as une, têm outra ligação emocional causada por uma dor indescritível de perda.
Eleanor viveu em Inglaterra em pleno reinado de henrique VIII. Casada com um mercador, que tenta a sua sorte na corte, fica responsável pela gestão da casa e das propriedades.
Amber, nos dias de hoje, encontra-se em Saffron Hall para catalogar a biblioteca do seu avô. Tarefa que tem como objetivo ajudá-la a ultrapassar uma fase muito difícil. Durante essa mesma tarefa, encontra um livro de horas pertencente a Eleanor e é aí que as suas vidas se interligam.
As descrições da vida de Eleanor foram as que mais me cativaram. A narração de como ela se dedica ao cultivo do açafrão está formidável. A autora consegue transmitir de uma forma muito bonita o amor e dedicação de Eleanor.
As transações entre as duas linhas temporais é feita de um modo muito harmonioso e estão muito bem conseguidas.
É uma história de dor e sofrimento mas também de superação e de força.
Recomendo muito esta leitura, penso que vão gostar de descobrir todos os mistérios de Saffron Hall.
September 17, 2020
You would think that as a seasoned reader I would be impervious to a great cover but this book is proof that I am not. I think I took one look at the cover and I had to have it. I did realise that in addition to a gorgeous cover (check), it was dual timeline (check) and also that it featured an old house with secrets (check check).
When Amber returns to her grandfather's home, Saffron Hall, it is in theory to catalogue his massive book collection. It actuality, it is a place that she is retreating to because of the grief she feels at losing her stillborn daughter, hiding away from friends and also her husband.
Saffron Hall has a tower that has always been locked and that no one has entered for generations. No one even knows where the key is. When they discover that the tower needs urgent work done to make it safe, one of the builders gives Amber a book that he finds. It is a book of hours that has been locked in the tower for centuries.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2020...
When Amber returns to her grandfather's home, Saffron Hall, it is in theory to catalogue his massive book collection. It actuality, it is a place that she is retreating to because of the grief she feels at losing her stillborn daughter, hiding away from friends and also her husband.
Saffron Hall has a tower that has always been locked and that no one has entered for generations. No one even knows where the key is. When they discover that the tower needs urgent work done to make it safe, one of the builders gives Amber a book that he finds. It is a book of hours that has been locked in the tower for centuries.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2020...
September 7, 2020
3.5 stars for the story
5 stars for the narration.
Secrets of Saffron Hall is an interesting tale which chronicles the lives of two women who are born five centuries apart, but face the same tragedy. We have Eleanor, a saffron cultivator from 1538, married to a merchant who’s quickly rising in Henry VIII’s court, and Amber, a historian from 2019, who’s back at her ancestral home to recover from a personal tragedy.
Told from the point of view of these two women, we get to see how Eleanor’s life faces various ups and downs as she navigates getting married into the household of a man who is decades her senior, and Amber’s life as she heals and restores her granddad’s overflowing library. Amber discovers Eleanor’s old prayer book, and gets invested in the latter’s life.
Historical fiction is always interesting when well written, and Marchant did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading about the saffron harvest, and how Eleanor had to navigate the household she was forced into. Having a mother who’d died in childbirth, Eleanor is terrified of getting pregnant. She’s also devout in worshipping, and it was refreshing to read a historic fiction novel where someone is religious.
While Amber’s voice was unique, I did not care much for it. It did lend an air of mystery to Eleanor’s life, since Amber had to piece together the events little by little, but I was invested more in Eleanor’s narration. Switching back to present day only made me impatient to return to Eleanor’s life.
Eleanor’s story is set at a time when Henry VIII was on the throne. Thanks to a friend who’s a history buff who has taught me all I know of this period, I knew that Eleanor’s husband being a part of the king’s court would play an important role in the plot. To be precise, this is set during the time Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn.
It didn’t matter whether the chapter was about Eleanor’s daily life, or her saffron cultivation, or her religious views — I truly loved reading anything in Eleanor’s point of view. She was grounded and highly rational, and she was a character I genuinely liked.
My only criticism of this book is that Marchant at times alluded to a supernatural presence during Amber’s POV later in the book. I’m not opposed to having Eleanor’s spirit actually guiding Amber, but the ambivalent portrayal of the same, where one can’t make out whether it’s purely Amber’s imagination or whether her spirit really was there frustrated me a little bit.
That’s why I feel this is a 3.5 star read, as opposed to a 4. A 5 star read would have been a story completely from Eleanor’s point of view!
Now coming to the narration — this is the first time I’ve had the chance to get an audiobook as an ARC. Audiobooks are my preferred form of reading, and the narrator Hattie Ladbury does a fantastic job. Her narration is perfect — while her words do enact the dialogues and add emphases at the right places, she also doesn’t overpower the story with her interpretation. As noted at the beginning, 5 stars for the narration.
I’d like to thank HarperCollins Audio and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book. It was my first historical fiction audiobook, and Marchant’s story and Ladbury’s narration transported me to the 16th century. I enjoyed the book, thank you!
TW: miscarriage, death of child during birth
5 stars for the narration.
While I breathe, I hope.
Secrets of Saffron Hall is an interesting tale which chronicles the lives of two women who are born five centuries apart, but face the same tragedy. We have Eleanor, a saffron cultivator from 1538, married to a merchant who’s quickly rising in Henry VIII’s court, and Amber, a historian from 2019, who’s back at her ancestral home to recover from a personal tragedy.
Told from the point of view of these two women, we get to see how Eleanor’s life faces various ups and downs as she navigates getting married into the household of a man who is decades her senior, and Amber’s life as she heals and restores her granddad’s overflowing library. Amber discovers Eleanor’s old prayer book, and gets invested in the latter’s life.
Historical fiction is always interesting when well written, and Marchant did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading about the saffron harvest, and how Eleanor had to navigate the household she was forced into. Having a mother who’d died in childbirth, Eleanor is terrified of getting pregnant. She’s also devout in worshipping, and it was refreshing to read a historic fiction novel where someone is religious.
While Amber’s voice was unique, I did not care much for it. It did lend an air of mystery to Eleanor’s life, since Amber had to piece together the events little by little, but I was invested more in Eleanor’s narration. Switching back to present day only made me impatient to return to Eleanor’s life.
Eleanor’s story is set at a time when Henry VIII was on the throne. Thanks to a friend who’s a history buff who has taught me all I know of this period, I knew that Eleanor’s husband being a part of the king’s court would play an important role in the plot. To be precise, this is set during the time Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn.
It didn’t matter whether the chapter was about Eleanor’s daily life, or her saffron cultivation, or her religious views — I truly loved reading anything in Eleanor’s point of view. She was grounded and highly rational, and she was a character I genuinely liked.
My only criticism of this book is that Marchant at times alluded to a supernatural presence during Amber’s POV later in the book. I’m not opposed to having Eleanor’s spirit actually guiding Amber, but the ambivalent portrayal of the same, where one can’t make out whether it’s purely Amber’s imagination or whether her spirit really was there frustrated me a little bit.
That’s why I feel this is a 3.5 star read, as opposed to a 4. A 5 star read would have been a story completely from Eleanor’s point of view!
Now coming to the narration — this is the first time I’ve had the chance to get an audiobook as an ARC. Audiobooks are my preferred form of reading, and the narrator Hattie Ladbury does a fantastic job. Her narration is perfect — while her words do enact the dialogues and add emphases at the right places, she also doesn’t overpower the story with her interpretation. As noted at the beginning, 5 stars for the narration.
I’d like to thank HarperCollins Audio and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book. It was my first historical fiction audiobook, and Marchant’s story and Ladbury’s narration transported me to the 16th century. I enjoyed the book, thank you!
TW: miscarriage, death of child during birth
August 6, 2020
This is a dual timeline story, following the lives of two women living a quincentenary apart, but with a thread of shared experience that somehow binds them across the centuries. In the early sixteenth century, Eleanor is a young girl, reluctantly married but making a go of her new life at her husband’s grand house in Norfolk, growing saffron to increase his fortunes. It is a time of great upheaval in the country, as Henry VIII enacts the Act of Supremacy and begins to dissolve the monasteries. In current times, Amber has suffered an earth-shattering upheaval of her own, and goes off to hide at her family’s long-time home, Saffron Hall, where her future becomes inextricably linked with Eleanor’s past.
The author handles the dual timeline brilliantly, expertly weaving the two stories together, so it is easy to follow whose story we are in, and how the one is feeding in to the other. She gives both women a strong, defined character and an equally important and well-developed storyline, so the novel feels well balanced and satisfying in both timelines. I was equally invested in the fates of both women, and completely sold on the idea that Amber’s future happiness, in her head at least, depended on her resolving the puzzle of Eleanor’s past.
This novel deals with a very difficult subject matter and, as someone who has been through this experience herself, I found the author dealt with it sensitively and with great understanding and tenderness and honesty. Whilst it did bring back some difficult memories, it left me moved and comforted, rather than distraught, and I would not have wanted to be put off reading it, although I suppose some who have been through the experience more recently and for whom the issue is more raw, may want to proceed with caution.
The author brings the life of the sixteenth century vividly to life in this book, and I became completely lost in the daily existence of Eleanor’s household and her duties and cares. It is a historical period that is rich in happenings and excitement and Clare mines them expertly and cleverly to provide the tension in the book. If you know any of the history of this period, the introduction of one character to the narrative will set alarm bells ringing, and you will be waiting for the fallout to ripple through the narrative. Clare has been very clever with the way she has woven real historical figures with fiction in the text, and I was almost reading the last part of the book from behind a metaphorical cushion, waiting for the inevitable. It is hard to get someone on tenterhooks when they almost feel like they know what is coming, so I take my hat off to this author that she managed it.
This is a vivid, moving, evocative story with a hint of the supernatural, and I absolutely loved it. It is a must-read for fans of the time period, and for a great, dual timeline story. Excellent work.
The author handles the dual timeline brilliantly, expertly weaving the two stories together, so it is easy to follow whose story we are in, and how the one is feeding in to the other. She gives both women a strong, defined character and an equally important and well-developed storyline, so the novel feels well balanced and satisfying in both timelines. I was equally invested in the fates of both women, and completely sold on the idea that Amber’s future happiness, in her head at least, depended on her resolving the puzzle of Eleanor’s past.
This novel deals with a very difficult subject matter and, as someone who has been through this experience herself, I found the author dealt with it sensitively and with great understanding and tenderness and honesty. Whilst it did bring back some difficult memories, it left me moved and comforted, rather than distraught, and I would not have wanted to be put off reading it, although I suppose some who have been through the experience more recently and for whom the issue is more raw, may want to proceed with caution.
The author brings the life of the sixteenth century vividly to life in this book, and I became completely lost in the daily existence of Eleanor’s household and her duties and cares. It is a historical period that is rich in happenings and excitement and Clare mines them expertly and cleverly to provide the tension in the book. If you know any of the history of this period, the introduction of one character to the narrative will set alarm bells ringing, and you will be waiting for the fallout to ripple through the narrative. Clare has been very clever with the way she has woven real historical figures with fiction in the text, and I was almost reading the last part of the book from behind a metaphorical cushion, waiting for the inevitable. It is hard to get someone on tenterhooks when they almost feel like they know what is coming, so I take my hat off to this author that she managed it.
This is a vivid, moving, evocative story with a hint of the supernatural, and I absolutely loved it. It is a must-read for fans of the time period, and for a great, dual timeline story. Excellent work.
July 1, 2021
I read this book with some of my book club buddy’s. A lot of us enjoy historical fiction and were desperate to give this one a go. I managed to pick it up for 99p on Amazon and I have Clare Marchant’ latest one to read too (which is out this month)!
What I love about historical fiction is the way it conveys how family tragedy and secrets can continue for centuries, connecting us all with invisible strings. Clare Marchant demonstrates this in abundance with Eleanor and Amber’s story. These two women have so much in common and whilst they never knew each other. their connection was clear from the start. After discovering Eleanor’s diary Amber throws herself into discovering what happened at Saffron Hall during King Henry VIII’s reign. This provides the perfect distraction for Amber, who is trying to run away from dealing with her own recent tragedy.
I loved Eleanor and the way she took control of Saffron Hall. For someone so young and new to life as a married woman she certainly took to being lady of the manor. She was a brilliant wife and a great mother to all the children but I loved her passion about growing the saffron the most. The process and work she put into and the fact that it was very successful showed something not heard of in 1500’s, women providing for their families. I’m a sucker for anything Tudor related but this was a story told from the outside of the King’s court. It was refreshing to have a story from the outsider’s POV and see how Henry VIII’s actions spread far and wide.
The dual timeline was addictive and I honestly felt that I was there with Amber trying to unravel the mystery. When the final secrets were revealed it was heart breaking but there was also a sense of relief that Eleanor could finally rest knowing her story had been told.
This is a must read for all historical fiction fans. History, drama, mystery, secrets. What more could you ask for?
What I love about historical fiction is the way it conveys how family tragedy and secrets can continue for centuries, connecting us all with invisible strings. Clare Marchant demonstrates this in abundance with Eleanor and Amber’s story. These two women have so much in common and whilst they never knew each other. their connection was clear from the start. After discovering Eleanor’s diary Amber throws herself into discovering what happened at Saffron Hall during King Henry VIII’s reign. This provides the perfect distraction for Amber, who is trying to run away from dealing with her own recent tragedy.
I loved Eleanor and the way she took control of Saffron Hall. For someone so young and new to life as a married woman she certainly took to being lady of the manor. She was a brilliant wife and a great mother to all the children but I loved her passion about growing the saffron the most. The process and work she put into and the fact that it was very successful showed something not heard of in 1500’s, women providing for their families. I’m a sucker for anything Tudor related but this was a story told from the outside of the King’s court. It was refreshing to have a story from the outsider’s POV and see how Henry VIII’s actions spread far and wide.
The dual timeline was addictive and I honestly felt that I was there with Amber trying to unravel the mystery. When the final secrets were revealed it was heart breaking but there was also a sense of relief that Eleanor could finally rest knowing her story had been told.
This is a must read for all historical fiction fans. History, drama, mystery, secrets. What more could you ask for?
June 1, 2021
Best mooi verhaal, maar ik had er niet echt veel mee! Personages spraken me totaal niet aan, dat kan heel goed aan mij liggen (zo goed als zeker als ik naar de hoge waarderingen kijk). Het verhaal kent 2 verhalen, het verhaal van een ver verleden en dat vertelt over Eleanor. Het verhaal van heden gaat voornamelijk over Amber. Schrijfstijl vond ik wel prettig, hoewel soms ook wat traag.. ik had waarschijnlijk gewoon te hoge verwachtingen!
April 26, 2023
Tiene partes que se me hicieron un poco pesadas, sobre todo los capítulos ambientados en 2019. La historia en sí no me estaba interesando mucho, pero el final de 1541 lo mejora. Podría ser mejor, pero no ha estado mal.
April 14, 2023
4 mistress stars 🌟
Theme: feminism, family, royals
Considering I finished this book in a day, I think the author did a good job creating the suspense for the secret , was I satisfied with the ending? I think I expected a bit more after all that built up.
I also didn’t understand the relationship between Eleanor and her husband, how did they become so affectionate while barely spending time together?
Theme: feminism, family, royals
Considering I finished this book in a day, I think the author did a good job creating the suspense for the secret , was I satisfied with the ending? I think I expected a bit more after all that built up.
I also didn’t understand the relationship between Eleanor and her husband, how did they become so affectionate while barely spending time together?
October 12, 2023
"The Secrets of Saffron Hall" - written by Clare Marchant and published in 2020 by Avon. Women are the focus in this dual-time story - Eleanor in mid 1500s Norfolk, England is married off to a widower and her story is that marriage during the time of Henry VIII plus the interesting details of her crocus cultivation which produces much sought-after precious saffron threads. Amber, in present day, lives in part of her family's ancient Saffron Hall and feels compelled to resolve a ghostly plea of Eleanor's - "plucking at the filaments of time trying to catch her attention." This time period is always fascinating, and Marchant tells the story well. A word of caution for those with difficulty reading themes of birth trauma. The ending fades away, and I wanted to know more- it's left to the imagination.
May 8, 2020
The Secrets of Saffron Hall is an intensely gripping, emotional read, that kept me turning the pages until the early hours of the morning. In the present, the heroine’s grief is almost visceral – the reader feels her loss as keenly as she does herself, wanting her to heal but not knowing if it’s possible. And the scenes in the past were beautifully depicted. It made me feel as though I was really there, living under the shadow of cruel, capricious Henry VIII, who looms large throughout. The fear and difficulty of that time, the tightrope everyone must have walked in order to stay in favour with the king, had me in its grip until the end. An atmospheric story sure to please all fans of timeslip novels!
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