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The Pearl Locket
We’ll Meet Again…
When Ali inherits her great-aunt’s house she immediately moves her whole family in, despite the warnings that there is something strange about the place.
Unfazed, Ali begins redecorating, going through the rooms, making each one her own with the help of her daughter, Kelly. But when under the wallpaper in Kelly’s new room they discover a scrawled message from 1944, Ali begins to question the history of the house as she knows it.
Her family has always seemed so picture perfect, not a blemish or a secret to be found. Yet, this discovery throws her into confusion and Ali begins to question exactly what she knows about her family and the mysteries they have kept hidden…
When Ali inherits her great-aunt’s house she immediately moves her whole family in, despite the warnings that there is something strange about the place.
Unfazed, Ali begins redecorating, going through the rooms, making each one her own with the help of her daughter, Kelly. But when under the wallpaper in Kelly’s new room they discover a scrawled message from 1944, Ali begins to question the history of the house as she knows it.
Her family has always seemed so picture perfect, not a blemish or a secret to be found. Yet, this discovery throws her into confusion and Ali begins to question exactly what she knows about her family and the mysteries they have kept hidden…
252 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2015
1012 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen McGurl
26 books476 followersKathleen McGurl lives in Bournemouth with her husband and cat. She has two grown-up sons who have now left home. She always wanted to write, and for many years was waiting until she had the time. Eventually she came to the bitter realisation that no one would pay her for a year off work to write a book, so she sat down and started to write one anyway. Since then she has sold dozens of short stories to women's magazines and written three books for writers. These days she is concentrating on longer fiction and has published several dual timeline novels with CarinaUK and HQ. She works full time in the IT industry and when she's not writing, she's often out running, slowly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 6, 2015
What can I say! After just finishing Kathleen McGurl's latest book she has without doubt found a new fan in this reader. Being a huge lover of historical fiction and this book having the added time slip element it certainly provided me with all the right ingredients I need for a wonderful, satisfying read. The Pearl Locket is her second novel for Carina and not having read her first The Emerald Comb Kathleen was a totally new author for me. It takes no effort in saying I loved this book from start to finish and could find no fault with the extremely well told story with love deeply rooted at its centre. In fact I was so lost in the story of Joan, Ali and Kelly that I read it in two sittings and could hardly believe I had reached the end so quickly. It would have been lovely if the book had been even longer but that's just me being greedy.
The story just seemed to flow seamlessly between the past and the present. Knowing each chapter would alternate kept it clear in my head and at no point did I feel like the story was jumping around in time too rapidly. The stories ran along side each other very well and I liked each equally. Sometimes with books that use the time slip method the reader gets comfortable reading about the present and then all of a sudden it jumps back to the past with no warning and you end up confused but this is not the case with The Pearl Locket and I was eager to flit between the time periods to discover what would happen next.
This story moves between 2014 and 1944/1945. Ali Bradshaw has just inherited her great aunt Betty's house and is considering whether to sell it or renovate and move in with her husband Pete and two children Kelly and Ryan. Pete is out of work and feels he can do up the house whilst looking for a job, so the family move in and before they know it strange things start happening with Kelly. She discovers writing underneath her bedroom wallpaper saying Joan loves Jack. But who is Joan as no one in the family has ever mentioned her before? We then move back to 1944 where we read of a family living in a seaside town during World War Two. There are three sisters Betty, Margaret and Joan who are ruled by a strict disciplinarian father who wants everything his way and imposes rules and regulations upon his daughters. Even his wife seems to be under his thumb. But Joan is the slight rebel and despite worldwide events and restrictions at that time she is determined to do something to help the war effort and also have a little fun. Joan meets Jack at a dance (that her father has forbidden her to attend), he saves her from an over amorous Canadian airman and soon Jack and Joan have fallen head over heels in love. Normally this annoys me in books how couples who just meet can declare their undenying love for each other but I realise at the time people never knew if they would see each other again. What with soldiers going off to war uncertain of their futures, they felt the need to have someone at home who would be thinking of them and to whom they could write to. Jack soon enlists and Joan is left to harbour her secret love from her family.
In the present Margaret is still alive and living in a nursing home and she is not happy that Ali and her family have decided to stay on in the house. From early on the reader becomes aware that something happened with the sisters and I was dying to find out what. The author skilfully drip feeds us bits and pieces at just the right time leaving you rapidly turning the pages (or tapping the Kindle in this case) eager to know why the past has remained so hidden. At one point up crops neighbour Jason Bergmann and I did wonder why in god's name is the neighbour getting such prominence in the story. It wasn't until near the end was his role confirmed and it was quite a feat for the author to achieve as I never guessed his connection to the story. Things become even more intriguing when Kelly starts dressing in the style of the 1940's and even uses mannerisms and sayings from that time. She feels a presence in the house but only Margaret has the answers. When Ali and Pete discover a hidden door to a cellar they find a box containing photos and a locket. Could these items unlock the secrets that have remained hidden until now?
The story continued to move at a lovely natural pace and slowly the past and present became interwoven. I really developed a soft spot for Joan and her story and all that she was going through. How hard it must be to have a deep connection and love for someone. A love that has to remain secret for fear of not conforming to the times. Joan's father just came across as a big bully and tyrant and her fear of not living up to his expectations only caused further heartache and sadness for her. In the present I loved how Kelly's life began to mirror Joan's as the women became even more connected through time. It just shows how in some ways society has totally changed today but in others things have stayed the same and are not really poles apart. To go in to any more detail would ruin the fabulous story that awaits the reader if you pick up this magnificent book. You are certainly in for a treat as you read of Kelly's attempts to reconcile the past and the present. I loved how all the loose ends were tied up in a rewarding way and I never would have guessed the outcome but was pleased with the path the author took us on to reach the ending.
Don't hesitate to pick up this book,you will not be disappointed, I spent several hours completely enraptured by Kathleen McGurl's work. I'm only sorry I haven't read The Emerald Comb as judging by this book her first novel must be equally as good. The Pearl Locket has everything mystery, romance, suspense, history, family relationships, the time slip element, friendship, betrayals and trials and tribulations. All these elements rolled into one make for a rewarding read that I won't forget for a long time. Do yourself a favour and buy this book today
The story just seemed to flow seamlessly between the past and the present. Knowing each chapter would alternate kept it clear in my head and at no point did I feel like the story was jumping around in time too rapidly. The stories ran along side each other very well and I liked each equally. Sometimes with books that use the time slip method the reader gets comfortable reading about the present and then all of a sudden it jumps back to the past with no warning and you end up confused but this is not the case with The Pearl Locket and I was eager to flit between the time periods to discover what would happen next.
This story moves between 2014 and 1944/1945. Ali Bradshaw has just inherited her great aunt Betty's house and is considering whether to sell it or renovate and move in with her husband Pete and two children Kelly and Ryan. Pete is out of work and feels he can do up the house whilst looking for a job, so the family move in and before they know it strange things start happening with Kelly. She discovers writing underneath her bedroom wallpaper saying Joan loves Jack. But who is Joan as no one in the family has ever mentioned her before? We then move back to 1944 where we read of a family living in a seaside town during World War Two. There are three sisters Betty, Margaret and Joan who are ruled by a strict disciplinarian father who wants everything his way and imposes rules and regulations upon his daughters. Even his wife seems to be under his thumb. But Joan is the slight rebel and despite worldwide events and restrictions at that time she is determined to do something to help the war effort and also have a little fun. Joan meets Jack at a dance (that her father has forbidden her to attend), he saves her from an over amorous Canadian airman and soon Jack and Joan have fallen head over heels in love. Normally this annoys me in books how couples who just meet can declare their undenying love for each other but I realise at the time people never knew if they would see each other again. What with soldiers going off to war uncertain of their futures, they felt the need to have someone at home who would be thinking of them and to whom they could write to. Jack soon enlists and Joan is left to harbour her secret love from her family.
In the present Margaret is still alive and living in a nursing home and she is not happy that Ali and her family have decided to stay on in the house. From early on the reader becomes aware that something happened with the sisters and I was dying to find out what. The author skilfully drip feeds us bits and pieces at just the right time leaving you rapidly turning the pages (or tapping the Kindle in this case) eager to know why the past has remained so hidden. At one point up crops neighbour Jason Bergmann and I did wonder why in god's name is the neighbour getting such prominence in the story. It wasn't until near the end was his role confirmed and it was quite a feat for the author to achieve as I never guessed his connection to the story. Things become even more intriguing when Kelly starts dressing in the style of the 1940's and even uses mannerisms and sayings from that time. She feels a presence in the house but only Margaret has the answers. When Ali and Pete discover a hidden door to a cellar they find a box containing photos and a locket. Could these items unlock the secrets that have remained hidden until now?
The story continued to move at a lovely natural pace and slowly the past and present became interwoven. I really developed a soft spot for Joan and her story and all that she was going through. How hard it must be to have a deep connection and love for someone. A love that has to remain secret for fear of not conforming to the times. Joan's father just came across as a big bully and tyrant and her fear of not living up to his expectations only caused further heartache and sadness for her. In the present I loved how Kelly's life began to mirror Joan's as the women became even more connected through time. It just shows how in some ways society has totally changed today but in others things have stayed the same and are not really poles apart. To go in to any more detail would ruin the fabulous story that awaits the reader if you pick up this magnificent book. You are certainly in for a treat as you read of Kelly's attempts to reconcile the past and the present. I loved how all the loose ends were tied up in a rewarding way and I never would have guessed the outcome but was pleased with the path the author took us on to reach the ending.
Don't hesitate to pick up this book,you will not be disappointed, I spent several hours completely enraptured by Kathleen McGurl's work. I'm only sorry I haven't read The Emerald Comb as judging by this book her first novel must be equally as good. The Pearl Locket has everything mystery, romance, suspense, history, family relationships, the time slip element, friendship, betrayals and trials and tribulations. All these elements rolled into one make for a rewarding read that I won't forget for a long time. Do yourself a favour and buy this book today
February 28, 2015
First off, I have always been a fan of historic novels, despite you not seeing many on Becca's Books. I adore them. I love being whisked away to a time before our own, experiencing and seeing all of the things that my great-great-great-great grandparents saw on a day-to-day basis. Kathleen McGurl is a pro at doing this to her readers. The Pearl Locket' begins first in the modern times of 2014, but then you're taken all the way back to the year of 1944, From there on, each chapter is a portal to these two different times, and this is one of the things that I LOVE about reading Kathleen's work. As the reader, once you realise that you're going to be slipping back and forth throughout your reading of the book, it's very difficult not to get excited about what lies ahead. This is why I think the term time-slip is perfectly and utterly accurate for Kathleen's books. 'Slipping' through these times, not hopping, not bouncing (it's definitely doesn't feel that clunky to me), but effortlessly gliding from one era to the next, and it is absolutely superb. This same fluid movement is evident in Kathleen's previous novel 'The Emerald Comb' and it is, besides all of her other writing talents that can be seen in her books, what made me fall head over heels in love with Kath's work in the first place. Rather than plodding along with the same narrative and the same characters, Kathleen hands the reader so much more than that.
Not only are we stepping back and forth in the doorways of these time portals (also known as Kathleen's chapters, ha!), we're meeting and greeting with two completely different families from two separate worlds. For me, being a family girl and all, I just loved this. We had the modern family in 2014, which consisted of Ali, Pete, Kelly, Ryan, and Ali's Gran, Margaret. Then we had the family back in 1944, made up of a strict father, a subdued mother, and three young girls; Mags, Joan and Elizabeth. The differences, as Kathleen began her wonderful descriptions, were striking, to say the least. The two different families' lives, their circumstances, their relationships... It was marvellous. Kathleen also really opened my eyes to the war that went on during the 1940's. Living amongst that danger, chaos and destruction wouldn't have been easy for anybody, and her family back in 1944 were detailed perfectly. By the end of my reading of this book, I felt like I knew both of these families inside out, and after everything that they'd been through, I was pretty upset to see them go when I turned the final page.
The plot itself was, as it was in 'The Emerald Comb', absolutely magnificent. Seriously, I cannot fault a single thing when it comes to Kathleen McGurl's story-telling abilities. I can't seem to be able to put it into words, either. With the two different time eras taken into consideration, delicious snippets of information are set free, and ultimately, end up having some sort of consequence for the modern family in 2014. God, it was brilliant. Absolutely BRILLIANT! Secrets, mysteries, and death-defying love, that seriously got my heart into a big, old tangle. Kathleen McGurl is an absolute pro at reeling in the reader and keeping them in place with the sheer intrigue that overcomes them. The story flowed beautifully between the two separate lives, intertwining now and again, almost as if Kathleen's characters were standing on opposites sides of a mirror, gazing through at each other. There were twists and turns galore that had me gripping my Kindle to within an inch of its life, and in the end, when Kathleen begins to bring the ribbons around her story to tie into a neat bow, I just felt completely and utterly satiated. I felt, as the characters did, that I could finally breathe easy, as if I'd raced through the entire book with my breath held and my mind reeling, and then, finally, let out that breath when I came to the end.
'The Pearl Locket' emphasises all of the most stunning writing talents that Kathleen McGurl holds. It showcases them, shiny and sparkling, and believe me when I say this readers, it will hold you captive right until the very last page. Not only are we faced with mysteries and secrets, as we were in 'The Emerald Comb', but this time, we're faced with a war that's raging onwards and capable of taking the people that the characters love most and hold dear to their hearts.
Becca's Books is rating 'The Pearl Locket' by Kathleen McGurl with FIVE GLORIOUS CUPCAKES! I cannot rate or recommend this book enough. It is everything that I had hoped for and more, and I think Kathleen must have had a hard job trying to ensure that this book was even better than the last, when the last was absolutely MINDBLOWING. This book is everything I love about Kathleen McGurl and more, and already, I'm DYING to read her next one.
Not only are we stepping back and forth in the doorways of these time portals (also known as Kathleen's chapters, ha!), we're meeting and greeting with two completely different families from two separate worlds. For me, being a family girl and all, I just loved this. We had the modern family in 2014, which consisted of Ali, Pete, Kelly, Ryan, and Ali's Gran, Margaret. Then we had the family back in 1944, made up of a strict father, a subdued mother, and three young girls; Mags, Joan and Elizabeth. The differences, as Kathleen began her wonderful descriptions, were striking, to say the least. The two different families' lives, their circumstances, their relationships... It was marvellous. Kathleen also really opened my eyes to the war that went on during the 1940's. Living amongst that danger, chaos and destruction wouldn't have been easy for anybody, and her family back in 1944 were detailed perfectly. By the end of my reading of this book, I felt like I knew both of these families inside out, and after everything that they'd been through, I was pretty upset to see them go when I turned the final page.
The plot itself was, as it was in 'The Emerald Comb', absolutely magnificent. Seriously, I cannot fault a single thing when it comes to Kathleen McGurl's story-telling abilities. I can't seem to be able to put it into words, either. With the two different time eras taken into consideration, delicious snippets of information are set free, and ultimately, end up having some sort of consequence for the modern family in 2014. God, it was brilliant. Absolutely BRILLIANT! Secrets, mysteries, and death-defying love, that seriously got my heart into a big, old tangle. Kathleen McGurl is an absolute pro at reeling in the reader and keeping them in place with the sheer intrigue that overcomes them. The story flowed beautifully between the two separate lives, intertwining now and again, almost as if Kathleen's characters were standing on opposites sides of a mirror, gazing through at each other. There were twists and turns galore that had me gripping my Kindle to within an inch of its life, and in the end, when Kathleen begins to bring the ribbons around her story to tie into a neat bow, I just felt completely and utterly satiated. I felt, as the characters did, that I could finally breathe easy, as if I'd raced through the entire book with my breath held and my mind reeling, and then, finally, let out that breath when I came to the end.
'The Pearl Locket' emphasises all of the most stunning writing talents that Kathleen McGurl holds. It showcases them, shiny and sparkling, and believe me when I say this readers, it will hold you captive right until the very last page. Not only are we faced with mysteries and secrets, as we were in 'The Emerald Comb', but this time, we're faced with a war that's raging onwards and capable of taking the people that the characters love most and hold dear to their hearts.
Becca's Books is rating 'The Pearl Locket' by Kathleen McGurl with FIVE GLORIOUS CUPCAKES! I cannot rate or recommend this book enough. It is everything that I had hoped for and more, and I think Kathleen must have had a hard job trying to ensure that this book was even better than the last, when the last was absolutely MINDBLOWING. This book is everything I love about Kathleen McGurl and more, and already, I'm DYING to read her next one.
April 28, 2019
Lovely story which has everything. Love, sadness, intrigue and joy. Although jumping backwards and forwards from the present day to the second world war, it was easy to follow and understand. Delightful read.
March 22, 2015
I love historical romance novels and love era romance novels … okay, I am a romantic at heart. The Pearl Locket was a delightful story of love under duress as young hearts fight against parental constraints that keep them apart during WWII.
After moving into her great aunt’s home that her mother had inherited that had been the family home that her grandmother had grown up in, Kelly found her perfect bedroom. When she discovers Joan love Jack” written on the wall of her room underneath some peeling wallpaper, she finds she is drawn more and more to finding who Joan and Jack are.
While never going through the mechanizations of what you would expect for a paranormal novel, there was no missing the experience of watching the 21th century young teenage girl falling under the influence of someone or something from the past. The storyline was well written, just like in real life, none of the family, nor did Kelly (the teenage girl) understand what was happening. Kelly only knew she had to find out who Joan was and what happened to her and Jack.
The novel was well crafted with the two storylines inter-twined and moving between WWII and current day as more was discovered about Joan and Jack and back to the past, as their love story progressed. The connection between the two was masterful and held my attention all the way to the end with a wonderful surprising ending.
The Pearl Lock cost me a night’s sleep, for I looked over and it was three in the morning and I forced myself to finish it the next day. The sentiment of the love story wrenched my heart time and again as I watched Joan and Jack struggle with finding a way to make life happen for themselves. I would rate this novel a full FOUR PLUS STARS. I highly recommend it to fans of historical romance or pararomance.
After moving into her great aunt’s home that her mother had inherited that had been the family home that her grandmother had grown up in, Kelly found her perfect bedroom. When she discovers Joan love Jack” written on the wall of her room underneath some peeling wallpaper, she finds she is drawn more and more to finding who Joan and Jack are.
While never going through the mechanizations of what you would expect for a paranormal novel, there was no missing the experience of watching the 21th century young teenage girl falling under the influence of someone or something from the past. The storyline was well written, just like in real life, none of the family, nor did Kelly (the teenage girl) understand what was happening. Kelly only knew she had to find out who Joan was and what happened to her and Jack.
The novel was well crafted with the two storylines inter-twined and moving between WWII and current day as more was discovered about Joan and Jack and back to the past, as their love story progressed. The connection between the two was masterful and held my attention all the way to the end with a wonderful surprising ending.
The Pearl Lock cost me a night’s sleep, for I looked over and it was three in the morning and I forced myself to finish it the next day. The sentiment of the love story wrenched my heart time and again as I watched Joan and Jack struggle with finding a way to make life happen for themselves. I would rate this novel a full FOUR PLUS STARS. I highly recommend it to fans of historical romance or pararomance.
April 24, 2015
I would like to thank author Kath McGurl for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review (sorry Kath I thought I had posted this review ages ago).
We meet Ali and her family as she inherits her great-aunts house and despite the wishes of her grandmother they decided to move in and renovate the property.
Like Kath’s previous book The Emerald Comb this isn’t just a past meets future story, there is heartbreak and love all wrapped around one family. Kath weaves a tangled web with her story always keeping me guessing what turn it would take next.
I liked Ali, even though at time her thoughts seemed to echo those of her great-great grand-father she was trying to do the best by her family especially her daughter and let’s face it if someone’s daughter suddenly started to talk strange and dress as though they were in the 1940’s wouldn’t we all be a little worried.
Joan and Jack's story is so lovely and a reminder of how sad a time the Second World War was, time was short and everyone tried to make the most of the awful situation they found themselves in.
This is a gorgeous story that has everything going for it; it has secrets, ancestry, tragedy, love and friendship. I love how it flipped between the two eras and how the story unfolded slowly.
We meet Ali and her family as she inherits her great-aunts house and despite the wishes of her grandmother they decided to move in and renovate the property.
Like Kath’s previous book The Emerald Comb this isn’t just a past meets future story, there is heartbreak and love all wrapped around one family. Kath weaves a tangled web with her story always keeping me guessing what turn it would take next.
I liked Ali, even though at time her thoughts seemed to echo those of her great-great grand-father she was trying to do the best by her family especially her daughter and let’s face it if someone’s daughter suddenly started to talk strange and dress as though they were in the 1940’s wouldn’t we all be a little worried.
Joan and Jack's story is so lovely and a reminder of how sad a time the Second World War was, time was short and everyone tried to make the most of the awful situation they found themselves in.
This is a gorgeous story that has everything going for it; it has secrets, ancestry, tragedy, love and friendship. I love how it flipped between the two eras and how the story unfolded slowly.
March 22, 2015
Inheriting the home of a great Aunt is the trigger for Ali and her family to move from rented accommodation into this, their new home. The move involves them undertaking lots of repairs and renovations and uncovering family history that they were previously totally unaware of. Love letters and photographs left in the cellar, writing on the wall and a pearl locket together help instigate the family into researching their past as it seems in danger of taking over the life of Ali’s daughter, Kelly.
Told in two time periods - the preset day and during the second World War, it is a tale of love found and lost, separated and reunited. It is a heartbreaking story, definitely different, that takes the reader into the family, encouraging them to share their experiences and emotions as stories from the part impact on the present and future for everyone concerned - including unexpected family and friends who help resolve and explain events. This is a mystery thriller that will keep the reader enthralled right to the very end!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Told in two time periods - the preset day and during the second World War, it is a tale of love found and lost, separated and reunited. It is a heartbreaking story, definitely different, that takes the reader into the family, encouraging them to share their experiences and emotions as stories from the part impact on the present and future for everyone concerned - including unexpected family and friends who help resolve and explain events. This is a mystery thriller that will keep the reader enthralled right to the very end!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it starts off in 2014 but you are also told the story of what happened in 1944 as this is an important part of the story. Both years merge easily and the storyline is superb. I was totally captured right until the end, in fact I was in tears at the end in a good way though
March 13, 2017
a bit disappointing - comparing the book to those of kate morton is a mistake, this story hasn't the writing quality of kate morton's books - the story however was ok
3 stars is a bit much, but 2 wasn't enough - let's say 2.5 :)
3 stars is a bit much, but 2 wasn't enough - let's say 2.5 :)
June 12, 2016
The Pearl Locket by Kathleen McGurl
Another great read! I enjoy Kathleen's style of writing. Stories that cover two time periods are so intriguing. A truly great love story!! However sad,it has a good feeling ending.
Angeline
Another great read! I enjoy Kathleen's style of writing. Stories that cover two time periods are so intriguing. A truly great love story!! However sad,it has a good feeling ending.
Angeline
April 4, 2016
Good storyline
Enjoyed the story and ending. I liked the setting and thought it kept me interested and wanting to read more.
Enjoyed the story and ending. I liked the setting and thought it kept me interested and wanting to read more.
April 24, 2024
More than a few tears were definitely shed while reading this. It was heartbreaking.
March 7, 2015
The Pearl Locket
Kathleen McGurl4.8 out of 5 starsReviews
THE BLURB
We’ll Meet Again…
When Ali inherits her great-aunt’s house she immediately moves her whole family in, despite the warnings that there is something strange about the place. Unfazed Ali begins redecorating, going through the rooms, making each one her own with the help of her daughter, Kelly. But when under the wallpaper in Kelly’s new room they discover a scrawled message from 1944 Ali begins to question the history of the house as she knows it.
Her family has always seemed so picture perfect, not a blemish or a secret to be found. Yet, this discovery throws her into confusion and Ali begins to question exactly what she knows about her family and the mysteries they have kept hidden…
WHAT I SAY
Another book by Kathleen that i can not praise enough what a talented author she is one of my must read author
i loved both her books
I have always been a fan of historic novels and i do read a few I enjoy them so much but she just writes then so differently she got a unique way about her which i love.
I just love the way The Pearl Locket' is told it starts in the today time of 2014, but then you're taken back to the year of 1944, From there on, each chapter slip back and forward from 1944 to 2014 do not worry it so easy to follow i want you all to read you just get pulled into the story of Joan , Ali, and kelly and a few more characters
The story just flows seamlessly from past to present but you do not realise as the storyline just runs together so well
Kathleen description are just brilliant you can feel the pain of the war of 1944 all the dangers , chaos and the effect it has on this family and their life's Their dad was so strict his rules made one young girl feel so loss and alone this leaves to a tragic event
What happened in 1944 plays such an important part in the story it just told with such passion
The story got a lot of twist and turns
In today time 2014 Ali Just inherited her great aunt Betty house
The way Kathleen described the house you can see it in your mind Ali not sure if she should sell or renovate it so her and her husband Pete and their two children kelly and Ryan move in
Strangle things start to happen to Kelly she acting wried she now dressing in 1940 clothes which i love i really want a 1940 tea party so i can wear a dress
on one of the bedroom walls they see hidden under the wallpaper Joan loves jack
But who joan ? But who are they she never hear of them
They find a cellar that got a few hidden photo too
The story goes back to 1944 to tell us all about betty , Margaret and Joan life's it was just so interesting to read about i want to tell you more but i want you to read for your self
Margaret still alive now she in a old people home you can tell she not happy about Ali moving to the houses i thing she worried the secret will come out what is she hiding?
We do get to find out in small amounts the hidden secrets this just hooks your more in to the plot it a real page turner
Two very different families in different time living different circumstances and with different relationship but are so alike you will just feel parts of both families the way Kathleen written you just know them so well you get to see all they family love and secrets I like the mystery side to the story to
I just loved the way the two stories intertwined together it just a stunning book again it just captive me from the first page till the last it just a page turner but i wanted more but to me that what makes a fab book your left want the story to carry on your just so into the storyline you do want to to finish
You will just love all the characters you will feel their love and pain it just a brilliant read i cannot recommend this book enough it told with such grace and passion a lovely tale of family love
I want to tell you more about the plot but i want you to read for your self and you must get The Emerald Comb both books are just brilliant
Please check them out you will love them both i did
5 dolls
Thank to Kathleen and netgalley for letting me read and review
About author
Kathleen McGurl is a writer of short stories, novels and how-to-write books. She lives by the sea in Bournemouth with her husband and teen son 2. Teen son 1 is away at university. When not writing she is either working at the day-job (IT for a large retail organisation) or running along the Bournemouth prom, slowly.
She has sold dozens of stories to women’s magazines in the UK and Australia. Her how-to-write books and a romantic novella are available as ebooks from Amazon. Her first full-length novel, The Emerald Comb, was published by Carina UK on 22nd September 2014, and her second, The Pearl Locket, on 27th February 2015.
Kathleen McGurl4.8 out of 5 starsReviews
THE BLURB
We’ll Meet Again…
When Ali inherits her great-aunt’s house she immediately moves her whole family in, despite the warnings that there is something strange about the place. Unfazed Ali begins redecorating, going through the rooms, making each one her own with the help of her daughter, Kelly. But when under the wallpaper in Kelly’s new room they discover a scrawled message from 1944 Ali begins to question the history of the house as she knows it.
Her family has always seemed so picture perfect, not a blemish or a secret to be found. Yet, this discovery throws her into confusion and Ali begins to question exactly what she knows about her family and the mysteries they have kept hidden…
WHAT I SAY
Another book by Kathleen that i can not praise enough what a talented author she is one of my must read author
i loved both her books
I have always been a fan of historic novels and i do read a few I enjoy them so much but she just writes then so differently she got a unique way about her which i love.
I just love the way The Pearl Locket' is told it starts in the today time of 2014, but then you're taken back to the year of 1944, From there on, each chapter slip back and forward from 1944 to 2014 do not worry it so easy to follow i want you all to read you just get pulled into the story of Joan , Ali, and kelly and a few more characters
The story just flows seamlessly from past to present but you do not realise as the storyline just runs together so well
Kathleen description are just brilliant you can feel the pain of the war of 1944 all the dangers , chaos and the effect it has on this family and their life's Their dad was so strict his rules made one young girl feel so loss and alone this leaves to a tragic event
What happened in 1944 plays such an important part in the story it just told with such passion
The story got a lot of twist and turns
In today time 2014 Ali Just inherited her great aunt Betty house
The way Kathleen described the house you can see it in your mind Ali not sure if she should sell or renovate it so her and her husband Pete and their two children kelly and Ryan move in
Strangle things start to happen to Kelly she acting wried she now dressing in 1940 clothes which i love i really want a 1940 tea party so i can wear a dress
on one of the bedroom walls they see hidden under the wallpaper Joan loves jack
But who joan ? But who are they she never hear of them
They find a cellar that got a few hidden photo too
The story goes back to 1944 to tell us all about betty , Margaret and Joan life's it was just so interesting to read about i want to tell you more but i want you to read for your self
Margaret still alive now she in a old people home you can tell she not happy about Ali moving to the houses i thing she worried the secret will come out what is she hiding?
We do get to find out in small amounts the hidden secrets this just hooks your more in to the plot it a real page turner
Two very different families in different time living different circumstances and with different relationship but are so alike you will just feel parts of both families the way Kathleen written you just know them so well you get to see all they family love and secrets I like the mystery side to the story to
I just loved the way the two stories intertwined together it just a stunning book again it just captive me from the first page till the last it just a page turner but i wanted more but to me that what makes a fab book your left want the story to carry on your just so into the storyline you do want to to finish
You will just love all the characters you will feel their love and pain it just a brilliant read i cannot recommend this book enough it told with such grace and passion a lovely tale of family love
I want to tell you more about the plot but i want you to read for your self and you must get The Emerald Comb both books are just brilliant
Please check them out you will love them both i did
5 dolls
Thank to Kathleen and netgalley for letting me read and review
About author
Kathleen McGurl is a writer of short stories, novels and how-to-write books. She lives by the sea in Bournemouth with her husband and teen son 2. Teen son 1 is away at university. When not writing she is either working at the day-job (IT for a large retail organisation) or running along the Bournemouth prom, slowly.
She has sold dozens of stories to women’s magazines in the UK and Australia. Her how-to-write books and a romantic novella are available as ebooks from Amazon. Her first full-length novel, The Emerald Comb, was published by Carina UK on 22nd September 2014, and her second, The Pearl Locket, on 27th February 2015.
April 15, 2016
Thank you to Carina UK and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of The Pearl Locket.
The Pearl Locket is a truly delightful time-slip novel. Joan lives in wartime Britain with her sisters and parents in a big house near the coast. She meets Jack and finds true love, however theirs is a romance destined not to run smoothly. Moving to 2014, Ali Bradshaw inherits that same house from her great-aunt Betty. As the family start to make themselves at home, Ali doesn’t initially pay much attention to her daughter Kelly’s sudden obsession with the 1940’s until the past starts to intrude into the present after Kelly finds the words “Joan loves Jack” written underneath some wallpaper in her bedroom. The house has been in the family for years and yet no one has ever mentioned Joan before. Who is she? When Ali and Pete discover a hidden door to a long-forgotten cellar, the contents may hold clues to this family mystery.
As the story flits between 2014 and 1944, the tale begins to unfold and we slowly start to learn what happened to Joan and Jack, and what bearing their story has on Kelly’s current obsession with that long-gone era.
The plot is well-developed and easy to follow, flowing seamlessly between the two eras and the numerous characters. As the tale unfolds, with numerous twists and turns along the way, we learn about the parallels between Joan and Kelly’s lives and we gain an understanding of what Joan’s life was like those many years ago in comparison to Kelly’s life in current day.
McGurl’s writing sends you straight into 1944, evoking the feelings of fear, turbulence and uncertainty of wartime Britain. It was certainly a simpler time, but with so many more social constraints and rules that, whilst nowadays seem trivial, the outcome of Joan’s story would have likely been very different had it taken place some 70 years later.
The characters are very well created and really bring the story to life. McGurl has a gift for characterisation. The main protagonists to the story are Joan, Ali and Kelly, all of whom are strong, independent and likeable woman. They are written in a realistic and sympathetic manner which allows the reader to become emotionally involved in the outcome of the story. The supporting characters include Jack, husband Pete, son Ryan, Grandmother Margaret, neighbour Jason Bergmann, all of whom are convincing characters and all of whom add to the story in their own way.
The Pearl Locket is a poignant, passionate and heartfelt story that will hook you from the first chapter. It is a story of friendship, romance, mystery, history, and, ultimately, a tragic story of family secrets, regrets, betrayal and shame, all tempered with a dash of hope. An elegant, gripping and hugely enjoyable story that will not disappoint!
I have not previously read any of McGurl’s earlier works, being a fairly new fan of historical fiction, however I will certainly be picking up copies now. I have heard great things about The Emerald Comb and, after reading The Pearl Locket, it is now high up on my wish list.
The Pearl Locket is a truly delightful time-slip novel. Joan lives in wartime Britain with her sisters and parents in a big house near the coast. She meets Jack and finds true love, however theirs is a romance destined not to run smoothly. Moving to 2014, Ali Bradshaw inherits that same house from her great-aunt Betty. As the family start to make themselves at home, Ali doesn’t initially pay much attention to her daughter Kelly’s sudden obsession with the 1940’s until the past starts to intrude into the present after Kelly finds the words “Joan loves Jack” written underneath some wallpaper in her bedroom. The house has been in the family for years and yet no one has ever mentioned Joan before. Who is she? When Ali and Pete discover a hidden door to a long-forgotten cellar, the contents may hold clues to this family mystery.
As the story flits between 2014 and 1944, the tale begins to unfold and we slowly start to learn what happened to Joan and Jack, and what bearing their story has on Kelly’s current obsession with that long-gone era.
The plot is well-developed and easy to follow, flowing seamlessly between the two eras and the numerous characters. As the tale unfolds, with numerous twists and turns along the way, we learn about the parallels between Joan and Kelly’s lives and we gain an understanding of what Joan’s life was like those many years ago in comparison to Kelly’s life in current day.
McGurl’s writing sends you straight into 1944, evoking the feelings of fear, turbulence and uncertainty of wartime Britain. It was certainly a simpler time, but with so many more social constraints and rules that, whilst nowadays seem trivial, the outcome of Joan’s story would have likely been very different had it taken place some 70 years later.
The characters are very well created and really bring the story to life. McGurl has a gift for characterisation. The main protagonists to the story are Joan, Ali and Kelly, all of whom are strong, independent and likeable woman. They are written in a realistic and sympathetic manner which allows the reader to become emotionally involved in the outcome of the story. The supporting characters include Jack, husband Pete, son Ryan, Grandmother Margaret, neighbour Jason Bergmann, all of whom are convincing characters and all of whom add to the story in their own way.
The Pearl Locket is a poignant, passionate and heartfelt story that will hook you from the first chapter. It is a story of friendship, romance, mystery, history, and, ultimately, a tragic story of family secrets, regrets, betrayal and shame, all tempered with a dash of hope. An elegant, gripping and hugely enjoyable story that will not disappoint!
I have not previously read any of McGurl’s earlier works, being a fairly new fan of historical fiction, however I will certainly be picking up copies now. I have heard great things about The Emerald Comb and, after reading The Pearl Locket, it is now high up on my wish list.
March 27, 2015
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'The Pearl Locket' is another delightful time slip story, which connects England 2014 with war torn England in 1944, when Joan met Jack and for a little while they found true love.
Ali wants to sell the house she inherited from her great aunt, even though it's close to the seaside and much bigger than the rented accommodation where they currently reside. Pete her husband has other ideas and persuades Ali he can renovate the house so they can enjoy living in it, or sell it at a profit if they decide to. Ali agrees, with some reservations and the family move in.
Ali doesn't worry about her daughter Kelly's current obsession with the 1940's until the past impedes on the future and threatens their family unity.
Joan and Jack's wartime romance is poignant and gentle a reminder of sad times and sacrifice. The story within a story unfolds seamlessly and informs the present dilemma Kelly and her great grandmother Margaret experiences.
Kelly is sensitive to the house and its echoes of the past but Ali and Pete don't understand what she is going through, until she takes drastic action. Kelly's life parallels Joan's, in many instances carefully interwoven into the story. There are plenty of unexpected plot twists and the empathy you feel with Joan peaks when her world falls apart.
Like The Emerald Comb'' the relationship between the female lead and her husband is strained and he comes across as a selfish individual, through her eyes.
This is classy women's fiction with vivid characters and imagery, which bring the story to life; both in the contemporary setting and the past. This absorbing tale got me reaching for the tissues close to the end but it's worth the tears.
Tragedy tempered with hope, connects the past with present in a realistically satisfying way and makes a great ending.
I received a copy of this story from Carina UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Kathleen McGurl
February 26, 2015
This story actually reminded me a lot of my own genealogy research. Similar to Ali and Kelly, I also found out that my grandmother had secrets she had kept from her children and grandchildren, during her entire lifetime as a mother and grandmother.
In Ali’s case the secrets seem to be embedded in the house she has just inherited, almost as if something or someone there is still waiting to be acknowledged or to get some closure.
The presence is so strong that it starts to cause changes in the family. One specific person starts to melt back into the memories, behaviour and emotions of the mysterious presence.
The author takes us from the past to the present, from one chapter to another, letting the story of the past unfold into the lives of those in the house. The reader gets a glimpse of the love and also despair that once vibrated through the walls.The young girl surrounded by family and yet completely alone, oppressed by the strict father and his rules, which ultimately leads to unexpected and tragic events.
Ali has very sexist views when it comes to Kelly. She has to keep herself from blaming her daughter for the fact Kelly’s boyfriend broke up with her, because of her taste in clothes. Dressing like a girl from the 1940’s, ergo too fuddy duddy and not fashionable enough for him to remain interested.
That isn’t the kind of message you want to relay to a daughter, as a mother. Even the fact Ali thinks that way, even if she doesn’t voice it, is quite strange. Perhaps Ali is more like her grandfather than she realises or is history repeating itself on a very subtle level? Is there more than one ghostly echo in the property?
McGurl really likes to weave her stories within the folds of family relationships, secrets and genealogy. Mixing heartbreak with romance to create a pleasant and inviting read,
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author and Carina UK.
In Ali’s case the secrets seem to be embedded in the house she has just inherited, almost as if something or someone there is still waiting to be acknowledged or to get some closure.
The presence is so strong that it starts to cause changes in the family. One specific person starts to melt back into the memories, behaviour and emotions of the mysterious presence.
The author takes us from the past to the present, from one chapter to another, letting the story of the past unfold into the lives of those in the house. The reader gets a glimpse of the love and also despair that once vibrated through the walls.The young girl surrounded by family and yet completely alone, oppressed by the strict father and his rules, which ultimately leads to unexpected and tragic events.
Ali has very sexist views when it comes to Kelly. She has to keep herself from blaming her daughter for the fact Kelly’s boyfriend broke up with her, because of her taste in clothes. Dressing like a girl from the 1940’s, ergo too fuddy duddy and not fashionable enough for him to remain interested.
That isn’t the kind of message you want to relay to a daughter, as a mother. Even the fact Ali thinks that way, even if she doesn’t voice it, is quite strange. Perhaps Ali is more like her grandfather than she realises or is history repeating itself on a very subtle level? Is there more than one ghostly echo in the property?
McGurl really likes to weave her stories within the folds of family relationships, secrets and genealogy. Mixing heartbreak with romance to create a pleasant and inviting read,
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author and Carina UK.
April 24, 2019
A great story, cleverly written across 2 timelines. At times I thought I knew how the story would progress, but there were several surprises to keep me on my toes. Looking forward to reading the next book by this author!
April 28, 2016
When Ali inherits her great aunt’s house her first thought is to sell. However, before putting it up for sale, Ali and her husband Peter decide to inspect it and subsequently fall for its charm and beautiful location close to the beach. Inspired, they agree to keep the property and renovate it.
Soon after the family moves in their teenage daughter Kelly discovers the words “Joan loves Jack” written on the wall underneath several layers of old peeling wall paper in her room. Kelly is intrigued by the declaration and somehow feels a strong mystical connection to Joan. A connection which compels Kelly to find out who Joan and Jack were and what became of them. Ali thinks her Grandmother might be able to shed some light but unexpectedly uncovers a long buried family secret.
The story is told over two alternating timelines. One in the present which tells the story of Kelly and her family and one set in the World War II era which recounts the story of Joan and Jack.
The story is nicely written, a little bit nostalgic but very vivid with a few mystical twists which are done in a subtle way making it more realistic and in no way over-the-top. The plot is nicely paced, flows well and is captivating. The characters and their actions are describe well making it easy to imagine what their lives would have been like.
Overall this is a great historical fiction novel with a mystical twist. Anybody who likes historical fiction or who is a fan of Rachel Hore or Kate Morton will like this book. I look forward to trying some of the author’s other books in future.
Soon after the family moves in their teenage daughter Kelly discovers the words “Joan loves Jack” written on the wall underneath several layers of old peeling wall paper in her room. Kelly is intrigued by the declaration and somehow feels a strong mystical connection to Joan. A connection which compels Kelly to find out who Joan and Jack were and what became of them. Ali thinks her Grandmother might be able to shed some light but unexpectedly uncovers a long buried family secret.
The story is told over two alternating timelines. One in the present which tells the story of Kelly and her family and one set in the World War II era which recounts the story of Joan and Jack.
The story is nicely written, a little bit nostalgic but very vivid with a few mystical twists which are done in a subtle way making it more realistic and in no way over-the-top. The plot is nicely paced, flows well and is captivating. The characters and their actions are describe well making it easy to imagine what their lives would have been like.
Overall this is a great historical fiction novel with a mystical twist. Anybody who likes historical fiction or who is a fan of Rachel Hore or Kate Morton will like this book. I look forward to trying some of the author’s other books in future.
May 30, 2016
Inheriting a house when your husband is out of work and his redundancy money is quickly dwindling may seem like a dream come true. For Ali, though, her great-aunt's house brings a wealth of problems. In serious need of renovation and a lot of TLC, Ali and her husband soon wonder if the task is too large to undertake. When writing dating from 1944 is discovered on a wall, the family soon find themselves uncovering a wartime secret that was never intended to be discovered,
Like Kathleen McGurl's other books, The Emerald Comb and The Daughters of Red Hill Hall, The Pearl locket is set in two time frames, in this case, the present day and World War Two. The two eras intertwine well making the story easy to follow. Often with books of this genre, one setting is more interesting than the other; this was not the case here. The story of Joan and Jack in 1944 and that of Ali and her family in the present day were equally enjoyable and as one chapter ended, I looked forward to the next.
The story of Joan and Jack was incredibly poignant and showed the true cost to the everyday person during World War Two. Although I correctly predicted the fate of both of these characters, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the story. The parallels between Joan and Kelly, Ali's daughter, were also interesting, showing how life for young people hasn't really changed between the two eras.
Another great read from Kathleen McGurl.
Like Kathleen McGurl's other books, The Emerald Comb and The Daughters of Red Hill Hall, The Pearl locket is set in two time frames, in this case, the present day and World War Two. The two eras intertwine well making the story easy to follow. Often with books of this genre, one setting is more interesting than the other; this was not the case here. The story of Joan and Jack in 1944 and that of Ali and her family in the present day were equally enjoyable and as one chapter ended, I looked forward to the next.
The story of Joan and Jack was incredibly poignant and showed the true cost to the everyday person during World War Two. Although I correctly predicted the fate of both of these characters, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the story. The parallels between Joan and Kelly, Ali's daughter, were also interesting, showing how life for young people hasn't really changed between the two eras.
Another great read from Kathleen McGurl.
March 2, 2015
Mrs. McGurl has done it again. I have to say the way she can transport back in time with her stories is just astounding. We get to experience the past and the present but most important we get to experience when they can all collide. The twist and turns in The Pearl Locket keeps you on your toes and never lets you get comfortable enough to know what is going to happen next, and that is refreshing.
The characters were all so real and felt like a friend or a family member. My heart broke for not only Joan and Jack, but for also Mags. She didn't just lose a sister, but also her bestfriend. The suspense leading up to us learning what happened to Joan was excruciating. I kept finding myself wanting to flip through the present scenes just to get to the past scenes to learn more. I was like Kelly in the sense that I was obsessed with both Jack and Joan as well.
When we learn what happened to Joan and Jack my heart felt like it had been ripped out for these 2 young, beautiful people, to have to go through so much pain. But with pain there is life and beauty, and the twist that Mrs. McGurl gave us at the end lifted my heart back up. The journey was such an emotional one.
For those who were a fan of The Emerald Comb by McGurl you won't want to miss this one. It has everything you need in a book; romance, suspense, friendship, family betrayals, and new life.
The characters were all so real and felt like a friend or a family member. My heart broke for not only Joan and Jack, but for also Mags. She didn't just lose a sister, but also her bestfriend. The suspense leading up to us learning what happened to Joan was excruciating. I kept finding myself wanting to flip through the present scenes just to get to the past scenes to learn more. I was like Kelly in the sense that I was obsessed with both Jack and Joan as well.
When we learn what happened to Joan and Jack my heart felt like it had been ripped out for these 2 young, beautiful people, to have to go through so much pain. But with pain there is life and beauty, and the twist that Mrs. McGurl gave us at the end lifted my heart back up. The journey was such an emotional one.
For those who were a fan of The Emerald Comb by McGurl you won't want to miss this one. It has everything you need in a book; romance, suspense, friendship, family betrayals, and new life.
December 13, 2015
I love a good time-slip novel, but this one seems to have passed me by when it was published in February, which is a shame as I really, really enjoyed it.
Set in both the early 1940s and the present day, and focussing on one family I was hooked from the start - who wouldn't want to find a whole treasure trove of their ancestors stuff in their cellar?! The story that followed was both intriguing and heartbreaking as Ali and her family learn the secrets of what went before in their family.
I LOVED Ali- she is a completely down-to-earth, normal mum, trying to do what is best for her family, a character that many people will find easy to relate to. I also loved Joan - her feisty spirit that refused to be squashed was fantastic - however, the ending of the story had me in BITS. It's easy to get swept along in a story, and I often get quite attached to certain characters in novels that I enjoy, but it's safe to say the school car park is NOT the place to finish this book! It had me bawling by the end, always a good sign that the author has gotten me fully immersed in the plot and the characters. A beautiful, emotional read that I highly recommend, I'm now off to find Kath McGurl's next book!
Set in both the early 1940s and the present day, and focussing on one family I was hooked from the start - who wouldn't want to find a whole treasure trove of their ancestors stuff in their cellar?! The story that followed was both intriguing and heartbreaking as Ali and her family learn the secrets of what went before in their family.
I LOVED Ali- she is a completely down-to-earth, normal mum, trying to do what is best for her family, a character that many people will find easy to relate to. I also loved Joan - her feisty spirit that refused to be squashed was fantastic - however, the ending of the story had me in BITS. It's easy to get swept along in a story, and I often get quite attached to certain characters in novels that I enjoy, but it's safe to say the school car park is NOT the place to finish this book! It had me bawling by the end, always a good sign that the author has gotten me fully immersed in the plot and the characters. A beautiful, emotional read that I highly recommend, I'm now off to find Kath McGurl's next book!
March 8, 2017
This story alternates between 2014 and 1944-45 when a family inherits an old family home that had belonged to a spinster great aunt. The setting is a sea coast town in England. Soon after moving in the family's teenaged daughter,Kelly, finds a message under peeling wallpaper in her bedroom. She also feels a presence and begins to dress in vintage 1940's clothing. She is studying WWII in her history class in school so her family chalks it up to that. She and her mother, Ali, begin to explore the history of the house especially after finding love letters from WWII in a boarded up cellar. They start by talking to Margaret, Ali's grandmother, who had not wanted them moving into the house.
The 1944-45 part of the book is the love story of a girl and her sweetheart who goes off as part of the Normandy Invasion. I don't generally like romances but I did enjoy this one, it was well written and I'm fascinated by WWII England. I couldn't stop reading, finished it in one day.
The 1944-45 part of the book is the love story of a girl and her sweetheart who goes off as part of the Normandy Invasion. I don't generally like romances but I did enjoy this one, it was well written and I'm fascinated by WWII England. I couldn't stop reading, finished it in one day.
January 28, 2016
This is a dual narrative and I loved it! The story flips between 1944 and 2014 I was hooked and have recommended it to my youngest daughter, and she was the one to tell me it was a dual narrative. It isn't until almost the end that you get to find what happened. Very well written and the suspense kept up throughout.
I read this as an e-book and the only problem with that is you can't actually see how much you have left, as in a proper book, I know there is a % of the book read, but it is misleading as there is a preview of another book at the end. Having said that I was able to read it at times when I couldn't have read a proper book so for that I am grateful :)
I now have another author who I can add to my list of wouldn't have known. :)
I read this as an e-book and the only problem with that is you can't actually see how much you have left, as in a proper book, I know there is a % of the book read, but it is misleading as there is a preview of another book at the end. Having said that I was able to read it at times when I couldn't have read a proper book so for that I am grateful :)
I now have another author who I can add to my list of wouldn't have known. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2017
Good plot
This is, at its heart, a mystery. And from that perspective, the book has a good plot, the shifts between time periods are handled very well, and some parts are stark and unforgettable. And yet, somehow, I was left feeling unsatisfied at the end. I don't want to be a spoiler, so I'll just say that part of it may be how realistically the ends were tied up and part of it may have been the author insisting on maintaining the uncertainty of events being caused by a ghost or by adolescent stress. Whatever the reason, I'm still glad I read the book. There were some sections that were very well written and the mystery was skillfully revealed.
This is, at its heart, a mystery. And from that perspective, the book has a good plot, the shifts between time periods are handled very well, and some parts are stark and unforgettable. And yet, somehow, I was left feeling unsatisfied at the end. I don't want to be a spoiler, so I'll just say that part of it may be how realistically the ends were tied up and part of it may have been the author insisting on maintaining the uncertainty of events being caused by a ghost or by adolescent stress. Whatever the reason, I'm still glad I read the book. There were some sections that were very well written and the mystery was skillfully revealed.
February 19, 2016
Alison inherits her late Aunt's house and during renovations the family discovers an old locket and some photographs that once belonged to a former occupant of the house, Ali's daughter Kelly becomes obsessed with the former occupant and wants to know what happened to her so she starts to ask her great aunt Margaret, some parts of this story are very sad but also some happy moments too, a nice read
March 22, 2016
I would describe The Pearl Locket as a family saga, in a similar style to Ellie Dean or Lily Baxter. There's not a lot of the gory side of war depicted. It focusses more on the relationships between the characters. and that suits me But it does have a very poignant emotional story thread running through it. I have to admit I preferred the chapters set during WWII to the modern ones. But the whole novel was a good read.
October 12, 2016
Beautiful story
I hadn't heard of this author but the book cover caught my eye so I thought I'd give it a go. Set in the past and the future the story tells of a wartime romance between the young Joan and her soldier Jack and how their story reflects on their descendants in the future. I was completely enthralled by this enchanting story. Highly recommended.
I hadn't heard of this author but the book cover caught my eye so I thought I'd give it a go. Set in the past and the future the story tells of a wartime romance between the young Joan and her soldier Jack and how their story reflects on their descendants in the future. I was completely enthralled by this enchanting story. Highly recommended.
July 14, 2019
Loved it!
This is a magnificent dual timeline set in England during World War II and the present day.
Ali inherits a house from a great aunt, and after she and her family move, it's secrets are revealed.
So well written ; this book held me in it's grip from beginning to end.
This is a magnificent dual timeline set in England during World War II and the present day.
Ali inherits a house from a great aunt, and after she and her family move, it's secrets are revealed.
So well written ; this book held me in it's grip from beginning to end.
November 22, 2015
Decent enough past story with a heartbreaking reveal, but the writing lacks any substance; it's just too bland, too twee. This is the second dual-timeline book I've read by McGurl and I won't be trying anymore.
3 stars for Jack and Joan; not fussed about the rest.
3 stars for Jack and Joan; not fussed about the rest.
March 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dual-narrative and the ghostly feel of Kelly in the present day being haunted by Joan from 1944. I was really drawn into the story and literally could not put it down. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction with a timeslip element.
March 27, 2017
A Must-Read for history buffs
I loved the insight into WWII history -- this time taking place in the UK. I enjoyed the author's strategy of going from present-day to 70 years earlier! I will not spoil the ending, so you must read it yourself! You will not be sorry.
I loved the insight into WWII history -- this time taking place in the UK. I enjoyed the author's strategy of going from present-day to 70 years earlier! I will not spoil the ending, so you must read it yourself! You will not be sorry.
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