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Daughters of War #2
The Hidden Palace
The second book in the sweeping new historical series from the number one Sunday Times best-selling author.
An island of secrets. A runaway. And a promise....
A rebellious daughter
1923. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.
A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.
A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier - and time is running out....
An island of secrets. A runaway. And a promise....
A rebellious daughter
1923. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.
A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.
A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier - and time is running out....
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2022
391 people are currently reading
7276 people want to read
About the author
Dinah Jefferies
23 books1,306 followers*Breaking News* Richard & Judy pick THE TEA PLANTERS WIFE for their autumn bookclub 2015. Here's what Santa Montefiore said: ‘My ideal read; mystery, love, heart-break and joy – I couldn’t put it down.’
Here's what Richard Madeley said. "The Tea Planter’s Wife is so much more than a conventional love story, with all its twists and turns and guilt and betrayal...deeply impressive. The fetid, steamy atmosphere of the tropics rises from these pages like a humid mist. We are on a tea plantation in 1920s Ceylon and 19 year old Gwendolyn Hooper is the new bride of the owner, a wealthy and charming widower. But her romantic dreams of marriage are overshadowed by echoes from the past – an old trunk of musty dresses; an overgrown and neglected gravestone in the grounds. Her new husband refuses to talk about them. Gwen’s perfect man is becoming a perfect stranger…"
Quote from the great author Kate Furnivall about my first book THE SEPARATION:
'A powerful story of love and loss that is utterly captivating. I was drawn deep into the world of Malaya and England in the 1950s in this intense exploration of what it means to love. Beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, Dinah Jefferies skilfully captures this fragile moment of history in a complex and thrilling tale. THE SEPARATION is a gripping and intelligent read.'
In 1985, the sudden death of Dinah Jefferies’ fourteen year old son brought her life to a standstill. She drew on that experience, and on her own childhood spent in Malaya during the 1950s to write her debut novel, The Separation. The guns piled high on the hall table when the rubber planters came into town for a party, the colour and noise of Chinatown, the houses on stilts, and the lizards that left their tails behind.
Now living in Gloucestershire, Dinah once lived in Tuscany working as an au pair for an Italian countess; she has also lived in a ‘hippy’ rock’n roll commune based in an Elizabethan manor house, but started writing when she was living in a small 16th Century village in Spain.
Here's what Richard Madeley said. "The Tea Planter’s Wife is so much more than a conventional love story, with all its twists and turns and guilt and betrayal...deeply impressive. The fetid, steamy atmosphere of the tropics rises from these pages like a humid mist. We are on a tea plantation in 1920s Ceylon and 19 year old Gwendolyn Hooper is the new bride of the owner, a wealthy and charming widower. But her romantic dreams of marriage are overshadowed by echoes from the past – an old trunk of musty dresses; an overgrown and neglected gravestone in the grounds. Her new husband refuses to talk about them. Gwen’s perfect man is becoming a perfect stranger…"
Quote from the great author Kate Furnivall about my first book THE SEPARATION:
'A powerful story of love and loss that is utterly captivating. I was drawn deep into the world of Malaya and England in the 1950s in this intense exploration of what it means to love. Beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, Dinah Jefferies skilfully captures this fragile moment of history in a complex and thrilling tale. THE SEPARATION is a gripping and intelligent read.'
In 1985, the sudden death of Dinah Jefferies’ fourteen year old son brought her life to a standstill. She drew on that experience, and on her own childhood spent in Malaya during the 1950s to write her debut novel, The Separation. The guns piled high on the hall table when the rubber planters came into town for a party, the colour and noise of Chinatown, the houses on stilts, and the lizards that left their tails behind.
Now living in Gloucestershire, Dinah once lived in Tuscany working as an au pair for an Italian countess; she has also lived in a ‘hippy’ rock’n roll commune based in an Elizabethan manor house, but started writing when she was living in a small 16th Century village in Spain.
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September 15, 2022
Florence Baudin had escaped France, thankful for her life, but sad to be leaving her sisters, Helene and Elise. Staying in a small cottage in Devon, England, belonging to Jack, a man she and her sisters had met in France, before visiting her mother, Florence regained her strength and made the journey. Her mother, Claudette, was her usual abrupt and rude self, but she made a request of Florence. Her younger sister Rosalie had run away from France many years ago and the last she'd heard of her, she'd been in Malta. She badly needed Florence to find her, and to pass a message on. The only clue Florence had was that Rosalie was a dancer and was to join one of the clubs on the small island of Malta...
But the war was still going, although it was at its last, and it would be a year before Florence, accompanied by Jack, as his occupation saw him able to work in the area, could go, first to Sicily then on to Malta. What they saw shocked them - the devastation by the bombing was heartbreaking. How would Florence ever find Rosalie?
The Hidden Palace is the 2nd in the Daughters of War trilogy by Dinah Jefferies and was an excellent read. Told by Florence at the end of WW2 and Rosalie from 1923, the depth and intricate detail about Malta and its outstanding beauty, the surrounding beaches, the ruthless and mercenary lives of some - all combined to create an outstanding novel from the hands of a master. I'm very much looking forward to #3 - Night Train to Marrakech - coming August 2023. Highly recommended (but read #1 first)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But the war was still going, although it was at its last, and it would be a year before Florence, accompanied by Jack, as his occupation saw him able to work in the area, could go, first to Sicily then on to Malta. What they saw shocked them - the devastation by the bombing was heartbreaking. How would Florence ever find Rosalie?
The Hidden Palace is the 2nd in the Daughters of War trilogy by Dinah Jefferies and was an excellent read. Told by Florence at the end of WW2 and Rosalie from 1923, the depth and intricate detail about Malta and its outstanding beauty, the surrounding beaches, the ruthless and mercenary lives of some - all combined to create an outstanding novel from the hands of a master. I'm very much looking forward to #3 - Night Train to Marrakech - coming August 2023. Highly recommended (but read #1 first)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2022
Florence Baudin has just fled the Second World War in France, and she had to leave her two sisters Helene and Elsie behind in Dordogne. Florence and Jack arrive in England filthy and exhausted, she stays at his cottage in Devonshire to recuperate, and she’s wants to visit her mother in the Cotswold's. Florence hasn’t seen her estranged mother Claudette in years, and their reunion isn’t quite what Florence is expecting, and her mother asks her to find her missing sister Rosalie. Florence can’t look for her aunt yet, her only clue is a faded letter from Malta, and she vanished twenty years ago!
The Hidden Palace has a dual timeline, it's told from two points of view, and it alternates between 1923 and 1944.
Rosalie Delacroix is sick of her parents controlling ways, she likes to dance and have fun. After having another argument with them, she sees an advertisement for dancers and in Malta. Rosalie changes her name to Riva Janvier, to cover her tracks, and starts dancing in a bar. Riva discovers the seedy side to Malta, young girls arrive from Russia, they vanish and she puts herself in danger by asking questions. Riva’s life takes a different direction when she meets two influential men Robert Beresford and his uncle Addison Darnell.
I had no idea Malta was cut off from the rest of the world during WW II, strategically it was very important, and the only allied base between Gibraltar and Alexandria in Egypt. The Germans ruthlessly bombed the island, troops and civilians went hungry and ran out of medical supplies. Florence was shocked by the extent of the damage when she arrives in Malta, records and documents have been lost, and it makes her task of finding her aunt extremely difficult!
I received a copy of The Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review. A well written story about the relationship between sisters and why one changes her identity, war, secrets, crime, human trafficking, betrayal, overcoming loss, and finding love. Florence and her aunt Rosalie have a lot in common, both have experienced heartache, and are attracted to men who are very similar. Five stars from me, I have read the first book in the series, Daughters of War and I highly recommend them both.
The Hidden Palace has a dual timeline, it's told from two points of view, and it alternates between 1923 and 1944.
Rosalie Delacroix is sick of her parents controlling ways, she likes to dance and have fun. After having another argument with them, she sees an advertisement for dancers and in Malta. Rosalie changes her name to Riva Janvier, to cover her tracks, and starts dancing in a bar. Riva discovers the seedy side to Malta, young girls arrive from Russia, they vanish and she puts herself in danger by asking questions. Riva’s life takes a different direction when she meets two influential men Robert Beresford and his uncle Addison Darnell.
I had no idea Malta was cut off from the rest of the world during WW II, strategically it was very important, and the only allied base between Gibraltar and Alexandria in Egypt. The Germans ruthlessly bombed the island, troops and civilians went hungry and ran out of medical supplies. Florence was shocked by the extent of the damage when she arrives in Malta, records and documents have been lost, and it makes her task of finding her aunt extremely difficult!
I received a copy of The Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review. A well written story about the relationship between sisters and why one changes her identity, war, secrets, crime, human trafficking, betrayal, overcoming loss, and finding love. Florence and her aunt Rosalie have a lot in common, both have experienced heartache, and are attracted to men who are very similar. Five stars from me, I have read the first book in the series, Daughters of War and I highly recommend them both.
September 29, 2022
My heart sunk when I realised this was the middle book of a trilogy… however, I happily read this without knowing the relationship between the three sisters and enjoyed Jefferies interesting novel about Malta’s experience of war.
The foundation of this book is of three sisters who have experienced both world wars. This book is about the rebellious sister, Rosalie, who leaves her parents’ disapproving judgements and Paris behind her, determined to start again in Malta. As you would anticipate, this fresh start isn’t exactly straightforward and it takes time for Rosalie to establish her new identity in a strange place. But with it comes with a knowledge of how the darker side of Malta operates and this causes Rosalie’s life to change, for the better, as she grows more worldly and caring.
Fast-forward to the final months of the Second World War, Florence is sent on a mission to find out what happened to Rosalie. Florence’s mother has not heard from her sister, Rosalie, and her last known location was Malta. Yet, the relationship between Florence and her mother is strained, added to the fact that the war limits travel and Florence has had her own journey to recover from. Over time, Florence gradually accepts her mother’s wishes and I enjoyed how the two family members fused together on the island.
The different time scales were so interesting and I think Jefferies added depth to the narrative with this historical perspective. I enjoyed reading a book set in the wars that wasn’t in France, Germany or Britain; Malta’s experience has significantly added to my understanding of this period. Furthermore, the fact that Rosalie and Florence’s stories were not too many decades apart from each other added a level of suspense whether the two would ever be reunited. Jefferies does not provide clues as to how the story will unfold and I liked how I could not predict whether Florence would be able to fulfil her mother’s wishes.
Although this book is about how war impacted the island of Malta, the conflict did not heavily feature. Instead, this book was more about the characters, politics and social behaviours. I would argue that the war takes place more in the background which I found refreshing for a historical book set in this period. It definitely made the narrative more unique and I felt more invested in the women’s characters as a result.
To be honest, it did take me a bit of time to settle into the narrative but I did find the overall story rather interesting. I think I cared more for Rosalie’s narrative and was keen to see how she would stand up against the shadier characters that she meets on her journey. Furthermore, Bobby’s role in her life made her character evolve and I was always hoping she would find her happy ever after, particularly as it is clear that Rosalie lost contact with her family, Florence’s mother included.
This is my first read from Jefferies and I would be keen to see how the rest of the trilogy develops (even if I am reading it in the wrong order!). In my opinion, this book is a great example of how a well-known historical period can still provide fresh insight, making it more diverse than other war stories available.
With thanks to Harper Collins and Random Things book tours for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The foundation of this book is of three sisters who have experienced both world wars. This book is about the rebellious sister, Rosalie, who leaves her parents’ disapproving judgements and Paris behind her, determined to start again in Malta. As you would anticipate, this fresh start isn’t exactly straightforward and it takes time for Rosalie to establish her new identity in a strange place. But with it comes with a knowledge of how the darker side of Malta operates and this causes Rosalie’s life to change, for the better, as she grows more worldly and caring.
Fast-forward to the final months of the Second World War, Florence is sent on a mission to find out what happened to Rosalie. Florence’s mother has not heard from her sister, Rosalie, and her last known location was Malta. Yet, the relationship between Florence and her mother is strained, added to the fact that the war limits travel and Florence has had her own journey to recover from. Over time, Florence gradually accepts her mother’s wishes and I enjoyed how the two family members fused together on the island.
The different time scales were so interesting and I think Jefferies added depth to the narrative with this historical perspective. I enjoyed reading a book set in the wars that wasn’t in France, Germany or Britain; Malta’s experience has significantly added to my understanding of this period. Furthermore, the fact that Rosalie and Florence’s stories were not too many decades apart from each other added a level of suspense whether the two would ever be reunited. Jefferies does not provide clues as to how the story will unfold and I liked how I could not predict whether Florence would be able to fulfil her mother’s wishes.
Although this book is about how war impacted the island of Malta, the conflict did not heavily feature. Instead, this book was more about the characters, politics and social behaviours. I would argue that the war takes place more in the background which I found refreshing for a historical book set in this period. It definitely made the narrative more unique and I felt more invested in the women’s characters as a result.
To be honest, it did take me a bit of time to settle into the narrative but I did find the overall story rather interesting. I think I cared more for Rosalie’s narrative and was keen to see how she would stand up against the shadier characters that she meets on her journey. Furthermore, Bobby’s role in her life made her character evolve and I was always hoping she would find her happy ever after, particularly as it is clear that Rosalie lost contact with her family, Florence’s mother included.
This is my first read from Jefferies and I would be keen to see how the rest of the trilogy develops (even if I am reading it in the wrong order!). In my opinion, this book is a great example of how a well-known historical period can still provide fresh insight, making it more diverse than other war stories available.
With thanks to Harper Collins and Random Things book tours for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2023
This is the second book in the series and after loving the first one, I was very excited to start reading.
This has dual timelines featuring Florence the youngest sister and Rosalie their aunt, who left to go to Malta in 1923.
Rosalie flees Paris for a dancers job in the bohemian clubs. Whilst there she stumbles upon a human trafficking ring. Rosalie lives in constant danger and fears she may never see her family again.
Florence has escaped France but is sad to be separated from her sisters Helene and Elise. Florence and Jack travel to Jack's cottage in Devonshire.
Florence has not seen her Mother Claudette for years but their reunion does not go down well and her mother asks her to find her missing sister Rosalie.
I was captivated by this family drama, the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there.
I am looking forward to book 3 but will be sad when I have finished this amazing series!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange fir an honest review.
This has dual timelines featuring Florence the youngest sister and Rosalie their aunt, who left to go to Malta in 1923.
Rosalie flees Paris for a dancers job in the bohemian clubs. Whilst there she stumbles upon a human trafficking ring. Rosalie lives in constant danger and fears she may never see her family again.
Florence has escaped France but is sad to be separated from her sisters Helene and Elise. Florence and Jack travel to Jack's cottage in Devonshire.
Florence has not seen her Mother Claudette for years but their reunion does not go down well and her mother asks her to find her missing sister Rosalie.
I was captivated by this family drama, the vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there.
I am looking forward to book 3 but will be sad when I have finished this amazing series!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange fir an honest review.
August 14, 2024
The premise was interesting, as were some depictions of the several locations the author included.
It is very obvious how dedicated her research was.
Perhaps, a little too much I could say, because the storytelling was competent and revealed the efforts the author did to look for the information, but I wasn't always emotionally invested in what was being shared and that made the story feel less amazing than the premise suggested.
It is very obvious how dedicated her research was.
Perhaps, a little too much I could say, because the storytelling was competent and revealed the efforts the author did to look for the information, but I wasn't always emotionally invested in what was being shared and that made the story feel less amazing than the premise suggested.
April 23, 2023
Dinah Jefferies has been a favourite author of mine, since 2014 when her debut novel 'The Separation'. Over the years she has transported me with her vivid descriptive prose to some wonderful locations, some which I have been lucky enough to visit and other places I now wish to see for myself. This time it was to Malta, somewhere I have been fortunate to visit and her descriptions are certainly evocative of my time spent there, though of course the island has fortunately long since recovered from the atrocities of WWII.
'The Hidden Palace', part 2 in The Daughters of War trilogy, carries on from where the previous novel finished, though I think it reads perfectly well as a stand alone. However I loved catching up with favourite characters Florence Baudin and Jack, having been wondering where their story would take them both after escaping from war torn France. They are based in Devon for awhile, but as soon as it is safe to do so, they travel to Malta, in search of her Aunt Rosalie at the request of her mother. With very few clues to go on, it is a labour of love but one Florence feels is of great importance. The novel is a dual time line with Florence's story starting at the end of WWII and Rosalie's from 1925. Eventually the time lines cross and we learn more of the family tensions.
Like the previous volume in this trilogy, it is a captivating read that makes the reader realise just how devastating life in such circumstances must have been. The story will thankfully continue in the final volume ‘Night Train To Marrakech’, which is due to be published later this year. I am already looking forward to catching up with the Baudins again. Highly recommended to fans of historical WWII fiction.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
'The Hidden Palace', part 2 in The Daughters of War trilogy, carries on from where the previous novel finished, though I think it reads perfectly well as a stand alone. However I loved catching up with favourite characters Florence Baudin and Jack, having been wondering where their story would take them both after escaping from war torn France. They are based in Devon for awhile, but as soon as it is safe to do so, they travel to Malta, in search of her Aunt Rosalie at the request of her mother. With very few clues to go on, it is a labour of love but one Florence feels is of great importance. The novel is a dual time line with Florence's story starting at the end of WWII and Rosalie's from 1925. Eventually the time lines cross and we learn more of the family tensions.
Like the previous volume in this trilogy, it is a captivating read that makes the reader realise just how devastating life in such circumstances must have been. The story will thankfully continue in the final volume ‘Night Train To Marrakech’, which is due to be published later this year. I am already looking forward to catching up with the Baudins again. Highly recommended to fans of historical WWII fiction.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
October 3, 2022
I loved Daughters of War, the first book in this trilogy, so there was no way I could resist reading this second book. I wanted to find out what had happened to the three sisters.
This second book is a dual timeline featuring Florence the youngest sister, and Rosalie, their aunt who left Paris in 1923 for Malta.
I absolutely loved the Maltese storyline, maybe because I spent a week there on holiday back in the 90s, so some of the place names brought back happy memories. Malta came across as far more exotic compared to wartime England, where Florence was living in a cottage in the countryside.
Whilst Florence was in England she visited her mother Claudette, who was so unwelcoming to her. I felt so sorry for Florence as she really needed her mother to be sympathetic to what happened to her in the first book, but no, all she wanted was for Florence to go and find her estranged sister Rosalie in Malta. I was so angry at the way Claudette treated her daughter, but in a way it was good because it made Florence see what her mother was really like. Claudette obviously had some demons to lay to rest and wanted Florence to do it for her.
Unfortunately the war was still going on, so Florence would have to wait until the following year to be able to search Malta for her aunt Rosalie. Some of Florence’s storyline in England was in the winter months, so the descriptions of the countryside worked well with Florence’s mood, as she tried to work out her future with or without Jack, the SOE operative who got her out of France. I wasn’t too sure about Jack at all, but eventually warmed to him as the story unfolded and his past was revealed.
The mystery of Rosalie was fascinating. I enjoyed her story so much, from her stifling life in Paris to the excitement and danger of her life in Malta. I loved how her story and Florence’s came together as Florence finally made it to the island to look for her.
There is so much more to the story that I want to write about, but I’ve got to leave it there as I’m afraid I’m going to reveal too much and spoil it all for you.
Definitely recommended if you enjoyed the first book, or if you like historical fiction with a dual timeline.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital copy
This second book is a dual timeline featuring Florence the youngest sister, and Rosalie, their aunt who left Paris in 1923 for Malta.
I absolutely loved the Maltese storyline, maybe because I spent a week there on holiday back in the 90s, so some of the place names brought back happy memories. Malta came across as far more exotic compared to wartime England, where Florence was living in a cottage in the countryside.
Whilst Florence was in England she visited her mother Claudette, who was so unwelcoming to her. I felt so sorry for Florence as she really needed her mother to be sympathetic to what happened to her in the first book, but no, all she wanted was for Florence to go and find her estranged sister Rosalie in Malta. I was so angry at the way Claudette treated her daughter, but in a way it was good because it made Florence see what her mother was really like. Claudette obviously had some demons to lay to rest and wanted Florence to do it for her.
Unfortunately the war was still going on, so Florence would have to wait until the following year to be able to search Malta for her aunt Rosalie. Some of Florence’s storyline in England was in the winter months, so the descriptions of the countryside worked well with Florence’s mood, as she tried to work out her future with or without Jack, the SOE operative who got her out of France. I wasn’t too sure about Jack at all, but eventually warmed to him as the story unfolded and his past was revealed.
The mystery of Rosalie was fascinating. I enjoyed her story so much, from her stifling life in Paris to the excitement and danger of her life in Malta. I loved how her story and Florence’s came together as Florence finally made it to the island to look for her.
There is so much more to the story that I want to write about, but I’ve got to leave it there as I’m afraid I’m going to reveal too much and spoil it all for you.
Definitely recommended if you enjoyed the first book, or if you like historical fiction with a dual timeline.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my digital copy
November 6, 2022
This epic story of three sisters continues. Clear your schedule if you’re going to read this because you won’t want to put it down.
The story picks up with Florence and Jack making their way to England. Florence’s reunion with her mother doesn’t go as expected. Despite the war still raging, Claudette wants Florence to go to Malta to find Florence’s aunt, who left Paris 20 years prior.
There’s an interlude where Florence lives in England and learns a bit more about Jack. Though it’s a small detour in the main storyline, it’s a delightful one because Jack was such a fleeting, but important, character in the first book.
I won’t directly address the final third of the book, but it was satisfying to see Florence and Jack traveling and pulling Florence’s family back together. Of course, the ending can’t be completely happy since a third book is coming. The unresolved tension is completely understandable and didn’t change my enjoyment of the happy ending Florence finally gets.
The story picks up with Florence and Jack making their way to England. Florence’s reunion with her mother doesn’t go as expected. Despite the war still raging, Claudette wants Florence to go to Malta to find Florence’s aunt, who left Paris 20 years prior.
There’s an interlude where Florence lives in England and learns a bit more about Jack. Though it’s a small detour in the main storyline, it’s a delightful one because Jack was such a fleeting, but important, character in the first book.
I won’t directly address the final third of the book, but it was satisfying to see Florence and Jack traveling and pulling Florence’s family back together. Of course, the ending can’t be completely happy since a third book is coming. The unresolved tension is completely understandable and didn’t change my enjoyment of the happy ending Florence finally gets.
November 14, 2024
O carte despre dragoste, razboi, dar peste toate, prezentarea Maltei este de milioane, cu obiceiuri si traditii.
October 2, 2024
the characters in this book are actually so unlikeable my eyes could’ve gotten stuck from the frequency of my rolling them.
rosalie’s arc kind of carried (although she inevitably also became insufferable) but i felt like it was cut off so quickly to wrap the book up.
i couldn’t care less about florence and her life of chaotic romance goodness me.
so yea!
rosalie’s arc kind of carried (although she inevitably also became insufferable) but i felt like it was cut off so quickly to wrap the book up.
i couldn’t care less about florence and her life of chaotic romance goodness me.
so yea!
March 17, 2024
Me encanta la autora y no sabía que este libro formaba parte de una trilogía. Este es el segundo. Como echo en falta que indiquen en alguna parte de los libros si forman parte de una trilogía o saga.
La primera parte que no he leído pero de la que se deducen cosas...parece muy interesante. Esta en cambio no me ha apasionado y me ha aburrido bastante...la trama del pasado y el misterio me ha resultado muy denso y aburrido...lo único la ambientación de Malta pero acaba siendo también muy repetitivo. Y la historia de Florence y la trama del presente...tampoco me ha interesado demasiado la verdad. Un poco decepción
La primera parte que no he leído pero de la que se deducen cosas...parece muy interesante. Esta en cambio no me ha apasionado y me ha aburrido bastante...la trama del pasado y el misterio me ha resultado muy denso y aburrido...lo único la ambientación de Malta pero acaba siendo también muy repetitivo. Y la historia de Florence y la trama del presente...tampoco me ha interesado demasiado la verdad. Un poco decepción
October 29, 2023
As I read this I began to remember the story in the first of the trilogy. This book followed 2 story lines, one mainly in Devon and one in Malta, the first in the 1940s and the other starting in the 1920s. This writer has the skill of making these storylines clear and easy to follow. As usual the author makes the settings part of the stories, almost like extra characters. I particularly liked the descriptions of Malta. The characters and relationships were believable and I look forward to the third book in the series.
March 9, 2023
Great second book in the Daughters of War trilogy but not quite as good as the first. The ‘information dumps’ were a little irritating & although they moved the story along those sections didn’t make great reading. Great to catch up with all the sisters though & loved the settings of Devon & Malta.
July 27, 2023
Het 2e deel van deze serie leest vlot maar ik vond het verhaal een dtuk minder dan het 1e deel van de reeks. Vandaar de 3 sterren.
September 16, 2022
I read the first book some time ago so had forgotten much of the story. It would have helped to have a short resume of it before starting this one as it took some time to catch up with the characters. I did quite enjoy the book, except I found it irritating that the women cried so much. There has to be other ways to tell the reader the character is upset without endless tears.
I appreciate the author could not visit Malta due to the pandemic - and she did a good job of writing about it after studying books and videos - but I couldn't see the real point of calling it The Hidden Palace. I was expecting it to be much more central to the story, rather than a backdrop for a few less important scenes and it had no impact of the narrative of the main theme.
I felt Belinda was no more than padding for the story, and we are told in a couple of sentences that she finally agreed to a divorce...so that was another weak point.
I felt the problems in the book could have been solved with better editing as there were so many soft edges, like the people trafficking, which could have a much more exciting storyline instead of a damp squib. I felt the book was neither fish nor fowl...so a bit disappointing.
I appreciate the author could not visit Malta due to the pandemic - and she did a good job of writing about it after studying books and videos - but I couldn't see the real point of calling it The Hidden Palace. I was expecting it to be much more central to the story, rather than a backdrop for a few less important scenes and it had no impact of the narrative of the main theme.
I felt Belinda was no more than padding for the story, and we are told in a couple of sentences that she finally agreed to a divorce...so that was another weak point.
I felt the problems in the book could have been solved with better editing as there were so many soft edges, like the people trafficking, which could have a much more exciting storyline instead of a damp squib. I felt the book was neither fish nor fowl...so a bit disappointing.
September 29, 2023
Deel twee van een trilogie.
Na het lezen van het eerste deel heb ik geschreven: Dit smaakt naar meer. Spijtig genoeg kan ik dit niet schrijven over dit tweede boek. Ik heb me door dit boek geworsteld en mezelf gedwongen om het uit te lezen, alleen maar omdat het deel uitmaakt van een trilogie. Ik ben niet zo zeker dat ik deel drie zal lezen.
Een deel van het boek speelt zich af in Malta tijdens WII en laat dat nu het deel zijn dat ik het beste vond, de beschrijving van de ellende die de bevolking ondervond tijdens de vele bombardementen en blokkades van de havens
Dus ja, twee sterren.
Na het lezen van het eerste deel heb ik geschreven: Dit smaakt naar meer. Spijtig genoeg kan ik dit niet schrijven over dit tweede boek. Ik heb me door dit boek geworsteld en mezelf gedwongen om het uit te lezen, alleen maar omdat het deel uitmaakt van een trilogie. Ik ben niet zo zeker dat ik deel drie zal lezen.
Een deel van het boek speelt zich af in Malta tijdens WII en laat dat nu het deel zijn dat ik het beste vond, de beschrijving van de ellende die de bevolking ondervond tijdens de vele bombardementen en blokkades van de havens
Dus ja, twee sterren.
March 16, 2022
Beautifully written historical romance. Not an ordinary wartime boy meets girl tale. Several stories within the story which makes for an interesting read. Read in less than 24hrs!
January 30, 2023
Emanuela - per RFS
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Il palazzo segreto è una splendida dimora che unisce il lusso della nobiltà maltese al mistero dell’Oriente. Il proprietario è Addison, un anziano e ricco inglese, che si è ritirato a vivere da anni nel protettorato britannico.
La giovane Rosalie è invece fuggita a Malta dalla Francia a causa di un grave scandalo familiare e ora, sotto la falsa identità di Riva Janvier, lavora come ballerina in un locale di dubbia moralità.
La ragazza accede a questo meraviglioso palazzo che racchiude tanti tesori grazie all’amato Bobby Beresford, nipote di Addison.
Proprio con quest’ultimo Riva instaura da subito uno splendido e meraviglioso rapporto di amicizia che successivamente diventa di lavoro.
Siamo nel 1925 e l’autrice, con un salto di circa vent’anni ci porta nel 1944 nella contea del Devonshire dove Florence, nipote diretta di Rosalie, portata in salvo da Jack, un’agente del SOE, attende che la guerra si concluda definitivamente.
L’uomo è distrutto dal rimorso di non aver salvato dal bombardamento il suo figlioletto e sta cercando a tutti i costi di divorziare da Belinda, una donna difficile e insoddisfatta. Florence, che lo ama in silenzio, aspetta.
Ma la ragazza ha un compito importante affidatole dalla madre Claudette da portare a termine: andare a Malta in cerca della zia Rosalie (alias Riva Janvier) della quale nessuno ha più notizie.
Le vite delle due donne, Riva/Rosalie e Florence, si intrecciano sempre più strettamente raccontandoci di perdite dolorose, guerre spietate e coraggio femminile.
Come sempre, l’autrice costruisce la sua storia su basi storiche solide e documentate, regalandoci uno straordinario romanzo e un viaggio entusiasmante tra Malta e il Devonshire. Un racconto appassionante, impossibile da lasciare fino all’ultima riga.
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Il palazzo segreto è una splendida dimora che unisce il lusso della nobiltà maltese al mistero dell’Oriente. Il proprietario è Addison, un anziano e ricco inglese, che si è ritirato a vivere da anni nel protettorato britannico.
La giovane Rosalie è invece fuggita a Malta dalla Francia a causa di un grave scandalo familiare e ora, sotto la falsa identità di Riva Janvier, lavora come ballerina in un locale di dubbia moralità.
La ragazza accede a questo meraviglioso palazzo che racchiude tanti tesori grazie all’amato Bobby Beresford, nipote di Addison.
Proprio con quest’ultimo Riva instaura da subito uno splendido e meraviglioso rapporto di amicizia che successivamente diventa di lavoro.
Siamo nel 1925 e l’autrice, con un salto di circa vent’anni ci porta nel 1944 nella contea del Devonshire dove Florence, nipote diretta di Rosalie, portata in salvo da Jack, un’agente del SOE, attende che la guerra si concluda definitivamente.
L’uomo è distrutto dal rimorso di non aver salvato dal bombardamento il suo figlioletto e sta cercando a tutti i costi di divorziare da Belinda, una donna difficile e insoddisfatta. Florence, che lo ama in silenzio, aspetta.
Ma la ragazza ha un compito importante affidatole dalla madre Claudette da portare a termine: andare a Malta in cerca della zia Rosalie (alias Riva Janvier) della quale nessuno ha più notizie.
Le vite delle due donne, Riva/Rosalie e Florence, si intrecciano sempre più strettamente raccontandoci di perdite dolorose, guerre spietate e coraggio femminile.
Come sempre, l’autrice costruisce la sua storia su basi storiche solide e documentate, regalandoci uno straordinario romanzo e un viaggio entusiasmante tra Malta e il Devonshire. Un racconto appassionante, impossibile da lasciare fino all’ultima riga.
September 15, 2022
This is the second book in the Daughters of War series by Dinah Jefferies. The first book, simply named Daughters of War, features many of the characters you will find in The Hidden Palace. I do enjoy Dinah Jefferies novels but somehow missed Daughters of War. So I can tell you that this works perfectly well as a standalone novel even if you have never met Helene, Elise and Florence before.
The novel focusses on two women in two different times but both closely linked to wartime and its aftermath. In the latter years of WW2 and following its end, Florence is reeling from the war and a secret about her own past she has uncovered. Her relationship with her mother is not good but she is persuaded to try to find Rosalie, her mother’s sister, who disappeared some years before. In the earlier strand of the story, we follow Rosalie in the 1920s in Malta as she too uncovers some dark secrets.
What Dinah Jefferies is so good at is transporting her reader back in time and bringing the past to life. She writes about her settings so well too and here we get a clear picture of life in post-war Malta and the difficulties and dangers faced by the people. As we get to know both Rosalie and Florence, we see two strong, courageous women. Florence soon discovers that the destruction experienced by Malta means that tracing records relating to her aunt or the time she was in Malta is very difficult. Many people may not be aware of how just badly the Maltese people suffered during the Second World War. It was in a strategically important position between Europe and Africa and the subject of intense bombing by the Nazis. We certainly get a sense of this throughout the novel.
Dinah Jefferies covers so much in The Hidden Palace. There’s love and loss, grief and betrayal, relationships between sisters and inter-generational relationships, secrets and courage. Once again the author has written a sweeping epic novel with plenty to please readers of both romance and historical fiction.
The novel focusses on two women in two different times but both closely linked to wartime and its aftermath. In the latter years of WW2 and following its end, Florence is reeling from the war and a secret about her own past she has uncovered. Her relationship with her mother is not good but she is persuaded to try to find Rosalie, her mother’s sister, who disappeared some years before. In the earlier strand of the story, we follow Rosalie in the 1920s in Malta as she too uncovers some dark secrets.
What Dinah Jefferies is so good at is transporting her reader back in time and bringing the past to life. She writes about her settings so well too and here we get a clear picture of life in post-war Malta and the difficulties and dangers faced by the people. As we get to know both Rosalie and Florence, we see two strong, courageous women. Florence soon discovers that the destruction experienced by Malta means that tracing records relating to her aunt or the time she was in Malta is very difficult. Many people may not be aware of how just badly the Maltese people suffered during the Second World War. It was in a strategically important position between Europe and Africa and the subject of intense bombing by the Nazis. We certainly get a sense of this throughout the novel.
Dinah Jefferies covers so much in The Hidden Palace. There’s love and loss, grief and betrayal, relationships between sisters and inter-generational relationships, secrets and courage. Once again the author has written a sweeping epic novel with plenty to please readers of both romance and historical fiction.
November 22, 2022
I so enjoyed the first book, Daughters of War that I was ecstatic when @HarperCollins360 reached out about Book 2, The Hidden Palace in The Daughters of War series.
If you haven't read my 5 star review of Book 1, and been already influenced to pick it up, then I will simply state - go get yourself a copy! I loved it so much, especially the 3 sisters as main characters.
The Hidden Palace focuses more on 1 of those 3 sisters and how she tries to move on after the end of the war. However, her efforts are diverted when her estranged mother requests that she try to find her long lost aunt.
What I enjoyed about this story is the interesting setting that is probably very different than what I've read before in a WW2 Historical Fiction novel.
I will say that I missed the 3 sisters being together and had hoped that the story would continue in that vein from Book 1. But the new adventures were certainly interesting as well.
If you love WW2 Historical Fiction books, be sure to add this series to your list!
If you haven't read my 5 star review of Book 1, and been already influenced to pick it up, then I will simply state - go get yourself a copy! I loved it so much, especially the 3 sisters as main characters.
The Hidden Palace focuses more on 1 of those 3 sisters and how she tries to move on after the end of the war. However, her efforts are diverted when her estranged mother requests that she try to find her long lost aunt.
What I enjoyed about this story is the interesting setting that is probably very different than what I've read before in a WW2 Historical Fiction novel.
I will say that I missed the 3 sisters being together and had hoped that the story would continue in that vein from Book 1. But the new adventures were certainly interesting as well.
If you love WW2 Historical Fiction books, be sure to add this series to your list!
February 23, 2025
Rated 4.00
In this sequel to Daughters of War, the story focuses mainly on the youngest daughter, Florence and her mother's aunt, Rosalie. Florence and Jack make it across the Pyrenees and on to London where Claudette, Florence's mother, asks Florence to go to Malta to find Rosalie. She left London 20 years ago following a family tragedy and the only communication has been a letter asking Claudette for help. I particularly enjoyed Rosalie's story - her wildness, her passion and her love story. Florence travels to Malta after the war to try to find Rosalie and I enjoyed reading about a country I have on my bucket list. While I enjoyed this book, it was not as intriguing as the first book. I look forward to the last of the trilogy to follow the sisters and their aunt.
A rebellious daughter
1925. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.
A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.
A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier – and time is running out…
In this sequel to Daughters of War, the story focuses mainly on the youngest daughter, Florence and her mother's aunt, Rosalie. Florence and Jack make it across the Pyrenees and on to London where Claudette, Florence's mother, asks Florence to go to Malta to find Rosalie. She left London 20 years ago following a family tragedy and the only communication has been a letter asking Claudette for help. I particularly enjoyed Rosalie's story - her wildness, her passion and her love story. Florence travels to Malta after the war to try to find Rosalie and I enjoyed reading about a country I have on my bucket list. While I enjoyed this book, it was not as intriguing as the first book. I look forward to the last of the trilogy to follow the sisters and their aunt.
A rebellious daughter
1925. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.
A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.
A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier – and time is running out…
September 24, 2022
What a brilliant sequel! I really enjoyed Daughters of War and I was intrigued to see what happened in this book and it did not disappoint. I thought the dual timeline was done so well and I was so invested in Rosalie’s story.
It was such a beautiful book and made me so emotional. I loved all the scenes in Malta and, as always, Dinah Jefferies writes the settings so well! I really enjoyed this book and am excited for the third instalment and will be waiting impatiently!
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
It was such a beautiful book and made me so emotional. I loved all the scenes in Malta and, as always, Dinah Jefferies writes the settings so well! I really enjoyed this book and am excited for the third instalment and will be waiting impatiently!
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2024
I gobbled this up. Right book right time I guess. I loved the story of atmospheric Malta (on my wish to visit list still), the 'carry on' approach of war time as well as the finding out what had happened after the horrible events of Book 1 in this series. DJ has the ability to transport the reader to whatever place, whatever circumstance with such clarity and depth of feeling it is extraordinary.
Thankfully I have Book 3 already waiting for me. Phew.
Toast
Thankfully I have Book 3 already waiting for me. Phew.
Toast
June 13, 2024
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the trilogy and like the first book it’s very emotional but really good. This focuses on Florence and her aunt Rosalie who she is searching for. Set over two timelines it’s really gripping.
This is the second book in the trilogy and like the first book it’s very emotional but really good. This focuses on Florence and her aunt Rosalie who she is searching for. Set over two timelines it’s really gripping.
dnf-abandoned
November 29, 2025Audio. DNF around the 33% mark. I lost steam and also interest in the characters and after a while couldn’t keep them straight in the audio (which means my mind started wandering while I listened). I picked it up for the setting (Malta) but couldn’t stick it out for the story.
January 4, 2023
Beautifully Written ❤️ Even better than the first book. Highly recommended!
April 28, 2023
3.5 stars
The search for the missing Rosalie was interesting, as was learning more about Malta. Another easy read in this series, but it lost momentum towards the end.
The search for the missing Rosalie was interesting, as was learning more about Malta. Another easy read in this series, but it lost momentum towards the end.
August 25, 2024
Prachtig !
Ik kon niet stoppen met lezen , Frankrijk , Engeland , Malta , oorlog , liefde , verlies ik heb genoten en begin straks direct in het laatste deel van deze trilogie
Ik kon niet stoppen met lezen , Frankrijk , Engeland , Malta , oorlog , liefde , verlies ik heb genoten en begin straks direct in het laatste deel van deze trilogie
September 5, 2024
I really enjoyed the dual timeline story of Florence and Rosalie. Looking forward to starting Night Train in Marrakech.
February 23, 2025
Lovely and heartfelt, a few distracting anachronisms that pulled me out of the story here and there.
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