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The Keepsake
A woman who defied convention. A mystery that will take centuries to solve.
The Keepsake is a thrilling dual-time novel, with a fascinating, complex woman at its heart, wealth of twists, turns and secrets, and an absolute book club treat, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Rachel Rhys and Hannah Richell.
Pot-au-feu for luncheon. Father willed away inheritance. Betrayed by Edward.
1832. The morning after her father's funeral, Prudence Merryfield wakes to the liberating thought that this is the first day of her new life. At thirty-five and unmarried, she is now mistress of her own fate. But a cruel revelation at the reading of her father's will forces Prudence to realise that taking only the most drastic action will set her free.
Present day. Eliza is gifted a family heirloom by her aunt - a Georgian pocket book, belonging to her ancestor, Prudence Merryfield, whose existence reverberates through the lives of generations of Eliza's family, the Ambroses. Intrigued by what she reads inside, Eliza is drawn more and more into the infamous 'Merryfield Mystery'. What happened to Prudence who so bravely dared to defy convention two hundred years ago - then disappeared?
The Keepsake is a thrilling dual-time novel, with a fascinating, complex woman at its heart, wealth of twists, turns and secrets, and an absolute book club treat, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Rachel Rhys and Hannah Richell.
Pot-au-feu for luncheon. Father willed away inheritance. Betrayed by Edward.
1832. The morning after her father's funeral, Prudence Merryfield wakes to the liberating thought that this is the first day of her new life. At thirty-five and unmarried, she is now mistress of her own fate. But a cruel revelation at the reading of her father's will forces Prudence to realise that taking only the most drastic action will set her free.
Present day. Eliza is gifted a family heirloom by her aunt - a Georgian pocket book, belonging to her ancestor, Prudence Merryfield, whose existence reverberates through the lives of generations of Eliza's family, the Ambroses. Intrigued by what she reads inside, Eliza is drawn more and more into the infamous 'Merryfield Mystery'. What happened to Prudence who so bravely dared to defy convention two hundred years ago - then disappeared?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 30, 2022
Almost two hundred years since the mystery of an ancestor's disappearance, Eliza was gifted a Georgian pocket book, discovered inside an old hatbox, and belonging to the enigmatic Prudence Merryfield. Prudence had buried her father in 1832, expecting her liberty to be immediate, but the reading of his will shocked her into contemplating a future that would be much different to what she'd imagined. As Eliza dug deeply into the mystery surrounding Westcott Hall, the stately old home of the Ambrose ancestors, and Prudence's life, she followed the words in the pocket book, hoping for answers.
Prudence and her maid Bessie set sail for Calcutta, Singapore and eventually Sydney, Australia. But fates were destined to alter the course of their journey and Prudence subsequently met Lupelele and her family, staying with them, learning their ways, for over a year, until she was found. But what would her future be? Her return to Westcott Hall should have been a happy one, but her discontent affected her life on a daily basis...
The Keepsake is an exceptional dual timeline historical novel by Aussie author Julie Brooks and I loved it! I found Lupelele and her rebellion, plus her attachment to Prudence intriguing, the simple lifestyle of the Samoan people calming. The main setting in Somerset, England was the focus of the current day setting and a lot of the earlier story, with Prudence's travels poignant and harsh. I thoroughly enjoyed The Keepsake and recommend it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Prudence and her maid Bessie set sail for Calcutta, Singapore and eventually Sydney, Australia. But fates were destined to alter the course of their journey and Prudence subsequently met Lupelele and her family, staying with them, learning their ways, for over a year, until she was found. But what would her future be? Her return to Westcott Hall should have been a happy one, but her discontent affected her life on a daily basis...
The Keepsake is an exceptional dual timeline historical novel by Aussie author Julie Brooks and I loved it! I found Lupelele and her rebellion, plus her attachment to Prudence intriguing, the simple lifestyle of the Samoan people calming. The main setting in Somerset, England was the focus of the current day setting and a lot of the earlier story, with Prudence's travels poignant and harsh. I thoroughly enjoyed The Keepsake and recommend it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2024
1832: Prudence Merryfield wakes up the morning after her father’s funeral feeling hopeful, a weight has been lifted from her shoulders and she’s free. After her father’s solicitor reads his will, Prudence is shocked, and she’s only been left a yearly allowance, and her neighbor Mr. Edward Ambrose has complete control over her inheritance. Prudence is thirty-five, she thought she could finally do what she wanted and her father is still controlling her life from the grave.
The Keepsake has a dual timeline, it goes between 1832 and the present time. The two main characters Prudence and Eliza are related to each other, and Eliza want's to uncover what happened to her ancestor over two centuries ago.
2022: Eliza Ambrose is running her mother's antique shop called The Cabinet of Wonders in Somerset and her family has lived in the area for decades. Her aunt Jude gives Eliza a present, it’s a Peacock’s Polite Repository or a ladies pocket book and it belonged to their distant relative Miss. Prudence Merryfield. Eliza can’t believe she’s reading Prudence's private thoughts, and most importantly she want's to solve the mystery of what happened to her, did Prudence meet with foul play or did she willingly disappear?
Eliza visits Westcott Hall, here she meets Daniel O’Neill an Australian building contractor, he’s trying to restore the old house and what's left of the estate. Eliza, Daniel and Jude all become invested in finding out what took place, some clues are revealed at Westcott Hall, in the remaining pages of the pocket book, they discover a distant relative, and look into the family tree.
I received a copy of The Keepsake by Julie Brooks from NetGalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading about Westcott Hall, the South Pacific, Samoa, the Samoan culture, and Prudence's friendship with Lupe, and Eliza coming to terms with changes in her own situation. The links between the pocket book, family portraits and antique jewellery, all helped in resolving the interesting and captivating historical mystery and five stars from me.
The Keepsake has a dual timeline, it goes between 1832 and the present time. The two main characters Prudence and Eliza are related to each other, and Eliza want's to uncover what happened to her ancestor over two centuries ago.
2022: Eliza Ambrose is running her mother's antique shop called The Cabinet of Wonders in Somerset and her family has lived in the area for decades. Her aunt Jude gives Eliza a present, it’s a Peacock’s Polite Repository or a ladies pocket book and it belonged to their distant relative Miss. Prudence Merryfield. Eliza can’t believe she’s reading Prudence's private thoughts, and most importantly she want's to solve the mystery of what happened to her, did Prudence meet with foul play or did she willingly disappear?
Eliza visits Westcott Hall, here she meets Daniel O’Neill an Australian building contractor, he’s trying to restore the old house and what's left of the estate. Eliza, Daniel and Jude all become invested in finding out what took place, some clues are revealed at Westcott Hall, in the remaining pages of the pocket book, they discover a distant relative, and look into the family tree.
I received a copy of The Keepsake by Julie Brooks from NetGalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading about Westcott Hall, the South Pacific, Samoa, the Samoan culture, and Prudence's friendship with Lupe, and Eliza coming to terms with changes in her own situation. The links between the pocket book, family portraits and antique jewellery, all helped in resolving the interesting and captivating historical mystery and five stars from me.
September 13, 2023
The Keepsake is told over dual timelines. One in 1832 and the
other in present day.
In 1832 we are introduced to Prudence who has been under the ruling of her father her entire life. When her father passed away she believed she would inherit his estate, at last live the life she wants and finally embrace her dreams of travelling.
When the will is read she discovers she had been betrayed by her father. She decides to take control of her life and go travelling anyway.
In 2022 Eliza is gifted a Georgian pocket book which had belonged to Prudence. Prudence had disappeared in 1835, foul play was suspected and the mystery of her disappearance had troubled her family for generations.
Eliza becomes passionate about finding out what had happened to Prudence and she follows clues from the pocket book and family memorabilia to help her.
A gripping read that had me hook, line and sinker. There are lots of twists until the final revelation.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
other in present day.
In 1832 we are introduced to Prudence who has been under the ruling of her father her entire life. When her father passed away she believed she would inherit his estate, at last live the life she wants and finally embrace her dreams of travelling.
When the will is read she discovers she had been betrayed by her father. She decides to take control of her life and go travelling anyway.
In 2022 Eliza is gifted a Georgian pocket book which had belonged to Prudence. Prudence had disappeared in 1835, foul play was suspected and the mystery of her disappearance had troubled her family for generations.
Eliza becomes passionate about finding out what had happened to Prudence and she follows clues from the pocket book and family memorabilia to help her.
A gripping read that had me hook, line and sinker. There are lots of twists until the final revelation.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
4.5*
The Keepsake is a well researched and written dual timeline novel by Julie. In the contemporary timeline Eliza struggles to run her parent’s antique shop attempting to stay true to the promise she made to her dying mother. What she truly wishes for is to follow her own passions. When her aunt gifts her a tiny pocket book once belonging to her ancestor’s wife, she begins a journey to unravel its mystery. The ancestor, Prudence, went missing twice - once in 1833 shipwrecked in Samoa and again in 1838 where suspicions surround the possibility of foul play.
‘Prudence Merryfield. Lady Adventuress. A man might not deem her so, for unlike the heroes of most adventure tales, she sought neither to conquer nor to name. Not a single mountain, not a lone river, not an empty space upon a map. It was her own self she wished to discover. The terra incognita of the interior.’
I loved the tale of Prudence’s life. When her wealthy father dies, being the only child, she expects to finally be able to live a life of her own. However, society of the age made no allowances for such desires. Determined, Prudence escapes to embark on a world adventure. ‘She enjoyed being a Lady Adventuress. She did not wish to be lured back to the comforts of hearth and home. She did not wish to settle. And she vowed not to be returned against her will.’ I always admire and respect tales of women who pursued such undertakings and Prudence’s story proved an eventful and unforgettable tale.
‘… maybe the notion of safety was just that - a notion. A fancy. And you could become lost in the storm, no matter how hard you clung to the mast. Maybe sometimes you just needed to let go.’
The contemporary narrative is the perfect compliment to this tale with Eliza drawn into the mystery and secrets surrounding both disappearances of Prudence. What happened all those years ago? Both women - Eliza and Prudence - are on a journey of self discovery in pursuit of a life well lived.
‘Somehow, she would find a way to chart her own course and be her own woman. She alone would determine what her life was to be. And that would be whatever she was brave enough to make it.’
Full of adventure through both heartfelt and heartbreaking moments, The Keepsake is sure to lure you in. Venturing from Somerset (both past and present) and Samoa of the 1830s, this is a well researched book of the life and times involving travel and gender/social inequalities. There are secrets and drama, with just the right amount of romance for both of these women. Such an absorbing and refreshing read that will engage readers right up until the final revelation.
‘Both found their way back to England. Then one woman disappeared again. Forever. Was she murdered? Or did she choose her destiny?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
The Keepsake is a well researched and written dual timeline novel by Julie. In the contemporary timeline Eliza struggles to run her parent’s antique shop attempting to stay true to the promise she made to her dying mother. What she truly wishes for is to follow her own passions. When her aunt gifts her a tiny pocket book once belonging to her ancestor’s wife, she begins a journey to unravel its mystery. The ancestor, Prudence, went missing twice - once in 1833 shipwrecked in Samoa and again in 1838 where suspicions surround the possibility of foul play.
‘Prudence Merryfield. Lady Adventuress. A man might not deem her so, for unlike the heroes of most adventure tales, she sought neither to conquer nor to name. Not a single mountain, not a lone river, not an empty space upon a map. It was her own self she wished to discover. The terra incognita of the interior.’
I loved the tale of Prudence’s life. When her wealthy father dies, being the only child, she expects to finally be able to live a life of her own. However, society of the age made no allowances for such desires. Determined, Prudence escapes to embark on a world adventure. ‘She enjoyed being a Lady Adventuress. She did not wish to be lured back to the comforts of hearth and home. She did not wish to settle. And she vowed not to be returned against her will.’ I always admire and respect tales of women who pursued such undertakings and Prudence’s story proved an eventful and unforgettable tale.
‘… maybe the notion of safety was just that - a notion. A fancy. And you could become lost in the storm, no matter how hard you clung to the mast. Maybe sometimes you just needed to let go.’
The contemporary narrative is the perfect compliment to this tale with Eliza drawn into the mystery and secrets surrounding both disappearances of Prudence. What happened all those years ago? Both women - Eliza and Prudence - are on a journey of self discovery in pursuit of a life well lived.
‘Somehow, she would find a way to chart her own course and be her own woman. She alone would determine what her life was to be. And that would be whatever she was brave enough to make it.’
Full of adventure through both heartfelt and heartbreaking moments, The Keepsake is sure to lure you in. Venturing from Somerset (both past and present) and Samoa of the 1830s, this is a well researched book of the life and times involving travel and gender/social inequalities. There are secrets and drama, with just the right amount of romance for both of these women. Such an absorbing and refreshing read that will engage readers right up until the final revelation.
‘Both found their way back to England. Then one woman disappeared again. Forever. Was she murdered? Or did she choose her destiny?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
April 24, 2023
I like books that switch back and forward been two timelines. If it hadn't been for this lure I probably would have gotten bored with the current day timeline.
August 26, 2022
Wow! What a spellbindingly beautiful masterpiece of a book! I absolutely loved this book SO much. It is without doubt one of my top reads ever! Brilliantly researched, beautifully written, spanning generations and continents and transporting the reader effortlessly to each place and time, this is an EPIC read. The author is incredibly skilled at bringing the characters and places vividly alive for the reader, so they burrow into the reader's mind, carve a place in the reader's heart. I loved and understood the struggles and the passions of Samoan Lupelele, aristocratic Prudence, determined Eliza and poor, orphaned Bessie - I celebrated in their triumphs and commiserated when they were upset. This book is one of a kind, one that will transport you and teach you and make you think and want to travel, one to treasure and to reread. If you are going to read one book this year, make it this one. A reading experience not to be missed. I guarantee you will love it and it will leave you changed.
May 27, 2023
Wonderful
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the lives of Elisa and Prudence intertwined. Thank you Mrs. Brooks for writing this excellent book.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the lives of Elisa and Prudence intertwined. Thank you Mrs. Brooks for writing this excellent book.
March 25, 2023
This book made for pleasant reading. If you’re a Kate Morton fan, I think you’ll dig this one. We follow the protagonist Eliza as she works to uncover a dark secret in her family history, all while travelling back in time to peek into what really happened to Prudence Merryfield in 1832.
The love interest arc was the only real thing that didn’t track for me. Daniel was an interesting enough character on his own, that it didn’t need to follow the trope of friends/coworkers to lovers. It was a littleeee too obvious for me.
Thanks to Hachette for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💖
The love interest arc was the only real thing that didn’t track for me. Daniel was an interesting enough character on his own, that it didn’t need to follow the trope of friends/coworkers to lovers. It was a littleeee too obvious for me.
Thanks to Hachette for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💖
October 20, 2022
interesting storyline but …
Interesting storyline and I was really pulled in by the prospect of travelling to far off lands through seafaring etc. However I found the characters all felt a wooden and quite one dimensional , particularly present day ones. I felt like I was reading some sort Disney retelling.
Interesting storyline and I was really pulled in by the prospect of travelling to far off lands through seafaring etc. However I found the characters all felt a wooden and quite one dimensional , particularly present day ones. I felt like I was reading some sort Disney retelling.
July 18, 2023
The multiple time-lines and characters didn't work for me as it made it a bit slow.
July 29, 2023
I bought this paperback a number of months ago, for my personal stack, as I had a strong feeling I was going to love it. Well, I certainly did! The Keepsake is an amazing dual timeline gem with enough twists and turns to keep your fingers chasing the pages and your mind guessing at the possible outcomes. It has a multi-layered plot and a complex female lead, (in the historical timeline) who is not satisfied with the regular activities of her day. Her heart craves adventure and travel and being part of something bigger than herself. This thirst for more, sets her on a perilous path that left me anxious and mesmerised.
Historical fiction character, Prudence Merryfield, has lost her father and awakens to some rude male designed plans for her life. She is thirty-five years old and not married but that is her choice. She is expecting to inherit her father’s estate but discovers he has set up an arrangement that means she must be under the control of yet another man. She decides to plan a course of action to free herself and to fulfill some of her desires. Once rescuing a young girl named Bessie, she trains her how to read and to become a maid. Then Prudence, sets sail for foreign lands, with her reluctant maid in tow, but fate conspires against them when a violent storm causes them to be shipwrecked in the Samoa Island region. Separated by the winds and waves, neither knows of the other’s outcome.
In the modern timeline, we meet Eliza, a future relative of Prudence. She is given a special family heirloom, a Georgian pocket book, that sets her on a journey of discovery and wonderment. It is known that Prudence travelled the world, was shipwrecked and returned to England but nobody knows why later she disappeared or what happened to her. With some friendly help, Eliza opens a pandoras box of secrets. A locket, painting and a little book with short bursts of diary entries help her solve a two hundred year old mystery.
This riveting tale entranced me. With its seamless transition between two time worlds, distinct descriptions, explosive plot, welcoming settings (on land and sea) and well-crafted dialogue, it sings with perfection. I was wonderfully transported deep into the heart of the story following every bend in the road and every swallowing wave of the sea. This is a rich tapestry. Although the Samoan and Somerset villages are products of an author’s imagination, it is clear that Julie has done extensive research on the Polynesian culture and that of early 1800s England to deliver such believable authenticity.
I highly recommend this moving novel. The Keepsake is for those who love a timeless family tale that delivers a fascinating historical mystery. I give it 5 Stars as that is what it deserves. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Historical fiction character, Prudence Merryfield, has lost her father and awakens to some rude male designed plans for her life. She is thirty-five years old and not married but that is her choice. She is expecting to inherit her father’s estate but discovers he has set up an arrangement that means she must be under the control of yet another man. She decides to plan a course of action to free herself and to fulfill some of her desires. Once rescuing a young girl named Bessie, she trains her how to read and to become a maid. Then Prudence, sets sail for foreign lands, with her reluctant maid in tow, but fate conspires against them when a violent storm causes them to be shipwrecked in the Samoa Island region. Separated by the winds and waves, neither knows of the other’s outcome.
In the modern timeline, we meet Eliza, a future relative of Prudence. She is given a special family heirloom, a Georgian pocket book, that sets her on a journey of discovery and wonderment. It is known that Prudence travelled the world, was shipwrecked and returned to England but nobody knows why later she disappeared or what happened to her. With some friendly help, Eliza opens a pandoras box of secrets. A locket, painting and a little book with short bursts of diary entries help her solve a two hundred year old mystery.
This riveting tale entranced me. With its seamless transition between two time worlds, distinct descriptions, explosive plot, welcoming settings (on land and sea) and well-crafted dialogue, it sings with perfection. I was wonderfully transported deep into the heart of the story following every bend in the road and every swallowing wave of the sea. This is a rich tapestry. Although the Samoan and Somerset villages are products of an author’s imagination, it is clear that Julie has done extensive research on the Polynesian culture and that of early 1800s England to deliver such believable authenticity.
I highly recommend this moving novel. The Keepsake is for those who love a timeless family tale that delivers a fascinating historical mystery. I give it 5 Stars as that is what it deserves. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 25, 2023
2022
Eliza Ambrose, Owner of Cabinet of Wonders.
Single.
Celebrating her birthday with Aunt Jude.
Jude’s gift: a late-Georgian pocket Book.
The gift is a heirloom that belonged to Prudence Jane Merryfield.
Will the gift help solve the 200-year-old Merryfield mystery?
1832
Prudence Jane Merryfield, Mistress of Westcott Hall.
Single.
A condolence visit from neighbor Edward Ambrose.
Edward’s purpose: A marriage proposal.
It’s time to speak with her father’s solicitor directly.
Will the meeting give her freedom or is she to be controlled?
I loved that a recently discovered heirloom might solve a family mystery that, in 200 years, has not been forgotten by the family or escaped the local area’s continuation of rumors of the past. The author weaved mystery, relationships, betrayal, jealousy, friendship, love, independence, and travel into the fabric of her story, which also shares cultural restrictions of women in the 1800s. The novel shares women's complexities, reflections, and emotions in their wishes for their future, sometimes in conflict with expectations by family and society and sometimes only because of expectations they perceive or withhold them from moving forward.
One description was a disappointment in this ©2022 novel.
Eliza Ambrose, Owner of Cabinet of Wonders.
Single.
Celebrating her birthday with Aunt Jude.
Jude’s gift: a late-Georgian pocket Book.
The gift is a heirloom that belonged to Prudence Jane Merryfield.
Will the gift help solve the 200-year-old Merryfield mystery?
1832
Prudence Jane Merryfield, Mistress of Westcott Hall.
Single.
A condolence visit from neighbor Edward Ambrose.
Edward’s purpose: A marriage proposal.
It’s time to speak with her father’s solicitor directly.
Will the meeting give her freedom or is she to be controlled?
I loved that a recently discovered heirloom might solve a family mystery that, in 200 years, has not been forgotten by the family or escaped the local area’s continuation of rumors of the past. The author weaved mystery, relationships, betrayal, jealousy, friendship, love, independence, and travel into the fabric of her story, which also shares cultural restrictions of women in the 1800s. The novel shares women's complexities, reflections, and emotions in their wishes for their future, sometimes in conflict with expectations by family and society and sometimes only because of expectations they perceive or withhold them from moving forward.
One description was a disappointment in this ©2022 novel.
"The frown thingy was back between his eyebrows, giving him the expression of a concerned librarian."A facial expression does not need to be attributed to anyone’s profession. Everyone has a concerned expression from time to time. It takes a team to bring a book to publication, so it is incumbent on everyone to speak up and raise voices to STOP stereotyping characters and/or their professions by physical expressions, physical appearances, and/or clothing and accessories in new releases!
September 30, 2022
Read the full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
In the early part of the 1830s, Prudence Merryfield was blessed with a wealthy childhood. When he died, Prudence expected to be the pilot of her own ship and able to do as she pleased.
Society in the 1800s, however, did not provide for much self-determination for young women. Her father entrusted a group of trustees to administer her substantial estate. The primary trustee is Edward Ambrose who guarded the trust with an iron fist.
A young orphaned waif named Bessie is found hiding in one of the hedgerows of the property’s lanes and is taken in by Prudence. She becomes the handmaid and personal servant for Prudence. Prudence decides she is too constricted by the ever-present Edward and decides to escape aboard a ship to the South Pacific for adventure and freedom. Unfortunately, the ship she and Bessie are on sinks. The marooned ladies must integrate with the islanders or perish.
The author developed a very imaginative and engrossing narrative using the discovery of an heirloom to envelope the MC into a dual-time novel. The characters are believable and sympathetic. The book enlightens the reader about the plight of the women of the 1800s and early 1900s. Treachery was rampant as men thirsted for the riches they could not obtain lawfully. Enjoy the adventure! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
In the early part of the 1830s, Prudence Merryfield was blessed with a wealthy childhood. When he died, Prudence expected to be the pilot of her own ship and able to do as she pleased.
Society in the 1800s, however, did not provide for much self-determination for young women. Her father entrusted a group of trustees to administer her substantial estate. The primary trustee is Edward Ambrose who guarded the trust with an iron fist.
A young orphaned waif named Bessie is found hiding in one of the hedgerows of the property’s lanes and is taken in by Prudence. She becomes the handmaid and personal servant for Prudence. Prudence decides she is too constricted by the ever-present Edward and decides to escape aboard a ship to the South Pacific for adventure and freedom. Unfortunately, the ship she and Bessie are on sinks. The marooned ladies must integrate with the islanders or perish.
The author developed a very imaginative and engrossing narrative using the discovery of an heirloom to envelope the MC into a dual-time novel. The characters are believable and sympathetic. The book enlightens the reader about the plight of the women of the 1800s and early 1900s. Treachery was rampant as men thirsted for the riches they could not obtain lawfully. Enjoy the adventure! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 19, 2022
Julie Brooks historical novel captured my imagination and I loved this fascinating story of modern day Eliza and her ancestor Prudence Merryfield.
In 2022 Eliza is gifted a Georgian pocket book belonging to Prudence. Prudence’s disappearance in 1938 in Somerset, England, with suspected foul play, was a mystery that had troubled her family for generations.
The morning after Prudence’s father’s funeral, the Will was read and she discovered she had been betrayed.
From this moment she decided to take control of her life and live an independent, brave life defying convention.
Eliza became invested in discovering what became of Prudence and she follows clues from the pocket book, old photos and family memorabilia to assist her.
Julie Brooks sense of place is beautifully described from Somerset, England past and present to the Samoan islands, where Prudence found herself due to unforeseen circumstances and formed close relationships with the locals.
There are many twists and turns in the novel until the final revelation. Both Eliza and Prudence are strong women and Prudence was an adventuress. There are secrets and romance for both of these women.
Julie Brooks detailed research gives a depth of understanding and richness to the lives of Prudence and modern day Eliza.
A wonderful story that I enjoyed immensely.
In 2022 Eliza is gifted a Georgian pocket book belonging to Prudence. Prudence’s disappearance in 1938 in Somerset, England, with suspected foul play, was a mystery that had troubled her family for generations.
The morning after Prudence’s father’s funeral, the Will was read and she discovered she had been betrayed.
From this moment she decided to take control of her life and live an independent, brave life defying convention.
Eliza became invested in discovering what became of Prudence and she follows clues from the pocket book, old photos and family memorabilia to assist her.
Julie Brooks sense of place is beautifully described from Somerset, England past and present to the Samoan islands, where Prudence found herself due to unforeseen circumstances and formed close relationships with the locals.
There are many twists and turns in the novel until the final revelation. Both Eliza and Prudence are strong women and Prudence was an adventuress. There are secrets and romance for both of these women.
Julie Brooks detailed research gives a depth of understanding and richness to the lives of Prudence and modern day Eliza.
A wonderful story that I enjoyed immensely.
November 12, 2024
A story that crosses between the 1930's and 2024. Eliza is given a pocket book belonging to Prudence Merryfield who was briefly married to one of her Ancestors. Prudence is an independent woman who desires to travel. Having given a home to a homeless urchin called Bessie she embarks on her adventures taking Bessie with her. Their boat sinks at sea and the women think that the other died however, Edward, Prudence's friend and admirer tracks them down. Eliza meets Daniel who has been commissioned to renovate the home of Prudence into a hotel and seeks Eliza's help. Eliza delves into the disappearance of Prudence who was thought to have been murdered by Edward. But it seems that he didn't.
December 11, 2022
Good to the last period.
Enjoyed this book. Amazing that we can waste too much time thinking of the path not taken, path closed to us, or path we thought we didn't want to explore. Then before we know it, we are at the end of our road and it's too late. Can't turn back time. What we choose in a skillet second changes many lives. Far from my usual topic to read. But dual time lines always capture my attention.
Enjoyed this book. Amazing that we can waste too much time thinking of the path not taken, path closed to us, or path we thought we didn't want to explore. Then before we know it, we are at the end of our road and it's too late. Can't turn back time. What we choose in a skillet second changes many lives. Far from my usual topic to read. But dual time lines always capture my attention.
December 28, 2022
Interesting Novel
The first few chapters I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the various characters and the dual time line. It was an interesting read and I enjoyed it. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I recommend it . The first novel I read by Julie Brooks was The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay and it was simply wonderful. I will search out more books by this author.
The first few chapters I had a bit of trouble keeping track of the various characters and the dual time line. It was an interesting read and I enjoyed it. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I recommend it . The first novel I read by Julie Brooks was The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay and it was simply wonderful. I will search out more books by this author.
June 7, 2024
The story is a duel timeline centering around Prudence Maryfield who defied convention by setting out to travel around the globe And in the present day, Eliza, who is drawn to her ancestors story and her disappearance and in wanting to know what happened to Prudence over 200 years ago uncovers details of her life and travels.
It was a good read though left me hollow that she never made it back to Samoa to fulfill her promise.
It was a good read though left me hollow that she never made it back to Samoa to fulfill her promise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
I really enjoyed Julie Brooks' new novel. The main character, Prudence, was a feisty, independent woman who defied convention to travel the world. The contemporary character, Eliza, was likeable and I enjoyed following her story as she unravelled the mystery of her famous ancestor. Adventure, mystery, travel and a touch of romance.
September 28, 2022
A duel timeline novel about finding family, love and solving a mystery.
A story full of adventure and travel.
Overall, a enthralling and captivating historical mystery.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A story full of adventure and travel.
Overall, a enthralling and captivating historical mystery.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 10, 2022
The Keepsake is a dual timeline novel set in the 1830's and present day.
The main character, Prudence, is a modern, feisty woman, an Adventuress.
Present day Eliza, a descendant of Prudence is determined to uncover what happened to Prudence, who it would seem, simply disappeared one day.
An enjoyable, well researched, read.
The main character, Prudence, is a modern, feisty woman, an Adventuress.
Present day Eliza, a descendant of Prudence is determined to uncover what happened to Prudence, who it would seem, simply disappeared one day.
An enjoyable, well researched, read.
February 22, 2023
Eliza receives a Georgian family heirloom belonging to her ancestor Prudence who disappeared 200 years ago. We follow the lives of Prudence and Eliza in this dual timeline novel set the 1830s and present day. Two strong, independent women, forging their own paths, affected by the morals and expectations of their time. Romance, mystery and history are bought to life in this wonderful novel.
June 21, 2023
I'm at chapter 25 and am still hoping the story will pick up. It is so utterly boring and slow. It's at the point of being unbearable. It's very likely I won't be able to finish, as it's like fingernails on the chalkboard. I can't understand the good reviews. Very disappointed. Waste of time and money.
June 12, 2024
It was liking being on a rollercoaster where you are just starting to speed up…but you never do. Ship wrecks, tropical beaches, embroidery.
The characters were unpredictable, not even sure the author knew what they would do next
The characters were unpredictable, not even sure the author knew what they would do next
August 22, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4. Review to follow.
October 2, 2022
I'm very excited for the release of my new book. The cover is so gorgeous and I hope readers will embrace the story.
March 3, 2023
A historical light read, with the usual hunky man and misunderstandings between him and the girl. A good read for holidays and crowded trains!
April 25, 2023
Lovely read, enjoyed this book
Read
September 6, 2023Dnf
January 5, 2025
This story was not a thrilling page turner. It is a dual timeline with a mystery of the disappearance of the main character in the 1800’s. This story was not that interesting to me, and I was able to figure out the mystery way too quickly. Too predictable for me.
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