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Nicole Rayburn #3
The Shadow Bride
In 1782, a ghost ship ran aground in a secluded cove in Cornwall. To this day, no one knows what became of the Aurora ’s crew or the shadowy woman rumored to be onboard.
In 2021, when Kyle inherits his aunt’s historic house in Cornwall, all Nicole anticipates is a few idyllic days in a beautiful setting—until she discovers that not only is the house connected to the centuries-old legend of the Aurora and the woman at the center of the mystery, but it also hides its own dark past.
As Kyle and Nicole delve deeper into the unexplained disappearance of the crew, they unearth secrets both old and new, along with truths that could alter the shape of their own family in ways they never expected.
In 2021, when Kyle inherits his aunt’s historic house in Cornwall, all Nicole anticipates is a few idyllic days in a beautiful setting—until she discovers that not only is the house connected to the centuries-old legend of the Aurora and the woman at the center of the mystery, but it also hides its own dark past.
As Kyle and Nicole delve deeper into the unexplained disappearance of the crew, they unearth secrets both old and new, along with truths that could alter the shape of their own family in ways they never expected.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2022
488 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
84 books1,130 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 18, 2025
This is my 18th book in 4 weeks that I have read from this author. The way she weaves the present and the past together is effortless.
I am obsessed with these (not always romance) historical fiction - dual timelines type of books. Though I will admit, this isn't my favourite series of hers. I think the Echoes of the Past is my favourite, followed very, very close behind by The Hands of Time series.
Anyway, I'm off to start the 19th one from her now. Wish me luck! 🥰
I am obsessed with these (not always romance) historical fiction - dual timelines type of books. Though I will admit, this isn't my favourite series of hers. I think the Echoes of the Past is my favourite, followed very, very close behind by The Hands of Time series.
Anyway, I'm off to start the 19th one from her now. Wish me luck! 🥰
May 25, 2024
The selfishness of Nicole is too much in this book. Her judgemental attitudes coupled with her own sanctimonious and duplicitous behaviors make her character unlikeable.
Kyle has turned into a spineless, pussy-whipped character. It seems Kyle's only purpose in this book is to take care of pregnant Nicole and attempt to get her to understand that most historical stories do not have happy endings.
I found myself skipping over 90% of the Nicole chapters; I'd much rather read the historical chapters.
Also, the constant references to the pandemic aren't needed.
I'm incredibly disappointed in this series and highly doubt I'll read the next book. It's disappointing because until now, Irina Shapiro has been one of my "guarantee" authors - as in guarantees a good story.
Kyle has turned into a spineless, pussy-whipped character. It seems Kyle's only purpose in this book is to take care of pregnant Nicole and attempt to get her to understand that most historical stories do not have happy endings.
I found myself skipping over 90% of the Nicole chapters; I'd much rather read the historical chapters.
Also, the constant references to the pandemic aren't needed.
I'm incredibly disappointed in this series and highly doubt I'll read the next book. It's disappointing because until now, Irina Shapiro has been one of my "guarantee" authors - as in guarantees a good story.
November 5, 2025
Still love the historical mystery but Nicole is on my last nerve.
December 13, 2025
It's more like 3.5
So most of this book was boring. I couldn't seem to get into it as much as the first 2 in the series. Which was disappointing 😕 but the ending was interesting. I loved Ellie and her man. But Kyle and Nicole were a bit eh. I'm not liking her agent. And the whole story line with Len....at least he's still a dick and isn't changing.
I wasn't sure how I felt about all the new revelations that came in this book. But the end also left more questions than answers. I'm still gonna pick up the rest of the series. I'm curious about the next book.
So most of this book was boring. I couldn't seem to get into it as much as the first 2 in the series. Which was disappointing 😕 but the ending was interesting. I loved Ellie and her man. But Kyle and Nicole were a bit eh. I'm not liking her agent. And the whole story line with Len....at least he's still a dick and isn't changing.
I wasn't sure how I felt about all the new revelations that came in this book. But the end also left more questions than answers. I'm still gonna pick up the rest of the series. I'm curious about the next book.
May 17, 2022
I’ve read several books by this author. I’ve loved almost all of them. I say “almost” because the Echoes of the Past books all have distinctly unhappy endings. But I guess that’s to be expected when the plot revolves around solving a murder in each book. The Nicole Rayburn series of books all have really satisfying endings and I devour each one as soon as they’re published. If you like historical fiction with a satisfying ending, you’ll love this series.
July 9, 2025
Really enjoyed but found myself more interested in historical romance than the modern one. Alas we’ll probably read more lol
August 6, 2025
not as good as the first book in the series but much better than the second one
August 11, 2022
I have now read all 3 of this series back to back.
I think the character Nicole Rayburn or Nicole Walsh, is becoming overly righteous and judgmental. I don't know if the author wants this character like this, but I don't like it. The husband - Elliot/Ellie whatever, is appearing as a very weak-willed and spineless person too over time. As much as Len Farrell supposed to be smarmy or unlikeable, at least his character is consistent across the books.
Each book works in two timelines and it is not that distracting. What led me to reduce the stars is because of the two main characters; Nicole and Elliot. I am not bothered to read more of this series.
I think the character Nicole Rayburn or Nicole Walsh, is becoming overly righteous and judgmental. I don't know if the author wants this character like this, but I don't like it. The husband - Elliot/Ellie whatever, is appearing as a very weak-willed and spineless person too over time. As much as Len Farrell supposed to be smarmy or unlikeable, at least his character is consistent across the books.
Each book works in two timelines and it is not that distracting. What led me to reduce the stars is because of the two main characters; Nicole and Elliot. I am not bothered to read more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
5 stars for a harrowing story! This was a great story! I love the fact that the MC is an author and that it shows how she goes about finding her ideas and the historical records to back it up. I'm not happy about what is going on with the character Len but that is to be expected.
August 29, 2025
Another great Nicole Rayburn story
I loved this installment in the historical mystery series staring author Nicole Rayburn. The story hooked me in immediately and took me along for a swoony, emotional, and mysterious ride. I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The history nerd in me also enjoyed the historical references and the glimpses of 18th century life, pirates and smugglers. Nicole is a writer of historical nonfiction. Her husband Kyle writes detective mysteries. Kyle’s aunt recently died and left him her historic house on the coast. While cleaning out the house they stumble upon secrets along with the mystery of the Aurora, a ship that ran aground with all of its sailors missing. I loved the parallel stories of Ellie and Nicole. Even though I thought I knew how Ellie’s story ended, I still felt myself on the edge of my seat waìting to see what would happen next. Interwoven with Nicole and the Aurora’s journey there is thought provoking social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers to the plot. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating as shown through mysteries, sweet moments, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I love this series.
I loved this installment in the historical mystery series staring author Nicole Rayburn. The story hooked me in immediately and took me along for a swoony, emotional, and mysterious ride. I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The history nerd in me also enjoyed the historical references and the glimpses of 18th century life, pirates and smugglers. Nicole is a writer of historical nonfiction. Her husband Kyle writes detective mysteries. Kyle’s aunt recently died and left him her historic house on the coast. While cleaning out the house they stumble upon secrets along with the mystery of the Aurora, a ship that ran aground with all of its sailors missing. I loved the parallel stories of Ellie and Nicole. Even though I thought I knew how Ellie’s story ended, I still felt myself on the edge of my seat waìting to see what would happen next. Interwoven with Nicole and the Aurora’s journey there is thought provoking social and religious commentary which adds interesting layers to the plot. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was captivating as shown through mysteries, sweet moments, laughs, messy families, painful pasts, surprises, danger, plot twists, fate, and love. I love this series.
June 25, 2023
It's an interesting device that Ms Shapiro uses; as well as writing the historical story in alternative chapters as she does in the Echos of the Past series, Nicole Rayburn and her husband, Kyle are both writers. Kyle writes detective novels while Nicole writes historical fiction and gets her inspiration from real (in the books) events that happened a long time ago. This story is interesting in that Nicole digs deep into online historical records to try to find out what actually happened to the crew of the mystery ship that washed up on the Cornish shore, near Kyle's recently deceased aunt's house, in the 18th century. Nicole can't rest until she finds out what happened to the Captain and his Lady and child. A gruesome discovery makes the mystery more intriguing but while Nicole and Kyle never get to know who the victim was, we, the readers, do. There are a number of mysteries in this book, relating to the historical story and, very much closer to home - in Kyle's own family in fact.
I am a big fan of Irina Shapiro and this book lives up to the rest
I am a big fan of Irina Shapiro and this book lives up to the rest
June 24, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series it’s a mix of modern (Covid era 2021) and the past late 1600’s.
In the present we have been following the lives of two writers that fell in love in book 1, got married in book 2 and are expecting their first child in book 3. Each book they are able to find real proof about a mystery from the 1600’s, the last two books I believe she had to make up her own ending but in book 1 she knew for sure what happened as her now husband was descended from the person she was studying.
In this book they are thrown into another mystery this time with a caption on a ship and a woman he bought off her husband in a bar. There was adventure and romance and heartache. Even with the records they could find I don’t believe their story would ever be fully told just made up for a good book.
Nicole & Kyle’s story kinda took precedence over the background story. With finding a dead body that was hundreds of years old & that his aunt had a baby he never knew about and who that baby turned out to be!
It was a good book and I will definitely be moving onto the next book!
In the present we have been following the lives of two writers that fell in love in book 1, got married in book 2 and are expecting their first child in book 3. Each book they are able to find real proof about a mystery from the 1600’s, the last two books I believe she had to make up her own ending but in book 1 she knew for sure what happened as her now husband was descended from the person she was studying.
In this book they are thrown into another mystery this time with a caption on a ship and a woman he bought off her husband in a bar. There was adventure and romance and heartache. Even with the records they could find I don’t believe their story would ever be fully told just made up for a good book.
Nicole & Kyle’s story kinda took precedence over the background story. With finding a dead body that was hundreds of years old & that his aunt had a baby he never knew about and who that baby turned out to be!
It was a good book and I will definitely be moving onto the next book!
July 5, 2025
The series, as of July 2025, consists of six novels, each audiobook ranging from 11 to 12 hours of listening time. Although the stories stand alone, it's recommended to begin with book one for character development.
Plot. Nicole Rayburn is a successful author in the United Kingdom and the author of each book in the series. Each story Nicole tells is a historical mystery, typically about women navigating and often suffering from the prejudices they faced in the 1800s. When she is not creating these mysteries, we learn about her trials as a writer and wife—most stories stem from events in her life, such as finding an old sepia photo or receiving a research request from a friend. Subplots emanate from her life today, such as COVID seclusion and blackmail.
Narration by Jess Nahikian and production are good, no issues.
Entertaining.
Plot. Nicole Rayburn is a successful author in the United Kingdom and the author of each book in the series. Each story Nicole tells is a historical mystery, typically about women navigating and often suffering from the prejudices they faced in the 1800s. When she is not creating these mysteries, we learn about her trials as a writer and wife—most stories stem from events in her life, such as finding an old sepia photo or receiving a research request from a friend. Subplots emanate from her life today, such as COVID seclusion and blackmail.
Narration by Jess Nahikian and production are good, no issues.
Entertaining.
April 11, 2025
In 1782, a ghost ship ran aground in a secluded cove in Cornwall. To this day, no one knows what became of the Aurora’s crew or the shadowy woman rumored to be onboard.
In 2021, when Kyle inherits his aunt’s historic house in Cornwall, all Nicole anticipates is a few idyllic days in a beautiful setting—until she discovers that not only is the house connected to the centuries-old legend of the Aurora and the woman at the center of the mystery, but it also hides its own dark past.
ღ✻✻ღ
Intriguing stories. Ms Shapiro can really tell a story. Still enjoying the back and forth of past and present.
My only gripe is that the narrator does not separate the men's voices. I think she has two low and high, and it makes it hard to tell who is talking.
In 2021, when Kyle inherits his aunt’s historic house in Cornwall, all Nicole anticipates is a few idyllic days in a beautiful setting—until she discovers that not only is the house connected to the centuries-old legend of the Aurora and the woman at the center of the mystery, but it also hides its own dark past.
ღ✻✻ღ
Intriguing stories. Ms Shapiro can really tell a story. Still enjoying the back and forth of past and present.
My only gripe is that the narrator does not separate the men's voices. I think she has two low and high, and it makes it hard to tell who is talking.
August 30, 2022
#StoryGraph: fiction history mystery dark mysterious tense medium-paced
398 pages
In 1782, a ghost ship ran aground in a secluded cove in Cornwall. To this day, no one knows what became of the Aurora’s crew or the shadowy woman rumored to be onboard.
In 2021, when Kyle inherits his aunt’s historic house in Cornwall, all Nicole anticipates is a few idyllic days in a beautiful setting—until she discovers that not only is the house connected to the centuries-old legend of the Aurora and the woman at the center of the mystery, but it also hides its own dark past.
As Kyle and Nicole delve deeper into the unexplained disappearance of the crew, they unearth secrets both old and new, along with truths that could alter the shape of their own family in ways they never expected.
398 pages
In 1782, a ghost ship ran aground in a secluded cove in Cornwall. To this day, no one knows what became of the Aurora’s crew or the shadowy woman rumored to be onboard.
In 2021, when Kyle inherits his aunt’s historic house in Cornwall, all Nicole anticipates is a few idyllic days in a beautiful setting—until she discovers that not only is the house connected to the centuries-old legend of the Aurora and the woman at the center of the mystery, but it also hides its own dark past.
As Kyle and Nicole delve deeper into the unexplained disappearance of the crew, they unearth secrets both old and new, along with truths that could alter the shape of their own family in ways they never expected.
April 22, 2023
This book took a darker turn. Apparently, a husband could sell his wife to the highest bidder at least to the 18 centuries. That's how this one begins, the wife's sold to a captain. The husband once sobered up puts an advertainment in the paper to reclaim her and will pay more for her then what he sold her for. However, there are sinister reasons the husband wants her back, because he doesn't regret what he did. All I can say is I'm thankful I was born in the seventies and the US. It causes a pause, when one thinks about all the things women were put through. It is one of those 'door closing, but the windows open' tales. A good read!
September 24, 2023
Good story with some interesting mysteries to investigate. Nicole and Kyle are developing into more mature and relatable characters. I like the unreliable aspect of deciding whether the past narrative is Nicole's version in her books or the "true" version that actually happened to these characters. I did learn something new from this book about selling a wife, which was actually legal. Can't believe I haven't read about that situation occurring before now. Interesting cliffhanger, not sure if it was necessary after the events that occurred in the book.
March 7, 2024
Irina Shapiro has a wonderful way of shaping history, mystery and human relationships into story that will leave you saying; "Just one more chapter." In this installment Nicole and her husband are going through his recently deceased aunts home and discover there new mystery. Being both mystery writers they are on the chase through time to time when pirates were hero's. Can Nicole help her Elle, Violette and Captain Randolph find a happy ending.
July 10, 2024
Yet another WONDERFUL Nicole Rayburn mystery. I absolutely adore this series. This book was full of twists and turns and maybe a few tears shed. I couldn't wait to see what the fate of Captain Randolph and Ellie would be. I'm also now fully invested in Nicole and Kyle's mystery they now have going on which the book left on a cliffhanger! I can't wait to start the next one to see what beautiful historical mystery is next or what the future holds for Nicole and Kyle!
November 15, 2025
3.5 on Fable
Another book, two more names that are a variation of both James and Violet. Third book in a row. I’m starting to get truly annoyed by it. I know that many people in historical times had the same name. However, there were definitely more than 2. This is why I noted lack of diversity and repetition in my review tags.
The story itself wasn’t as good as the first book, but I’m thinking I need to take a break. Too many “perfect” endings for my taste.
Another book, two more names that are a variation of both James and Violet. Third book in a row. I’m starting to get truly annoyed by it. I know that many people in historical times had the same name. However, there were definitely more than 2. This is why I noted lack of diversity and repetition in my review tags.
The story itself wasn’t as good as the first book, but I’m thinking I need to take a break. Too many “perfect” endings for my taste.
May 11, 2022
A Must Read
Irina Shapiro has done it again. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her writing. Once I start reading one of her books I can't bear to put it aside until the ending. This book is the same. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery encompassed by a love story. My only regret is that I will have to wait for her next book to be published and released.
Irina Shapiro has done it again. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her writing. Once I start reading one of her books I can't bear to put it aside until the ending. This book is the same. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery encompassed by a love story. My only regret is that I will have to wait for her next book to be published and released.
May 12, 2022
Another winner
I always say I'm not going g to read another book with dual stories going on at the same time but this author just does it so well. There is no stagnation between the story within the story and I find myself totally engaged every time. Just loved this book from one of my favorite authors.
I always say I'm not going g to read another book with dual stories going on at the same time but this author just does it so well. There is no stagnation between the story within the story and I find myself totally engaged every time. Just loved this book from one of my favorite authors.
May 12, 2022
The third in the series finds Nicole and Kyle heading to a house that his aunt left him. Confronted with a mystery surrounding an empty smuggling ship run aground and the mystery of his aunt’s child keeps both of them researching and reaching out for answers. Interesting plot, likeable characters, and a bit of history makes for a good read.
August 6, 2022
Once I start a series, I have to finish it. I am not a huge fan of the Nicole and Kyle storyline as it has continued, so I am reading this one for the historical mystery they have set out to solve.
This one took a few unexpected turns out at sea that kept me reading through and I appreciated the closure at the end for Ellie and Violette.
This one took a few unexpected turns out at sea that kept me reading through and I appreciated the closure at the end for Ellie and Violette.
October 17, 2023
the Gabriel and Ellie Story …
… is great and gripping, I cannot stand the Nicole character.
This a great book for how an author concocts their story and how publishing works. But a huge distraction to the good story of Ellie and Gabriel. I confess to missing out a few Nicole chapters.
… is great and gripping, I cannot stand the Nicole character.
This a great book for how an author concocts their story and how publishing works. But a huge distraction to the good story of Ellie and Gabriel. I confess to missing out a few Nicole chapters.
Read
June 15, 2024As always Irina Shapiro spins a great tale piecing together clues from the past. Inspired by a finding in an inherited home, Nic and her husband search for clues to the past of a body found in a barrel. In her usual style, the author switches from present to past times to finish her written story. Her books are always worth reading.
November 6, 2025
🎧3.75 stars — #1 is still my fav but this one was better than #2. I love these cheesy, satisfying historical mystery romances. These books feel like a guilty pleasure. They’re formulaic and on the nose with dialogue but they’re also just so fun to read. I will be committing to the bit further and reading 4-6 🙂↕️
November 27, 2025
Whoa, what a fascinating read. I loved everything about this story of the missing crew, Ellie and Gabriel's story, and Kyle's dilemmas Gabriel and Ellie's back story was by far the best part. I was shocked by the old custom of wife selling. I think this book may end up being my favorite of the series. Interesting characters with a tale well told. An overall good book with a fascinating tale.
May 9, 2022
Great story
I loved this book and could hardly put it down. So tired of regular romance books that are all similar. This book has twists and turns that keep the reader wanting to find out what happens next.
I loved this book and could hardly put it down. So tired of regular romance books that are all similar. This book has twists and turns that keep the reader wanting to find out what happens next.
May 15, 2022
I loved, The Shadow Bride, it was difficult, for me to stop reading
I, loved that this story, had a great deal, of historical facts.
I hope that, there will be a book #4.
I am cannot believe, that Irene Shapiro! Can write so many novels so quickly.
I, loved that this story, had a great deal, of historical facts.
I hope that, there will be a book #4.
I am cannot believe, that Irene Shapiro! Can write so many novels so quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews