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The Last Party at Silverton Hall
A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.
Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...
1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...
2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?
Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?
Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...
1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...
2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?
Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2023
594 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Burton
18 books301 followersRachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies.
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 5, 2023
In 1952, on the foggiest night in London’s history, Vivien bumps into Max, after a whirlwind romance, Max proposes and Vivien accepts. Max is a banker, he comes from a wealthy family, he sweeps Vivien off her feet and before she knows it their getting married. After the wedding, they move to the Norfolk coast, Max has bought an old house and he calls it Little Clarion.
Vivien loves living in Norfolk and by the sea and she begins her day swimming in the waters of Silverton Bay. The nearby estate Silverton Hall is about to be sold, the last heir Lord Harrington has passed away and an American buyer is going to turn it into a hotel. One last party is held at Silverton Hall, Max and Vivien are invited, she's not prepared for what Max tells her afterwards, it changes her life and their marriage.
In 2019, Isobel is upset when her grandmother Vivien passes away, she left Little Clarion to Isobel and not to her daughter. Gina is Vivien and Max’s only child, she lives in America and with her husband. Isobel resigns from her job as an art teacher, leaves London, she drives to Norfolk and she needs a sea change. She’s shocked by how rundown the house is, it’s been invaded by mice and the electrical wiring and plumbing hasn’t been updated.
Spencer Hargreaves owns an antiques shop in the village called Odds & Ends, he was a good friend of Vivien’s, he’s going to help Isobel with sorting through her grans furniture and his grandson Nick renovates and restores old houses. Eighteen years ago, Nick and Isobel spent a summer together, a teenage Isobel had to leave suddenly and nothing in her life went as planned afterwards. While cleaning out her grandmother’s years of clutter, Isobel discovers an old photograph, it was taken at the last party at Silverton Hall and it makes her question how well she knew her grandmother!!
The story is told from the two main characters points of view, Vivien and Isobel’s and it has a dual timeline that’s easy to follow and the narrative is written seven decades apart.
I received a copy of The Last Party at Silverton Hall by Rachel Burton from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review. The narratives main focus is on Isobel trying to discover what happened to her grandmother in the 1950’s, why did Vivien say she had never been to Silverton Hall, when clearly she had and more than once. For Isobel to discover the truth about her grandmother, she needs find out more about her grandfather Max and it's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle that's missing a few pieces.
Isobel eventually uncovers the hidden facts, her grandmother and others were deceived, betrayed, tricked and it affected relationships within the entire family. I enjoyed reading the authors notes at the end, with Isobel’s and Nick’s play list of music, they had great taste in bands and I have read and liked Ms. Burton’s previous book, The Secrets of Summer House. The Last Party at Silverton Hall, is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy dual timeline historical fiction stories, based around an old houses and debt ridden English family estates, with hidden secrets and four and a half stars from me.
Vivien loves living in Norfolk and by the sea and she begins her day swimming in the waters of Silverton Bay. The nearby estate Silverton Hall is about to be sold, the last heir Lord Harrington has passed away and an American buyer is going to turn it into a hotel. One last party is held at Silverton Hall, Max and Vivien are invited, she's not prepared for what Max tells her afterwards, it changes her life and their marriage.
In 2019, Isobel is upset when her grandmother Vivien passes away, she left Little Clarion to Isobel and not to her daughter. Gina is Vivien and Max’s only child, she lives in America and with her husband. Isobel resigns from her job as an art teacher, leaves London, she drives to Norfolk and she needs a sea change. She’s shocked by how rundown the house is, it’s been invaded by mice and the electrical wiring and plumbing hasn’t been updated.
Spencer Hargreaves owns an antiques shop in the village called Odds & Ends, he was a good friend of Vivien’s, he’s going to help Isobel with sorting through her grans furniture and his grandson Nick renovates and restores old houses. Eighteen years ago, Nick and Isobel spent a summer together, a teenage Isobel had to leave suddenly and nothing in her life went as planned afterwards. While cleaning out her grandmother’s years of clutter, Isobel discovers an old photograph, it was taken at the last party at Silverton Hall and it makes her question how well she knew her grandmother!!
The story is told from the two main characters points of view, Vivien and Isobel’s and it has a dual timeline that’s easy to follow and the narrative is written seven decades apart.
I received a copy of The Last Party at Silverton Hall by Rachel Burton from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review. The narratives main focus is on Isobel trying to discover what happened to her grandmother in the 1950’s, why did Vivien say she had never been to Silverton Hall, when clearly she had and more than once. For Isobel to discover the truth about her grandmother, she needs find out more about her grandfather Max and it's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle that's missing a few pieces.
Isobel eventually uncovers the hidden facts, her grandmother and others were deceived, betrayed, tricked and it affected relationships within the entire family. I enjoyed reading the authors notes at the end, with Isobel’s and Nick’s play list of music, they had great taste in bands and I have read and liked Ms. Burton’s previous book, The Secrets of Summer House. The Last Party at Silverton Hall, is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy dual timeline historical fiction stories, based around an old houses and debt ridden English family estates, with hidden secrets and four and a half stars from me.
December 20, 2022
The grand estate, Silverton Hall, and the beautiful Silverton Bay setting may be fictional but the truths held here are applicable across time and place. Burton has set this story in a unique part of world history and bookended it by the war on one side and the swinging 60s on the other.
She has chosen to showcase this story through dual timelines and one doesn’t have to read too far before realizing that, in doing so, she’s shown that this is when a dual timeline shines! As Burton enlightens readers on the Great Smog of December 1952 it also serves to provide perfect juxtaposition for the fresh, salty air of seaside Norfolk. This contrast is also mirrored in the second chances; both for the languishing estate and for Isobel.
Like the author, I often look at old homes and think about the voice of the past. If you are with me, you’ll often hear me say, “...if only those walls could talk…the secrets they’d share!” This was a special book about an estate home and the secrets held within its walls. No matter how much we wish the past could remain hidden, we need to face the fact that the ripple effects of events still affect us many years later.
The author explores secrets, fresh starts and the burden of duty alongside family legacy in this tale involving two women, two centuries and one life changing night.
What happened during the last party at Silverton Hall? You’ll have to read to find out what secrets and mysteries the grand old lady is hiding.
I was gifted this copy by Aria & Aries and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
She has chosen to showcase this story through dual timelines and one doesn’t have to read too far before realizing that, in doing so, she’s shown that this is when a dual timeline shines! As Burton enlightens readers on the Great Smog of December 1952 it also serves to provide perfect juxtaposition for the fresh, salty air of seaside Norfolk. This contrast is also mirrored in the second chances; both for the languishing estate and for Isobel.
Like the author, I often look at old homes and think about the voice of the past. If you are with me, you’ll often hear me say, “...if only those walls could talk…the secrets they’d share!” This was a special book about an estate home and the secrets held within its walls. No matter how much we wish the past could remain hidden, we need to face the fact that the ripple effects of events still affect us many years later.
The author explores secrets, fresh starts and the burden of duty alongside family legacy in this tale involving two women, two centuries and one life changing night.
What happened during the last party at Silverton Hall? You’ll have to read to find out what secrets and mysteries the grand old lady is hiding.
I was gifted this copy by Aria & Aries and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 18, 2022
I read a lot of books in the mystery genre, but I also enjoy historical fiction, and more recently, I have been enjoying time-slip novels by authors like Nicola Cornick and Kate Morton. From the description, I thought this book sounded like something similar to these, which was why it sparked my interest. The cover design also appealed to me - I think the illustration and the colours are beautiful.
I did like this book a lot. From the beginning, I thought the writing was elegant but simplistic. Not overly descriptive, or telling the reader too much all at once. As I continued reading, I found that parts of the story tugged at my heartstrings. I could relate to Isobel and identify with some elements of her personality, and one of the other characters, Nick, reminded me of someone I knew. As a reader, when you realise that a character reminds you of yourself, or someone else, the characters and the story can feel more real to you.
Another thing that I loved about this was how comforting it felt, like a book that I would choose to escape in. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction or time-slip novels, and I would probably be interested in reading some more books by this author. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a free copy to review.
I did like this book a lot. From the beginning, I thought the writing was elegant but simplistic. Not overly descriptive, or telling the reader too much all at once. As I continued reading, I found that parts of the story tugged at my heartstrings. I could relate to Isobel and identify with some elements of her personality, and one of the other characters, Nick, reminded me of someone I knew. As a reader, when you realise that a character reminds you of yourself, or someone else, the characters and the story can feel more real to you.
Another thing that I loved about this was how comforting it felt, like a book that I would choose to escape in. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction or time-slip novels, and I would probably be interested in reading some more books by this author. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a free copy to review.
September 29, 2023
This book follows dual timelines. Isobel in 2019 as she mourns her grandmother Vivien and renovates the house she has inherited from her. It also follows Vivien in 1952 as she meets a new man and moves to the house on the sea side.
I loved how the two timelines were entwined, and I was very intrigued as the story progressed. Vivien was captivating, and Isobel was relatable. I felt deeply for both of them as secrets were unraveled and relationships changed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and Rachel Burton does an amazing job crafting this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved how the two timelines were entwined, and I was very intrigued as the story progressed. Vivien was captivating, and Isobel was relatable. I felt deeply for both of them as secrets were unraveled and relationships changed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and Rachel Burton does an amazing job crafting this story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 8, 2022
I enjoyed this story set in two different time periods. A woman inherits her grandmother's home by the sea, a place that she had she spent happier times at. Circumstances change and she returns to sort out her grandmother's belongings and discovers secrets about her grandparents and a town that held their secrets. Highly enjoyable, I will recommend to my friends.
February 7, 2023
2 timelines. Second chances. Old houses with a story to tell . Broken Dreams, hidden secrets and the strength to carry on. I liked this book, but I hoped it would pull on my heartstrings a little more. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
March 5, 2023
The publishers describe The Last Party at Silverton Hall as ‘Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes’. I haven’t read any of those authors’ books so I can’t say whether that’s a fair comparison or not but what I can say is that, despite my mixed history with dual-time novels and the fact there is a romantic storyline, I really enjoyed it.
The book moves between the present day story of Isobel, returning to Silverton Bay after a period of eighteen years, and her grandmother Vivien’s story starting in 1952.
Viven’s story is one of young woman swept off her feet by the handsome Max and whisked away from her humdrum job, as well as from her family and smog-filled London, to a new life in a grand house by the sea. Suddenly there are little luxuries she could only have dreamed of and glamorous parties to attend at nearby Silverton Hall. True, Max is often absent but, after all, he has an important job in London. If you’re thinking it all sounds too good to be true, then you’d be right because as the teasing opening chapter shows there is something important that Max has kept from Vivien, something that touches upon social attitudes at the time. In fact, there’s more than one thing he’s kept from her, as she will only discover much later. Max could come across as the one-dimensional villain of the piece except for a little nugget of information towards the end of the book that, if not excusing his actions, does give a different perspective on them.
The present day storyline sees Isobel grieving the death of her grandmother with whom she spent much of her childhood and rather overwhelmed by inheriting Little Clarion, her grandmother’s house. That feeling of being overwhelmed only increases when she sees the dilapidated state of the house. Fortunately, also recently returned to Silverton Bay is Nick who is helping in his grandfather Spencer’s shop. Eighteen years before Isobel and Nick were close friends, and on the verge of getting romantically involved, until events got in the way and their lives took separate paths in September 2001. The intervening years have, in different ways, been traumatic for each of them, as the reader will discover. What hasn’t changed is that, for both of them, the other has always been ‘the one that got away’. But is it too late? Has too much water passed under the bridge? Will they still feel the same way about each other once they know the emotional baggage they carry?
Alongside delving into the secrets of her grandmother’s life, the renovation of Little Clarion gives Isobel the project she needs to distract her from disappointments in her life. It helps that Nick is on hand to provide practical assistance and to nudge Isobel into recognising the house can incorporate modern elements without stripping it of the essence of her grandmother. The restoration of the house in a way mirrors both Isobel’s and Nick’s psychological “renovation” as they each discover there is still a chance for them to pursue the things they’ve always wanted to do, rather than the things they were expected to do.
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is an absorbing story of family secrets with a romantic storyline that, for me, remained just the right side of sentimentality. I thought the story flowed beautifully and I liked the way the author adopted a subtly different style for the sections revealing, bit by bit, Vivien’s story. There are some touching moments in the book and those who love a feelgood ending won’t be disappointed.
The book moves between the present day story of Isobel, returning to Silverton Bay after a period of eighteen years, and her grandmother Vivien’s story starting in 1952.
Viven’s story is one of young woman swept off her feet by the handsome Max and whisked away from her humdrum job, as well as from her family and smog-filled London, to a new life in a grand house by the sea. Suddenly there are little luxuries she could only have dreamed of and glamorous parties to attend at nearby Silverton Hall. True, Max is often absent but, after all, he has an important job in London. If you’re thinking it all sounds too good to be true, then you’d be right because as the teasing opening chapter shows there is something important that Max has kept from Vivien, something that touches upon social attitudes at the time. In fact, there’s more than one thing he’s kept from her, as she will only discover much later. Max could come across as the one-dimensional villain of the piece except for a little nugget of information towards the end of the book that, if not excusing his actions, does give a different perspective on them.
The present day storyline sees Isobel grieving the death of her grandmother with whom she spent much of her childhood and rather overwhelmed by inheriting Little Clarion, her grandmother’s house. That feeling of being overwhelmed only increases when she sees the dilapidated state of the house. Fortunately, also recently returned to Silverton Bay is Nick who is helping in his grandfather Spencer’s shop. Eighteen years before Isobel and Nick were close friends, and on the verge of getting romantically involved, until events got in the way and their lives took separate paths in September 2001. The intervening years have, in different ways, been traumatic for each of them, as the reader will discover. What hasn’t changed is that, for both of them, the other has always been ‘the one that got away’. But is it too late? Has too much water passed under the bridge? Will they still feel the same way about each other once they know the emotional baggage they carry?
Alongside delving into the secrets of her grandmother’s life, the renovation of Little Clarion gives Isobel the project she needs to distract her from disappointments in her life. It helps that Nick is on hand to provide practical assistance and to nudge Isobel into recognising the house can incorporate modern elements without stripping it of the essence of her grandmother. The restoration of the house in a way mirrors both Isobel’s and Nick’s psychological “renovation” as they each discover there is still a chance for them to pursue the things they’ve always wanted to do, rather than the things they were expected to do.
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is an absorbing story of family secrets with a romantic storyline that, for me, remained just the right side of sentimentality. I thought the story flowed beautifully and I liked the way the author adopted a subtly different style for the sections revealing, bit by bit, Vivien’s story. There are some touching moments in the book and those who love a feelgood ending won’t be disappointed.
April 15, 2023
I am a fan of Rachel’s writing and on this occasion, I really feel she has outdone herself. The Last Party at Silverton Hall is a wonderfully nuanced novel that weaves around a family’s secrets and the impact keeping them can have.
‘How can anyone know what choices they would have made if they had known what was going to happen?’
A dual time narrative detailing a grandmother and granddaughters story. When Isobel is sorting out her grandmother's house, secrets are unearthed that leave her wishing she had asked more questions whilst Vivien had been alive. The grand hall overlooking the bay is newly renovated and its history may hold the key to many of Isobel’s questions. This is an opportunity Vivien has given Isobel to start again, to find happiness if she can only sort through this family mystery.
‘They aren’t failures,’ Spencer said quietly. ‘It’s just life.’
This is a tale that cleverly mixes historical fiction with an intriguing family mystery and just the right amount of romance to flavour. The scenes from the 1950s are expertly portrayed by Rachel as she skilfully interweaves events from the past with their current day impact. Both timelines hold rich storylines with engaging characters working through themes of love and loss, family dramas and reconciliations.
Rachel writes wonderfully warm and captivating tales set against perfect locales that keep me coming back from more. The Last Party at Silverton Hall holds such an atmosphere of mystery and then revelation - I found it to be charming and all I could have hoped for.
‘… the wonderful, awe-inspiring party at Silverton Hall felt as though it would be the last party she would ever attend. The last party where she could ever be the version of Vivien that she wanted to be.’
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.
‘How can anyone know what choices they would have made if they had known what was going to happen?’
A dual time narrative detailing a grandmother and granddaughters story. When Isobel is sorting out her grandmother's house, secrets are unearthed that leave her wishing she had asked more questions whilst Vivien had been alive. The grand hall overlooking the bay is newly renovated and its history may hold the key to many of Isobel’s questions. This is an opportunity Vivien has given Isobel to start again, to find happiness if she can only sort through this family mystery.
‘They aren’t failures,’ Spencer said quietly. ‘It’s just life.’
This is a tale that cleverly mixes historical fiction with an intriguing family mystery and just the right amount of romance to flavour. The scenes from the 1950s are expertly portrayed by Rachel as she skilfully interweaves events from the past with their current day impact. Both timelines hold rich storylines with engaging characters working through themes of love and loss, family dramas and reconciliations.
Rachel writes wonderfully warm and captivating tales set against perfect locales that keep me coming back from more. The Last Party at Silverton Hall holds such an atmosphere of mystery and then revelation - I found it to be charming and all I could have hoped for.
‘… the wonderful, awe-inspiring party at Silverton Hall felt as though it would be the last party she would ever attend. The last party where she could ever be the version of Vivien that she wanted to be.’
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.
November 15, 2022
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is a delight from start to finish. Most of the story is set in the fictional Norfolk coastal village of Silverton but is based on Old Hunstanton which I have many happy childhood memories of, the other is historical 50's London during the Great Smog.
Rachel does a fantastic job of seamlessly blending the dual timeline stories of Vivien in the 50's post-war era and modern day Isobel, her granddaughter who returns to Silverton after Vivien's death.
Inevitably, whilst sorting out her grandmother's dilapidated house, secrets and memories of the past of many kinds are unearthed, some more welcome than others. The grand hall overlooking the bay of the village is newly renovated but it's history holds the key to so much of both Isobel's and Vivien's own past. This is Isobel's second chance at happiness, if she can figure out exactly where her heart lies.
I found this a warm and captivating story with perfect settings and enchanting characters all nestled within a beautiful second-chance romance.
Rachel does a fantastic job of seamlessly blending the dual timeline stories of Vivien in the 50's post-war era and modern day Isobel, her granddaughter who returns to Silverton after Vivien's death.
Inevitably, whilst sorting out her grandmother's dilapidated house, secrets and memories of the past of many kinds are unearthed, some more welcome than others. The grand hall overlooking the bay of the village is newly renovated but it's history holds the key to so much of both Isobel's and Vivien's own past. This is Isobel's second chance at happiness, if she can figure out exactly where her heart lies.
I found this a warm and captivating story with perfect settings and enchanting characters all nestled within a beautiful second-chance romance.
January 7, 2023
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is a beautifully written and engaging story by a new-to-me author. It tells the story of Isobel and her grandmother Vivien who live in a seaside town in the UK and when Vivien dies, she leaves her home to Isobel. During the renovations of the home, Isobel learns of secrets in her family (through a dual timeline that features Vivien during the time after WWII) and works on mending the rift between herself and her mother. There's more to the story than that but no spoilers - just a recommendation to read. The book offers likeable characters and the happy ending I love so much. My only complaint is that once I reached the end of the novel, I would have liked just one more chapter as it ended kind of abrubtly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2023
This is a story of missed opportunities, buried secrets, manipulation and wrong decisions.
A story of families that could not connect because of wrong decisions, words unspoken and truths denied.
When Isobel inherits her Grandmothers estate in Silverton Bay it comes at a low time in Isobel’s life. Finding old photographs and memories, not to mention an old flame help Isobel to to find a purpose in life and reconnect with her mother.
A heart warming story which kept me enthralled on a long journey.
A story of families that could not connect because of wrong decisions, words unspoken and truths denied.
When Isobel inherits her Grandmothers estate in Silverton Bay it comes at a low time in Isobel’s life. Finding old photographs and memories, not to mention an old flame help Isobel to to find a purpose in life and reconnect with her mother.
A heart warming story which kept me enthralled on a long journey.
February 13, 2023
Review to follow
January 2, 2023
This is the first book that I’ve read of Rachel Burton’s but the premise intrigued me so I was pleased to be given this as an ARC from Netgalley, this is my honest review.
I was really impressed with the way that the author began the story, it drew me in pretty much straight away not only with the main story of the grandmother but also the mystery surrounding the characters back stories. I found that there was a perfect balance of things being revealed throughout the book that made for an extremely satisfying read.
I thought that the way the book flashed between the past and the present was really well done, sometimes I feel like flashbacks can detract from the main story but this book managed to pull it off seamlessly. Really really impressed with this author and I will be reading more.
I was really impressed with the way that the author began the story, it drew me in pretty much straight away not only with the main story of the grandmother but also the mystery surrounding the characters back stories. I found that there was a perfect balance of things being revealed throughout the book that made for an extremely satisfying read.
I thought that the way the book flashed between the past and the present was really well done, sometimes I feel like flashbacks can detract from the main story but this book managed to pull it off seamlessly. Really really impressed with this author and I will be reading more.
January 8, 2023
Finding yourself after a hard few years takes a lot of work and some great friends. Finding the love of your life after a number of years apart is magic. Lovely story!
December 16, 2022
A wonderfully crafted dual timeline story set by the sea.
In the historical part of the story, we get to learn Vivien's story set in 1950's London where she meets a man in the great smog and their romance ensues. And soon they marry and she moves to their new home on the coast.
In the current day part, we meet Isobel, Vivien's granddaughter, who has just inherited the estate after Vivien passes. In the midst of her life going crazy, she packs up and moves to the coast to renovate her grandmother's home. There she finds mystery, love, and questions about her family's history.
In the historical part of the story, we get to learn Vivien's story set in 1950's London where she meets a man in the great smog and their romance ensues. And soon they marry and she moves to their new home on the coast.
In the current day part, we meet Isobel, Vivien's granddaughter, who has just inherited the estate after Vivien passes. In the midst of her life going crazy, she packs up and moves to the coast to renovate her grandmother's home. There she finds mystery, love, and questions about her family's history.
March 3, 2023
he title of this book was what drew me in at first. I imagined a majestic building sitting on a windswept bank overlooking a grey wintery sea. Add to this the romanticism of the 1950's and I was hooked. I was not disappointed.
The setting was an important part of this story and gave it a sense of history, isolation and mystery. The author based Silverton Bay on an actual place, Old Hunstanton on the Norfolk North Coast. The Hall was inspired by The Caley Hall Hotel, both of which I now want to visit.
Told via a dual timeline with Isobel in 2019 and her Grandmother, Vivien in 1952-4 the mystery of Silverton Hall is revealed bit by bit, igniting the imagination but never quite answering all the questions you have. It is similar to the tide receding to expose the shore then just when you think you can see it all, the sea comes rushing back in to hide more secrets, appearing as hazy shapes under the surface.
In this way this story is very captivating, maintaining a steady flow of information but always providing more mystery to keep the reader engrossed.
The time setting of this book in 2019 and it's references to 2001 made it very relatable. September 11 and the lasting affects of the events of that day give this story a grounding and a sense of reality, despite the characters being totally fictional. I did love the playlist the author has included as many of the songs formed the soundtrack to my teenaged years and beyond.
The characters were well developed and easy to like. Both the MCs thought themselves to have failed in life. But this story shows that measuring yourself up against others is not the right way to determine success. Everyone has a dream, a goal and a purpose, you just have to do what is right for you, follow your own dream, not the one someone else has for you.
My favourite characters were the house, Little Clarion and Silverton Hall as well as Spencer. Silverton Bay sounds like a wonderful place to live.
In short, this is a very atmospheric and well written story. It presents a tantalising and glamourus mystery with just a sweet touch of romance. It is a charming and delightful story.
“Life never works out the way we think it will when we're young. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be proud of what we achieve.”
The setting was an important part of this story and gave it a sense of history, isolation and mystery. The author based Silverton Bay on an actual place, Old Hunstanton on the Norfolk North Coast. The Hall was inspired by The Caley Hall Hotel, both of which I now want to visit.
Told via a dual timeline with Isobel in 2019 and her Grandmother, Vivien in 1952-4 the mystery of Silverton Hall is revealed bit by bit, igniting the imagination but never quite answering all the questions you have. It is similar to the tide receding to expose the shore then just when you think you can see it all, the sea comes rushing back in to hide more secrets, appearing as hazy shapes under the surface.
In this way this story is very captivating, maintaining a steady flow of information but always providing more mystery to keep the reader engrossed.
The time setting of this book in 2019 and it's references to 2001 made it very relatable. September 11 and the lasting affects of the events of that day give this story a grounding and a sense of reality, despite the characters being totally fictional. I did love the playlist the author has included as many of the songs formed the soundtrack to my teenaged years and beyond.
The characters were well developed and easy to like. Both the MCs thought themselves to have failed in life. But this story shows that measuring yourself up against others is not the right way to determine success. Everyone has a dream, a goal and a purpose, you just have to do what is right for you, follow your own dream, not the one someone else has for you.
My favourite characters were the house, Little Clarion and Silverton Hall as well as Spencer. Silverton Bay sounds like a wonderful place to live.
In short, this is a very atmospheric and well written story. It presents a tantalising and glamourus mystery with just a sweet touch of romance. It is a charming and delightful story.
“Life never works out the way we think it will when we're young. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be proud of what we achieve.”
November 17, 2022
Hauntingly beautiful story about family secrets. Set both in the 1950’s and 2019, we meet Vivien a young and naive woman who marries handsome and secretive Max, and in 2019 we meet Isobel who is grieving her grandmother Vivien. As Isobel tries to cope with her grief and the daunting task of restoring her grandmother’s house, helped by Nick, she stumbles across some photographs that seem to suggest that her Mother and Grandmother have lied to her about the past.
Beautifully written, intriguing characters, lost loves, betrayal and lies. This book captivated me and I read it in two sittings, eager to uncover the truth at the end. Fabulous and highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beautifully written, intriguing characters, lost loves, betrayal and lies. This book captivated me and I read it in two sittings, eager to uncover the truth at the end. Fabulous and highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 6, 2023
A beautiful story told over the two timelines. A story of family, secrets and missed connections. I loved the idea of the old photos providing the link for Isobel as she uncovers the truth about Vivien and Little Clarion. Able to make a fresh start herself, the house and the memories of living with her grandmother are a useful distraction for Isabel and I loved her rekindling relationship with Nick and
Spencer. Such a heartwarming story which I devoured in one sitting.
Spencer. Such a heartwarming story which I devoured in one sitting.
January 17, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Last Party at Silverton Hall, by Rachel Burton, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book goes back and forth between 1952 and 2019, and some years in between, Isobel finds her Grandmothers diary, she finds out a lot of secrets she did not know. I enjoyed this read, going back to Vivien and then Isobel, a really nice read.
January 23, 2023
There were many things I liked about this book.
Vivien is a young woman who marries in the 1950’s. She moves to a large home, in a small town by the sea. She has never been away from London. She lives in the small town for the rest of her life. She learns to love the sea and also becomes happy in her small town.
Gina is Vivien’s daughter. She gets away from the small town and her mother as quickly as she can. She and her husband live in the States in New York City. After the terror attack on 9 / 11, Gina never flies again. But, she also uses that as an excuse to not visit her mother.
Isobel is Gina’s daughter. She lived most of her life with Vivien, her grandmother. She loved the small town and the sea. She returns to start a new life when her grandmother dies and leaves her the house and some money.
The story goes from the 1950’s and Vivien’s life to 2019 and Isobel’s life.
One of the things I liked, Ms Burton made it clear where we were in time. I liked that very much.
Ms Burton writes beautifully. Her descriptions and atmosphere are quite lovely. She creates characters who are fully formed. And since I am a character driven reader, that is a wonderful thing to me.
I wanted Vivien, Gina and Isobel to be stronger women at times. I understood that Vivien was out of her element for a time, but then disappointed when she became so submissive? Her husband was a distant and cold person and that had a lot to do with Vivien’s way of life.
Women in the 1950’s were not as powerful as women are today. I am not familiar with the situations in England at the time, but it sounds like a very difficult period for women.
At times, Gina was not confident about life in general and her life in particular. Gina led a very privileged life. She carried a great deal of resentment toward her mother. Forgiveness was not her strong suit.
I liked Isobel very much. She gradually pulls herself up and gets on the path to a new life. She works hard to become the person she had dreamed she would be.
This is a book about family relationships. This is a book about learning to love yourself. This is a book about how family history is sometimes surprising and always interesting.
And most of all this is a book about learning to love family even when they are not lovable.
I received the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
Vivien is a young woman who marries in the 1950’s. She moves to a large home, in a small town by the sea. She has never been away from London. She lives in the small town for the rest of her life. She learns to love the sea and also becomes happy in her small town.
Gina is Vivien’s daughter. She gets away from the small town and her mother as quickly as she can. She and her husband live in the States in New York City. After the terror attack on 9 / 11, Gina never flies again. But, she also uses that as an excuse to not visit her mother.
Isobel is Gina’s daughter. She lived most of her life with Vivien, her grandmother. She loved the small town and the sea. She returns to start a new life when her grandmother dies and leaves her the house and some money.
The story goes from the 1950’s and Vivien’s life to 2019 and Isobel’s life.
One of the things I liked, Ms Burton made it clear where we were in time. I liked that very much.
Ms Burton writes beautifully. Her descriptions and atmosphere are quite lovely. She creates characters who are fully formed. And since I am a character driven reader, that is a wonderful thing to me.
I wanted Vivien, Gina and Isobel to be stronger women at times. I understood that Vivien was out of her element for a time, but then disappointed when she became so submissive? Her husband was a distant and cold person and that had a lot to do with Vivien’s way of life.
Women in the 1950’s were not as powerful as women are today. I am not familiar with the situations in England at the time, but it sounds like a very difficult period for women.
At times, Gina was not confident about life in general and her life in particular. Gina led a very privileged life. She carried a great deal of resentment toward her mother. Forgiveness was not her strong suit.
I liked Isobel very much. She gradually pulls herself up and gets on the path to a new life. She works hard to become the person she had dreamed she would be.
This is a book about family relationships. This is a book about learning to love yourself. This is a book about how family history is sometimes surprising and always interesting.
And most of all this is a book about learning to love family even when they are not lovable.
I received the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.
July 6, 2025
Romantična zgodba s primesmi skrivnosti. Isobel babica zapusti hišo. Ko se Isobel vanjo preseli, saj je bila njen dom dobršen del njenega življenja, pa začne odkrivati skrivnosti. Ima jih tudi sama, predvsem pred Nickom, fantom, s katerim je neko najstniško poletje odkrila prvo ljubezen, ki po osemnajstih letih še vedno tli, saj se tudi v istem času vrne k dedku. Tudi Nick skriva svoje skrivnosti...
Knjiga, ki je obetala simpatično branje ob prepletu sedanjosti in preteklosti, kar imam rada. A je dlje kot do 170.strani nisem mogla več zbrano brati. Tanera je še ena tistih založb, ki poleg Meandra, Lynxa, Lipe, Učil - dopolnite po želj - iz prevodov naredi katastrofo. Tako tipkarskih kot pravopisnih napak je mrgolelo. Lektor pri tej knjigi ni naveden, zgolj prevajalka, ki je hkrati ena od lastnic založbe. A tudi prevod je več kot uboren.
Žalosti me misel na pisateljico Rachel Burton, ki v izvirniku bržkone ni napisala takšnega skrpucala. Kaj bi pomislila ob takšnem prevodu, bi ji bilo vseeno? In na kak slab dan, kot je očitno danes, drage nabavne službe slovenskih knjižnic: vzamete v roke knjige, ki jih kupite? Že ena prebrana stran bi vam ustvarila mnenje. A se prav takšne knjige kupijo v zadostnih izvodih za vse enote, v primerjavi s kakšno, ki bi si zaslužila večji odkup, a ga ne dobi, saj ni prevodna 'uspešnica'.
Če vas napake ne motijo, zasnova knjige je luštna. Družinske skrivnosti je vedno lepo odkrivati, pa čeprav je tema dediščine prevladujoča v mnogih knjigah. Tako zelo, da se včasih moram vprašati, za kaj za vraga nisem tudi sama deležna kakšne hiše, pisem, dnevnika, skrivnosti, ko je tega očitno tako zelo veliko. Je pa res, da je posebna draž ob počasnem odkrivanju teh skrivnosti v knjigah.
Knjiga, ki je obetala simpatično branje ob prepletu sedanjosti in preteklosti, kar imam rada. A je dlje kot do 170.strani nisem mogla več zbrano brati. Tanera je še ena tistih založb, ki poleg Meandra, Lynxa, Lipe, Učil - dopolnite po želj - iz prevodov naredi katastrofo. Tako tipkarskih kot pravopisnih napak je mrgolelo. Lektor pri tej knjigi ni naveden, zgolj prevajalka, ki je hkrati ena od lastnic založbe. A tudi prevod je več kot uboren.
Žalosti me misel na pisateljico Rachel Burton, ki v izvirniku bržkone ni napisala takšnega skrpucala. Kaj bi pomislila ob takšnem prevodu, bi ji bilo vseeno? In na kak slab dan, kot je očitno danes, drage nabavne službe slovenskih knjižnic: vzamete v roke knjige, ki jih kupite? Že ena prebrana stran bi vam ustvarila mnenje. A se prav takšne knjige kupijo v zadostnih izvodih za vse enote, v primerjavi s kakšno, ki bi si zaslužila večji odkup, a ga ne dobi, saj ni prevodna 'uspešnica'.
Če vas napake ne motijo, zasnova knjige je luštna. Družinske skrivnosti je vedno lepo odkrivati, pa čeprav je tema dediščine prevladujoča v mnogih knjigah. Tako zelo, da se včasih moram vprašati, za kaj za vraga nisem tudi sama deležna kakšne hiše, pisem, dnevnika, skrivnosti, ko je tega očitno tako zelo veliko. Je pa res, da je posebna draž ob počasnem odkrivanju teh skrivnosti v knjigah.
July 29, 2023
The Last Party at Silverton Hall by Rachel Burton
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Aria and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.
Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...
1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...
2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?
Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?
My Opinion
Told in two different timelines, this really was a lovely read. Isobel moves into Little Clarion following the death of her grandmother and begins to learn the truth that her family have kept hidden from her. A heart-warming story with second chances and secrets to be revealed.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Aria and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.
Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...
1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...
2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?
Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?
My Opinion
Told in two different timelines, this really was a lovely read. Isobel moves into Little Clarion following the death of her grandmother and begins to learn the truth that her family have kept hidden from her. A heart-warming story with second chances and secrets to be revealed.
Rating 4/5
April 16, 2023
I have been reading a lot of thrillers and horror books recently so this one was a sort of palate cleanser for me.
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is told from different POVs and timelines, but it remains very easy to follow, which I absolutely loved. There’s Vivien back when she was newly married during the great fog of London and there’s Isobel in the present time.
I feel bad for Vivien because she was thrust into a marriage of convenience and she didn’t have a say in becoming a mother to someone else’s baby. Although she loved Gina with all her heart, the least Max, her husband, could have done was tell her everything before they got married.
In the present time, Isabel is coming to terms with her grandmother’s death and renovating the house that was bequeathed to her by her beloved grandma. While doing so she unearths secrets that have had a huge effect on family relationships for decades and explain a lot of things at the same time.
While grappling with grief, Isobel rediscovers her zest for life, puts a few jigsaw puzzle pieces together, and gets her second shot at love.
The book is beautifully written; it gives you enough information without giving everything away. I have always been a fan of historical fiction and I love old homes because they have so much to say, if they could only talk, and that’s perhaps the reason why Little Clarion was the perfect seaside escape for me.
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is told from different POVs and timelines, but it remains very easy to follow, which I absolutely loved. There’s Vivien back when she was newly married during the great fog of London and there’s Isobel in the present time.
I feel bad for Vivien because she was thrust into a marriage of convenience and she didn’t have a say in becoming a mother to someone else’s baby. Although she loved Gina with all her heart, the least Max, her husband, could have done was tell her everything before they got married.
In the present time, Isabel is coming to terms with her grandmother’s death and renovating the house that was bequeathed to her by her beloved grandma. While doing so she unearths secrets that have had a huge effect on family relationships for decades and explain a lot of things at the same time.
While grappling with grief, Isobel rediscovers her zest for life, puts a few jigsaw puzzle pieces together, and gets her second shot at love.
The book is beautifully written; it gives you enough information without giving everything away. I have always been a fan of historical fiction and I love old homes because they have so much to say, if they could only talk, and that’s perhaps the reason why Little Clarion was the perfect seaside escape for me.
June 25, 2024
1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...
2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?
Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?
This was my first book by Rachel Burton, and I loved the story. I was intrigued by Vivien's and Max's relationship, the lies and secrets.
2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?
Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?
This was my first book by Rachel Burton, and I loved the story. I was intrigued by Vivien's and Max's relationship, the lies and secrets.
February 2, 2023
Wow! This book is toll from two different points of view one is Isabel she is Vivian‘s granddaughter the other POV. When we meet Isabell she just learned that she inherited her grandmother‘s beloved Victorian although she is sad at its crumbling state and the mice that have taken up residence she wearily decides she’ll fix it up. Plus there was a stipulation in her grandmother’s will that she must live in the home for at least 13 months before selling it. The other stipulation is that she must get the elderly antiques owner Spencer to go through the house with her for valuables and to help
With any extras. So on her last morning staying at The Silverton hall hotel A worker name Ella engages Isabell in conversation and when she finds out Vivian was her grandmother, Ella is more than excited to tell her how much they loved her grandmother and her visits she made to the hotel. Ella also tells her oh by the way she also donated some photographs from the 50s in the hotels hey-day. And then I asked Isabell if she would like to see them. This is all new information to her because whenever she would ask her grandmother if she wanted to eat lunch there her grandmother would blow her off and Isabell never thought twice about it but now she’s rethinking everything. It seems Vivian had a whole life Isabell knew nothing about. In Vivians chapters we learn how she met Max the handsome banker who she would go on to marry and have a beautiful daughter but ultimately there was something that was shadow Vivian‘s view on things and almost ruined her whole life. When Isabell goes to the antique dealer to ask Spencer to help her go through the big house she is shocked to see Spencer‘s grandson there who she shared a moment with 18 summers before when he starts helping her fix up the house they both start feeling that same old feeling they had back then. I really enjoyed these books and loved Vivian‘s chapters and I really liked her character. It seems Isabell didn’t know her grandmother at all. I love a book that uncovers family secrets that was the last party at Silverton hall and what a party it was. I love this book and highly recommend it this is such a great mystery that is a definite solid four-star read! I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my reviewgg
With any extras. So on her last morning staying at The Silverton hall hotel A worker name Ella engages Isabell in conversation and when she finds out Vivian was her grandmother, Ella is more than excited to tell her how much they loved her grandmother and her visits she made to the hotel. Ella also tells her oh by the way she also donated some photographs from the 50s in the hotels hey-day. And then I asked Isabell if she would like to see them. This is all new information to her because whenever she would ask her grandmother if she wanted to eat lunch there her grandmother would blow her off and Isabell never thought twice about it but now she’s rethinking everything. It seems Vivian had a whole life Isabell knew nothing about. In Vivians chapters we learn how she met Max the handsome banker who she would go on to marry and have a beautiful daughter but ultimately there was something that was shadow Vivian‘s view on things and almost ruined her whole life. When Isabell goes to the antique dealer to ask Spencer to help her go through the big house she is shocked to see Spencer‘s grandson there who she shared a moment with 18 summers before when he starts helping her fix up the house they both start feeling that same old feeling they had back then. I really enjoyed these books and loved Vivian‘s chapters and I really liked her character. It seems Isabell didn’t know her grandmother at all. I love a book that uncovers family secrets that was the last party at Silverton hall and what a party it was. I love this book and highly recommend it this is such a great mystery that is a definite solid four-star read! I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my reviewgg
December 5, 2022
I love Rachel Burton's story telling - the soothing narrative makes for easy reading and the chapters whizz past; causing it's own issues as I want to make the story last as long as possible whilst simultaneously being unputdownable!
An intriguing tale which keeps you guessing about what the long hidden secret is, whilst still absorbing your attention in the activity in the present day.
Would definitely recommend.
An intriguing tale which keeps you guessing about what the long hidden secret is, whilst still absorbing your attention in the activity in the present day.
Would definitely recommend.
January 1, 2023
*This review is based on a complimentary ARC from netgalley*
4 STARS!
TROPES/MICRO-TROPES - Childhood friends to lovers, Starting over after mid-life-ish crisis, Old family secrets, closed door romance
Though the story is majorly told through Rachel's POV, it feels like Vivien's story more than anything. Vivien's story is unfortunately not a happy one, and as a result, there is an undercurrent of angst, or sadness, through the entire book. Vivien is beautifully written, and I liked her character best, even though her story is heart-wrenching.
In comparison, Nick and Isobel have an ordinary, kinda straightforward and sweet love story. Some of the interactions between Nick and Isobel feel immature at times, even given their respective traumatic histories, but all's well that ends well!
All in all, this is a great read. The writing is genuinely good and flows well, the alternating past and current storylines gel together well without feeling clunky or annoying. Isobel and Nick do have a decent level of chemistry. Nick is very crush-worthy. Most of the characters, including secondary ones have quite a bit of trauma, which the book only partially resolves, which is fair, since these are not issues that can ever be fully resolved, realistically speaking.
I wish Max Chambers had died in the smog before he met Vivien.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC!
4 STARS!
TROPES/MICRO-TROPES - Childhood friends to lovers, Starting over after mid-life-ish crisis, Old family secrets, closed door romance
Though the story is majorly told through Rachel's POV, it feels like Vivien's story more than anything. Vivien's story is unfortunately not a happy one, and as a result, there is an undercurrent of angst, or sadness, through the entire book. Vivien is beautifully written, and I liked her character best, even though her story is heart-wrenching.
In comparison, Nick and Isobel have an ordinary, kinda straightforward and sweet love story. Some of the interactions between Nick and Isobel feel immature at times, even given their respective traumatic histories, but all's well that ends well!
All in all, this is a great read. The writing is genuinely good and flows well, the alternating past and current storylines gel together well without feeling clunky or annoying. Isobel and Nick do have a decent level of chemistry. Nick is very crush-worthy. Most of the characters, including secondary ones have quite a bit of trauma, which the book only partially resolves, which is fair, since these are not issues that can ever be fully resolved, realistically speaking.
I wish Max Chambers had died in the smog before he met Vivien.
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC!
May 24, 2023
When Isobel’s grandmother Vivien dies, she inherits her home in Silverton Bay. The house is falling apart, and it’s way more to take on than she expected, but Isobel needs a life change and returns to the Bay in hopes that she will find the things she needs there. A second chance with Nick may be exactly what she needs.
When she finds an old picture of her grandmother that confuses her, she spends her time trying to find out the truth about her grandparents and the grand Silverton Hall.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was easy to relate to Isobel. World events changed her life completely. The secrets of her family also turned her world upside down. Rachel Burton does a fantastic job developing her characters and it feels like you know them. I was rooting for Isobel and Nick from the beginning. And I needed to know about the Hall and Vivien.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for my advanced copy of this book.
When she finds an old picture of her grandmother that confuses her, she spends her time trying to find out the truth about her grandparents and the grand Silverton Hall.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was easy to relate to Isobel. World events changed her life completely. The secrets of her family also turned her world upside down. Rachel Burton does a fantastic job developing her characters and it feels like you know them. I was rooting for Isobel and Nick from the beginning. And I needed to know about the Hall and Vivien.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for my advanced copy of this book.
January 28, 2023
What a brilliant book.
It was such a good read. I loved how it dipped through many histories and kept it flipping seamlessly through many peoples histories.
Isobel has returned home to her Grandparents house by the sea. Her enigmatic Grandmother has died and left her the house and her estate. It’s looking in a tatty state.she’s overwhelmed both with sadness and the amount to do.
Her mother won’t travel from fear after 9/11 and so it’s left sown to her.
The stories of her mother and father interwoven through history and also others are really interesting.
I loved this book.
Thankyou netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
It was such a good read. I loved how it dipped through many histories and kept it flipping seamlessly through many peoples histories.
Isobel has returned home to her Grandparents house by the sea. Her enigmatic Grandmother has died and left her the house and her estate. It’s looking in a tatty state.she’s overwhelmed both with sadness and the amount to do.
Her mother won’t travel from fear after 9/11 and so it’s left sown to her.
The stories of her mother and father interwoven through history and also others are really interesting.
I loved this book.
Thankyou netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews