What do you think?
Historic Women of the Highlands #1
Sisters of Castle Leod
Millions are fans of Diana Gabaldon’s popular OUTLANDER books and television series, but few know that Gabaldon’s fictional Castle Leoch was inspired by a real Scottish castle, Castle Leod. The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era.
Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing. The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father’s vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell’s daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.
SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.
(Includes book club discussion guide)
Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing. The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father’s vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell’s daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.
SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.
(Includes book club discussion guide)
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
22 books303 followersElizabeth Hutchison Bernard is a bestselling author of historical and women’s fiction. She has a lifelong interest in human consciousness, metaphysics, extrasensory perception, and spirituality—concepts she often explores in her novels.
Elizabeth’s first career was music. She was a vocalist, traveled extensively, and has written over 100 songs ranging from pop to jazz, rock, and country. She plays piano and flute, both of which she studied formally. Her later careers focused on PR, marketing, and publishing.
At home with her husband, she has two rescue dogs—a Lab and a Boxer mix. One of her favorite pastimes is walking with them in the desert and mountains of Arizona.
HISTORICAL NOVELS
Elizabeth enjoys the extensive research required to make historical fiction compelling and credible. "Writing historical fiction requires a lot of patience and the desire to always dig deeper. I learn a lot from my research and want to pass along the most interesting parts to my readers. Whether I'm writing biographical fiction or a mystery-thriller like The Beauty Doctor, details matter. They have to be right."
THE BEAUTY DOCTOR is a nail-biting thriller that takes place in the early days of cosmetic surgery (Victorian/Edwardian era)—when the world of medicine was like the Wild West and beauty doctors were a shocking new breed of outlaws. A young woman wishing to become a doctor serving New York City's poor becomes entangled in a terrifying plot of deception and possibly murder. Winner, Best Historical Thriller of 2024 (Best Thrillers).
Elizabeth's 2023 release and Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller, SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD, is set in Scotland at the turn of the twentieth century. The novel, inspired by real people and events, is an emotionally charged story of two very opinionated sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition as each struggles to discover her own truth. Winner of the 2023 Maxy Award for Historical and Adventure Fiction and an Editors’ Choice of the Historical Novel Society.
THE SEAFORTH HEIRESS: LADY OF THE LAST PROPHECY is an Amazon #1 Bestselling New Release in Biographical Historical Fiction. In 1803, the family of Lord Seaforth lives under the shadow of a dark prophecy. Over a century earlier, Coinneach Odhar, known as the Brahan Seer, foresaw the demise of the Seaforth line. There is little doubt among Scottish Highlanders that the end of the dynasty is drawing near. Inspired by true events, the story follows the incredible journey of Mary Mackenzie, eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Seaforth, as she struggles to save her family’s legacy and become the only woman ever to claim the mantle of Clan Mackenzie chief. Shortlisted for the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize.
TEMPTATION RAG, a historical novel featuring real-life characters from New York City's ragtime era, has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as a “resonant novel . . . about the birth and demise of ragtime . . . in which romance and creative passions abound.”
"I strive to write books that leave the reader with plenty to ponder," says Elizabeth. "Issues of trust, faith, and the role of destiny in our lives are themes that I often explore in my novels. I enjoy ambiguity, which is perhaps one reason I am fascinated by historical characters whose lives, in retrospect, can be interpreted in so many different ways."
WHAT TIME HAS KEPT: A DUAL-ERA MYSTERY will be released on October 15, 2026.
To learn about Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard's latest releases, follow her at ehbernard.com
Elizabeth’s first career was music. She was a vocalist, traveled extensively, and has written over 100 songs ranging from pop to jazz, rock, and country. She plays piano and flute, both of which she studied formally. Her later careers focused on PR, marketing, and publishing.
At home with her husband, she has two rescue dogs—a Lab and a Boxer mix. One of her favorite pastimes is walking with them in the desert and mountains of Arizona.
HISTORICAL NOVELS
Elizabeth enjoys the extensive research required to make historical fiction compelling and credible. "Writing historical fiction requires a lot of patience and the desire to always dig deeper. I learn a lot from my research and want to pass along the most interesting parts to my readers. Whether I'm writing biographical fiction or a mystery-thriller like The Beauty Doctor, details matter. They have to be right."
THE BEAUTY DOCTOR is a nail-biting thriller that takes place in the early days of cosmetic surgery (Victorian/Edwardian era)—when the world of medicine was like the Wild West and beauty doctors were a shocking new breed of outlaws. A young woman wishing to become a doctor serving New York City's poor becomes entangled in a terrifying plot of deception and possibly murder. Winner, Best Historical Thriller of 2024 (Best Thrillers).
Elizabeth's 2023 release and Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller, SISTERS OF CASTLE LEOD, is set in Scotland at the turn of the twentieth century. The novel, inspired by real people and events, is an emotionally charged story of two very opinionated sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition as each struggles to discover her own truth. Winner of the 2023 Maxy Award for Historical and Adventure Fiction and an Editors’ Choice of the Historical Novel Society.
THE SEAFORTH HEIRESS: LADY OF THE LAST PROPHECY is an Amazon #1 Bestselling New Release in Biographical Historical Fiction. In 1803, the family of Lord Seaforth lives under the shadow of a dark prophecy. Over a century earlier, Coinneach Odhar, known as the Brahan Seer, foresaw the demise of the Seaforth line. There is little doubt among Scottish Highlanders that the end of the dynasty is drawing near. Inspired by true events, the story follows the incredible journey of Mary Mackenzie, eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Seaforth, as she struggles to save her family’s legacy and become the only woman ever to claim the mantle of Clan Mackenzie chief. Shortlisted for the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize.
TEMPTATION RAG, a historical novel featuring real-life characters from New York City's ragtime era, has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as a “resonant novel . . . about the birth and demise of ragtime . . . in which romance and creative passions abound.”
"I strive to write books that leave the reader with plenty to ponder," says Elizabeth. "Issues of trust, faith, and the role of destiny in our lives are themes that I often explore in my novels. I enjoy ambiguity, which is perhaps one reason I am fascinated by historical characters whose lives, in retrospect, can be interpreted in so many different ways."
WHAT TIME HAS KEPT: A DUAL-ERA MYSTERY will be released on October 15, 2026.
To learn about Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard's latest releases, follow her at ehbernard.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 25, 2022
Sibell and Constance are two sisters who live at Castle Leod at the turn of the 19th Century. Since birth, they have been juxtaposed. Sibell, the older, thoughtful, introvert, unusually for that time, inherits a title, castle, and land holdings upon her father's death. Her younger sister, Constance, beautiful, skilled, and publicly revered is left only with a relatively small sum of money. The 'Sisters of Castle Leod' explores their dichotomy, their seemingly divergent paths, and subsequent estrangement, 'Each of us, in our way, was an explorer.' Sibell, always drawn to the spiritual realm, distills her life's events through the filter of the hereafter; the intangible. In contrast, Constance lives to experience the now, and what she can tangibly achieve. Yet, both are ultimately searching for the same thing: life's essence and meaning, 'That the deeper reality isn't about reward or punishment but about discovering who we are'.
The 'Sisters of Castle Leod' is a work of historical fiction that is, on the surface, about the fraught relationship between the two sisters. However, written in the first person, using Sibell's voice, it is by all accounts a story of her journey by way of introspection, spiritualism, and philosophy, 'Our bodies are vehicles for a journey of knowledge...'. Sibell's sense of mysticism, highlighted by some real diary entries gives the story a real gothic tone.
I really enjoyed this book but, for me, it was very little like the description in the blurb. It was more. The thought-provoking questions Sibell asks of herself and her subsequent epiphanies give the book a real depth. Despite the relatively short story, the reader is taken on many tangents of Sibell's life and her quest to enunciate its meaning. This, together with the poignant ending, leaves the reader with plenty to ponder.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The 'Sisters of Castle Leod' is a work of historical fiction that is, on the surface, about the fraught relationship between the two sisters. However, written in the first person, using Sibell's voice, it is by all accounts a story of her journey by way of introspection, spiritualism, and philosophy, 'Our bodies are vehicles for a journey of knowledge...'. Sibell's sense of mysticism, highlighted by some real diary entries gives the story a real gothic tone.
I really enjoyed this book but, for me, it was very little like the description in the blurb. It was more. The thought-provoking questions Sibell asks of herself and her subsequent epiphanies give the book a real depth. Despite the relatively short story, the reader is taken on many tangents of Sibell's life and her quest to enunciate its meaning. This, together with the poignant ending, leaves the reader with plenty to ponder.
Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 8, 2023
“Sisters of Castle Leod” by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is an enchanting story that you won’t forget, I know I will be thinking about it for quite some time. This book is inspired by the lives of Sibell Lilian Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, and her sister, Lady Constance Stewart-Richardson (Matthew). The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era. The era is not one frequently featured for novels in Scotland - so it was very interesting living through the changes of the era as the sisters experience it. This story is an excellent piece of women’s literary fiction, and as this is the first book I have read from this author - I was blown away!
In full disclosure I must admit that the cover and title of this book grabbed my attention - the book felt like it was calling out to me. “Read me…Read me now!” So, who am I to argue with a book 😉 I dived into the story!
After reading this book I find myself wondering about the spiritual aspects of this story. Who really knows what happens in the afterlife … is there really a red thread of fate linking two spirits? The concept of “soulmates” - what if we don’t find ours? Don’t worry though the spiritual aspect does not dominate the book. Reading the story honestly was like getting a backstage pass to witness the lives of two captivating women.
The only aspect I would have loved to have included is some aspects of the story from the younger sister, Lady Constance MacKenzie, point of view. However, even without that aspect the story is superb!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher Black Rose Writing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing. The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father's vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell's daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.
Sisters of Castle Leod, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.
In full disclosure I must admit that the cover and title of this book grabbed my attention - the book felt like it was calling out to me. “Read me…Read me now!” So, who am I to argue with a book 😉 I dived into the story!
After reading this book I find myself wondering about the spiritual aspects of this story. Who really knows what happens in the afterlife … is there really a red thread of fate linking two spirits? The concept of “soulmates” - what if we don’t find ours? Don’t worry though the spiritual aspect does not dominate the book. Reading the story honestly was like getting a backstage pass to witness the lives of two captivating women.
The only aspect I would have loved to have included is some aspects of the story from the younger sister, Lady Constance MacKenzie, point of view. However, even without that aspect the story is superb!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher Black Rose Writing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media, goodreads, and blog. 🦄
December 19, 2022
Before I get to my review I just have to gush over this cover! It's fantastically atmospheric and captures the mood of the novel perfectly!
Having just read another novel that featured famous sisters, I was eager to see what the two sisters of Castle Leod had in store for me. I can tell you that I was not disappointed!
Set in the late 1800s in Scotland, Sisters of Castle Leod follows the lives of Sibell and Constance. When their father passes he names Sibell as the heir to the Castle and lands (due to a ruling by Queen Victoria), leaving Constance a sizeable fortune. This decision proves to be a breaking point for the once-close sisters, driving a wedge between them that will only grow larger as time goes on.
I have not heard of either woman before, but Sisters of Castle Leod is based on a true story. Sibell Lilian Mackenzie was the 3rd Countess of Cromartie and one of the wealthiest landowners in Scotland. Unlike her responsible sister, Constance is more of a risk-taker and caused quite a few scandals. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both of them and learning about their lives.
The author has written a fascinating story about two strong, yet very different women, who try to forge their own paths and find their own truths.
Having just read another novel that featured famous sisters, I was eager to see what the two sisters of Castle Leod had in store for me. I can tell you that I was not disappointed!
Set in the late 1800s in Scotland, Sisters of Castle Leod follows the lives of Sibell and Constance. When their father passes he names Sibell as the heir to the Castle and lands (due to a ruling by Queen Victoria), leaving Constance a sizeable fortune. This decision proves to be a breaking point for the once-close sisters, driving a wedge between them that will only grow larger as time goes on.
I have not heard of either woman before, but Sisters of Castle Leod is based on a true story. Sibell Lilian Mackenzie was the 3rd Countess of Cromartie and one of the wealthiest landowners in Scotland. Unlike her responsible sister, Constance is more of a risk-taker and caused quite a few scandals. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both of them and learning about their lives.
The author has written a fascinating story about two strong, yet very different women, who try to forge their own paths and find their own truths.
January 25, 2023
This book was totally not what I was expecting since I felt like it dabbled in several generes. I got some historical fiction vibes, paranormal/spiritual, and a lot of family drama.
I liked the Sebill and Constance polar opposites struggles against eachother through several rather unfortunate events. The parts that I think drug on a bit were Sebill's travels to help her on her self discovery and longing after the death of her daughter. It ties in later, but I think it could have been explained in a more concise way. Maybe more of the night watchman instead of traveling abroad to bring out the supernatural more intensely.
I'm not completely sure why, but this book made me think a lot of Daphne Du Maurier's "Rebecca." Maybe it was the pulling away from her husband and the effects of tragic events making Sibell seem a bit unhinged until getting answers.
This was a fairly heavy book, but was enjoyable and unique.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the Sebill and Constance polar opposites struggles against eachother through several rather unfortunate events. The parts that I think drug on a bit were Sebill's travels to help her on her self discovery and longing after the death of her daughter. It ties in later, but I think it could have been explained in a more concise way. Maybe more of the night watchman instead of traveling abroad to bring out the supernatural more intensely.
I'm not completely sure why, but this book made me think a lot of Daphne Du Maurier's "Rebecca." Maybe it was the pulling away from her husband and the effects of tragic events making Sibell seem a bit unhinged until getting answers.
This was a fairly heavy book, but was enjoyable and unique.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2023
If you are like me a big fan of Outlander you have to read this book, because this was the true story that inspiring it. But do not expect an intense love story, this is about two beauthiful and strong sisters that all her lifes try to prove the world their worth. Sibel, the eldest, was the heir of the Castle Leod and became the president of spiritualist society. Constance was the rebelius one, that became a famous dancer, horsewoman and swimmer.
Due to Constance's scandalous dances and Sibell's constant mistrust, the sisters' paths drift away and only in the end is it possible to reconcile. It is a book about sisterhood, family ghosts, reincarnation and shows who the duties can break some relationships.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Due to Constance's scandalous dances and Sibell's constant mistrust, the sisters' paths drift away and only in the end is it possible to reconcile. It is a book about sisterhood, family ghosts, reincarnation and shows who the duties can break some relationships.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2023
I wanted to like this more than I did. However, it took a long while to figure out where the story was going and something fell flat for me. Honestly, I think it was the constant quarreling between the sisters. It became the recurring theme of the book. I'm really not sure why this is compared to the Outlander series, as there are no similarities whatsoever, other than it taking place in Scotland.
January 4, 2023
In Sisters of Castle Leod, we head into an area often overlooked in novels set in Scotland: Cromarty and Ross! We meet sisters Sibell and Constance, daughters of Francis, 2nd Earl of Cromarty, in their younger years, when the older Sibell enlists her small sister's help in spotting a famous Castle Leod ghost, the Night Watchman. But only Sibell can see him, and this small scene begins to set out the glaring differences between the sisters. Fast forward a few years, and Sibell – interested in books and the paranormal – ends up inheriting the title and estate by her father's wishes, and Queen Victoria's consent.
This puts a massive divide between the sisters, now in their teens, that they both struggle to overcome. Sibell finds Constance envious of her wealth, even though the young girl received a respectable sum herself. But as they grow up, they grow even further apart, and Sibell begins to mistrust her sister.
Aware of her status as head of a family, Sibell knows she has to marry, though she's not really keen on the fashionable suitors she meets during three seasons. Under pressure from her aunt and uncle, the Duchess and Duke of Sutherland, she finds it hard to agree to any match.
Constance, meanwhile, keeps enjoying hunting and horse-riding, a total contrast to her bookish elder sister.
When Sibell meets dashing Major Edward Walter Blunt, she becomes interested in the man who wants to bring electricity to the Highlands through a large hydro project. She agrees to marry him, but remains in charge of her estate, something not everyone agrees with.
But the loss of their first child, a baby daughter, shortly after her birth leads Sibell down a dark path of depression – then merely regarded as melancholy, something to ’get over’ swiftly, but when she becomes fixated by an old legend, and Constance's apparent involvement, the fall-out between the sisters is spectacular. Edward remains firmly on Constance's side, and the couple become estranged.
In order to get away from it all, she returns to Venice, alone, where she'd been happy during her honeymoon. Will she be able to find common ground with Edward, and to have a chance of being a ’normal’ family again? Keep reading!
Sisters of Castle Leod is told from Sibell's point of view, in a beautiful, somewhat wry, narrative which suits the woman's personality well. I was able to identify with her, to be frustrated when she is, to feel the pain at the tragic loss of baby Janet, and to relate to her annoyance at being belittled and misunderstood for her paranormal sensitivities. I sensed her displeasure at Constance's misdemeanours, and also her envy at her sister's perceived freedom. Sibell's life was one of duty, of status – something she could not escape from.
This novel is as fascinating as it is gripping. The characterisation of both women, their adventures, and their experiences are described beautifully. I read it deep into the night, and found it hard to tear myself away from their world, so far removed from our modern one.
I'm delighted that Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has plucked this lady from her obscurity and presented her to the world. Readers who love riveting fiction about real women of the past will enjoy this novel.
A highly recommended read. Don't miss it!
This puts a massive divide between the sisters, now in their teens, that they both struggle to overcome. Sibell finds Constance envious of her wealth, even though the young girl received a respectable sum herself. But as they grow up, they grow even further apart, and Sibell begins to mistrust her sister.
Aware of her status as head of a family, Sibell knows she has to marry, though she's not really keen on the fashionable suitors she meets during three seasons. Under pressure from her aunt and uncle, the Duchess and Duke of Sutherland, she finds it hard to agree to any match.
Constance, meanwhile, keeps enjoying hunting and horse-riding, a total contrast to her bookish elder sister.
When Sibell meets dashing Major Edward Walter Blunt, she becomes interested in the man who wants to bring electricity to the Highlands through a large hydro project. She agrees to marry him, but remains in charge of her estate, something not everyone agrees with.
But the loss of their first child, a baby daughter, shortly after her birth leads Sibell down a dark path of depression – then merely regarded as melancholy, something to ’get over’ swiftly, but when she becomes fixated by an old legend, and Constance's apparent involvement, the fall-out between the sisters is spectacular. Edward remains firmly on Constance's side, and the couple become estranged.
In order to get away from it all, she returns to Venice, alone, where she'd been happy during her honeymoon. Will she be able to find common ground with Edward, and to have a chance of being a ’normal’ family again? Keep reading!
Sisters of Castle Leod is told from Sibell's point of view, in a beautiful, somewhat wry, narrative which suits the woman's personality well. I was able to identify with her, to be frustrated when she is, to feel the pain at the tragic loss of baby Janet, and to relate to her annoyance at being belittled and misunderstood for her paranormal sensitivities. I sensed her displeasure at Constance's misdemeanours, and also her envy at her sister's perceived freedom. Sibell's life was one of duty, of status – something she could not escape from.
This novel is as fascinating as it is gripping. The characterisation of both women, their adventures, and their experiences are described beautifully. I read it deep into the night, and found it hard to tear myself away from their world, so far removed from our modern one.
I'm delighted that Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has plucked this lady from her obscurity and presented her to the world. Readers who love riveting fiction about real women of the past will enjoy this novel.
A highly recommended read. Don't miss it!
January 31, 2023
Sisters of Castle Leod is a complex relationship between the noble Mackenzie sisters, Lady Sibell and her younger sibling, Lady Constance. Their differences are evident and the tensions between them are palpable.
I empathized with Sibell and connected with her on many levels, a rule-follower, sensible, and compliant. I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. Constance, on the other hand, fits the younger sibling stereotype of bratty, self-centered, carefree, and annoying, and though I felt I only got to know her on a surface level, I didn’t really care.
Only rare instances do I read fantasy, mystical, or ghostly type stories, but this one piqued my interest because the two sisters in the story are based on real nobles and their offbeat beliefs and personalities. Much of the story is bizarre, (reincarnation, etc.) but I never lost interest. Although I don’t share some of the characters’ beliefs, the beauty of becoming enthralled with fiction is… I don’t have to.
It's evident the author did in depth research of the historical aspects as well as the settings. I visited Scotland a few years ago and the descriptions took me back.
First Line: The first hint of how far Constance and I were to grow apart came with a visit from the Night Watchman.
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction
Author: Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
Page Count: 313
Content: Supernatural, Reincarnation
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I empathized with Sibell and connected with her on many levels, a rule-follower, sensible, and compliant. I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. Constance, on the other hand, fits the younger sibling stereotype of bratty, self-centered, carefree, and annoying, and though I felt I only got to know her on a surface level, I didn’t really care.
Only rare instances do I read fantasy, mystical, or ghostly type stories, but this one piqued my interest because the two sisters in the story are based on real nobles and their offbeat beliefs and personalities. Much of the story is bizarre, (reincarnation, etc.) but I never lost interest. Although I don’t share some of the characters’ beliefs, the beauty of becoming enthralled with fiction is… I don’t have to.
It's evident the author did in depth research of the historical aspects as well as the settings. I visited Scotland a few years ago and the descriptions took me back.
First Line: The first hint of how far Constance and I were to grow apart came with a visit from the Night Watchman.
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction
Author: Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard
Page Count: 313
Content: Supernatural, Reincarnation
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
January 16, 2023
Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard is a well-researched historical fiction.
I really enjoyed the characters, the time period, and the incredibly described locations.
The story was a richly described family historical fiction based on the characters of the MacKenzie sisters, Constance & Sibell.
The sisters were VERY different. I absolutely LOVE stories about sisters, these characters are something I can really relate too. The sisters were so different, but each has their both unique characteristics. Their paths were quite different which their paths ultimately led to their estrangement.
The story is written from one perspective, Sibell's. I loved the gothic vibe, and I really enjoyed the diary entries.
The story was really well researched. An excellent book, that I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed the characters, the time period, and the incredibly described locations.
The story was a richly described family historical fiction based on the characters of the MacKenzie sisters, Constance & Sibell.
The sisters were VERY different. I absolutely LOVE stories about sisters, these characters are something I can really relate too. The sisters were so different, but each has their both unique characteristics. Their paths were quite different which their paths ultimately led to their estrangement.
The story is written from one perspective, Sibell's. I loved the gothic vibe, and I really enjoyed the diary entries.
The story was really well researched. An excellent book, that I highly recommend.
January 21, 2023
Although I don't generally like books with supernatural elements, this is historical, biographical, women's fiction, so I didn't mind that some of the women believed in the paranormal. You can read my full review here. http://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/01/20...
January 19, 2023
Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, the author of “Sisters of Castle Lead” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Sisters Fiction, and Literary Fiction. The timeline for this story starts in 1887 and mostly takes place in Scotland. The author was “inspired” to write this novel based on the lives of two sisters. Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard vividly describes her colorful and dramatic characters as complex and complicated.
In this story, Lady Sibell McKenzie and her sister Lady Constance are totally opposite in every way. Sibel is the older sister and is petite, a spiritualist, a writer, and also believes in reincarnation. Constance is very tall and extremely athletic. She is a skilled hunter, swimmer, and dancer and is subject to mood swings.
Their esteemed father left the castle and estate to Sibell in his will. He believed in Sibell and wanted her to care for Constance if something happened to him. When he dies, Sibell is one of the few females with so much power and wealth at that time. This sets the stage for sibling rivalry, jealousy, revenge, and betrayal. Constance feels she is entitled to more.
There are “tall tales’ and folklore that some people believe in. There is superstition as well. After a tragedy, Sibell blames Constance, and the two sisters have ill will toward one another.
Sibell takes a journey and seeks the possible spiritual answers to her fate. I appreciate that the author gives the reader a mystical feel to the events and plot in the story. Is there a chance for the sisters to reconcile and trust each other again? I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel.
In this story, Lady Sibell McKenzie and her sister Lady Constance are totally opposite in every way. Sibel is the older sister and is petite, a spiritualist, a writer, and also believes in reincarnation. Constance is very tall and extremely athletic. She is a skilled hunter, swimmer, and dancer and is subject to mood swings.
Their esteemed father left the castle and estate to Sibell in his will. He believed in Sibell and wanted her to care for Constance if something happened to him. When he dies, Sibell is one of the few females with so much power and wealth at that time. This sets the stage for sibling rivalry, jealousy, revenge, and betrayal. Constance feels she is entitled to more.
There are “tall tales’ and folklore that some people believe in. There is superstition as well. After a tragedy, Sibell blames Constance, and the two sisters have ill will toward one another.
Sibell takes a journey and seeks the possible spiritual answers to her fate. I appreciate that the author gives the reader a mystical feel to the events and plot in the story. Is there a chance for the sisters to reconcile and trust each other again? I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel.
December 28, 2023
I was genuinely excited to dive into The Sisters of Castle Leod. The premise of weaving real historical figures like the sisters and Bonnie Belle into a novel set in a real place like Castle Leod seemed promising. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was short-lived.
The story's foundation felt weak from the start. It lacked the compelling hook that keeps you turning pages late into the night. While I appreciated the author's effort to bring historical characters to life, the execution fell flat. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a rich, immersive historical narrative.
Listening to the audiobook added another layer of disappointment. The narrator's performance was mediocre at best. A Scottish accent would have brought a much-needed authenticity to the story, enhancing the atmosphere and helping to transport listeners to the setting. Instead, the lackluster narration made it even harder to stay engaged.
One of the biggest letdowns was the language. It didn't feel appropriate for the era, which further pulled me out of the historical setting the author tried to create. The dialogue and descriptions felt too modern, making it hard to suspend disbelief and fully immerse myself in the story.
Ultimately, I decided to stop reading at about 60%. Life is too short to slog through a book that isn't enjoyable. I was so disappointed because I had high hopes for this novel. The combination of a weak premise, inappropriate language, and subpar narration made it impossible for me to finish.
Overall, The Sisters of Castle Leod was a letdown. I was looking forward to a captivating historical tale, but it fell short on multiple fronts.
The story's foundation felt weak from the start. It lacked the compelling hook that keeps you turning pages late into the night. While I appreciated the author's effort to bring historical characters to life, the execution fell flat. It felt like a missed opportunity to create a rich, immersive historical narrative.
Listening to the audiobook added another layer of disappointment. The narrator's performance was mediocre at best. A Scottish accent would have brought a much-needed authenticity to the story, enhancing the atmosphere and helping to transport listeners to the setting. Instead, the lackluster narration made it even harder to stay engaged.
One of the biggest letdowns was the language. It didn't feel appropriate for the era, which further pulled me out of the historical setting the author tried to create. The dialogue and descriptions felt too modern, making it hard to suspend disbelief and fully immerse myself in the story.
Ultimately, I decided to stop reading at about 60%. Life is too short to slog through a book that isn't enjoyable. I was so disappointed because I had high hopes for this novel. The combination of a weak premise, inappropriate language, and subpar narration made it impossible for me to finish.
Overall, The Sisters of Castle Leod was a letdown. I was looking forward to a captivating historical tale, but it fell short on multiple fronts.
January 24, 2023
Inspired by the real Scottish Castle Leod and the lives of two sisters who lived there at the turn of the century who are legendary. The sisters are complete opposites. Sibell is petite and a bookish spiritualist who deeply believes in reincarnation. She is the author of pagan romance novels. Constance is a tall swimming champion, expert horse woman and hunter who belly dances. Things take a turn for the sisters. When Sibell inherits her late fathers titles and estates making her a wealthy and powerful woman. She becomes the third Countess of Cromartie. Constance her presumptive heir until Sibell has an heir. When Sibell's daughter is born and tragedy strikes the sisters turn against each other until events bring them back and secrets are revealed. I loved the vivid Scottish countryside. The story of the sisters was so real and feelable and I really liked the supernatural elements. A compelling read that is hard to put down. This was one the best historical fictions novels I've read. It's hauntingly beautiful. A perfect book club read.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Hudson
Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Hudson
Valley NY
January 22, 2023
This was a fascinating read about the two Castle Leod sisters, Constance and Sibell. They could not have been more opposite even though they were pretty much best friends growing up. Not having a brother, it was quite unfathomable at the time that a daughter could take over estate and run of the castle but thanks to the queen, when their father passed Lady Sibell inherits the strenuous task of taking over Castle Leod. The rift between the sisters has now been wedged and Lady Sibell takes on not only the role of lady of the castle, but a motherly figure for the care and watching of her wild younger sister, Lady Constance. Feeling like she is being treated like a small child, Lady Constance bucks her sister at every turn she can and the two become estranged from each others inter lives that is until children are born, and even more is put at risk. I really enjoyed reading the escapades of these two sisters and how greed and jealousy seemed to run rampant in this family. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the free copy of this novel.
January 9, 2023
I love any book set in Scotland, let alone in a castle! It is my weakness and downfall. I knew that I needed this book as soon as my eyes glimpsed this stunning cover. Judging a book by its cover worked in my favor. Elizabeth Huchison Bernard conjures up a sense of wonder and awe, with her detailed descriptions of the Scottish countryside. The giant sequoias swaying in the brisk breeze, Castle Leod striking a stunning presence for all to behold. What takes place within the castle walls is what I found fun and engaging. Family dynamics and drama making its normal ebb and flow. The best part is this book is based on two Mackenzie sisters who lived in Castle Leod and were truly fascinating.
Sibell is the eldest and can always be depended upon. She is smart, loves to learn, and her father leaves her his entire estate. Which puts her at odds with her sister Constance. Who is a force to be reckoned with under normal circumstances. If she puts her mind to it, she will let nothing stand in her way. Especially when it comes to anything athletic. She is the best swimmer, the straightest shot, she wants all eyes on her. No matter the consequences to her name or her family. Sibell is constantly bailing her out of situations and trying to sooth her. But there is just so many times you can do this before enough is enough. When Sibell loses her baby girl to pneumonia, she is left to mourn and try to dig her way out of the darkness. She grabs onto her own thoughts on spirituality to pull her through and the beliefs that her and her daughter will be together once again.
The way Bernard developed each sister draws you further into this book. Making you wish you were a fly on the castle wall. Each sister unique and special in their own way. Constance always poking at her older sister, no matter what Sibell does. Sibell always coming to the rescue to not only her sister but others as well. Thank you to Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard, HFVBT, and Black Rose Writing for sending me this mesmerizing read.
Sibell is the eldest and can always be depended upon. She is smart, loves to learn, and her father leaves her his entire estate. Which puts her at odds with her sister Constance. Who is a force to be reckoned with under normal circumstances. If she puts her mind to it, she will let nothing stand in her way. Especially when it comes to anything athletic. She is the best swimmer, the straightest shot, she wants all eyes on her. No matter the consequences to her name or her family. Sibell is constantly bailing her out of situations and trying to sooth her. But there is just so many times you can do this before enough is enough. When Sibell loses her baby girl to pneumonia, she is left to mourn and try to dig her way out of the darkness. She grabs onto her own thoughts on spirituality to pull her through and the beliefs that her and her daughter will be together once again.
The way Bernard developed each sister draws you further into this book. Making you wish you were a fly on the castle wall. Each sister unique and special in their own way. Constance always poking at her older sister, no matter what Sibell does. Sibell always coming to the rescue to not only her sister but others as well. Thank you to Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard, HFVBT, and Black Rose Writing for sending me this mesmerizing read.
January 23, 2023
I love books involving sibling dynamics and this one has a Gothic flair that makes it even better. Sibell and Constance are five years apart in age and miles apart in their philosophical views on life. I enjoyed reading about their interactions, experiences, and disagreements, and especially seeing the growth in Sibell as the older sister and the one who inherits the title and the castle. Well-written and well researched novel of historical fiction.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
Sisters of Castle Leod is based on the true story of sisters Sibell and Constance Mackenzie, daughters of the Earl of Cromartie in late 1800s Scotland. After their father passes away, his fortune is left to elder sister Sibell with a smaller allowance and dowry provided to Constance. Their mother almost immediately remarries, providing no guidance in how to navigate their new lives. This starts the beginning of a tumultuous relationship between the sisters that would last their whole lives.
The sisters are complete opposites but very unique and controversial for their time. Sibell is a “spiritualist” and novelist, believing in reincarnation and the spiritual world. Constance is a dancer who shocks American and British society with her risqué costumes and dancing. Constance is always keeping things from Sibell and it isn’t clear if she is trustworthy.
Very atmospheric with an old haunted castle and beautiful descriptions of the countryside and life in the late 1800s/early 1900s, I found myself googling these two interesting women and the peerage of the United Kingdom.
There is a bit of a strange side story about Sibell and reincarnation with a man named Demetrius that had a different tone than the rest of the story. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around it and it sort of fizzled out over time. However, I thought the ideas about reincarnation were compelling. An overall enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
The sisters are complete opposites but very unique and controversial for their time. Sibell is a “spiritualist” and novelist, believing in reincarnation and the spiritual world. Constance is a dancer who shocks American and British society with her risqué costumes and dancing. Constance is always keeping things from Sibell and it isn’t clear if she is trustworthy.
Very atmospheric with an old haunted castle and beautiful descriptions of the countryside and life in the late 1800s/early 1900s, I found myself googling these two interesting women and the peerage of the United Kingdom.
There is a bit of a strange side story about Sibell and reincarnation with a man named Demetrius that had a different tone than the rest of the story. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around it and it sort of fizzled out over time. However, I thought the ideas about reincarnation were compelling. An overall enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader
February 16, 2023
"Someday you may wish your duties were as uncomplicated as mastering the tea service.”
Beautiful, poignant, captivating with every page. Sisters of Castle Leod was an amazing journey, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved it.
For me personally, I feel that readers who enjoyed The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen would be huge fans of Sisters of Castle Leod. The first because of sheer page-turning intrigue combined with expertly crafted, multi-dimensional female characters brimming with agency. And the latter for the nuanced and complex relationship between two sisters in an era where expectations placed on women force one to toe the line whereas the other rebels spectacularly (at the risk of her own peril).
I was floored by the attention to detail and the beautiful writing in this book - and I adored the way the reader's perspective of each sister changes throughout the course of the novel from the very first scene where they are spying on a ghost as children to the last (which I won't spoil for you).
The events of Sibell's engagement party had me on the edge of my seat and I feel the author did a brilliant job at getting inside the head of this character to see things from her perspective. Then as that perspective shifts, we begin to see herself, the world, and even her sister in a much different light.
This is the type of novel that stays with you and that you'll be reflecting on long after you finish reading, as I certainly did. 5 stars!
Beautiful, poignant, captivating with every page. Sisters of Castle Leod was an amazing journey, and I didn’t want it to end. I loved it.
For me personally, I feel that readers who enjoyed The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen would be huge fans of Sisters of Castle Leod. The first because of sheer page-turning intrigue combined with expertly crafted, multi-dimensional female characters brimming with agency. And the latter for the nuanced and complex relationship between two sisters in an era where expectations placed on women force one to toe the line whereas the other rebels spectacularly (at the risk of her own peril).
I was floored by the attention to detail and the beautiful writing in this book - and I adored the way the reader's perspective of each sister changes throughout the course of the novel from the very first scene where they are spying on a ghost as children to the last (which I won't spoil for you).
The events of Sibell's engagement party had me on the edge of my seat and I feel the author did a brilliant job at getting inside the head of this character to see things from her perspective. Then as that perspective shifts, we begin to see herself, the world, and even her sister in a much different light.
This is the type of novel that stays with you and that you'll be reflecting on long after you finish reading, as I certainly did. 5 stars!
January 10, 2023
Sibell and Constance had always been at odds with each other. For sisters growing up together, they are very different, Sibell preferring her own company, and a book to keep her occupied, and Constance very outgoing and an excellent sportsman. Constance always seemed to be favoured by their father, and most people around them, but still, Sibell finds herself as named heir to the castle and lands when their father passes away.
Sibell struggles in the job of Countess, she is young and unsure what she must do. The title and lands quickly become a subject of contempt between the two sisters, for Constance was left with nothing but a tidy sum of money to become her dowery, and feels entitled to much more. More and more things start coming between them, and it seems they can never truly forgive and forget.
I will start by saying, I have never heard about Sibell Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, and her younger sister, Lady Constance. They are people who have been hidden in history for me until now. But, reading this book, they came back to life, and I was glad to have been introduced to them.
Sibell is a character I absolutely adored reading about, she goes through so much throughout the course of the book, and she is still so young through everything. She finds the responsibilities of being the Countess difficult, especially being a young woman, for her Uncle is initially in charge until she turns twenty-one, and she is not taken seriously about a lot of matters. Nevertheless, she finds herself managing to get by, and plenty of people, such as the tenants of the land, grow to admire her. She is not an outgoing individual, she finds small talk awkward and boring, and is very relatable in this sense, although she has little choice when it comes to conversing with others due to her important role.
While Sibell had my full attention and support, I simply could not bring myself to like Constance even the slightest bit. She was spoiled growing up, made to think she was the best at everything, and being the ‘favourite’ daughter led her into adulthood with the opinion she deserves all there is. She is simply awful to Sibell, for things that Sibell cannot help, such as the lands being left to her, and not having more for herself. While Constance is very skilled at many things, she appears to not understand responsibility and caused many a scandal. I can see quite clearly why the siblings did not get on, for I couldn’t stand Constance while reading, but I didn’t have to live with her!
There is a strong theme in this book about spiritualism, and what might lay beyond this physical realm. As children, Sibell and Constance went looking for one of Castle Leod’s ghosts, the Night Watchman, but when they found him, only Sibell could see him. Her connection to such spiritual things accentuates her ability to slow down and see what others cannot, while Constance never believed, and didn’t have the patience to sit around and open her mind to see what might happen. Sibell’s journey with legends, and subjects such as reincarnation and life after death is led by many different people, and she finds herself among many spiritualists, who are not necessarily able to give her the answers she so desperately seeks. I am not sure how closely this book follows the true lives of Sibell and Constance, at times the way Sibell interacts with the spiritual world give this book an almost fantasy feel, although I have never looked into the different paths of spiritualism to know whether these moments are simply fantastical, or an actual possibility.
From the first few pages, I couldn’t stop reading this book. The historical detailing drew me in and I was entranced by the words. Sibell lived over 100 years ago, but she comes back to life among these pages. I think Sibell would be an incredibly interesting person to sit down and have a cup of tea with, even though neither of us would be incredibly comfortable with the social interaction. After reading this book, I have a great admiration for her, and all she achieved in her life, although this book only follows a small portion of her life, and I know for certain that there is much more to learn. I have searched online and come up with very little, which simply proves how much the author has researched the lives of the sisters to find the original newspaper articles and documents to tell their story with accuracy.
This is an absolutely amazing novel, and one I greatly enjoyed. I know I will be reading this book again, and will keep an eye out for the author!
Sibell struggles in the job of Countess, she is young and unsure what she must do. The title and lands quickly become a subject of contempt between the two sisters, for Constance was left with nothing but a tidy sum of money to become her dowery, and feels entitled to much more. More and more things start coming between them, and it seems they can never truly forgive and forget.
I will start by saying, I have never heard about Sibell Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, and her younger sister, Lady Constance. They are people who have been hidden in history for me until now. But, reading this book, they came back to life, and I was glad to have been introduced to them.
Sibell is a character I absolutely adored reading about, she goes through so much throughout the course of the book, and she is still so young through everything. She finds the responsibilities of being the Countess difficult, especially being a young woman, for her Uncle is initially in charge until she turns twenty-one, and she is not taken seriously about a lot of matters. Nevertheless, she finds herself managing to get by, and plenty of people, such as the tenants of the land, grow to admire her. She is not an outgoing individual, she finds small talk awkward and boring, and is very relatable in this sense, although she has little choice when it comes to conversing with others due to her important role.
While Sibell had my full attention and support, I simply could not bring myself to like Constance even the slightest bit. She was spoiled growing up, made to think she was the best at everything, and being the ‘favourite’ daughter led her into adulthood with the opinion she deserves all there is. She is simply awful to Sibell, for things that Sibell cannot help, such as the lands being left to her, and not having more for herself. While Constance is very skilled at many things, she appears to not understand responsibility and caused many a scandal. I can see quite clearly why the siblings did not get on, for I couldn’t stand Constance while reading, but I didn’t have to live with her!
There is a strong theme in this book about spiritualism, and what might lay beyond this physical realm. As children, Sibell and Constance went looking for one of Castle Leod’s ghosts, the Night Watchman, but when they found him, only Sibell could see him. Her connection to such spiritual things accentuates her ability to slow down and see what others cannot, while Constance never believed, and didn’t have the patience to sit around and open her mind to see what might happen. Sibell’s journey with legends, and subjects such as reincarnation and life after death is led by many different people, and she finds herself among many spiritualists, who are not necessarily able to give her the answers she so desperately seeks. I am not sure how closely this book follows the true lives of Sibell and Constance, at times the way Sibell interacts with the spiritual world give this book an almost fantasy feel, although I have never looked into the different paths of spiritualism to know whether these moments are simply fantastical, or an actual possibility.
From the first few pages, I couldn’t stop reading this book. The historical detailing drew me in and I was entranced by the words. Sibell lived over 100 years ago, but she comes back to life among these pages. I think Sibell would be an incredibly interesting person to sit down and have a cup of tea with, even though neither of us would be incredibly comfortable with the social interaction. After reading this book, I have a great admiration for her, and all she achieved in her life, although this book only follows a small portion of her life, and I know for certain that there is much more to learn. I have searched online and come up with very little, which simply proves how much the author has researched the lives of the sisters to find the original newspaper articles and documents to tell their story with accuracy.
This is an absolutely amazing novel, and one I greatly enjoyed. I know I will be reading this book again, and will keep an eye out for the author!
November 15, 2022
Sisters of Castle Leod by author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is a beautiful story of two sisters in the high society of Victorian England. The first chapter introduces the book’s two main characters, Sibell and Constance Mackenzie, and gives insight into how their relationship would change with time.
The book’s protagonist and narrator, Sibell Mackenzie, is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Cromartie and, ultimately, the heiress to his estates. She is described as an aspiring writer with firm spiritual beliefs. On the contrary, Constance is a headstrong, stubborn and talented young woman who strives for attention and recognition. After the death of the Earl of Cromartie, when all the estate passes to Sibell, the tensions grow. Their relationship is broken when a tragedy strike too close to the home of the new Countess of Cromartie. With the death of a loved one, all the suspicion falls on Constance and results in a devastating consequence.
Sibell and Constance each want what the other has. Mistrust, jealousy and envy grow each year until everything is at a standstill. All it takes is a leap of faith to solve all the problems, rekindle relationships, to understand the misunderstood. But, with so much time lost, will the sisters take that leap, or will all the ties forged by blood cease to exist?
There are many things which make this book an exciting read. The author uses a fast-paced storyline with a beautiful scenic backdrop to create a beautiful illusion and takes the readers back to the 1890s and the 1900s. The easy-to-understand language with minimal profanity also plays a significant role in the easy development of the plot and smooth storytelling. Another exciting fact about the book is that the readers see through the narrator’s perspective, empathize, and relate to the character and her motivations. The perfectly realistic and complex relationship between the two sisters is unique. Each has its imperfections and specific character traits.
With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Presence of themes like betrayal, self-harm, grief, superstition etc., this book has a comfortable reading experience for an adult audience. I recommend this book to people interested in historical fiction who want a different story defining the relationship between siblings. The highly relatable relationship between the two sisters in the book can inspire people that it is never too late to rekindle their relationships with their peers. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring.
The book’s protagonist and narrator, Sibell Mackenzie, is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Cromartie and, ultimately, the heiress to his estates. She is described as an aspiring writer with firm spiritual beliefs. On the contrary, Constance is a headstrong, stubborn and talented young woman who strives for attention and recognition. After the death of the Earl of Cromartie, when all the estate passes to Sibell, the tensions grow. Their relationship is broken when a tragedy strike too close to the home of the new Countess of Cromartie. With the death of a loved one, all the suspicion falls on Constance and results in a devastating consequence.
Sibell and Constance each want what the other has. Mistrust, jealousy and envy grow each year until everything is at a standstill. All it takes is a leap of faith to solve all the problems, rekindle relationships, to understand the misunderstood. But, with so much time lost, will the sisters take that leap, or will all the ties forged by blood cease to exist?
There are many things which make this book an exciting read. The author uses a fast-paced storyline with a beautiful scenic backdrop to create a beautiful illusion and takes the readers back to the 1890s and the 1900s. The easy-to-understand language with minimal profanity also plays a significant role in the easy development of the plot and smooth storytelling. Another exciting fact about the book is that the readers see through the narrator’s perspective, empathize, and relate to the character and her motivations. The perfectly realistic and complex relationship between the two sisters is unique. Each has its imperfections and specific character traits.
With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Presence of themes like betrayal, self-harm, grief, superstition etc., this book has a comfortable reading experience for an adult audience. I recommend this book to people interested in historical fiction who want a different story defining the relationship between siblings. The highly relatable relationship between the two sisters in the book can inspire people that it is never too late to rekindle their relationships with their peers. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring.
October 2, 2022
Inspired by the real life of Sibell Lilian Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, Sisters of Castle Leod is a well-written and carefully researched historical novel. An Edwardian-era spiritualist and a successful author of romance novels laced with mysticism, Sibell is a complex and intriguing woman, who recognized early on that she has a sixth sense, giving her the ability to perceive things that aren’t really there and to know what might happen before it does. It is probably her greatest gift as well as her most challenging cross to bear.
Set in the Scottish Highlands, the story begins in the late 1800s when we meet Sibell and her beloved younger sister Constance. The two girls are the closest of friends as they explore and enjoy life in the ultimate playground: Castle Leod, the Mackenzie family’s 15th century estate with thousands of acres and dozens of rooms.
As they grow up, significant differences emerge between the two sisters. Sibell is more of a loner preferring to spend her time reading or hiking the grounds of the castle with her canine companion Caesar. Constance is clearly their father’s favorite, a tall, athletic and energetic young woman who loves to hunt and swim. With little in common, the girls grow apart. Tensions escalate when Sibell is named heir to their father’s titles and estates. Based upon a promise she made to her father before he died, Sibell also becomes the de facto caregiver to an increasingly rebellious Constance. The girls’ mother remarries very quickly after the father’s death and the sisters are left on their own. Well not completely alone, as they have a staff of servants to assist them in the daily running of the family estates.
The paths the two young women choose continue to separate them. Sibell marries Major Edward Blunt, but quickly realizes that he is not the man she hoped he was. Finally free after reaching legal age, Constance becomes a globe-trotting socialite whose scandalous behavior makes headlines wherever she goes. When tragedy strikes, Sibell makes the gut-wrenching decision to cut ties with her sister, although she continues to support her financially. Grief-stricken and isolated, Sibell retreats even further into a world of mysticism as a way to move forward and find the answers she seeks.
Author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has crafted a fine tale, a blend of both rich historical accuracy and a touch of the supernatural. 5 Stars. I highly recommend.
Set in the Scottish Highlands, the story begins in the late 1800s when we meet Sibell and her beloved younger sister Constance. The two girls are the closest of friends as they explore and enjoy life in the ultimate playground: Castle Leod, the Mackenzie family’s 15th century estate with thousands of acres and dozens of rooms.
As they grow up, significant differences emerge between the two sisters. Sibell is more of a loner preferring to spend her time reading or hiking the grounds of the castle with her canine companion Caesar. Constance is clearly their father’s favorite, a tall, athletic and energetic young woman who loves to hunt and swim. With little in common, the girls grow apart. Tensions escalate when Sibell is named heir to their father’s titles and estates. Based upon a promise she made to her father before he died, Sibell also becomes the de facto caregiver to an increasingly rebellious Constance. The girls’ mother remarries very quickly after the father’s death and the sisters are left on their own. Well not completely alone, as they have a staff of servants to assist them in the daily running of the family estates.
The paths the two young women choose continue to separate them. Sibell marries Major Edward Blunt, but quickly realizes that he is not the man she hoped he was. Finally free after reaching legal age, Constance becomes a globe-trotting socialite whose scandalous behavior makes headlines wherever she goes. When tragedy strikes, Sibell makes the gut-wrenching decision to cut ties with her sister, although she continues to support her financially. Grief-stricken and isolated, Sibell retreats even further into a world of mysticism as a way to move forward and find the answers she seeks.
Author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has crafted a fine tale, a blend of both rich historical accuracy and a touch of the supernatural. 5 Stars. I highly recommend.
January 24, 2023
Sisters of Castle Leod tells the story of Lady Sibell MacKenzie and her sister, Lady Constance Stewart-Richardson. Upon her father’s death, Sibell inherited the title of Countess of Cromartie. She was a spiritualist and a heavy believer in reincarnation. She also wrote many mystical romances. Her younger sister became a famous dancer that shocked the British public. After the birth of Lady Sibell’s daughter, the two sisters became engaged in a bitter rivalry. Would the two sisters remain enemies or would they finally reconcile?
Sisters of Castle Leod is narrated from Lady Sibell’s perspective. Therefore, I liked Sibell more and found Constance very irritating. Lady Sibell is dutiful and adheres to the rules of the nobility. She is generally more pragmatic when it comes to dealing with the nobility. She originally did not want to inherit the title of Countess of Cromartie, but tried her best to live up to the title. Lady Sibell also struggled with depression, and I felt sorry for her. She had always been fascinated by the paranormal as a child which shaped her beliefs in spiritualism.
As for Constance Stewart-Richardson, I found her hard to like. I think that she was not developed well and stayed the same throughout the novel. She was very selfish and spoiled. She never seemed satisfied with her life. Even though she proved to be an annoying character, her story was very fascinating. She lived a very scandalous life and was often rebellious against society. I could see why she was gossiped about among the nobility.
Overall, this novel was about sisterhood, choices, and spiritualism. Most of the characters were very one-dimensional. There were also some slow scenes in the novel. Despite these flaws, it was still an engrossing read on two sisters of whom I knew nothing about. Sisters of Castle Leod read like a juicy soap opera. The writing was very lyrical and it felt as if I was walking alongside Lady Sibell throughout the novel. This novel was meticulously researched. I recommend this for those that love reading about the British aristocracy and for fans of A Dress of Violet Taffeta, The It Girls, and Cavendon Hall! Sisters of Castle Leod is a stunning tribute to two sisters who were much renowned in their day but became forgotten over time. Hopefully, there will be more novels on these sisters in the future.
(Note: I was given a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own).
Sisters of Castle Leod is narrated from Lady Sibell’s perspective. Therefore, I liked Sibell more and found Constance very irritating. Lady Sibell is dutiful and adheres to the rules of the nobility. She is generally more pragmatic when it comes to dealing with the nobility. She originally did not want to inherit the title of Countess of Cromartie, but tried her best to live up to the title. Lady Sibell also struggled with depression, and I felt sorry for her. She had always been fascinated by the paranormal as a child which shaped her beliefs in spiritualism.
As for Constance Stewart-Richardson, I found her hard to like. I think that she was not developed well and stayed the same throughout the novel. She was very selfish and spoiled. She never seemed satisfied with her life. Even though she proved to be an annoying character, her story was very fascinating. She lived a very scandalous life and was often rebellious against society. I could see why she was gossiped about among the nobility.
Overall, this novel was about sisterhood, choices, and spiritualism. Most of the characters were very one-dimensional. There were also some slow scenes in the novel. Despite these flaws, it was still an engrossing read on two sisters of whom I knew nothing about. Sisters of Castle Leod read like a juicy soap opera. The writing was very lyrical and it felt as if I was walking alongside Lady Sibell throughout the novel. This novel was meticulously researched. I recommend this for those that love reading about the British aristocracy and for fans of A Dress of Violet Taffeta, The It Girls, and Cavendon Hall! Sisters of Castle Leod is a stunning tribute to two sisters who were much renowned in their day but became forgotten over time. Hopefully, there will be more novels on these sisters in the future.
(Note: I was given a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own).
January 11, 2023
I love a novel comped to Outlander so I had high hopes going into this book. They were partially fulfilled.
Sibell and Constance Mackenzie were close as sisters growing up at Castle Leod, despite having opposite temperaments. Sibell was quiet and reserved, preferring the company of books and her dog to other people. Constance was free-spirited and athletic, always doing what she wanted despite how shocking it was. But when Sibell inherits her father’s land, wealth, and title, another wedge is driven between them; this one, they might not be able to overcome.
Throughout Sibell’s life, as she begins a family and tries to process her own history and how it affects her present, she struggles to connect with her sister and relive those halcyon days in the Castle before wealth and title drove them apart.
This is not an easy book to summarize because there’s a lot more happening than what I mentioned above, but at its heart, it’s a story about the conflict between two sisters. Set in the last years of the 19th century and running into the early 20th century, the historical fiction aspects of this novel are wonderful. Sibell’s thought process and paranoias might seem odd to us today, but were really well done considering the time period and her upbringing. The writing itself is confident and brings this era and part of the world to life. I’ve added visiting the Scottish Highlands back to my bucket list. And I have to applaud the author on basing the entire book on the life of real people. I tend to shy away from that, afraid I’ll get something factually incorrect.
However, I think this novel tried to tackle too much. My expectation going in was that the focus would be on Sibell and Constance. For a bit, that’s where the plot line stayed. Then it meandered between Sibell’s personal life and tragedy, then brought Constance back in again before trotting off to cover reincarnation and a potential romance that had almost no bearing on previous plot points, only to leave that behind and settle once again on Sibell’s family, her writing ambitions, and finally, back to Constance. The end result, for me, was that there was so much territory that the author tried to cover, I didn’t know what was meant to be important and wound up feeling like everything got skimmed over. Personally, I would have loved to have seen this novel cover a shorter time span and have the chapters alternate between Sibell’s and Constance’s points of view to give us the opportunity to really get to know them.
Still, a lovely book even if it didn’t meet my expectations.
3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Booksirens for providing the ARC ebook. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
Sibell and Constance Mackenzie were close as sisters growing up at Castle Leod, despite having opposite temperaments. Sibell was quiet and reserved, preferring the company of books and her dog to other people. Constance was free-spirited and athletic, always doing what she wanted despite how shocking it was. But when Sibell inherits her father’s land, wealth, and title, another wedge is driven between them; this one, they might not be able to overcome.
Throughout Sibell’s life, as she begins a family and tries to process her own history and how it affects her present, she struggles to connect with her sister and relive those halcyon days in the Castle before wealth and title drove them apart.
This is not an easy book to summarize because there’s a lot more happening than what I mentioned above, but at its heart, it’s a story about the conflict between two sisters. Set in the last years of the 19th century and running into the early 20th century, the historical fiction aspects of this novel are wonderful. Sibell’s thought process and paranoias might seem odd to us today, but were really well done considering the time period and her upbringing. The writing itself is confident and brings this era and part of the world to life. I’ve added visiting the Scottish Highlands back to my bucket list. And I have to applaud the author on basing the entire book on the life of real people. I tend to shy away from that, afraid I’ll get something factually incorrect.
However, I think this novel tried to tackle too much. My expectation going in was that the focus would be on Sibell and Constance. For a bit, that’s where the plot line stayed. Then it meandered between Sibell’s personal life and tragedy, then brought Constance back in again before trotting off to cover reincarnation and a potential romance that had almost no bearing on previous plot points, only to leave that behind and settle once again on Sibell’s family, her writing ambitions, and finally, back to Constance. The end result, for me, was that there was so much territory that the author tried to cover, I didn’t know what was meant to be important and wound up feeling like everything got skimmed over. Personally, I would have loved to have seen this novel cover a shorter time span and have the chapters alternate between Sibell’s and Constance’s points of view to give us the opportunity to really get to know them.
Still, a lovely book even if it didn’t meet my expectations.
3/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Booksirens for providing the ARC ebook. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.
November 6, 2022
I loved "Sisters of Castle Leod" by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard for its historical content, it is the real-life castle the series "Outlander" references, and then there's the story of the relationship between two very different sisters and how their lives unfold. I'm a sucker for a story about sisters. With two sisters of my own, and me being the youngest and living with my oldest sister for nine years now, I'm always interested in how these relationships work with others.
Lady Sibell Mackenzie and her younger sister Lady Constance living in the Castle Leod at the turn of the 20th century when their father dies and names Lady Sibell as his heir, she will get everything titles and all. Part of Lady Sibell's responsibilities now that she's the heir will be to look out for and help her younger sister, Lady Constance. This doesn't work as well as Lady Sibell hoped and Lady Constance, being the outgoing, daring woman she is, pushes the limits of Lady Sibell's nerves, over and over again. Until Lady Constance does something Lady Sibell cannot forgive, and she kicks her out of the castle for good!
This is only the beginning the of their relationship woes that will drag them both through feelings of jealousy, betrayal, spiritualism, and deceit. Neither is willing to compromise, until one of them suffers a serious accident and the other must extend her hand of compassion to the other. Just when you think they're going to build on their childhood love for one another, one of them does the unthinkable. This could be the downfall of their tenuous at best relationship.
The fact that this is based on the true-life story of these two sisters was a top reason I wanted to read it. It's historical fiction gold. The sister-to-sister relationship is always complicated but these two certainly push the boundaries of unconditional sisterly love. The book is very well written and it's obvious Ms. Bernard did her research. I've already heard talk about this book and it's all good. I am privileged to be able to read it prior to its release date and thank BookSirens for the opportunity. Happy Reading!
Lady Sibell Mackenzie and her younger sister Lady Constance living in the Castle Leod at the turn of the 20th century when their father dies and names Lady Sibell as his heir, she will get everything titles and all. Part of Lady Sibell's responsibilities now that she's the heir will be to look out for and help her younger sister, Lady Constance. This doesn't work as well as Lady Sibell hoped and Lady Constance, being the outgoing, daring woman she is, pushes the limits of Lady Sibell's nerves, over and over again. Until Lady Constance does something Lady Sibell cannot forgive, and she kicks her out of the castle for good!
This is only the beginning the of their relationship woes that will drag them both through feelings of jealousy, betrayal, spiritualism, and deceit. Neither is willing to compromise, until one of them suffers a serious accident and the other must extend her hand of compassion to the other. Just when you think they're going to build on their childhood love for one another, one of them does the unthinkable. This could be the downfall of their tenuous at best relationship.
The fact that this is based on the true-life story of these two sisters was a top reason I wanted to read it. It's historical fiction gold. The sister-to-sister relationship is always complicated but these two certainly push the boundaries of unconditional sisterly love. The book is very well written and it's obvious Ms. Bernard did her research. I've already heard talk about this book and it's all good. I am privileged to be able to read it prior to its release date and thank BookSirens for the opportunity. Happy Reading!
January 16, 2023
Sisters Sibell and Constance Mackenzie have grown up in Castle Leod with their father, the Earl of Cromartie. Sibell, the older sister, has found solace in books and the mysteries of the castle. Differing from Sibell, Constance thrives on adventure, horseback riding, hunting and athletics. When it is time, their father decides that Sibell will inherit the estate and titles that go along with it. Sibell takes her duties seriously and seeks to care for the people and lands that she is given charge of. With her marriage to Lt. Col. Edward Blunt, Sibell also secures hydroelectric power for the people. However, when Sibell's first child dies mysteries shortly after her birth, Sibell blames Constance for setting a bizarre chain of events in motion. Sibell breaks contact with her sister and sets on a path of spiritualism, hoping to see her daughter once again. Meanwhile, Constance travels the world, seeking to live a healthy life. However, Sibell sees Constance's actions as constantly undermining her and attempting to gain the estate.
Castle Leod is the inspiration for the fictional Castle Leoch. However, Castle Leod was the home to two very real sisters with amazing and magical lives of their own. The writing immediately caught my attention with the story of Castle Leod's ghost, the Nightwatchman. Through this story, I could easily imagine the atmosphere of the castle and could easily see the distinct personalities of each sister. The story is told through Sibell's point of view alone, diving into Sibell's duties as Countess, emotions and journey into spiritualism. Constance is still a fully formed character and force within the book, her life could definitely carry a book of its own. I did enjoy reading about the sister's interactions and how it seemed that Constance may have been purposely pushing Sibell's buttons or that Sibell always saw the worst in her sister's actions. Sibell's spiritual journey was a large part of the story, I was taken in by the mystery of past lives as much as Sibell was and was equally amazed at her strength in realizing what was true and what she simply wanted to be true. In the end, Sisters of Castle Leod is about the bond of sisterhood and creating your own path in the world.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Castle Leod is the inspiration for the fictional Castle Leoch. However, Castle Leod was the home to two very real sisters with amazing and magical lives of their own. The writing immediately caught my attention with the story of Castle Leod's ghost, the Nightwatchman. Through this story, I could easily imagine the atmosphere of the castle and could easily see the distinct personalities of each sister. The story is told through Sibell's point of view alone, diving into Sibell's duties as Countess, emotions and journey into spiritualism. Constance is still a fully formed character and force within the book, her life could definitely carry a book of its own. I did enjoy reading about the sister's interactions and how it seemed that Constance may have been purposely pushing Sibell's buttons or that Sibell always saw the worst in her sister's actions. Sibell's spiritual journey was a large part of the story, I was taken in by the mystery of past lives as much as Sibell was and was equally amazed at her strength in realizing what was true and what she simply wanted to be true. In the end, Sisters of Castle Leod is about the bond of sisterhood and creating your own path in the world.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
January 19, 2023
Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is essentially the story of two sisters and the way their relationships changed throughout the years. It is inspired by real people. They had a wonderful father and an acceptable mother and they lived a good life. Sibell was older than Constance by about eight years, but she adored her the moment she was born. Constance was sunlight, always alive and moving about. As they got older they weren’t as close. Then, when Constance was about fourteen the worst happened: their father died. His will gave the entire estate (minus money for Mother and Constance) and the titles to Sibell, since there was no male heir. It took about a year for Queen Victoria to publish the proclamation, but she did as she had been a dear friend to their grandmother. That broke the relationship. Constance wanted half. Many things happened in their lives: Sibell married and had children; went through a time of chasing after spiritualists and believing in reincarnation. Constance married and held both receptions at Sibell’s castle, without Sibell’s knowledge and changed the groom, unbeknownst to anyone. They just never could communicate.
This was an interesting story. It is not often one is able to read about two entire lives and see how they change. Changes one probably doesn’t notice so much while they are happening. It was an odd time in history, allowing them both more freedom than had been in the past. It was well-written in that it was easy to follow the transitions from one to the other and through time. They were both interesting characters and Constance, especially, make one ponder the old question of nature versus nurture. Much of it was heart-breaking in its sadness, for each of them, in different ways. True historical fiction at its best.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Sisters of Castle Leod by Black Rose Writing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BlackRoseWriting #ElizabethHutchisonBernard #SistersOfCastleLeod
This was an interesting story. It is not often one is able to read about two entire lives and see how they change. Changes one probably doesn’t notice so much while they are happening. It was an odd time in history, allowing them both more freedom than had been in the past. It was well-written in that it was easy to follow the transitions from one to the other and through time. They were both interesting characters and Constance, especially, make one ponder the old question of nature versus nurture. Much of it was heart-breaking in its sadness, for each of them, in different ways. True historical fiction at its best.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Sisters of Castle Leod by Black Rose Writing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BlackRoseWriting #ElizabethHutchisonBernard #SistersOfCastleLeod
December 7, 2022
The force of sibling relationships draws readers in with raw emotion in Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard’s Sisters of Castle Leod. The power comes from an undercurrent of tension that ties sisters, Sibell and Constance, together and drives them apart. When Sibell, the older of the two sisters, inherits her father’s landholdings including the Castle Leod, the wedge widens. While hardly destitute with a dowry in reserve and a sister dedicated to caring for her, Constance chafes against tradition and embarks on public and private scandals to satisfy her free spirit. In turn, Sibell embraces marriage and motherhood, ready to settle into a comfortable life as Countess of Cromartie. When her first infant daughter dies without warning, old superstitions surface and accusations fly. Searching for answers, Sibell turns to spiritualism, desperate to find a way to bring her daughter back to life, even if it’s through reincarnation.
Moving from the Scottish Highlands to London with a detour to Venice and the ancient city of Tyre, backdrops come to life, influencing the characters and their choices. Reminiscent of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as presented in Netflix’s The Crown, Sisters of Castle Leod makes for an enjoyable quick read. Learning from the author’s note that Sibell and Constance were real people adds to the imaginative storytelling. I highly recommend it for readers looking to escape into real and imagined worlds of familial duty, romance, spiritualism and sibling relationships.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Moving from the Scottish Highlands to London with a detour to Venice and the ancient city of Tyre, backdrops come to life, influencing the characters and their choices. Reminiscent of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret as presented in Netflix’s The Crown, Sisters of Castle Leod makes for an enjoyable quick read. Learning from the author’s note that Sibell and Constance were real people adds to the imaginative storytelling. I highly recommend it for readers looking to escape into real and imagined worlds of familial duty, romance, spiritualism and sibling relationships.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2022
Overall Rating = 5
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing and Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5
In this sweeping historical drama, the true lives of two sisters, born into Scottish nobility, is fictionalized and carries the reader through the early part of the 20th century. Sibell Lilian Mackenzie inherits the wealth, responsibilities, and title of 3rd Countess of Cromartie while she dreams of fulfilling a lifelong goal of becoming a writer and sharing her long-suppressed beliefs in spiritualism and reincarnation. Her younger sister Constance, an accomplished sportswoman, rebels against the restraints of society and attempts to make her mark in an often-controversial manner. Their paths take them through joy and tragedy, love and anger, and suspicion and reconciliation.
This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. Ms. Bernard’s settings range from the Scottish Highlands to the cities of London, Venice, Constantinople, and New York, to the ancient port city of Tyre. Her characters are diverse and skillfully created, letting the reader relax and enjoy the ebb and flow of the plot, knowing the author had immersed herself into the era and the background to deliver a finely tuned story. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels.
Sublime Line: “A full five stars for this wonderfully rich tale about a pair of real-life sisters and their unforgettable adventures and achievements.”
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing and Delivery = 5
Editorial = 5
In this sweeping historical drama, the true lives of two sisters, born into Scottish nobility, is fictionalized and carries the reader through the early part of the 20th century. Sibell Lilian Mackenzie inherits the wealth, responsibilities, and title of 3rd Countess of Cromartie while she dreams of fulfilling a lifelong goal of becoming a writer and sharing her long-suppressed beliefs in spiritualism and reincarnation. Her younger sister Constance, an accomplished sportswoman, rebels against the restraints of society and attempts to make her mark in an often-controversial manner. Their paths take them through joy and tragedy, love and anger, and suspicion and reconciliation.
This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. Ms. Bernard’s settings range from the Scottish Highlands to the cities of London, Venice, Constantinople, and New York, to the ancient port city of Tyre. Her characters are diverse and skillfully created, letting the reader relax and enjoy the ebb and flow of the plot, knowing the author had immersed herself into the era and the background to deliver a finely tuned story. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels.
Sublime Line: “A full five stars for this wonderfully rich tale about a pair of real-life sisters and their unforgettable adventures and achievements.”
January 13, 2023
Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is a fantastic work of historical fiction that will inspire an interest into the true historical facts behind the characters. The intriguing characters drive this story forward and they are the main reason I kept pickup up this book over and over again. Set in the mysterious Castle Leod in Scotland and inspired by the lives of the real people, the novel follows Sibell Mackenzie, the third Countess of Cromartie, and her sister, Lady Constance Stewart-Richardson. This rich story is colored with the supernatural as the reader finds out more about Sibell’s belief in the “Unseen world”, her visions and premonitions as well as the castle’s very own ghost, the Night Watchman.
This riveting historical fiction novel follows the dramatic story of how the birth of Sibell’s daughter and a forgotten family tale set into motion a bitter feud between the two sisters. Sibell and Constance were close in their childhood but as they grew up, jealousy and superstition ripped them apart. Ever since their birth, the sisters had been juxtaposed and labeled as opposites. The conflict only grew worse when their father, the Earl of Cromartie, died and passed on the castle, titles, and land to his eldest daughter Sibell while Constance was left with a comparatively meager dowry. As time goes on, tragedy strikes and leads Sibell on a roller coaster journey in which different people get entangled in the sisters’ lives. Sibell’s grief and passionate belief in reincarnation lead her to different places around the world and events that change her life. All of this flows well because of the author's superb writing. If the tension isn't high, then the drama is, and because of this there is rarely a dull moment in this sensational historical fantasy.
On the surface, the story is about the fragile relationship between the two sisters but delving deeper, the questions raised by Sibell’s spiritualism and philosophy are intriguing and might even rearrange the way you think. I would recommend Sisters of Castle Leod to everyone who loves reading about gothic castles, spiritual quests, and complex relationships between family members. This stirring and well-crafted story will keep you entertained from beginning to end!
This riveting historical fiction novel follows the dramatic story of how the birth of Sibell’s daughter and a forgotten family tale set into motion a bitter feud between the two sisters. Sibell and Constance were close in their childhood but as they grew up, jealousy and superstition ripped them apart. Ever since their birth, the sisters had been juxtaposed and labeled as opposites. The conflict only grew worse when their father, the Earl of Cromartie, died and passed on the castle, titles, and land to his eldest daughter Sibell while Constance was left with a comparatively meager dowry. As time goes on, tragedy strikes and leads Sibell on a roller coaster journey in which different people get entangled in the sisters’ lives. Sibell’s grief and passionate belief in reincarnation lead her to different places around the world and events that change her life. All of this flows well because of the author's superb writing. If the tension isn't high, then the drama is, and because of this there is rarely a dull moment in this sensational historical fantasy.
On the surface, the story is about the fragile relationship between the two sisters but delving deeper, the questions raised by Sibell’s spiritualism and philosophy are intriguing and might even rearrange the way you think. I would recommend Sisters of Castle Leod to everyone who loves reading about gothic castles, spiritual quests, and complex relationships between family members. This stirring and well-crafted story will keep you entertained from beginning to end!
November 23, 2022
The Mackenzie sisters are two distinctly different personalities, each envying the other and clashing over their family legacy and the events of the day. Lady Sibell, the narrator, is the dedicated and diligent caretaker of the family estate left in her care even while pursuing her beliefs in spiritualism and an eventual dogged pursuit of a desired reincarnation while Lady Constance, the younger sister, was the golden child grown into a resentful and impetuous woman. How each sister reacts to the tragedies in their lives becomes a study in contrasts and the impressive way in which the author blends novelist’s invention and meticulous research to flesh out these women and their lives in Sisters of Castle Leod is mesmerizing.
Once again, Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has penned a portrait of a time and place in history, mixing fictional and historical characters to good effect and creating a treat for both the history buff and the historical fiction reader. Definitely one for the re-read shelf.
Highly recommended.
This review refers to a digital Advance Reader’s Copy that I voluntarily received and read via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Once again, Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard has penned a portrait of a time and place in history, mixing fictional and historical characters to good effect and creating a treat for both the history buff and the historical fiction reader. Definitely one for the re-read shelf.
Highly recommended.
This review refers to a digital Advance Reader’s Copy that I voluntarily received and read via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews