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The Secrets of Rochester Place
A beautiful story of love and survival for fans of Ruth Hogan and Sally Page.
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A LOST CHILD. A LONG-KEPT SECRET. THE HOUSE THAT HOLDS THE KEY
Spring 1937: Teresa is evacuated to London in the wake of the Guernica bombing. She thinks she's found safety in the soothing arms of Mary Davidson and the lofty halls of Rochester Place, but trouble pursues her wherever she goes.
Autumn 2020: Corinne, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call from a distressed woman named Mary. But when the ambulance arrives at the address, Mary is nowhere to be found. Intrigued, Corinne investigates and, in doing so, disturbs secrets that have long-dwelt in Rochester Place's crumbling walls. Secrets that, once revealed, will change her life for ever . . .
Who is Mary Davidson? And what happened at Rochester Place all those years ago?
Set between the dusty halls of Rochester Place and the bustling streets of modern-day Tooting, this emotive, intricately layered mystery tells the spellbinding story of two people, separated by time, yet mysteriously connected through an enchanting Georgian house and the secrets within its walls.
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'A moving, page-turning story - beautifully written and heartfelt' Amanda Prowse, To Love and Be Loved
'A rich and tender story of fortitude, family and friendship' Ruth Hogan, The Keeper of Lost Things
'Simply spellbinding, very addictive, and so beautifully written' Sophie Irwin, A Ladies Guide to Fortune Hunting
'Richly atmospheric, evocative and moving - a triumph of storytelling' Abbie Greaves, The Silent Treatment
'Full of intrigue and loss, this beautifully written gothic tale makes for a spellbinding read' Rhiannon Ward, The Quickening
'This atmospheric tale of family, friendship and long held secrets is a compelling read' My Weekly
'An intriguing story which skilfully entwines the past and present' Heidi Swain, A Taste of Home
'Absorbing, moving and multi-layered... A book to curl up with' Emma Curtis, Keep Her Quiet
'Beautifully written with a story that draws you in' Jane Corry, We All Have Our Secrets
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A LOST CHILD. A LONG-KEPT SECRET. THE HOUSE THAT HOLDS THE KEY
Spring 1937: Teresa is evacuated to London in the wake of the Guernica bombing. She thinks she's found safety in the soothing arms of Mary Davidson and the lofty halls of Rochester Place, but trouble pursues her wherever she goes.
Autumn 2020: Corinne, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call from a distressed woman named Mary. But when the ambulance arrives at the address, Mary is nowhere to be found. Intrigued, Corinne investigates and, in doing so, disturbs secrets that have long-dwelt in Rochester Place's crumbling walls. Secrets that, once revealed, will change her life for ever . . .
Who is Mary Davidson? And what happened at Rochester Place all those years ago?
Set between the dusty halls of Rochester Place and the bustling streets of modern-day Tooting, this emotive, intricately layered mystery tells the spellbinding story of two people, separated by time, yet mysteriously connected through an enchanting Georgian house and the secrets within its walls.
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'A moving, page-turning story - beautifully written and heartfelt' Amanda Prowse, To Love and Be Loved
'A rich and tender story of fortitude, family and friendship' Ruth Hogan, The Keeper of Lost Things
'Simply spellbinding, very addictive, and so beautifully written' Sophie Irwin, A Ladies Guide to Fortune Hunting
'Richly atmospheric, evocative and moving - a triumph of storytelling' Abbie Greaves, The Silent Treatment
'Full of intrigue and loss, this beautifully written gothic tale makes for a spellbinding read' Rhiannon Ward, The Quickening
'This atmospheric tale of family, friendship and long held secrets is a compelling read' My Weekly
'An intriguing story which skilfully entwines the past and present' Heidi Swain, A Taste of Home
'Absorbing, moving and multi-layered... A book to curl up with' Emma Curtis, Keep Her Quiet
'Beautifully written with a story that draws you in' Jane Corry, We All Have Our Secrets
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2022
26 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 21, 2022
A wonderful dual timeline story, beginning with what appears to be a telephone call from a woman who died in 1940. Corinne receives the call on her personal mobile when she is on a break during her job as a first responder, answering ‘999’ calls.
With the help of her uncle who is a well known house historian, she begins to unravel the story of Mary who lived at Rochester Place when it was destroyed by a bomb in 1940.
The historical time line goes back to May 1937 and Teresa, a young girl who is lucky to be alive, is escaping the war in her country by travelling to England by boat to safety. She has been put on the boat by her older sister who has promised to come and find her when it is safe.
As Corinne and her uncle dig deeper into the history, and the mystery of the phone call, they uncover family secrets which have been hidden for years. Secrets kept by their own family.
The novel is well researched, and the author includes folklore stories she has grown up with which is such a special touch.
Tremendous. I enjoyed every page. I didn’t expect the literal cold shivers down my spine when the secrets began to unfold. Or the tears towards the end. It has to be a well written novel to trigger such emotions!
Fans of dual timeline historical fiction novels centred around family secrets are going to love this.
Thank you Ellie at Penguin Random House for my stunning proof and my place on the blog tour.
With the help of her uncle who is a well known house historian, she begins to unravel the story of Mary who lived at Rochester Place when it was destroyed by a bomb in 1940.
The historical time line goes back to May 1937 and Teresa, a young girl who is lucky to be alive, is escaping the war in her country by travelling to England by boat to safety. She has been put on the boat by her older sister who has promised to come and find her when it is safe.
As Corinne and her uncle dig deeper into the history, and the mystery of the phone call, they uncover family secrets which have been hidden for years. Secrets kept by their own family.
The novel is well researched, and the author includes folklore stories she has grown up with which is such a special touch.
Tremendous. I enjoyed every page. I didn’t expect the literal cold shivers down my spine when the secrets began to unfold. Or the tears towards the end. It has to be a well written novel to trigger such emotions!
Fans of dual timeline historical fiction novels centred around family secrets are going to love this.
Thank you Ellie at Penguin Random House for my stunning proof and my place on the blog tour.
February 5, 2023
3 and a half stars, rounded up to 4. I enjoyed this book but for the double timeline, which always makes things more complicated for me.
January 8, 2023
A very mixed experience reading this!
The book follows the story of Teresa, who is evacuated from Guernica in the wake of the bombings of 1937, and finds herself in London, where she is taken in by a lady called Mary. Mary, originally Irish, finds herself taking care of the children of a very well-regarded RAF commandant Mr Davidson. There, she falls in love with his son, Ronald, and together they inherit Rochester Place, where she brings Teresa in the 1940s timeline. Flash forward to 2020, where Corinne, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call from Mary, urging her to save those residing at Rochester Place. But, on the scene, Corinne doesn't find anyone. This causes a domino effect, where Corinne is determined to find out the mystery behind that call. Who was Mary? And how was she able to contact Corinne from beyond the grave?
I’m so happy to have had the chance to read an advanced reader copy of this book! Although I did not finish it prior to its publication, but rather a month later, I am happy that I took my time with reading, because I really felt I had the chance to enjoy this fully, without rushing to finish books before the end of 2022.
I really enjoyed the three-character POV here, and how the storylines aligned together towards the end of the book. I did feel at times that it was taking rather long to get to the big reveal of the connection between Mary/Teresa/Corinne. However, looking back on this after I finished reading, it made perfect sense to elongate the narrative, as it really captured the lasting impact of the Guernica bombing and the Second World War into the 21st century. I loved Mary’s character, her strength and resilience is truly inspiring, and you can see that same strength in Teresa as well. I loved their connection and journey and was truly moved by their stories. The ending was quite heart-breaking but beautiful.
I have to say, as the pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, I was completely surprised by the connection between the three characters, I don't think I could have predicted it, although I did have some hunches that were close, but not close enough.
Thank you Penguin Random House for an advanced copy of this book, and to Iris Costello for creating such a beautiful story, and to NetGalley for providing me access to an e-book version as well.
The book follows the story of Teresa, who is evacuated from Guernica in the wake of the bombings of 1937, and finds herself in London, where she is taken in by a lady called Mary. Mary, originally Irish, finds herself taking care of the children of a very well-regarded RAF commandant Mr Davidson. There, she falls in love with his son, Ronald, and together they inherit Rochester Place, where she brings Teresa in the 1940s timeline. Flash forward to 2020, where Corinne, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call from Mary, urging her to save those residing at Rochester Place. But, on the scene, Corinne doesn't find anyone. This causes a domino effect, where Corinne is determined to find out the mystery behind that call. Who was Mary? And how was she able to contact Corinne from beyond the grave?
I’m so happy to have had the chance to read an advanced reader copy of this book! Although I did not finish it prior to its publication, but rather a month later, I am happy that I took my time with reading, because I really felt I had the chance to enjoy this fully, without rushing to finish books before the end of 2022.
I really enjoyed the three-character POV here, and how the storylines aligned together towards the end of the book. I did feel at times that it was taking rather long to get to the big reveal of the connection between Mary/Teresa/Corinne. However, looking back on this after I finished reading, it made perfect sense to elongate the narrative, as it really captured the lasting impact of the Guernica bombing and the Second World War into the 21st century. I loved Mary’s character, her strength and resilience is truly inspiring, and you can see that same strength in Teresa as well. I loved their connection and journey and was truly moved by their stories. The ending was quite heart-breaking but beautiful.
I have to say, as the pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, I was completely surprised by the connection between the three characters, I don't think I could have predicted it, although I did have some hunches that were close, but not close enough.
Thank you Penguin Random House for an advanced copy of this book, and to Iris Costello for creating such a beautiful story, and to NetGalley for providing me access to an e-book version as well.
August 21, 2022
Thank you net galley for providing me with a free arc of the secrets of Rochester place in exchange for a honest review.
Although the twists and povs as well as portrayal of racism and grief were well done, the lack of descriptions on both the characters appearance and personalities as well as the simplicity in writing makes me unable to rate this as high as I'd like to. It's clear that Costello has a lot of potential, however this book isn't necessary one I'd recommend due to often feeling as if the author was so focused on leaving no plot holes, making everything come together perfectly, to the point where she didn't focus as much as I'd want her to in actually writing in a more complex way that would make the reader feel more intensely about the story.
Although the twists and povs as well as portrayal of racism and grief were well done, the lack of descriptions on both the characters appearance and personalities as well as the simplicity in writing makes me unable to rate this as high as I'd like to. It's clear that Costello has a lot of potential, however this book isn't necessary one I'd recommend due to often feeling as if the author was so focused on leaving no plot holes, making everything come together perfectly, to the point where she didn't focus as much as I'd want her to in actually writing in a more complex way that would make the reader feel more intensely about the story.
March 27, 2024
This was a book with so much mystery that it kept a good pace throughout. I loved the way the timelines connected and the way we heard of different sides to World War Two.
April 21, 2023
This book didn’t quite hit the spot for me but had the potential to be so much more. It has all my favourites, dual timeline, historical fiction, likeable characters but there was something missing which I can’t quite put my finger on.
December 22, 2022
The story begins in 1937 when we meet 10 year old Theresa who is in the process of being evacuated to London due to the Guernica bombing leaving behind her only family her older sister. Theresa meets Mary Davidson during her journey and moves with Mary to Rochester Place, Mary’s home. Fast forward to 2020 and emergency services operator Corrine is just finishing her shift when she receives a call from a woman called Mary requesting help at Rochester Place. Although Corrine dispatches an ambulance to the address she is informed that Rochester Place does not exist. However, the phone call haunts Corrine. Who is the woman that called Corrine and what happened at Rochester Place all those years ago. Corrine takes it upon herself to uncover the truth and unearths a number of secrets along the way.
I found this to be a very interesting read. I know very little about the Guernica bombing during the Spanish Civil war so after reading the first few chapters from Theresa’s perspective I did a little online research to learn a bit more and what Theresa may have been faced with at the time. From my perspective Theresa is a very brave young girl. She leaves her country for another where she is unfamiliar with the language and customs. Whilst reading I would sometimes forget that Theresa was only 10 years old because at times she seemed very grown up for her age.
The story is told from multiple narratives but also features a dual timeline. In the present Corrine is trying to come to terms with the mysterious phone call and trying to find out what happened to Rochester Place and its occupants. In the past Theresa is coming to terms with being separated from her sister, living in a new place and hoping that one day she can return home. Although Theresa is very young she is probably one of the characters with the most life experience. Essentially she is a young child who in a short period of time experiences not one war but two wars. She is evacuated from Spain during the Spanish Civil War, finds a home in Rochester Place and then the next event is the Second World War. From Mary’s narrative we learn more about her background, marriage to Ronald, how she came into contact with Theresa and became her guardian.
What I liked about the story was that it was like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. With each chapter a new perspective was given like a little piece of the puzzle and by the end of the book I had all of the pieces forming the bigger picture. Looking back at the story now I still don’t think I would have been able to piece the story together or predict how it would end or even how the characters were connected.
It's clear from the way the book is written and the detail contained in the story that the author has done a lot of research into the events that took place in 1937 to the Second World War. The author has bought to the attention of readers the experiences faced by the Basque children when they were evacuated.
A story of intrigue and mystery set in a wartime setting.
I found this to be a very interesting read. I know very little about the Guernica bombing during the Spanish Civil war so after reading the first few chapters from Theresa’s perspective I did a little online research to learn a bit more and what Theresa may have been faced with at the time. From my perspective Theresa is a very brave young girl. She leaves her country for another where she is unfamiliar with the language and customs. Whilst reading I would sometimes forget that Theresa was only 10 years old because at times she seemed very grown up for her age.
The story is told from multiple narratives but also features a dual timeline. In the present Corrine is trying to come to terms with the mysterious phone call and trying to find out what happened to Rochester Place and its occupants. In the past Theresa is coming to terms with being separated from her sister, living in a new place and hoping that one day she can return home. Although Theresa is very young she is probably one of the characters with the most life experience. Essentially she is a young child who in a short period of time experiences not one war but two wars. She is evacuated from Spain during the Spanish Civil War, finds a home in Rochester Place and then the next event is the Second World War. From Mary’s narrative we learn more about her background, marriage to Ronald, how she came into contact with Theresa and became her guardian.
What I liked about the story was that it was like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. With each chapter a new perspective was given like a little piece of the puzzle and by the end of the book I had all of the pieces forming the bigger picture. Looking back at the story now I still don’t think I would have been able to piece the story together or predict how it would end or even how the characters were connected.
It's clear from the way the book is written and the detail contained in the story that the author has done a lot of research into the events that took place in 1937 to the Second World War. The author has bought to the attention of readers the experiences faced by the Basque children when they were evacuated.
A story of intrigue and mystery set in a wartime setting.
December 14, 2022
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Penguin for approving me for an ARC of this book. I was initially drawn in by the gorgeous cover and once I read the blurb I knew it was right up my street!
Told in a dual timeline story we are immediately thrown into a mystery, seeped in history and family drama. In the present day with have Corrine who is trying to figure out who her mystery caller may be and why she has been contacted by what can only be described as ‘ghosts’. With the help of her Uncle Robin she immediately sets to work to unravel the mystery of Rochester Place.
We are then thrown back to 1937 where we learn all about Teresa’s life and her arrival at Rochester Place with Mary and Ronald. Whilst staying there Teresa discovers Mary’s diary and we then learn more about Mary and her life before London. Whilst reading this part of the story I kept asking myself what the connection could be between these two ladies and Corrine, knowing that there must be one some where.
All my questions were answered and the whole story comes full circle. I loved the element of surprise and found the ending to be an emotional one. This story obviously has connections to the authors roots and I loved the inclusion of folktales, adding a more ghostly effect. When it coms to historical fiction I usually find it teaches me something new and in this case I learnt a lot about the evacuation of Spanish children in the civil war. Teresa’s story was particularly moving throughout and she ended up being my favourite character.
A fantastic read that pulled me in from the start and kept me on tenterhooks until the very last page. A story of love, family, hope and forgiveness. Definitely not one to be missed!
Told in a dual timeline story we are immediately thrown into a mystery, seeped in history and family drama. In the present day with have Corrine who is trying to figure out who her mystery caller may be and why she has been contacted by what can only be described as ‘ghosts’. With the help of her Uncle Robin she immediately sets to work to unravel the mystery of Rochester Place.
We are then thrown back to 1937 where we learn all about Teresa’s life and her arrival at Rochester Place with Mary and Ronald. Whilst staying there Teresa discovers Mary’s diary and we then learn more about Mary and her life before London. Whilst reading this part of the story I kept asking myself what the connection could be between these two ladies and Corrine, knowing that there must be one some where.
All my questions were answered and the whole story comes full circle. I loved the element of surprise and found the ending to be an emotional one. This story obviously has connections to the authors roots and I loved the inclusion of folktales, adding a more ghostly effect. When it coms to historical fiction I usually find it teaches me something new and in this case I learnt a lot about the evacuation of Spanish children in the civil war. Teresa’s story was particularly moving throughout and she ended up being my favourite character.
A fantastic read that pulled me in from the start and kept me on tenterhooks until the very last page. A story of love, family, hope and forgiveness. Definitely not one to be missed!
February 8, 2023
Maybe, at a push, 2.5 stars.
A dual timeline narrative that begins when Corrine appears to get a phone call from a woman who has been dead for 70 years. So begins an unravelling of the history of a forgotten house and the people who lived in it.
Up to a point this is a good story, and then it all just falls apart. Silly mistakes are distracting - a customer takes out a money pouch, pays by card, says keep the change, for example - and then there are ridiculous things such as Gran being able to talk with a breathing tube in. You cannot talk when ventilated. That shoved me right out of the story with incredulity.
And then the reveal comes and it’s just…nonsense. There was a logical and believable way this could have gone. The author chose another route.
A dual timeline narrative that begins when Corrine appears to get a phone call from a woman who has been dead for 70 years. So begins an unravelling of the history of a forgotten house and the people who lived in it.
Up to a point this is a good story, and then it all just falls apart. Silly mistakes are distracting - a customer takes out a money pouch, pays by card, says keep the change, for example - and then there are ridiculous things such as Gran being able to talk with a breathing tube in. You cannot talk when ventilated. That shoved me right out of the story with incredulity.
And then the reveal comes and it’s just…nonsense. There was a logical and believable way this could have gone. The author chose another route.
August 26, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Read this if you like: Historical fiction🔙, mysteries🤔, beautiful houses🏡, LGBTQIA+ representation🏳️🌈, love stories♥️, Multiple POVS & timelines👩👧👧
I’ve been in a sort of reading slump lately so I found this book hard for me to start off. Last month I read so much when I was on vacation that only reading two books this month really got me in a rut…but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this book!
I am a huge sucker for historical fiction set during the Second World War. It’s a topic I got introduced to in elementary school and I’ve always wanted to learn more about. So that right away got me sucked into the book. Adding in the mystery of the phone call Corrine received and who Teresa and Mary was and you had a recipe for greatness.
*potential spoiler in this paragraph* I really truly did not expect there to be in twist in this story. The fact that I didn’t think there was going to be a twist meant I couldn’t even guess what the twist was but I LOVED IT.
I originally rated this 3.5 stars but had to up it to 4 stars after writing this review. I loved the characters and loved how the plot developed through the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for letting me read this ARC copy of The Secrets of Rochester Place. I absolutely loved reading this story! Pub date is December 8th so add that to your calendar and buy buy buy 📚
Read this if you like: Historical fiction🔙, mysteries🤔, beautiful houses🏡, LGBTQIA+ representation🏳️🌈, love stories♥️, Multiple POVS & timelines👩👧👧
I’ve been in a sort of reading slump lately so I found this book hard for me to start off. Last month I read so much when I was on vacation that only reading two books this month really got me in a rut…but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this book!
I am a huge sucker for historical fiction set during the Second World War. It’s a topic I got introduced to in elementary school and I’ve always wanted to learn more about. So that right away got me sucked into the book. Adding in the mystery of the phone call Corrine received and who Teresa and Mary was and you had a recipe for greatness.
*potential spoiler in this paragraph* I really truly did not expect there to be in twist in this story. The fact that I didn’t think there was going to be a twist meant I couldn’t even guess what the twist was but I LOVED IT.
I originally rated this 3.5 stars but had to up it to 4 stars after writing this review. I loved the characters and loved how the plot developed through the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for letting me read this ARC copy of The Secrets of Rochester Place. I absolutely loved reading this story! Pub date is December 8th so add that to your calendar and buy buy buy 📚
December 14, 2022
With these two intertwining timelines, the plot keeps the reader engaged and the suspense of the mysteries and secrets of this house pick up pace, making this a story a page turner indeed. The notion of ghosts and the supernatural made this read atmospheric and at times a little chilling! I also loved the descriptions of Rochester Place which made it very inviting but also full of hidden secrets in its nooks and crannies.
By reading this book, I learnt a bit more about the Guernica bombing that took place during the Spanish civil war and the devastating impact on families torn apart by war. The author also explores difficult themes that cover political, social and racial divisions in both timelines, which I found interesting and important topics in present times.
The plot is multi-layered which made it feel very satisfying towards the end when all is revealed.
This is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a grand English home, set in London, filled with family secrets.
By reading this book, I learnt a bit more about the Guernica bombing that took place during the Spanish civil war and the devastating impact on families torn apart by war. The author also explores difficult themes that cover political, social and racial divisions in both timelines, which I found interesting and important topics in present times.
The plot is multi-layered which made it feel very satisfying towards the end when all is revealed.
This is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a grand English home, set in London, filled with family secrets.
February 22, 2024
***SPOILERS***
Rating - 3⭐️
-I was surprised that this was more of a war survivor story than a crime or thriller since that's where I found it in my local store, but it portrayed Teresa's story so well
-I enjoyed Teresa's POV and Mary's diary the most
-Corrine frustrated me a little, though she put it together in the end
-I loved that Luca and Teresa found each other in the end but I don't think Luca had the right to decide unilaterally that they shouldn't be together
-I'm glad Mary was not a spy and decided to not hate Ronald, but the story heavily lent towards her having some more involvement with Constance than she said - it felt a little disappointing
-I did like the feminist representation in all the female characters for making their own way in life and finding love as a side story rather than the main aim
-I enjoyed reading the book and the suspense created but the writing was a little basic
-I thought Teresa was very brave and courageous to survive all she did and still have hope in the future
Favourite Quotes
-Be brave, little one. Be brave - Katalin
-One day, you wake up and the sadness stone is gone. The birds came and got rid of it without you ever realising it - Katalin
-Stories are just like seeds - Ronald
-I began to realise just how alike my grandparents were- two gentle but independent souls who had been rocked by trauma and heartbreak but had never been defeated - Corrine
Rating - 3⭐️
-I was surprised that this was more of a war survivor story than a crime or thriller since that's where I found it in my local store, but it portrayed Teresa's story so well
-I enjoyed Teresa's POV and Mary's diary the most
-Corrine frustrated me a little, though she put it together in the end
-I loved that Luca and Teresa found each other in the end but I don't think Luca had the right to decide unilaterally that they shouldn't be together
-I'm glad Mary was not a spy and decided to not hate Ronald, but the story heavily lent towards her having some more involvement with Constance than she said - it felt a little disappointing
-I did like the feminist representation in all the female characters for making their own way in life and finding love as a side story rather than the main aim
-I enjoyed reading the book and the suspense created but the writing was a little basic
-I thought Teresa was very brave and courageous to survive all she did and still have hope in the future
Favourite Quotes
-Be brave, little one. Be brave - Katalin
-One day, you wake up and the sadness stone is gone. The birds came and got rid of it without you ever realising it - Katalin
-Stories are just like seeds - Ronald
-I began to realise just how alike my grandparents were- two gentle but independent souls who had been rocked by trauma and heartbreak but had never been defeated - Corrine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
The Secrets of Rochester Place by @iriscostellowords is a 5 star read
It's Spring 1937: Teresa, a young girl is evacuated to London in the wake of the Guernica bombing. By chance Teresa meets Mary Davidson who changes her live and takes her to live with her and her husband Ronald at Rochester Place. But happiness soon turns to tragedy.
It's Autumn 2020: Corrine, Is a emergency services operator who receives an unsettling call from a woman named Mary who desperately needs help her crys that her daughter is in need of help but when the ambulance arrives Mary or the house is nowhere to be found..
Rochester Place is a magical experience a beautiful journey into a historic world, I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, it was beautifully written and plotted with characters that you will take to your heart, once I was hit with the first twist I literally cried and didn't stop till the end.
Rochester Place is one of those books that you will never forget, it's totally unputdownable & forever unforgettable this is one book not to be missed..
It's Spring 1937: Teresa, a young girl is evacuated to London in the wake of the Guernica bombing. By chance Teresa meets Mary Davidson who changes her live and takes her to live with her and her husband Ronald at Rochester Place. But happiness soon turns to tragedy.
It's Autumn 2020: Corrine, Is a emergency services operator who receives an unsettling call from a woman named Mary who desperately needs help her crys that her daughter is in need of help but when the ambulance arrives Mary or the house is nowhere to be found..
Rochester Place is a magical experience a beautiful journey into a historic world, I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, it was beautifully written and plotted with characters that you will take to your heart, once I was hit with the first twist I literally cried and didn't stop till the end.
Rochester Place is one of those books that you will never forget, it's totally unputdownable & forever unforgettable this is one book not to be missed..
December 15, 2022
What a beautiful story. I loved the two timelines and the stories told by Mary, Teresa and Corinne. So emotional and heartbreaking, this is a story of love and loyalty.
The introduction to the mystery surrounding the phone call Corinne receives is a clever beginning to the story- I was invested in her story from the very start and felt involved completely in her emotional journey.
Brilliant additional characters added such depth to the story and I especially liked Uncle Robin.
A beautiful read full of emotion. A must for historical fiction fans.
The introduction to the mystery surrounding the phone call Corinne receives is a clever beginning to the story- I was invested in her story from the very start and felt involved completely in her emotional journey.
Brilliant additional characters added such depth to the story and I especially liked Uncle Robin.
A beautiful read full of emotion. A must for historical fiction fans.
February 19, 2023
Such a beautiful and yet painful story. This book really captures the pain of a child during a war.
February 22, 2023
The idea was there it was an alright one, however the author chose the wrong words and stories to link ideas.
The last two chapters were practically pointless
The last two chapters were practically pointless
April 9, 2023
Read this quickly and in doing so I got really lost in the story. An enjoyable book.
December 17, 2022
The first chapter of The Secrets of Rochester Place really thrilled me. What a brilliant start which set the tone for a whole book of mysteries and revelations! Corinne in the present day timeline is an emergency call handler, taking calls from people in dire situations and talking them through it until the emergency services arrive. A call she gets one particular night is different though. It's from a woman called Mary, asking her to save her daughter who is trapped at Rochester Place but when the emergency services get there there's no sign of Mary…..or the house. Was it a hoax? Corinne is used to them but something feels different this time.
There are two other timelines. One is Mary's diary and the other is that of Teresa, an 8 year old girl fleeing the Spanish Civil War and the bombing of Guernica in 1937. The latter storyline is by far the more detailed and is the stronger of the three, but I did enjoy Corinne's and Mary's stories and the way they all became more and more entwined as the book progressed.
One aspect I particularly liked was Rochester Place itself, a Georgian house in a rural setting right in the middle of a bustling part of London. I love the idea of little pockets with hidden gems like that. The three central women characters were all wonderful, although I perhaps liked Mary most of all because of her strength of character and her kindness.
I thought this was a beautifully written book, plotted to perfection so that all the threads came together skilfully and magnificently. I've read this author's psychological thrillers before (as Nuala Ellwood) and really enjoyed them. This book has a different focus, a historical and family mystery, but the same fantastic writing is in evidence. I hope there will be more in a similar vein from Iris Costello. I absolutely adored finding out The Secrets of Rochester Place.
There are two other timelines. One is Mary's diary and the other is that of Teresa, an 8 year old girl fleeing the Spanish Civil War and the bombing of Guernica in 1937. The latter storyline is by far the more detailed and is the stronger of the three, but I did enjoy Corinne's and Mary's stories and the way they all became more and more entwined as the book progressed.
One aspect I particularly liked was Rochester Place itself, a Georgian house in a rural setting right in the middle of a bustling part of London. I love the idea of little pockets with hidden gems like that. The three central women characters were all wonderful, although I perhaps liked Mary most of all because of her strength of character and her kindness.
I thought this was a beautifully written book, plotted to perfection so that all the threads came together skilfully and magnificently. I've read this author's psychological thrillers before (as Nuala Ellwood) and really enjoyed them. This book has a different focus, a historical and family mystery, but the same fantastic writing is in evidence. I hope there will be more in a similar vein from Iris Costello. I absolutely adored finding out The Secrets of Rochester Place.
October 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it within a couple of days. I loved all the different story lines and wasn't expecting exactly how the book was tied up at the end which I thought worked well.
December 4, 2022
I do love a book set over two different timelines which make you wonder what the connection between the two is going to be. This book in fact had an extra earlier time period brought in through the pages of a diary which I particularly enjoyed.
It was a notably mysterious start to the book as Corrine receives a phone call from a distressed woman, but when the emergency services get there the woman, and in fact the house, is nowhere to be seen. Not surprisingly, this both mystified and intrigued Corrine – and me as well.
I really enjoyed both the storylines of this book. In the present day, Corinne’s quest to unravel the mystery behind Rochester Place was very compelling. The 1930s part of the story was so evocative of a turbulent time in world history and showed clearly the awful effects that had on so many people. The author combined the past and the present so well and certainly kept me guessing as to how they would come together.
There is a strong focus on people who have left their native lands for one reason or another and how they are treated by those in their adopted countries. This was particularly true of the 1930s timeline which references both the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War but we also see xenophobic treatment of people regarded as a bit different in the present day storyline.
The Secrets of Rochester Place is a beautifully written, atmospheric story of love, courage and family secrets. There are so many layers to the book and it’s clearly well researched, which makes for a very satisfying read.
It was a notably mysterious start to the book as Corrine receives a phone call from a distressed woman, but when the emergency services get there the woman, and in fact the house, is nowhere to be seen. Not surprisingly, this both mystified and intrigued Corrine – and me as well.
I really enjoyed both the storylines of this book. In the present day, Corinne’s quest to unravel the mystery behind Rochester Place was very compelling. The 1930s part of the story was so evocative of a turbulent time in world history and showed clearly the awful effects that had on so many people. The author combined the past and the present so well and certainly kept me guessing as to how they would come together.
There is a strong focus on people who have left their native lands for one reason or another and how they are treated by those in their adopted countries. This was particularly true of the 1930s timeline which references both the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War but we also see xenophobic treatment of people regarded as a bit different in the present day storyline.
The Secrets of Rochester Place is a beautifully written, atmospheric story of love, courage and family secrets. There are so many layers to the book and it’s clearly well researched, which makes for a very satisfying read.
March 21, 2023
Ани, I accidentally joined a book club and this was the first book they gave me. Just reading the blurb I knew it was for me, I’m interested in the unfurling of mysteries in the lives gone by that somehow connect to a main character. I also like to read books set in ww2 from perspectives of civilian people, how they coped, their strength, their bravery, what it was like living in different countries, how they differ, the sides that you don’t learn at school.
At first I didn’t think this book flowed well to be honest. I struggled to be immersed in the first few chapters. There were a lot of details, metaphors and similes but it felt as if they were out there to check off a box to say you’d used them rather than to draw you in and paint a picture. It didn’t feel like they flowed and were natural, like in English class when you needed to include these things at least once to pass your test. Thankfully, shortly after that, it changed and didn’t feel the same anymore and I was quickly engrossed. Perhaps I felt this way because I tend to avoid book written in the current time period, of mobiles and computers, of someone going to work and the details about it, it bores me so is harder to be absorbed.
The present weaves in with the past and the book jumps from different parts of the past to the present in a way that keeps it interesting.
I guessed some of the plot points way ahead of time but unlike other books I’ve read, i wasn’t certain, other things would surprise or enchant me that when it was revealed it was excited rather than feeling like I had read the rest of the book for nothing (as the rest of the writing was to solely build up to this big reveal). I enjoyed deducing and getting things right and wrong, it made it all the more interesting.
I liked Uncle Robin, Mary and Ronald, they seemed homely and familiar in a sense, all have their quirks, their light in spite of the darkness they have suffered, choosing to make the best of things and live life in little ways that make their souls shine.
i really enjoyed to read the descriptions of Uncle Robin’s house and Rochester Place. They are filled with character, old furniture, little details that I know we would both want to have in our own places. The feelings described as they were first seen are what I aim to feel and have others feel in my home. I wanted to jump inside the book and take in every nook and cranny, every dust speckled patch of sunlight through the windows. Lie in the garden surrounded by the plants and the chickens.
In my opinion the writer tackled racism and bigotry well, it felt familiar and realistic to what I’ve seen before in real life. I liked that they showed the side of England in the war that wasn’t ideal, wasn���t heroic and perfect like the English media and history books tend to solely portray.
It was refreshing and great to see that the main character in the present day is a lesbian and isn’t written as a stereotype, it isn’t a big part of the plot, not integral to the plot, just there, just existing, as they should be. It didn’t feel to me like it was written in a ‘look at me, I have an LGBTQ+ character in my book, it is inclusive it ticks off a checkbox, aren’t I brave and an ally’ the character just WAS, and I really like that.
I really enjoyed the plot, the twist and turns, the settings and the characters, they felt really and HUMAN.
If you read it let me know what you think ☺️
At first I didn’t think this book flowed well to be honest. I struggled to be immersed in the first few chapters. There were a lot of details, metaphors and similes but it felt as if they were out there to check off a box to say you’d used them rather than to draw you in and paint a picture. It didn’t feel like they flowed and were natural, like in English class when you needed to include these things at least once to pass your test. Thankfully, shortly after that, it changed and didn’t feel the same anymore and I was quickly engrossed. Perhaps I felt this way because I tend to avoid book written in the current time period, of mobiles and computers, of someone going to work and the details about it, it bores me so is harder to be absorbed.
The present weaves in with the past and the book jumps from different parts of the past to the present in a way that keeps it interesting.
I guessed some of the plot points way ahead of time but unlike other books I’ve read, i wasn’t certain, other things would surprise or enchant me that when it was revealed it was excited rather than feeling like I had read the rest of the book for nothing (as the rest of the writing was to solely build up to this big reveal). I enjoyed deducing and getting things right and wrong, it made it all the more interesting.
I liked Uncle Robin, Mary and Ronald, they seemed homely and familiar in a sense, all have their quirks, their light in spite of the darkness they have suffered, choosing to make the best of things and live life in little ways that make their souls shine.
i really enjoyed to read the descriptions of Uncle Robin’s house and Rochester Place. They are filled with character, old furniture, little details that I know we would both want to have in our own places. The feelings described as they were first seen are what I aim to feel and have others feel in my home. I wanted to jump inside the book and take in every nook and cranny, every dust speckled patch of sunlight through the windows. Lie in the garden surrounded by the plants and the chickens.
In my opinion the writer tackled racism and bigotry well, it felt familiar and realistic to what I’ve seen before in real life. I liked that they showed the side of England in the war that wasn’t ideal, wasn���t heroic and perfect like the English media and history books tend to solely portray.
It was refreshing and great to see that the main character in the present day is a lesbian and isn’t written as a stereotype, it isn’t a big part of the plot, not integral to the plot, just there, just existing, as they should be. It didn’t feel to me like it was written in a ‘look at me, I have an LGBTQ+ character in my book, it is inclusive it ticks off a checkbox, aren’t I brave and an ally’ the character just WAS, and I really like that.
I really enjoyed the plot, the twist and turns, the settings and the characters, they felt really and HUMAN.
If you read it let me know what you think ☺️
December 14, 2022
London 1937: A young Basque girl called Teresa is evacuated to London in the wake of the destruction of Guernica, during the Spanish Civil War. Fearing she will never see her sister again, she finds a home with Mary and her husband at the faded Georgian grandeur of Rochester Place. But war has not yet finished with Teresa.
London, 2020. When Corinne, an emergency services operator, receives a distressing call from a woman called Mary, desperately pleading for help, she has no idea that it will open up a mystery surrounding a place that she never knew existed in her Tooting neighbourhood - for when the ambulance crew arrive at Rochester Place, all they find is a long neglected garden, with no house in sight.
As Corinne begins to look into the mystery, she learns about the history of Rochester Place and the fate of its inhabitants Mary and Teresa, during World War II. Can it be possible that she received a message from beyond the grave? There are secrets to be uncovered here, and little does she know that some of them lead back to the history of her own family.
This is a beautifully contrived time-slip mystery that moves back and forth between wartime and modern day Tooting. The wartime thread brings alive the tales of Teresa, a refugee child from the Spanish Civil War, and Mary, an Irish emigrée who has made London her home under unusual circumstances. In parallel, we follow the thread of Corinne's life in the present, as she uncovers the secrets of Rochester Place to discover that they relate to her own family's past.
Costello beautifully echoes a number of themes around family, identity, bigotry, and rebellion, through both timelines, bleeding them together with the use of delicious evocative scenes, places, and items from the past, in and around Rochester Place. She does not shy away from the horrors of war, and the human toll that comes with it - including suspicion, hatred, and misplaced revenge, but there is a lot of love too. Everything weaves together seamlessly, fully investing you in the triumphs and troubles of the characters in past and the present. For most of the story, you cannot see where this is going, but gradually the threads come together in a lovely ending that ties them all together with a gorgeous bow of reconciliation, understanding and forgiveness that brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye.
One of my favourite things about this book is the way Costello underlies the modern strand of the story with a whisper of the supernatural, and how the lives that have come before can seep into the fabric of the buildings left behind. There is something of the ghost story about this that gives it an enchanting extra dimension, and she plays with this very cleverly in how those ghosts are laid to rest at the conclusion of the tale.
I read this book in a single glorious sitting. It celebrates love, survival, and the strength of the human spirit - especially women. It is the perfect read for those who adore compelling historical fiction that ties elegantly into the present, in a way that teaches you a thing or two about the circular nature of history.
London, 2020. When Corinne, an emergency services operator, receives a distressing call from a woman called Mary, desperately pleading for help, she has no idea that it will open up a mystery surrounding a place that she never knew existed in her Tooting neighbourhood - for when the ambulance crew arrive at Rochester Place, all they find is a long neglected garden, with no house in sight.
As Corinne begins to look into the mystery, she learns about the history of Rochester Place and the fate of its inhabitants Mary and Teresa, during World War II. Can it be possible that she received a message from beyond the grave? There are secrets to be uncovered here, and little does she know that some of them lead back to the history of her own family.
This is a beautifully contrived time-slip mystery that moves back and forth between wartime and modern day Tooting. The wartime thread brings alive the tales of Teresa, a refugee child from the Spanish Civil War, and Mary, an Irish emigrée who has made London her home under unusual circumstances. In parallel, we follow the thread of Corinne's life in the present, as she uncovers the secrets of Rochester Place to discover that they relate to her own family's past.
Costello beautifully echoes a number of themes around family, identity, bigotry, and rebellion, through both timelines, bleeding them together with the use of delicious evocative scenes, places, and items from the past, in and around Rochester Place. She does not shy away from the horrors of war, and the human toll that comes with it - including suspicion, hatred, and misplaced revenge, but there is a lot of love too. Everything weaves together seamlessly, fully investing you in the triumphs and troubles of the characters in past and the present. For most of the story, you cannot see where this is going, but gradually the threads come together in a lovely ending that ties them all together with a gorgeous bow of reconciliation, understanding and forgiveness that brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye.
One of my favourite things about this book is the way Costello underlies the modern strand of the story with a whisper of the supernatural, and how the lives that have come before can seep into the fabric of the buildings left behind. There is something of the ghost story about this that gives it an enchanting extra dimension, and she plays with this very cleverly in how those ghosts are laid to rest at the conclusion of the tale.
I read this book in a single glorious sitting. It celebrates love, survival, and the strength of the human spirit - especially women. It is the perfect read for those who adore compelling historical fiction that ties elegantly into the present, in a way that teaches you a thing or two about the circular nature of history.
November 29, 2022
The Secrets of Rochester Place - Iris Costello
I just love a dual time line historical fiction novel and this one catches you right from the start.
Teresa is a young Basque girl, frightened and alone and evacuated to London after the Guernica bombing in 1937. Her journey by ship, the grey slimy bacon to eat, and the feelings it instills all connect you to her straight away. She ends up at Rochester Place in the care of kindly Mary Davidson but trouble follows her.
Corinne is an emergency services operator and takes a call from an elderly lady who is very distressed directing her to Rochester Place to find a missing girl. The ladies name is Mary. When they get there - there is nothing to find.
‘Surely the Mary who called me in the early hours of the morning is not the woman commemorated on this plaque - a woman who died eighty years ago to this day.’
Spellbindingly spooky, this epic historical tale will take you on a wonderful journey. I went down many rabbit holes as I read and this is one of the things I really love about historical fiction. It brings history to life and I learn and read more widely as a result. This book has its roots in Guernica and the Irish Easter Rising and I read about these events to ground me in the novel. The xenophobia and hatred that people experienced then and now astounds me and it is brilliant to see it highlighted in this novel and threaded through the entire story.
I loved the characters in this book, Mary’s voice called loudly to me initially but it was Teresa who finally kept my heart, with her bravery and strength, she is the one I will really remember. As is often the case with a dual timeline, I found I loved the earlier line of Mary and Teresa more than Corinne’s. It’s difficult to say why that is the case as Corinne has a vulnerability about her that I liked and her character really draws and ties both lines of the story together.
This is a story that will touch your heart, wonderfully told and will hopefully keep us all remembering to be kind always.
I just love a dual time line historical fiction novel and this one catches you right from the start.
Teresa is a young Basque girl, frightened and alone and evacuated to London after the Guernica bombing in 1937. Her journey by ship, the grey slimy bacon to eat, and the feelings it instills all connect you to her straight away. She ends up at Rochester Place in the care of kindly Mary Davidson but trouble follows her.
Corinne is an emergency services operator and takes a call from an elderly lady who is very distressed directing her to Rochester Place to find a missing girl. The ladies name is Mary. When they get there - there is nothing to find.
‘Surely the Mary who called me in the early hours of the morning is not the woman commemorated on this plaque - a woman who died eighty years ago to this day.’
Spellbindingly spooky, this epic historical tale will take you on a wonderful journey. I went down many rabbit holes as I read and this is one of the things I really love about historical fiction. It brings history to life and I learn and read more widely as a result. This book has its roots in Guernica and the Irish Easter Rising and I read about these events to ground me in the novel. The xenophobia and hatred that people experienced then and now astounds me and it is brilliant to see it highlighted in this novel and threaded through the entire story.
I loved the characters in this book, Mary’s voice called loudly to me initially but it was Teresa who finally kept my heart, with her bravery and strength, she is the one I will really remember. As is often the case with a dual timeline, I found I loved the earlier line of Mary and Teresa more than Corinne’s. It’s difficult to say why that is the case as Corinne has a vulnerability about her that I liked and her character really draws and ties both lines of the story together.
This is a story that will touch your heart, wonderfully told and will hopefully keep us all remembering to be kind always.
December 22, 2022
In the current time, there are moments when I feel the world has become a confusing and scary place but books like The Secrets of Rochester Place makes me feel a little happier and more optimistic.
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion
The story is told from three points of view- Corrine, a first responder in the present day, Theresa, a child evacuated to England from Spain in the 1930’s and 40’s and Mary, an Irish immigrant to England in the 1920’s (through her journal).
Theresa’s story was fascinating and highlights a little-known historical event from 1937- a number of children were evacuated from Spain at the height of the Civil War but their well-being depended on charities kindness and not the government. Theresa’s grief, bewilderment and the resilience of children is beautifully described, and I couldn’t help feeling moved by her story.
Mary, is an Irish immigrant trying to seek a better life for herself despite the prejudice of the times, her conflicted love for her homeland and the country she has built a new life in.
Corrine, the present-day narrator, also has her own battles to overcome in her relationship with Nidra, her wife who has to deal with present day racism. Corrine receives a call from Mary asking her to save Theresa at Rochester Place and she despatches services to help. But when they get there, Rochester Place doesn’t exist- leading to Corrine trying to find out the truth.
But these plot threads eventually come together in the most moving way and left me with that warm, fuzzy feeling you get with certain books.
This isn’t a very long book but it packs so much into it touching on many difficult topics without judgement or preaching but ultimately redeeming all but one of the nasty people. It was interesting to read about racism in the past compared to now- a note tied around a rock as opposed to anonymous people posting on twitter!
Content warning
Racism, descriptions of miscarriages, prejudice
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion
The story is told from three points of view- Corrine, a first responder in the present day, Theresa, a child evacuated to England from Spain in the 1930’s and 40’s and Mary, an Irish immigrant to England in the 1920’s (through her journal).
Theresa’s story was fascinating and highlights a little-known historical event from 1937- a number of children were evacuated from Spain at the height of the Civil War but their well-being depended on charities kindness and not the government. Theresa’s grief, bewilderment and the resilience of children is beautifully described, and I couldn’t help feeling moved by her story.
Mary, is an Irish immigrant trying to seek a better life for herself despite the prejudice of the times, her conflicted love for her homeland and the country she has built a new life in.
Corrine, the present-day narrator, also has her own battles to overcome in her relationship with Nidra, her wife who has to deal with present day racism. Corrine receives a call from Mary asking her to save Theresa at Rochester Place and she despatches services to help. But when they get there, Rochester Place doesn’t exist- leading to Corrine trying to find out the truth.
But these plot threads eventually come together in the most moving way and left me with that warm, fuzzy feeling you get with certain books.
This isn’t a very long book but it packs so much into it touching on many difficult topics without judgement or preaching but ultimately redeeming all but one of the nasty people. It was interesting to read about racism in the past compared to now- a note tied around a rock as opposed to anonymous people posting on twitter!
Content warning
Racism, descriptions of miscarriages, prejudice
February 6, 2023
During one seemingly random day in 2020, Mary calls Corrinne, desperately pleading for help. But when Corrine and her friends find out the address she gives no longer exists and when they come across a plaque at the site where Rochester Place once stood, what begins is a search that will make them question everything as they know it.
But it’s up to them to find out what happened at Rochester Place and what exactly happened to Mary and Teresa. Was it an accident or something more? And is she calling from behind the grave?
All they have is the clues that Mary left during the phone call to lead them on the trail and that closer to finding out what happened.
Reading about the plaque definitely gave me some chills and I found myself invested in the mystery surrounding Rochester Place and in Mary and Teresa’s story.
Through Mary’s diary and the dual timeline we learn about her past and difficult times she faced which could be heart wrenching to read. Mary seemed like a kind soul who left Ireland to seek a better life in London but is sadly met with prejudice. And similar to Mary, Teresa was seeking a life in London away from the War that ravaged in Spain. Mary and Teresa lived during a time when World War I was looming over their heads and bigotry was especially rife. The writer shows just how much of a tough time it was for them but they believed in trying to do their bit to help those in need.
The story is based off children who boarded the SS Habana in 1937, seeking refuge from the Spanish Civil War. I never knew anything about the tale of the evacuated children so this definitely got my interest.
It has the right amount of mystery and intrigue to keep you wanting more. It’s fairly easy to read, well paced and so I literally whizzed through this one. It reads more of a contemporary, modern story and the book switches between two time lines but they flow quite well together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
But it’s up to them to find out what happened at Rochester Place and what exactly happened to Mary and Teresa. Was it an accident or something more? And is she calling from behind the grave?
All they have is the clues that Mary left during the phone call to lead them on the trail and that closer to finding out what happened.
Reading about the plaque definitely gave me some chills and I found myself invested in the mystery surrounding Rochester Place and in Mary and Teresa’s story.
Through Mary’s diary and the dual timeline we learn about her past and difficult times she faced which could be heart wrenching to read. Mary seemed like a kind soul who left Ireland to seek a better life in London but is sadly met with prejudice. And similar to Mary, Teresa was seeking a life in London away from the War that ravaged in Spain. Mary and Teresa lived during a time when World War I was looming over their heads and bigotry was especially rife. The writer shows just how much of a tough time it was for them but they believed in trying to do their bit to help those in need.
The story is based off children who boarded the SS Habana in 1937, seeking refuge from the Spanish Civil War. I never knew anything about the tale of the evacuated children so this definitely got my interest.
It has the right amount of mystery and intrigue to keep you wanting more. It’s fairly easy to read, well paced and so I literally whizzed through this one. It reads more of a contemporary, modern story and the book switches between two time lines but they flow quite well together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
July 14, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5
This is a historical fiction like no other! This is a tale of love, family, war, bigotry, and hope!
Three women. Three different time periods. One house, the Rochester Place, connects all of them.
1924: Mary is an Irish young woman who took a leap of faith and moved to London.
1937: Teresa is a 10 year old who is evacuated to London from Spain after the horrific bombing of Guernica leaving behind her only family; her elder sister.
Present Day: Corinne is an emergency service operator who gets a call from an extremely distressed Irish woman named Mary. On the call, the panic stricken woman cries for Corinne to save a little girl who is trapped under the rubble of Rochester Place. When an emergency unit reaches the address Mary tells, they find absolutely nothing.
Corinne cannot get the mysterious call out of her mind and decides to visit the address, hidden In the heart of modern day Tooting, Corinne discovers a destroyed Rochester Place. What alarms her the most is a wooden plaque that states Mary Davidson and Teresa Garro lost their lives here on 15th October 1940.
Thus begins a story of Corinne unravelling the mystery that plagues her mind and maybe even her family. Read to find out how history brings and connects these three women together.
Although this is an intriguing read, I'll be honest, the first half of the book isn't as gripping and is a little tiresome to read. However, once the second half starts, you won't be able to put down this book until all the secrets of Rochester Place are revealed. The narration of the story alternates between different time periods and different narrators. I was extremely surprised with the twist in the story even though it seemed a bit too convenient.
Overall, it is a great read and I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction.
This is a historical fiction like no other! This is a tale of love, family, war, bigotry, and hope!
Three women. Three different time periods. One house, the Rochester Place, connects all of them.
1924: Mary is an Irish young woman who took a leap of faith and moved to London.
1937: Teresa is a 10 year old who is evacuated to London from Spain after the horrific bombing of Guernica leaving behind her only family; her elder sister.
Present Day: Corinne is an emergency service operator who gets a call from an extremely distressed Irish woman named Mary. On the call, the panic stricken woman cries for Corinne to save a little girl who is trapped under the rubble of Rochester Place. When an emergency unit reaches the address Mary tells, they find absolutely nothing.
Corinne cannot get the mysterious call out of her mind and decides to visit the address, hidden In the heart of modern day Tooting, Corinne discovers a destroyed Rochester Place. What alarms her the most is a wooden plaque that states Mary Davidson and Teresa Garro lost their lives here on 15th October 1940.
Thus begins a story of Corinne unravelling the mystery that plagues her mind and maybe even her family. Read to find out how history brings and connects these three women together.
Although this is an intriguing read, I'll be honest, the first half of the book isn't as gripping and is a little tiresome to read. However, once the second half starts, you won't be able to put down this book until all the secrets of Rochester Place are revealed. The narration of the story alternates between different time periods and different narrators. I was extremely surprised with the twist in the story even though it seemed a bit too convenient.
Overall, it is a great read and I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction.
December 4, 2022
Corinne is an emergency call handler. During a busy shift she receives a call on her personal mobile. The distressed caller tells her that her daughter is in danger and help is needed urgently at Rochester Place. When the emergency services arrive there is no such address..and it hasn’t existed for years. But there is a sign commemorating the deaths of two women…
This is an ambitious wide ranging story gathering in many areas of history and multiple timelines. In the present Corinne and Nidra are trying to solve the mystery of the call. In the 1930s we have 11 year old Teresa who has newly arrived in London after fleeing Guernica. She is rescued by Mary who has her own history - her brother was killed in the Easter Rising.. This is a history that Mary must keep secret.
This is an enjoyable and entertaining read..the mystery of the phone call really spiked my curiosity! I loved the slowly revealing mystery as the story builds through diaries and notebooks..I was more engrossed in the historical timelines and found these characters more compelling than Corinne and Nidra. I think inevitably with so many characters some were stronger than others. This is also a very atmospheric read with stories within stories. I found the history really interesting ..I know too little of Guernica and the Irish history behind Mary’s story.
The various threads are united by themes of love, conflict, and the divisions of race and belief. Teresa’s sister is battling for her cause in Guernica, Mary’s Brother is killed in the Easter Rising in Ireland…In the present Nidra’s cafe receives racist threats; in the past Luca and his Father are rounded up and interned ..
This story starts quite slowly but builds and builds and the curiosity to unite the various strands of the story left me reading this late into the night!!
December 13, 2022
My thanks to Penguin Random House U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Secrets of Rochester Place’ by Iris Costello.
It is a historical mystery-drama that unfolds over three timelines and chronicles the lives of three women. While it is a heartwarming story about the bonds of love and family it also explores darker themes including bigotry and racism, and the toll of war.
In the Spring of 1937 eight-year-old Teresa is evacuated to London following the bombing of Guernica. She is placed with Mary and Ronald Davidson at Rochester Place, an elegant Georgian house in South London. Yet her troubles are far from over.
In the Autumn of 2020 Corrine, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call on her private mobile from a distressed woman, who identifies herself as Mary, about a fire and a trapped child at Rochester Place. Yet when the emergency services arrive at the address, there is no sign of Mary and the house itself is an abandoned ruin. While her coworkers label it a hoax, Corinne is intrigued and investigates, discovering secrets that once revealed will change her life forever.
While most of the novel focuses on Teresa and Corrine, there is the occasional chapter that provides details of Mary’s life from 1924 onward.
In her Acknowledgements Iris Costello provides details of nonfiction sources that she consulted as well as the names of those who provided anecdotes of their family histories of the Basque region and Ireland during the first half of the 20th Century.
That prejudice has long been a reaction by certain people towards immigrants, including the Irish, is addressed throughout the novel. It is difficult to read at times though unfortunately the dehumanising of the other has been an ongoing issue.
Overall, I found ‘The Secrets of Rochester Place’ an engaging and thought provoking read.
It is a historical mystery-drama that unfolds over three timelines and chronicles the lives of three women. While it is a heartwarming story about the bonds of love and family it also explores darker themes including bigotry and racism, and the toll of war.
In the Spring of 1937 eight-year-old Teresa is evacuated to London following the bombing of Guernica. She is placed with Mary and Ronald Davidson at Rochester Place, an elegant Georgian house in South London. Yet her troubles are far from over.
In the Autumn of 2020 Corrine, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call on her private mobile from a distressed woman, who identifies herself as Mary, about a fire and a trapped child at Rochester Place. Yet when the emergency services arrive at the address, there is no sign of Mary and the house itself is an abandoned ruin. While her coworkers label it a hoax, Corinne is intrigued and investigates, discovering secrets that once revealed will change her life forever.
While most of the novel focuses on Teresa and Corrine, there is the occasional chapter that provides details of Mary’s life from 1924 onward.
In her Acknowledgements Iris Costello provides details of nonfiction sources that she consulted as well as the names of those who provided anecdotes of their family histories of the Basque region and Ireland during the first half of the 20th Century.
That prejudice has long been a reaction by certain people towards immigrants, including the Irish, is addressed throughout the novel. It is difficult to read at times though unfortunately the dehumanising of the other has been an ongoing issue.
Overall, I found ‘The Secrets of Rochester Place’ an engaging and thought provoking read.
December 13, 2022
Corrine is an emergency services operator. One day at work, she receives a strange phone call on her mobile. At the other end, she hears a woman pleading for help: a child is trapped at Rochester Place. When help arrives at the scene, the house doesn’t exist. Was this a prank call?
Corrine decides to investigate Rochester Place and where the house used to be, she finds a memorial bench in memory of Mary Davidson and Teresa Garro, who both died on 15/10/1940.
With the help of her historian uncle, the duo start investigating the history of Rochester Place and its occupants. Soon, they discover a few secrets, which directly affect Corrine…
Meanwhile, the reader discovers Teresa’s and Mary’s history. Mary left Ireland for England in 1920s where she worked as a nanny. She had to hide her “Irishness” and pretend she was English.
Teresa is a Basque girl who arrived in England in 1937 from war torn Spain. She was put on a boat by her sister, a political activist, who recognised that Spain wasn’t the safest of places for children.
I don’t want to say anymore about the storyline, but I can promise you that it’s all linked.
Teresa, Mary, and Corrine had something in common – all were emotionally strong, ready to tackle any challenge that came their way. All had to deal with racism in some shape or form – Mary because she was Irish, Corrine who was married to an Indian woman, and Teresa because she was Spanish.
I loved the idea behind the book, about being uprooted from the place you were from. I didn’t know about the evacuation of the Spanish children during the Civil War – this book has taught me something new.
I truly enjoyed this story. It comes highly recommended.
Corrine decides to investigate Rochester Place and where the house used to be, she finds a memorial bench in memory of Mary Davidson and Teresa Garro, who both died on 15/10/1940.
With the help of her historian uncle, the duo start investigating the history of Rochester Place and its occupants. Soon, they discover a few secrets, which directly affect Corrine…
Meanwhile, the reader discovers Teresa’s and Mary’s history. Mary left Ireland for England in 1920s where she worked as a nanny. She had to hide her “Irishness” and pretend she was English.
Teresa is a Basque girl who arrived in England in 1937 from war torn Spain. She was put on a boat by her sister, a political activist, who recognised that Spain wasn’t the safest of places for children.
I don’t want to say anymore about the storyline, but I can promise you that it’s all linked.
Teresa, Mary, and Corrine had something in common – all were emotionally strong, ready to tackle any challenge that came their way. All had to deal with racism in some shape or form – Mary because she was Irish, Corrine who was married to an Indian woman, and Teresa because she was Spanish.
I loved the idea behind the book, about being uprooted from the place you were from. I didn’t know about the evacuation of the Spanish children during the Civil War – this book has taught me something new.
I truly enjoyed this story. It comes highly recommended.
January 5, 2024
The synopsis of the book:
In spring 1937 Teresa is evacuated to London in the wake of the Guernica bombing. She thinks she's found safety in the soothing arms of Mary Davidson and the lofty halls of Rochester Place, but trouble pursues her wherever she goes.
In autumn 2020 Corinne, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call from a distressed woman named Mary. But when the ambulance arrives at the address, Mary is nowhere to be found. Intrigued, Corinne investigates and, in doing so, disturbs secrets that have long dwelt in Rochester Place's crumbling walls. Secrets that, once revealed, will change her life forever. . .
Who is Mary Davidson? And what happened at Rochester Place all those years ago?
Set between the dusty halls of Rochester Place and the bustling streets of modern-day Tooting, this emotive, intricately layered mystery tells the spellbinding story of two people, separated by time, yet mysteriously connected through an enchanting Georgian house and the secrets within its walls.
I liked this debut novel by the author; a dual timeline story, although in some ways it's almost a triple timeline story if we add Mary's story to the timeline as well as Teresa's and Corinne's.
It was an enjoyable read, full of historical facts, background stories and one plot I guessed halfway through the book.
I would have given it five stars if it weren't for the few 'mistakes' that already have been pointed out in other reviews and the fact that Teresa sounded more like a teenager than an 8 to 10-year-old girl. I found the Corinne timeline less interesting and at times boring to read. I would have loved to read about Katalin's life too.
In spring 1937 Teresa is evacuated to London in the wake of the Guernica bombing. She thinks she's found safety in the soothing arms of Mary Davidson and the lofty halls of Rochester Place, but trouble pursues her wherever she goes.
In autumn 2020 Corinne, an emergency dispatcher, receives a call from a distressed woman named Mary. But when the ambulance arrives at the address, Mary is nowhere to be found. Intrigued, Corinne investigates and, in doing so, disturbs secrets that have long dwelt in Rochester Place's crumbling walls. Secrets that, once revealed, will change her life forever. . .
Who is Mary Davidson? And what happened at Rochester Place all those years ago?
Set between the dusty halls of Rochester Place and the bustling streets of modern-day Tooting, this emotive, intricately layered mystery tells the spellbinding story of two people, separated by time, yet mysteriously connected through an enchanting Georgian house and the secrets within its walls.
I liked this debut novel by the author; a dual timeline story, although in some ways it's almost a triple timeline story if we add Mary's story to the timeline as well as Teresa's and Corinne's.
It was an enjoyable read, full of historical facts, background stories and one plot I guessed halfway through the book.
I would have given it five stars if it weren't for the few 'mistakes' that already have been pointed out in other reviews and the fact that Teresa sounded more like a teenager than an 8 to 10-year-old girl. I found the Corinne timeline less interesting and at times boring to read. I would have loved to read about Katalin's life too.
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