The Locket of Dreams

Timeslip #1

by Belinda Murrell

When Sophie falls asleep wearing a locket that belonged to her grandmother's great grandmother, she magically travels back to 1858 to learn the truth about the mysterious Charlotte Mackenzie.

Charlotte and her sister, Nell, live a wonderful life on a misty Scottish island. Then disaster strikes and it seems the girls will lose everything they love. Why were the sisters sent to live with strangers? Did their uncle steal their inheritance? And what happened to the priceless sapphire-the Star of Serendib?

Sophie shares in the girls' adventures as they outwit greedy relatives, escape murderous bushrangers, and fight storm and fire. But how will her travels in time affect Sophie's own life?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Belinda Murrell has worked as a travel journalist, technical writer, editor and public relations consultant. Her overseas adventures inspired her work as a travel writer for the West Australian newspaper and Out & About With Kids travel magazine. Her work has also appeared in the Sun Herald, Sunday Telegraph and Sydney Morning Herald. While Belinda studied Children's Literature at Macquarie University, her passion for children's books was reignited when she had her own three children and began telling and writing stories for Nick, Emily and Lachlan. Belinda's books include the Sun Sword fantasy trilogy, Scottish timeslip tale The Locket of Dreams, French Revolution timeslip tale The Ruby Talisman Australian timeslip tale The Ivory Rose and Australian historical tales The Forgotten Pearl and The River Charm.

Reviews

[Ariadne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was about 14, and I found myself really enjoying it. This was the first book that I read from Belinda Murrell, and it was one of the most beautiful stories that I have read. I think it even got me crying at the end.

[georgiabread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh! So great! I loved it! Loved the ship bit! Loved everything. To sum it up I have 3 words: GIVE ME MORE!!!!!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book i read in primary school. I am so fortunate to have the book signed by Belinda herself! Gorgeous imagery that holds emotion.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was really good. The characters were believable and story interesting.

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie and Jessica are spending a holiday with their grandmother Nonnie. She lives in an apartment in Sydney and is happy to take the girls to the beach, bake with them, and any indulgence the girls fancy. They are there to get away from problems at home. They miss their little brother, Will, and their parents, they enjoy time away from the stress of their father being unemployed.

With Nonnie, they look at old sepia photos and she tells them about her own past and some of their family history. The girls loved hearing about their family and past history. They saw a picture of Charlotte Mackenzie, their great-great-great-grandmother. Nonnie went on to say 'She was a bonnie Scot who came to Australia as a young girl. Charlotte was feisty with red hair and green eyes.'

The history interested Sophie so much and she loved the carved wooden box with trinkets in it. Especially the heart-shaped locket. That night she put the locket on and dreamt about Scotland. The next morning, Jessica asked her how she got mud on her nightgown. In her dream, she'd patted a horse and she could see horse hair on her hand. That's the beginning of the journey Sophie had following her ancestors' life. Charlotte and Nell lived a good life, but Sophie became their guardian angel seeing how dramatic events changed their lives and brought them to Australia.

I loved this book, but I'm an ardent follower of Belinda Murell's work and her sister Kate Forsyth's.
They are both so talented and proud of their family heritage.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite books. Had to have read this at least 20 times through primary and early high school. Sophie and Nell are amazingly well written and developed.

Belinda Murrell has been one of my favourite authors for many years now, and I even got my mum reading this, plus many other novels!

[Whimsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something about stories like this one that leaves me with a magical sort of feeling after the final page like anything is possible. I flew threw the pages, absorbed in the story and desperate to find out how it all ends.

[Amelia Wheeler]

I read this book years ago and I think about it often.

[K P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book that started my love for Belinda Murrell's books.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Locket of Dreams and how it portrayed the Scottish clearances, Early Australia and the tyranny of Charlotte and Nell's Aunt and Uncle.

The way Roderick and Arabella treated the girls and the staff after Alexander and Eliza passed away was truly horrendous.
This book was quite emotional as Charlotte and Nell's journey was quite heartbreaking and relatable.

Many Australians like myself had relatives who fled to the Colonies during the Scottish clearances, which gives this book more significance to an Australian audience.

The cover is also stunning, however I am curious as to why it was published as a vintage classic as it was published relatively recently.

Overall, Belinda Murrell has produced a wonderful book that is well worth a read

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Locket of Dreams is a likeable novel. There's mystery and tragedy, and magic and fun. I can see it being an enjoyable story for young readers. As an adult, I didn't find it quite so gripping, but still a nice story. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know how accurate the depictions of historical Scotland and Australia were (though I'm willing to bet there was a healthy amount of creative liberty) but Murrell certainly conjured images of beautiful countries, which made me appreciate Australia that little bit more.

[Yalmact Swillirs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the author did a fantastic job painting the landscape for Scotland and colonial Australia, I really felt connected to both countries and honestly, this was what kept me reading rather than the actual plot.

That being said, I'm not a massive fan of stories with children lead characters and if I had known that Sophie and Charlotte were so young, I probably wouldn't have read it. If you're into time travel stories with children (12 and younger) lead characters, this is worth a look.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok ok this book is phenomenal. maybe I'm a little biased since I read this when I was younger, but my gods it's so heartwarming and heartbreaking. it's the classic found family trope where two sisters tragically lose their mother but embark on a journey overseas where they finally find their true home and happiness in a new family.

the premise is so simple, but its execution is immaculate. although the cover kinda looks like shit I promise it's amazing. pls read if u haven't.

5/5

[Cass]

It's still a bit strange that books this recent (in the past FIVE years!) are being published into the Vintage Classics range. But I really like some of the covers for the newest 2013 additions to the series and this one sounds lovely.

[Lucila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. A good read for girls with a wonderful story. I have read another book by Belinda Murrell (The Ivory Rose) which is also an amazing story. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy read but, an emotional book.

[Sarah Hodgso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not ashamed to say I cried my heart out at this story. As a girl with Scottish roots this connected greatly with me. It covers concepts of families in need and the helpfulness of a positive mindset

[Sienna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really my type of book, it need battle or adventure in it! I didn't enjoy is that much. Well written, though.

[Nikki]

i thought this book was really good because you did not know what was going to happen next

[Sarkshic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A M A ZI N G <3 book .xx

[Siabhaon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished reading this and it was amazing. All about ancient Scotland, a troubled family, a lost treasure, and three brave little girls.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this while ago but i remember loving it especially that it was set in scotland

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book was really good
i enjoyed it

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old told me I should read this book because it was really good. I love Scottish history so why not! I could hardly put it down! It was a great (and quick) read.

[Justine]

Love this book!!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Locket of Dreams is a book that I want to read over and over again.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book I read it a long time ago anyone know where I can read it online for free? Or a free download?

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I ever read!

[Tanya Boulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy childrens fiction, not as good as the pearl book tho

[Kirstyn Luke]

Loved the book, its full of time travel and mystery with hidden gems. This book has kindness and is a great story for any female wanting adventure with castles.