Review of 'The Widow's Last Secret' by Lora Davies.
The Widow’s Last Secret by Lora Davies due out January 18th, 2022
Such spellbinding historical fiction! What a whirlwind ride it was through The Widow’s Last Secret. I was hooked from the first line in the opening scene. This novel with its gorgeous cover captured my attention and kept me steadily reading to the very end with no thought of time. I absolutely loved this intriguing tale by Lora Davies. I could picture the unique settings and the various characters with their distinct quirks and physical characteristics. I felt their changing emotions: was heartbroken by their challenges and overjoyed with their accomplishments. And at times frustrated by their actions and reactions as they each worked through their dilemmas. But I was always gripped by the story and its very real characters. High notes of praise for Nora Davies for she has delivered an excellent performance. The novel is original in many ways and anything but predictable with its numerous surprises. Both the plot and characters went in directions I never expected. If you enjoy stories with many twists and turns, this one is for you!
The story is told from two main characters: Annabella and James to give us a rounded and, at times, opposing views of what is happening in the minds and hearts of these characters who keep this story rolling at a lively pace.
The character Annabella (known at first as Annie and later in the story as Bella) harbours a secret that leaves her riddled with fear and running from guilt. Will she be discovered for what she has done? Will someone recognise her in a new town and will she end up in prison or dead? She leaves the scene of the crime with her beloved Jake as a remorseful yet determined young woman. We watch her deal with poverty, loss and betrayal and witness her growth as she manages to work her way through the challenges with surprising courage. One of her flaws is that sometimes, as her parents have noted, she is too quick to act out of emotion. This gets her into trouble for not thinking things through when driven by her anger and hurt.
James is a young railway engineer with his own secret. He meets Bella in her new setting, a widow now, determined as ever to make her own way in the world. He is sent to convince her to sell some land so the train route can be more direct and cheaper for the company. But in the trial of persuasion, James becomes smitten with Bella and it leads him to make compromises he would never have made previously. This poses great issues as much is on the line for him to become the successful engineer he and his family can be proud of. But in the course of events, his and Bella’s life take some drastic turns as she learns his secret after she shares hers. With the power of knowledge in each of their hands, the plot thickens and leaves us on the edge of our seats wondering what these two will do! The action is lively and unpredictable as characters from the past re-appear. I must say: Lora Davis delivers some excellent drama-- including a riveting court scene or two!
A unifying theme runs through this novel seen in the realisations of both Bella and James: secrets from the past always have a way of catching up to you in one way or another. But for better or worse? You will need to read it and see but I can say there are some unexpected twists and learning curves that will keep you entertained. It is a moving story I highly recommend! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to review.
