What a spellbinding dual timeline gem! I absolutely loved it from start to finish! The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick is an exhilarating fascinating read that kept me turning the pages in anticipation. The plots clip along at a steady pace featuring two main intriguing perspectives, one from the 1600s and the other, current day. We get a valuable peek into the lives of two historical Gwyn sisters (each quite different from the other) as well as two unalike modern day sisters. There are numerous parallels between the four women, though they are centuries apart.
I found that each thread was well delivered but being a historical fiction lover, I somewhat favoured that one a little more. But, I still enjoyed both and was effortlessly delivered back and for between the outstanding two created worlds. When I was transported to the 1600s, I could visualise everything due to the excellent descriptions provided. In fact, all my senses were engaged. Then when we leaped forward to the modern thread, I still enjoyed the unique setting. The house, in fact, takes centre stage becoming the vehicle for unveiling its centuries’ old secrets. It even witnesses and reveals two murders from past and present! There’s a wonderful mysteriousness about the old stately place. The sense of history that surrounds it, draws you in. I loved watching the characters interact as they moved through this fascinating building and grounds. It made me want to dig deeper to learn more, like Jess. She is a house sitter and researcher for her famous sister (who now owns it) so the old library really captures Jess’s attention. She begins to learn about its former owners with a little help from a new friend, Ethan, who just might become more!
The two timelines have positive features that compliment each other and, in fact, they blend together toward the end so we get to see the mysteries solved and dramas resolved that have been intertwined. And the old manor, Fortune Hall, is the star setting for them both.
The characterisation was brilliant in this novel with the extroverts showing off their charisma and showiness (Nell and Tavy). But I favoured each of our quieter heroines (Rose and Jess) who showed great strength and spunk in the face of danger and disappointment. The story is in fact told from their perspectives which made it all the more interesting as we get to see the world through their eyes. The villains were well formed and appropriately placed providing the havoc and suspense needed to give us plenty of twists and turns. In fact, the plot of the 1600s held lots of rollicking adventure and it kept me turning the pages at a rapid speed. The modern thread had its drama, too, but this evolved more slowly and unexpectedly. Jess has come through some traumatic events with her ex. She must heal and start again, so her new adventure with her sister helps kickstart her in a new direction. But what she finds is not quite what she expected and the outcome will bring some chilling revelations.
It was fun watching the characters of Rose and Nell unfold in living colour—particularly the lesser known Rose as in historical accounts, we know more about Nell, the actress and mistress of King Charles II. By focusing on Rose, it left the author with more chance to put her creativity into motion to fill in the missing parts. And in doing so, it helps us to imagine what it might have been like to be in her shoes in an era that was not easy for women (whether working class or privileged). It is easy to see why Nell, an extrovert used her wits and beauty to advance from poverty to acclaimed heights. She is not only adored by the king but also the people. And Rose, the more-lowly sister, (married to an awful man and thief) learned how to defend herself against the many men who tried to take advantage of her. These two sisters living at opposite ends of society, try to find ways to accrue financial support for themselves— in the chance they might end up in a tough position. In Nell’s case, if the King tired of her, she would be abandoned for another pretty face. As for Rose, she wanted independence so when the situation presented itself, she took advantage. The fear of poverty is what fuels both sisters into coveting some treasures through criminal means for future protection.
Another character I found intriguing was Guy: a soldier who exhibits lots of presence, patience and quiet passion on the pages. His relationship with Rose turns into quite a surprise—a bit of enemies to lovers’ theme here.
This was such a fun and fascinating read that I highly recommend. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
