Book Synopsis:
1671 – London
The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a long way from selling oranges and a childhood in a brothel, but as her fortunes have turned, her sister Rose has taken a different path. Marriage to a feckless highwayman has left Rose in the grim Marshalsea prison and now she needs her sister’s mercy to help get her out. But Nell needs Rose too. A plot to steal the Crown Jewels has gone tragically wrong, and Nell’s future with her protector King is at risk. If Rose can’t solve the riddle of the jewels both Gwyn sisters will head straight to the Tower.
Present Day
Librarian and history enthusiast Jess Yates has hit rock bottom. With her ex behind bars for fraud, Jess needs to lay low – easier said than done with a celebrity sister. But Tavy has her uses. Her latest TV project involves renovating Fortune Hall, and she needs a house sitter while she’s jetting around the world. The opportunity is too good to miss, especially when Jess discovers that Fortune Hall has links to the infamous Nell Gwyn.
Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family in her hands.
Bestselling author Nicola Cornick is back with a captivating, gripping, unforgettable tale of treachery and treason, love and loyalty, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins and Christina Courtenay.
My Review:
I’m a huge fan of this author and have loved her previous books so I was so thrilled to be invited onto the blog tour for The Other Gwyn Girl, her latest book. Once again Nicola has written a fascinating, gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book is two timelines , one following Jane in the time of Charles II and the other following Jess as she tries to unravel the mysteries of Fortune Hall. I actually liked both women and enjoyed following them throughout the book. They were actually very similar to each other and it was nice seeing them pick themselves up again after a difficult past. Jane in particular impressed me with her strength and determination not to rely on anyone else.
The author has written about real characters and real events which I always enjoy as it’s fun to learn more about a period. It was shocking to see how some people had to live and the huge difference between rich and poor. This was apparent not just on the way they lived and earned a living but also in how they were treated in the justice system with the rich able to buy pardons or other privileges whilst in prison. I hadn’t read much about Charles II either so I found it fascinating to learn more about him and his reign.
Overall, as you can probably tell, I loved this book and I’ll definitely be recommending it to others. The book has a great pace to it and there was always something happening to keep me interested. Even in the slower bits I just enjoyed hanging out with the characters or exploring the gorgeous sounding Fortune Hall, wishing I had an amazing library like they did. I did guess one of the twists early on but from talking to others I think you were meant to as it helped add to the intrigue. The ending was brilliant and I closed the book sad to leave the characters and Fortune Hall behind.
Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Boldwood for my digital copy of this book. I’ve had to buy a physical copy as I know I want to keep this book on my keep for ever shelf. If you are a fan of dual timeline, historical mysteries then I highly recommend this book.
About The Author:
Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works as a consultant for TV and radio, and is a bookseller at the Wantage Bookshop.
Her new novel, ‘The Other Gwyn Girl ‘ focuses on the life of Rose Gwyn, the elder sister of Nell Gwyn, infamous mistress of King Charles II. Packed with rollicking Restoration intrigue, it tells the story of the lesser-known Gwyn girl. The Other Gwyn Girl is published by Boldwood Books on 7th March 2024 in all formats and is up for pre-order now!
Nicola loves to chat to readers about history, reading and writing.
Over The Rainbow Blog 
Fab review I can’t wait to read this! xx
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