Kerry Barrett (1)

This is a dual timeline historical fiction involving witches and witch hunts, by Scottish author Kerry Barrett that shifts between 1661 and contemporary Scotland.

In the modern day storyline, divorced lawyer Tess Blyth and her teenage daughter Jem, move from Edinburgh to a quaint cottage in North Berwick, to escape the notoriety of her ex-husband’s imprisonment over attempted rape and harassment of women. Unfortunately Tess and Jem were also caught-up in the media maelstrom, with Jem bullied at school and Tess harangued online for her initial disbelief and support of her husband, to the point that she is almost blamed and held responsible for his actions. Sadly, the promising new start in Thistle Cottage is soon tainted by a series of creepy events making them out to be witches. To start with Tess believes this is connected with the cottage’s past as the witches’ cottage, but it soon becomes apparent this is more personal and Tess becomes afraid for their safety.

In the earlier timeline herbalist Honor Seton and her daughter Alice are called to the Laird’s house to try and heal his wife, mother and nephew from a sudden illness. After his wife dies, Gregor Kincaid unfairly blames Honor and sets out to discredit and get rid of her. These are frightening times for women, when even a rumour or malicious accusation can precipitate a deadly witch hunt, and once the witch hunter is called in things can soon get frighteningly out of control.

An engaging story with strong women suffering due to the malicious unfairness of society and from the actions of men. I’m not sure that I felt entirely connected to any of the characters, and I found myself wondering when Tess and Jem were ever going to think to call the police, but this was an enjoyable read, and I find the witch hunts in equal parts fascinating and repulsive.… (mere)

in Cornwall this book is set in two time periods. In the past young Emily sees her father killed but isn't able to communicate this and to make money her mother is forced to allow nefarious practices in her pub.
In the present Phoebe comes to the pub to help her friend who is the manager of the pub. Phoebe becomes interested in the story of Emily and is determined to solve the mystery of her disappearance.
Set
The book successfully intwines the two stories. The development of the past time period is well done and you feel like you really are on the cliffs.
In the present you wonder who is helping Phoebe and who is working against her and why.

The end is clearly signposted too soon which spoiled it somewhat for me but on the whole an enjoyable read.… (mere)

It is now 05:13am and i have just finished this book, i went to bed to read a few chapters before i went to sleep but just couldn’t stop reading!

In the book description to said this book was for fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley which are big names to live up to and i can safely say Kerry Barrett did not disappoint.

The time split between present day and 1855 was really well done, easy to follow as each chapter gave the name of the character and the date and they flowed seamlessly together. The book is set on the coast line of East Sussex and centres around one house, two women separated by 150 years and the secrets that the house holds.

2016 Ella Daniels, an author suffering from writers block moves with her family from London to an old rural house on the cliffs overlooking the sea hoping that the house, location and change will help her inspire her to complete her novel.
Ella write’s crime fiction and when she hears rumours of murders that took place in the house next door and that the girl who lived in Ella’s new home went missing at the same time she can’t help but to find out what happened 150 years ago to the pretty girl whose painted portrait is found in an old cupboard in the attic.

1855 Violet Hargreaves is only 19 and an aspiring, very talented young artist, who’s greatest wish is to follow her dream to London and become a professional artist.
Whilst on the beach painting she meets a handsome stranger that lives in the house next door. After seeing her painting he promises that he will be the one to make her dreams come true.
But sometimes things can be too good to be true.

The book is beautifully written and makes you as intrigued and desperate as Ella to find out what happened to Violet all those years ago and the murders surrounding her disappearance. So much so it has kept me awake all night!.
I am so glad i read this book, i am now a definite fan of Kerry Barrett.

I agree that this haunting time slip tale is perfect for fans of Kate Riordan, Tracy Rees, Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley.

The book will be released on 20th September and can be pre ordered from

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B072J3QBVH?ref_=k4w_oembed_aeAG0elC30jjQd&tag=kp...… (mere)

I received an advance reader’s copy from NetGallery. This book has three different plot lines but the author does a really good job of ensuring the reader doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. I enjoyed this book though parts did drag. The story follows Lil as she keeps a secret while being a pilot of the ATA. Her secret slowly unravels throwing her entire life into a tailspin. The book alternates chapter between her and Helena, a historian for a popular TV series. The story follows family drama and trying to figure out the past and how it all folds together. Easy book to fall into and keep you guessing.… (mere)