I am delighted to feature this dual timeline historical novel on the blog today. Alexandra Walsh’s The House of Echoes was published by Boldwood on January 30th.
‘The Brandon blood is dark with lies and treachery and as it
flows through my heart, my vow is this: they will all pay.’
Hampton Court Palace 1530s
Anne Brandon has always understood the power of a king’s
patronage and, though the court of Henry VIII is a dangerous place for women,
as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne feels safer than most. But
Anne’s husband Lord Powis is tiring of her childlessness and when Henry VIII
begins plotting to rid himself of a queen in his quest for an heir, suddenly
Anne’s life is in danger. And as whispers of the name of her friend Anne Boleyn
get ever louder, there is peril in every loose word, every forbidden
conversation.
Pembrokshire Present Day
Caroline Harvey has spent years helping her grandfather, the
reclusive bestselling novelist Dexter Blake, hide from his legions of fans in
his home on the Pembrokshire coast. After his death, the vultures begin to
circle Dexter’s fortune. When Caroline’s ownership of the house she has
inherited is called into question, her research into its history reveals it was
once owned by Anne Brandon who had sought refuge there. Intrigued, Caroline is
determined to discover why Anne fled the court of Henry VIII.
Two women divided by centuries but joined by secrets and
courage. And when a twist in their histories threatens them both with the same
fate – losing the man they love – their revenge will be the same too. Because
there’s no one mightier than a woman underestimated or more powerful than the
need to save those they love.
Bestseller Alexandra Walsh is back with a compelling,
captivating insight into the Tudor court through the eyes of a woman who had
only her guile to keep her alive. Perfect for all fans of Barbara Erskine,
Philippa Gregory, Anne O’Brien and Elena Collins.
My Thoughts
I loved following the two stories of these strong women. The Tudor story thread took you straight back to those times, full of period detail. In addition, you came to appreciate the place of women in the politics of the time. Disregarded by some, their talents were overlooked as they were treated by some as mere pawns as part of the family power struggle. In marriage, the lands and wealth of even the most aristocratic women were taken over by their husbands. They may have enhanced their husband’s status through their own family connections but it was the men of the family who made the decisions. Of course what Anne’s story showed was the ‘soft power’ of the females. They ran the houses and organised a large household. They facilitated the lives of their men.
The present day story around the life of Caroline was quite different in tone. However, she too was in the background, facilitating her grandfather’s glittering literary career. Without her, there would have been no book series. Now that she has the chance to set out on her own ambitions, you realise that past secrets could harm her future.
The two women complement each other with the strength of their personalities.The setting links both lives across the centuries, resulting in an engrossing read for readers of historical fiction.
In short: secrets and mysteries across the centuries
About the Author
Alexandra Walsh is the bestselling author of dual timeline
historical mysteries, previously published by Sapere. Her books range from the
fifteenth century to the Victorian era and are inspired by the hidden voices of
women that have been lost over the centuries. Formerly a journalist, writing
for national newspapers, magazines and TV, her first book for Boldwood will be
published in Spring 2023.
You can follow Alexandra here:
Facebook: @themarquesshousetrilogy
Twitter: @purplemermaid25
Instagram: @purplemermaid25
Newsletter Sign Up:
https://bit.ly/AlexandraWalshNews
Bookbub profile: @acwalsh69
Thanks to Alexandra Walsh, Boldwood and Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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