I enjoyed reading Julie Brook's debut darkly gripped dual time novel, The secrets of Bridgewater bay. This is a well researched historical fiction book with a prologue that starts off mysteriously. The author sets the plot for the novel mostly at the two places, the coastline of South West Victoria and wild coastline of North Devon taking place in 20th century and one hundred years later.
I found the character Molly very interesting, her cleverness to solve a problem which happened in her family at dual timelines, spanning generations which leaves molly gripped and feeling worse.
England 1919: Two women, Rose and Ivy set sail for Australia, bound by a terrible truth. But only one will make it off the ship. It took me by surprise, Ivy dies with Spanish flu enroute Colombo. In 1963, Rose is missing, feared to have drowned at Bridgewater bay.
Australia 2016: Molly discovers an envelope with an old photograph in late Grandmother Nan's possessions where two young women stood shoulder to shoulder, wearing old fashioned uniforms, probably First World War uniforms of British Vad nurses. Behind the photographs word penned in faded blue on the rear 'Rose and Ivy' 1917, 'Together forever.'
Molly wasn't a historian but a teacher. Molly travels to London having insisted by her late Grandmother, where her sister Daisy lives and Molly discovers her first clue at her demised Grand mother Nan's House to the mysterious disappearance of her great grandmother - Rose Turner.
This story that keeps the reader to intrigue till the end. There is betrayal, redemption, Jealousy and family secrets. The ending is sad and shocking.
Thanks to Julie Brooks, Publisher Headline Review and NetGalley for an Advance Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
About the Author Julie Brooks
Julie Brooks was born in Brisbane, Australia, but has lived most of her life in Melbourne. She taught English and Drama in secondary schools before working as an editor of children's magazines. She has been a full-time author since 1999 and is the author of several young adult novels as well as children's fiction and non-fiction. The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay is her first novel writing as Julie Brooks.
To find out more, visit juliebrooksauthor.com and follow her on Instagram @juliebrooks_books.
Book Description
This darkly gripping dual-time debut, will transport readers from World War One England to present day Australia, with a thrilling story of family secrets to be hidden at all costs .
Disclosure of Material: I have received a review copy of this book by the publisher in the form of e-book from NET GALLEY as Advance Reader Copy. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
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