A story filled with history,
Threaded through with mystery.
Two timelines with romance
Giving love a real chance.

With chills in the air
And locals saying, "Beware!"
Should the twins still stay
Or go off on their way?

An enthralling read set in times seven centuries apart
Filled with folks making a fresh start.
Some escaping danger in the past
Others moving for a new job at last.

Escaping an attack, running away,
Have they found somewhere safe to stay?
New loves but danger is still there
Will they survive to show they care?

Twin sister move to caretake Ravenscraig Castle
Unaware of its reputation or potential hassle!
It seems no one has stayed for long since centuries past
Can the twins discover why and stay at last?

Eerie feelings, noises around,
Chill breezes, footsteps sound,
Who goes there? What do you need?
Frightening others off - will they succeed?

Superstition or can ghosts be true?
Strange feelings - what should they do?
Visitors, feelings, potential romance,
Should they be brave and take a chance?

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you
A brilliant read and this is my honest review.

The Lady of the Loch is the 2nd novel I have read from Elena Collins’ and like The Witch’s Tree, this was a wonderful time-slip novel.

The Lady of the Loch takes place in two time periods. 1306-1307 in Scotland during the war between English Edward I and Scottish Robert The Bruce, In the present are twins Leah and Zoe. Leah is living in Birmingham with her sister Zoe. Zoe is extroverted and successful, Leah is introverted and feels like a failure. Leah answers an ad to be a caretaker to an ancient castle, Ravenscraig in Scotland. Scotland is where she has always felt at home, the only caveat is that she has to have someone live with her per the owner’s stipulations. Leah persuades Zoe to move to Scotland with her, at least for a few months to get the job and get settled. Once at the castle eerie happenings make Zoe uncomfortable, but Leah is in her element.

In 1306 Agnes is a servant at Kildrummy castle. She is loyal to Scotland and her employers. Then the English arrive to root out Robert the Bruce’s wife and daughter and pillage and burn the castle, Agnes barely escapes with her life and the life of her fellow servant and possible sister Effie. The two make the dangerous journey north to Ravenscraig castle. After a case of mistaken identity Agnes and Effie are given a home at Ravenscraig in return for working in the kitchens. Agnes meets and falls for a warrior in the army of Robert the Bruce named Cameron Buchanan. If they can win against the English then all will be well and Agnes and Cameron can live happily together. Sadly the path to true love is not always smooth, especially in times of war.

In the present Leah is making a success of her caretaker duties, but Zoe is finding it hard going, The castle is haunted by the ghost of a sad young woman and strange incidents keep happening. Then Christie the builder who is renovating the castle and Dan the owner show up. Can Zoe and Leah find out the fate of the ghost that is haunting them and the castle, and how is the story of Agnes related?

I love the dual time periods and the supernatural aspects of this book. It was interesting to read a bit about Robert the Bruce and his long battle to free the Scots from English rule. I look forward to the next book by Elena Collins

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood books and the author for the chance to read and review this book

I read the first Elena Collins book – The Witch’s Tree – last year and it was one of my top reads of 2022. So I was very excited to hear her next book The Lady of the Loch was coming out and couldn’t wait to read it.
This is a dual timeline novel set in the present day and the past. We begin with the prologue set in Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland in 1307, where we meet 23-year-old Agnes who is imprisoned in the tower facing the loch.
Then we move to present day Birmingham with 30-year-old twins Zoe and Leah, who live together in a first-floor flat. Despite being twins, they are very different with Zoe being the more confident and outgoing sister. Zoe has a well-paid job working for a charity, while Leah had resigned from her job as a Teaching Assistant at a school and is currently unemployed.
We rejoin Agnes in 1306, before the prologue, so we follow her story before she ended up in the tower. She begins as kitchen staff - a baker in Kildrummy Castle. The historical sections are beautifully done; they feel really authentic and well-researched. As Agnes works in the kitchen, you find out a lot about the food they ate and I enjoyed getting the know the other characters in this environment. But then something happens and along with her friend Effie, they flee the castle and head for Ravenscraig.
As we go between the two eras, Leah tries to find happiness in her life and moves to Scotland, where she spent many good times in her childhood. She takes a job in Ravenscraig Castle, her twin sister moving with her and it is here that the past and present start to intertwine.
Well, I do love a good historical novel, especially if it includes castles and monarchy, as this one does. Dual timeline stories are great too, as you get two stories in one really, plus the clever way they connect, so I always expected to enjoy this book for the content, as well as already being a fan of the author and her writing. But it is such an emotional story too, you get drawn into both parts and really feel for the characters, especially Agnes and Effie, who endure a lot.
The present day story has a good ghostly feel to it, without it becoming unrealistic or too frightening; the tone is just right. There is so much in this book that I’m not going to write more about it; you should read it yourselves and find out what happens. You won’t be disappointed.

The historical content in this book is stunning – the Scottish Highlands during the period leading up to the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, as the English sought to overthrow King Robert de Brus. As the author describes it in her note, the backdrop is treachery, bloodshed and battles – but the story focuses on Agnes Fitzgerald, a servant who escapes from the bloody siege of Kildrummy Castle and flees to the castle of Ravenscraig in Rosemuir (the product of the author’s imagination, but based on Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness).

The way the author recreates day-to-day life within the castle’s walls – and particularly in the kitchens where Agnes works – is simply wonderful, replete with the smells of roasting barley, baking bread and spitting boars (on special occasions…), a life of real hardship with a heavy workload, and the constant threat of the English forces’ approach. At first, this is a story of survival – Agnes and her sister Effie initially taken in under false pretences, but finding friends and allies in their new home – but it turns into a particularly tender and convincing romance when Agnes falls in love with warrior Cam Buchanan, always living with the threat of possible betrayal.

Then there’s the present day story – Leah, accompanied by twin sister Zoe, has the opportunity for a much-needed fresh start, returning to an area she’s always loved, when she takes on the job of caretaker at Ravenscraig Castle. While they’re comfortable enough warmed by the fires in their flat within the castle walls, there’s an iciness in the air around the castle’s interior – and it soon becomes clear that there’s a restless presence, and a reason why previous caretakers have never stayed very long.

And then there’s the southwest wing across the courtyard, its chapel tended by the mysterious Mirren Logan – but when it looks like the perfect place to develop for weddings, they might just choose not to heed the warnings to give it a wide berth, whatever the possible consequences. The contemporary storyline develops into a romance too – actually more than one – but it was the story behind the supernatural touches that kept the book’s pages turning ever faster. I’ve mentioned before, I know, that I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to the supernatural – but this one wasn’t too terrifying, just a little unsettling with a few well-crafted edge-of-the-seat moments.

The prologue – an excellent piece of writing, which I re-read at the end – gives a strong flavour of how the story will develop, but I still hoped beyond measure that Agnes might get her happy ending. And in some ways, I guess… well, see what you think. It’s unusual for me, but I will admit that I was rather more caught up by the historical thread than the contemporary one – but the crossovers (this isn’t a time slip in the true sense, but there are really clever resonances between past and present) are exceptionally well handled. And my goodness, what an emotional story – and one I really lived rather than simply read because of the strength of the author’s writing, backed up with a depth of research that really brings the lawless 1300s in the Highlands vividly to life.

Seven hundred years of heartbreak and betrayal – and a book I thoroughly enjoyed, and would highly recommend to others. I can’t wait to see where Elena Collins’ imagination will take her next!

A dual time line book, that begins in 1306. Scotland and England are at war again. King Edward the first of England( Longshanks) believes he has the right to rule Scotland, but Robert the Bruce mounts a campaign against him, and declares himself King.
Agnes Fitzgerald is a kitchen maid at Kildrummy Castle. The Queen and her daughter take refuge there, but a traitor betrays them to the English troops, and they are forced to flee, after Agnes has forewarned the Royal party. They head to Ravenscraig Castle, but the Queen and daughter are abducted by the English troops before they reach safety. Agnes and Effie, her half sister, manage to reach Ravenscraig safely and are put to work in the kitchens.
Present day, Leah Drummond and her twin Zoe, live in Birmingham. Leah sees an advertisement for a caretaker for Ravenscraig Castle and applies for the job. Two people are needed, and she persuades Zoe to go with her. They hear tales of previous caretakers leaving abruptly due to a cold and forbidding atmosphere , and soon both sisters are feeling the presence of being watched and a sad, haunting despair from the Chapel and the South West wing of the Castle. A ghostly being is seen, and both sisters embark on a search to find out the history of the Castle and try to make amends for a horrific event that happened all those centuries ago.
A really romantic story, with plenty of well researched history to enjoy. I loved the feisty character of Agnes, and Leah, who really found her feet in being a caretaker and historian in such a beautiful setting. You really become immersed in the story, and although the romantic outcome can be guessed at, this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story at all. It maybe considered a simple and formulaic tale, but we all need a romantic soulmate whether it be in the 1300’s or modern times.
I recently watched the film, The Outlaw King, and this book and the film ran along perfectly together. Having read this book did increase my knowledge of events in this bloodthirsty era, and it would be a useful addition to any School library.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers BoldwoodBooks for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK.

A hauntingly good story that captured my interest and imagination from the first few chapters.
A cleverly written duel timeline, it had so much going on in both times to keep me turning the page’s avidly. The parts with Agnes and Cam were very much seeped in the style of an Outlander story and I really bonded with those characters and their plight.
The modern timeline was also gripping as you wanted to know what was going on in the chapel and if Leah would uncover the castle’s secrets.
So much wonderful historical details too, it really was a huge pleasure to read.

I absolutely loved this book. It was somehow creepy and comforting. Gripping and enthralling. I loved both timelines, in the present, and in the 1300s. There wasn’t a slow moment.

The modern timeline focuses on twins, Leah and Zoe. Although Zoe is the successful one at the beginning of the book, Leah manages to dominate their lives, making decisions for them both without consulting her sister. Zoe goes along with things to look after her apparently vulnerable twin and gets pulled right out of her comfort zone. But it is her perceptiveness that drives the story forwards as they settle into Ravenscraig Castle in Scotland, learn to live with an otherworldly presence, and discover the castle’s awful secret.

In the 1300s we meet Agnes and Effie, two women who work in a castle kitchen. Driven from their home by the brutal attack by the English army, they seek refuge at Ravenscraig castle and build a new life there, making friends and falling in love. When Agnes sees a Scottish soldier swimming alone in the Loch, she feels an instant connection and fascination that takes her away from everything she knows into a dangerous and passionate world. Agnes is a wonderful character, full of fire. Her story leads us through the historical landscape, dominated by conflict between England and Scotland, and the issues faced by women at that time.

The Lady of the Loch is a love story. It is a ghost story. It is a story about finding yourself through place and through the people around you. Ravenscraig Castle is a character in itself and we see it in two guises, a bustling and vibrant community, and a lonely place full of grief. The Scottish countryside brings an extra magic to the story as the sisters find love and their true selves in a country that pulls them into the new, and takes them back to their roots.

I loved Elena Collins’ first book, The Witch’s Tree, and if anything I loved this one even more. It is perfect for fans of Outlander.

This novel is described as a timeslip novel, but I would describe it as a dual timeline novel. The setting is mostly in the highlands of Scotland with one half of its timeline in the 14th Century and the other in the 21st Century. I also found it to be part mystery, part ghost and part love story. A beautiful combination perfectly woven together.

Sisters Leah and Zoe become the caretakers of Ravenscraig castle. A stunning sight the castle was once a place of life, love, and friendships, but also suffered a much darker past of sorrow, betrayal, and death. For over 700 years a restless spirit has been trapped at the castle mourning the death of her beloved. Previous caretakers have been scared off by the apparition, but maybe it's time for someone to help this tormented soul find peace and rest.

There was a great connection between the past and the present and the story flowed easily from one to the other, although the 14th century timeline was so authentic and engrossing, that I almost felt as if I had slipped through time and was ripped back to the present. It was very easy to get lost in this side of the story, especially the hustle and bustle of the kitchen which came through so clearly.

The hauntings were well considered and very much on the creepy side. In places I thought it was on a par with Barbara Erskine and gave me chills and flesh bumps!

With Scotland being my most favourite place, and having visited many times over the years, I really respected the author’s accuracy to places and location, not to mention the breath-taking scenery.
I did find the beginning of the book to be a little slow and downcast but once the decision is made to move to Scotland, the joy and pleasure shone through. Leah’s love of Scotland and delight at being there was contagious. Although the present day fell a little flat (or maybe I was just too caught up in the past timeline?!), generally both timelines were well-executed.

I was more taken with the love story in the 14th Century than the love interests of Leah and Zoe. In the 21st century I was more drawn to the mystery/ghost part of the story and the research of Leah and Zoe. However, I did find all the male characters to be well thought-out and they were very easy to visualise.

I really appreciated the research that the author has clearly done and the piece explaining where the idea came from for her story. Overall, a brilliantly written atmospheric historical fiction novel. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Elena Collins for the ARC of this novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy of 'The Lady of the Loch' by Elena Collins.

For me this book sits in the category of cosy reads for a dreary day when you would rather stay indoors. As a Scottish native I appreciated the authors devotion to geographical accuracy and her lyrical description of my beautiful homeland.

Review contains spoilers.

'The Lady of the Loch' is dual narrative story set during the early 1300s and the present day in the Highlands of Scotland. In present times we find twins Zoe and Leah. Zoe has her life on track and she loves her life in Birmingham but Leah is troubled, she has suffered several blows professionally and in her love life and desperately needs a new challenge. Applying for the job of caretaker at a remote castle in the Highlands of Scotland, Leah finds her feet and thrives in her new environment but having been dragged along Zoe struggles with the cold and imposing nature of her new surroundings. Over the course of three months the sisters discover more about the castle, rekindle their love of Scotland, and (somewhat predictably) they both find the chance of love where they least expected it.

In the 1300s the story centres around Agnes, a kitchen maid with dreams of a life outside her circumstances. Having survived an attack by the English on Kildrummy castle, Agnes and her half sister Effie flee to Ravenscraig castle near Inverness where they are taken in and put to work. One morning Agnes comes across a handsome, rugged Scottish warrior swimming naked in the Loch and from that moment she is smitten with him. Agnes's story is full of love, passion, heartache and sadness. Her character shines through and her story will pull on your heartstrings.

A cosy read for a dreich (dull/gloomy) day. Ghostly, heartfelt, and unashamedly romantic. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this novel, thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley.

The Lady of the Loch is a fast moving and well written story that will captivate your attention and your heart from the beginning to the end.

The story is told in dual time lines: Scotland in the early 1300's that features Agnes and Effie and Scotland in present day featuring Zoe and Leah.

Leah has taken the job of caretaker to Ravenscraig Castle and you can almost hear the history radiating from the walls.

Agnes and Effie are in the brutal times of Robert Bruce and the struggle for Scotland's independence.

Elena Collins does such a good job of describing events you feel you are on the battlefield and in present day the ghost will give you goose bumps.

Highly recommend The Lady of the Loch and you will soon be immersed in the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a fascinating read.

Fans of Outlander may find a story to like here. Not that anyone travels back in time in this one. Instead, we have dual timelines taking place at the same Scottish castle on the banks of Loch Lomond. The book starts in th 1300s where we meet the characters of Agnes and Effie, told through the strong voice of Agnes. It is the era of Robert the Bruce, and the struggle for Scotland's independence is ongoing. I found the storyline set in such a distant past very exciting. I often read books set in the 1700 or 1800s, but not so much as far back as the 1300s. Life was feudal and brutal, and it was interesting to read the author's take on this time.

In the present we have twin sisters Leah and Zoe moving to Ravenscraig Castle in Scotland. Leah is suffering depression and floundering in life, so when she is given the opportunity to be a caretaker at the castle, her sister Zoe agrees to support her there for three months and work remotely on her job. While there both sisters will encounter life changing romance.

In the modern storyline, there is a ghost that both sisters see, called The Lady of the Loch. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent who the ghost is. Will there be a satisfactory resolution?

Both story lines feature sisters, in the ancient times it is half sisters. In each set there is one sister who is stronger and trying to support the other sister. There is love, heartbreak, and even betrayal, but you will have to read the story to see which is which!

I enjoyed this story very much and will look out for more from this author.

A bit outside of my comfort zone but I really enjoyed it. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Told in dual timelines this is the story of kitchen maid Agnes and twins Zoe and Leah; both set around Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland in 1307 and the present day. Both threads ran seamlessly alongside each other with wonderful characters, particularly Agnes who was a strong feisty woman. A well written story, although I found the earlier thread more engrossing with stronger characters and more emotional storyline.

Briefly, in the past, having escaped the English army Agnes, with her half sister, has begged help from the Lady of Ravenscraig Castle. They are now both working in the kitchens and Agnes has met and fallen in love with Cam, a Scottish soldier. In the present the twins have moved to the castle where Leah has a job managing the property for its wealthy owner. The idyll is somewhat disturbed when Leah and Zoe both start to realise that there is something paranormal wandering the castle.

The historical facts were clearly very well researched and added to the authenticity of the 14th century tale. The books is a mix of historical fiction, romance and gothic paranormal. A very good read which will appeal to lovers of historical and modern romantic fiction. 4.5⭐️

I loved the description of this book, as it sounded very much like Susanna Kearsley's books, which I've grown to like. The dual timeline and the focus on Scottish history spoke to my soul. I was therefore disappointed to have to DNF it after a few chapters. I could not get a good sense of the historical characters and didn't like the modern characters, frankly. Leah's terrible experience in the classroom leading to anxiety and depression struck a little too close to home for me. It had no note of hope whatsoever and thus is not the book for me right now.

This dual-timeline story with the timeslip connection of place and two sets of women. Agnes and Effie in the 1300s and twins Zoe and Leah in the 21st century. The historical story is authentic and detailed and well portrays the conflict and danger of this time in Scotland. It is harrowing and heartbreaking to read at times. The present-day timeline is an easier read, but it does highlight issues and explores them through its characters. There are gothic and paranormal elements which give the story depth.

I like the setting and the historical detail of this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

An intriguing historical fiction/ modern day romance set in Scotland. Twins Zoe and Leah move from Birmingham to a remote Scottish castle by the edge of a beautiful Loch to become caretakers of the property. Once settled in they start to discover some strange goings on, especially in the South West Wing which they are forbidden from entering. The sisters each meet their match while staying at the castle, but will the course of true love run smoothly?

700 years earlier, Agnes works in the castle along with her half sister and during this violent time in Scottish history witnesses the death of many people she loves. When she falls in love with a soldier there's always the risk he may not return to her.

Who is the mysterious Lady of the Loch...?

This was an enjoyable historical romance but I enjoyed the modern day sections more.

*Outliner Opinion*
3 Stars
One Liner: Okayish; strong historical track but the rest isn’t as atmospheric as expected

Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland, 1307
Agnes Fitzgerald, a spirited kitchen maid, flees to the north of Inverness when the castle is attacked by the army of Prince Edward of England. She takes shelter at the Ravenscraig Castle as Scotland is fighting England to retain its rights on the land. Agnes finds love and hope in Cam Buchanan, but danger threatens to tear them apart forever.
Present Day
Twins Zoe and Leah are dealing with their own issues. A chance opportunity brings them to Ravenscraig Castle in Scotland. The place is everything one could dream about- lush landscape, gorgeous architecture, and rugged landscape. However, they begin to feel the lingering sensation of pain. Locals talk about ghosts and hauntings, but the twins aren’t sure if they want to believe the stories. Yet, it seems that they need to do something to end centuries of grief and lay the troubled souls to rest.
The story comes in alternating timelines and limited third-person POV of three characters (Agnes, Zoe, and Leah).

What I Like:
The setting of Scotland in the past and present is beautiful. Even when the past track is filled with political treachery, the setting has a teeny place of its own.
The historical track is done really well. The hustle and bustle of the castle kitchen, the uncertainty of the situation, and the constant need to stay alert but also be hopeful are clearly portrayed.
Agnes and Effe, though not fully etched, create a strong impression. They are contrasting characters, which come out clearly at every stage. Rhonda is my favorite character. She is loving yet practical.
The ending of the historical track is indeed sad and heartbreaking. The confrontation doesn’t drag but is just enough to bring the story to an end, at least from Agnes’s POV. Her agony really comes through in that chapter.

What Could Have Been Better for Me:
I loved The Witch’s Tree by the author despite the slow pacing and repetition. The atmosphere and the constant presence of pain were beautifully portrayed. Unfortunately, this book falls short in this aspect. While the historical track has a good atmosphere, the present track is flat and pretty much on the surface.
I see the reason to have twin sisters in the present track, but neither could make me care for them. Zoe was better in scenes where she feels a presence in the castle. Leah feels surreal almost throughout the book. Their individual romances were rushed, though I still like Zoe’s.
Mirren Logan is another interesting character but underutilized. She could have played a vital role given her family history but ends up more as a prop almost throughout. A couple of things are left for the users to assume, which would have been sorted if Mirren’s arc was better.
Also, the spookiness and the paranormal atmosphere just don’t hit the mark in this book. I kept waiting for it to click until the end and ended up disappointed. The climax tries hard but falls short of its potential.
Too much happens in the present track, and some of it does nothing to the plot. Removing it would make the book smaller and more compact. It would also enhance the heaviness of the past and the need for the sisters to dig into history and do what’s needed. The book could easily have been shorter by 70 pages.

To summarize, The Lady of the Loch delivers in some places but doesn't make a lasting impression as a complete package. I loved The Witch's Tree, but this doesn't give me the same satisfaction.
Mine is an outliner opinion, so do read other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with this book for review. An absolute delightful read, absolutely loved it, read in one sitting, didn't want it to end.

Mislabeled as a time slip romance like Outlander-the only thing they have in common is the Scottish setting. It’s more a dual timeline historical novel with some romance and the second timeline set in modern day (they don’t slip into time like Claire). But this doesn’t affect my rating because it’s not the authors fault but more a disservice from the publisher.

I had a hard time getting into it because I couldn’t care less about the modern timeline and found both sisters meh. I ended up skimming a lot of their chapters in the beginning but by the time they arrived in Scotland, it became better! I still skimmed at some of the more overly descriptive parts though; we don’t need every minute detail. Plus the twins didn’t feel different enough, I kept confusing the two often.

Agnes is the only decent character and the mystery of Ravenscraig/ghost vibes are the only reason I didn’t DNF. All the other characters fell flat and didn’t have their own voices, especially since it’s told in third person.

I loved learning about Scotland’s history during the 1300s and the mystery of the ghost! It held my attention and was definitely more enjoyable as I got to the second half of the novel.

The Insta love/love at first sight is something I don’t typically enjoy and it felt rushed here. However, Agnes and Cam’s love story did grow on me by the end. I honestly think I would’ve liked this better if it was purely a book about Agnes and the 1300s, or even if it was 100 pages less cutting out unnecessary descriptions! My rating was initially around 3/3.5 stars but I enjoyed Agnes’ storyline and the resolution of the haunting mystery so much that I bumped it to 4 stars in the end

TW/CW: violence, blood, death, fire, war, depression, vomit (brief mention), death of parent, grief, suicide, colonization, rape (implied but never shown/discussed)

I felt transported to the Scottish Highlands while reading this fascinating book. Modern story in which twin ladies come to be castle caretakers and learn about its history. Other timeline is 1307 during the battle between the English and Scottish.

A brilliant time slip novel which transports the reader between the Scotland of Robert the Bruce and present day.
It is a love story on so many levels as well as a ghost presence.
From the very first page you are drawn into the lives of Agnes, Zoe and Leah.
A great read which is a real page turner and can’t recommend it enough