This book tells a story in three parallel timelines. All three connected by a house in Oxfordshire, Ashdown, and by 2 magical antiques, a mirror and a pearl.

The first timeline tells the story of a 19th century courtesan, Lavinia. Lavinia wants to find a way to live a life free from being a courtesan.

The second timeline tells the story of Elizabeth Stuart, the "Winter Queen" in the 17th Century. When her husband's land is taken from them and they must take refuge in the Hague, he takes the instruments in order to use their magic and see the future. Elizabeth turns to William Craven, a man who is suddenly there for her whenever she needs someone.

In the present timeline, Holly searches for her missing brother Ben. Holly finds an antique mirror and Lavinia's diary as she searches for Ben. She begins retracing his steps. While doing so, Holly meets a man; however, she's already involved with someone, but is he the one for her?

I was drawn to this book because I love books that have a good combination of history and romance. If it also has a little of the supernatural even better. I have also read many good things about this author and wanted to try her. The only issue I have is that the information from the Publisher's site compares her to Kate Morton. Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors and while Cornick does write well and with all of the elements that Morton uses, Morton's books are a notch above Cornick's for me. They just have that special fairy tale element/ otherworldliness that this book did not have. Some people may prefer Cornick. The great thing is when you are waiting for one to publish a book, you can read a book by the other one.

Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for this free copy.

Terrific story that has history and mystery rolled into one. Loved it so much!

Queen Elizabeth is married to King Frederick who is a member of the Order of the Rosy Cross. From this group she was given a crystal mirror surrounded by diamonds plus a large pearl known as the Sistrin pearl. Both of these things are said to be powerful and while the force was once used for good, the power has now been corrupted by the greed of men. Thus begins the story of how this mirror and pearl have affected the lives of people from 1596 to the present day.

William Craven was a loyal courtier to Queen Elizabeth for many years. It is said that they had married after the death or King Frederick. Craven did the Queen’s bidding in many different ways. Knowing that the mirror and pearl have now become symbols of evil, Craven thought he had destroyed them. But they resurfaced many years later.

Today, we find Holly whose brother, Ben, has gone missing from their vacation home called Ashdown Mill. The area was once part of a home that Craven had built for Elizabeth. Holly decides to move into the house while the search is on for Ben. When she starts researching the area and the history of Craven and Elizabeth, she uncovers information about the mirror and pearl. In addition, she finds an old diary written long ago with ties to this significant past.

This was an interesting book, but a bit too long and detailed for my taste. It goes back and forth from the 1600’s to present day. History buffs will probably love it.

Connie for b2b

Holly Ansell is looking for her brother after he disappeared from Ashdown Park while researching their family history. In her search, Holly comes across a journal kept by a 19th century courtesan, Lavinia Flite, who was “kept” as Ashdown Hall be her wealthy employer. Through the journal, readers get to know Lavina, a woman who wants more than to be a rich man’s plaything, but who finds herself trapped in a world where women have few choices. Interweaving the stories of Holly, Lavinia and the doomed queen who lived at Ashdown Hall along with the utter destruction of the home in a massive fire, Cornick creates a world of three very different women, all linked by DNA and destiny