Nicely done historical fiction. Sisters Olivia and Clare share the character space with, to be honest, the city of Alexandria Egypt in 1891. Great atmospherics. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I am in charge of our Senior School library and now during this time of lockdown, I am looking for a diverse array of new books to furnish their shelves with and inspire our young people to read a wider and more diverse range of books as they move through the senior school. It is hard sometimes to find books that will grab the attention of young people as their time is short and we are competing against technology and online entertainments.
This was a thought-provoking and well-written read that will appeal to readers across the board. It had a really strong voice and a compelling narrative that I think would capture their attention and draw them in. It kept me engrossed and I think that it's so important that the books that we purchase for both our young people and our staff are appealing to as broad a range of readers as possible - as well as providing them with something a little 'different' that they might not have come across in school libraries before.
This was a really enjoyable read and I will definitely be purchasing a copy for school so that our young people can enjoy it for themselves. A satisfying and well-crafted read that I keep thinking about long after closing its final page - and that definitely makes it a must-buy for me!

I really enjoy spending summer days getting lost in a good book. If it is set in a faraway country it is even better because I won't be travelling to any exotic or far flung countries this year and, instead of spending my money on holiday travel, I enjoy spending it on books where I, the reader, am able to explore countries from the comfortable setting of my, new, garden chair.
In 'Beneath a Burning Sky' the reader is transported to Egypt and I really enjoyed exploring the markets and cities throughout the story. I really enjoyed the writing style and I could picture the scene, along with the smells and sights, but also the blistering heat as the sun reached its midday heat. The story is surrounded in a veil of mystery and this all adds to the intrigue of the setting. i really enjoyed the whole story and I found myself reading just a little more each day, not wanting to leave behind the characters or the setting.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good summer read, and wanting to be transported away to someone hot with a story which will keep you enthralled until the very end.
Thank you to the publishers, Little Brown. for sending me the book to reivew.

I have never read this author before, but a throughly enjoyable book. Set in Egypt in 1891 it tells the story of 2 English sisters. There is a bit of everything in this book, romance, mystery, intrigue, murder and cruelty. I think it would make a good TV drama.

I got half way through this book and although I didn't dislike it, I just wasn't compelled to keep reading on. I am about to go to Montenegro on holiday though so I may well give it another chance and see if I feel differently.

This was just the perfect book for a cold and wintry Easter holiday! Set in the warmth of Egypt towards the end of the 19th-century, I soon found myself basking in the heat of the rich descriptions of Alexandria of 1891 as the city was brought vividly to life. Quickly I found myself immersed in not only the wonderfully exotic locations, which are lavishly described but I also found myself wrapped up in the lives and drama of the characters.

The first of these is a new arrival to Alexandria. Although born in the city, Olivia left fifteen years earlier following the tragic death of her parents. Her paternal grandmother, who always resented her mother, sought revenge by abandoning her youngest granddaughter in a lonely and uncaring convent school in England, whilst raising Olivia’s sister, Clara herself.

At last the two sisters are reunited in their beloved city; both married to two men linked through their business. Olivia has effectively been coerced into a marriage with Alistair Sheldon, despite her misgivings … fears soon to be proved all too real. Generally disliked by those around him, few would believe the depth of Alistair’s cruel and violent nature. In contrast Clara’s marriage to Jeremy is happier, safer with two young sons, however she is distracted and distraught.

Secrets abound within the idyllic city and within all the relationships and soon Olivia too has to hide her close friendship to a certain Captain Edward Bertram (Teddy) who lodges in their house. The attraction between the two is palpable and intense although Olivia will not allow herself to act on her feelings.

The pivotal moment in the book is the sudden disappearance of Clara. As the book counts up the days thereafter, the intrigue only deepens and embroils everyone – apart from Olivia who desperately wants to find her sister. Ostensibly the novel is told through the third-person point of view, but obliquely from Olivia’s, thereby ensuring the reader feels her pain, confusion, fear. Just as Olivia attempts to unravel the mystery with the investigative help of Teddy, her friends and the police, so the reader seeks comprehension of the myriad of events.

Olivia’s strong spirit and determination grows as the dramatic and heart-wrenching story unfurls with secrets overflowing and for some reason seems to revolve around the ‘accidental’ death of a local mother. Everything seems to be connected but how?

Furthermore, the undercurrent of revolution permeates throughout the book and the historical elements are skilfully interwoven with the fictional.

The final tense chapters are spell-binding and relentless. I highly recommend this superb novel.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

I think what I like the most about this book is the politic setting. The tension between Brit and Egypt gave a nice 'spice' for the whole story.

Not too much mystery, not too much romance, which is good actually. You can enjoy many things in this story. From the setting, drama, mystery, politics, and romance,

Though I don't really feel the historical 'vibe' from the dialogues of the characters. But it's still a great read.

Beneath a Burning Sky was a gorgeous book to read.
Betrayal, Romance, Murder, Revenge. This book had it all!
From start to finish I was mesmorised with a time and place that seemed captivating and less than fair.
The descriptions of Alexandria and the lines between the poor and the rich were cleverly written and I am eager to read more this author

I'm not normally a reader who likes historical books, or romances, but this was fascinating, and I really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.

Beneath a Burning Sky is a rich, well researched historical drama set in Egypt at the end of the nineteenth century. A young British bride reunited with her sister after years apart finds her life endangered when her sibling is kidnapped. Rich in texture, the culture of the time is beautifully observed.

Overall this was a good story. It captured the ethos of Egypt in those times and the characters were well described and believable. The only criticism I have is the middle section of the book seemed to ramble a bit with not much happening for a long time. I kept going and the conclusion was as good as the beginning and very absorbing. Well worth reading

Superb book, I couldn't put it down, one of those books that you read at every opportunity, so welcome after reviewing what seems like marshmallow stories after this Authors writing. Totally absorbing storyline and believable characters and written so well that you actually want them to have the happiness that is evading them.

A wonderful novel which brings alive 1880s in British occupied Egypt and the story of two sisters who have been separated since their parents' deaths. Olivia was hidden away from her sister Clara in a convent by her Grandmother and Clara feted by the sand woman. Through her marriage to Alister, she is once again back in Egypt and trying to recover memories of her childhood that have been suppressed. Alister had fallen for her sister who rejected him and married his partner Jeremy and had two little boys. Amongst the stifling heat Olivia suffers from her husband's warped sexual behaviour and attitude but begins to fall for Edward, the military officer who lodges with them. When Clara disappears on a trip out with Olivia things turn dark and the author skilfully manages an a circle of characters who have all got their own agendas for the misssing Clara. How Olivia copes with all life throws af her is beautifully told. A fast paced tale - excellent!

This book was refreshingly different.
The central character had a rough childhood and now appears to be the wife of a wealthy English businessman in Alexabdria who's days of luxury are spent being cossetted. Not so.
Her daily struggles are altered when her sister disappears. This leads Olivia into dark and dangerous intrigues.
Rather than an Victorian wife, she reads more like a 1920s thinking woman,at one point defying a note urging her to a secret rendezvous - and adamantly waits to inform others of her whereabouts.
The descriptions fo luxurious surroundings mixed with hell-holes for the poor, fabulous fabrics or filthy rags, reminded me of Dorothy Eden's style of transporting the reader there.
The actual mystery element I felt went on a little too long, but was certainly not predictable. I'll certainly look for this author again

Exceptionally gripping story of oppression, love and intrigue set in 19th century Egypt. A most intriguing book which I couldn't put down. The background of the British army, local people and colonial family life was wonderfully described.

I loved this debut novel from Jenny Ashcroft. Set in Alexandria, Egypt during colonial times, this love story had mystery, tragedy, conspiracies and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I was made keenly aware of the social constraints upon women in the Victorian era - and was impressed by how courageous Olivia was - riding off into the desert, allowing her true feelings for her lover to flourish, putting herself in risky situations to find her sister. How different things could have been for her had she been born a hundred years later! The plot was complicated, but interesting. Can't wait for more from this author - Jenny Ashcroft is one to watch! I was fortunate to receive this advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed Beneath a Burning Sky. This intriguing historical novel takes place in two locations, one being England and the other being Egypt.

The main character, Olivia, 22 years old, is coerced into marriage by her grandmother to a cruel and abusive man known as Alistair Sheldon. She relocates to Egypt with him and is happily reunited with her sister, Clara. She is treated atrociously by Alistair and inadvertently develops feelings for her husband’s boarder, Captain Edward Bertram, when he befriends her.

Amidst all the tension, Clara is kidnapped when the visit the city. The reason behind this abduction is unclear and Olivia does her utmost to find her, despite all the obstructions put in her path.

Without spoiling it for you, I can say that this is a thrilling and deeply intriguing story with plenty of action, romance and suspense, predominantly set in Egypt during the 19th century.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I was drawn to Beneath a Burning Sky by the setting – Egypt in the late 19th century – and comparisons to other authors I’ve enjoyed, such as Victoria Hislop and Dinah Jefferies, made it sound even more appealing. However, although I did find a lot to like, I was left with feelings that were much more mixed than I’d hoped.

The plot is an exciting one. It begins shortly after twenty-two-year-old Olivia marries businessman Alistair Sheldon and leaves England to live with him in Egypt, the country where she spent her own early childhood. It’s not long before she becomes aware of the true nature of her cruel, abusive husband, but she is unwilling to admit to anyone just how unhappy her marriage is and devotes herself instead to settling into her new home in Alexandria and to getting to know her sister Clara, with whom she has just been reacquainted after many years.

When Clara disappears on a trip into the city – seemingly abducted from a busy street – Olivia is devastated. This is the second time she has lost her sister and she is determined to do everything she can to rescue her. As she searches for clues to explain Clara’s disappearance, however, she becomes convinced that her own husband, Alistair, may have had something to do with it. It’s a terrible situation to be in and even the one bright spot in Olivia’s life – her relationship with Edward Bertram, Alistair’s lodger – is just another additional complication. As the story unfolds, there is plenty of the “love and betrayal and mystery” promised by the blurb; all the ingredients for a great novel, so I was disappointed that, for me, they didn’t quite come together to form a successful whole.

My biggest problem with the book was the beginning. I found the opening chapters confusing and muddled. A lot of characters seemed to be introduced all at once – and had such involved and eventful backstories that I wondered if this was actually a sequel and if the early lives of Olivia and Clara had already been covered in a previous book (it isn’t and they hadn’t). Things did settle down after a while, but I still felt that some aspects of the plot were never fully explained or resolved.

Although I came to like and care about the two main characters, Olivia and Edward, and wanted them to find some happiness together, I thought the novel’s villains were just too evil to be true. Alistair had no nuances to his character and no redeeming qualities at all, while Olivia and Clara’s grandmother Mildred, a bitter, spiteful woman, had a hatred for her granddaughters which seemed out of proportion to the explanation that was given. There were some interesting characters amongst the Egyptians, though, particularly Nailah, a young woman whose story is linked with Olivia’s in ways which don’t become clear until the end of the book. The decision to write the novel from the perspectives of both Egyptian and British characters provided an opportunity to compare lifestyles and attitudes and to see things from more than one angle.

I didn’t feel that I learned much about the history of the period but, to be fair, it wasn’t really that sort of book. I think it will have more appeal to readers who enjoy romantic suspense rather than those who are looking for a more detailed work of historical fiction – personally I enjoy both, so despite my problems with Beneath a Burning Sky I still liked it enough to keep reading to the end, curious to see what had happened to Clara and whether Olivia and Edward could find a way to be together.

I was drawn to this book by the setting; I love historical fiction, especially anything set in the Victorian era, so the exotic setting of Alexandria, Egypt, in 1891 was appealing. I also liked the sound of the mystery element as the story follows the quest to find a kidnapped white woman from the so-called 'ruling classes'. Finally, the theme of sisterhood and the role of women in each other's lives was also a draw for me.

In lots of ways, I was not at all disappointed by my choice. The setting is beautifully evoked and clearly well researched, with the writer capturing the oppressive heat and simmering tension in 1890s Egypt. There is corruption present at the highest levels of this colonial society, something that creates uncertainty and menace from the beginning of the story. Ashcroft also perfectly maintains a sinister tone as she narrates the story of Olivia, a strong and admirable heroine, living with the abusive man she was made to marry. The reader is made to feel distinctly uneasy for Olivia, especially when her sister, Clara, vanishes - seemingly into thin air - during an outing into town for lunch. Olivia's awful husband is amazingly well-drawn as a character; the reader is compelled to hate him and feel quite desperate for Olivia to escape and find happiness.

Without wanting to give too much of the plot away, I would say that there are elements that are satisfying and others that are less so. I'll admit to being a little disappointed at some of the denouement of the story and I did find some of the motivations hard to follow or accept. However, the narrative is always compelling and I did race through the book because I wanted to know what happened.

Overall, I'd say that this was an engaging read which utilises an evocative setting and strong characterisation to good effect. The story is far from predictable, but this does not always create an easy ride for the reader.