Beneath a Burning Sky is set in British occupied Egypt towards the end of the 19th century, and this country is a place I’d love to visit. I was excited to read about Alexandria during such an interesting time politically. One thing I discovered as I read on, however, is that the book is definitely more of a love story mixed with a touch of mystery and drama, rather than all about the country at that time. Obviously you get a sense of time and place from Jenny Ashcroft’s lovely writing, but it is far more about the characters’ relationships and feelings, which is to be expected really – it is billed as a “heart-wrenching story of love and betrayal”.

The characters are interesting in their own ways – some are distinctly unlikable, some seem like horrible human beings, and some you actually care about which made me want to read on. I felt that the storyline with Nailah was a little less engaging, and I grew impatient with wanting to get back to Olivia and Clara’s world, though I enjoyed seeing a different perspective to the story and one that didn’t centre around rich, indulgent British people. Some of the people in this world of 'British rule' were really annoying, and this effectively painted a picture of how many locals must have seen the British expats.

The descriptions are vivid and interesting with some lovely imagery, though I felt some parts could have been cut down a little, finding my interest starting to wane at some points. I suppose I just hoped for a bit more about the place itself, as well as the character information – sometimes the story didn’t grab me as much as I wanted it to. It's still worth a read though, especially if you like your historical fiction with plenty of drama and an element of mystery.

"Beneath a Burning Sky" is Jenny Ashcroft's debut novel, and what a debut it was! Initially I was interested in this book because it takes place in Egypt and I love to learn about this ancient place - fact or fiction. This story was set mostly in Alexandria during the end of the 19th century, when Egypt was still under British rule. Not really knowing what to expect from a debut, I was transported to another place and time in this beautifully written tale.

Jenny Ashcroft has written a wonderful story, a fabulous historical romance in colonial Egypt, one that is full of intrigue and mystery, love and hate. There is an interwoven plot that will keep you guessing right to the very end. There are wonderful descriptions of Egypt at the turn of the century, but this book is really all about the characters and their relationships. This is most definitely the driving force - the life of an expat during the 1890s.

There are many characters and each have their contributions to make. From the disappearance of the main character’s sister - who did it? How? Why? Where? - to the brutality of a violent marriage (you will really despise Alistair). But at the heart of this tale is a love story and what a classic it is. Edward is the personification of the dashing hero and his relationship with Olivia will most certainly pull at your heartstrings.

‘I’m trying to keep you safe.’ His soft voice was baffled. ‘You cannot know the dangers of this land, the things people do.’

The flip story of Nailah, whilst a little difficult to follow at times, helps provide the voice of the Egyptians, demonstrating the contrast between the ruling British and the downtrodden Egyptians. However, this is such a well crafted mystery that at the end, when all the puzzle pieces start to come together, you will understand more and more her role and those of her family and friends.

Jenny Ashcroft is to be congratulated on how easily, and seemingly effortlessly, she brings to life the tense atmosphere of colonial rule. She evokes such a range of emotions through her characters that their stories will stay with you long after the final page is turned. It’s fast paced and addictive with characters that will grow on you - you will want to despise Alistair, slap Jeremy, swoon over Edward and rally behind Olivia - just to name a few.

Life wasn’t long enough to waste with unhappy decisions.

Am I gushing? Yes I am - it was absolutely brilliant. Whether or not historical fiction is your thing it doesn’t matter for this is so much more than that. The harsh brutality of life at times, the intriguing mystery and the quest for true love will sweep you away to a time and place long gone.

For lies were all she had to give. The truth, always terrifying, had never felt more impossible than now,


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

A wonderful story set in the days of the British empire, showing the class divide really well. Olivia tries to find out why her sister Clara has been abducted, and does her disappearance have anything to do with the death of a native woman? An enthralling mystery involving love, abuse and class divide.

5☆ Enchanting, Captivating, Page turner, Full of Mystery and Charm!

A beautiful first debut novel for Jenny Ashcroft.

Beneath a Burning Sky is a beautifully written story about love, romance, mystery, passion, secrets, intrigue its a beautiful historical fiction.

Beneath a Burning Sky is set in Egypt.
Egypt is one of my bucket list places to visit. So much rich history and character.
Jenny did not let me down on the descriptive encounters of Egypt and is beautiful surroundings. I literally felt like I was in Egypt.

The characters were passionate and strong.
Olivia the main character was a very strong female lead. Watching her grow as a character was lovely to watch. She has been through so much heartache and abuse from her husband Alistair, she still manages to keep strong no matter how much he grinds her down.

So when Edward shows her some attention the sparks shine between them. He is everything her husband isnt. He's kind, caring, romantic. Watching the relationship between Olivia and Edward is special. He is her forbidden fruit. But also her hero!

Olivia and her sister Clara were separated from each other after the death of their parents. Their awful nasty grandmother kept them apart and made sure they never found each other. Until now!
So when Olivia finally finds Clara she is about to lose her again.
When her sister mysteriously disappears things just don't add up.
So she sets out to try and uncover what has happened.

Edward help Olivia to find Clara in what appears to be a race against time. Putting both girls in danger.

There is plenty of twists, turns, suspense, mystery, romance, secrets to keep you page turning till the early hours.

I enjoy reading historical fiction, but Jenny made the pages light up and transport the reader right into the heart of Egypt. It's a fast paced read and it certainly wasn't what I was expecting it was much better.

I'm looking forward to reading more from Jenny! I certainly think she is going to be an Author to watch out for!

Beneath A Burning Sky by Jenny Ashcroft is a story of betrayal and love set in Egypt during the British occupation.

An interesting read set in Alexandria at a time of disquiet and surge in nationalist feeling, two sisters try to get to know each other again after years apart, with tragic results. Hard to know who is friend or foe.

I really enjoyed this book. Do not mistake it for a wishy washy romance story. It makes you understand what it was like to be a woman in those times, with virtually no independence. It also gives a good sense of place. And does not have the usual sort of ending (no spoilers here though). I will look out for more books by Jenny Ashcroft.

I struggled with this novel. A lot of people spoke about it being a romance but my overall impression is a tale of deceipt, betrayal, violence (especially towards women) and scheming. Not a single character seems to emerge in a good light and many were positively evil. I took it on holiday to read and wished I hadn’t as it was generally depressing.

Much of the book centres of Olivia, aka Livvy, who has had a tragic life. Her parents died when she was young and she was separated from her elder sister, Clara, by a wicked (and very clichéd) grandmother who took her from Egypt to a harsh English boarding school at age seven. Later Olivia is forced, by the grandmother, to marry Alistair who is abusive and sadistic. The only saving grace is that Olivia is now back in Egypt with Clara. But soon into the story Clara disappears and there follows a very contorted story about what happened. By the end of the book there have been so many twists and turns that pretty much everyone has done something dastardly.

There’s a side story of a local servant girl, Nailah, and her involvement in the disappearance of Clara. She comes out badly but despite having read the whole book I am still not clear why she was seen in such a bad light compared to the deeds of others. I think I must have missed a vital sentence.

There were too many characters, many of who had alternative names, or pet names, or were referred to by their title. Result being I was constantly taken out of the story by trying to work out who was who. Olivia and Clara’s parents were referred to a lot but the reader never finds out what happened to them or why the wicked grandmother hated her daughter-in-law so much to inflict such cruelty on her grandchildren. At times I felt like I was reading the second is a series of books without the benefit of book one or book three.

I was hoping to learn more about the period and culture of Egypt in the late 19th century when this book is set but I just felt like I was getting a stereotyped version.

I feel like I took a trip back in time to Alexandria while reading this book. The way the Jenny Ashcroft described each setting was perfect. This book revolves around two sisters; the younger one, Olivia, who has been forced into a loveless marriage with Alistair, one of the wealthiest and feared men in the city, and Clara, a married mother of two young sons who goes missing. Throughout the book, as the mystery unfolds, the reader uncovers the secrets among both the haves and have nots and it will keep you guessing until the final page. The book is full of colorful characters and everyone has their own story to tell. It's a thrilling page turner with a great backdrop. Be sure to pack this gem in your beach bag this summer.

I enjoyed this book with its mix of mystery with historical fiction, it's well written and exciting characterisation! Olivia's inner voice is stunning and very modern! A study of marriage in a time of few options for women, in Egypt at the turn of last century! The cover design I feel would put off male readers, where I believe a great many would in fact enjoy this story! Something perhaps to think on!

I've just finished another great NetGalley arc called Beneath A Burning Sky by Jenny Ashcroft. It's now available to buy/download too!

NOTE: If you're sensitive to people disappearing this might not be the book for you!

Beneath The Burning Skies in a historical, standalone novel that tells the stories of a few different characters, who live in Alexandria, Egypt. Two of these characters, Olivia and Clara are the main characters, I feel. The bulk of the story centres around what's going on with them. Both Olivia and Clara are English as are a few other characters too. All of the characters have a main part to play in the story, I feel which is nice.

4 Stars!

Spoilers below...

What most of this book is is a who done it? plot line, along with a few romantic parts too. Olivia and Clara go out to eat, in Alexandria one afternoon but Clara gets captured, and we assume killed. The beginning of the book tells of a capture of a character. We don't know who this is there, though.

The bits of the book that I enjoyed the most were the romantic parts. Olivia, who the story rotates around is abused by her husband. She realises she loves another character that she's known for a long time, Edward. This could potentially be classed as instant love but they've known each other for a long time. They just haven't realised their feelings before now. It takes most of the book for either one to say that they love the other one too. We just see it in the way they think of each other. The sex isn't graphically written about so anyone could potentially pick this up and enjoy it.

Other characters that have a big role are an Egyptian girl called Nailea, her uncle, aunt and mother, Olivia's and Clara's grandmother, who's horrible to both girls but particularly to Olivia as well as Clara's capturer as well. I'm not going to say just who the capturer is as that would totally give away the story but it was a surprise to me.

What did I like about Beneath A Burning Sky?
I loved the romance. I wish there had been more but alas, there wasn't.

I liked how there were good and evil characters and how we knew which was which throughout.

I liked the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Clara and how we didn't know what had happened to her right up until the end.

What didn't I like about Beneath A Burning Sky?
I didn't like the politics surrounding one of the storylines so much. I skimmed over some of those bits.

I didn't like how much the story focused on Nailea. I would have liked more focus given to Olivia's story as I felt like she was the main female character.

I don't like how this story is just a standalone. I feel that the story could continue following Olivia and her life.

Overall, I really enjoyed Beneath A Burning Sky. It was a good mystery novel. I'm giving it 4 Stars because it was a little slow at points but if you're a fan of romance/mystery/suspense/books set in different places, then pick this up!

Although I read this to the end and enjoyed parts of the story, it wasn’t really what I was expecting. I went into it thinking I was going to experience atmospheric historical fiction, but it felt more like a dramatic romance with love, lies and revenge.

Having been to Egypt twice many years ago, I was attracted to this book by its location. Unfortunately I didn’t feel this book brought Egypt to life with the intensity I’d hoped. It lacked the magic of exotic surroundings I was hoping for.

I did like that there was a Hassan in the book, as I met a Hassan the first time I went to Egypt in 1996 and we have remained friends. We wrote letters to each other for years and are still occasionally in touch with each other through Facebook.

In my opinion, if you like drama and romance you’ll probably enjoy this more than if you’re choosing to read this because of your love of historical fiction or Egypt.

Clara and her sister Olivia are separated by their grandmother when they return to England from Egypt after the death of their parents. When Clara is coerced into marriage by her grandmother she is taken back to Egypt by her husband and finally meets with her sister again.
But Egypt in the later 19th century is a dangerous place, and when her sister goes missing Olivia turns not to her husband Alistair Sheldon, but to their lodger Captain Edward Bertram.
Part mystery and thriller and part love story, this is a gripping read with an insight into colonial rule more than 120 years ago.

This is a heartbreaking but gripping read. The characters are believable and fascinating and the story held my interest from beginning to end. I strongly recommend it.

Beneath a Burning Sky by Jenny Ashcroft

For 15 years, ever since Olivia and Clara had been forced to leave their childhood home of Cairo for England following the death of their parents, they'd been kept apart by their vindictive grandmother. At the tender age of 8, Olivia had been traumatically boarded in a convent where she had been cruelly mistreated by the nuns.

Years later, in the 1890s, as young women, a rich and powerful businessman with a vast network of cotton plantations in Egypt, had pursued Clara, but she had rejected him and married his more charming partner, Jeremy. Alastair, not a man to be slighted, had then manipulated Olivia into marriage with him against her will and then taken her back with him to Alexandria.

It is there that she is joyfully reunited with Clara, Jeremy and their two children and at last should have had a shot at happiness, except for her unhappy marriage to the controlling, sadistic Alastair.

When Olivia meets Captain Edmund Bertram, there is an irresistible magnetic attraction. As she learns more about the honourable qualities that make him the man he is - his moral strength and courage, combined with sensitivity and love, she realises for the first time in her life that this is what love must feel like.

Just as Olivia and Clara are getting to know each other better after such a long separation, Clara is abducted in broad daylight. Edward, who has been a longstanding friend of hers, is intent on rescuing her before it's too late, but his priority is to protect Olivia from danger. The strong-minded Olivia is frustrated by the lack of progress and that she is being kept in the dark.

Questions taunt Olivia, but as she takes matters into her own hands, embarking on her own perilous investigations, a sordid web of deceit, corruption and far worse emerges.

This beautiful and complex tale combines historical fiction with romance and conspiracy against a backdrop of exotic, colonial Egypt. It summons up our senses - the scorching heat, the dust, the sounds and the smells are all evocatively brought to mind and we are transported to a faraway place and time in a plot thick with intrigue.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Jenny Ashcroft for a copy of the ARC in return for an honest review.

This is a book full of secrets and intrigue. So many twists! Even the ending didn't quite turn out how I expected it to. I had to knock a couple of stars off as I felt the middle section was very slow , in fact I almost gave up as, I found it quite boring in places. Not one for me.

I have enjoyed every word of this book from start to finish. It transported me to Alexandria in a bygone era perfectly. I enjoy reading family sagas and crime/mystery thrillers normally, however this was a mixture of mystery, crime and a family saga all in one. I have not been able to put the book down since I started it, have shed a happy tear at the end and wonder what to do now it is finished. Thoroughly recommended.

I enjoy a good thriller and I also like well-written romantic fiction especially historical so Beneath a Burning Sky ticked all the boxes for me. There is mystery, intrigue, illicit romance, abduction, lies, betrayal, murder. The story takes place in 1890s Alexandria when Egypt was still under British occupation and begins with an abduction (whose?) then takes us back to a few months earlier.

Twenty-two year old Olivia has been brought to Alexandria by her husband Alistair who, you find out very quickly, is a thoroughly nasty, controlling, cruel character. Olivia is very unhappy but is unable to tell anyone. So, I thought to myself, it's a bit of a melodrama; maybe a bit of a cliché.

I'm happy to say I was wrong. It's better than that and I really enjoyed the story.

Years earlier, Olivia and her sister Clara had been forced to leave their childhood home of Cairo after the death of their parents and return to England to their grandmother. However their grandmother, a bitter, nasty woman, had kept them apart and had allowed no communication between the sisters. The grandmother also had a hand in leaving Olivia no choice but to marry Alistair, colluding with him to virtually blackmail Olivia into marriage. On a happier note, it transpires that her older sister Clara is married and has been living in Alexandria with her husband and children.

The story is quite complex, there are several threads and quite a lot of characters, and yet I didn't find it too complicated. It is well written with a good balance of description, dialogue and background information so it's not difficult to read. The romantic parts are not overly mushy but they are part of the story. I didn't try too hard to work out the connections between some of the characters; I just let myself enjoy the story and the plot twists and wait for the connections to be revealed in time.

The pace is good. I didn't find it boring at all. You hope there will be a happy ending but you can't be entirely sure given the way the story unfolds. You just have to read it and find out for yourself!

This is not normally my first choice of read but I was given the opportunity to read this in advance by the publisher and I'm so glad that I did as it was a beautiful and really powerful read.
Egypt in the late 1800's. A story of romance, a wonderful love story. Excellent writing, setting the senses alive. Could almost feel it!
One to recommend. My thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

I have mixed feelings about Beneath a Burning Sky by Jenny Ashcroft. I liked the historical setting – Alexandria at the end of the 19th century when Egypt was under British rule. It is a complex book but it is not so much historical fiction but more of a romantic story. Overall I enjoyed it but thought the book was melodramatic and I was hoping for more historical content.

There is a large cast of characters and although the main character, Olivia is convincingly described, many of the other characters are rather flat stereotypes – Alistair the sadistic older husband, Millicent, the wicked grandmother, and Edward, the ‘good’ character, the handsome, romantic lover.

From the start of the novel there is a lot that is not explained and the action moves swiftly from location to location, switching between different sets of characters. Olivia, trapped in an appalling marriage, is reunited with her older sister Clara from whom she was separated at a very young age after the death of their parents. She has no memories of her parents or her early life in Egypt, but throughout the book has tantalising flashbacks. I would have liked to have discovered what had happened to her parents, but this was only hinted at. I also wondered why Millicent, the wicked grandmother, had hated Olivia’s mother so much. And I was not convinced about the plausibility of Olivia’s forced marriage to Alistair.

But this is not the main mystery – that concerns Clara, because shortly after Olivia arrives, Clara disappears. The police investigation is completely useless, mainly because the chief of police is corrupt. What follows is Olivia’s frantic search for Clara with multiple twists as various secrets and passions begin to surface.

An added complication is the story of Nailah, an Egyptian woman, and her family. This shows the contrast between the ruling British class and the local people and the conditions they experienced and I think Jenny Ashcroft’s portrayal is the best part of her book. But I floundered to understand Nailah’s role in the novel and it was only towards the end that that became clear.

It is easy reading, and I was keen to know what had happened to Clara and why she disappeared. But for me it was too long with too many episodes that I sometimes found confusing. However, other people enjoyed it more than I did -there are plenty of 5 and 4 star reviews both on Amazon and Goodreads.