Susanna Kearsley has been a favorite relaxing read author for me for over 10 years now. I was so excited to hear she came out with a new book, and it's a prequel to the very first book I read from her, "The Winter Sea". You don't need to have read "The Winter Sea" to enjoy the Scottish intrigue of 18th century Jacobite plotting, however. A young widow seeks compensation for her sailor husband's pension, but no one can prove she was married. The man assigned to the case is having a heck of a time not being attracted to her, and her story is intricately woven with intense historical details that fans of Kearsley have come to know and love. There are multiple timelines and numerous characters that can be mind-whirlingly difficult to keep track, but this story is a captivating one. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

I read The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley in 2017, and I liked it. I gave it 4 stars. The Vanished Days is a semi-prequel to that book, because it has three timelines in it. One of the timelines takes place in the 1680s-1690s when Lily is a young girl. It shows her relationship with best friend Jamie and then her life with foster family, the Brownes. The second timeline (happening at about the same time as The Winter Sea) takes place in the early 1700s when Lily is trying to prove she and Jamie were married so she, as his widow, can get money owed to those who died while trying to establish a failed Scottish colony. The third timeline takes place years later, I don't think an exact amount of years is established, where a man named Adam, one of the men tasked with investigating her marriage claim, is recounting his memories.

There are a lot of characters in The Vanished Days. Keeping a list of them is a good idea. The family tree in the beginning helped a little too. And the book has lots of historical detail. I never knew the Presbyterians and Episcopalians kept fighting for power or that, whichever religion was in power at the time, wouldn't allow the other to legally practice. I never knew the Scots tried to establish a colony, either. Anyone who is interested in lesser known Scottish history will enjoy The Vanished Days.

Throughout the investigation my opinion on what was true kept changing. My opinion on characters kept changing, too, and I liked how the book kept me guessing. Susanna got me to care about Lily, and Jamie, and Adam, and some of the Brownes. I wanted good things to happen to them.

By the end, my mind was totally blown. One twist I did see coming, another one had me stop reading for the longest time, trying to remember hints and connect dots. I will definitely have to read The Vanished Days a second and probably a third time to see the hints and have remaining questions answered. I liked the twist too. I haven't been this surprised by something in a long time. Plus, I liked how it resolved (and I think it was the only way to resolve) what I considered to be what went beyond a love triangle into a love square.

For people who are fans of Susanna and fans of the Moray and Graeme families, The Vanished Days will be enjoyed.

Having read the entire Susanna Kearsley bibliography, I am well aware of her special touch -- the surprises that shake a reader from complacency. The Vanished Days (brilliant title, BTW), is a gentle-yet-sometimes melancholy look back -- and bright look forward -- at the lives of a blended family of foundlings and their Phoenix-like resurrections despite being ruled by a vicious patriarch.

Set in the late 1600s to the early 1700s, we are taken through the always thoroughly confusing English/Scottish royalty squabbles and religious ping pong of the day (which I can never keep straight - James! William! Mary! Ann! Presbyterians! Episcopalians! Catholics!) While part of the story, thank goodness it's only a backdrop!

Strong story, nicely structured. Loved the first-person perspective of Adam Williamson, which IMHO, MAKES the story. See if you can find clues, along the way :-) I'm heading directly into the companion book, The Winter Sea (again).

I read this book courtesy of SOURCEBOOKS Landmark through Netgalley.

This was a captivating read, one that I am considering rereading--because I want to see what clues I missed in the first read, and what Scottish history I picked up that would be more familiar the second time through. Was the young woman entitled to the claim for her husband's wages, and was he her husband? The answer was well hidden in the novel. The story unfolded quickly, and I truly am considering starting over with it--I think it will be even better the next time through.

I always enjoy Susanna Kearsley’s historical fiction and dual time lines. The Vanished Days is no different. The history and perspective of main characters Lily and Adam intertwine for an interesting narrative, but there was always something that kept this reader from feeling very invested in the characters. Yet that also seemed to fit with their story, their difficult childhoods and how they needed to keep themselves emotionally apart from others much of the time. Kearsley has packed this novel with a lot of interesting characters and history. She’s created and interestingly woven tapestry, complete with a bit of a surprise at the end. Is it one of my favorite Kearsley books? No. Will I make sure my Library purchases it? Yes. Because who doesn’t love a good 17th/18th century tale set in Scotland.

Let me first say that Susanna Kearsley is MY FAVORITE AUTHOR. EVER. No one will ever surpass her for me. I reread her books yearly. I loved her Winter Sea so much that I almost carry it with me everywhere, like a comfort blanket as a child does. And I think that was my problem. This book was described as a companion novel to The Winter Sea, so I was expecting something very similar, with many of the same characters, etc. That was NOT at all how this book was. There were some similar characters from the other book, but they were mere footnotes. Colonel Graeme had a larger role, but that was really it. And this novel was not a dual time novel (which I love and prefer with her), it was all set in 1600's Edinburgh. There was also a mystery that once revealed made a lot of sense, but the whole time I felt something huge was missing, and not in a good way. I have to say that this is my least favorite of her historical novels. HOWEVER, she is still Susanna Kearsley and the book is still good. I still recommend every one read this, and all of her other books. RUN to the bookstore and stock up, because she truly is the best. I just think I went into this one with preconceived notions so that the book just didn't seem right to me. I am going to read it again, and I probably will like it better now that I understand what it is and what it is not.
So really, I think the fault is with me and NOT Ms. Kearsley. I truly say that I will read anything she writes, even the side of a cereal box. Four stars, and I am eagerly looking forward to what she will write next!!!

WOW! Totally shocked at the last few chapters of this book, and in such a great way. Susanna Kearsley literally 'pulled the rug out from my opinion' in this book. Amazing story telling set in the 18th century Scotland. The story is narrated by Adam Williamson, who takes us from his present day back to the end of the 17th century and into the 18th century as the story travels along. I felt the narration was easily followed and the characters kept my attention. I clung to one of the main characters, Lily, as my favorite character, as she was abused then rescued then the story takes us through her entire growing up years, the harsh nature of the life of a woman who was of maid status. I would say the genre was romance and historical fiction. Thank you to NetgGalley for allowing me this arc version to read.

I am always eager to read Susanna Kearsley’s historical fiction. This book is a companion and prequel to The Winter Sea, but can be read as a stand-alone. This is rooted in historical events and has a great Scottish setting. My favorite part of this book was the romance storyline. There was also some intrigue and at least one fabulous and shocking twist.

This book was uneven for me. The main storyline about Lily and Adam was most enjoyable. However, portions of this book read like a complicated history book and there were also characters who were introduced as background to the Moray and Graeme families that became somewhat difficult to keep track of and didn’t always hold my interest. This will not be as much of an issue with other readers. I do appreciate the research that went into this book. Overall, this is a good book and I recommend it.

I can't thank Sourcebooks Landmark a d NetGalley enough for the approval of this amazing novel!

This book sucked me in immediately and never let me go. I loved this book and it kept me interested from the very beginning.
This was a captivating, emotional read that really took you on a journey. The book is so wonderfully written, with each of the characters having their own unique qualities and traits to add to the depth of this fascinating tale. The storyline was marvellous and had so much context and drive, it was impossible to not find yourself invested in the characters and their lives as the story begins to unfold.
I enjoyed this book so much. It was a pleasure reading this superb novel!

Gave up after a while. Boring and too much staging, I was unclear on where this was going structurally. I forgot I put it down.

The Vanished Days is a historical fiction set in Scotland in the 1700’s. It follows Adam Williamson after he took part in the Darien expedition. This was very interesting and informative for me as I knew nothing of Scottish history. There is romance in the story which I did enjoy however the story was a little bit slow for me. There was a lot going on in the story but I found the narration to be boring at times and I kept losing myself in the story. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Thanks to Edelweiss Above the Treeline and NetGalley for the digital arc written by my favorite author.

Although it took me some time to finish it, I’m so glad I did! I can already tell that it will need a re-read after some time has passed to take it all in.

Susanna’s characters are what always brings me back to her novels. The clever way that she intertwines relationships is one of my favorite things about her writing.

Oct. 1st can’t come soon enough! I look forward to recommending The Vanished Days to eager readers at my library.

Thank you, Susanna for sharing your storytelling gift with all of us!

It’s impossible to write a review of <i>The Vanished Days</i> without the inevitable comparison to <i>Outlander</i>. Yet this imposing work of historical fiction stands squarely on its own merits and has a genuine authenticity thanks to the author’s scrupulous research, realistic dialogue, and richness of detail. The lengths to which Susanna Kearsley has clearly gone are remarkable.

Set in Scotland during the late 17th and early 18th Centuries, it’s a bonny read (and what an ending!) If you’re a pushover for plaid, flashing blades, the Scottish highlands, revolution, romance, sea voyages, and a tale of intrigue wrapped up in fear, suspicion, and prejudice - then this is for you.

If, like me, you are new to the works of Susanna Kearsley, then this is as good a place as any to begin. I have added <i>The Winter Sea</i> to my tbr list.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so much more than I am capable of putting into words - and not what I was expecting!
I very much enjoy Susanna Kearsley's writing talent - her way with words, her characters, her deep, deep storylines, the intrigue and the drama - and especially the elements of history woven into her books. The research it takes must be monumental. You can tell she puts a lot of effort into each one of her books.
I really didn't know exactly what to expect from Vanished Days. Knowing that it is a prequel to The Winter Sea made me very excited - with pretty big expectations since that is one of my all time favorite books.
I was not disappointed! I was drawn in, steadily pulled along - and then bammm! - the ending throws me for a complete loop!!
I didn't see it coming at all. My mind came to a screeching halt and I had to backtrack a bit to get my bearings.
I sat there blinking several times and wondered how I could have been so completely surprised!
But I was, and I still am!
I will be reading this book again very soon. Knowing what I do now, there will be more things that make a bit more sense. I think most of Susanna Kearsley's book are like that. So deep, that it takes more than one reading to fully get them - and enjoy them.
*One note - there are a few dark facets of this book. There is attempted child rape. I was uncomfortable with this subject matter. It was brief and not overly explicit, and I realize the situation was part of what made up the main female character's attitudes and choices. There is also the subject matter of on ongoing prostitution. Again, not overly explicit, but it's there - and again, part of what makes up the main female's life choices, as well as those around her.
I received an ARC of this book and am not at all obligated to leave a review.
This book is definitely worth your time to read!
If you have not read a Susanna Kearsley book, I highly recommend you give one a try - you won't be sorry!

When I saw that a new Susanna Kearsley book was available, I immediately requested it. I did not read the description because after all, it was Susanna Kearsley and I have read every book she has written thus far. Once I began reading, I quickly recognized familiar names from previous Kearsley books, which began tugging at my memory to recall more about each character.

This book felt like a complicated puzzle that I found myself desperately trying to piece together to figure out just how all of the pieces fit. Partly because I was trying to recall the part past characters played in The Winter Sea, The Firebirds and Bellewether. (Of course I now must go back and read each of them again!) This may be historical fiction and some of the main characters were in fact real, but Susanna’s writing makes them so completely memorable and the way she weaves the fictional story into the historical facts is mesmerizing. It feels like I am receiving a history lesson about times I am unfamiliar with whilst enjoying a captivating tale.

I admit, I did not see the plot twist coming in “The Vanished Days.” After I re-read the other books mentioned above, I will do the same of this one to reacquaint myself with past characters who were instrumental in the telling of this story.

I am thankful for the opportunity to read and enjoy this wonderful book.

Maybe not since Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd have I had the rug pulled out from under me as a reader the way that The Vanished Days accomplishes. I finished this book in the wee hours and immediately had to flip back to earlier scenes to understand all the clues and misdirection from my first read. Secrets and secret identities abound in this book, but even without the numerous surprises, this really is a fantastic read with tight plotting, surrounded, of course, by Kearsley's ever-scrupulous historical research of daily life during the Jacobin resistance movements of the late 17th century.

Of particular note in this book is the weariness so many characters have about impending invasions to unseat the British from Scotland. I'm accustomed to heroic tales of Scottish resistance where it seems as if everyone down to the lowliest members of society are ready to fall on their nationalist sword, and so it was interesting to read a book where a number of characters are just rather ambivalent about politics, and more than a few are relatively indifferent too about factional wars between Protestants and Catholics. In the midst of macro turmoil is a more commonplace struggle of survival for people without an education or family wealth or titles to propel them up the class ladder. A significant part of this story is also about the extra burdens women face with so limited options in life.

At the heart of the novel is Lily Aitcheson and her fortitude to surmount numerous obstacles and forge ahead with her life without the protection of her family. Adam, the narrator of the book, too is a lonely and rootless character, and his bond with Lily from the start emphasizes a key theme of the book, which is the search for a "family," even when family is defined other than blood ties. The best parts of the book for me centered around the motley group of young criminals and prostitutes forming a family as a bulwark against the harshness of daily life. The book shifts constantly between the grind of daily life for the main characters and the machinations of larger than life political figures vying for rule. The intersections between the two spheres are deftly handled but always point to the undesirable ways in which politics and war can squash individual human happiness. It's a harsh existence much of the time, but Kearsley writes romance and I felt by the end that the main characters here are going to have their happy endings.

Most certainly a book to reread, especially in light of the revelations in the last 20% of the book.

Sergeant Williamson (Adam) has been tasked to find the truth about Lily Graeme. She has come forward to seek a death benefit owed to her as the widow of Jamie, who has perished at sea. She has a marriage certificate that Adam is either to authenticate as real or disprove as a fake. He conducts numerous interviews with her friends and acquaintances to get to the root of the investigation. His feelings toward Lilly sway him to the affirmative, but his clerk is swayed opposite of that. We are taken on expected and unexpected turns throughout the story, and learn about the Jacobites of the 17th and 18th century, all very fascinating.

The dual timeline is between Lily as a child and Lily as an adult. As a child, she and Jamie were the best of friends. Jamie was her protector and her playmate, until he moved, at which time Lily gets taken advantage of and finds herself running to safety.

The character development in this book is exceptional and I truly felt the love, and also the hate, as if I myself were there. It took me about a third of the way into the book before it really grabbed me, and boy was I hooked after that. I need to read more Susanna Kearskey books right now, right this very minute. 5/5 stars and an abundance of applause for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review

The story in this book is related to other historical novels that Kearsley has written set in the late 1600s and early 1700s in England and Scotland. They concern the lead-up to the 1708 Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland, an attempt by the Scots to negate the Union of 1707 between England and Scotland and bring the exiled Catholic King James VIII back from France to take the Scottish throne.

There is a great deal of background imparted about the history and politics of the time, because it also forms the backdrop for the main story, which has to do with the life of Lily Aitcheson.

The book begins in 1707 in Edinburgh, when the narrator, Sergeant Adam Williamson, is staying at the house of his friend and commander Lieutenant Turnbull. Their relationship stemmed from their time together working and fighting for the Scottish colony at Darien. [The Gulf of Darien was the site of the Scottish colony of New Caledonia on the Isthmus of Panama, established in the late 1690s. The plan was for the colony to provide an overland transportation service connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, thus obviating the need to sail all the way around South America. The scheme failed for a number of reasons. In this book, it is suggested that the English government worked to subvert it, less the company take away business from their East India Company.]

When Adam showed up at Turnbull’s door, Turnbull was away, and Adam was at the same time struck with one of his periodic bouts of malaria, contracted in Panama. Turnbull’s wife Helen insisted he stay, even after he recovered. Adam agreed to complete an assignment for Turnbull brought over by Gilroy, a clerk of Lord Grange. The men were tasked with investigating a claim for wages from the African Company owed to spouses of men lost in the Darien adventure.

Adam was immediately enamored with the claimant, Lily Aitcheson, who said she was the widow of James Graeme, lost at sea on the way to Darien. Her proof is questionable however, and so Turnbull and ergo Adam were requested to help Gilroy investigate. In the course of doing so, we learn Lily’s life story.

Meanwhile, Helen is trying to fix Adam up with an eligible young lady, but Adam is clearly smitten with Lily. He can relate to the Platonic claim that every person has one matching half, and must search the world for the one person who completes us. We readers know Adam feels he has found that in Lily. But would Lily feel the same about him?

Evaluation: Underlying much of the story is a theme about the mistreatment of women, and how difficult it was then - much more so than now, to have any means of resistance or redress. We also learn a great deal about the complicated machinations of men in power in this time period over who would rule Scotland and how the conflict among competing religions might be sorted out. Both the personal and political interrelationships were confusing and at the end I felt like I could benefit from starting over again at the beginning, but I didn’t mind doing that; it is a good story, with a number of surprising twists at the end.

Did not realize this was part of the series, that was not my issue with this. My issue was that I just was not interested in the characters or the story. Not for me. JMO. DNF'd 100 pages in.

Thanks to Netgalley, Susanna Kearsley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 10/5/21

In The Vanished Days, Susanna Kearsley takes the reader back to Scotland during the time of the Jacobites, and the struggle between Scotland and England during the reign of King William. Deposed King James & James Stewart are in France and trying to get back on the throne.

Adam Williamson and Gilroy were tasked to check out the validity of a claim Lily Grahame has made to receive the money due her from the death of her husband, Jamie. Is he really her husband? The story, told by Adam, takes a convoluted trail through the life of Lily. The reader is taken from Scottish castles, to brothels, to New York. The reader is introduced to little known history of Scotland during the 1600s and 1700s. There are good men and some men you will love to hate. I must confess to being surprised at the ending!