Rachel Burton is a favorite author of mine, so I was excited to receive an advance copy of her latest novel.

The House at River’s Edge is a dual time novel, set in 1914 just before the break out of WWI and 1997. In 1917 Grace Villiers is at her friend’s estate when she meets the exhasberating and intriguing Algernon Lake, at first disdainful of him, she starts to warm to him when he offeres to teach her to swim, but in the heady days of the summer of 1917, there are storms on the horizon that will change their lives irrevocably.

In !997, Barbara and her mother have just buried her father, no longer able to live in the faculty housing at Cambridge where her father was the Master, they must clear out of the master’s lodge and find another place to live. Her mother decided they will decamp to her ancestral home Oakdene, the problem is Oakdene is in dire need of renovation. Whilst cleaning out the debris, Barbara comes across a trunk with letters and notebooks and a picture of her Grandfather, all leading to a mystery that she intends to unravel.

The novel switches between time periods as the mystery slowly unravels. The setting of Cambridge is interesting and this is a book that one can curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy on a relaxing afternoon.

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

Another brilliant read from this incredible author whose books just keep getting better and better. The house at rivers edge is written across the timeline of two summers several decades apart and is full of engaging characters and an interesting storyline set against the beautiful backdrop of Cambridge which explores the devastating effects of the First World War and explores some very dark themes and is quite an emotional read at times. This story will stay with me for a long time after reading and is a must read for fans of historical fiction.

The House at River’s Edge by Rachel Burton

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

1914: Anticipating a long summer of freedom at her friend's family estate in Cambridge, Grace Villiers is disappointed by an unexpected addition to their party. Then the new arrival offers to teach Grace to swim, and she is forced to see there is more to Algernon Lake than his reputation. But, with war brewing across Europe, this will be a summer that changes everything for the young friends.

1997: Following her father’s sudden death, Barbara finds herself living with her mother in a house that is, literally, falling down around them. As she tries to put their new home in order, she discovers a photograph of her grandfather as a young man with his friend – two soldiers at the start of the First World War. Setting aside her grief, Barbara becomes determined to uncover their story, hoping it will bring her closer to the family she feels slipping away.

But when her search for answers opens up truths she isn’t prepared for, Barbara will come to realise, some secrets may be best left alone.

My Opinion

I have read and enjoyed a few books by Rachel Burton so I am always excited when I see that there is a new release. The House at River’s Edge utilises dual timelines – one set in 1914 and the other in 1997. This was a very enjoyable, engaging read. A beautiful, well-written novel.

Rating 4/5

4.5/5⭐️
The plot is weaved intricately through a dual timeline with the story focusing on Barbara (in the 1990s) as she navigates through her grief while working together with her mother to restore their property, Oakdene. In the earlier timeline, the focus is on Grace as she journeys through World War I.

As the book progresses, secrets are slowly revealed and I loved how it moves from one timeline to the other. Despite the switch, it isn’t hard to follow the story. And wow, I wasn’t expecting the twist at the end but when it is revealed, it truly makes so much sense.

This was my first time reading this author and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from her.

A fantastic historical narrative that explores how the First World War had repercussions beyond the 1920s, I really enjoyed this story from Burton.

At first I found it a bit difficult to follow because not only do readers quickly move between 1914 and 1997, there are also a lot of characters to keep track of. However, it is definitely worth persevering as we are taken on a family mystery about what happened to Barbara’s grandparents in the aftermath of the war.

I loved the heady, halcyon atmosphere that is created in the summer before the world changed. Grace, Winn, William, Bertie and Algie are enjoying their time in between studying at Cambridge. It is a period of exploration in feelings and a time where their lives will never be the same again. Winn and Grace are keen to move forwards with their education; despite the restrictions faced by women at the time, they want to improve their lives instead of being married off for family titles. However, feelings are developed in a short space of time and when the men sign up to the Front, the women are left behind hoping that the dreaded telegraph will not grace their doorstep.


In present day, a house clearance leads to discoveries about this time before the war, pulling into question who Barbara’s grandparents were. A mysterious photograph, a locked trunk and many old letters means that Barbara’s family history is irrevocably changed. I liked how the writer established parallels between the two timelines, meaning the characters are more closely linked than they realise. Both times are dealing with grief and loss, beyond the passing of a loved one, and it shows how these generations move forwards.

As more information is discovered in present day, readers are then taken back in time to see what really happened. This was a really fascinating technique because is meant the two generations were closely linked as Barbara and her daughter Penny, attempt to discover the truth about their heritage. It brought the past alive and I was as desperate as Barbara to see what happened next to Grace and Winn as the war raged on.

This is a touching story that darkens as the narrative progresses. Burton explores the emotional impact of the time before, during and after the First World War. The summer at the start gradually becomes overcast and with it, the family secrets that become buried. As a result, I found I was more invested in the past narrative because I wanted to see what happened. Furthermore, I really appreciated the references to other war poets at the time, making this story seem even more realistic.

A well-written story that ends on acceptance and forgiveness, it is quite an emotional journey that readers share with both timelines.

With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved reading this book.

It’s a dual timeline story which kept me hooked from the beginning, set in 1914 and 1997. There’s secrets, hardships during the war and love.

In 1997, Barbara has to leave the house after the death of her father, with her mother they move into Oakdene. The house that her mother’s, which is in need of a lot of work.

She finds a photograph, of her grandfather with someone else, both in army uniform, as well as a trunk in the cellar that is filled with papers and notebooks. This starts the unfolding of a mystery with her daughter Penny.

The story was well written and researched.

I highly recommend this book.

I loved this dual timeline book set before the first World War, during and after plus present day. A really addictive story which I couldn't stop reading. Another winner from Rachel.

A lovely story of love, loss & secrets. Told in two timelines, 1914 and 1997.
The early part telling the story of a life at university, making friends and trying to map out a life for oneself, even if others don’t approve. As the story progresses you think you may have worked out some of the secrets, that is until the later part of the story where Barbara and her daughter Penny start to uncover details that help to unravel the secrets.

It's a captivating story that will keep you tied to it until you know for sure!

I really enjoyed Grace’s story, sad though it was in places.

I really enjoyed reading this book
This is the,story of Barbara her daughter Penny and her mum Allegra,who have had to move from their university house due to the death of her father.. They move to the family home that has been leasehold and find they need to move again so that repairs can be carried out. As they clear it they discover a trunk full of letters and notebooks and pictures as they investigate they discover a story of their relatives and friends from the early 1900's and during WW1 a time of loss and social upheaval finding lots of family history they knew nothing about.
I loved reading this book and could not put it down

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

When I began reading The House at River's Edge, I was immediately captivated by its dual timelines and rich historical backdrop. The novel weaves together the stories of Grace Villiers in 1914 and Barbara in 1997, both connected by a family estate in Cambridge.

In 1914, Grace anticipates a summer of freedom at her friend's family estate, only to be surprised by the arrival of Algernon Lake. Initially wary of his reputation, Grace's perspective changes as Algernon teaches her to swim, and a deeper connection forms between them. However, the looming threat of war casts a shadow over their idyllic summer, changing everything.

In 1997, Barbara is grappling with the sudden death of her father and the challenges of living in a dilapidated house with her mother. While sorting through the house, she discovers a photograph of her grandfather with a friend, both soldiers at the start of World War I. Driven by a desire to uncover her family's history, Barbara embarks on a journey that reveals long-buried secrets and brings her closer to understanding her roots.

The novel's exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time is beautifully rendered. The characters are well-developed, and the dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, creating a compelling narrative that kept me engaged throughout. The historical details add depth to the story, making it a rich and immersive read.

The House at River's Edge is a beautifully written novel that combines historical fiction with a poignant exploration of family and identity, making it a memorable and satisfying read.

My rating:

Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction


Review:
This is a beautiful story, told over a dual time line, one set in 1997 and one that starts just before WI and finishes around the end of the war, when the world had changed forever. The characters strong women who each suffer personal losses although the times and circumstances are different there are also many similarities in how they cope and deal with it.

The book is well written, atmospheric, highly emotional and has a nostalgic feel to it. The story flows well and has the right amount of mystery and suspense to keep you captivated till the end.The dual time lines are nicely interwoven and concluded into a satisfying ending. The characters are well developed; their personalities were explained with enough detail so that they felt realistic.

Overall:
An interesting story that captures you from the beginning, with realistic characters and the right mixture of mystery and suspense.

Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.

A group of friends decide to spend the summer together and to have the best summer ever. War is looming and that changes things.
In present day Barbara is cleaning out their basement and finds an old trunk. Together with her daughter and Mom they try to piece together what happened all those years ago.
I loved this book! It’s told through dual timelines and both were really interesting. It touches on some sensitive issues and the horrors of war.
A perfect book for historical fiction fans

Absolutely beautiful but also heartbreaking this dual timeline read kept me totally engaged. In 1914 secrets, love stories and life during the First World War are linked to Barbara in 1997 when her own life takes a turn after the death of her father. With her mother she moves into Oakdene, a house that belongs to her mother but one that is need of lots of work. After finding a photograph of her grandfather and another man in army uniform they find a trunk in the basement. Filled with notebooks and papers Barbara and her daughter Penny start to unravel an intriguing mystery. For me this was a story about family dynamics, lost love and vulnerability. Obviously well researched this explores many elements of human nature. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

3.5 stars
In the summer of 1914, four close friends meet up at an estate in the English countryside. They make a pact to have as much fun as they can together, before life leads them in different directions. Those days turned out to be glorious ones, remembered fondly in later years as a time of deep friendship. Also, that summer season was reflected upon because of it being the last one before The Great War swept in and changed everything forever for them all…and for future generations.
This book is a must for historical fiction lovers!

* I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

if you havent read books by Rachel Burton then do so immediately. she is a masterclass in storytelling scoping many a genre. her talent is my luck and i do feel very very lucky to get to read the imagining of her mind. and this book is once again an exquisite tale.
this book follows a dual timelines linked by one house. the first takes us to WW1 and to a group of friends who are facing just what life is like in wartime. and how the moments they share together will go on to change everything.
the later years take us to 1997. we find ourself in the lives of three generations of woman who set off on a quest to find out just what secrets lie with their ancestors past and how they came to be. what they learn will shake up what they thought they new and bring to light some big events.
both timelines are just wonderful reads. i love how they linked and also held their own. they balanced perfectly and i wanted to know the story of both equally. the intrigue and sadness is tough at time. learning just what those who were at home during the war was really interesting. how life and emotions dont stop just because a war is on. and neither does the human nature and its ups and downs stop either.
the book held my heart from the get go. and i was gripped to learn the story and the ties of the past and present. the characters compelled me to know more and the book told each of them in such stunning descriptions that i felt their emotions and could see what they saw almost like i was a fly on the wall with them. the atmosphere and scene setting was done to perfection.
i couldnt get enough of this book and every time i put it down i was grappling with myself until i could get back to read more.
i was fully invested in this story and both past and present succeeded in being excellent moments in time for to escape to.
thankyou Rachel for giving us your talent to share. i feel so very very lucky indeed.

This is a dual-timeline book set between World War I and 1997. Just before WWI, five friends spent the Summer together at Egerton Lodge. As relationships develop, plans are thwarted by the war. In 1997, Barbara and her family prepared to have work done on her Mother's home, Oakdene. During the preparation, a trunk is discovered in the basement. Barabra's daughter Penny is a historical researcher who makes surprising discoveries within the chest. I really enjoyed this book.

a dual timeline set in WW1 and 1997, follow the story of a family and their secrets. good book was hard to put down.

This is an incredible story with two timelines telling of love in WWI and the secrets that love created for a family. The WWI story covers that of a young girl falling for a poet and of the relationship of her brother and their friend. The story of them is compelling and lovely. The war interrupts both relationships and begins a timeline of deeply held family secrets.
In the second timeline, the family of the men begins to unravel when a pre-WWI trunk is discovered in the basement. The daughter of one of the family women is a historical researcher on WWI poets and she begins to research the family’s past with surprising information.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another emotional historical fiction book from Rachel - a secret family history, tragedy but also the love of a family.

Full review to follow on the blog tour

The House At River’s Edge by Rachel Burton is a powerful dual timeline that I just could not put down. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep!
The two time periods are 1914-1919, and 1997. The chapters alternate as we follow a family through the first World War years, and again after a long-lost photograph is found. Along with the characters, we have questions about the ancestors of a family. All is not as we first thought.
The summer of 1919 was the final summer of freedom. “I hold on to the memories of that summer.” With the advent of war, lives would be changed forever. A generation of young men left enthusiastically for war. Many never returned. Those who did, had often left their minds on the battlefields. “When I sleep, I’m back there, in the trenches.” We see the devastating effects of shell shock. “They can talk about peace and armistice as much as they like; he knows he will never find peace again.” People often suffered from shell shock for the rest of their lives.
We witness the heartbreaking results when a loved one dies. “Death doesn’t care about those who are left behind.” Characters know they will never love again like they did, making decisions to support each other.
The modern reader is horrified by the prejudices of the day in 1914. “Why society has to label some love good and some love bad is beyond me.” Society judges, meaning that some people cannot be true to themselves.
There is also the outdated attitude to women in 1914. Women were expected to make marriage alliances and could be seen as ‘on-the-shelf’ by their mid-twenties if they were still single. Women could not vote either. The first World War would do a lot to advance their freedoms.
One thing which women did do, and is deplorable, was to hand out white feathers to young men – no questions asked. Not every young man who wasn’t fighting was a coward or a C.O. Some young men had health problems or were in required professions, and therefore did not fight.
In 1997 we meet a grandmother, mother and daughter. They are strong women who are all dealing with loss. Life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect it too but the three pull together. An old trunk full of documents and letters, holds some surprising secrets. As age-old secrets come to light, lives are renovated, along with an old property.
I thoroughly enjoyed The House At River’s Edge. It showed a bygone age, one last enjoyable summer of 1914 before lives would be transformed forever. I really loved it and was entertained as the two time periods were inter-woven.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.