I’m sharing two historical fiction reviews today for two excellent books on blog tours arranged by the lovely Anne Cater of Random Things Tours. This second book is The Collector’s Daughter, the second book I’ve read by Gill Paul, after enjoying reading The Second Marriage last year (see my review at https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.home.blog/2020/09/21/the-second-marriage-by-gill-paul/). Thank you to Avon Books for a digital copy to read and review via NetGalley.
Synopsis:
An unforgettable discovery
In 1922, Lady Evelyn Herbert’s dreams are realised when she is the first to set foot inside the lost tomb of Tutankhamun for over 3,000 years.
A cursed life
But the months after the discovery are marred by tragedy, when Eve’s father dies suddenly and her family is torn in two. Desperate to put the past behind her, Eve retreats into a private life with her new husband.
A deadly choice
But she is harbouring a dark secret about what really happened in Egypt. And when a young woman comes asking questions years later, the happiness Eve has finally found is threatened once more…
My thoughts:
I’m pleased to say that this is another excellent historical fiction novel by Gill Paul based around real life people. I loved the way the story is written so that we slowly discover just how Eve and her family were involved in the discovery of the lost tomb of Tutankhamun, including her trips to Egypt and her fascination with archaeology from a young age. It was fabulous to see a young woman heavily involved in this.
However, this is also a love story, as Eve manages to avoid the potential husbands suggested by her mother and sets out to persuade Brograve to marry her. Their love for each other survived decades and Eve’s ill health, and I shed a few tears during one of the later chapters.
During the story, Eve tries to remember where a solid gold object from Egypt went, as an Egyptian archeologist presses her for answers. But will Eve ever be able to remember? You need to read the book to find out more.
This was a fascinating story, full of intrigue and secrets, and the famous curse. Another book that I’m happy to recommend by a superb storyteller and it has been added to my favourite books of 2021 – the second of the day!
Author Bio:
Gill Paul is an author of historical fiction, specialising in the twentieth century and often writing about the lives of real women. Her novels have topped bestseller lists in the US and Canada as well as the UK and have been translated into twenty-one languages. The Secret Wife has sold over half a million copies and is a book-club favourite worldwide.
She is also the author of several non-fiction books on historical subjects. She lives in London and swims year-round in a wild pond. The Collector’s Daughter is her tenth novel.
Karen K is reading 