This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

Another fantastic book from this author.
An excellent storyline to capture you and believable characters.

3.5 stars. A delightful book with charming characters!

Set in the late 1800’s, this novel follows twenty-year-old Sophie Ross. After her mother’s death, she discovers she has extended family whom she knows nothing about. Shocked with the news that her mother was estranged from her family, Sophie embarks on a journey to meet them. With the help of her nursemaid and best friend, Hannah, Sophie travels to her grandfather’s manor house to meet him and learn more about her mother’s past.

I loved the setting and atmosphere of this novel – an old mansion in the English countryside always pulls me in. The characters were delightful. I enjoyed experiencing Sophie’s journey in discovering her long lost family and building relationships with them while piecing together her mother’s past.

This was an easy and enjoyable read with a bit of mystery, suspense, intriguing atmosphere and charming characters.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Diney Costeloe for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a nice historical saga but I am afraid it did not float my boat at all and found it quite depressing in places

This is my first read by this author. A lovely historical saga taking place in 1886. When Sophie's mother dies of the wasting disease as her own mother did Sophie is left homeless without enough funds to get by. She meets her mother's side of the family that she hadn't known about before . The Kilpatrick family welcome her but things quickly get tense as secrets are revealed . Lovely historical novel that you will experience a variety of emotions while reading.
Pub Date 15 Feb 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Head of Zeus through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Beautifully written. Great since of place. Good characters. and a good story. A great read!

Confession time. Although I have several of Diney Costeloe’s books on my ever increasing ‘To Be Read’ pile, I have never actually read one. When I was offered the chance to read and review ‘Miss Mary’s Daughter’, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to acquaint myself with Diney’s books. After finishing ‘Miss Mary’s Daughter’ all I can say is ‘where have I been?’ I now know what I have been missing and will make reading her other books one of my top reading priorities. I absolutely loved reading ‘Miss Mary’s Daughter’ but more about that in a bit.
I have to say that I really took to the character of Sophie. She is a bit of a lost lamb in a sense because her father died when she was young and her mother dies leaving Sophie almost alone in the world. Sophie has a very dutiful and loyal maid/ cook called Hannah. Sophie is already grieving but then comes the revelation that she has this whole new family that she didn’t even know existed. Mary, Sophie’s mother, became estranged from her family when she ran away with Sophie’s father, in order to flee her arranged marriage. From that day up until Mary’s death there has been no contact between the two sides. So in the depths of Sophie’s grief, not only does she have to cope with this new found family but her aunt Matty is Mary’s identical twin. I can only imagine what that must feel like to not only lose a parent but then open the door to find their mirror image on the doorstep. Matty insists that Sophie goes down to Cornwall to live with her family there, but Sophie will only go on the proviso that Hannah be allowed to accompany here. When they get to Cornwall and the family estate, Sophie finds herself having to start to live a new life and to get to know numerous relatives each with their own unique personalities. It isn’t too long until tensions begin to rise and secrets and lies come tumbling out of the closet. Can Sophie manage to create a new and happy life for herself in Cornwall? Just what secrets come tumbling out of the closet? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
‘Miss Mary’s Daughter’ is really well written and perfect for history nerds like me. I love anything to do with the Victorian era and so vivid were the author’s descriptions of the area and of the conditions, that I could almost close my eyes and imagine that I was there as a silent witness so to speak. I became really involved with the characters to the point where I so wanted to ‘jump into’ the pages of the book to defend certain characters, argue with other characters and to slap others around the face with a wet fish several dozen times. Basically, I have a very vivid imagination and if I really, really get into a book then I tend to ‘live’ the story. ‘Miss Mary’s Daughter’ is a bit of a slow burner but that’s okay because the pace of the story allows you to meet the characters and figure out where they come into the book. I must admit that it took me a little while to get into the story but once I was into the story, boy was I into it. I became addicted to reading the book and my Kindle accompanied me wherever I went. I just had to keep reading to see if Sophie got the happy ever after that she so richly deserved.
In short I really did enjoy reading ‘Miss Mary’s Daughter’ and I would definitely recommend it to others but particularly to those people, who enjoy historical fiction. I can’t wait to read what comes next from Diney Costeloe but in the meantime I am now off to find her other books to read as a priority. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

Review: This was an interesting read, well written and with some great characters, that keep you turning the pages to find out more.

Diney Costeloe has done it again with another beautiful, emotional, and heartfelt historical novel that will take your breath away.

Sophie Ross lives a simple but content life with her mother and nursemaid Hannah even though she grieves for the tragic loss of her father, as they all do. But when her mother sadly passes on, Sophie realises that she must try to find work or they will find themselves in dire circumstances. But what she doesn't know is that her mother's family has been informed of what has happened and Sophie finds herself taken to Cornwall to a family that she never knew existed. As Sophie learns more about her mother and the family that she belongs to, there will be tension, secrets, danger, and love as Sophie uses her own strength to find her way but will it all work out?

MISS MARY'S DAUGHTER by Diney Costeloe brings the past alive with beautiful prose and detailed settings and as always characters that become like family. Sophie and Hannah are wonderful characters and I love their strength and determination throughout, but my favourite character has to be a certain little girl who is nobody's fool (you'll see what I mean when you read it). There is hope, there is darkness, poverty and there are those who are not what they seem, all mixed throughout with this compelling story of love, the wildness of nature, and hope, and I could not put this book down until I got to the end.
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MISS MARY'S DAUGHTER by Diney Costeloe is simply a must for historical fiction fans.

First of all, I was offered to read this book and participate in book tour in exchange of an honest review.

I always loved reading historical romances, because of the atmosphere that they create. However usually main female characters in such stories are damsels in distress and that, my lovelies, usually starts to get on my nerves. But…this time I was pleasantly surprised, because Sophie was a strong, brave and was undoubtedly able to defend her opinion. When the time came she was able to decide what is best for her and for those who loves and respects her. For some reason she reminded me of Jane Eyre.

Of course, there were times when I doubted her decisions and thought she should act differently, but once again Sophie was only 20 years old and at that time and era, she did what was anticipated from a young lady.

Also I was anticipating a fluffy romance, but once again I was pleasantly surprised, because it was more a mystery, than a romance, and it’s a huge plus from me. Only problem is that I guessed from the beginning, who “the bad guy” was, and at that point it wasn’t as enjoyable as it could have been.

Now, talking about other characters. I didn’t like any of them. And that was another issue for me, because with only one likable character it’s very hard to fully enjoy the book, at least for me.

So, if you like historical romances, give this book a chance, because it might be just what you are looking for.

In 1800s England, 20 year old Sophie Ross gets a chance to meet her extended family in Cornwall after her life is changed by the tragedy of her mother's death. She makes the long journey from London to Cornwall with her maid, Hannah. Sophie learns a lot about her mother's family.

Although initially welcoming, the family hide secrets, and there are tensions aplenty in this book. Everything is set amongst magnificent Cornish scenery.

This is the first book I have reviewed by Diney Costeloe and she writes with great attention to detail in every aspect from clothing and rooms of the house to the view outside the room Sophie sleeps in (which was where her mother slept when young). The writing is filled with conversations and observations of the family and Sophie alike, as they all try to live under the same roof at the majestic house. There was a real sense of trying to fit in despite class differences and being family.

The cover is very vintage-looking, and captures the essence of Cornwall and makes an impression on me. Seeing the mother and daughter by the sea, it really plays to the reader's sense of adventure, of leaving everything and starting somewhere new. The title is very appropriate, as soon as I saw it, I wanted to know more about "Miss Mary" and her daughter. The only downside is, it is very long but goes along at a leisurely pace, so I felt relaxed while listening to it and was curious to know about the family and their secrets.

I think the book will appeal to anyone who likes historical dramas, Cornwall and books about large houses. Downton Abbey with a Cornish twist!

Thanks to Diney Costeloe and Head of Zeus for my ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I also participated in the blog tour for this title.

This book for me was a complete treat, I had been suffering from the flu so I wrapped myself up warm and cosy and got a hot drink and stuck in to the book to take myself away and relax for a few hours!

I loved the plot and the characters were excellent, they really brought the story to life and I have to say that the writing style and how it flowed was superb. This was such a lovely book to read and I am a massive fan of books from this period too so it was extra special for me - five stars from me - I loved it!

Set in the late nineteenth century 'Miss Mary's Daughter', is a family saga set against the rugged Cornish landscape. Shortly after her mother's death, Sophie's maternal family welcome her to their ancestral home with varying degrees of warmth. She discovers a web of guilt, regret and secrets that both intrigue and endanger.
The story's historical detail and ambience let you step back into Victorian England. Moderate pacing and an increasingly complex but well-described plot combine to produce an absorbing read.
Sophie is a lovely character, naive but with a good heart and a strong will that gets her through her life's tough times. All the characters are believable and reveal hidden depths as the storyline progresses. Mysterious and sinister in parts this family saga slips effortlessly between Sophie's present and her mother, Mary's past. Exciting, adrenaline-fuelled final chapters lead to a lovely romantic end, with hope for the future.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Miss Mary’s Daughter by Diney Costeloe will sweep you back to 1886. Sophie Ross is the daughter of Mary and John Ross. Mary defied her father to marry John and has been estranged from Thomas Penvarrow (and the rest of her family) ever since. Sophie’s father passed away five years prior and now she is losing her mother. Unbeknownst to Sophie’s, Mary has written a letter to her family to be posted by Hannah Butts, the housekeeper (and so much more) after her death. After Mary’s funeral, Sophie starts looking for cheaper lodgings for herself and Hannah as well a position. One day Sophie opens the door and is surprised to see someone who looks just like her mother. Matilda “Matty” Treslyn is Mary’s twin sister, and she has come to take Sophie to Trescadinnick House in Port Felec, Cornwell. Sophie knew nothing about her mother’s family. Sophie agrees to visit the family estate if Hannah comes along as well. Sophie soon meets the rest of the Penvarrow family. Tomas is gruff, Louisa (her aunt) is rude, Charles (a cousin) is distant, Matty is warm, and little Alice Ann is delightful. Sophie settles in to get to know her relations. But like any family, there are secrets, arguments, lies and strain. An unexpected bonus comes in the form of Dr. Nicholas Bryan, Thomas’ physician. What does the future hold for Sophie Ross? Find out in Miss Mary’s Daughter.

Miss Mary’s Daughter is a well-written historical saga. I thought the characters were fully developed with a nice variety of different characteristics/personalities. The characters were realistic with normal emotions (they were not exaggerated). Sophie was very naïve in the beginning and I was glad to see her grow as the novel progressed. Little Alice Ann was adorable. I felt the author captured the era (late 1880s) and locale (London and Cornwall) with her vivid descriptions. Diney Costeloe’s provided beautiful depictions of the fashions (I love historical clothing). The pace of the story does slow down a touch in the middle but then it picks back up again around the sixty percent mark. There is mystery, intrigue, secrets, romance, friendship and family in this novel. Fans of Rosie Goodwin and Julie Klassen will be delighted with Diney Costeloe’s Miss Mary’s Daughter. Miss Mary’s Daughter is a pleasurable novel to read. Perfect for a rainy or snowy evening settle into a comfortable chair.

This was a great historical fiction story, when Sophie's mother starts to become ill, Mary Sophie's mother realizes that Sophie will be all alone with no family members.

Mary was ostracised from her family but now nearing her death bed she needs to reach out for Sophie's sake.

This is a well written story with the history of the family included and why Sophie doesn't know about her family but when Sophie goes to visit she finds out much more than she expected and also some secrets that other family members don't even know.

Descriptive writing which makes you feel as is you are there yourself.

Recommended read!!!!

I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

When Sophie's mother died, she met her long lost relatives. The Kilpatrick family welcome Sophie into their fold, but tensions rise and family secrets are revealed as Sophie attempts to rebuild her life and find happiness.

The writing was ok and I liked the descriptions of 1800's Cornwall, especially living by the sea, but the book got a little long in the tooth.

3.25 ☆

This one in particular interested me due to it being partly set in Cornwall. I love historical fiction and Diney’s new novel doesn’t disappoint.
Family secrets, historical fiction, mystery, wonderful characters, Poldark-like settings, this book has it all.

Sophie, I feel for at the beginning, losing her mum and a few years before that her father. She is left with her nanny turned friend and no money. Unbeknownst to her when her mother dies a letter is sent down to Cornwall to her mother’s family from who she was turned away from many years ago.

When Sophie heads down to Cornwall her arrival is filled with mixed emotions. Secrets are turned out, a family mystery unravels much to some dismay.

I found Miss Mary’s Daughter a pleasant read and it took me back to the 1880’s, well written and the setting described perfectly.

I’m giving Miss Mary’s Daughter 4 out of 5 stars.

Master storyteller Diney Costletoe is back with a powerful Victorian saga brimming with secrets, scandals and deceptions guaranteed to hold readers everywhere in thrall: Miss Mary’s Daughter. A must-read for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, Miss Mary’s Daughter is sure to satisfy Diney Costletoe’s legion of fans and delight new readers on the lookout for a sweeping saga to lose themselves in.

The death of her mother left twenty-year old Sophie Ross orphaned, penniless and absolutely petrified of what the future might hold. With opportunities thin on the ground and career options and prospects being scarce and pitiful, Sophie cannot help but wonder how she will manage to survive when she is all alone in the world. The only way she can avoid destitution is if she chooses to become a governess. However, little does Sophie realise that prior to her death, her mother had instructed her friend Hannah to post a letter to Trescadinnick House in Cornwall which will turn her entire world upside down…

Trescadinnick House holds the key to the mysteries of her mother’s heart and past and as Sophie and Hannah leave London behind for Cornwall, they are unaware of the scandalous secrets which they will uncover. As they are welcomed into the fold by the Penvarrow family, Sophie is shocked to her very core when she unearths the truth about her mother’s romance, marriage and rejection by her estranged father and the family that she had left behind in Cornwall.

As Sophie attempts to build her life anew after the sadness and anguish she had suffered, she begins to hope for a better future and a happier time. But with so many obstacles obstructing her path to fulfillment and happiness, will Sophie ever find the contentment she has been searching for all this time? Or will it continue to elude her?

Diney Costletoe is a writer of extraordinary power, scope and talent and she is at the top of her game with Miss Mary’s Daughter. A captivating saga that makes for perfect fireside reading, Miss Mary’s Daughter is an intriguing and enthralling tale with a wonderfully rendered heroine who leaps off the page, vivid and colorful descriptions of the past, compelling family drama and searing emotional intensity that will keep readers absolutely riveted whilst reading this exceptional historical saga.

A must-read for historical fiction fans everywhere, Miss Mary’s Daughter is another triumph from Diney Costletoe’s outstanding pen.

A lovely old fashioned story of an orphan who discovers she's actually got a family, albeit one who doesn't really want her. Sophie is mystified but she travels to Cornwall (love anything set in Cornwall) with her nursemaid Hannah (who is much more). Oh those family secrets and lies! Things that seemed so important in the 1860s would be brushed away today (one hopes), This is good historical fiction with a winning heroine in Sophie (and Hannah) and some interesting characters in the Kilpatrick family. Thanks to netgalley for the ArC.

Sitting beside her mother as she lay dying, twenty year old Sophie Ross was grief-stricken. How would she cope without her mother? They had become even closer when her mother Mary, had lost her husband John, Sophie's father five years previously. Now, with Hannah, her one time nanny and now dear friend, by her side, Sophie knew she would need to find a job, and a cheaper place in London for them to live.

A letter had been posted to Trescadinnick in Cornwall on Mary's death, unbeknown to Sophie. And when the mirror image of her mother appeared at her door some weeks later, Sophie was in shock. She had never been told of her mother's family - now with her Aunt Matty in front of her, she learned of a grandfather, another aunt and others. Sophie gradually learned the circumstances of the estrangement between her mother and the rest of her family - could she breach the gap after all that time?

When Sophie arrived at Trescadinnick, her appearance was greeted with varying degrees of warmth. But tensions rippled beneath the surface, making Sophie decidedly uncomfortable. Her grandfather was a gruff and cantankerous old curmudgeon, but Sophie decided she wasn't afraid of him - not like most of the other household members. But there were secrets and lies that were destined to be told - was happiness for Sophie an impossible dream?

Miss Mary's Daughter by Dinah Costeloe is historical fiction as I love it. Wonderful prose, with delightful (and not so delightful) characters, my favourite would have to be six year old AliceAnne. Such a gorgeous child who bloomed once Sophie entered the household. The descriptions of the countryside; the plight of the poor; the dangers of the cliffs - it was an excellent story, and one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.