I loved this book for a simple reason: PLOT.
It was intriguing, covered two different time periods past (medieval) and present (now).
The story had a lot of interesting twists and unpredictable turns.
I would say, it kept me enough in the seat that I would read more books by this author!
Loved it!

Simon and Gwyneth were both Master Craftsmen and had been commissioned to build Daker College in Salster in 1385. This would cause problems with the church. Simon may not see his masterpiece built as the church is disputing the title to the land. Gwyneth had nearly died in labour having a son in her late thirties. Her son is born needing help even needing his mother to hold his head up. Simon believes she is too smothering of their son and wants her to concentrate on the build. The other part of the book is set in present day when the college is in trouble. Could it be the curse that if any stick or stone is ever removed disaster will befall the college. Your emotions will be stretched in the second half of this story when a sons love for his father will let you see him in a new light. This story really comes so much more to life in the past and is well worth persevering with.
I was given an ARC of this story by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Set in dual timelines Testament traces the history of Kineton and Dacre College in Salster. The first timeline set in 1385 deals with the building of the college and centers around master mason, Simon Kineton and his seemingly cursed project of constructing his crowning showpiece. The second timeline takes place in 2019 and follows new marketing manager, Damia Miller as she attempts to save a college on the brink of bankruptcy. Simon struggles to build the college, Damia struggles to retain it. Both stories intertwine around the disabled son Toby Kineton whose effigy Simon installs within the college. How does this boy play into the creation and resurrection of this hallowed institution?

From the description Testament held the possibility of an engaging plot however, for me it did not deliver. The overall pace of the book was slow and the detailed description of building mechanics just did not resonate. I enjoyed the cultural insight to the 14th century and there were moments of intrigue when historical mysteries came to light but, I had a hard time relating to either of the protagonists.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

‘Hidden only until those who are looking come.’

This novel is the story of the fictional medieval college of Kineton and Dacre, told in two different timelines. The first timeline commences in 1385, when the college was being built. The second timeline is in 2019, when the college is facing financial problems and is under threat.

In 1385, master mason Simon of Kineton is building a great college. But the building is threatened by the Bishop of Salster: the established church seeks to control all such building. And two things threaten this building: the hint of Lollardy, and rumours that the mason’s son is cursed.

In 2019, Damia Miller has been employed to manage marketing and publicity for the college. A series of paintings has been uncovered during recent renovations, and Damia is keen to learn more about the history of this painting: what does it mean, and who does it represent?

As the story moves between past and present, we learn about the people involved and the issues faced. Simon is married to Gwyneth, a master carpenter. They have a son, Tobias, who is physically disabled. Aspects of Tobias’s disability cause some people to consider that he is cursed.
In the present, Damia has some challenges of her own. She and her partner are struggling to find balance, to enable each of their needs to be met.

While my main interest was in the fourteenth century part of the story, I was fascinated by Damia’s search to find out the truth behind the paintings. In both stories, there is an issue about the land on which the college is built. In both stories, there are political realities to be acknowledged and dealt with. I kept reading, wanting to know if Damia’s research would lead her the truth. Can the truth save the college? Will Damia find what she is searching for personally?

While a couple of details had me wondering (no spoilers here), the story moved at such a fast pace that I kept moving with it. I enjoyed the story.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This was OK. Very good attention to detail and well-researched. I was just too long, and didn't always stay engaging. An interesting plot overall with a lower-than-average ending.

I really appreciate the copy for review!

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, which I enjoyed. Overall the story had a good plot and was well written, with plenty of twisty bits set against an interesting historical background. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

The two time frame story is becoming very popular. I've seen it so many times and every time it works like a charm.

Here too we go to medieval England to Salster to 1385 and to a master mason Simon and more unusually his wife a master craftsman too. The building of any place is in this time a massive achievement. A lifetime honor for a craftsmen and from the details found in this story, obviously a massive undertaking. Stones were chiselled and part of a building as a labour of love, of much pride for not just the master but also for his workmen. The story of this couple and their unusual child and the complications of local politics and pride is one story.

Fast forward to 2019 and we have Dalmia taking over as Marketing Manager of the college Kinetton and Dacre. The college is bankrupt and is left vulnerable to take over bids where the main concern is turning over a fast buck. Whilst undergoing renovations, a grotesque series of paintings is uncovered. Will this be the saving of the college? but first the story has to be uncovered as to what it signifies.

Two stories of history in two separate time frames, two personal stories one of Simon and his wife and son and then we have Dalmia and her partner trying to find a balance between career and love.

I loved the detail in both time frames. The procedure of building, of architecture in the 14th century and the machinations and marketing of a college which is behind the facade of a well run institution in the 21st century.

i enjoyed this book, it was engrossing and entertaining.
I loved the plot, the style of writing and the historical background.
The mystery was good, full of twists and turns.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

The fictional story of the medieval college of Kineton and Dacre as told in two different time lines. The time of 1385 onwards when the building was first conceived and built. The story of the people involved and the troubles they faced. With the present time line when the college is established but facing financial problems but coupled with the discovery of old wall paintings. And what do these picture represent and what does that say about the history of the college.
I enjoyed the historical story, with its much more interesting events and people. But not so much the present time line story. Though it was a well-written tale.
A NetGalley Book