Archived before I could read this book unfortunately. I was not able to read this book. Sorry about any inconvenience.

I love timeslip books and this one did not disappoint. I was drawn in right from the first pages and couldn't put it down. Will definitely look for other books by this author.

Maddie finds herself in a small Dorset village and is drawn to an old cottage which she buys. After moving in she hears and sees unexplainable things and is then on a mission to discover the history of her cottage and village. A lovely time slip novel with an enticing cover. I loved the story from start to finish, the wonderful descriptions of Dorset make the book worth reading on its own. Just one niggle - too many mentions of feeding the cat! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and will definitely read others by her.

I love time-slip novels and this one was fabulous. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late into the night to finish it as I couldn't wait to find out what happened.

The story pulled me in from the start and I found it intriguing throughout. Beautifully written, with superb characterisation and fantastic descriptions of the setting of the book and surrounding countryside. The past and present stories blended beautifully.

I can't recommend this book highly enough - thoroughly captivating.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this book. This romance tells the story of true love transcending time and generations. Easy to follow time slip format set in a beautiful part of the country. The telling of the story in the past adds some intrigue to the tale with how it unfolds and ends. I read this in record time as I wanted to see how it ended. I wasn’t disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley

I thought this was really good and intriguing. I really enjoyed it although I did feel there was loose ends with the Lucy and dan situation and some editing that could have been done. But I overall give it 4 stars. Thank you to netgalley for the arc!

Nice feel good book. It flowed very well. was easy to read. Nice characters. Good storyline. What’s not to love.

I’ve read a couple of titles from this author – but this is Kate Ryder’s debut novel, and is now released. With a mystery from the past that has encroached on and influences the present, all centered around two items found in the ‘bread oven’ in a small run-down cottage, the story gives a sense of destiny, past lives and second chances, all while providing us with a few moments of unnecessary drama, plenty of atmosphere, and an electric connection that will warm your heart. Maddie has a successful career working in media – as an assistant director and writer, she’s been involved in several historical pieces, has an on again-off again friendship that’s more with Dan, a life in London and plenty to do. But something is different: although she grew up in Dublin, she and her sisters couldn’t be more different, and she’s wondering if there’s not a new direction for her.

Finding The Olde Smithy during a shoot, there’s something about it that speaks to her – and she must find the answers. Quitting her job, relocating to the Dorset countryside and discovering the secrets contained in the house is an adventure, and one her family and friends are unsure of. The house needs lots of work, the gardens are overgrown, but she feels it speaks to her….

From meeting a long-term resident of the cottage at her part-time job in the pub, to hearing ‘tales’ about the ‘strangeness’ of the space, all the way to feeling (and seeing )a presence in her house that both intrigues and unsettles her – there’s a ton for her to discover – and plenty more to come. Finding the box containing a ring and pendant leave more questions than answers, questions and concerns she can’t speak with Dan about as he’s got a controlling and manipulative new girlfriend who seems to have isolated him from everyone. With the entrance of Nick and their instant connection, although he also has a relationship that is full of tumult, there’s plenty of ‘current drama’ to add to the mystery of why every moment seems to mean Maddie is Meant to Be There.

When the story of who Maddie keeps seeing in her house unfolds, we see it all related to the English Civil War in the mid-seventeenth century, and the connection that Nick has to the old cottage, the activity around Maddie becomes more frequent and strident. A nice mix of past and present, with a bit of unneeded ‘girl drama’ that never really showed as sorted (and was far too immature for the characters) through the descriptions of the setting, the story as it unfolds and Maddie’s discoveries all add up to make this a gripping read, engaging and solidly presented.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-ay6 /”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

If you should ever ask me about the books I particularly enjoy, I guarantee that timeslip romance would feature prominently on my list. But it’s a genre that it’s very easy to get wrong – perhaps one thread stronger than the other, difficulties in the shift from one timeline to the other, failure to make it feel “real”. But there are no such problems here – everything is absolutely right, and I knew from the start that I was in the hands of an author with whom I could relax and escape into the story.

Perhaps it’s a simple desire for change, but when Maddie sees The Olde Smithy her decision is made – she moves to Dorset, leaves her high-flying life and part-time relationship with Dan behind, and begins to settle in the new community. But did she choose her new life, or did it choose her? It soon becomes clear that her new home harbours a story that it needs her help to complete, with a powerful emotional connection, and echoes from the past that need resolution. And the contemporary story, as well as exploring Maddie’s new possibilities and journey to self-discovery, also continues to follow Dan’s story – a new relationship with particular challenges – which is well-handled and grounds the whole story in life’s present day realities.

I’m sometimes a little uncomfortable about the supernatural, but the content in this book was perfectly judged – and, although thoroughly convincing, didn’t give me sleepless nights. The swirling mist (a perfect touch) preceded every apparition and visitation, and the ghostly became real and substantial – and totally believable, tied into the fabric of the house and its seventeenth century past. I liked the matter of fact telling of the footsteps on the stairs, the sad stranger, the crying child, the reflections in the mirror – and was never in the least surprised that Maddie accepted her part in completing the story. The writing really draws you in – and I particularly liked the way the Smithy was brought vividly to life, its past revealed through the traces of a long-removed staircase and a fireplace hiding place revealing its secrets.

The shifts between timelines are absolutely smooth and easy. The developing romance within the contemporary story is thoroughly convincing, an attraction with obstacles to overcome – not least the fact that Nick is already in a difficult long-term relationship – and tinged with echoes of the past. The historical thread, set against the backdrop of the Civil War, is equally convincing, the obstacles even greater, infused with sadness and loss, with a deep love that you can really feel.

The characterisation is excellent – I liked the occasional distraction of life at the pub across the green, the people who play their parts in the story, sometimes drawing together the past and present, sometimes just providing that return to normality that the story needs.

And let’s just linger on that wonderful cover for a moment… I’ve rarely seen one that captures a book so perfectly. I’ve mentioned the vivid and detailed descriptions of the Smithy, but the author has a rather special touch with her descriptions of the surrounding countryside too. The cover, as well as evoking the book’s mists and overall atmosphere, echoes a key moment in the story that really brought a tear to my eye – well done Aria!

I already knew that Kate Ryder was a wonderful storyteller, and this book really was everything I wanted it to be. Very much recommended – I loved it.

2.5 stars--somewhere between "I liked it" and "it was OK."

I would have given this book 3 stars ("I liked the book"), but I docked half a star for the annoying and unnecessary girl fighting. The main character in this book, Maddy, is jealous and catty with other women (and they with her), and all the fighting is over a man (ugh). There's even a physical altercation at one point! I find this trope really wearying and completely immature, and I'm disappointed that Kate Ryder would include these sorts of interactions in what's supposed to be a cozy romance. In my opinion, it doesn't introduce more drama--just turns me off the characters. (There's even a sideplot of girl-drama with her ex-boyfriend's new fling, which is completely pointless to the book's main plot except to show the narrator's pettiness, I guess.)

The positives: This is a gentle time-slip romance. It's nothing new (it borrows a LOT from Kearsley's classic Mariana), and it's not written particularly well (the first-person narration is very simplistic), but it's cozy, comforting, and exactly what I needed. There's a slow reveal of characters' past lives and lots of ghostly apparitions. I was having trouble getting into reading because I'm in the middle of an international move. Stressful to say the least! This book immediately hooked me, and I devoured it quickly. It also inspired me to check out some other time-slip romances from the library--a genre I enjoy and which seems to suit my current attention span!

I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!

I really enjoyed this one. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover and the promise of time travel. I do love historical settings and enjoyed the details of British village life. Good sense of slow burn romance and intrigue. I'll be sure to check out other titles by the author as well as the publisher after reading this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Books for providing this review copy.

A thoroughly enjoyable read that I found hard to put down.
A well written book with fabulous characterisation make this a joy to read. Loved the time slip element and the way the story just flowed.
Would definitely recommend this one.

Mystery, history, romance, danger and suspense are deliciously intertwined in Kate Ryder’s atmospheric and engrossing timeslip tale, Secrets of the Mist. A writer who never fails to pen involving, emotional and captivating novels, Secrets of the Mist is another winner by Kate Ryder.

Maddie cannot shake off this feeling that there is something missing from her life. On the surface, everything seems perfect. She has a good job, a great circle of friends and a sort of boyfriend yet she simply cannot stop herself from feeling restless. A visit to the Dorset village of Walditch sees her fall in love with the place and on impulse she buys a centuries old cottage that will take her away from everything that is familiar to her. Whilst all of her friends think that she has lost the plot, Maddie couldn’t be more thrilled. She cannot wait to move into her new house and after three months, she packs her bags, waves goodbye to her friends and begins to make a new life for herself. But Maddie is about to learn that life is far from quiet in the countryside…

While Maddie is looking forward to a less frenetic pace of life and to taking things easy now she is no longer living in the city, she finds herself puzzled and intrigued by the strange noises she hears at night and the overwhelming presence of mist wherever she goes. As she begins to unravel the secrets of her new house, she becomes drawn into the story of a family who lived there 400 years ago who endured tragedy, heartache, misery and despair. As long-buried secrets come to light, shocking revelations are discovered leaving Maddie to wonder whether she is getting a message from beyond the grave from souls who still have unfinished business on this earth…

As Maddie is drawn in deeper and deeper into uncovering the secrets of the mist, she is also troubled by an attraction to a local carpenter who belongs to another. Can Maddie solve the mystery of the past in order to to move on with her future? Will she be able to lay old ghosts to rest? And will she ever find the happiness she has been searching for for so long?

Secrets of the Mist is a richly layered tale that sparkles with emotion, drama and pathos and that will leave readers on the edge of their seats desperate to find out what happens next. As always with a Kate Ryder novel, Secrets of the Mist is beautifully written and has heart-wrenching moments that will have readers reaching for their tissues and wiping away a tear or two.

In the tradition of Barbara Erskine, Secrets of the Mist is an intriguing, emotional and atmospheric time slip tale from a brilliantly talented writer: Kate Ryder.

I so enjoyed this book, the timeslip romance stories are a great read and this was no exception. Kate Ryder is an excellent storyteller and up there with the likes of Barbara Erskine and Diana Gabaldon. The novel has great chracters and it was easy to fall in love with them. Perfect read curled up by the fire.

This is a beautiful and bittersweet story that will be the delight for any romantic heart.
This is the love story of Maddie and Nick, but at the same time the story of Mary and Nat. Maybe you don’t believe in ghosts, but you have to admit that the past always leaves an imprint on the present, you only have to search for it to believe!
When Maddie connects with a beautiful house at the countryside, she doesn’t know how connected is she with their past owners and how much it will change her life forever. Nick seems to try to help Maddie as much as he can with the house, and the sparks between them are almost touchable but he is taken… Is there any hope between them or Maddie’s heart will be broke forever?
I really enjoyed this story, how the past connects so perfectly with the present making this story really well written and engaging, a delight!
I’ll have to admit that I would had liked that the story was longer, I was so invested in the story that I didn’t want to end! I just hope that we will have a book with Maddie’s sister story, this way we will know more about the characters of the book, I already miss them! I will have always this beautiful story near my heart and remember that having a little faith is the best way to fulfil my dreams!
Ready to discover the Secrets of the Mist?

This was an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down. The author's words flowed beautifully and the characters were well developed and realistic. I will be seeking out more of this author's books in the future!

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019/09/22/secrets-of-the-mist-by-kate-ryder/)

My Rating: 4 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library romance and/or women’s fiction collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.


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Number of titles I have read by this author: 1

Love story speed: Incredibly Slow burn

Relationship dynamics: The Village Carpenter (H) / The Former Film Director (h)

Sexual content: Some; on-screen, lightly explicit

Triggers: On-screen child death; sexual infidelity (not of H or h); emotional infidelity (H)

Grammar/Editing: This ARC had a few typos and awkward sentences.

Review: This slow and steady book is a well-written and thorough representation of British village life. It is set in modern day and 17th century Walditch, Dorset, is very well-researched and very detailed. The historical portions of the novel are particularly well-done, even with the admitted artistic license used for certain elements of events.

Maddie and Nick have an undeniable spark, and a lot of obstacles in their way in this novel, including existing relationships. The focus of the novel is very much on Maddie, her growth as a person, and the supernatural mysteries of the cottage she buys, but the mutual attraction between Maddie and Nick grows as a significant element of the narrative. They are relatable characters, although a significant amount of their relationship amounts to pining away. The rating I gave this book is definitely for the story and the concept more than for the romance. Some of the supporting characters are quite well-developed, but others are less-so, particularly the antagonist women. I would have liked to see more context given to these characters.

Atmospheric mash-up version: A Room with a View meets Midsomer Murders with a sampling of Coronation Street.



Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Highly recommend! Enjoyed every page. Was mysterious, intriguing, romantic. Will recommend to others who would enjoy this one.

Enthralling! I was hooked from the first page. It was written in an easy to read style, the words just flowed. Whilst working in Dorset, Maddie feels a strong connection to a cottage in the village. After moving in, she experiences strange visions that has a link to the past. The characters were engaging, particularly Maddie and Nick. Although, this relationship was not straightforward. I enjoyed the connection with her family and friends. The story of the past that was eventually revealed was captivating. The surrounding area, the village life was all vividly described. This was a book I was sorry to finish. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I live in a sixteenth-century converted barn, and just standing in it, thinking how long it has stood over looking the Exmoor landscape is awe inspiring. So, I can fully appreciate the inspiration behind, this lovely timeslip romance set in Dorset.

Serendipity plays an important part in this book. I was drawn to Maddie's story, as soon as I read about her unexplained, and out of character attraction to the old cottage, formerly a blacksmith's, when she visited the village as part of her work. The story is cleverly written, so that Maddie's experiences at the cottage are believable. Set in the present, as she brings her new home up to date, there are many slips into the past as historic events and a time defying love unfolds.

Maddie's leaves a well-paid career and a glamorous life in London behind her. At a crossroads in her life she is not sure why, but as the story progresses, things start to fall into place. Her meeting and attraction to Nick is powerful but fraught with conflict. Their chance of something developing seems remote.

The characters are complex and realistic, the situations they find themselves in believable. The pacing and the timeslip element make this an absorbing read. I couldn't put it down, literally I read it into the night.

The poignant ending is perfect, and the epilogue draws everything together in this gentle timeslip romantic story.

I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.