This is a beautifully written book about life in the early 1700's in England. Tensions are building between France, Scotland and England. During this upheaval a widow tries to collect her husband's wages and is challenged. This book is not filled with action but describes life during this period on time. By the little snipits of background it is apparent a lot of research went into this book. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it.

If you haven’t started this series, I would say that this addition could be read alone. I’m sure you wi be interested in the other books to discover what happens to the characters.

This book is a prequel to this Scottish series so I was delighted to read this and not feel as if I would be confused. I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books as the story has such rich characters and enticing plot. The time line alternates to provide the historical aspects to which the narrator presents as he proceeds to write “the truths” from the past. I was drawn into the storyline and the various characters who all seem to have their own motives for their actions. I look forward to seeing how it plays out in the previously published books.

I love Susanna Kearsley books so much and was excited to get this one! She weaves dual timelines so seamlessly- I love being able to read from multiple perspectives and not get confused.

Where do I even begin? I absolutely LOVED this book from cover to cover. The Vanished Days is historical fiction at its very best.

This is a thick book clocking in at 400+ pages, and yet I blew through it in record time because I couldn't put it down. It's a slow burn for sure, but definitely one worth journeying on. I'll spare you the details on the plot, though know going in that this is the prequel to The Winter Sea. The story alternates between dual timelines and along the way we meet a whole smattering of characters. Take heart, though, as it's a nod to the wonderful writing that it wasn't difficult in the least to keep track of it all. There is history here, mystery, romance, intrigue, and gorgeous writing. It became clear quickly that Kearsley did her due diligence in researching for the book, so rich in Scottish history it was. I was absolutely intrigued and enamored by this and learned so much, and it was yet another check in the "win" box for me here.

What stood out here the most was the intricate storytelling and the strong sense of place and time throughout. It's not always the case when I turn the last page of a book, but The Vanished Days has genuinely stuck with me. has struck with me. This book would make an excellent book club pick!

A true masterpiece, I cannot sing this book's praises enough. I highly recommend to all fans of historical fiction and anybody looking for an atmospheric, immersive read to get lost in. This book would make an excellent book club pick!

Many thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishing house for providing me with a free copy of this book for an honest option.
I love Susanna Kearsley’s books and The Vanished Days did not disappoint. The story weaves between two historical timelines, which I really enjoyed. I found the story to be intriguing and engaging.

Okay not going to lie, I was a little worried when I picked this book because one it’s a prequel to an already written series that I haven’t read, but will definitely read now and how everyone said if you like Outlander you’ll love this. Which I do love me some Outlander.

I’m so glad I picked this book because while it is a prequel to a series, you could totally read it as a standalone, but I’m guessing after you’ve read it you will be like me and looking for the rest of the series. And while it isn’t the same storyline as the Outlander, I can see why people would compare the two because Susanna Kearsley has a magical way of writing that draws you in from the start and makes you believe you are in the same world as the characters. Once I started reading I didn’t stop until I was finished, and then I wanted more, which is why I need to find the rest of the series now. 😂

It was a DNF for me. I tried reading it up until 1/3 of the way. Nice writing and good history, but was a bit of a drag. I will put it aside and will come back to it from time to time. I still want to find out what happened to "the mystery."

I thought the framing was very cleverly done. I had some suspicions about where this story was going but I let myself not wonder about it too much so the story could unfold. I definitely will be seeking out more of her books.

I am a huge fan of The Winter Sea. Therefore, I was excited to read the prequel. This prequel filled many of the gaps that were briefly mentioned in The Winter Sea. This story tells how the Scots try to James on the throne! Overall, this novel will be sure to please fans of Tracy Boran, Phillippa Gregory, and Jean Plaidy!

A wonderful piece of historical fiction. As a person of Scottish ancestry, I thoroughly enjoyed. it. There were a few grammatical errors that the editors should catch (or should have caught), but otherwise, it was a great book.

I have loved every Susanna Kearsley novel that I have read so far, which is the majority of them. So I was very excited to get a chance to read this early and review it. I attempted to read this book no less than 3 times since then and every time I have struggled. I don't think I ever made it to the 50% mark because I was just completely bored with the story. There were so many aspects that felt irrelevant to the overall story that it was hard to see why I needed to spend time reading those parts. I eventually had to give up and admit that this story just wasn't going to work for me.

Set in 1707 a fight ensues in Scotland. Scotland has united to fight the Jacobites who fight to put an exiled man who should be king.

This was a detective type story taking place in Scotland in 1707 with the main character Adam tasked with attempting to certify the legitimacy of a claimed marriage by Lily. She is seeking her husband’s pension since he died, which necessitates authorizing the claim. Since they married in secret, and the signed witnesses are already dead, it’s a tricky claim. Adam is the narrator of the story and he when interviewing the subjects, instead of a question-and-answer narrative it turns into a story of the past. This made the novel flow well. What unfolds is the story of Lily’s life, since a young girl and up to the recent days.

While this is a prequel to two other books by Susanna Kearsley, I haven’t read those and didn’t seem necessary. Now that I have read this one, I’m ready to get into the first book: The Winter Sea.

This was my first time reading one of Susanna Kearsley's novels and I thought it was wonderful.

The book was well researched, filled with beautiful writing, and unforgettable characters. The only downside for me, and it was completely my own fault, was that I didn't realize it was part of a series.

The sign of a great book is reading out of sequence and knowing you must go back and read books 1 &2, the winter sea and the firebird!

The Vanished Days is a story of painful challenges and immense fortitude. I found myself so thoroughly invested in the main characters that I read the book in one sitting. If you crave a complex and engaging story, this book is for you.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Susanna Kearsley and Sourcebook Landmark for this ARC (that I read after publication date and very much enjoyed).

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I love this author, she has written some of my favourite books. The Vanished Days is the third book in the Slains series but chronologically, it is the first book in the series, with The Winter Sea next and then Firebird. You do not have to read these in order to enjoy them. I enjoyed this book but I loved The Winter Sea and Firebird is one of my favourite books.

This tale is being told by the hand of Sargeant Adam Williamson and he swears it is as true as it can be. Lily Graeme (Aitcheson) has come forward to collect the monies owed to her from the death of her husband James Graeme, who died while in service to his country; but her claim is being called in to question. Sargeant Williamson while visting a friend, is pulled into the investigation. Adam cannot seem to get Lily out of his head and he feels there is so much more to this story than he has been told. This story is in the Jacobean era, 1707 in the present and late 1600s int he past, where we hear more of Lilly's tale. I swept away into Lilly's story of hardship and love, the author did a wonderful job of historical research and although I usually shy away from stories with political angles, this was such an interesting time.

Another lovely book with a fantastic ending. I look forward to more books by this author.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this e-arc.

I tried several times to read this and couldn't get into it.

Everything Susanna Kearsley writes is a hit and this is no exception. Terrific novel with a compelling story and amazing characters. Bravo.

The Vanished Days by Susanna Kearsley is a complex story full of subtle and entangled puzzle pieces that make the story an interesting and entertaining read. This is my first book by this author and I found her writing style to be very detailed with multifaceted well-developed characters, a smooth flowing steadily paced plot, excellent setting/world building elements, and a satisfying completion. The story takes the reader on a vivid journey through the past that I didn’t want to end! I would compare her writing style & ability to authors Diana Gabaldon, Julie Garwood, and Karen Marie Moning - all of these authors create masterpiece stories that are captivating and addictive - a story that you don’t want to end! 😄

The MCs of the story are Sergeant Adam Williamson and Lily Aitcheson. There is also a superb cast of secondary/ supporting characters that are every bit as well-developed as the MCs. Told via the view point of Adam Williamson the story is revealed just as he experienced, so although he is “sharing” a portion of his life it’s done in a manner of firsthand experiences, the reader goes on the journey just as he did.

I have a feeling Susana Kearsley stories will become timeless tales read throughout generations much like Judith McNaught books.

High Recommendation and I will be going through this author’s backlist books in the near future!!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and have not been compensated for it. I know I am a little late to the part on this one - it was published October 2021 and I am writing this review but my TBR is out of control y'all. I am owning it.
I am so glad that I read this book, despite the delay in reading it. I really enjoyed the Winter Sea, which I read some years ago, and the story stayed with me.
This wonderful tale set in Stuart Scotland and spanning the reigns of Queen Mary and Queen Anne tells the story of Adam Williamson who is tasked with discovering the truth about a young Scottish woman, Lily, who claims she was married to a deceased sailor and wishes to collect his pension.
As Adam digs deeper into this woman's history he finds it hard to remain unbiased, especially as he feels himself drawn to her personally.
It's a beautifully woven tapestry of a story, evocative and rich in historical detail. Lily's story struck a chord with me, especially the kindness and empathy of some of those around her. The backdrop of political upheaval and brutality contrasts with the love the Lily finds with her adoptive family. I was riveted to every sentence and emotionally invested to the last page.

What a pleasure it was to fall into another historical fiction novel by Susanna Kearsley! A prequel and companion novel to The Winter Sea, The Vanished Days follows a young Scottish widow during a time of political and social turmoil.