The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare
Author, Kimberly Brock
Pub date: 4.12.22

Thank you @katerockbooktours, Harper Muse, author Kimberly Brock, and @netgalley for having me on tour! What an absolutely gorgeous cover and similarly gorgeous historical fiction novel. The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare had it all- coming of age, hints of magical realism, and a historical mystery filled long buried secrets surrounding the story of what happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

Told from multiple points of view and in dual timelines, Brock masterfully reimagines the mystery of the Lost Colony, the women who descended from Eleanor Dare, and what she left behind so many years ago- a message that was carved into a stone along with a treasured commonplace book that has been passed down from generation to generation. Atmospherically set in Savannah, Brock's descriptive writing takes the writer on a journey through time beginning in England with Eleanor's fateful voyage to the New World and through fifteen generations of Dare women. Now, during the end of WWII, Alice, a young widow with a daughter of her own, inherits Evertell, her abandoned family home and with it, the history that she has been attempting to forget. Reluctantly, Alice returns to Savannah with her thirteen- year- old daughter Penn, who is adventurous, curious, and determined to understand the history surrounding Evertell and of Dare's beloved book. But how will she ever learn of it all without understanding her mother's part of the story? A part of the story that Alice does not think she can share...

Filled with mysterious secrets, history, generational connections, and beauty, The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare is an immersive novel that I thoroughly enjoyed! Ultimately, how we need to reconcile the past in order to embrace the future, the bonds between mothers and daughters, and the sacrifices made for the ones we love- made for an emotional and moving read that will be one of my favorite historical fiction novels of the year!

4.5 stars!

I'm sorry to the author but I just couldn't finish the book
I didn't relate to any of the characters and the story dragged.
Cut 200 pages off the book and it may have been better.
Just wasn't what I was expecting...too narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advanced digital copy of this book for an honest opinion. Again I'm sorry that this book just didn't live up to its title. I won't review on retail sites that way it won't hurt the authors reviews

This was an interesting read of the Lost Colony of Roanoke in it's substance. For me the execution was a bit off. I would have liked to have had the story of Eleanor Dare up front, maybe even driving the story, to create some mystery/suspense. The historical side of this story felt like it showed up so late that it felt disconnected from the rest. Although I think true fans of historical fiction will find much to like and may even be happily satisfied.

After reading the synopsis, I knew I needed to know more. This was an amazing read. I had to remind myself to take my time with this book in order to take it all in. Going through the journey of it all and embracing all of the emotions just does something to me. Whew! What a ride.

I am not one for spoilers, because I want you to experience the entire journey as well. Check it out and enjoy.

I daresay that the lost colony of Roanoke and Eleanor Dare might be the new thing (second book I've read in the last year with that as the center point). The first part of this story inched along. The first shift in perspective was fascinating to me bc it was def a view of the same events/people through a different lens and that was deftly done. The book never moved at a clip for me, so it's definitely one I put down and came back to. It never fully lived up to the promise of the premise but it's a unique take on a tale shrouded in mystery, with a matriarchal lineage and a much explored time period. 2.5 stars rounded to 3. I think those looking for a hefty historical novel with a sprinkle of magic and mystery will enjoy this.

This book has a gorgeous cover, an intriguing plot line, and is nice and hunky-coming in at a whopping 460 plus pages. In a dual timeline narrative Brock writes a story about Eleanor Dare and her descendants, focusing largely on those who lived at Evertell. In my opinion the timeline that gave Eleanor a voice was the much better of the two. It was fascinating to read a version of what her life could have been like. Brock did well to add all about the role Eleanor's father John White had and the watercolors he painted of the natives in the colonies.
Alice's character bothered me greatly. She just wasn't likable. In fact, the first half of the book moved so slowly with this storyline that I almost chose to put the book down. I enjoyed how attached Penn became to Evertell and how she embraced her roots. Watching her evolve and try to bring everyone back together was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. In the end, the weaving of the two storylines and the strength of the women throughout the years was a compelling conclusion.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.

The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare will be a favorite for those who love dual timeline/pov historical fiction. This book is well written and focuses on the relationship between a mother and her 13 year old daughter towards the end of WW2. The women are descendants of Eleanor Dare, which is what connects them to the Lost Colony.

I have to admit that I was more interested in the "lost colony" angle than the WWII angle. Alas, this book is firmly set during the latter time period. So, it was a bit disappointing to me.

History, mystery, and myths are the ingredients blended into The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare. The journal or ‘lost book” is a Commonplace Book, over 400 years old, kept by generations of Dare women. The history of the Colony of Roanoke and Sir Walter Raleigh, 1587, told by Eleanor Dare is alternated with first person narratives by war widow Alice, slowly uncovering her inner self, and her 13-year-old daughter Penn’s newly discovered quest. Emotions from the past stirred with mother-daughter relationships create a dangerous concoction; one that keeps readers hanging on Kimberly Brock’s accounts of Eleanor and the Lost Colony of Roanoke and the rebuilding and decisions to be made about Evertell mansion by the women who now own it. From a radio receiving messages high up in the cupola to a mysterious stone tower at the edge of the forest hiding a chandlery, to the peacocks and Tybee Island, readers will savor Brock’s imagery in descriptions, the loving, endearing character traits, and the search for that silvery light that was supposed to be inside the heirs of Eleanor Dare. Brock slowly reveals Alice’s story as the “peeling layers” of fear and grief gives way to her daughter Penn’s coming of age as the Commonplace Book is discovered and treasured by both mother and daughter. Readers travel from the lonely coast of North Carolina in 1587 to Evertell on the banks of the Savannah River 1945, with some surprising twists. Kimberly Brock’s The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare, truth mixed with myth, is haunting and memorable.

This has all the makings of a great story. Alice Young, a woman who inherits her family estate near Savannah and is a presumed to be the descendant of a woman who survived the Roanoke colony in the sixteenth century, visits the estate and during her time there manages to discover things about herself and her heritage. . The survivor, Eleanor Dare, passed down a book and a copper plate to her daughters. The book is still in their possession, but it seems as if it’s a puzzle to figure out.

I thought I would really like this story, but it seemed bogged down with side stories and Alice’s grief over losing her husband and her father. I was annoyed by Alice’s reluctance to acknowledge her feelings and by her sharp manner with other people.

The first part of the book was really difficult and I considered not finishing the story. My hope for the second part of it kept me going and I did like the last few chapters better, but in all this still fell short for me. I would have liked more focus on the history and less on the troubled relationships Alice seemed to have with just about everyone.

Because I struggled so with reading this, I am giving it 2.5 stars rounded to 3 just because of the history it was based on.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

I have always been fascinated with The Lost Colony. Brock has created an imaginative way to continue the story of Eleanor Dare. She has researched and written what she believes could have been the life story of Dare.

I was very intrigued by the commonplace book. So many times, at least on my experience, the women’s stories are not the ones handed down. It always seems as if the man’s story and lineage is the one told. I love how the mother of each daughter receives the book, discovers her heritage, and continues the story.

While The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I was no less disappointed. Ms. Brock’s writing is a beautiful thing, full of hills and valleys and though it meanders some, the journey to the end was enchanting.

I enjoyed the dual timelines and the speculative nature of 1590’s Roanoke; the blending of history, fiction and a sprinkling of magic is perfect for this tale. The descendants of Eleanor Dare each face their own tribulations but the strength of character was strong in each and I had no trouble becoming invested in their stories.

I know that this is a fairly short review but I think the unfolding of the story is part of the charm – a leisurely southern telling of a haunting story that transcends generations. I highly recommend this one to fans of all the genres – it has a bit of everything to appeal.

My thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for this gifted DRC.

THE LOST BOOK OF ELEANOR DARE is a wonderful tale of young women gaining an understanding of themselves and the stories of kinship and support required to reach adulthood. Invoking a relationship to “Eleanor Dare” of the original Lost Colony of Roanoke is almost overkill in my mind; it is as meaningful a connection as other books that trace a relationship to an original witch in Salem. It serves to root the tale in a long ago time and provide a continuous line of female relatives. Author Kimberly Brock weaves a detailed description of life in the WWII-era South, replete with food and financial scarcity and communities filled with women while the men served overseas. It is a great setting for a coming of age story about a 13 year old girl, as well as her mother’s own similar tale when she was 13. There is plenty of magic to be shared in this book and it is a joy to read. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke remains a mystery, but the women who descended from Eleanor Dare have long known that the truth lies in what she left behind: a message carved onto a large stone and the contents of her treasured commonplace book.. This paragraph and the book cover was what drove me to request a copy to read The lost book of Eleanor Dare by Kimberly Brock. I SO wanted to love this book! But it was so slow paced, that I kept putting it down over and over, and read several books in between. It was a beautiful story, but it lost a lot because I kept putting it down. I am sure other people will not have the same problem I did, so if you love historical fiction, with a touch of a real life mystery, you might want to try it out. 21/2 stars

I have always been interested in the story of the lost colony of Roanoke so The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare really caught my interest. Author Kimberly Brock writes a beautiful story of generations of women descended from Eleanor Dare. A lot of history, with some mystery and magic thrown in! I really loved this book and I think you will too!

The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare intrigued me for two different reasons. One the Dare stones that are purported to be written by Eleanor Dare of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, and the mention of Brenau college where my mother and aunt attended.

The story slips between the 1940’s during WWII , with young widow Alice Merely Young and her daughter Penn and the 1500’s with Eleanor Dare and the mystery of what happened to the Lost Colony. Alice is a descendent of Eleanor’s via her mother’s family and when her father dies, she inherits the family homestead Evertell in Georgia. Her 13 year old daughter wants to attend Brenau and in order to afford the tuition, Alice decides to visit Evertell and see if it is in good enough condition to sell. She also wants to see if she can find the family book that has been passed down through the female line that has been added to by all generations of women in the family. Evertell holds unhappy memories for Alice and the tragedy that tore her family apart. By bringing her daughter and confronting the past, she hopes to move forward to a better and brighter future.

I enjoyed this book, but would have liked more of Eleanor’s story. The Dare stones have long been controversial but it is nice to think that some of the colonists could have survived and gone on to live fulfilled lives with descendents to today.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Harper Muse and the author for the chance to read and review this book

** “Here’s what we do: We trust. We love our people and whoever gets put in our way. We remember our dead. That’s all. And life will send you what you need.” **

“The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare” by Kimberly Brock is a deeply reflective story of finding one’s identity and sense of home.

When Alice Merely Young finds she’s inherited her family’s old estate Evertell, she returns to the dilapidated home to find answers about her past and the moments that haunt her. A World War II widow and descendant of Eleanor Dare, who once lived in the famed Roanoke Colony, she returns with her daughter Penn to search for her family’s Commonplace Book, once owned by Eleanor (“She believed in signs and fate. She had a book that belonged to the women in her family, passed down with the house. A kind of journal or scrapbook with poems and recipes and things”).

Both Alice and Penn must face their own traumas while finding hope for a new tomorrow. And as each grows within their new lives, they find comfort and compassion from old friends — Evertell’s caretaker Sonder and Doris, the estate’s chapel caretaker’s wife.

Based on an actual historical character, Eleanor White Dare, and the Dare Stones it is alleged she may have left behind as historical markers, Brock does an incredible job of deeply diving into her story as well as potential Dare heirs and their tie to Eleanor. She creates intriguing and captivating characters, telling the story from both Alice’s and Penn’s perspectives.

“The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare” also contains some great themes, like love makes things last; secrets; the search for identity; being able to look one’s self in the eye; being a steward of what we are given; love is never lost; sometimes we must take the bitter with the sweet; and the importance of being a storyteller.

One warning: this book does contain some mild cursing and an intimate moment.

Fans of historical fiction and even dual-timeline stories will enjoy this book.

Four stars out of five.

Harper Muse provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

The first 45% of the book was slow for me and I honestly didn’t think I was going to be able to continue. I wanted more information about Eleanor and the lost colony much sooner in the book to keep me engaged with the story. However, I was intrigued enough by the mystery to finish the book.

My favorite part of the book was the Author's Note. It was fascinating to hear the story of the Dare stones and the author’s experience with the story told in a straightforward and succinct way.

Read if you like historical fiction books with interesting characters and a slower-pace.

My husband and I love the Outer Banks and all of the history that surrounds it, so when I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it!

This story combines the past and present through the retelling of the life of Eleanor Dare, her ancestors, and the mystery behind the lost colony of Roanoke Island. In the present day, Alice returns to her childhood home (Evertell) in Georgia with her daughter, Penn. Penn is instantly immersed in her family’s mysterious history, and while her mother is determined to sell the property, Penn finds new purpose in bringing her family’s traditions back to life.

I have to be honest, I didn’t know much about Eleanor Dare or the legend behind the Dare Stone before reading this story, but I found it absolutely fascinating and couldn’t put the book down. The characters were so engaging and had me enthralled with their compelling stories and experiences; it was impossible not to be moved by them.

Highly recommend!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4601722124

Once there was a girl who disappeared . . .

No one knows what happened to Eleanor Dare and that Lost Colony of Roanoke. But there are stories. Stories of a message carved into a stone, telling the world that Eleanor survived. That her story—and the stories of the women who came after her—are written in the Commonplace Book.

When her father dies, young widow Alice Young and her daughter Penn travel back to the family home of Evertell. It is a place rich with history, memories, and mysterious connections and claims to Eleanor Dare. It is the resting place of the Commonplace Book. As Alice and Penn each wrestle with their own place in the world, will they discover the courage to love, to live, and to dare to write their own stories.

Deeply lyrical with writing that it is at once both soothing and stirring, The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare is a glimpse back into history and what might have been, as well as a charge forward into what could be.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction

There is much to love about this glimpse at the Lost Colony of Roanoke. But the book is primarily about the relationship between mothers and daughters.

Alice Young is newly widowed when her husband is shot over in Italy during WWII. Tragically, soon after her father also dies. Part of her inheritance is the family home and grounds back in Georgia where Alice lived until her mother passed away. Alice and her 13 year old daughter Penn travel back to the family homestead to prepare it for sale.

The house, the land and the people still there cause Alice to have to confront her past and all that happened at Evertell. While she grapples with her own demons, Penn tries to get Alice to tell her about her family history. Their family is descended from Eleanor White Dare, who was supposedly one of the only survivors of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Eleanor Dare carved the details of what happened to the colony onto a stone. The Dare stone used to be at Evertell until it was stolen when Alice was about Penn's age. The story of the stone is closely tied to a personal event in Alice's life that brings her pain and shame. It's also the day her mother seemed to lose all hold on reality.

The story is told from alternating POV's between Alice and Penn, but about 2/3 of the way into the book there are excerpts written by Alice's mother telling us about Eleanor's history. The inserts are where we get the historical fiction aspect to the novel and I loved these chapters. I wasn't as invested in Alice and Penn's stories. Penn is trying to navigate the path from child to adult, while dealing with the death of her father and grandfather. She aches to know her mother better and learn about her past, but Alice's pain keeps them closed off to each other. While Alice tries to deal with Penn and her issues, she must reconcile her own issues. These two characters are so central to the story, but I don't necessarily think we get to know them as well as we should. I think the author attempts too much. There is too much to explain, detail and plot out. We either needed to get less conflicts or more story,

The book really is about mothers and daughters. Our ancestral past shapes our future and while that relationship can cause conflict in our life it is also our strength.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.