Member Reviews

This is the third of Clare Marchant's books and possibly my favourite so far. A dual timeline story taking part in the time of Elizabeth I and in 2022, it seamlessly switched from one to the other. I read this in two days as I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

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Historical fiction with a dual timeline ⚜️

The Mapmaker's Daughter got me excited about the art of map making. Combined with Elisabethan London, which I loved from Shadow of Night, I couldn't pass it up on #NetGalley

I hoped to find the same atmosphere from the "A Discovery of Witches" second book, and I was not disappointed! While this is historical fiction, not fantasy, the two stories have many similarities- an exceptional woman with an absolutely unique set of skills finds her was in 16th century London- and at the queen's court! Complete with fashion worries 🤎

The second timeline is contemporary, and did not hold my attention as much, but it does blend nicely with the main story towards the end.

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The story moved marvellously. I finished the book overnight. The book supercharged me. That’s says something. For one, I am motivated enough to read Claires other books. The entire read was a heart-pounding impact on me.
Very well-drawn characters. Their emotions, their restlessness was all playing in front of me. Everything was flawless about the book.

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Thanks to #NetGalley for and ARC of #TheMapMakersDaughter. This book follows the timeline of two women 5 centuries apart. I started this book with high expectations however I found it a difficult and too long read towards the end. While the descriptive text added a little extra, it also extended an already long story. The main protagonist (Frieda) irritated me by the end and I was glad to finish this book. 2.5 stars.

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The Mapmaker's Daughter is a dual timeline novel. In late 16th century England, Frieda Ortelius is a member of a famous cartography family, headed by Abraham Ortelius, who is a real historical figure. Frieda has fled to England to escape the bloodshed created by the Spanish, who are determined to murder all Huguenots living in the Low Countries, which define the coastal region of northwestern Europe, consisting of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

In the 21st century, Robyn is living with her father, who owns a shop the deals with antique maps. Robyn's husband was lost at sea 7 years earlier and has been unable to deal with this loss. In Clare Marchant's novel, these two women are connected via a map that Frieda created as a commission from Queen Elizabeth I and which Robyn has undertaken.

I do not wish to provide spoilers to this very interesting novel. Truthfully Frieda's life is far more captivating and interesting than Robyn's. The descriptions of cartography, with details of how maps are created, as well as the information about how sailors used newly created instruments that are designed for navigation are interesting and well done. The title does make clear who is the of this novel. Robyn's research into the provenance of this ancient map is interesting but not as compelling.

I want to thank the author and publisher, AvonBooksUK, for providing me with this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. My comments above are my honest thoughts about The Mapmaker's Daughter. Thank you also to NetGalley for introducing me to this interesting author.

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In this dual-timeline novel, we meet Robyn and Frieda. In present day, Robyn is grieving the loss of her husband and coming to terms with what her life looks like without him. In the late 1500s, Frieda is trying to keep her family safe from Spanish persecution in London. Robyn and Frieda’s worlds intersect when Robyn discovers and long-forgotten map in her father’s shop…a map that Frieda made.

I found the historical storyline to be more engaging. If I’m being honest, I skimmed most of the present day chapters. Overall, a good read.

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I absolutely loved the last two novels by the writer so it was with some trepidation that I started reading The Mapmakers Daughter. However, once more I was instantly hooked! The story drew me in exactly as her others have done in the past with the action flipping seamlessly between Tudor London and modern times. I am no expert on the Tudor times, or cartography, but the little details in the story made it seem totally authentic and real to me. Absolutely loved it. 10/10.

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In the present day, Robyn Willoughby is suffering. Her husband disappeared seven years ago and she’s had trouble moving on. When she discovers a blood stained Tudor map in her fathers antique store, she investigates its origins.

Freida Ortelius was forced to flee her homeland of Holland as a child when her parents are murdered by the Spanish. Her father was a famous mapmaker and so is her uncle. She learns the trade and becomes one of the most sought after for her skills. She meets Queen Elizabeth, who commissions he to make a special map for Sir Frances Drake. This enrages the Spanish ambassador and puts Freida in danger. A deadly mission her husband agrees to take on could cause them to win the war or lose their lives.

This is my first book by this author. It was a good story. I would have liked more resolution in the present day story.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Loved this book! Great story of 2 women hundreds of years apart. One is in Elizabethan times struggling to survive when Huguenots were being hunted and killed. Her story takes her to London where she works as a cartographer and comes to the attention of Elizabeth 1.
The other is a widow trying to come to turns with the loss of her husband. The 2 stories are linked by an ancient map discovered in 2022.
Great characters and story that intertwined. Highly recommended

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This book is told I’m two different time frames, through the eyes of two women. A old map is found in her father’s store and Robyn is tasked to find the providence of the map to establish its worth. As she delves further into the past she must also deal with the present and face a heartbreaking decision. I really enjoyed how the plot transpires and the half dealing with the past was intriguing and educational. I love seeing the British history I learned in school explained in a personal way. A view into the past that you might not know about.

Thank you to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

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Loved this book, the characters were brilliant and the storyline was amazing, wonderfully written and descriptive, could not put it down

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Review posted via. GoodReads.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4744393961
A tale of two different times.
1569- Freida Ortelius has a mapmaking talent. After being forced to run from her home in Holland to escape persecution, the Queen takes notice when she moves to London. The Queen insists Freida use her mapmaking skills to help fight the Spanish threat. This embarks on a deadly mission.

Present day- Robyn Willoughby works in her father's antique store. The shop specializes in antique maps and records. When she comes across an old bloodied map, she is determined to find out the secrets that it holds.

There was nothing wrong with this book, it was just not for me. I am not a big fan of books that take place at two different times so I don't believe I can say anything negative. I would recommend this book to my friends and family.

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This was an enjoyable read that gripped me right from the start. It was well written with a dual timeline, an engaging plotline and well developed characters. It was very well researched too and the book was full of vivid descriptions.that made me feel like I could have jumped in the pages.

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Oh my word. Yet another fantastic historical book from Clare. I love these alternate times books and this one doesn’t disappoint. The story of Freida in the late 1500’s who’s a cartographer during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and Robyn in the 21st century who’s husband was lost overboard in a yacht race. Their stories intertwine so beautifully it’s truly amazing. Such a lot of research must have to have been done but so worth it. I can’t recommend this book enough. I enjoyed the previous two. I certainly hope there are more to come. Thank you

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The Mapmakers Daughter by Clare Marchant.

I love all of Clare Merchants past books , each one a joy to read. And this one is no different.
A dual timeline Tudor 1569 and Present day.
Freida Ortelius flees Holland for London and carries on with her kayaking . Queen Elizabeth weeks her help against the Spanish and we follow her as she takes up her misson.
We pick up the story via Robyn Willoughby ( present day ) who finds a very old map in her father's antique map shop. She investigates the maps past and the story that is help within it's secret.
I loved the characters and the way the plot of both times weaved and intwined , Clare is a master of dual timelines and I look forward to her next book. Excellent.

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I was intrigued by the story description and found the cover very captivating. The dual timeline is another historical feature that peaked my interest. Unfortunately, I found the story to move very slowly. Freida's story set in the 1500's ,was interesting since she had to overcome a difficult past and had made a name for herself with her mapmaking. Robyn's story, set in more recent times, deals with moving past the grief after losing her husband. The more historical setting was the most appealing with historical details and some suspense. Overall, I just found the story didn't have much spark and seemed rather dull.

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The Mapmaker's Daughter by Clare Marchant is a great dual timeline historical fiction novel that I truly enjoyed.

This book has it all: history, intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a gripping narrative that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I have enjoyed books by Ms. Marchant in the past, so I knew I had to read this one.

This book weaves its story between present-day Robyn and Frieda via 1569. I love Elizabethan England, so incorporating Queen Elizabeth and so much vivid historical detail into the plot was a real treat for me. The author clearly has done her research, and her passion shines throughout. (I obviously enjoyed and prefer the historical thread…how could I not?)

I enjoyed the mysteries, twists, and how the author was able to pull it all together for the satisfying ending.

If you like historical fiction, and Queen Elizabeth/Tudor history, than this one is for you.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/1/22.

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I read Clare Marchant’s two previous books and was delighted to receive an ARC of her third.

In this dual timeline book we have two leading ladies. In the 1500s, Frieda Ortelius, is living with her young son and Sea Beggar husband in London. Descended from a family of map makers, her parents were killed in front of her as a child. Frieda’s story centres around her life and work as a cartographer when she is asked to create a map for Sir Francis Drake by Queen Elizabeth.

In the present day, Robyn is living in Hay-on-Wye with her father. We soon learn her husband was lost at sea and she is struggling to accept his presumed death. When an old map is found in their shop, they have no idea of it’s provenance. Robyn is determined to learn the history and embarks on a research quest to discover the origins of this beautiful and mysterious map.

I very much enjoyed this story. I preferred the historical chapters as I found Frieda such a strong and inspiring character. I understood why Robyn was more damaged, but I admit to feeling quite impatient with her! That said, I enjoyed the journey that both perspectives took me on.

This book is well paced and written with great accuracy of detail, allowing a very clear picture of the court of Queen Elizabeth to emerge. I found it fascinating! I would recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction without hesitation. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

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