I think this book is one of my favourites that I have read and reviewed from NetGalley so thank you for this opportunity. From the very start we are drawn into Isobel’s world, where due to the behaviour of her father her options are limited. Until she discovers that his actions and untimely death have opened up a world of freedom to her and her sister. I loved the scene setting in this book and thought the characters well written, although at times I felt as exasperated with Violet as Isobel did! Aunt Bea and her evolution was a great read as well. Whilst I felt the story ended perfectly and at the right point I really would like a sequel!

A great escape read. The story is interesting and very atmospheric.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

To say I wanted more would be an understatement. This was a delicious page turner right from the start. Everytime I had to put it down, it was all I could think about. I did end up finishing way past my bedtime, just so I would be able to sleep.

Edwardian Society, 1911. Two women Isobel and younger sister Violet are pretty much down on their luck. Their father has dies and left them with nothing, their other having died some years prior. They have sold everything there is to keep a roof over their heads but time is fast running out

All Violet wants is to marry, but for that she needs a dowry.

All Isobel wants is to leave a free life without the obvious constraints put in her way because she is a woman.

Until an unexpected inheritance means that the two young women may get what the want. But they have to travel to India and then on to Goa to find the answer. With only a Aunt to guide them it seems that they have little choice but to make this journey.

Along the way they experience a different life, a different culture and meet different people. All the time Violet is looking to return to England to marry, Isobel though is trying to find her place in the world and at the same time make her sister happy. It seems that for neither of them this journey is going to be easy.

However it is full of rich descriptive landscapes, friendly and unfriendly locals, flora and fauna and wildlife right on your doorstep along with some romance if the sisters and even the Aunt open their hearts to it all.

This was a wonderful novel which sweeps you away to another place, and puts the struggles that women face forefront of the story. Packed full of history as well as aspects from different cultures it reminded me why I love reading historical fiction so much.

Rich storytelling for anyone that wants to be whisked away to another land and another time.

I’ve always been fascinated by India, so jumped at the chance to read an ARC of a novel set mostly there (thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins.) As the story begins, sisters Isobel and Violet, with their status and circumstances drastically reduced, are no longer prime candidates to make advantageous London marriages. Against the wishes of Violet, who hopes her beau will remain faithful despite her loss of dowry, forthright Isobel decides to travel to see an unexpected bequest--a tea plantation in India. Accompanied by their Aunt Bea, they journey to their new home. While Violet just wants to return to England as soon as possible, Isobel is beguiled and fascinated by everything about her, even as she is intrigued by her brooding neighbor, a widower who alternately pursues and ignores her. As Isobel gradually gets to know the workers and learns how to manage her inheritance, she becomes increasingly certain that India is her future. Stunning descriptions that make you feel you are walking in step with the characters enhance this tale of love, passion, and a woman finding her independence and her calling.

Oh what a wonderful story, i couldn't put the book down, the story kept me hooked. I look forward to reading more by this author

A very atmospheric book, portraying the lives of three women who go on a journey of a lifetime, at a time when women were supposed to stay at home. Isobel, Aunt Bea and Violet all bloomed in their own ways on their long and eventful passage to Goa from England.. The descriptions of silver mist and the surrounding jungle made you feel that you were there, one of my favourite reads of the year.

In 1911, two English roses embark on an adventure under the Indian sun that will test their every limit

When high society sisters Isobel and Violet find themselves down on their luck, an unexpected inheritance sends them on an unforgettable voyage of discovery to face a wild destiny, deep in the jungles of India. With only their widowed Aunt Bea to guide them, the sisters will have to bond together through sickness and health if they have any hope of surviving this strange new world.

But with Violet determined to marry well and return to England as soon as possible, Isobel faces an uncertain future. And yet, as the mystery of this unknown and lavish landscape and its people pulls Isobel under its spell, their past life fades to a distant memory and a strength and courage born of her experiences and surroundings sets her on a path few well-bred ladies have ever trod – one of independence and freedom.

The setting in this novel was just stunning, it really brought to life the colours, sounds and sights. The plot was good and flowed seamlessly, although a little slow in places, and the characters were just wonderful!

A really good read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Well written with a compellihng storyline, well developed charcaetrs and a stunning setting, I couldn't put it down, I loved it,

Read this as an ARC thanks to Netgalley and Harpercollins UK. This novel is a great story about two sisters who set on their paths to finding freedom and independence. This read was a little slow at times but I did enjoy it!