I loved this story and I especially liked the character of Dorothy in the earlier period ( 1715). She was a very capable woman but was held back by the men in her life, thinking that women weren’t capable of intelligent thought and she confine their abilities to the domestic areas. There are also some very dangerous people who Dorothy needs to thwart and maybe a romance. In the present day, Hannah has returned home to Bamburgh for a writing assignment and she has to face up to seeing an old love plus finding out what her brother is up to. I loved the setting of Bamburgh and having visited there a few times, the descriptions brought back happy memories. Both women are strong characters and I enjoyed the way the stories linked together. There is a paranormal element to the story that I wasn’t expecting but did enjoy. I received a copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did preorder my own copy.

I found both strands of this dual timeline novel enjoyable and it was interesting to spot the similarities in the lives of the two women. Before reading "The Secrets of the Rose" I didn't know much about the 1715 uprising whilst, obviously, the '45 features in the Outlander books. The setting of Bamburgh is great as I have visited the village and walked on the sand and dunes below the castle, making it easier to visualise some of the events. I will be looking out for more novels by Nicola Cornick.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Secrets of the Rose" by Nicola Cornick is an awesome historical fiction book that cleverly mixes two different time periods. It features Dorothy Forster in the 1700s and Hannah Armstrong in today's world.

In 1715, Dorothy faces a ton of struggles dealing with the wild politics of the Jacobite rebellion. She finds out her family is in charge of this legendary talisman called the Rose, and both sides think it’ll lead them to victory. Dorothy has to put everything on the line to keep the Rose safe and protect the guys she cares about.

In the present, Hannah heads back to Bamburgh Hall to tackle a writing project. But things take a turn as she starts digging into her family's past and uncovers some hidden secrets. The deeper she goes, the more she sees that Dorothy's legacy is way more important and risky than she thought.

Nicola Cornick’s writing is packed with historical details and colorful descriptions that really pull you into each time period. The two timelines blend together perfectly, creating a gripping story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, making their journeys both touching and motivating.

All in all, "The Secrets of the Rose" is a mesmerizing story about bravery, hidden truths, and enduring love that will really stick with you. If you’re into historical mysteries with a hint of romance, this book is definitely a must-read!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I loved getting to know the characters as the story progressed, and how the two different timelines were interchanging, but didn’t confuse you.

I loved reading about Hannah and Dorothy..

I highly recommend this book.

I'm sorry that I didn't finish this book sooner.

It was a really fun and quick read. The characters grew as the plot went along and it felt adventurous to read. I liked how you have the two different timelines and the interchanging between them was smooth. Hannah was my favorite character because her timeline was in the present. But Dorothy was also fun to read about.

There weren't many mistakes and the writing flowed nicely. And the history made sense too.

Thank you to the publisher and author for sending me this copy.

A wonderfully written sweeping story told in dual timelines. I loved the setting in England, the strong characters and the history. Thank you to the publisher, to Net Galley and to the author. My review opinions are my own.

The Secrets Of The Rose tell a fascinating story first dating back to the Jacobite revolution. A daughter with a strong idea of her future trying to avoid being forced into marriage by her poor family. A story with dual time lines, both involving women fighting against male members of the family and tradition for women. The first in 1715 with the pending Jacobite rebellion. Dorothy is standing on her own against tradition forced on women of her time. She is to be the keeper of a rose symbol that has kept her family safe and protected during rebellion times. As she emerges into her own the story of her relation and responsibility to the rose comes to light. The present day time is the story of Hannah who is hired to write a story of a local woman but finds herself captivated by the story Of Dorothy. She soon finds out the story of the Rose and is continuing her own journey to tell Dorothy's story. She finds herself studying the Jacobite rebellion and its relation to women of that time.

I loved the dual timeline, Each woman is a strong character standing on her own merits. The well crafted historical and present day were so well written to each point in time. A excellent fascinating read.

Hannah Armstrong heads to her hometown of Bamburgh to investigate the local heroine Grace Darling for her next book, but once there she discovers that her stepmother Diana is hiding some secrets and her childhood friend Aaron is no longer speaking to her twin brother Brandon. While looking into Grace's story, she becomes enchanted by a portrait of Dorothy Forster. In the 18th century, Dorothy discovers that two of her brothers want to support the Jacobite rebellion, and she desperately tries to keep her family together in times of war and unrest.

Nicola Cornick always writes books about two female heroines living in different eras, with a touch of magical realism. For 'the secrets of the rose', she chooses a very interesting historical perspective: that of Dorothy Forster during the Jacobite rebellion in 1715. I didn't discover until very late in the book that there was a link to Guy and Rose from Cornick's previous book 'The other Gywn girl' (although that link is a fictional one).

I always find the Jacobite cause interesting, but I have to admit that I sympathized even more with Hannah in the 21st century. Unlike in some of Cornick's earlier books, her struggles and those of her family and friends felt very real. Cancer, divorce, envy, a village full of gossip….

As always, the parallels between the two women are a bit too overdone for my taste, but that doesn't bother me. The magical element surrounding “the rose" was quite nicely done. Cornick writes so smoothly that you fly through the chapters.

The secrets of the rose is definitely one of my favourite Nicola Cornick novels. Bamburgh, with the castle looming on the wild coast, comes to life. In two different centuries. And there's even a reference to Uhtred Of Bebbanburg :).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

My rating:

Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction


Review:

This is my first book by this author and I must say it doesn’t disappoint. The writing is very full of atmosphere and creates a vivid picture of the scenery. I got absorbed pretty quickly and it was hard to put the book down. The book is based on real historical facts and people and takes place in a beautiful part of England. The historical facts are interesting I have read other books about the Jacobite Rebellion but they were all based on the Scottish perspective. This book is based on the English perspective which made it different and therefore interesting. The characters were well developed and their actions felt natural as they were explained well.

Overall:

A well written dual time line story, that captures you, has nice characters that appear realistic with the right amount of mystery and suspense and a satisfying ending.

Set in Northumberland, this dual-timeline novel tells the stories of Dorothy in 1715 and Hannah in the present day. The Jacobite rebellion threatens everything Dorothy loves, and she shows exceptional courage in the face of adversity. It evokes the early eighteenth century with tangible hopelessness, menace and unrest. Hannah's immediate family is also facing uncertain times, and not just from outside forces. Hannah's life shares a believable connectivity with Dorothy's. Love defines this story in both timelines, and the romance is conflicted and gentle. I like the complex characters you invest in, the evocative settings, the supernatural touches, and the storytelling, which makes it hard to put down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

A story with dual time lines, both involving women fighting against male members of the family.
1715, Bamburgh in Northumberland is full of rumours about a Jacobite rebellion. Dorothy Forster, her father, Sir William and her two brothers Thomas and Nicholas all live at Bamburgh Hall. Dorothy has already declined several offers of marriage, she wants to keep her independence, but the Forster family is poor, and she may be forced to marry to keep the family estate intact.
At a dance, she is introduced to Lord Derwentwater, who has recently returned from France. He supports Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Pretender to the throne of England, she is shocked to find out that both her brothers are going to join the rebellion.
Present day Bamburgh sees Hannah Armstrong return to her family home. She has been commissioned to write a history about local heroine Grace Darling, but she would prefer to write about Dorothy Forster, a distant relation. Her brother Brandon is away from home, the locals have made it clear that he is not wanted around the hall, he caused much resentment upon his last homecoming.
Whilst investigating both the Hall and the local church, Hannah is struck by the many references to roses both carved and painted. She remembers being told about the family legend of Bamburgh women being keepers of the rose, a talisman that will keep the family safe, and will protect against those who seek to take it for their own use. Brandon is also searching for the rose, for his own purposes.
A fascinating blend of historical facts and fictional characters. A good story full of mystery and frustrated romance.
I love that area, but my favourite place is Lindisfarne, although I have visited Bamburgh several times. I fully intend to use this information as a guide upon my next travels up North. I will recommend this to my local library and book groups. I will also leave a review to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Boldwood Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. Rated this a five star read.

The Secrets of the Rose is the first book I have read by Nicola Cornick. I love trying authors who are new to me, so I was delighted when I was offered a copy of this. I enjoy historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. It runs a dual timeline, Dorothy Forster and her family during the Jacobite Rebellion in the 1700s and Hannah Armstrong and her family in the present day. Hannah is tasked with writing a biography of Grace Darling from Bamburgh and her heroic feat of rescuing the survivors of a shipwreck. However Hannah is more fascinated by the story of Dorothy Forster and cannot resist doing some research about her and her family from Bamburgh Hall and Castle.
I found this a really exciting story with lots of other little stories woven into the main story. I am so grateful to NetGalley, Boldwood books and Nicola Cornick for an arc of this exciting story.

Set in Northumberland against the backdrop of Bamburgh Castle this novel follows Hannah Armstrong as she unravels the mystery of a family talisman, the Rose. It also tells the story of Dorothy Forster, an earlier guardian of the Rose, who lived through the troubling times of the Jacobite Rebellion in 1715/16. The Rose has a power of its own and those who misuse it should beware!

I did the happy dance when I received this ARC from NetGalley as I am a big Nicola Cornick fan. The Secrets of the Rose does not disappoint- it features likeable characters and Cornick's easy-to-read style that pulls you right in and makes you feel like you are right there in the action. A dual timeline story, the present day timeline features author Hannah who has returned to her home in Northumbria, UK, to research her next book about a local girl named Grace Darling who became famous in 1839. The person she is most interested in, though, is Dorothy Forster, a Jacobite supporter around the time of the 1715 rebellion. She struggles to stay on task researching Grace's life while she reconnects with Aaron, who had once been best friends with her difficult brother. The second timeline is that of Dorothy Forster herself, who worries about her brothers getting involved with the Jacobite cause while taking care of her infirm father and trying to avoid her controling uncle who wants her to marry a man she does not love. There is way more to this story but no spoilers. Cornick masterfully weaves the two stories together so that about half way through, it became a can't-put-it-down kind of novel. I got a kick out of the cameo mention of Lizzie Kingdom from Cornick's The Forgotten Sister, which I also loved. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Two powerful women Dorothy Forster and Hannah Armstrong. Two women different centuries each trying to protect family in the best way possible. Dorothy, the odds against her due to the customs and expectations of the age. Controlled by an uncle who has the power and the money, a brother who is greedy for power and completely indifferent to the needs of the family, a younger brother swayed by the romance of intrigue and war, an ailing father wrapped in the past. Hannah protective of a beloved stepmother and wary of an avaricious brother trying to unravel the secrets of a talisman and a history which connects Dorothy to her.

Grace Darling the heroine of countless stories also features as this was the beginning of the story and the reason for Hannah to delve into the past. Her brief was to write a book following her best seller, but the story, the tomb and the picture of Dorothy draws Hannah into another dimension.

I loved the historical details and background to the story. The failed Jacobite uprising, the bloodshed, the political maneuvering that follows in power struggles all form part of the story. The romances are an intrinsic part too as they are the impetus and reasons why people act the way they do, when they want to protect those they love. Family feuds, sadly do persist past and present and greed and avarice are always around.

The story held my interest throughout. I’ll be looking out for this author.

Well done dual time historical romance. I definitely preferred the historical storyline, but both were enjoyable. Recommended.

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

The Secrets of the Rose is a dual-timeline novel set in the present day and 1715, and much more importantly, it's located about 10 minutes from where I live. Just like when someone writes a historical novel featuring one of 'my' historical characters, I felt a little uneasy about it all. Thankfully, I needn't have worried, and that allowed me to enjoy the story and local scenery very much.

Dorothy Forster is a local legend to the area and someone I've heard quite a bit about. It was lovely to put some 'flesh' on those stories and see her come to life as a real person. While the story has some slightly mystical qualities, it was still very enjoyable.

As always, I prefer the historical timelines to the modern-day ones, but Hannah was an engaging character with a lot going on in her life. I appreciated the parallels between the two main characters. The conclusions for both of our characters are thrilling and swept me along with them.

A delightful, easy read, I devoured in a couple of sittings.

The Secrets of the Rose is the type of book that will keep you engaged from page one until the end. It´s full of history, plus the descriptive narrative of the Bamburgh castle, Bamburg hall, Front Street in Northumberland among other locations transports the reader to every one of those places. It made me add it to my bucket list of places to visit asap.

Hannah Armstrong comes back to her hometown to write a historical biography for a local heroine, Grace Darling, but what she ends up doing is finding the story of Dorothy Foster who has always been an intriguing person for Hannah. The connection between the two and how their stories go back and forth from the past to the present was beautiful and nerve wrecking and the same time.

Expect mystery, romance, suspense and lots of historical facts from not one but two heroines at different moments of history in Northumberland.

I just can’t express enough how much I loved this book, the fact that I’m one of many Nicola Cornick’s fan doesn’t affect my honest and voluntary review. This is a must read.

Have you ever researched one person from the past for an assignment and found yourself gravitating toward another historical figure from a different era? Hannah Armstrong knows this feeling very well. She returns to her home in Bamburgh to write a biography about Grace Darling but is instead pulled towards an equally fascinating story of a Jacobite rebel. Dorothy Forster is a young woman who is trying to keep her family together as the world around her changes drastically. Can Dorothy protect her loved ones while fighting for her country and can Hannah find the truth hidden for far too long before it's too late? Two tales of courage, strength, and love are told in Nicola Cornick’s latest novel, “The Secrets of the Rose.”

I want to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I have been enjoying Nicola Cornick’s blend of modern-day and stories of the past to create thrilling novels, so when I heard that she had a new one coming out this year, I knew I wanted to read it. When I saw that it took place during the Jacobite Rebellion, it intrigued me because it is a period of English history that I am not familiar with and I wanted to learn more.

Let’s start with our friend from the past, Dorothy Forster. She was the daughter of Sir William Forster, the sister of Thomas and Nicholas Forster, and the niece of Lord Crewe. Dorothy is a strong independent young lady who does not want to get married and instead help her ailing father. It was a peaceful life until Earl Derwentwater convinced her brothers Thomas and Nicholas to the Jacobean cause to return Prince James Stuart to the throne, culminating in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. To top it all off, Dorothy finds out that her family, primarily the women in her family, are the Keepers of the Rose, a mythical talisman that both sides believe will make sure their victory is assured. When Dorothy’s brothers are taken prisoner, she must choose whether to leave her father and her beloved blacksmith John Armstrong, and travel to London or stay where it is safe.

Flash forward to the modern-day with Hannah Armstrong, a historian who came back home to study her latest subject, Grace Darling, a Victorian woman who saved her family and others from a shipwreck. It's been many years since Hannah has been home and there is a lot of tension once she arrives. Her step-mother Diana is hiding both medical and personal secrets from Hannah and her friends Alice and Aaron welcomes Hannah back with open arms. However, her estranged brother Brandon lurks in the shadows, searching for a particular portrait of Dorothy Forster and the Rose. Hannah has to piece the clues together while balancing her crazy social and romantic life before it is too late.

I found this a rather enjoyable novel and it was so fascinating to learn about not only Dorothy Forster and the Jacobite Rebellion but Grace Darling and her daring rescue. It was a thrilling romantic read full of twists, turns, and callbacks to Cornick’s previous novels. I hope that this novel will inspire more authors to explore the Jacobite Rebellion. If you want a novel that explores a moment in English history that does not get much attention with dynamic characters, I suggest you read, “The Secrets of the Rose” by Nicola Cornick.

This book is set in two timelines. The historical part is set in 1715 , based on a real family in the Jacobite uprising. Dorothy is a feisty character, as is her housekeeper , and I enjoyed their interactions as they resisted being dragged into something that was going to cause grief. I reality felt for her as her life was brought into turmoil because of the actions of her brothers. The present day story also has a problem brother in it. The greed and ambition in these stories causes a lot of issues. Both stories show love, loyalty, resilience and respect, and were a pleasure to read with an interesting connection between them. I look forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A lovely little historical novel based loosely on a little know woman character in the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Told in dual timelines of the present and the 1700s there are parallels in the characters lives and as you read you'll discover the connection.. With a touch of magic and romance, this story is an entertaining read that also gives some insight into a historical time and place.
4 stars.