Daughters of Castle Deverill

This really is an epic novel by a master story teller! Set in a small Irish village during the Great Depression we follow several story lines that are all interconnected due to the family relationships and the power of the Castle Deverill. There is so much of interest going on in this novel that even the supernatural characters and events were readily accepted as a natural part of the story. (This reviewer does not usually like supernatural elements in fiction.)
Although the second in a trilogy it could easily be a stand alone novel because Montefiore has made the transition absolutely seamless by using subtle references and character's reminiscing to fill in any gaps. You do not need to have read the first in the series in order to have a complete understanding of the plot of this novel. But, by the time you finish this magnificent novel you will be anxious to read the third in the series, as well as keen to go back and read the first!
I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book, although I have to admit it seemed a little slow at times. We meet all the characters (and even the ghosts of some dead ones) again. The slight touch of magic is what's making this trilogy unusual. It's comforting to imagine a world where the loved ones who passed away are never really far and still take an interest in our lives.

The second installment of the trilogy kept me turning the pages late into the night and had some twists that I didn't see coming, which is always a bonus.

I think this trilogy is slightly similar to "The Spoils of Time" by Penny Vincenzi, which is my all-time favourite. So for those who read and enjoyed it, there's a good chance you'll like this one, too.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC copy free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Book 2 in Santa Montefiore’s Deverill Chronicles Series, this book is also known as Daughters of Castle Deverill.

I loved Songs of Love and War (The Girl in the Castle) and while it had a fitting conclusion there was enough hanging to make me jump right into this one. It picks up right where Songs left off.

Following the lives of Kitty, Bridie and Celia from Ireland, New York City and into Africa, where the past is set to collide with the present. They must be courageous, daring and find their own way.

As author Jojo Moyes states ‘nobody does epic romance like Santa Montifore. Everything she writes, she writes from the heart.” It’s so true, not being a fan of the romance genre she writes multi layered historical stories with a wide cast of characters that aren’t confusing to follow. The plots (yes more than one) are intricate and draws me right in.

Definitely a series I am anxious to continue with and an author that has ranked up there in my ‘must read’ pile.