Review: The Mozart Code

Title: The Mozart Code

Author: Rachel McMillan

Publisher: 15th March 2022 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 336 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Lady Sophia Huntington Villiers is no stranger to intrigue, as her work with Alan Turing’s Bombe Machines at Bletchley Park during the war attests. Now, as part of Simon Barre’s covert team in postwar Vienna, she uses her inimitable charm and code name Starling to uncover a lethal double agent immersed in the world of relics—including the death mask of Mozart. 

Simon Barrington, eighth earl of Camden, is determined to end the Cold War before it becomes as devastating as the war Britain has just won. He has been in love with Sophie Villiers since the moment he met her. A marriage of convenience to save Simon's estate brings them closer until a mission in Prague drives Sophie to a decision that will brand her not only a traitor to her country but also to her new husband.

With Sophie’s allegiance in question, Simon is torn between his duty to the crown and saving the woman who might have betrayed his cause and his heart.

My Thoughts

Rachel McMillan has done it again! Much like The London Restoration, her latest offering, The Mozart Code, is an incredibly well written book - so rich in history with clever tales of espionage, combined with a wonderfully moving romance. 

‘I often wonder if men do not revel in the carnage of war because it allows them to rebuild the world to suit whatever utopia they imagine. They can ascribe their own traits and philosophies in the reconstruction of devastation. They can compose, as it were.’

Although a standalone novel set in post World War II entering into the Cold War, it does commence shortly after The London Restoration. This time around Rachel gives her readers the story of Simon Barre and Sophie Villiers, who are both now working as operatives in Vienna after World War II. I adored The London Restoration and believe reading this first book would be beneficial to the overall backstory of this world Rachel has so meticulously presented, giving readers a deeper appreciation and immersion. 

‘As if each city had chosen human portals through which to whisper their secrets … in a city of spies, shadows met every corner and crept over every wall.’

The Mozart Code tells the tale of spies in Vienna after WWII due to the seeming threat of communism. This is a well crafted mystery highlighting the division and corruption in both Vienna and Prague combined with the much sought after recovery of relics and treasures thought to have perhaps been lost during the war. Rachel tells the story of a sinister underworld and the incredible danger faced in trying to find answers. 

It is also a romance with the chemistry between Simon and Sophie simmering away over many years and circumstances, they now find themselves bringing it to the boil. Although in a marriage of convenience, their history dictates a far deeper relationship. Just like the spy saga, their relationship is complex and unpredictable but similarly proving to be a rich and rewarding read. 

“We’ve been like a string of dynamite burning for years and it’s finally reached the end of its fuse.”

Although some readers claim to get a little lost in both the depth and breadth of detail, I have nothing but praise for Rachel’s writing talent. Her use of language is sublime with everything from the vibrant imagery of the darkened Vienna streets to the smouldering tension and unspoken words between Simon and Sophie. 

Much like The London Restoration oozed Rachel’s love of all things British, The Mozart Code is like a companion love story to both Vienna and Prague with the addition of Mozart and music. If you love quality European historical fiction, spy stories, romantic thrillers then look no further. 

“You’re not in love with me, you know.” Simon straightened. “I don’t recall telling you I was in love with you.” He had long since determined that the word would send her far from his orbit. “Just a look there. You got all misty and far away. We’ll make it a rule. Never say it to me and I won’t say it to you.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Bletchley Women

Title: The Bletchley Women

Author: Patricia Adrian

Publisher: 10th March 2022 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 360 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, historical fiction

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

From debutante to farmer’s daughter all roads lead to Bletchley…

In a different world, Evie Milton would have accepted her fate, married an aristocrat, and become the doyenne of one of England’s finest estates, just like her mother.

In a different world, Rose Wiley would have married her fiancé, David, established a modest homestead, and brought up a brood of babies, just like her mother.

But this isn’t a different world and these women are not their mothers. Rose dreams of a life filled with more than family and duty to her husband – a life of purpose – and Evie dreams of a life far away from her rarefied existence. Now, as they perform vital work at Bletchley Park decoding intercepted Luftwaffe messages, their role in turning the tide of war in the Allies favour shows Evie and Rose they don’t have to settle for the life once laid out before them.

My Thoughts

There have been a number of novels of late centring around Bletchley Park, especially the efforts and contributions of women during WWII.  The Bletchley Women is another to add to this list of interesting tales of what women achieved during this bleak and challenging period in history. 

‘… you’re just the sort of girl we’re looking for. Clever, educated, someone who can keep a secret.’

The story mostly centres around lead characters Evie and Rose who come from opposing ends of the social spectrum. Both speaking German, they are recruited to decode Luftwaffe messages and there is interesting historical detail provided regarding this aspect. This is also about women breaking the barriers of both gender and class in their efforts to forge a life for themselves as they were not satisfied with the cemented social expectations of so many years. 

‘That was the problem itself: I knew this wasn’t the life I wanted, but I didn’t know what to wish for instead. I was never taught what else was out there.’

The story is well written and moves at a steady (sometimes a little slow) pace and overall is a good addition to the WWII historical fiction category. With it being so similar to other novels of this specific place (ie. The Rose Code) I did find that, whilst good, it did lack the captivating intrigue of others I have read.

If WWII fiction is your thing, particularly the role women played at this time, then I recommend you add The Bletchley Women to your reading list. 

‘Bletchley Park, as everything else, is a man’s world,’ says Evie. ‘If girls don’t stick together, who is there to stick up for us?’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Dressed By Iris

Title: Dressed By Iris

Author: Mary-Anne O'Connor

Publisher: 2nd February 2022 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 492 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction 

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

A vivid, romantic story of Sydney in the 1930s Depression - the heartbreak, the glamour, the dark underbelly, the struggle towards a better day - and one young woman's dream of designing her way from rags to riches. For readers of Natasha Lester and Victoria Purman.

1930: Seventeen-year-old Iris Mitchell dreams of designing clothes, but there's little spare cash for fashion in their shanty-town home. The gift of a single purple ribbon from would-be boyfriend John Tucker, however, creates an unexpected opportunity ... and when Iris's brother Jim joins the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction, the large, dirt-poor but loving Mitchell family can move to the city. Iris will be torn away from John, but he's Protestant and she's Catholic, taboo in their world, so perhaps it wasn't meant to be ...

1932: By day, Iris scrubs the floors at Caron's, an upmarket department store. By night, she designs and sews in her family's tiny, crowded house. Friendship with gorgeous, livewire Natasha, one of Caron's models, allows Iris to show her skills, but will her talent be acknowledged ... or exploited?

When John reappears, passions are reignited, and Iris must face not only their religious divide, but the apparent impossibility of having both marriage and a career. Meanwhile, the Mitchells must navigate life in a city riven by corruption, dirty politics and gambling. Will their faith, determination and deep family bond save them when tragedy and adversity strike? In 1930s Sydney, the stakes have never been higher ...

My Thoughts

‘The girl from the shantytown was going to seize this opportunity, and if she defied every odd and became wealthy and successful no-one could ever touch her.’

Dressed By Iris is another wonderful Australian saga by author Mary-Anne O’Connor. Set in the 1930s it covers everything from the Great Depression to the building of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Having read Mary-Anne’s other books, I knew she would once more provide her readers with strong female characters and I was not disappointed. 

Mary-Anne does a wonderful job of capturing the life of average Australians from the era. The main focus here is on the Mitchell family - poor Irish Catholics who not only faced great poverty but also great prejudice. It is the eldest daughter, Iris, who has an incredible talent for fashion creations, which Mary-Anne highlights inclusive of the exploitation and sexism surrounding the industry at the time. It brings with it glamour that perfectly balances out the harsh reality of life for many.

‘You should have let me say something,’ he said. 

‘What can you say? That you’re Protestant? That would only make things worse.’ 

John shook his head. ‘What the hell is wrong with people?’ 

Iris sighed. ‘It’s only words. Sticks and stones...’ 

‘But, it’s not, is it? It’s attitude. Belief.’ He looked over at her. ‘It does just as much harm. Maybe more.’

The joy of this book though is through the interactions of the Mitchell family. What a joy! The way they unite through challenging times and just how important love and support is especially given the crippling circumstances of the time. Iris’ mother, Agnes, was the foundation and very heart of the family from her cooking to her enormous courage proving inspirational. The inclusion of Natasha, Iris’ friend, was a pure delight - not only her mannerisms, support, encouragement but her humour was a definite highlight.

Mary-Anne’s, ‘Author’s Note’, at the conclusion shed light on her inspiration and how some characters had been modelled on family members. It also explained certain correlations of the fiction and facts surrounding some of the key aspects from her story. All up, Dressed By Iris provided a wonderful window into the Australia of the early 1930s with detailed depictions of one girl’s dream combined with the unwavering faith, love and support of her family. A joy to read.

‘What should we drink to?’ 

‘Mum,’ Iris said. 

‘Oh no, not me,’ Agnes said, ‘I think we should drink to Iris. This is her dream.’ 

‘It’s yours too,’ Iris pointed out. ‘It’s all of ours now.’ 

‘To dreams then,’ Jim said. 

‘Yes,’ Iris said, looking over at John and smiling. ‘To dreams coming true.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Letter from Briarton Park

Title: The Letter from Briarton Park

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Publisher: 1st March 2022 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, regency, romance, mystery

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient place that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.

Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But Cassandra’s world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, she travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.

James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.

The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.

Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.

My Thoughts

What a wonderful surprise package The Letter from Briarton Park turned out to be! I loved it! I found myself quickly engrossed in the suspense and mystery with all the gothic feels of a Brontë book. Yes indeed, whether it be the boarding school beginnings or the journey to a manor home to be a governess with a seemingly aloof owner, this book captured all the feels of a great historical romance mystery. 

‘The school was the only family I ever knew, first as a student and then as a teacher.’

I was onboard with the lead character Cassandra’s efforts to learn more of her personal history and family. Traveling to a small English village with all the expected gossip, speculation over an inheritance and then mysterious murder made this pure classicism in its approach and execution. James provided the brooding and conflicted romantic interest and with a range of highly engaging secondary characters made this read complete. 

‘The simple words threatened to undo her. How she had yearned for someone to come alongside her. Support her. See her.’

To top it off of course, was it set in Yorkshire with the requisite large manor home -  secret passageways and all! Sarah provides her readers with a mystery that is both well plotted and presented. With classic themes of death and inheritances, families and greed, forbidden romances, murder and mystery, it felt like returning home to a comfort read yet there being enough twists and turns with surprises to keep the reader turning pages until the satisfying conclusion. 

‘The puzzle was not complete, but the pieces were there. They just had to solve it.’

If regency reads appeal to you, then I highly recommend The Letter from Briarton Park as I found it to be totally engaging with all the ingredients present for an atmospheric and engaging historical fiction read. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Way From Here

Title: The Way From Here

Author: Jane Cockram

Publisher: 2nd March 2022 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 320 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, drama, contemporary

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

Three generations of women. Three generations worth of secrets. Will a cache of letters from beyond the grave hold the key to unravelling them all? The answer to that question lies at the heart of this addictive and atmospheric novel from the author of The House of Brides.

Growing up, the Anderson sisters could not have been more different. Susie, the wild one, had an adventurous life while Camilla— Mills—followed a safer path. When Susie suddenly dies, Mills falls apart. Until she receives a bundle of mysterious letters from her estranged sister to be read in the case of her death. Each letter instructs her to visit a place special to Susie, both to spread her ashes but also to uncover some truths Susie has long kept hidden from her family.

Their mother Margaret has secrets of her own. When living in Swinging Sixties London, she too made a decision about her life that not only haunts her, but will reverberate through the generations.

One family, three very different women. What choices and secrets connect them? In this novel of truth and lies, concealment and regret, Jane Cockram flips the looking glass to expose our true face, revealing the deep lines of deception that can run through families and how the people we love the most often have the most to hide.

My Thoughts

The Way From Here by Jane Cockram is such a great read! It truly had it all …. twists and turns that I simply did not see coming. The perfect balance of emotional investment combined with family drama, with a touch of mystery and intrigue. 

‘A promise to myself that one day this story will be told. Even as I write them, I worry about getting the words down right, so I have a crazy idea. Reading the words is not enough. I want you to walk in the hushed halls of the National Gallery of London, to breathe deeply in the salty island air of the Île de Clair and shelter in the green gardens of Pond Cottage. I’m going to ask you to visit these places and do something for me. And because I’m dead and it’s my last request, you’ ll have to do it!’

What attracted me from the outset was the concept. Susie unexpectedly dies just before her fortieth birthday, shocking everyone. Her sister, Camilla, then receives a set of letters where Susie requests they be read in order and at specific locations of where to scatter her ashes. The inclusion of the letters was genius, on top of first person narratives from both sisters (and the mother at a later date) it really added another dimension to the tale. Camilla then sets out on a journey following the footsteps of the trip Susie had made in 1998. 

‘She was here because her sister wanted to tell her something she hadn’t had the courage to tell her when she was alive. It was never going to be easy.’

The first part of the book established both sisters in the past and present and I thought I was in for a solid reflective and introspective read. Then bang! Halfway through the first of what would be several twists hit the story. Now I was fully hooked! This was a story that would involve three generations of the same family and would prove to be shocking to some, if not all, members involved. Slowly, Jane tells the story moving seamlessly between character voices and timelines - it was, in fact,  faultless. Family secrets slowly unfurled as its members come to realise past mistakes and regrets. 

‘Nostalgia is laced with sadness and regrets. The could-haves and should-haves. Do you have any of those, Mills?’

I have nothing but praise for Jane’s writing and the way she pulled all the various threads of this intriguing tale together for a most satisfying story. It is about families and the often difficult relationships, yet, it is also about life and meaning, all set against a backdrop of some picturesque locations - from Australia, to France, to England. 

This book, with such an original plot, is one full of intrigue and drama set across three generations of women. There are secrets that, when revealed, will have lasting impact on all involved. The melding of voices through the sisters and especially the letters is unique and bittersweet. I simply can't wait to read what future stories Jane has lined up for us next. 

‘… the future I looked forward to then hasn’t turned out the way I expected. They say youth is wasted on the young, but it feels to me like not a moment is wasted - we carry our youth with us forever. How I felt when I was sixteen, who I loved when I was nineteen, what I regretted at twenty-one - none of this goes away. It’s all me, it’s all still here.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Understudy

Title: The Understudy

Author: Julie Bennett

Publisher: 2nd March 2022 by Simon & Schuster Australia

Pages: 422 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction 

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

Immersed in the underbelly of the theatre world in the gritty streets of Sydney in 1973, this addictive debut will have you wondering just how dangerous ambition – and love – can be.

It’s opening night. The stage is set, the houselights have dimmed and the handsome male lead is waiting. This is your time. Your chance to prove you are so much more than the understudy.

You have worked so hard and would have done almost anything to get here. But not what they are accusing you of – never that. It’s simply bad luck that Australia’s darling of opera has gone missing, throwing the spotlight on you just as the whole world is watching history in the making.

But the show must go on and it’s all down to you. Take a deep breath and get ready to perform the role of your life.

My Thoughts

The Understudy is a sensational debut novel by Julie as she offers a drama filled tale from the first ever opening season at the Sydney Opera House in 1973. I quickly found myself engaged and eager to read the journey of the lead character, Sophie as she faces intrigue and drama in this fictional production. This was a time when Australia was growing and reaching out to the world and Julie’s writing captures the times eloquently. 

‘It was fantastic to play opposite him tonight. It might be the only time I ever do, though, I'm just the understudy.' I say it, but I don't want it to be true.’

Lead character, Sophie, is indeed the understudy in this tale and with two days until opening night, the famed lead operatic star Margaret Gardiner disappears. Thus ensues a tale of suspicion, intrigue and drama as people both wonder what happened to Margaret and would Sophie be able to fill her shoes? Indeed, all eyes turn to Sophie as she performs wonderfully well and questions are raised as to her involvement in the disappearance. Matters are compounded when she falls for her Italian leading man, Armando and her triumph may yet quickly turn to tragedy. Julie delivers this mystery marvellously well as she offers a dual time narrative stepping back to 1953 when Margaret Gardiner was a hopeful starting out much like Sophie in 1973. Both were ambitious women yet they begin to question if they have started down a dangerous path? 

‘They say it is not your role, it is Margaret's role. You are Margaret's cover and now that Margaret is not here ... they are recasting the role.' I'm speechless for a moment 'What does that mean? Does it mean I'm not even the understudy anymore?'

Not only is this a wonderful story of passion and ambition, suspicion and tragedy but also Julie likewise opens a window for her readers to see an Australia from the 1950s and 1970s. I loved references pertaining to things such as the concerns over the Sydney Opera House, or the opening by Queen Elizabeth, or the BLF and Sydney Harbour with the fight for Woolloomooloo. Julie gives us all the glamour onstage, all the drama off stage with the turbulent backstreets of Sydney early of the 1970s. 

‘I'll miss the fireworks tonight because I will be preparing to be on stage and so I allow myself the luxury of standing there for just a moment or two … I drink it all in. I am, I realise, witnessing history in the making.’

This is a story that held me captive as I followed Sophie in 1973 and Margaret in 1953 and an emerging country where social expectations were quickly evolving. There were excellent secondary characters with undercurrent subplots that provided great depth to this highly entertaining tale. I frantically turned pages to the very end to see how these two narratives would come to play out. This is a definite book to add to your list as Julie presents a fascinating tale. 

‘The score calls for me to begin singing as I walk out, leading my friends. Oscar gives me a gentle push and I know this is my moment. This will be the first step I take towards becoming the principal I long to become. I project myself forward to a time when I am all I imagine myself to be. I let the moment fill me. Then I draw a deep breath and I begin to sing.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.