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nicjohnston's review against another edition
4.0
Madame Burova is enchanting. Ruth Hogan has a true skill for deeply engaging characters (including the amazing canines) who enrich every corner of the story that they unfurl. This is no exception.
Told across two timelines - one in the early 1970s and the present day - we meet Madame Burova as she takes over from her mother in her booth providing palm reading, tarot cards and fortune telling. In the modern timeline a secret has come to the fore and the early timeline tells the story of that secret. We meet an incredible ensemble of friends, entertainers and strays in a book that culminates in a very satisfying conclusion.
I’m not sure I would have jumped into a blurb about clairvoyance if it had come from another author, but having loved all of Ruth Hogan’s previous books, I was thrilled to read this one too.
Thanks to Netgalley, Two Roads, John Murray Press and Hachette for an advanced copy of this gem.
Told across two timelines - one in the early 1970s and the present day - we meet Madame Burova as she takes over from her mother in her booth providing palm reading, tarot cards and fortune telling. In the modern timeline a secret has come to the fore and the early timeline tells the story of that secret. We meet an incredible ensemble of friends, entertainers and strays in a book that culminates in a very satisfying conclusion.
I’m not sure I would have jumped into a blurb about clairvoyance if it had come from another author, but having loved all of Ruth Hogan’s previous books, I was thrilled to read this one too.
Thanks to Netgalley, Two Roads, John Murray Press and Hachette for an advanced copy of this gem.
amotisse's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing like a little bit of mystery, secrets, connections and coincidences...or are they?
Warm, real and earthy with charming characters and a delve into the fascinating world of tarot.
Warm, real and earthy with charming characters and a delve into the fascinating world of tarot.
chaveman's review against another edition
2.0
This book was fine. It really didn’t suck me in and honestly by half way through I didn’t care about the characters or the plot, but it was well written enough that I could finish the book itself. Towards the end I was skimming it and definitely wouldn’t recommend the book overall.
agrimes01's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this dual timeline story featuring Imelda Burova, a Romany fortune teller who has learned her trade from the generations of women before her and the younger woman whose fate has been tied to hers for years.
In the present Billie has just gotten divorced, lost her job and her parents. A mysterious inheritance brings her to Madame Burova, who holds the key to the secret of her origins. Together the two women dig into the past. Billie in the hopes of learning out more about her birth parents and Madame Burova revisiting that fateful summer where she met the greatest love of her life!
Highly recommend this transporting historical fiction tale about the men and women who worked at a holiday camp along the Brighton Pier in the 1970s. Full of secrets, love and a colorful cast of characters this is a memorable and moving story I didn't want to end! Much thanks to Libro.fm for my ALC!! Perfect for fans of The one hundred years of Lenni and Margot.
In the present Billie has just gotten divorced, lost her job and her parents. A mysterious inheritance brings her to Madame Burova, who holds the key to the secret of her origins. Together the two women dig into the past. Billie in the hopes of learning out more about her birth parents and Madame Burova revisiting that fateful summer where she met the greatest love of her life!
Highly recommend this transporting historical fiction tale about the men and women who worked at a holiday camp along the Brighton Pier in the 1970s. Full of secrets, love and a colorful cast of characters this is a memorable and moving story I didn't want to end! Much thanks to Libro.fm for my ALC!! Perfect for fans of The one hundred years of Lenni and Margot.
flannieb's review against another edition
4.0
This was exactly what I needed today. An entertaining story to keep my attention, quirky characters, British coast.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
I was a bit weary going into this audiobook as I tend not to enjoy witchy elements in books. While the book isn't about witches it is about clairvoyant and tarot cards. But I'm glad I gave it a chance as I ended up really enjoying my audiobook experience with this one. Very entertaining and easy to listen to and a lot going on to keep my interest up
alittlemixofvix's review against another edition
5.0
I received a proof copy of this book and fell in love with it. This was my first read of Ruth Hogan and I will definitely be going back for more!
It was such a great story I just couldn’t put it down, I loved all the characters (even the ones I disliked if that makes sense), and the emotional journey they go on was captivating. I enjoyed how the book follows the two main characters, Madame Burova and Billie, in two different time periods, it gave much more insight into them.
Although I did figure out half of Billie’s parentage I was still changing my mind about the other half until it was finally revealed. Each individual character was well developed regardless of how big or small a role they played, it made me feel as if I knew them personally. Whilst generally a lighter read, the story also touched on some important topics such as racism, sexism, and sexual harassment.
I was really impressed with this even though it’s not my usual genre and would definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary proof copy of the book from Readers First and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It was such a great story I just couldn’t put it down, I loved all the characters (even the ones I disliked if that makes sense), and the emotional journey they go on was captivating. I enjoyed how the book follows the two main characters, Madame Burova and Billie, in two different time periods, it gave much more insight into them.
Although I did figure out half of Billie’s parentage I was still changing my mind about the other half until it was finally revealed. Each individual character was well developed regardless of how big or small a role they played, it made me feel as if I knew them personally. Whilst generally a lighter read, the story also touched on some important topics such as racism, sexism, and sexual harassment.
I was really impressed with this even though it’s not my usual genre and would definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary proof copy of the book from Readers First and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
readingwiththeprincess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Ruth Hogan wins again with this romantic, magical novel that surrounds Imelda Burova, a fortune teller who keeps confidential the secrets she learns from her clients. After her retirement, she realizes it is time for her to keep the promise she made by getting in touch with a woman who has no idea she was ever adopted. Imelda was associated with the mother. But mystery of who the father was has haunted her for decades. As Hogan does, the story flashes back to the 1970s when Imelda and the other entertainers at Larkin's had a colorful time.
Imelda is such a lovable character. I grew teary at the end when all was revealed.
Ruth Hogan wins again with this romantic, magical novel that surrounds Imelda Burova, a fortune teller who keeps confidential the secrets she learns from her clients. After her retirement, she realizes it is time for her to keep the promise she made by getting in touch with a woman who has no idea she was ever adopted. Imelda was associated with the mother. But mystery of who the father was has haunted her for decades. As Hogan does, the story flashes back to the 1970s when Imelda and the other entertainers at Larkin's had a colorful time.
Imelda is such a lovable character. I grew teary at the end when all was revealed.