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A review by sophdickinson
The Hidden Years by Rachel Hore, Rachel Hore
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced review copy!
This book got 3.5 stars from me - it was mysterious but cosy and heartwarming read. With elements of romance it’s not something I’d usually pick up, but I really enjoyed the generational aspect and historical timeline from WW2 which parallels the 1960s.
I think that the author does a beautiful job at building up a landscape - Cornwall really comes alive in this book, and if it’s a place you particularly love I’d really recommend it. It’s a very lovely depiction of the county and really gives it a wonderful air of mystery and comfort. This was such an easy book to get sucked into, albeit I did guess the crooks of the plot from the get go (Imogen being Belle’s mother). The further details unveiled about Belle’s father and the identity of Mrs Kitto, though, I hadn’t figured out, and they were a welcome bit of intrigue and certainly moved the plot along toward the end.
I feel that the relationship between Gray and Belle could’ve been explored more - they never really faced any hardship or arguments, it just felt a little flat? Of course toward the end this became a little more sincere and their relationship seemed to flourish, but I’d have enjoyed a few more chapters on the time they spend together in London after the book ends. Certainly more room for development there.
Not one I’d usually read, but a comforting and relaxing read with enough intrigue to keep your interest, and very beautiful world building! Spirited characters who are all well developed, I think this is a really lovely autumn/winter read for the cosy and careful aspect of it.
This book got 3.5 stars from me - it was mysterious but cosy and heartwarming read. With elements of romance it’s not something I’d usually pick up, but I really enjoyed the generational aspect and historical timeline from WW2 which parallels the 1960s.
I think that the author does a beautiful job at building up a landscape - Cornwall really comes alive in this book, and if it’s a place you particularly love I’d really recommend it. It’s a very lovely depiction of the county and really gives it a wonderful air of mystery and comfort. This was such an easy book to get sucked into, albeit I did guess the crooks of the plot from the get go (Imogen being Belle’s mother). The further details unveiled about Belle’s father and the identity of Mrs Kitto, though, I hadn’t figured out, and they were a welcome bit of intrigue and certainly moved the plot along toward the end.
I feel that the relationship between Gray and Belle could’ve been explored more - they never really faced any hardship or arguments, it just felt a little flat? Of course toward the end this became a little more sincere and their relationship seemed to flourish, but I’d have enjoyed a few more chapters on the time they spend together in London after the book ends. Certainly more room for development there.
Not one I’d usually read, but a comforting and relaxing read with enough intrigue to keep your interest, and very beautiful world building! Spirited characters who are all well developed, I think this is a really lovely autumn/winter read for the cosy and careful aspect of it.