cheryl1213's review against another edition
3.0
Really 3.5. I enjoyed the atmosphere...a character itself...more than the plot. predicted some but admittedly not all of the resolution (which may, in a way, be ideal....satisfaction and yet surprise....)
twistinthetale's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the early parts of this book. There are dual narratives; Hetty, in the present, planning to renovate an historic ruin of a house in Scotland's Outer Hebrides and Theo and Beatrice, the owners and residents of the estate in the late 18oo and early 1900s. There are many intriguing characters and the setting is fabulous. I found I had a far greater understanding of Beatrice's character than of Hetty's and Hetty remained aloof and, somewhat, misunderstood to the very end. The latter portion of the book featured a rapid-fire untangling of many of the threads of the novel and I found that this need for quick resolution was at odds with the steady, rhythmic pace, the slowly building tensions of the earlier parts of the novel. Worth a read despite its few flaws.
mactammonty's review against another edition
3.0
The different perspectives from the characters both in the past and future added suspense. My favourite character was Beatrice and least favourite was Giles, he was such a bully.
I did enjoy the suspense of the story, but found the ending predictable and trite.
I did enjoy the suspense of the story, but found the ending predictable and trite.
acaciathorns's review against another edition
2.0
Started off well until it turned into a soppy romance. Interesting stories about the Outer Hebrides, the clearances and wealth but they were two-dimensional.
Basically, you'd enjoy this if you enjoy the Outlander TV series. It has similar themes and concepts with light-touched social commentary.
Basically, you'd enjoy this if you enjoy the Outlander TV series. It has similar themes and concepts with light-touched social commentary.
ashleyelizabeth's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
castlelass's review against another edition
4.0
This book is set in two timelines, 1910 and 2010, tied together by a hundred year old mystery of human bones discovered on an inherited property. It contains atmospheric descriptions of the Scottish countryside. Themes include art, love, relationships, history, architecture, and environmental/political viewpoints. The tensions among characters are well-depicted and believable. The solution to the mystery was satisfying and not completely obvious. Recommended to readers of historical fiction or those who enjoy novels about relationships.
brch16's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An interesting tale with great twists. I loved the weaving of the past and present. The author does an amazing job of describing what I can only imagine to be the stunning Scottish scenery.