PositiveHistorical Novel SocietyNo one can weave past and present timelines quite so well as Ms. Kearsley, whose characters often mirror each other across the centuries ... Charley’s modern-day storyline lacks the emotional nuances of the historical plot, but readers can easily imagine themselves in the role of the ghost, gently nudging Charley towards the truth.
Michelle Gable
MixedThe Historical Novel SocietyThis book has all the salacious elements of a juicy page-turner: illicit romance, wealth, greed, power, adultery, gossip, blackmail, and intrigue. Readers will also notice a take on the Kennedy clan that is not often portrayed but does feel authentic. The one stumbling block is Alicia herself. As a main character, she’s difficult to like or to root for: opportunistic, flighty, and a glutton for punishment by Jack and his family. The reader observes Alicia’s foolish, often callous, behavior and begins to wonder if she deserves anything better. There is space for greater emotional depth here, but those opportunities fall by the wayside as Alicia pursues her next meaningless relationship, moneymaking scheme, or wealthy friend on her quest to climb the ladder of fame and fortune. A more nuanced heroine would have made this story irresistible.
