Kathleen McGurl's novel is a beautifully crafted dual-timeline story that intertwines the lives of Esther Harris in 1784 and Millie Galton in the present day. Set against the backdrop of a small harbor town, the novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of 18th-century smugglers and the modern-day restoration of a historic inn.

Esther's story of love, betrayal, and her family's desperate attempts to survive by aiding smugglers is gripping and emotionally resonant. Meanwhile, Millie's journey to transform her newly acquired inn, and her discovery of its hidden past, adds a layer of mystery and connection to the historical narrative.

Both timelines are vividly depicted, showcasing McGurl's talent for bringing historical settings to life. While Esther's storyline is particularly compelling, Millie's renovation project and the secrets she uncovers keep readers equally engaged. The audiobook narration is well-executed, though some character voices might not appeal to all listeners. Overall, this novel is a wonderful summer read that seamlessly blends history, suspense, and romance. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and dual-timeline stories.

Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK Audio, HQ Digital, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

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This was a great historical story.
I liked learning more about the smugglers and seeing how the Inn was being restored in the present.
The characters where well written and the story was interesting.

I do think the description can use a rewrite since it gives away to much of the story.
And I liked most of the voices by the narrator but not all of them.

Kathleen McGurl to me is the Queen of the Dual Timeline!
This is my absolute favourite format in a book, and when it is done well, it can be immense!
This was a great audiobook. Albeit it took me some time to get into, and the contraband smuggling ring didn't grab me initially as an amazing story to write a book about. The narrator and characters soon got under my skin to make me keep listening and interested to see what would happen.
It was certainly a suspenseful listen, and the intestity of the characters' secret being hidden from the authorities was wonderfully portrayed.
A gripping book, but not one of my favourites from the author.

I listened to this book on my morning walks and because I enjoyed it so much the walks got longer and longer so I could continue listening. It’s set over 2 time lines which makes it unusual and keeps the interest. It’s a story Ester (past) and Millie (present) and set in Cornwall. The author sets a great pace and the narrator is excellent

A heartbreaking choice. A secret kept for centuries.

1784. When Esther Harris’s father hurts his back, she takes over his role helping smugglers hide contraband in the secret cellar in their pub. But when the free traders’ ships are trapped in the harbour, a battle between the smugglers and the revenue officers leads to murder and betrayal – and Esther is forced to choose between the love of her life and protecting her family…

Present day. Fresh from her divorce, Millie Galton moves into a former inn overlooking the harbour in Mudeford and plans to create her dream home. When a chance discovery behind an old fireplace reveals the house’s secret history as a haven for smugglers and the devastating story of its former residents, could the mystery of a disappearance from centuries ago finally be solved?

Listened to the audiobook.
I received a free Advanced Reading Copy via NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review. The narration has good pace and flow,and the narrators voices seemed right for the characters they were portraying.

Set across two timelines, present day and the 18th Century, this is a nice Historical Fiction tale with a sprinkling of romance in the mix. The 18th Century timeline with Esther gives a great insight into Cornish smugglers, their lifestyles and freed trade contraband. The present day timeline, with Millie, deals with the renovation of the property, which is the link to the earlier timeline, and this has a murder mystery element. Both settings are described in vivid detail and it is clear that the Author is both familiar with the area and enjoys the setting - this really comes across in her writing. Ester's storyline is the stronger of the two timelines, although I enjoyed them both. Many thanks to NetGallery and HarperCollins UK Audio for allowing me to get a copy of the book - I had the audio version which is well narrated.

This story starts off in the year 1784 in a town were tradesmen helps smugglers hide contraband as the price is too high for them to stay in business and buy at the normal cost. Esther and her father forms part of the tradesmen desperate for their pub to thrive and use an underground tunnel to hide some of the goods. But when things get a bit too hot she is faced with some difficult decisions.

In the same location in the present day Millie has bought the same building, which is now a very beautiful old landmark home. She starts some renovations and soon discovers a few little secrets in the house.

What a beautiful story, with two timelines you can really feel the history behind this house. Both stories were a little different but still kept you invested and engaged. The past timeline gave you so much insight and understanding of how how these people had to work to keep their businesses going. You can feel the effort put into developing all the characters, and can really connect with all of them.

The narration was really good, nice and steady and the voice changes was really different.

Highly recommend!

My thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the ARC.