This book is told with dual timelines and takes place in Scotland. Zoe goes with her sister Leah as caretakers of an old Scottish castle. It comes with cold rooms, sounds when no one is there and a ghostly woman.
It’s a lovely story with a little bit of a mystery and romance.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

A beautifully written tale with great characters, this historical fiction is a hit yet again for Elena Collins, centred around a castle in the Scottish Highlands.
Agnes and her "sister" Effie are two main characters from the past who live and work at the castle in the reign of Robert de Brus in 1300 in this dual timed fiction, but twin sisters Zoe and Leah are haunted by a ghostly presence in the future. If Leah wants her castle care taker job to be successful, she must find out what's going on.but they don't know who it is or why she's still there. The story flits easily and comprehensively between the two timelines, telling the story of the past to connect it to the present, and it does that so well!. There are other wonderful and well thought out characters who help along the way for the story to unravel and reach it's conclusion. There's love and betrayal ...10/10!!!
I received this free arc book for an honest review.
#Netgalley, #TheladyoftheLoch, #bookandtonic, #judyrleigh

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I found this hard to put down.

It’s so beautifully written, set in 14th century, a dual-timeline story, in Scotland and present day.

In the past, we read about the hardships that Scotland and Robert the Bruce went through with Longshanks and the English army, and we meet Agnes who worked as a kitchen maid.

In the present, we meet Leah and Zoe, Leah has got a job as caretaker at Ravenscraig Castle.

Both parts of the book had strong characters and it was heartbreaking to read at times.

I loved how it was written.

I highly recommend this book.

Zoe’s twin sister Leah finds a new job as a caretaker and tour guide at Ravenscraig Castle in Scotland after a tough period. She isn’t allowed to live there alone and Zoe agrees to go with her. Once they are there, Leah immediately feels at home, but Zoe senses a strange chill in the castle and sees a young woman appear at night. In the 13th century, the kitchen maids Agnes and Effie must flee their home when Robert De Bruce wages war against the English king Edward I. They seek refuge in Ravenscraig, only to find that rumours of war are never far.

‘The lady if the loch‘ is a dual timeline story set in the Scottish Highlands. It’s very modernly written (that annoyed me a bit at first) and the historical part is set during’s Robert De Bruce’s reign. His wife Elizabeth De Burgh and daughter Marjorie flee to Kildrummy Castle where Agnes and Effie work in the kitchen. When they are betrayed, Elizabeth and Marjorie are taken prisoner and Agnes and Effie barely escape alive. Their path takes them to Ravenscraig (which is a fictional place) where the owners are also loyal to De Bruce.

Most of the time I do enjoy the historical timeline more, but this time that wasn’t the case. It took me a long time to get to know Agnes and to feel with her. I preferred the modern perspective of Zoe and Leah. They live in a flat in Birmingham, only Leah feels very unhappy. When she gets the job at Ravenscraig she hopes for a new start. But the place seems haunted.

Yes, this is also a little ghost story. Apart from that there are a lot of fast-paced romances of people falling in love instantly (a pet peeve of mine). And yet I quite enjoyed reading this novel, especially the second half of the book is much stronger. Maybe Collins felt a bit lighter than e.g. Gill Paul or Nicola Cornick. But you can compare the style.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked this book very much. It was interesting and the combination of the two eras fitted perfectly. I also liked the place, the atmosphere of Scotland was captured very well. I am not really a fan of romantic fiction, but in this book the romantic element wasn’t overwhelming, which I liked a lot. The characters are well chosen and show their development throughout the book. The mystic part of the story was okay, it added to the atmosphere even though I don’t consider it necessary.
I recommend this book highly.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: February 23, 2023

The Lady of the Loch is a dual timeline historical story. The first storyline is focused on the early 1300’s when England invaded Scotland. A young housemaid Agnes witnesses brutal killings at the hands of the English, barely escaping and racing north to find safety and protection.

Once at Ravenscraig Agnes falls in love with a Scottish warrior but they must keep their marriage a secret while he fights the English to bring peace to their lands.

In the present timeline, twin sisters Leah and Zoe become the caretakers of Ravenscraig castle. Once in ruins, the owner is restoring it to its glory days.

As Leah and Zoey get to know the castle a bit more there is a heavy sadness that settles on them, especially anywhere near the south wing ruins. There is even talk of a ghost that roams the castle.

Zoey and Leah are determined to learn the history of the castle and it’s people in hopes of setting the spirit free and restoring peace in the castle.

I loved the setting and premise of the book. I’m always interested in a Scottish Castle storyline with some romance sprinkled in. While I enjoyed this book I did find it a slow read and found that some aspects could have been shortened or removed altogether. This is a 3.5 star for me. I would recommend this one for readers of deep history with detailed descriptions.

#NetGalley #elenacollins #theladyoftheloch

Zoe and Leah are twins. While Zoe is very satisfied with her life, Leah is unfulfilled, depressed and at her wit’s end. With Zoe’s encouragement, she applies for a job as caretaker of a castle in Scotland. Accompanied by her sister, she takes the job at Ravenscraig Castle, becoming happier and more self assured that she is now where she was meant to be. But Ravenscraig holds secrets and a ghost, which both women encounter. Can Leah’s dreams for the castle come true, given that others are scared off by the atmosphere and things that happen there? Can both sisters help to solve the mystery of the ghost and find happiness there?

In the early 1300s, Agnes and Effie work in the kitchen at Kildrummy Castle in Scotland. After the castle is betrayed to English soldiers searching for Robert the Bruce’s family, the two girls flee north and seek refuge at Ravenscraig Castle. Safe at the moment, Agnes falls in love with Cam, a soldier loyal to and protecting Robert the Bruce. Can they be together and build a life given the ever-present English threat, Cam’s role as a soldier and the presence of possible betrayers all around them?

Though I found the first few pages of this book to be overly descriptive, I was quickly drawn into the story and just wanted to keep on reading. The dual-timeline story was well written and engaging, drawing out a variety of emotions and making me cheer with and commiserate with the characters. I would definitely recommend this book to those interested in medieval, dual-timeline and paranormal stories.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! It is so well written, with a story that flows seamlessly between the present and the past. The characters are so engaging, and the Scottish scenery literally came to life before my eyes, thanks to the vivid description. As the story unfolds. I was completely drawn in, and completely captured. Twins Zoe and Leah travel to Scotland as Leah has accepted a position as caretaker at Ravenscraig Castle in the Highlands, overlooking a loch. The job stipulates that the Caretakers should be a couple, so Zoe somewhat reluctantly agrees to accompany her sister for 3 months. Arriving at the castle, Leah is immediately spellbound by it, but Zoe feels an undercurrent there which makes her very uncomfortable. The medieval castle has a bad reputation locally, previous caretakers have never stayed for long, but Leah falls in love with it. The castle has a long history involving Robert the Bruce, and many brutal and bloody events were played out there. Agnes was a serving girl who lived and worked at the castle and fell in love with Cam, a warrior defending his King and country against the marauding English under Edward Longshanks. Their story needs closure, and centuries later, Leah and Zoe find themselves involved in the castle’s secrets. This story is so beautifully told and hurt my heart. I absolutely loved it, and wholeheartedly recommend it.

I loved this one. It was a dual time-line set in Scotland. It was very creepy and at times made me shiver. My imagination was going wild while I was reading this book and I could imagine ghostly happenings over the loch. This well written book has become a favourite of mine so far this year and I look forward to reading more from this author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Elena Collins is one of my new favorite authors I found via Net Galley. Her writing transforms the reader from the present to historic 1300's England perfectly in this exciting new dual timeline novel. Thank you to the author, the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

We are transported to a historic Scottish Highland Castle in the 1300's for the first timeline during war times . Here the reader meets Agnus a kitchen maid . Agnus is suffering the heartbreak of a young woman in love with a Scottish Warrior. She has experienced the romance and betrayl that marks her life. Agnus is a rich charcter who has a story to be told in present day. The present day we meet two twin sisters who take a job at the castle and soon learn its history is rich beyond their imagination when hautings occur and mysteries come forth that places them in the world of 1300's Scotland.

I loved this book and how the author transports the reader to each timeline seemlessly. It is richly drawn on Scottish history and all the wonderful culture of the time. This is a wonderful read and a great literary escape. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.

I loved this engrossing piece of historical fiction set in the haunting Highlands! The dual storylines seemed to highlight how we connect in the thin veil of time. How our stories mirror and mimic love, betrayal and loss over the centuries. Very engrossing plot with interesting tidbits of Scottish history. Will be reading another one from this author, for sure. #theladyoftheloch #elenacollins #netgalley #goodreads

Wow! What a story. I truly was transported to Scotland, to the Loch and castle of Ravenscraig! I was glued to the fascinating plot and all the unusual events every time I opened the novel to keep reading (over a two day period). This is the first Ella Collins novel I have read in full. I do have another of hers on my Kindle app as I was very taken with a sample of her writing style. When I saw she had another one due out in February, I jumped at the chance to review it and I am so glad I did. The content of this gorgeous romantic mystery really touched my heart and stirred my imagination with its mystical atmosphere and paranormal activity. In many ways, the ghostly elements are a bit like Wuthering Heights. A place and life frozen in time that continues to inspire.

This moving dual timeline novel is set in modern day and 1306. The Lady of the Loch is born out of the history surrounding Robert de Brus (King of Scotland) and his early battles (1306) when he sent his second wife, stepdaughter, sisters and brother to find refuge in Kildrummy Castle. But betrayal occurs and horrible things happen to the family members at various stages of events. Then King Robert eventually defeats the English in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn. From all the battles and bloodshed, the author dips her pen into this rich well of history to create a fictional story and a fictional character Agnes Fitzgerald. And paints an amazing picture of what it would have been like to have lived at that time. This writer’s canvas is far sweeping with detail, daringness and delight. Agnes is a kitchen servant who is brave, bold and determined. This young woman has seen her share of loss and heartbreak. And yet in the midst of all of the mayhem inflicted on her life and that of her fellow Scotsmen and women, love blossoms in her heart when she meets a young warrior who is the most feared and wildest according to the English. Their story, and that of her half-sister’s, is quite moving and I was completely taken in to their world and saw and felt every emotion imaginable as they battled for their lives and freedom.

The modern timeline also has two sisters (twins) who live in England. Leah is not in a good way when the story begins. She is depressed from various past work and romantic relationship failures, lost and without hope. But her sister Zoe, always the upbeat one with a solid job and in control of her life, tries very hard to support her sister. As she watches Leah spiral further into despair, she knows she must help her so she encourages her to look for a new job. Leah then decides to explore her options. In their search, a perfect position appears but it is in Scotland in a castle. They need a new caretaker and Leah sees this as an ideal opportunity to revamp her life and to use her historian skills and studies.

Leah is half Scottish (one parent is from Scotland) and she wants to explore more of that side of her heritage. She is certain the open spaces and charm of Scotland are what she needs. As a child, it was the one place she felt most at home. You might say her roots are calling her so this position is ideal. The only catch is the owner requires she must have a partner, and since she does not, she banks on her sister fulfilling the role. This is a viable option, for Zoe can work remotely (through her computer) but will she pull up stakes and go to a place that is not her choice and feels foreign to her? For Zoe is more like her English mother and loves her English setting and life.

Leah accepts the job and Zoe gives in, realising how happy it will make her sister. She makes the sacrifice to move to the cold Scottish castle on a three month trial. What neither of them expect is all the drama and mystery that will enter their lives (and the ghosts) that will change them both forever and alter their futures. And love will come in the most unexpected ways.

This novel’s setting and distant past events are well researched and delivered to the page to support and authenticate the historic timeline. I could easily imagine what it was like living in Scotland in this castle in the 1300s. Although Ravenscraig is fictional, it was based on Urquhart Castle. The author has skilfully drawn an impressive character—for it truly has a presence with a voice. It is here where past flows beautifully into the present providing a smooth weave of tales and how each affects the other. The Loch, too, has an epic part in the romance and re-joining of lost souls.

The Lady of the Loch is without question one the most intriguing and beautiful stories I have ever read: well-composed and unforgettable. I was transfixed, charmed and wooed by the mystery, magic and wonder of this Scottish setting (and the cover!) and felt great emotions for the characters in both timelines. There is a welcomed joy and release in the gorgeous ending where past and present come together seamlessly. I absolutely loved this novel and highly recommend it! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.

{3.5 stars}

In this story we get two timelines with two women, one set of sisters in the present day whose fate takes them to Ravenscraig Castle in Scotland where they experience the history of the place in an unusual way. As they uncover the history of the place and its significance to Robert the Bruce's history they encounter two women who fled to the castle after the destruction of their own. We get to see their lives as lowly kitchen servants and the horrible twists of fate that left an impression on the place.

I think this is mis-labelled as a time-slip romance. It's a historical fiction ghost story with a little bit of romance in it. The modern timeline was much less interesting than the historic one, which was fabulous. I get the purpose of the modern timeline, in the end it worked to really resolve the history. I wished for double the amount of time in the 1300s and half the amount of time in the present day - if that balance had been right it would have been an easy 5 stars. I get the parallels between the girls but I just felt like Leah and Zoe were typical annoying millennials throughout. The heart and raw truth of the life of a servant really carried the story for me. Agnes and Effie had such hardships and such different paths to finding their happiness. You really see the passion and loyalty of the Scots in the 1300's timeline.

Also another case where I didn't need the epilogue. I don't really get the parallels to Outlander - this is nothing like that story except for the setting.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

The Lady of the Loch is a dual-timeline story that takes place in Scotland. I found it a bit slow and had a hard time getting into it in the beginning. The dialogue is interesting and the characters are well-done.

Rather slow moving but atmospheric and well written dual timeline novel. Interesting choice of historical period — I don’t like to say I’m tired of World Wars I and II, but I kind of am.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.

3.5 upped to 4
It's a good dual timeline story, a compelling story even if I found it very slow. The historical part is more interesting and I loved the characters.
The contemporary one was good even if a bit predictable.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I love the premise but not the execution, sadly
It is taking forever for me to care about the sisters
I am 60% done and there is absolutely no progress
Dual timelines are not helping too

Also why are the main characters so chill about living in a haunted castle.
They not even addressing it

Atmospheric, historical, and engrossing, I was pulled in from the first page to the last. The second of Elena Collins books, and totally brilliant!!
Set in the main in Scotland, this book is split on two timelines between twins Zoe and Leah in the present day and Agnes in the harsh world of 1307 war torn Scotland. Set in an ethereal castle in the northern part of Scotland where the history of Robert the Bruce still resonates. Great characters, really good clever writing, and a fascinating story makes this book a fantastic read!
Evocative, this story can pull you all over the place. It’s brilliant and will highly recommend!! This envelopes you in an atmosphere of true Scotland!! Wonderful!!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read, loved it!!!!

A dual timeline story moving between early 1300s and present day Scotland. I found both storylines nice, even if they were predictable. This is a good read and I learned several things about life during the brutal times of Robert the Bruce and King Edward.

This was an absolutely, wonderful story. Time slip, or dual timeline novels are my very favourite and this was excellent. The words jumped off the page and it was full of spine tingling eerieness but also so full of love