Member Reviews

Such a lovely series of books and sad to have read the last one. This series is so well written so makes it an enjoyable read, I have to say I struggled in places with this last book but all in all I enjoyed the final book.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Harper. Collins UK for the early read

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The third in the Daughters of War Trilogy, Night Train to Marrakech is Dinah Jeffries latest foray into historical fiction and it's good! The story follows Vicky's (Elise's daughter) journey from a broken relationship in France to the hedonistic days of unrest in Morocco,

The book is very atmospheric and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the kasbah where Vicky's paternal grandmother, Elise lives. The support cast of characters included many characters from the previous novels, although since it's been awhile since I read them I did struggle to remember who was who. It might have been good to include a prologue which hinted at some of their importance or relevance.

There are twists and turns which make the novel pacy and easy to read. Some of the complications are a bit drawn out and then get resolved a little too easily but the majority is gripping and helps us understand the complexity of the past's impact on everyone's lives.

Overall 4/5 from me.
Many thanks to the publishers and Negalley for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Having read , and enjoyed, the first two books in this trilogy I expected to read much more about the characters I’d met already. Whilst well written and able to be read as a stand alone novel, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous novels.

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The last book in a trilogy of books. This book covers one of the sister's daughters in her story.

Vicki arrives to see her maternal grandmother for the 1st time when dangers from the past rears its ugly head.

Great descriptions, you can really manage yourself there, with the smells and sights and sounds of the markets.

It also brings home that there are tranquil places to be found in the humdrum of modern life.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

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This was such a good book. I love historical fiction, especially when it is about eras/ situations that I previously knew nothing about and this was definitely one of those books. It was so well researched and so compelling in its narrative that not only did I love reading it but I felt that I learned too. A really enjoyable read and perfect for any fans of historical fiction.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

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Rather than picking up the story of the three sisters met in the previous two instalments of this series, “Night Train to Marrakech” follows the story of Elise’s daughter Vicky, as she arrives in Marrakech to get to know her paternal grandmother, Clemence.

While Vicky and her cousin Bea, daughter of Florence, become accustomed to life in Marrakech, they become increasingly drawn into the politics of the day which proves more dangerous than they could have imagined. Meanwhile, we also follow the story of Clemence, who sent her baby (Vicky’s father) away as a tiny baby, for reasons that she wants to keep hidden at all costs.

The interaction between grandmother and granddaughter, both of whom want a relationship but don’t quite know how to achieve it, is intriguing, and the supporting cast of characters are all interesting (especially to readers who have read the previous books in the trilogy). The twists in the tale aren’t particularly surprising, but the pacing is good and it is an interesting end to the “Daughters of War” series.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

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The last book in the trilogy the daughters of war is an absolutely brilliant end. Even if you have not read the first two books it can be read as a stand alone book with episodes from the previous books described which helps one understand what has gone before and the actions of the main characters.
This book centres on Vicky the daughter of Elise who has come to Marrakesh to find her paternal grandmother and answer questions relating to her deceased father who was killed in the war prior to her birth.
However her grandmother Clemence who gave up her son at birth has hidden secrets in her life which she has shut off is forced to face them with the arrival of Vicky.
It is a beautiful end the the trilogy and ties up all the ends.
Five stars all the way

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This is the last book in the Daughters of Wat trilogy and follows the fortunes of Vicky Baudin as she searches for the grandmother she has never met and answers to questions she has had about her family's past. This is a well crafted tale , as would be expected from this author, but the standout feature of this book is the rich descriptions of the setting, which transport the reader to the bustling heart of Marrakesh with all its sights ,sounds and smells. Wonderful!

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I am a fan of this author, but had not read the previous two books in this trilogy. I feel this put me at a disadvantage, it was like arriving late to a gathering, and not knowing who half the people are.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Marrakesh, and the author’s writing is, as always, a joy to read.
However, this book just didn’t quite hit the mark for me, probably due to my being ‘late to the party’
I will seek out the first two novels in the series, then revisit this final book in the trilogy.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

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This book is set in Morocco during the 'hippy' era. It was the place to be! Lots of evocative descriptions of Morocco during this period. Although this is the final book in a trilogy it worked well as a stand alone novel. This is a story about families, murder and spy's with a bit of romance thrown in. The plot is a little far fetched but the characters are well written and you get drawn into the story. A great book for the beach this summer.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the advance copy of this book.

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Unfortunately I just could not get into this book. I tried a couple of times but the story just did not interest me.

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As usual a wonderful book by a brilliant author. I loved this. I enjoyed getting lost in Morocco, where this book is set. I don't conform to 'rules' as I have not read the entire series but I was sad when I realised that it was going to be the last in a trilogy..
The beginning of the book has a slow pace but as Dinah Jefferies books are so atmospheric, that seems the right way to introduce the story. There were the sights, the sounds and the smells of Morocco. to enjoy.
The book is set in the 1960's. The plot is gripping. There is also a love story that runs throughout.
Vicky, the protagonist is a young woman who studies fashion and initially her trip is to help her progress in the fashion industry. She arranges to stay with a grandmother that she has never meet and knows little about. This book is definitely one to get lost in. It seems an indulgence and I look forward to reading others by this author.

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Once again it was a privilege to read a Dinah Jeffries novel, and this one is the final book in the Trilogy of the “Daughters of War” and we are now with the second generation - the children of the daughters with Elise’s daughter. Vicky has discovered that her grandmother is very much alive and living in Morocco near Marrakesh in the Atlas Mountains. From the beginning Dinah creates the 1966’s sounds, sights and aromas of this exotic world. But the place is full of danger - both political and personal and as Vicky seeks to uncover the secrets of this distant grandmother,,Clemence she puts herself and her young cousin Bea in danger. The secrets are slowly unveiled and the significance of why this grandmother had taken herself out of her son’s life , As well as a love story, there is the thriller element of this story, with spies and foreign powers at work in the uneasy political situation that was Morocco of the sixties. For those who flocked here at this time it was a beautiful place to be and as well as socialites and hippies there was Yves St Laurent the designer who held court at the various parties and is part of this story. A great read and very different from the previous books but equally entertaining.

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The final book in the Daughters of War trilogy, this one is set in Marrakech during the 1960s. A young woman travels to Morocco to visit her estranged grandmother and finds herself embroiled in murder!

This is a lovely story. It’s very visual and the descriptions are so vivid, I almost felt as if I was there on the streets and in the souks of Marrakech. The writing really brought the place to life. I was very immersed in the lives of these characters, all of whom were well drawn and realistic. The plot is gripping, it really is a page turner. I have read the first book in the trilogy but not the second. I will definitely be remedying this in due course. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable, engaging and engrossing read! If you love stories about families and secrets set in exotic countries, you’ll adore this one.

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Missed something by not having read the first two books in the series I fear but this complex story of three generations of women in one family had the most evocative sensory description of its setting, Marrakech.

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This is the final part of a trilogy. I had not read the previous two, so read it as a stand-alone.
It tells the story of Vicky, who decides to go to Morocco after hearing about a grandmother she new nothing about. She is also very keen to meet Yves Saint Laurent as he has been the focus of her dissertation.
The story follows many twists and turns, with one disaster after another. It is tense and gripping. The backdrop of the sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech add so much.
It is a story full of secrets that need to be told and of Vicky's grandmother who has endured so much. It is also a story of the complex relationships between mothers. daughters and sisters
Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

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The third and final book in The Sisters of War Trilogy, is centred around Elise’s daughter Vicky and could be read as a standalone, although I think it helps if you have read the previous 2 books.
Set in Morocco, Vicky travels there to meet her estranged grandmother Clemence (Victor’s mother) and then invites her cousin Bea ( Florence’s daughter) to join her.
When they find themselves in danger, the whole family arrive in Marrakech and the 3 sisters are reunited.
I thought the plot was a little far fetched and found Clemence’s life story more interesting.
Although I enjoyed the book, it wasn’t my favourite of the 3, but I’m glad I read it as it did tie up the loose ends. 
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks to Dinah and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before the publication date.
This is a story of interlinked families over 4 generations, their secrets and sacrifices.

Dinah uses a word palette to paint a vivid picture of the setting in each chapter, drawing the reader in until you feel that you are walking alongside the characters, hearing the sounds and smelling the spices in the air.
There is a little bit of humour at the most unlikely of times. Without giving away any spoilers, I loved the reference to the “special reading nook”.
I think that it would make a good choice for a book club discussion.
Read it as an entertaining story, then consider the individual characters, their history and behaviour.
How would you have reacted in their circumstances?

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The final novel in the Daughters of War trilogy is a historical thriller set in Marrakech in the 1960s. It is the weakest of the three novels because there is a lot of repetition, too much description of meals.for example.and the narrative is quite slow. However, I have enjoyed getting to know the three sisters over the course of the trilogy and in each one the settings are written beautifully. Thanks to netgalley.and the publisher for the arc.

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This is another beautifully written historical fiction story that this author is renowned for. In this tale, you are taken to the aromas and colours of Morocco with detailed description.
In this final Daughters of War trilogy, we are treated to a love story and a thriller all in one. Mainly set in a Kasbah in the mountains of Marrakech an old love affair is rekindled while kidnap and murder occur.
If you enjoy historical fiction then you won’t be disappointed as this book can also be read as a standalone.
My thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins for the advanced digital copy of this enchanting story.

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