I absolutely love Rachel Hore’s novels and so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read The Hidden Years.
Like many of the authors novels it’s a dual timeline story set during the 1960s and the Second World War. In the 1960s Belle drops out of university to follow musician Gray to a Silverwood, a commune in Cornwall. The earlier timeline follows Imogen who accompanies some young children to Cornwall during the war.
I found Belle’s part of the novel slower paced and it took me a while to connect with this part of the story. I absolutely loved the earlier timeline and looked forward to the novel moving back to this.
As with all the author’s novels it’s beautifully written and atmospheric.
Recommended
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

A two part story, one set in 1966, the other during world war 2, connected by the house of Silverwood in Cornwall. The story of a young nurse during the war that has a surprising connection with a young woman trying to work out what she wants in her life. Nicely told and a rich cast of characters with a true love of Cornwall

The Hidden Years is a captivating dual-timeline novel set in Cornwall and centred around a house called Silverwood.

The book moves between the 1960s where we meet Bella, a student who throws caution to the wind and follows her new boyfriend to Cornwall, and WW2 where Imogen unexpectedly finds herself becoming a Matron at a boy’s prep school that has been relocated to Cornwall because of the war. As the stories of the women unfold it becomes clear that something links the women and some long held secrets start to be revealed.

What Hore does so well is bring to life the Cornwall of two very different eras - the hardships of the war and the changing society of the 1960s - as the two women try to find their place in the world. With characters that are skilfully brought to life, the women’s stories are equally compelling and as their stories intertwine so the reader becomes more and more swept up in each of their lives.

It is a book that has a little bit of everything - mystery, romance and a gorgeous setting, all set against the backdrop of two fascinating eras. I flew through it - Hore has produced another captivating read.

This was a delightful dual timeline story by hugely popular author Rachel Hore, set during the Second World War when one of our main characters, Imogen, finds herself unexpectedly working at Silverwood, a house in Cornwall that has been converted into a boarding school. Then in the sixties Belle, our other protagonist, finds herself whisked off to Cornwall pursuing a new romance and living in a shared artistic community at the rather charming Silverwood house.
The two main character's experiences and perspectives are very different, and it was fascinating to see how Imogen finds herself with clear purpose and resolve, yet Belle who had a solid life prior to Silverwood but is struggling in weighing up her options and delves in the history of the house to help her. I must admit I was a little bit biased towards Imogen's story, but that's maybe because I loved the WW2 setting.
There are many plots, subplots and sub-subplots to this story and a good deal of mystery surrounding what the actual connection is between the two timelines, but it's a lovely reveal that isn't a twist so much as a beautiful story just slotting into place. It does keep you guessing though.

A mesmerising novel of 2 women on the cusp of change in their lives.
1939 Imogen is travelling to Silverwood in Cornwall with her 2 young charges being evacuated. On arrival she is encouraged to stay and become the temporary matron. She is soon captivated by the Cornish coastline and the area and when the matron returns decides to stay and train as a nurse.
1965 and Belle has decided to leave college and travel to Cornwall with Gray, a musician she's known for a week. Silverwood is now a commune, and Belle struggles to accustimise herself to their way of living. Feeling that Silverwood is familiar she is shocked to find a photo of herself as a baby.
I loved this dual timeline novel. I found myself more engrossed in Imogens story, her life appeared to take on more importance the longer she stayed in Cornwall and despite the war made a life for herself. It was interesting to read the effect the war had on the county. Belle's story didn't captivate me so much but I was more invested in how the 2 women were connected especially towards the end of the book.
Rachel Hore is fast becoming a go to author for me, her writing is very descriptive
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK with no obligation to leave my review

The cover of The Hidden Years, the new book from Rachel Hore, is so vivid and inviting and the further you delve into the story the more significance said cover has. In fact, by the end of the story I realised just how clever the cover truly was. The story is told in a dual time-line format which I always love. The plot moves back and forth between Belle in the late 1960’s and Imogen during the years of World War Two and it does so effortlessly. Although I will admit it took longer for me to get into the 1960’s plot and overall I think I preferred the sections set during the war years but of course I do understand the importance of the slightly more modern aspect of the story.

Throughout the story one question was at the forefront of my mind, what links the two strands of the story or was there indeed any link between the two? There were tantalising clues and titbits provided by the author but I found myself grasping at straws never quite able to hit the nail on the head. So I was delighted when there was a real twist towards the end that had me reeling. I love when that happens, that when you think perhaps you have things sussed out and then boom with one sentence the author takes you off in a completely different direction.

June 1966 and Belle Johnson is 19 and reading English at Darbyfield University. This should be the best time of her life but she is not happy and enjoying the course as she should be and instantly I felt an air of despondency surrounding her regarding what she had chosen to do. Summer is just around the corner and she has one exam left to do but a chance meeting with musician/singer Gray on a night out sees her revaluating everything and throwing caution to the wind and escaping the university for Cornwall. Gray seems to cast a spell over Belle. She has only known him for a week but the sensible and practical side of her has gone out the window. As she mentions, he came into her life so suddenly and with force and it was as if he was dragging her along with him but in reality it was the perfect escapist that she needed.

Gray had such a laid-back nature and is completely unlike anyone that she has ever encountered before. He is going to Silverwood, a small estate in Cornwall, where a commune of sorts has been established. He wants peace and quiet to write songs and perhaps to do some gigs where Belle could sing too. Belle is along for the ride but perhaps there is something deep down that is drawing her to Silverwood and with fate giving her an opportunity perhaps now is the perfect moment in time to explore this thought stirring with in her. A sense of recognition becomes ever more prominent within her but what could she possibly have to do with Silverwood as it has never been mentioned in her family home before. There is a strong sense of time and place in the writing when detailing Silverwood and its surrounding areas. It’s like it has been frozen in time with its tranquil and creative environment. People live there in harmony away from the evils of the capitalist system. They make their own clothes, grow their own food, live off grid and try to be as self sufficient as possible.

It all sounds wonderful you may be thinking but I could sense undercurrents of unease amongst the few that reside there and that their ideal is not all it’s cracked up to be with some shouldering the burden of running Silverwood more so than others. Rain is the leader and she has a young son Angel. Janey, Arlo, Sirus, Chouli and Arlo are also there. Arlo is the nephew of the owner who resides somewhere else so they are free to go about their lives in whichever manner they wish. Belle finds it strange to adjust to a completely different way of life but the thoughts of a carefree summer with Gray spurs her on. Back in her family home Belle had discovered a picture of her being held as a baby by a woman on a Cornish beach which had been hidden within a guidebook. She had always felt on edge with her parents that she was walking on a tightrope that was fraying and one day she would be sent tumbling. She has lots of questions especially since the discovery of the image but is reluctant to question her parents but needless to say she has doubts about things and does want to investigate further? Will Silverwood and the people she meets there give her the answers she seeks and if so will she be pleased or horrified ? As Belle meets someone who starts to tell her a story she begins to learn a lot more than she bargained for.

Every chapter or so the story weaves effortlessly back and forth between Belle and Imogen and as I have previously said it was Imogen’s aspect of the storyline which held my attention the most. Perhaps because it was set during a time period which I love reading about but also because she seemed a bit more of a relatable character than Belle in my mind. Imogen works for the Mother’s Little Helpers Agency and is tasked with bringing two young boys to their school in Cornwall which has recently relocated from London due to the bombings. The school now occupies Silverwood and straight away I thought ah now we know what Silverwood was used for many years ago. Imogen is asked to stay on as matron and this period is extended when the permeant matron returns. Imogen is kind and caring. She is happy in the school environment and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it and she has made many friends including teachers Ned and Oliver. Despite the troubles of war that surrounded them the school was a safe haven and I think Imogen grew into a different person when she was there. I think she was permitted certain freedoms which she hadn’t had before and in this way it allowed her to become close to members of the opposite sex and explore some romance.

I enjoyed reading of Imogen’s time at the school and she decides she wishes to pursue nursing as full-time career. Here is where the war really started to take a more dominant role in Imogen’s life and I was enthralled by her story but always at the back of my mind niggling away was the question. What was the connection between the two timelines? In the 1940’s the author is showing how people were affected by the war and that men that feature in the story, one in particular are profoundly changed by their experiences which does go on to have consequences much later on. In the 1960’s it’s the complete opposite to what Imogen went through especially during her nursing in London. For Belle there was a bohemian lifestyle in a tumbledown house with no threat of war although there was a shadow in her life which she couldn’t shake and until she discovered the truth she would always be restless and uncomfortable with aspects of her life.

To be honest I thought I had things worked out as to the connection as it all seemed so straight forward, but that delicious twist appeared. It made me actually want to stop reading and go back to the start again as I knew I would look more closely at things and most certainly view things in a different light. But I resisted this because the end was calling my name and that point of reveal was upon me and it was brilliant to have such a twist that in fact had kept me guessing. The ending was deeply satisfying and made so much sense but at the same time it was so bittersweet. All in all, The Hidden Years was a thoroughly enjoyable read and one which I flew through in a day or two because once I started reading I just wanted to read huge chunks of it at a time.This was a gorgeous, atmospheric read with a slow and leisurely pace which builds to a rewarding conclusion.

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

This is a dual timeline book, set in mid 1960s and one part during WWII.

It’s the story of a nurse called Imogen, and Belle, who has just completed her first year of university. Belle is taken to Cornwall, with her new love, where she’s living in Silverwood house.

There is so many parts to the story as well as mystery about the two different eras. It makes you think of how it will end.

I highly recommend this book.

An Enjoyable read that is set in dual timelines. The 60s and WWII.
We follow Belle and Imogen. Whilst Imogen's story is Stronger, we shouldn't discount Belle's journey.
Belle takes a chance on Gray, which takes her to Cornwall. Things aren't what they seem as Belle has another reason for the move.

A dual timeline book moving between WW2 and 1966. The book moves between Imogen's story and that of Belle. This book initially did not grab my interest as other Rachel Hore books have done. I was particularly irritated by the character of Belle who's story seemed overpowered by that of Imogen especially in the first half of the book. This becomes more balanced in the second half as we discover the link between the two women although Belle remains a bit of a drip! An interesting read but not one of her best would be my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Anything that tells a story from a dual timeline is on my list of TBR.
This one didn't stay there long! Loved it, loved the characters and will be off to find other Rachel Hore novels now.

A wonderful dual timeline story set in WW2 and the 1960’s. It kept me hooked from start to finish. Another great novel by Rachel Hore.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This is my first novel by Rachel Hore so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed The Hidden Years.

Told in a dual timeline, the immersive writing beautifully takes you back to wartime WW2 and you feel fully invested in the story.

There were a few moments when I felt the timing of certain things felt a little too “perfect” but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

This dual timeline story opens in 1966 as young student Belle abandons her studies to run off with new boyfriend Gray to Cornwall, to join a commune of free-spirited artists and musicians in a grand old house called Silverwood. It is to be their Shangri-la, but it evokes strange longings in Belle, who recognises the name from an old photograph she once found in her parents’ attic.
The narrative switches to 1939, as Imogen accompanies two little boys to their prep school, which has relocated to Cornwall for the war. She stays to cover for matron, who is ill, and her story is told in tandem with Belle’s. As the threads of the story draw together, it becomes clear that something links the two young women together. Will discovering the truth about Imogen help Belle go forward in her own life?
This was an atmospheric and immersive read. Both Imogen and Belle’s stories could have stood alone, as each is such a strong and interesting character, living her life in a way she’d never expected – Imogen plunged into wartime experiences, Belle uprooting herself from a nice normal middle-class upbringing to share her life with strangers.
Mystery and romance form the backbone of this story, but it is the characters of the two women that really draw you in. Both are strong, empathetic, often conflicted but never mentally frail, and it would be hard to choose a favourite between them.
There is plenty of action and drama in both timelines, and the narrative is very well paced. The resolution of the mystery is predictable, but that doesn’t matter because it is the telling of Imogen and Belle’s stories that make this book such a wonderful read.

The Hidden Years is Rachel Hore's latest historical fiction novel. It is set, like many of her others, in a dual time line - one in the mid 1960s and one during WW2. It follows the stories of Imogen, a nurse during the war, and Belle, a young woman who has just finished her first year of university. The story begins as Belle is whisked off to Cornwall pursuing a new romance and living in a shared artistic community at the beguiling Silverwood house.

There are many layers to the story and a good deal of mystery surrounding the connection between the two story lines. I loved that it kept me guessing as to how it was going to finish, and I also loved that I didn't guess it straight away! Hore draws her characters with warmth and realism. At first I was enjoying Imogen's story much more but Belle's journey of self-discovery really comes to life in the second half of the novel.

Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance release copy in exchange for an honest review.

This had the potential to be a fantastic book. It is a dual timeline book; whilst I loved Imogen’s story, I could have done without Belle’s. I found Belle’s story a bit irritating and I just keep wanting to get back to reading about Imogen. This isn’t a bad read, it’s just that there are better books out there with a similar feel. I do generally like books by this author so I will continue to seek out other books by her.

As usual Rachel manages to mix past and present perfectly. As a young girl Imogen finds herself in a different situation to normal and finds that life as 'matron' in a boys school is a real eye opener and leads her to a valuable nursing career. However there are two men in her life that equally mean as much to her, how does she decide? War interferes and changes everything.Years later Belle is seduced by Gray to go to Cornwall to a house and area that for some reason sound familiar. Eventually war time secrets are revealed and Belle can find out who she really is....

I always enjoy reading Rachel Hore books and I was delighted to receive a copy of her new book The Hidden Years.
This is a duel timetable Story which I enjoyed.
In 1939 Imogen has escorted two young boys to a boarding school and stays to work there for a short time. She then decides to train as a nurse to help the war effort.
In 1966 Belle a university studied falls for a young handsome singer and drops everything to travel with him to Silverwood a commune for the summer.
Thank to yo NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read and enjoyed this author’s books before, so had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately it wasn’t one of my favourites, even though it was well written. I felt the pace was slow and the 1960s part of the plot just didn’t feel believable. The coincidences needed for Belle to arrive in exactly the right place and to look exactly as she does, and for Mrs Kitto to tell the story in the way that she does, stretched my credulity a bit too far. I didn’t like the characters much in that part either. The outcome with Francis made me roll my eyes as just a tad too convenient.
However, I did enjoy Imogen’s story a great deal. To be honest I’d have enjoyed the book more if it had only been about Imogen, rather than the dual timeline narrative. She was a great character and I enjoyed the historical details of her life and career in the WWII parts of the book. Rachel Hore’s beautiful descriptions of Cornwall gave me a real sense of place, too.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. It contained a lot of typos but will hopefully be proofread before publication. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book.

This novel is set partly in the Second World War and partly in the 1960s when Belle follows her new boyfriend to an artistic community at Silverwood in Cornwall. The name is vaguely familiar to her and gradually she uncovers a story from 20 years earlier , that is linked to her story. She also discovers a talent for singing. This is a perfect summer read with its gorgeous setting and heartwarming denouement.

I was really excited to read this as i loved the blurb but unfortunately I was pretty bored throughout. The writing was really beautiful but the story had me bored.