A wonderful author as I've loved her other books but this one has sadly has not been for me, nothing wrong with the book.

Another great story from Rachel Hore with linked stories set in two different time periods. Lovely fluent writing and a good story that keeps ou hooked.

Rachel Hore has done it again, loved it. 2 stories about Belle and Imogen and how they are connected was done very well. The 2 stories don’t seem to be connected and you do wonder how it all fits together and then you start to get an inkling of the ending. Rachel is a great storyteller and because of this I couldn’t put this book down. I loved it and Rachel Hore does not disappoint. A great read, thoroughly recommend it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Rachel Hoe’s new novel ‘The Hidden Years.’ In 1966, Belle falls in love with musician, Gray and taking time out from University , even missing her final first year exam, she sets off with him for a country house in Cornwall inhabited by a group of creative people living an alternative life style. The story takes on two time eras , the 1960 s and the war time 1940s. Hore transports us into both eras recreating convincing period atmospheres and connecting both periods by a personal mystery that will be revealed gradually by the mysterious neighbour Mrs Kitto. This story contains an intricate plot brilliantly structured and two beautiful love stories. It is peopled with fascinating characters including Sirius, Chouli, Argo and Janey all of whom have challenges to face and resolve. The house, Silverwood , a school during wartime, itself, feels like an intriguing character. Belle has the opportunity to grow and change as the story develops and as she discovers secrets relating to her own past. I found the war section exceptionally moving and deftly plotted. Imogen Lockhart’s story was fascinating. This is an exceptional novel and possibly Rachel Hore’s best to date. It has a satisfying if poignant conclusion. The Hidden Years is a beautiful atmospheric read. I was sorry to leave its pages and I highly recommend this beautifully written book.

Unfortunately this did not engage me at all, despite the premise being one which took my fancy. The dual timelines in this case, didn’t quite work for me. I have to admit that I started skipping pages about half way through - I simply couldn’t persevere, life’s too short when you’re really not enjoying it. I hope others enjoyed it more than I did!

Thank you to NetGallery for an ARC.

I gave up on this book half way through. I didn’t care about the characters and found the dual time line didn’t work.

I enjoyed this book, especially the sense of place. Though it wasn’t the most gripping to begin with I powered through and did like it in the end though I’m not sure it is my usual choice it would be a good book club book.

A charming and beautiful story set across two distinct but intertwined time zones - WW2 and the 1960s. The characters are flawed and relatable and I felt really invested in their outcomes, plus reading it in Cornwall made it even more special and brought the story to life even more. The story moved along at a fairly slow pace, but kept my interest throughout and I stayed up late to read how the individual stories were all brought to a close!

With thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I recommend this book to everyone It a great dual time line it set in Cornwall
The characters are great belle grown on me as I read she a complex characters I enjoyed the two time lines www2 and now it got a few twists it good 4 stars

I wasn’t sure which direction this novel was going to go in. It opens with Belle living a fairly bohemian existence at university in the 1960s, running off to Cornwall with a handsome musician, and I thought the novel might centre around a band like in Daisy Jones and the Six.
There were elements of mystery and I thought this might become the overall theme, or that it might be a straightforward love story. In the end, it had elements of all of those, as Belle moves to an old country house called Silverwood, to join an unconventional, free-spirited group, and tries to decide what to do with her life.
The dual narrative set in WW2 added to the mystery, and I found myself far more engaged with this part of the book. Imogen’s story was always moving forward, and there was always lots happening, whereas Belle seemed a rather passive character, unsure of where she was going and letting others make decisions for her, until the secrets are inevitably revealed in the final chapters.
The Hidden Years didn’t always work for me, but overall it was an enjoyable summer read in a beautiful location. 3.5 stars.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the chance to read yet another fabulous book from Rachel Hore. This drew me in immediately and I loved it from the start. An enchanting house with possible secrets, and a lead character with an unknown tie to the house that she by happens to go and stay in. What is not to love. Belle abandons her last university exam in her first year to go off with her musician boyfriend to live at Silverwood, a commune of sorts. An elderly lady living in the cottage on the edge of the grounds befriends her and starts to tell a story that captivates Belle. But what is Silverwoods story? And what of the photo Belle finds at Silverwood of herself as a baby.This takes us back in time to WW2 and a story that has heartache and love at the centre. This will be another smash hit I'm sure.

An enjoyable and intriguing dual timeline story. I found it refreshing that both timelines were historical, rather than one being present day. I particularly enjoyed the wartime parts of the book and the characterisation and world-building was expertly done. Silverwood was a character in itself, and I could readily imagine the house and the glorious Cornish setting. The slow revelations about the past and the twisting together of the two timelines was brilliantly done and made this an enjoyable and satisfying read. I just wish there was an epilogue - or even a sequel! - to learn what happens next to Belle!

A lovely captivating story. Which is set in the beautiful Cornwall. It is told through a dual narrative, one in WW2, and one in the 1960's.
The author writes with such poise and sensitivity. Depicting both dual narratives very well. So that you feel like you are apart of all of the storyline. You really feel for those who went to war and also those who got left behind. Silverwood is the beautiful house that ties all the storylines together.

A captivating story set in Cornwall. Told through two timelines, that of WW2, and the 1960's.
The author depicts life during the second world war, both for those on the frontline and those left behind, with great sensivitity. Silverwood ties together the two timelines and is the gorgeous, evocative house central to the tale.
The main character Belle appears at first to be impulsive, leaving university to go to Cornwall with a musician she has just met, but as she spends more time there, she blossoms into a caring, sensitive young woman trying to find her place in the world and sort out family relationships.
The other characters at Silverwood add to the history and mystery of the house and are cleverly woven into the story.
The author's descriptions of the area are so vivid that I wanted to get up and go to Kynance Cove.
Such an enjoyable read. Thank you NetGalley,

A beautiful story set over two timelines. The story is gently teased out as we learn of Belle's journey. Some great characters that develop well throughout the story. Also a few surprises to keep you engaged.

Rachel is one of my favourite authors. This book is a quirky and somewhat unusual and complex plot. Set in the same place but in two time frames with the stories from two young women, both at vulnerable times in their lives. They both encounter some interesting and flawed characters who make the story come alive. I won't explain more as it will give away some of the novels mystery. Try it and see for yourself.

Belle is a student at Darbyfield when she meets Gray, a talented but itinerant musician. Belle is easily persuaded to go to Cornwall with Gray to stay at Silverwood, a small artistic community.
The name Silverwood seems familiar to Belle but she doesn't remember ever being there before. Living near to the big house is Mrs Kit to who befriends Belle and tells her about Imogen Lockhart who worked as deputy matron at Silverwood when it was a boys school and became a nurse during WW11.
This is a story of secrets, love and loss in equal measure and by the end Belle knows the truth about herself, her family and their past.
A gripping story set in a beautiful part of the country with interesting and often trying characters. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I recently read "The Hidden Years" by Rachel Hore and it has quickly become one of my favorite books. The story is about Belle, a young woman who follows a musician she just met, Gray, to Silverwood, an artistic community on the Cornish coast. However, there is something that draws Belle to Silverwood beyond Gray's charming personality. She soon discovers the secrets hidden in Silverwood's past and learns about herself in the process.

The plot is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader invested. I particularly enjoyed the historical aspect of the story, with Imogen Lockhart's character being woven into the plot. The use of multiple timelines, past, and present, is seamlessly done and helps to create a depth to the story.

Hore's writing is stunning. Her descriptions of the Cornish coast made me feel like I was there, smelling the salt in the air and feeling the sun on my skin. The characters are complex and well-developed, making me invested in their lives and decisions.

Overall, I highly recommend "The Hidden Years" to anyone looking for a gripping and emotional read. It's a beautiful story about love, secrets, and the power of self-discovery. I give it a solid five-star rating and can't wait to read more from Rachel Hore.

Another fantastic read by Rachel. Told over two timelines. I enjoyed watching the connections between the two eras play out. With a great storyline and a solid cast of characters, I really enjoyed this book.

Another wonderful novel from Rachel Hore. Belle has always felt an observer in her own life, and needs a chance to make her own choices, if only she could decide without fear and worry.
Ending up at the magical Silverwood in Cornwall belle feels she belongs but why?
This is a novel about cusps of change and how by the end of that Summer they will have all changed with an exciting future ahead. So many little twists and turns draw the reader through a dual timeline with Imogen who had her very own changes due to WW2. Highly recommend this book