This is an unusual dual timeline story, in that it relates Imogen’s story from WW2, and Belle’s from 1966. It’s an interesting story, quite well told, with lots of interesting detail of WW2. Imogen’s progress from volunteer escort, to a boarding school house mother/ stand- in matron, then her training to be a fully fledged nurse was well described.
The 1966 aspect didn’t really portray the era to any degree, apart from Belle going off with Gray, the young musician she fell for, leaving her friends and university course behind. Back in the 1966 day, Silverburn would have been called a hippy commune. This part was not so interesting, as it was more about the odd characters who lived together there, all with even odder names. Too many of them were stereotypical, I didn’t get a real sense of any of them, and why they were all totally in thrall to the completely dominant Rain.
Both stories flagged badly at about the 50% point, and I struggled to carry on reading. Nothing much happened in either story, and both got bogged down in minutiae such as Imogen and Ned, or Oliver, going for walks in the rain, and having tea in cafes, and Belle struggling to fit in at Silverburn and spending her time doing household chores.
I battled on however, and after this boring lull in the middle, the pace picked up for both storylines and became much more involved and interesting.
The ending was partially predictable, as to relationships, but much more unexpected as to how these relationships came about, and all the richer for it. A 3.5 star, rounded up to 4 stars.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

I always enjoy Rachel Hore and this was no exception. Enjoyable story line which had two time lines which kept me interested and engaged. Would recommend.

The Hidden Years by Rachel Gore

You know what you are going to get when you pick up a book by this author , a brilliant read.

A dual timeline novel which is always a plus in my opinion , great plot , interesting , believable characters , and set partly in wonderful Cornwall, a win win all round.

A book of dual timelines, I found the wartime era interesting and felt they were stronger characters. However I just didn’t find myself so gripped by the 60s era. Perhaps I found the characters or storyline less plausible…? I won’t dish spoilers but well before the ending I could see where it was heading and then felt less inclined to devote time to it. Overall it was OK, just not outstanding.

Another very enjoyable book by this great writer. A dual timeline, set in Cornwall, it tells a story of love in wartime with a family secret kept over many years, you can feel yourself back in wartime austerity and also transported to the very different times of the swinging’60’s.

Cleverly researched with interesting characters, a lovely read. Only 4* as I felt the last couple of chapters dragged after the “reveal all” chapter

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

One of my favourite books. A rich, well developed plot in dual timelines. A gentle exploration of life during the war years and the 1960s, set in London and Cornwall, beautifully described. Meaty enough to hold the interest throughout as the characters unfold and the mystery of the link becomes clear. A read to be captivated by and one to recommend.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an Arc and review this lovely book.

With its air of romance, bohemian vibe, and a tinge of mystery in the latter part of the novel, The Hidden Years is the perfect read for the summer holidays, if you're looking for something undemanding, but entertaining. The sections covering WWII are particularly moving. Have tissues ready.

Many thanks to the publishers and to Netgalley for the ARC.

Unraveling at a slow pace we become acquainted with the main characters and setting of this novel.
Set equally in the period of WWII and 1966. Gently and thoroughly the characters are developed enabling the reader to become fully immersed into both stories. Evocative of some of the best Rosamund Pilcher. Recommend.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advance copy.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publishers. I have liked everything this author has written and have to say this was the best so far. A great storyline with great characters. Would recommend.

I really loved this book. I'm a huge fan of Rachel Hore but I think this could be my favourite of hers. There are two strands to the story, both equally engaging. The characters - especially Belle, Gray and Imogen - are all beautifully written, but the rest of the cast of characters are equally believable and different and intriguing. The story itself unwinds gently but no less intriguing. By the end I was so caught up in it that the story stayed with me for days. I'll be recommending this to everyone.

A beautiful story told between the Second World War and the 60’s. Very Rachel Hore in writing. Loved it. Not sure about the ending. Gray was an interesting character . I was unsure about the the commune at first but you warmed to them all.. Silverwood sounded a magical place. Imogen was an amazing character . So many twists . The harm the war did to men. Poor Ned , glad he found happiness . Yo have to read it.

I found this to be an incredibly interesting and beautiful book followig dual timelines and two womens lives. I loved seeing the connections between Belle and Imogen although they lived very different lives. I also just found this to be an incredibly enjoyable read that has you rooting for the characters and loving seeing everything unfold. Overall I thought this was a great book and would recommend.

This was a delightful dual timescale read set during the Second World War when Imogen finds hers unexpectedly working at Silverwood, a house in Cornwall that has been converted into a boarding school, and then in the sixties Belle finds herself compelled to stay at Silverwood with her new boyfriend Gray. The two women’s experiences are so very different and it was fascinating to see how Imogen who was restless before Silverwood found herself with purpose yet Belle had a solid life prior to Silverwood but needed to understand it’s history to consider her own options. The characters were so different during each time period too but it made for some interesting relationships and revelations.

Rachel Hore is one of my favourite authors and I absolutely adored this book.i highly recommend it to any fans of hers.