Ten years ago, I read my first Kate Lord Brown novel, and The Golden Hour reminds me why I love this author’s writing. Kate delivers a rich, sweeping story that blends history, emotion, and unforgettable characters with such vivid detail that it’s impossible not to be transported.

Set across two timelines – 1930s Cairo and 1970s Beirut – this is a story about love, loss, legacy, and the meaning of home. At the heart of it are two women: Polly, who is nearing the end of her life, and her daughter Lucie, who returns to Beirut to be with her. As Polly reveals the secrets of her past and the extraordinary life of her childhood friend Juno, Lucie begins to piece together a history that stretches from the golden sands of Egypt to the volatile beauty of war-torn Lebanon.

From the first scene – Polly and Juno climbing a pyramid in 1939 – I was captivated. Juno’s spirited independence, Polly’s quieter resilience, and Lucie’s search for belonging all struck a chord.

Kate Lord Brown’s ability to immerse the reader in time and place is exceptional. Cairo’s heat, Cairo’s secrets, Cairo’s allure – it’s all there. And the archaeology! The excitement and wonder of the dig, the textures and smells of the desert – I was completely swept up.

But it’s not just the settings that stay with you. It’s the emotional weight of the story – the sacrifices made, the relationships lost and found, the quiet strength of women who carry on in the face of heartbreak.

There’s a slow-burn romance for Lucie, subtle but meaningful, and moments of quiet catharsis that left me in tears (a particular scene related to the horses undid me entirely).

Themes of identity and belonging run deeply throughout – both Polly and Lucie grapple with the idea of “home,” and the book explores how it can mean different things at different times in our lives. For Lucie, Beirut may be home, even if she hasn’t quite found where she belongs in the world. For Polly, perhaps it was always Cornwall – or maybe something less tangible.

This is the kind of novel I would have shared with my mum – the kind we would have stayed up late talking about, passing tissues back and forth as we read.

I still think about these characters. The Golden Hour is a story that lingers, that stays with you in the quiet moments. Beautifully told and deeply felt.

This really was such an engaging and wonderfully told story, richly atmospheric, filled with unexpected twists and turns – a dual timeline impeccably managed, and a multi-sensory experience of life in Cairo in the 1930s and 1970s Beirut.

Childhood friends Polly and Juno, having grown up in Cornwall, are reunited in Cairo as war approaches – a cultural melting pot, a chaotic way of life that suits Juno’s independent and adventurous spirit far better than it does her more cautious friend. Juno’s determined that her gender and her marriage won’t get in the way of her deep need to join an archaeological dig deep in the desert – Nefertiti has long been her fascination, she’s always harboured the desire to be part of the team who finally uncover her tomb, and will overcome any barriers that lie in her way. Polly, meanwhile, is quietly supportive – finding her own comfort of home in working with horses.

In the 1970s, archaeologist Lucie travels to Beirut to be with Polly, her mother, at the end of her life – again with war casting a dark shadow. She finds a friend and ally – and a welcome touch of romance – but also discovers a complicated family mystery to disentangle, with its roots deep in the childhood friends’ shared history, but its impact far reaching in the present day.

Juno describes Cairo as having “the novelty of Paris, the charm of Vienna and the nobility of Istanbul” – but it’s the author’s wonderful writing that entirely transports the reader to the city at that point in history, and it’s certainly a heady experience. The ex-pat lifestyle, with its many excesses and moral uncertainties, is so perfectly captured – and the author’s descriptions of the more opulent oases and seedier backstreets, the pervading sense of danger and unrest, were truly exceptional with an atmosphere I found entirely immersive. There’s a cinematic quality to the writing that makes you feel present in the moment – one of those books that made it easy to disappear into its pages and entirely escape from life.

The excitement – and discomfort – of the dig was perfectly captured too, as Juno’s moral compass shifts, tempted by the forbidden, always striving to be taken seriously in a world run by men and overshadowed by their struggles for dominance. And the author’s extensive research really shines through – all the archaeological detail bringing her desert experience to life, along with the palpable excitement of being tantalisingly close to a discovery that will change history.

The three main characters – Polly and Juno, and Lucie in the present day – are very real and quite perfectly drawn, all of them sympathetic in their different ways, all wrestling with finding happiness in the place they feel they belong. The supporting cast is just as strong – the male characters are equally well rounded, sometimes odious, but often playing their own important parts in the women’s unfolding stories. The central mystery linking the timelines and driving the story totally fascinates, its discoveries and revelations perfectly paced – I might have joined up the pieces ahead of the ending, but it couldn’t have been more perfect, rounded off by a particularly moving and fitting epilogue. But there are so many moving moments – the author really does have such a well-judged emotional touch.

It’s the story of a particularly special friendship, about love and betrayal, deeply hidden secrets, following your dreams, defeating the odds, overcoming fear and finding bravery – and a really gripping story, with characters I felt deeply about. And it’s a story that will stay with me for a very long time – a shared experience I really couldn’t have enjoyed more.

This is just the sort of book I’m really enjoying right now. A dual timeline story set in 1970’s Beirut and 1930’s Cairo. The story starts in 1975 when archaeologist Lucie visits her mother Polly who is terminally ill. With war in Lebanon clearly imminent Polly is worried about her horses, she runs a stud farm. But she also has a story she needs to share with Lucie. I’m fascinated by Egyptology and it’s clear the author is too, the detailed research is evident.

Briefly, shortly before the outbreak of WWII Polly and her husband Fitz were posted to Cairo. Polly’s friend Juno is already living there with her husband Alec, a pilot, and young son Billy. Although she knows her husband won’t like it Juno wants to take part in excavations going on in the Valley of the Kings looking for the tomb of Nefertiti and with Polly’s help she does just that.

Both timelines were good but I was so engrossed by the earlier one, although the later one was a great conduit for the early story. The descriptions are fabulous and I particularly relished all the historical detail of ancient Egypt. The search for the tomb of Nefertiti, in both timelines, was well done, and I could clearly imagine both women taking part in their respective excavations. An atmospheric and very enjoyable historical saga, I loved it.

The Golden Hour is the latest book from Kate Lord Brown set in Egypt in 1939 and Beirut in 1975. The stunning cover for this book is very evocative of the time and place and would easily catch readers attention. Once you have then picked up the book it’s difficult to leave it down as the chapters just flow so well melding effortlessly into one another with the dual timeline aspect weaving back and forth between the past and the present. This is a beautifully written and impeccably researched story with such powerful and impactful imagery and symbolism. There are many layers to the story with hidden meanings and the comparisons between the past and present are stark and memorable. It’s evident the author spent a lot of time researching Egyptology and the history of the Valley of the Kings and the Pharaohs and it was all completely riveting and fascinating. In fact, it really makes you want to continue to do your own research and delve deeper into the topic. Yet, the story never came across as stuffy and rigid filled with historical fact that bogged the themes and plot down instead it felt as if everything was natural and richly atmospheric.

I think what I loved most about this book was that it was something different from the usual World War Two books that I have read. Having it set on a different continent and in Egypt made for something new, fresh and exciting for me. Although it’s more the threat of a war that the characters face in the past and present rather than the specific events of both wars that are dealt with but still the tension, the unrest and the unnerving atmosphere still pervades. In 1975, Lucie has been called back to Beirut where she learns her mother Polly has not long left to live. As Polly is on the brink of leaving this world and entering the next, her beloved city of Beirut is itself facing challenges. Unrest and war are about to break out with many leaving the city. Polly runs an Arabian stud farm and she needs her horses to be taken care of but also she has a story to tell that she has long kept secret. She can’t let go until she has done so and through calling Lucie home, she will reveal a remarkable story of love, secrets and the power of friendship.

Lucie is shocked to learn that Polly has not much longer left with her. When she meets local vet David at the airport a connection is formed and despite his anxiety about leaving the city as trouble brews ever stronger he comes to Polly’s farm and helps where needed. The bond that developed between the pair was subtle and it did not take over the story for their friendship was not the sole focus and nor should it have been. Yet, still it was essential to show the contrast between relationships in the past and how they can be so different in the present. Lucie works as an archaeologist, again another comparison with the past. Like Juno in the past she too is searching for Nefertiti’s tomb but now is the time to be with Polly as she slowly reveals her story with its many shocking twists, turns, trials and tribulations which is also heart-breaking in equal measure. The tissues may very well be needed on more than one occasion.

The chapters set in the present are a way of bridging the gap back to the past and truthfully it is Polly and Juno’s story set in Egypt in 1939 that truly captured my attention. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate Lucie’s aspect of the overall plot. It was essential but it was just the way the story was written as the world hovered on the brink of war was absolutely fantastic and I loved every chapter. Polly and her best friend Juno are like sisters who have been there for each other through thick and thin ever since they met each other at boarding school in England, sharing the common bond of both being orphans. Theirs was a deep and long lasting friendship whose paths merge once again in Cairo as Polly and her new husband Fitz have been posted to the city. Juno already lives there with her husband Alec and young son Billy who is tended to by the male nanny Raif. Juno was a pure enigma. I felt we learned so much about her but yet there were so many things that she kept hidden. But one thing she did not keep secret was her passion for Ancient Egypt. Her love and devotion for the topic shone through from every page and it as clear that the author herself shares this same passion. I think when you are deeply interested in something and want to write about it you will do so to perfection and that really came across here throughout the book.

Juno has a long held ambition to discover the lost tomb of Nefertiti and is determined to get on Professor Brandt’s team as he excavates in the Valley of the Kings which may very well be the last dig before war shuts everything down. Juno is stubborn and determined in her plans and she had a fiery spirit about her. Polly looked up to her so much and admired her even if at times she got herself into precarious positions. Also, at times I felt Juno was neglectful of Polly and unaware of what she herself was going through. Almost as if it was always Juno who had challenges and struggles and she didn’t always reciprocate Polly’s need for support. Juno’s husband Alec was not the man that she had married and to say the relationship was strained was an understatement. His experiences from the Great War had deeply affected him but the further I read the more I thought that this was just an excuse. This I feel made Juno jealous of Polly in that she didn’t have the same depth to her relationship as had Polly and Fitz. I thought Juno was an independent woman so why didn’t she break free from Alec? Alec was ghastly, controlling and a bully and his actions throughout portrayed him as cruel and domineering and not worthy of the any attention that he received throughout.

Juno and Polly’s story in Cairo unfolds at a perfect pace and the reader really gets to know them. The crux of the plot starts to become clearer and it’s when Juno gets a position on a dig in Luxor that the basis of the story which had been put in place in the first half begin to come to fruition. All the details of the various Kings and how the digs were carried out and what the Kings believed at the time etc were brilliant. A history lesson was unfolding before my eyes and one in which I was very much invested. It’s a fascinating time period which is not written about enough in books and the fact it was blended with the two shall I say modern day stories made this all the more appealing. I did kind of guess one aspect of the reveal just before it occurred but it didn’t detract from when the big moment came which itself was equally shocking and heart-breaking.

All in all, The Golden Hour was a wonderful book. A complete success for Kate Lord Brown who has written a book the reader can completely immerse themselves in and you catapult yourself back to a very different world from the one in which we live today. I just hope Kate won’t leave it as long before she publishes her next book.

This is a beautifully told and richly atmospheric tale of friendship, love and tragedy.

Set against the two vivid backdrops of Beirut and Cairo as they both face the fallout of wartime. I found the characters in each timeline engaging and although I figured out pretty early on where the story was going it made it no less enjoyable.

A treat of a saga for historical fiction fans.

Rarely do I need to resort to the use of tissues during a read, but my word, The Golden Hour certainly had me reaching for them.This dual timeline novel is set in Egypt during the summer of 1939 and the Lebanon thirty six years later. The story opens in 1975 when Lucie Munro arrives in Lebanon to visit her mother Polly, who is terminally ill. It then switches to 1939 where army newly weds Polly and her husband Fitz have been posted to Cairo. They are met at the station by her long term friend Juno and her pilot husband Alec. From the outset it is clear Alec is a totally unpleasant individual, with little regard for anyone, including Juno or their small son Billy. The story catalogues their lives together as World War II approaches. The women are caught up in the decadent lifestyle of ex-pats in Cairo. The descriptions are vivid and atmospheric and give the reader a strong sense of place - of sights, sounds and customs in a colourful middle eastern city and beyond. With a background in Egyptology, Juno is keen to use the time when Alec is away to join a dig, with their servant Raif and Polly looking after Billy. in her absence. She secures a post on a dig in the Valley of the Kings, knowing Alec's reaction when he returns will be less than favourable, but unaware of greater problems her actions will cause.
I absolutely lost myself in this book. It's a compelling read and I found myself immediately invested in the characters and keen to know what the future held for them. There are secrets, love, friendship and sadness - the latter, unusually for me, involved tissues! The Golden Hour is definitely one of those books that you'll remember long after you have turned the last page. A lovely, lovely read. Highly recommended.

I would like to thank Simon and Schuster, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Golden Hour in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this eCopy to read

"The Golden Hour" by Kate Lord Brown, is an unforgettable and richly woven novel that I'd rate a perfect 6 out of 5 stars—if that were possible! This epic dual timeline story captivated me so much that I wanted to go back to the start and read it all over again.

The novel masterfully interweaves the lives of glory-seeking desert archaeologists in 1930s Cairo and the restless expats in 1970s Beirut. At the heart of the story is archaeologist Lucie Fitzgerald, who returns to Beirut to be with her dying mother, Polly. Polly, from her deathbed, reveals one last story that uncovers secrets about her childhood best friend, Juno, and their adventurous life in 1930s Cairo.

As Lucie delves into her mother's past, the narrative shifts seamlessly between the two timelines, unravelling the complex and riveting history of Polly and Juno’s search for Nefertiti’s tomb. The themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice are beautifully explored as Lucie uncovers the truth about her family and their shared legacy.

Brown's writing is both evocative and atmospheric, transporting the reader to the golden sands of Cairo and the vibrant streets of Beirut. The historical details are meticulously researched and vividly described, making you feel as if you've been whisked away to another time and place.

The characters are deeply compelling and multi-dimensional. Lucie is a strong and relatable protagonist, while Polly and Juno’s friendship and bravery add layers of emotional depth to the story. The relationships and interactions between characters are authentic and moving, making the reader care deeply about their fates.

The plot is masterfully constructed, with twists and revelations that keep you hooked until the very end. The dual timeline structure enhances the storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Review of The Golden Hour by Kate Lord Brown

Kate Lord Brown’s The Golden Hour is a masterfully crafted historical novel that seamlessly intertwines the vibrant worlds of 1930s Cairo and 1970s Beirut. At its heart, the story explores the enduring bonds of friendship, the relentless pursuit of passion, and the profound impact of long-held secrets.

The narrative follows archaeologist Lucie Fitzgerald, who returns to Beirut as her mother, Polly, lies on her deathbed. In her final moments, Polly unveils a hidden chapter of her past, recounting her adventures with her childhood friend, Juno, in pre-World War II Cairo. Juno’s obsession with discovering Nefertiti’s tomb drives the duo into a world filled with intrigue, danger, and the intoxicating allure of ancient mysteries.

Brown’s portrayal of Cairo’s opulent cabarets and the expansive deserts is both vivid and immersive, transporting readers to a time when the world was on the brink of monumental change. The juxtaposition of Cairo’s pre-war decadence with Beirut’s impending turmoil in the 1970s provides a rich backdrop that enhances the depth of the characters’ experiences.

The characters are intricately developed, with Juno and Polly’s youthful exuberance contrasting beautifully with Lucie’s introspective journey. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the sacrifices made in the name of love and ambition.

The Golden Hour is a poignant exploration of how the past perpetually influences the present. Brown’s eloquent prose and meticulous attention to historical detail make this novel a compelling read for those who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

For readers who cherish immersive historical fiction that delves into the intricacies of friendship, love, and the unyielding quest for purpose, The Golden Hour is an absolute must-read.

On the brink of war in 1970's Beirut Lucie Fitzgerald travels home to be with her beloved dying mother Polly. Lucie is a professor in archaeology, a subject she's always been fascinated by, inspired by stories from her mum who lived in Cairo in the 1930's with her friend Juno.
June was determined to find the tomb of Nefertiti, she made it her lifes work. This is her story as much as Lucie's.
This wonderful novel showcases life for expats in Cairo before WW2, its decadent and richly atmospheric. I loved being on the digs with Juno, the author has articulated the dusty climate and the feeling of wonder. The title of the novel is so apt.
I loved it and its a book to remember.

I do like a historical fiction book set in a foreign land and this one didn’t disappoint. Although I am not a great lover of Egyptian history I found this story interesting and knowledgeable.
I loved the female characters especially Polly, Juno and Lucie as their intertwined lives unfolded.
Passion, friendship and tragedy kept this story alive and even through the sorrow a goodness shone.
My thanks to Net Galley and publisher for the advanced digital copy of this lovely book.

First of all, a big thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for allowing me to read this book before its publication.

It is the 1970s and Lucie has to leave England for Beirut where her mother is dying. Polly will then tell her her story in Egypt with her best friend Juno, an archaeologist passionate about Nefertiti. This confession will be an opportunity for Lucie to lift the veil on a family secret.

I loved the descriptions of Egypt in the 1930s, the heat, the souks, the archaeological wonders, the pyramids... We really feel like we are there and the author describes this truly fascinating country wonderfully.

The characters are endearing and I loved the relationship between Polly and Juno, a truly incredible friendship. But there are also strong secondary characters like Raif who moved me a lot at the end of the novel.

The plot is gripping even if we quickly guess Polly's secret. However, the novel is really pleasant to read, the construction with the double temporality is effective and it is a novel that I would recommend to all lovers of historical novels.

Oh my word! Having just finished this marvellous novel, I’m lost in time, floating somewhere between Cairo, the Valley of the Kings and Beirut.
This is the story of 2 young British women and their dreams, who gravitate to Egypt just before the outbreak of the 2nd World War. Constrained by society of the time, one of them, Juno, is desperate to participate in the archaeological excavations, to pursue her lifelong dream of finding the tomb of Nefertiti. However, she has a young family and unsupportive husband, but luckily her lifelong friend Polly enables her to follow her goals, despite much male prejudice.
It is told partly in the present, and partly looking back at their younger lives from the 1970’s.
It is romantic, tragic, hopeful, exciting and adventurous, with more than a hint of “Raiders of the lost ark”, and so beautifully portrays the highlife of Cairo and Beirut in earlier times.
I read this novel like watching a movie and I’m convinced it would make a fantastic film. It touched on many areas of my own life, as a past archaeologist, Egyptologist, and also having spent time in Egypt and Beirut, and the sights, sounds, and descriptions of working on a dig were spectacularly accurately portrayed. It deserves to win a major book prize.
I had not heard of Kate Lord Brown before but will be watching out for future publications by her. I feel unable to read anything else now, as it will pale into significance compared to “The Golden Hour”.

Beruit, Egypt, Nefertiti's tomb - this dual timeline novel transports the reader to not one but two magical eras and destinations. Written with skill and a clear love for her topic, Lord Brown has created a timeless historical romance with more than a splash of mystery and even magic.

Great book for fans of historical fiction. Dual timeline spans the pre war years and the 1970s. I didn’t see the twist at the end coming which is always the sign of a good book. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

This was an enjoyable read, I did feel I needed much more on the characters backgrounds and more on their stories. I don't know a great deal about archeology and found this book had more information than I would've liked. I did get to the stage half way through I couldn't put it down and needed to know the end. I would recommend especially if you like stories leading up to the Second World War and the changes it made across the world were covered in this. I will look out for more from this author.

In 1975, as Lucie Fitzgerald sits by her mother Polly's deathbed in Beirut, the city teeters on the edge of war.

Knowing her time is short, Polly reveals a long-buried secret - a hidden chapter of her life involving her best friend Juno, a quixotic, determined, beauty who harbored an obsession with Egypt’s ancient past.

Their shared history in late-1930s Cairo, marked by wartime intrigue, personal tragedy, and Juno’s relentless pursuit of the legendary tomb of Nefertiti, has remained shrouded in silence for decades.

As Polly begins to unravel the past, uncovering the dark truths of her family, Lucie is overcome by the emotional weight of the revelations.

All the characters are well realised and convincing, but Juno and Polly are particularly vivid as they rush to claim a future in world which is busy making history.

Will the lessons of their story help Lucie, who has spent a lifetime combing the past for evidence left by lives lived, chart a course through her own troubled times?

With its fascinating setting and compelling characters - broken by one war and now caught in the grip of another - this novel is absorbing and moving, delivering expertly-judged notes of triumph and tragedy.

Lucie's mother is dying and Lucie travels to be at her side. What Lucie doesn't know is that her mother has secrets to tell and these secrets will change Lucie's life forever..

This book was an absolute joy to read. It is rich in detail and beautifully written..

I adored the setting and Polly's life was filled with drama and I felt that I was transpurted and lived it with her.

It truly is sublime.. I can't wait for a paper copy as this is one I want to re read..