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..