Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading work by this author and it was a total joy
This journey of a Tale of two sisters had me sitting at the edge of my seat holding my breath many times it is a FANTASTIC work of fictional brilliance right up to the very end it has you totally captivated I can't praise this book enough and will be telling family and friends

Set in the early twentieth century Turkey, and is so beautifully written you feel a part of the time and culture…

I found this to be a well plotted tale with enough mystery and twists to keep you engrossed and guessing right to the end..

Lydia and Alice are sisters, but so different in outlook. Lydia is driven by what she feels is inequality and is full of life, but still a not quite ready for what life throws at her. While Alice, is a homebody, and looks out for her family first and foremost….but who is the brace one in the end?

This is not a fast paced read, but one to settle down to and enjoy….it’s full of history with the mystery of Lidia’s disappearance adding to the suspense….with a little romance too…..a lovely, deep and emotion packed read.

Thank you to Canelo, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.

So well written emotional moving could not put down drawn in from first pages will be gifting to friends.#netgalley #canelo

A Tale of Two Sisters by Merryn Allingham is an historical mystery / romance novel set in Constantinople (Turkey) during the early 20th Century.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the country and the customs of the people. You can easily imagine the majestic opulence of the Topkapi, and the beautiful, demure women in the harem. Ms. Allingham has created characters that grow in maturity and develop in personality and I love this. The two women are both flawed yet intimately relatable and I felt I could be friends with both of them.

The story is told from both points of view. It is filled with emotion and both women are the heroes at the end of this novel. The historical details are fascinating and intriguing. The ending is also very satisfying.

I would certainly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery.

#netgalley #ataleoftwosisters #merrynallingham #canelo

I could not put this book down it was that good. A good romance/thriller rolled into one. The book centres around Lydia and Alice 2 sisters separated after misdemeanours with the suffragette movement. Lydia travels to Constantinople but goes missing and Alice must pluck up courage to find her and the truth but gets more than she bargained for. The author has good descriptions of Constantinople and the ways of the Ottomans. She even throws in the orient express. The reader is transported back through time and you can see, smell and taste the descriptions of Middle East. I would definitely buy this book and others of the same Author

A beautifully told story of sisterly love, impetus youth, and evil. The Tale of Two Sisters is set in the vibrant historical background of early twentieth century Turkey. Full of vivid imagery and intricate historical details, you can imagine the opulence and the culture the two sisters experience.

The plot is believable and well thought out, the twists and turns, which keep the reader guessing are plentiful and the mystery keeps its terrible secrets to the end.

Lydia is a woman before her time, driven by political equality, yet naive and ill-equipped for what she becomes embroiled in. She is selfish and flawed, but her exuberance and zest for life’s experiences make this forgivable, Ultimately she becomes a heroine.

Alice is the antithesis of her sister, dependable, selfless and resigned to subjugating her needs for the good of her parents and sibling. She is easy to empathise. Her courage is notable and as the story progresses her adventurous and impulse qualities come to the fore, making her share more with her sister than you would first imagine.

Gentle pacing reflects the many obstacles Alice faces as she tries to discover her sister’s whereabouts. Told from both sisters’ points of view, the story is full of emotion, historical interest and suspense, as the mystery surrounding Lydia’s disapperance is solved. There is also a tender, unexpected romance, which adds extra depth to the story and allows its ending to be hopeful.

If like me, you love historical fiction with a mystery to solve, and just a touch of gentle romance, this lovely tale will draw you in.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I requested this book because I'm in love with Istanbul and was happy to read a book set in this town.
I liked this book even if the characters sometimes grated on my nerves, especially Lydia.
I loved the evolution of Alice and I like the well written cast of characters.
The plot was engaging and entertaining, the historical background well researched and I loved the descriptions of the Topkapi.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine