The secrets of Saffron Hall is the first audiobook I’ve received through Netgalley and it was very enjoyable, firstly the narrator was very good, I found she had a very pleasant voice and she was very easy to listen too.

As to the story, although it has a historical element to it as it is written over two timelines, firstly during Henry VIII’s reign in 1538 & in 2019 where we find Amber, who has run away to her Grandfathers home, Saffron Hall, after the death of her baby, hoping that cataloguing her grandfathers books will take her mind off the all consuming grief that she is feeling, whilst she is there, the tower is hit by lightning and during the renovations, the builders find a book, carefully wrapped in some stained fabric & written in the front of the book is dates and children’s names, Ambers interest is piqued and she starts investigating who wrote the book and what happened to the children whose names were written down nearly 500 years ago.

I won’t say anymore but it is definitely worth listening too or reading the book.

Saffron is one of the most precious and expensive of all spices, and Amber has discovered a very old book in her grandfather’s home, Saffron Hall about the dark history of her home and the precious flavoring. Much of the story centers around the court of King Henry the VII and the green thumb of the wife of one of his subjects. Eleanor is able to grow and harvest the crocuses needed for saffron and while at first this ability makes Henry look favorably upon the couple, things take an ugly turn. Stories that connect a past event with the present are everywhere right now and this one is especially good for those interested in the Tudors. Ladbury’s cut glass, elegant English accent only adds to the story

I absolutely loved everything about this audiobook, the story, the characters, the setting and the narration.

As you know I love historical fiction and this was perfect. I loved following Eleanor’s story in the 1500s. I don’t know an awful lot about that period, except of course how fickle Henry VIII was towards his wives and anybody else who might possibly have offended him. It was dangerous time to be a Roman Catholic and to be an up and coming merchant in his court! I loved the descriptions of Eleanor’s life and how she grew into her position at Saffron Hall, running a household and a business whilst her husband was away at court. I got swept away in this part of the story, visualising everything that was going on in the story.

Amber’s story in 2019 was very different and very emotional. I really felt for Amber and wanted to give her a hug at times. I loved following her journey too, as she accepted her situation whilst she read the ancient book mentioned in the synopsis above. Although Amber was timid in some ways, she was also adventurous and determined to discover the truth of what she read in the book. Her friend Becky was a great help and encouragement to her in more ways than one. I’m keeping my review vague as I don’t want to spoil the mystery of the story.

Hattie Ladbury was a fantastic new-to-me narrator! She brought the story and characters to life so perfectly, that she was everyone in the book. I will definitely listen to other audiobooks narrated by her.

Clare Marchant has written a wonderful story and I can’t wait to read or listen to her next book. I highly recommended this on audio if you enjoy historical fiction.

Every so often you come across a book which is just beautifully written. This is that book. The audiobook kept me absolutely gripped.
Told across two time spans
In the 1500’s in the reign of Henry VIII there was a girl Eleanor. Her father has just died and her cousin has become his heir. He sees her married off to Greville. Her begins a love story. Eleanor while left at the home in Norfolk sows her crocus bulbs to harvest saffron. Which makes them rich and helps Greville to progress through the royal ranks.
We are then in 2019. Amber is grieving the stillbirth of her daughter Amber. Struggling she leaves her husband and moves in with her grandfather to catalogue his book collection at his stately home. It is here she discovers a book that belonged to Eleanor. She feels there is a message she must discover.
We see as the truths of the house come to life and how Amber and her husband Jonathan recover and heal..A must read for anyone who loves historical fiction.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc in return for an honest review.

This is the first audio book I have listened too through Netgalley and boy it was a good one. I actually requested the book first and started to read, I found it enchanting. I was then surprised to find audio books on Netgalley and this very book was there. I of course requested it. I am a lover of audiobooks. I enjoyed reading along on my Kindle whilst listening to the audio. Anyway onto the review.
The cover first caught my attention and I was intrigued. When I read it had a dual timelines I had to read it. The Secrets of Saffron hall is about two women living centuries apart and struggling with there own life battles. There are many struggles for the two women and mysteries that unfold that bring the two stories together. I really enjoyed both timelines and didn't favour one over the other. Clare did a great job in keeping both stories interesting. I absolutely loved this book and will look out for the next one.