From the Charming Cover to the Satisfying End, this is a Lovely Read

Fans of Kathleen McGurl will adore her latest historical fiction book, set in the French province of Alpes-Maritime. The French Revolution, and a modern-day family connect in an old chateau…with a secret. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the wonderful opportunity to read and share this book.

Everything is about to change…

1789. Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais, have fled the palace of Versailles for their château, deep in the French Alps. But as revolution spreads through the country, even hidden away the Auberts will not be safe forever. Soon they must make a terrible decision in order to protect themselves, and their children, from harm.

Present day. When Lu’s mother dies leaving her heartbroken, the chance to move to a château in the south of France with her husband and best friends seems an opportunity for a new beginning. But Lu can’t resist digging into their new home’s history, and when she stumbles across the unexplained disappearance of Catherine Aubert, the château begins to reveal its secrets – and a mystery unsolved for centuries is uncovered…

Readers love Kathleen McGurl!

‘A story you really live, wonderfully told… Absolutely compelling.’ Goodreads reviewerP

‘WOW! I can’t begin to find the right words to describe just how much I adored this… Had me hooked from the first few pages… Unputdownable.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘A compelling and gripping story that will hook you from the very first page… I highly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I cannot say how much I loved this book! It was wonderful… I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Just so delightful… Such a wonderful book and easily the best book I’ve read so far this year.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I am totally lost for words… I can’t praise this book enough and will be telling family and friends to read this ROLLER COASTER EXTRAVAGANZA OF A BOOK.’ Goodreads reviewer

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B083PNG675

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083PNG675

JENA’S REVIEW

The Secret of the Chateau: Gripping and heartbreaking historical fiction with a mystery at its heart by Kathleen McGurl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A run-down chateau was the landholding of titled French Aristocrats and now it’s the home of five friends who are seeking a fresh start in retirement. Author McGurl weaves a lovely tapestry that connects the past and the present.

The story takes place in the Alpes-Maritime and it was entertaining to read about a province in France that I do not know too much about. The author writes beautiful word pictures of the setting and when I googled to see some photos, it turns out that she did a marvelous job of describing the mountains, rivers and small villages.

This European Historical Fiction shares the story of two families, in alternating chapters. Pierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais lived as part of the Court in Versailles, until 1789, when the fires of the French Revolution forced them to escape to the family chateau. Who can they trust? Will they be safe?

The modern-day British family is composed of two couples, and a single guy, all close friends since college and now looking to start a new life together in retirement. They pool their resources and buy a chateau. A chateau with a ghost. Will the family settle in and will they uncover the secrets of their new place?

From the charming cover to the end of the story, this book is a lovely read. The history of the French Revolution is well-presented and will hold your interest. The process of setting up home in an old chateau is interesting, because it’s a dream of many people.

Readers will guess the secret almost immediately, but that won’t prevent them from getting attached to the characters. What surprised me was how little the modern family involved themselves in village life.

Author McGurl is a prolific write of historical fiction and her latest book will be another hit. Thanks to NetGalley, Rachel’s Random Resources and HarperCollins for a review copy. This is my honest review.

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Meet the Author

Kathleen McGurl lives in Bournemouth with her husband. She has two sons who have both now left home. She always wanted to write, and for many years was waiting until she had the time. Eventually she came to the bitter realisation that no one would pay her for a year off work to write a book, so she sat down and started to write one anyway. Since then she has published several novels with HQ and self-published another. She has also sold dozens of short stories to women’s magazines, and written three How To books for writers. After a long career in the IT industry she became a full time writer in 2019. When she’s not writing, she’s often out running, slowly.

Social Media Links – 

Website: https://kathleenmcgurl.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenMcGurl/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathMcGurl