Today it's my turn on the BlogTour The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick.
About the Author
Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a volunteer researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as "perfect for Outlander fans." Nicola also works as a consultant for TV and radio.
Her new novel, 'The Forgotten Sister' is a re-telling of the Tudor love triangle between Queen Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and Amy Robsart. It is out in April 2020 and is available for pre- order in paperback and e-book.
Follow @NicolaCornick @HQStories on Twitter, on Amazon, on Goodreads, on Instagram, on Facebook, Visit nicolacornick.com, Buy The Forgotten Sister
About the book
One woman’s secret will shape another’s destiny…
1560: Amy Robsart is trapped in a loveless marriage to Robert Dudley, a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Surrounded by enemies and with nowhere left to turn, Amy hatches a desperate scheme to escape – one with devastating consequences that will echo through the centuries…
Present Day: When Lizzie Kingdom is forced to withdraw from the public eye in a blaze of scandal, it seems her life is over. But she’s about to encounter a young man, Johnny Robsart, whose fate will interlace with hers in the most unexpected of ways. For Johnny is certain that Lizzie is linked to a terrible secret dating back to Tudor times. If Lizzie is brave enough to go in search of the truth, then what she discovers will change the course of their lives forever.
I think you have to know your history to fully appreciate the way Cornick has melded fact and fiction to create this dual timeline story, although to be fair the majority of readers will have heard, read or seen something about Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and Amy Robsart.
In 1560 we see Amy embark upon what will be a short-lived marriage with Robert Dudley, which culminates in her untimely death. A suspicious death that becomes a barrier between Elizabeth and Robert. With the suspicion of murder hanging over him he is no longer considered a possible match for her majesty, although I would argue that she would never have forfeited an inch of power by marrying any man.
Elizabeth I was driven by her need to be in control of her own destiny, perhaps because it was so often in uncertainty as a child. After the tyrannical behaviour of her father and his obsession with women and a male heir - it is ironic and poetic justice that the daughter of Anne Boleyn reigned with such determination.
In the present day the tragic past is mirrored in the lives of Lizzie, Dudley and Amelia. It's more than that though, somewhere along the line Lizzie is connecting to the past, perhaps to someone or something lingering and waiting for justice.
It's historical fiction - a dual timeline murder mystery with a ghostly vibe. Cornick certainly captures the right elements of both modern mystery and historical fiction to create a compelling read.
From Harry Kingdom, Annie Bowling to Lizzie and Bill aka the advisor formerly known as William Cecil, it's all incredibly clever and entertaining. Then again maybe I just found it particularly amusing because I enjoy reading about that period in history. This would also be a great way of teaching children history by creating a modern equivalent they can relate to.
It's a captivating read, a fascinating combination of multiple genres, which I think will draw in quite a lot of readers.
Buy The Forgotten Sister at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ; pub date 30 April 2020. Buy at Amazon com.
Read my review of The Woman in the Lake by Nicola Cornick.
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