Set in the 1620s in Amsterdam, Jana is searching for work and finds employment as a maid for the Reynst family. But when Master Reynst loses his fortune, his daughter Sontje and Jana find themselves desperate so they both sign up to be a settler bride in the Dutch colonies. But their relationship develops into something more over the course of their arduous journey…
The Company Daughters is a rich book about life in the 1600s. I believe the author Samantha Rajaram has done plenty of research as the plot and details feel very authentic.
Jana has had a tough start to life which is gradually revealed over the course of the book. She has missed out on love and is desperate for acceptance and affection. Her relationship with Sontje is tense as they negotiate the changes in circumstance as a result of the book’s events.
Jana is a likeable character whereas I understood her frustration with Sontje’s selfishness and lack of awareness once their roles become more equal on the boat (not emptying the chamber pot!) Her difficulty in adapting to her role as a wife in the colony, her relationships with slaves and determination to keep busy despite her new status made her feel realistic and relatable.
There are some deeply unpleasant scenes in the book, especially on the journey to the colonies. Attitudes of the time are dealt with openly through the revulsion of Jana, including sexism, classism, slavery and racism. Her tender feelings toward Sontje and their blossoming love create a sense of danger in a world where lesbian love was unthinkable and hidden.
I admit that I found the Dutch words sprinked amongst the text a little tricky but this is simply downt to my own lack of knowledge – if it had been French or German then I don’t think it would have stood out.
The descriptions are rich and vivid and The Company Daughters was a very enjoyable historical novel.
Publication Day Media Kit
Title: The Company Daughters
Author: Samantha Rajaram
Publication Day: Oct 30th 2020
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Description:
Wanted: Company Daughters. Virtuous young ladies to become the brides of industrious settlers in a foreign land. The Company will pay the cost of the lady’s dowry and travel. Returns not permitted, orphans preferred.
Amsterdam, 1620. Jana Beil has learned that life rarely provides moments of joy. Having run away from a violent father, her days are spent searching for work in an effort to stay out of the city brothels, where desperate women trade their bodies for a mouthful of bread. But when Jana is hired as a servant for the wealthy and kind Master Reynst and his beautiful daughter Sontje, Jana’s future begins to look brighter.
But then Master Reynst loses his fortune on a bad investment, and everything changes. The house is sold to creditors, leaving Jana back on the street and Sontje without a future.
With no other choice, Jana and Sontje are forced to sign with the East India Company as Company Daughters: sailing to a colonial Dutch outpost to become the brides of male settlers they know nothing about. With fear in their hearts, the girls begin their journey – but what awaits them on the other side of the world is nothing like what they’ve been promised…
Based on true history, this is a beautiful and sensual historical novel, perfect for fans of The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Miniaturist and The Indigo Girl.
Author Bio:
Samantha Rajaram spent most of her childhood in Gillette, Wyoming, where she and her family were the first Indian-Americans to live in the community. As a law student, she focused on social justice and international human rights law with a focus on female sex trafficking.
She is now an educator, and currently teaches composition at Chabot College in Hayward, California. She lives in the California Bay Area with her three children.
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Kitty Underhay is embroiled in another murder investigation when a local councillor is poisoned at a dinner event at a hotel. Local politics and scandal are uncovered over the course of the investigation. Meanwhile, Kitty and Matthew Bryant try to move forward with their relationship…
Murder on the Dance Floor see the Kitty and Matthew seize the chance to spend some time together socially. But their enthusiasm is quickly diminished by Councillor Everton’s death from cyanide. They join forces once again to investigate possible motives and suspects as well as supporting the police with their enquiries.
Kitty remains a strong female lead, negotiating attitudes towards women and class in the 1930s. She is a likeable character as is Matthew so I am glad they seem ready to embark on ‘walking out’.
There are two subplots which have significance for the main characters. Firstly the romance between Kitty and Matt which has been simering slowly over the previous books. He is still haunted by the deaths of his wife and child but this book reveals secrets and allows the couple to consider a future.
The second subplot is the disappearance of Kitty’s mother almost twenty years before. This has also threaded through the previous books and there are significant developments to the mystery in this book.
Although it is a murder mystery, there is no violence or graphic detail about the death. I have said previously that the books remind me of Agatha Christie books and the Gosford Park film in terms of setting and tone.
I have reviewed the two of the three previous books in Helena Dixon’s Kitty Underhay series: Murder at Enderley Hall and Murder at the Playhouse.
Media Pack Information Sheet:
Title: Murder on the Dance Floor
Author: Helena Dixon
Publication Day: Oct 28th 2020
Description:
Kitty Underhay’s dance card is full… of death.
November 1933. Amateur sleuth-cum-dutiful granddaughter Kitty Underhay stifles a sigh of boredom as she attends the annual Hoteliers’ Association Dinner and Dance on behalf of her grandmother, the proprietress of the Dolphin Hotel. She hopes the company of ex-army captain Matthew Bryant will enliven the otherwise dull evening. That is, until bullish and overbearing local councillor Harold Everton drops dead into his bowl of consommé.
While the local police are still scrambling for their whistles, Kitty and Matt waste no time leaping into action. Soon they find themselves caught up a dangerous search to uncover who amongst the distinguished guests used cyanide for seasoning?
When their digging throws light on a corruption scandal brewing in the local council involving Everton’s assistant Thomas King, they are sure they’ve cracked the case. But before he can be questioned further, King’s body is found in a smouldering car wreck. Meanwhile, the murderer has made a sinister plan to avoid detection or punishment, and it will lead Kitty and Matt into a dangerous dance with death…
A fast, fun and utterly unputdownable Golden Age cozy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss.
Author Bio:
Nell Dixon was born and continues to live in the Black Country. Married to the same man for over thirty-five years she has three daughters, a cactus called Spike, a crazy cockapoo and a tank of tropical fish. She is allergic to adhesives, apples, tinsel and housework. Her addictions of choice are coffee and reality TV. She was winner of The Romance Prize in 2007 with her book Marrying Max, and winner of Love Story of the Year 2010 with her book, Animal Instincts. She also writes historical 1930’s set cozy crime as Helena Dixon.
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Brooke returns home after years hiding from the past. She finds her sister Freya engaged to a man she recognises, and her aunt is crippled by dementia but hints at secrets about the girls’ parents. Can the family relationships survive more lies?
I was instantly drawn into My Sister’s Husband. It is a wonderful mix of family drama and psychological thriller. Nicola Marsh uses multiple perspectives to let us understand the motives and actions of Brooke, Freya and Alice. I enjoyed the use of the dual timelines to show events from the past as well as the future.
Sibling rivalry is a concept that most families will experience to some degree. Seeing its effect in two generations is fascinating and compelling to read. Jealousy and lies are plentiful in this book and the plot has lots of twists and turns as we find out more about the past and present.
There are four main women in this book but we do not see Lizzie’s perspective. Alice’s timeline shows her unhappy past and how she rebuilt her life caring for her nieces. Brooke and Freya have an antagonistic relationship with each other but both want to care for Alice as she deteriorates due to the dementia. The three women are all flawed and have made mistakes which now impact their lives significantly.
Overall, My Sister’s Husband was a fascinating read and hugely enjoyable.
I have previously reviewed other Nicola Marsh books including The Last Wife, and The Scandal.
Publication Day Media Kit
Title: My Sister’s Husband
Author: Nicola Marsh
Publication Day: Oct 27th 2020
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Description:
The sunroom at the back of the house is just as I remember. I can’t taste homemade lemonade or smell oatmeal cookies without thinking of home, of the beautiful cliffs of Martino Bay, and I feel welcomed. But all thoughts of a happy family reunion are destroyed the moment I see him…
He’s as handsome as I remember: broad shoulders, piercing blue eyes, hair the colour of burnt toffee.
The man who once meant the world to me. The reason I fled eleven years ago. I’ve never told anyone the terrible mistake I made that night. The secret we share. I’m still haunted by the crashing waves at the bottom of the cliffs, the blood…
But what is he doing at my sister’s house?
And then I see her. My baby sister. She smiles, she tips her hand so I can see the ring. And his arm slides around her waist, pulling her close…
A twisty and emotional domestic thriller for fans of Liane Moriarty, Kerry Fisher and Sally Hepworth from USA Today bestselling author Nicola Marsh. It will keep you turning the pages deep into the night absorbed by every last word.
Author Bio:
USA TODAY bestselling & multi-award winning author Nicola Marsh writes feel-good fiction with a twist!
She has published 68 books with Harlequin, Amazon and indie, and sold over 8 million copies worldwide.
She currently writes women’s fiction/rural romance for Harper Collins Australia Mira imprint, emotional domestic suspense for Bookouture and contemporary romance for Harlequin Dare.
Her first mainstream contemporary romance, BUSTED IN BOLLYWOOD released to rave reviews, including a nomination for RWA’s RBY, Romantic Book of the Year.
Her first indie-pubbed contemporary romance CRAZY LOVE is an Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller, and was nominated for an ARRA award.
Her women’s fiction novel SAVING SARA with Lake Union hit the #1 kindle romance spot on Amazon UK.
Her young adult fantasy SCION OF THE SUN won a National Readers’ Choice Award for Best YA novel.
She’s also a Waldenbooks, Bookscan and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a RBY and National Readers’ Choice Award winner, is a multiple finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers’ Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and has won several CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Awards.
A physiotherapist for 13 years, she now adores writing full time, raising her two dashing young heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, barracking loudly for her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team, and her favourite, curling up with a good book!
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Secrets and lies threaten the Tyler gang. Anna has killed Russian gang leader Aleksei but not told her lover Freddie Tyler in order to protect her friends. Freddie is anxiously searching for Aleksei when his widow Sophia arrives offering a deal he can’t refuse. Meanwhile Jim is released from prison with secrets from the past that could destroy the Tyler dynasty…
Events from the previous book set the scene for Ruthless Girl and I would recommend that you read the books in order (see my review of Fearless Girl). This is apparently the final book in the Tyler series but I’m hoping there will be more!
I was absolutely captivated by Ruthless Girl in just the same way as the previous book. The plot has plenty of twists and turns and the action doesn’t let up for a moment. We see the perspective of the Tylers as well as their enemies so this builds tension and anticipation as we wait for events to unfold.
There is violence and murder but it suits the genre. The characters accept their flaws and acknowledge their likely fate whilst being fiercely defensive of their own code of conduct to protect their innocent relatives. The emotional connection between the characters and their devoted loyalty to each other raises the quality of this book even higher.
Halfway through there is a mention of an author and book from the Bookouture family that I have reviewed and I loved this little touch!
Ruthless Girl had me hooked all the way through: evreything works so well together (the plot, the characters, the pace, the style of writing) LOVED it 🙂
EMMA TALLON MEDIA PACK
Title: Ruthless Girl
Author: Emma Tallon
PUBLICATION DAY: October 29th 2020
Description:
Fans of Kimberley Chambers’ Queenie and Martina Cole will love this unputdownable crime thriller from bestselling crime author Emma Tallon.
Sometimes revenge is the only option.
Anna Davies is young, smart and successful, plus she’s the head of one of London’s biggest crime networks. She’s seen off her abusive ex-boyfriend and cut her teeth managing clubs around London’s West End. But nothing could have prepared her for what’s around the corner…
Beautiful, rich and powerful, Sophia Ivanov has been sniffing around Anna’s business empire and she’s got only one thing on her mind – revenge. She’s convinced Anna and her gangster boyfriend, Freddie Tyler, killed her Russian crime boss husband, Alexis, and she’s determined to make them pay.
When Sophia turns up at their club one night, it’s clear she’s not there for a friendly visit and tensions begin to flare. Anna knows Sophia is a danger to their business, but she doesn’t realise how much until Freddie finds himself in unthinkable danger. Can Anna and Freddie get rid of Sophia once and for all… and what will be left when the fighting stops?
Author Bio:
Emma Tallon is a British author of gripping, gritty, organised crime thrillers and mother of two. Having started her writing career as a freelance ghostwriter, Emma finished her first novel, Runaway Girl, in 2016, and became an author full time. Since then she has written several other novels for her publisher and has carved out a successful career for herself from her home in Milton Keynes, where she can usually be found typing away in her office surrounded by large stacks of books and Post-it Notes full of ideas for future stories.
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Lauren Greenwood has lived a life of luxury but she is not blind to the misery experienced by others during the Depression. Determined to help families in need, she challenges attitudes towards women, class and race but at great personal cost.
It seems odd to say that I enjoyed A Home For Unloved Orphans as there is plenty of heartfelt desperation but actually hope is the overwhelming tone of the book. Despite the dark times that are described and the heartbreaking situations the families find themselves in, the strength of human determination and kindness shine out of the pages of this book.
Lauren is a wonderful lead character. Protected by wealth for her entire life, she has known sadness as she has grown up without a mother. Now she uses her social status to help protect the vulnerable in society but this puts her at odds with her father and the man he is forcing her to marry.
1930s America is not a period of history that I am familiar with but the poverty in Europe is something I have studied. The horrendous financial disaster of the Depression sets the tone for this book and gives it authenticity.
On a personal level, Lauren has much to contend with. She is being forced into marriage with a man who seemed charming at first but has a dangerous nature. The opulence of her life seems offensive in light of the deprivation she witnesses and it is easy to make comparisons with modern politics.
A Home For Unloved Orphans is well written and well researched, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A sequel is on its way…
Rachel Wesson Media Kit:
Title: A Home for Unloved Orphans
Author: Rachel Wesson
Publication Day: Oct 26th 2020
BUY LINKS:
Description:
Virginia, 1933: Her heart broke as she took in the scene before her. There were too many orphans and not enough beds. The rags they wore barely covered them and they hadn’t eaten in days. How could anyone let innocent children live like this? She picked up a tiny girl who’d cried as she moved past her cot. “I’ll be back soon, little one.”
Never in a million years did Lauren Greenwood think she would be destitute and without a penny to her name. But when her father mercilessly disowns her in the depths of winter, that is her fate. Now homeless, Lauren finds America in the devastating grip of the Great Depression––children run wild in the icy streets, endless queues for soup kitchens line frosty sidewalks, and desperation hangs in the air.
All alone in the world, Lauren finds an orphanage in the sprawling fields of the Virginia countryside, surrounded by snow-topped mountains and magnificent fir trees––a safe haven for those who have nowhere to go. But she is appalled to find children living in shocking conditions, huddled together for warmth, their hunger keeping them awake at night as the temperature plunges. The home for unloved orphans is on the brink of closure and the helpless innocents may lose the roof over their heads…
Lauren, heartbroken by the rejection of her own father, vows to provide these poor orphans with the love she never received. With Christmas just around the corner, she refuses to see them cast out onto the street, where they will not survive. When she sees an advertisement in the local newspaper, with an anonymous benefactor donating money to families crippled by the Depression, it could be the answer to her prayers.
Can Lauren save these children who have been rejected by the world? Or in a time of so much suffering, is there simply no hope?
A heartbreaking yet hopeful tale about a brave young woman who gives up everything to help unloved children who have nothing. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan Train and Diney Costeloe will adore this poignant historical novel, which shows that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
Author Bio:
Having always been a fan of history, Rachel Wesson tries to combine her love of history with a good story.
Rachel was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin, as that’s where she spent most of her life. Every Saturday Rachel’s father took her and her two sisters to the library, and to get ice-cream after, to give their mother a break. It took a long time for Rachel’s sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
Rachel drove everyone nuts growing up, asking questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc… Finally, her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact, what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was immersed in books. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can’t read Great Expectations in Maths…
Later in life, after a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn’t write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for ‘research’ purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home – in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
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