Written by Rachel Brimble
Gripping drama as Pennington’s department store prepares for a glittering Christmas in 1911, but a killer stalks the women of Bath.
Christmas sees Pennington’s at its most glorious, thronged with shoppers, its grand staircase and balcony adorned with holly, mistletoe, tinsel and lights. It should be the happiest time, but dramas are seething beneath the surface.
For Cornelia Culford, in charge of jewellery, a divorce hearing looms, where she could lose custody of her young sons to her overbearing and unfaithful husband.
For Stephen Gower, being head of security at Pennington’s is the perfect refuge from a tragic past at Scotland Yard. But soon the past will call him back, as Joseph Carter and Elizabeth Pennington beg him to help solve the murder of Joseph’s first wife, now that it seems as if the killer has struck again.
For Joseph and Elizabeth, their marriage depends on exorcising the past. But can it ever be laid to rest?
Skilled Writing – and a Real Flair for Storytelling!
This is a series I always enjoy, and look forward to reaching in my list! So, high expectations – which were fully rewarded!
This time round we focus on two of the newer members of Pennington’s staff; Cornelia, serving customers with the best jewellery and trying to rebuild a life for herself and her children while she waits for the court hearing which will decide on her divorce petition. Stephen Gower is also waiting for a decision – one which will decree if he can continue with his police career and, in the meantime, he is working security for the famous store – but Joseph Carter has a ulterior motive in offering him the job; with his crime background, might he not be the perfect person to find out who was responsible for the murder of his first wife?
With lots of content, this is an exciting read! As well as following the new characters, we also find out how those in previous novels are faring and it’s all easily entwined. I love Rachel Brimble’s writing, and think she has surpassed my expectations with this one .. it is packed with detail all the way through. There is so much happening – and yet, it’s all so easy to follow! With skilled writing and a real flair for story telling, I think this is my favourite of the series so far! Such a pleasure to be back in the world of Pennington’s, and especially for the festive season. The sparkle in the store transmits on the page really well and I’ve even found myself browsing Christmas decorations! Now, THAT’s success! Completely worth a full five stars, without a doubt .. and a firm recommendation that you catch up with this fabulous series!
My thanks to publisher Aria for my copy via NetGalley and to Vicky Joss for my spot on this blog tour. As always, this is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: historical saga
- Format: ebook
- Size: 316 pages
- Publisher: Aria
- Publication Date: 19 September 2019
- Purchase Links: Google Play
- iBooks
- Kobo
- amazon
Author Bio
Rachel Brimble lives in Wiltshire with her husband of twenty years, two teenage daughters and her beloved chocolate Labrador, Tyler. Multi-published in the US, she is thrilled to have a new beginning writing for Aria in the UK. When Rachel isn’t writing, she enjoys reading across the genres, knitting and walking the English countryside with her family … often stopping off at a country pub for lunch and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Social Media
Twitter: @RachelBrimble
Facebook: @RachelBrimble
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