The Smugglers Secret, Lynne Francis
The Smugglers Secret, Lynne Francis
List: $27.99 | Sale: $19.59
Club: $13.99

The Smuggler's Secret
a gripping, evocative historical saga

Author: Lynne Francis

Series: Castle Bay Trilogy

Narrator: Annie Aldington, Mark Meadows, Polly Edsell

Unabridged: 11 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/23/2023


Synopsis

A sweeping saga of friendship, betrayal and finding love in the unlikeliest places.

1813. Haunted by her father's death and tired of watching her mother struggle, Meg Marsh will do anything to keep a roof over her family's head. Even if that means getting involved in a dangerous smuggling operation.

When Meg catches the eye of a dashing gentleman above her station, things start to look up, and she can't help but start dreaming of a life away from the shingle and boats of Castle Bay. Blinded by flattery and coin, Meg can't see the danger on the horizon - and the cost just might be her life.

1913. Carrie Marsh lives a quiet life as a teacher until she falls in with the wealthiest family in Castle Bay and turns the head of the charming eldest son, Oscar.

In an attempt to impress her new friends, she takes them to the secret garden rumoured to be haunted by her murdered ancestor. One outing turns into a carefree summer of pleasure, and the garden becomes a hideaway for Oscar and Carrie.

But when they accidentally stumble upon human bones, Carrie is forced to ask herself whether she really knows Oscar at all - and whether she is doomed to follow in her ancestor's footsteps.

Two women, one hundred years apart: will the secrets of the past ever be uncovered?

Praise for Lynne Francis:

'Impressively researched . . . I loved this five star book' Kay Brellend

'An engaging, thoroughly researched tale of youthful naivety and courage in the face of adversity, full of rich detail and imagination. Highly recommended!' RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania Crosse

'A compelling and captivating historical saga rich in atmosphere, emotion and heart' Goodreads Reviewer

About Lynne Francis

Lynne Francis grew up in Yorkshire but studied, lived and worked in London for many years. She draws inspiration for her novels from a fascination with family history, landscapes and the countryside.Her first saga series, the Mill Valley Girls, was set in west Yorkshire but a move to east Kent, and the discovery of previously unknown family links to the area, gave her the idea for a Georgian-era trilogy. Lynne's exploration of her new surroundings provided the historical background for the novels, as well as allowing her to indulge another key interest: checking out the local teashops and judging the cake.When she's not at her desk, writing, Lynne can be found in the garden, walking through the countryside or beside the sea.


Reviews

The Smuggler's Secret by Lynne Francis I love a good dual timeline novel and This one did not disappoint . Lynne Francis has wrote an beautiful and endearing book and she could now be my favourite author for this genre. Exactly over 100 years we met Meg Marsh who after the death of her father is given......more

Goodreads review by Elaine

This one is full of emotion and feeling. Starting with the Marsh family, after their father died Meg takes over the running of the family and household. A lot of responsibility for one so young. In order to bring some much needed finances into the house Meg decides to get involved with the smugglers......more

Goodreads review by Jules

I really enjoyed reading this book, in fact, I think it may be my favourite of all the ones I have read by Lynne Francis. The research behind the book helps to bring all the little details to life, helps you to feel like you are there and helps to really understand what living in that time period wo......more

Gripping and Intriguing A dual timeline novel telling the story of Meg in the early 1800s then the story of Cassie in the early 1900s. Both stories had me completely gripped. Beautifully written - the author knows how to tell a good story! The historical and local detail brought both timelines vividl......more

Goodreads review by Lauren

Beautifully written. I raced through this, couldn't put it down. Such a well-researched story with descriptions that make you feel like you're on the Kent coast. I loved the flash-forward, flashback device and discovering the differences in life a century apart with the war and a backdrop.......more