I was sent a free copy of Sisters of Castle Leod by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
About Sisters of Castle Leod:
Millions are fans of Diana Gabaldon’s popular Outlander books and television series, but few know that Gabaldon’s fictional Castle Leoch was inspired by a real Scottish castle, Castle Leod. The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era.
Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing.
The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father’s vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell’s daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.
Sisters of Castle Leod, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.
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You can purchase The Sisters of Castle Leod on Amazon.com
About the Author:
Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is the author of two Amazon bestsellers: THE BEAUTY DOCTOR, “a compelling historical novel steeped in mystery with strong elements of a medical thriller” (Readers’ Favorite), and TEMPTATION RAG: A NOVEL, a “resonant novel … about the birth and demise of ragtime … luxuriously crafted” (Publishers Weekly).
Her books have been finalists for the Eric Hoffer Book Award and National Indie Excellence Awards, received a gold medallion from Book Readers Appreciation Group, and been named a historical fiction Discovered Diamond. Elizabeth and her family live near Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit Elizabeth’s website and historical fiction blog at www.EHBernard.com
“This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels.” -Sublime Book Reviews
“A magical, mystical, mesmerizing tale of two real-life noble sisters of Castle Leod, caught up in shocking passions that cast them in opposition, yet desperate for reconciliation.” -Rebecca Rosenberg, triple-gold seed-winning novelist of Champagne Widows
“With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring.” -Pacific Book Review
“Whilst the historical element of this novel can easily be compared to some of the great historical novelists, like Sharon Kay Penman, the ghostly apparitions and contact with the spirit world add an original view of a woman who was, in so many ways, ahead of her time.” -Readers’ Favorite
“The stage is set for sibling rivalry [in this] grand novel about two fascinating sisters of the Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20th century.” -Sheila Myers, author of The Truth of Who You Are
“…a carefully researched historical novel with a touch of the supernatural.” -Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park Was Only the Beginning
My Opinion:
The Sisters of Castle Leod is based in history as the women of the story did exist. It was a time of great interest in the occult and many Victorian women explored “the great beyond.” In this book we have sisters who inherit a rather vast estate from their father – one of them becoming a peeress.
What follows is the exploration of how these women manage to fit into a society that was rigid and very conforming. Despite that, they managed to live very full and some might say fulfilling lives.
At least for the times.
It was a book that was very hard to put down once one started reading it as the tale was very compelling. I found myself carrying the book around to read at any odd moment I could. These books are rare and very welcome.
Rating:
5
