The USA Today bestseller!
Everything is about to change… terrible decision in order to protect themselves, and their children, from harm.
Present day. When Lu’s mother dies leaving her heartbroken, the chance to move to a château in the south of France with her husband and best friends seems an opportunity for a new beginning. But Lu can’t resist digging into their new home’s history, and when she stumbles across the unexplained disappearance of Catherine Aubert, the château begins to reveal its secrets – and a mystery unsolved for centuries is uncovered…
Unlock the secret of the château today. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Fiona Valpy and The Forgotten Village!
Readers love The Secret of the Château!
‘I absolutely loved this book… Enthralling… I really struggled to put this book down.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘Brilliant… I was gripped right until the end. Great characters, a riveting plot and the fantastic writing style I’ve come to expect.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘Had me gripped… Fast enough to keep you intrigued and turning the pages… Would highly recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘I was drawn in from the first chapter… It is rare that a book brings tears to my eyes but this one succeeded!… Held me captivated right to the last words. A must read for everyone.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘Kathleen McGurl’s books knock it out of the park every single time!!!!!!!… Wonderful… You should read it. Right now.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
‘Both storylines were equally as gripping… A very enjoyable read!… One I shall remember! Would definitely recommend!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
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While the book started slow, the mystery finally got deeper with great insight into lives in 1789 France.
this is great story with a very interesting ending
What a wonderful story about friends living together today and their connection of the past to in the castle where they dwell.
I could not put this book down!!!!!
loved the story
When these retirees who’ve been friends since college decide to merge their funds and move from England to a French chateau they are surprised when the history of their new home unfolds. It was an interesting view at the impact of the French Revolution on the families of the elite who fled Paris. They stumble upon a centuries old mystery.
A group of British friends, close to retirement, decide to pool their funds and buy a castle in the south of France. The characters are all interesting and work well together. They have to work on renovations and especially on person is really puzzled by an extra window in the tower that does not seem to have any access to that place with that window. Eventually during renovating the main tower room they discover the access to that other place and then begins the story of what happened and who lived there during the time of the French revolution.
Couldn’t put it down.
This is a good read. There was nothing negative to say. The end was not as satisfactory as some, but it held my interest all through. I would call it a cozy mystery.
Would give it six stars
Past and present come together as a group of friends buy a French chateau that dates back to the French Revolution. Discovering the mystery of the chateau becomes a challenge
Totally enjoyed this book. Five friends buy a chateau and discovered the history. Very enjoyable
I loved this book. I found the story lines compelling and the writing engaging. I find myself still thinking about it days (and several books!) later!
The historical backstory and description of that part of France.
This is a light enjoyable read. I learned new things about the French Revolution and about a beautiful part of France I would love to visit.
ierre and Catherine Aubert, the Comte and Comtesse de Verais, were just married and had moved into the royal palace. Catherine was so excited to be with Queen Marie Antoinette. She was now one of her Ladies in Waiting. The apartment was so beautiful, opulent, and sumptuous. She trusted her husband even though he was older. He was still good looking even at fifty. He worshipped her and would do anything for her.
The other half of the book is about Lu and Phil, Manda and Steve, and finally Gray. They decide to sell their houses and move to France. They have been forced into retirement and have nothing keeping them in England.
There are a lot of twists and turns. So many things happen to all of them. It is heart-rending and heartwarming. You will go through a wide spectrum of emotions. Crying, laughing, and just being happy. The characters are engaging and it keeps our attention. France is described in such beautiful prose. The excitement of court and the fear about what comes later is present. You can feel the tensions grow and the mystery is always present for Lu. I also highly recommend it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
Enjoyed this. A back story of the French revolution and the modern folks who live in a past aristocrat’s chateau. Interesting and realistic, even with a ghost.
Great historical read
I appreciated the middle-aged characters and their choice of retirement plan. The alternate chapters in different time periods was an interesting plot device. Somewhat predictable but satisfying conclusion.
I love the dual timeline, time-slip sub-genre with well developed storylines that converge throughout the novel to conclusion. This was an excellent one. The pace dragged a bit in the modern portion but picked up. Well done.