TGIF, friends! Today I have a review of The Phantom Tree now available from Harlequin/ Graydon House!
My Thoughts
My first book by Nicola Cornick, The Phantom Tree, was highly recommended by my friend, Stephanie, at Stephanie’s Novel Fiction! A genre-spanning work involving historical fiction, romance, light mystery, and time travel/fantasy, Cormick’s lyrical writing had me immersed and charmed from the first chapter.
Told in two narratives, the first is the present day with Alison. A friend of hers has found a rare portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows it’s Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with her second husband.
Mary Seymour has always been a mystery of the court because she vanished. What happened to her? And how is she tied to Alison in the present day?
The way the two story lines converge is part of the enchantment of this story. The writing is transportive, and the storyline complex and masterful with layers of coming-of-age, deceit, drama, and a taste of magical elements.
Overall, I recommend The Phantom Tree to fans of Tudor fiction who are looking for a new twist on history, as well as for Outlander fans or anyone who enjoys light fantasy involving time travel. I was also approved for Nicola Cormick’s next book, The Woman in the Lake, out in February 2019, and I cannot wait to soak up that story!
Thank you to Harlequin/Graydon House for the complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
“My name is Mary Seymour and I am the daughter of one queen and the niece of another.”
Browsing antiques shops in Wiltshire, Alison Bannister stumbles across a delicate old portrait – supposedly of Anne Boleyn. Except Alison knows better… The woman is Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr who was taken to Wolf Hall in 1557 as an unwanted orphan and presumed dead after going missing as a child.
The painting is more than just a beautiful object from Alison’s past – it holds the key to her future, unlocking the mystery surrounding Mary’s disappearance, and the enigma of Alison’s son.
But Alison’s quest soon takes a dark and foreboding turn, as a meeting place called the Phantom Tree harbours secrets in its shadows…
Have you read The Phantom Tree, or any of Nicola Cornick’s other books? Do you enjoy Tudor fiction? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Sounds good, Jenn! 💜🧡💜
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I loved it, favorite M! I can’t wait to read her next one! 💗
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I really enjoy Tudor fiction, so thanks for the recommendation! Fab review. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Chrissi! Based on your reads, I think there’s a lot in here for you to love! I adore Tudor fiction, too!
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Fabulous review Jennifer! I was approved for Woman in the Lake too – hope it’s a goodie for both of us! 🤞💜💕
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Thank you, Lindsay! I can’t wait to read that one after his experience, and hope we both love it, too! ♥️
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TGIF! Wonderful review, Jennifer. Cannot wait to read this one. Enjoy your long weekend.📚🌺💕
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Thank you, Virginia! I hope you enjoy it, too, and your long weekend! 🌺
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I know I’ve said it before but presentation matters. Love how you display these titles and using wood for this one is clever. Then you couple it with a beautiful review. Bravo!
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Thank you, Jonetta! You are making me blush big time! Thanks again!
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So happy to see that this is a good book. I have it and just nneed a few more hours in my day to read it. Wonderful review as always, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! I can’t wait for you to read it! I really hope it’s one you love, too!
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Jennifer I got rejected for this book, so sad. Great review
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Thanks, Shalini! Her newer one is listed, too, if you want to try for that one? I am really sorry about the decline. 😔
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The publisher rejects me for all books… Some do not want international readers. Well their loss
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GREAT REVIEW 💖💖
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Thank you, Priyasha! 💕
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Oh man. This sounded cool until you mentioned the magical elements. 😔 I’m looking to step out of my genre comfort zone but I draw the line at paranormal and magical elements.
Loved the review though Jennifer. 😉
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Thanks, Laurie! I’m not big on those types of things usually, but I don’t mind a touch. This one has time travel in it for the “magic.” ♥️
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Oh. That doesn’t sound bad then. I’ve never read a time travel book. I want to travel back to my 30’s, but I’d like to keep the wisdom I’ve acquired. 😉
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I’d go back to my 20s, but I have the same requirement! 😂 I think Outlander was the first time travel book I read, and it didn’t bother me a bit and even seemed possible because it was done so well? Stay cool this weekend, Laurie! ☀️ ♥️
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😉
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Great review!
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Thank you, Darinda!
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Sounds like a great read. 🌼
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It really was a gorgeous book!
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Lovely review Jen! Have a great weekend!💕
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Thanks, Sus! I hope you do, too! ♥️
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Another great review! I can’t keep up w/you and Berit!!
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Thanks, Holls! I have a couple weeks with a huge number of books, so I keep plugging away. The first week in October is busy! And I think you get a ton of reading done! ♥️ Happy Labor Day weekend!
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This sounds interesting!
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I think you would love to so many things about this one, Jacquie, especially the romance! ♥️
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Great review, Jennifer!! 🙂
I hope you have a great weekend!
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Thank you, Dee! I hope you have the best weekend, too! ♥️
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I’ve been waiting for your thoughts on this one! It sounds perfect ❤ I'll put in a request at my library!
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I think you’ll love this, Kathy! I am trying so hard not to pick up the newer book. This is a special author, and she spans genres with ease! Can’t wait for what you think! ♥️
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One of my favorite time periods. Sounds fascinating. I must get this…you know and have it on my shelf. Nursing home reads as I call it.
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Why do you call them nursing home reads, Reeca? Are you saving them for much later? ♥️ I think you will love this! Such a special read!
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Ok well retirement reads!! But yes later when I don’t have so many blog reads. Lol
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Tudor fiction? ADDED!! Fantastic review Jen thank you so much for this one! 🤗
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Thanks, Beth! This is definitely right up your alley! ♥️
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So glad that you enjoyed this one!! I thought you would! And thanks for the shout-out too! ❤
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You’re welcome! Yes, it was fabulous! Did you get her next one, too? Thank you again for the recommendation, Stephanie! 💗
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I really am so glad you enjoyed it, and you are welcome! No! I keep wanting to request it but then I’m afraid of getting more ARCs since I’m behind! I’m sure I will request it though but if not, I’ll buy it!! ❤
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