Left on the Shelf: The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh

‘The Brandon blood is dark with lies and treachery and as it flows through my heart, my vow is this: they will all pay.’

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The Blurb

Hampton Court Palace 1530s

Anne Brandon has always understood the power of a king’s patronage and, though the court of Henry VIII is a dangerous place for women, as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne feels safer than most. But Anne’s husband Lord Powis is tiring of her childlessness and when Henry VIII begins plotting to rid himself of a queen in his quest for an heir, suddenly Anne’s life is in danger. And as whispers of the name of her friend Anne Boleyn get ever louder, there is peril in every loose word, every forbidden conversation.

Pembrokshire Present Day

Caroline Harvey has spent years helping her grandfather, the reclusive bestselling novelist Dexter Blake, hide from his legions of fans in his home on the Pembrokshire coast. After his death, the vultures begin to circle Dexter’s fortune. When Caroline’s ownership of the house she has inherited is called into question, her research into its history reveals it was once owned by Anne Brandon who had sought refuge there. Intrigued, Caroline is determined to discover why Anne fled the court of Henry VIII.

Two women divided by centuries but joined by secrets and courage. And when a twist in their histories threatens them both with the same fate – losing the man they love – their revenge will be the same too. Because there’s no one mightier than a woman underestimated or more powerful than the need to save those they love.

Bestseller Alexandra Walsh is back with a compelling, captivating insight into the Tudor court through the eyes of a woman who had only her guile to keep her alive. Perfect for all fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory, Anne O’Brien and Elena Collins.

My Review

I love a dual timeline novel. It provides me with the perfect reading combination - historical fiction and contemporary. This book is set in the present day and in the 16th century.

The earlier part is set during the reign of Henry VIII. I really enjoyed reading this familiar period of history told from a different perspective. Anne Brandon was the daughter of Charles Brandon, the once exiled father who married the King's sister Mary without first seeking the permission of His Majesty, but who was later accepted back at court. She was also a friend to Anne Boleyn, and we see a slightly different woman through Anne Brandon's eyes.

The contemporary aspect of the novel follows Caroline who is the granddaughter of the famous author, Dexter Blake. There are secrets to uncover in this part of the novel and it was fascinating to read how the reader ties up the stories of the past and present.

The book moves seamlessly between the two time periods, and as I read I found myself excited to get back to the other. The writing was compelling to read and the story was fascinating. The author writes well and I look forward to reading some of her other novels.

The characters were well portrayed, and the author does a great job in depicting these two strong women who are separated by centuries.

If you enjoy books about strong women and appreciate novels which are set in both contemporary and historical periods, particularly during the time of the Tudors, then you will love this book as much as I did. I highly recommend it.

Book Details:

ISBN: 978 1804159651

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Formats: e-book, audio, hardback and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages: 400 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Amazon UK

About the Author:

Alexandra Walsh is the bestselling author of dual timeline historical mysteries, previously published by Sapere. Her books range from the fifteenth century to the Victorian era and are inspired by the hidden voices of women that have been lost over the centuries. Formerly a journalist, writing for national newspapers, magazines and TV, her first book for Boldwood will be published in Spring 2023.

You can also find Alexandra at: