Name: The Secret Wife
ISBN: 9780008102142

Gill Paul

âe~A cleverly crafted novel and an enthralling storyâe¦ A triumph.âe(tm) DINAH JEFFERIES A Russian grand duchess and an English journalist. Linked by one of the worldâe(tm)s greatest mysteries . . . Love. Guilt. Heartbreak. 1914 Russia is on the brink of collapse, and the Romanov family faces a terrifyingly uncertain future. Grand Duchess Tatiana has fallen in love with cavalry officer Dmitri, but events take a catastrophic turn, placing their romance âe" and their lives âe" in danger . . . 2016 Kitty Fisher escapes to her great-grandfatherâe(tm)s remote cabin in America, after a devastating revelation makes her flee London. There, on the shores of Lake Akanabee, she discovers the spectacular jewelled pendant that will lead her to a long-buried family secret . . . Haunting, moving and beautifully written, The Secret Wife effortlessly crosses centuries, as past merges with present in an unforgettable story of love, loss and resilience. Perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Dinah Jefferies.

The Secret Wife

Jess Bickerton

I'm not even really sure I know where to begin this review - I feel like this book hangover is going to be one of those 'grown-up' hangovers, which take a number of days to overcome. Having not read any of Gill Paul's previous novels I felt excited when I received an email to ask if I wanted to be part of the blog tour. It's one of the things I really love about book blogging; the opportunity to discover new authors all the time, and boy am I excited to have come across Gill Paul.

Immediately I was drawn to the cover of the book; the imagery creating a real sense of mystery and secrecy. I couldn't wait to begin and it wasn't long at all before I was completely hooked!! The Secret Wife is one of those stories I just didn't want to put down... not even for a second - I even forced myself to put it down and turn my light off one night, only to find myself 5 minutes later flicking my bedside lamp back on and delving into the pages once more! 

Following the story across two different time periods, 1914 and 2016, Gill Paul brings the love story of Grand Duchess Tatiana and Dmitri Malama to life beautifully. Jumping between two periods can be a very challenging style to write in, however Gill Paul masters this, enabling the reader to follow the story with ease. It took me a few chapters to get familiar with some of the Russian names, but I quickly became comfortable with them.

When reading their story, you can really feel the heartache and pain the characters face throughout their difficult journeys. It is not long before you become completely engrossed in the story, feeling the love, the pain and the desperation of the characters as they face a life of turmoil. I became increasingly captivated by the story, feeling as though I was living the journey with them. I really loved how Gill Paul uses Dmitri and Tatiana's story to help Kitty reflect on her own life and help her find her 'purpose' she has begun to search for, and to help put her own love story with Tom in to perspective in order to make the right decision about their future. 

Gill Paul has truly brought her characters to life through her writing. One of the little habits that forms between Dmitri and Tatiana is when they lean their heads against one another so they can 'hear what the other is thinking' and I feel as though this connection is made between the reader and the characters when you open the pages. You can really feel the heart and soul of each of the characters flowing through the pages of the book.

Gill Paul has adapted the story of the Romanov family into a heart-wrenching and devastatingly beautiful account of the undying love and unbreakable bond between a man and a woman, destined to be together. 

I absolutely loved The Secret Wife and cannot wait to discover more of Gill Paul's books. I was already spreading the word to friends and family when I was only a few chapters in and I can't wait share it with everyone!

Alice

I read this book two years ago, so I only remember fragments of the story. It clearly didn't make a heavy impression, but I was intrigued enough to read it until the end. I do remember the writing being a bit flowery and languid.

Judy McClure

Love books that have two different but connected timelines. Love even more when the Russian revolution and the tragedy of the Romanovs is skillfully set into the story. A great love story.

Roos Kuijper 

3.5 star

I don't know how to read this really. Some parts I really liked but other aspects I don't so I feel conflicted about this.