annieb123's Review of The Phantom Tree

by Nicola Cornick

‘There is much to enjoy in a sumptuous novel that slips between present day and 1557.’ Sunday Mirror

“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…

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Readers love Nicola Cornick:

‘Alluring and hypnotising… I was hooked from page one.’

‘A haunting and mesmerising story.’

‘Atmospheric and filled with tension and danger.’

‘Full of dark twists and spooky turns. Brilliantly written, unguessable and page-turning.’

‘Spellbinding, with a narrative that left me bewitched. Not to be missed!’

‘A fabulous read. I was completely enthralled, and kept guessing throughout.’

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Phantom Tree is a beautifully written time-slip historical novel by Nicola Cornick. Published 21st Aug 2018 by Harlequin on the Graydon House imprint, it's 384 pages and available in paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats.

This book is genre crossing. There are elements of romance, mystery, and historical fiction written around a framework of actual historical characters and events. The characterizations are well done and the dialogue flows pretty well.

There is a strong element of magic (in the context of the time travel). The parallel timelines blend well and the plotting is clear and concise enough that the reader has no trouble following along. I admire the author's ability to blend two entirely disparate times, cultures, languages, etc, into one cohesive whole.

There is no strong language whatever. There is implied sexual content (consensual), but nothing graphic. I found the ending somewhat contrived, but again, the writing is exquisite and it is primarily a historical romance.

Enjoyable, entertaining, and well written. I would recommend it to fans of Diana Gabaldon or Barbara Erskine who are looking to branch out.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Phantom Tree

by Nicola Cornick

Reviewed by annieb123 on Jan 13, 2019

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