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The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay

A darkly gripping dual-time novel of family secrets to be hidden at all costs . . .
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( 589 ratings, 61 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay is a darkly gripping historical novel weaving together two timelines. In 1919 England, Rose and Ivy set sail for Australia, bound by a terrible truthβ€”one embarks on a new marriage with a stranger, the other will never arrive. In 2016 Australia, Molly unearths secrets from her late grandmother’s belongings that reveal their hidden pasts. Rich in evocative detail and expertly researched, this dual-time story explores family secrets, betrayal, ambition, and forbidden love across generations and continents.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel is ideal for fans of historical fiction, particularly readers who enjoy multi-generational family dramas, richly detailed settings, and emotionally charged narratives. It will appeal to book club groups and those who appreciate authors like Lucinda Riley, Rachel Rhys, and Hannah Richell.

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This darkly gripping dual-time debut, will transport readers from World War One England to present day Australia, with a thrilling story of family secrets to be hidden at all costs . . .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Two women set sail for Australia, bound by a terrible truth. But only one will make it off the ship.

The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay is a darkly gripping dual-time novel, with a wealth of twists, turns and secrets, and an absolute book club treat, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Rachel Rhys and Hannah Richell.

"The writing is polished and evocative, the twists and turns are surprising, and the characters' stories emotionally compelling." β€” reader review

"Stunning . . . Julie Brooks has written an impeccably researched novel with a wonderful sense of history and character . . . I thoroughly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction." β€” reader review

"An incredibly moving story of two women . . . Beautifully written, the book draws you in from the start. It's very emotional as the story moves from the different timelines." β€” reader review

'A sweeping tale of family secrets, betrayal, jealousy, ambition and forbidden romance . . . Fans of The Thorn Birds and Downton Abbey will love the epic scope of this novel.' β€” ALI MERCER

'I thoroughly enjoyed this immersive story which spans both generations and continents. The evocative details and impeccable research make for a delightful reading experience, and I can pay it no greater compliment other than to say, I wish I'd written it.' β€” KATHRYN HUGHES

'This is an epic dual-time novel which draws the reader in right from the start and keeps you in thrall until the very last page. The writing is superb, the descriptions detailed, lush and evocative.' β€” CHRISTINA COURTENAY

'A gripping story full of family secrets: the price of love and loss within two generations . . . convincing and poignant.' β€” LEAH FLEMING

'Rich in evocative detail - the complex mystery kept me guessing right up to the last page.' β€” MUNA SHEHADI

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England, 1919: Rose and Ivy board a ship bound for Australia.

One is travelling there to marry a man she has never met.

One is destined never to arrive.

Australia, 2016: Amongst her late-grandmother's possessions, Molly uncovers a photograph of two girls dressed in First World War nurses' uniforms, labelled 'Rose and Ivy 1917', and a letter from her grandmother, asking her to find out what happened to her own mother, Rose, who disappeared in the 1960s.

Compelled to carry out her grandmother's last wish, Molly embarks on a journey to England to unravel the mystery of the two girls whose photograph promised they'd be 'together forever'.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Readers praise Julie Brooks' polished and evocative writing, highlighting surprising twists and emotionally compelling characters. The novel is lauded as immersive and beautifully written, with superb, lush descriptions and meticulous historical research. Fans of sweeping family sagas and dual-timeline narratives will appreciate its complexity and poignancy. It is recommended for those who enjoy the scope and drama reminiscent of The Thorn Birds and Downton Abbey.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472279163

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 June 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Headline Review

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 278g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Julie Brooks was born in Brisbane, Australia, but has lived most of her life in Melbourne. She taught English and Drama in secondary schools before working as an editor of children's magazines. She has been a full-time author since 1999 and is the author of several young adult novels as well as children's fiction and non-fiction. The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay, The Keepsake and The Heirloom are her novels writing as Julie Brooks.

To find out more, visit juliebrooksauthor.com and follow her on Instagram @juliebrooks_books.

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