The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey by Serena Burdick. (2022).
**3.5 out of 5 stars**
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 November 2022**
England, 1898. Evelyn is dazzled by her new novelist husband William’s brilliance. But their bliss is brief when William has writer’s block and is jealous of Evelyn’s writing talent. But when he betrays her by stealing her work, Evelyn decides to write her way out of the marriage. California, 2006. Abigail has never learnt about her unknown father after her mother’s unexpected death. But she accidentally finds a photo of him and a note that Evelyn is her great-great-grandmother. She goes to London for answers, finding out Evelyn disappeared and is believed murdered. But as Abby uncovers more about Evelyn, a different story may have actually happened…
Featuring dual timelines, this novel comes from the perspectives of two women in their respective timelines. In 1898 Evelyn has just married after falling in love with a novelist, but is utterly shocked by his cruel attitude towards her when he fails to produce another book. She then suffers a betrayal when her husband steals her own draft and publishes it under his own name to roaring success. Given the time period they live in where women’s rights are minimal, Evelyn is in a difficult position to stick up for herself. Meanwhile in 2006 Abby is a bit of a lost soul in that she struggles to maintain relationships following the death of her mother when she was in her early teens, and having no knowledge about her father. When she discovers Evelyn is a relative on her father’s side, on a whim she travels to England to find information on her ancestry. The storyline is part mystery and part family domestic drama, with the dual timelines interweaving nicely.
Overall: would happily recommend for any readers interested by the synopsis.
One Woman's Brief Book Reviews 