Pat Lowery Collins’ — Hidden voices

In 1700s Venice, Luisa, Anetta and Rosalba live in an orphanage, renowned for its musical program. Antonio Vivaldi is their music tutor who prepares them for a concert that is often a way to attract a husband for one of the artists. But will the sheltered life within the orphanage prepare them for the outside world?

Tracy Chevalier’s — New boy

Dee develops a friendship with the new boy at school, but Rod is jealous. This is a YA novel, but I couldn’t put this well written book down. The entire novel takes place over one day and the ending will leave you spellbound.

Justine Picardie’s — Daphne

This is a novel that blends fact with fiction. A young woman is writing her Ph.D on both Daphne du Maurier and the Brontes. Daphne, famous for her memorable books — Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and The Birds, finds her life in a downward spiral after her marriage fails. She lives out the remainder of her life in Cornwall, and the researcher uncovers secrets that make this an enthralling mystery.

Kimberly Freeman’s — Ember Island

Tilly, living in the 19^thcentury and Nina, living in the 21^stcentury are both connected to Nell Holt. After the death of her grandfather and a disasterous short marriage, Tilly takes the first available boat out of England to Australia. She is employed as a governess to Nell on Amber Island — a Moreton Bay island where prisoners are jailed. But Nell keeps memories of her haunting past close to her chest until an error of judgement forces her to expose her past.

Nina’s great-grandmother was Nell. She’s a successful author struggling with her forth novel. She holds a secret that’s about to be exposed by a scathing journalist.

Can both women survive their past?

Equally as good is Freeman’s Lighthouse Bay (another 5 out of 5).