Beneath A Burning Sky Synopsis
“When 22-year-old Olivia is coerced into marriage by the cruel Alistair Sheldon, she leaves England for Egypt, his home and the land of her own childhood. Reluctant as she is to go with Alistair, it’s in her new home that she finds happiness in surprising places: she is reunited with her long-estranged sister, Clara, and falls – impossibly and illicitly – in love with her husband’s boarder, Captain Edward Bertram.
Then Clara is abducted from one of the busiest streets in the city. Olivia is told it’s thieves after ransom money, but she’s convinced there’s more to it. As she sets out to discover what’s happened to the sister she’s only just begun to know, she falls deeper into the shadowy underworld of Alexandria, putting her own life and her chance at a future with Edward, the only man she’s ever loved, at risk. Because, determined as Olivia is to find Clara, there are others who will stop at nothing to conceal what’s become of her….”
Note: This review is spoiler-free!
Why did I pick it?
I’d been recommended by the publisher that I might like to try this debut novel since I’m a big fan of Dinah Jefferies novels. It sounded similar to some of her other novels so I decided to give it a try.
What I loved about it
Well, this wasn’t exactly what I expected! This book brilliantly blends romance and a “whodunnit” which unlike other books I’ve read recently, I really struggled to guess at, let alone guess correctly!
The pacing of the book was fantastic, I got through it in a few days, mainly as I couldn’t put it down. Each chapter delved deeper into the mystery and I found myself wanting to read and discover more as the book progressed.
Although the love story element between Olivia and Edward was not the main plot point, or even the most enjoyable element, I did enjoy the scenes they had together. There was a real tension to it which I loved.
What I loathed about it
If anything I would have liked more description, it’s something I love about Jefferies books most of all. The book locations are so wonderful I wanted to have been able to visualise more of it as the story progressed.
Thoughts
Beneath A Burning Sky is a fast-paced and fantastic read, if I wasn’t wondering whodunnit I was wondering “will they/won’t they”. A truly multi-layered and interesting story, I can’t wait to see what Jenny Ashcroft tackles next!
When and where can you get it
You can purchase Beneath A Burning Sky on Amazon today
* Book provided FOC in exchange for an honest and fair review
This sounds like such an interesting read! I’m not a fan of romances but mystery and kidnapping might make it worth a chance.
A Sparkle Of Grace
This sounds REALLY good. I think the fact it’s set in Egypt would win me over because that’s certainly not somewhere you read about often in books. Although I’m not a fan of romance it doesn’t seem like it’s too in your face. Great review <3
Author
no it really does take a back seat to the rest of the story
Oooh this is something i wouldn’t normally go for but it sounds good and i like your review! X
wow this sounds like quite an intense book!
I definitely would find the lack of description something I would struggle with, especially when its such an exotic setting like Egypt! I haven’t really got any romances on my TBR, so this is the perfect place to start!
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
Ohhh this sounds right up my street! I love mysteries in a novel and the added romance sounds perfect for me! I’ll have to pick this up!
PaleGirlRambling xo
http://palegirlrambling.co.uk
Love this post xx
Jamie | http://www.jamies-corner.com
I only ever buy books off blog recommendations, can never face purchasing a book without a good review.
Chloe | Mojichlo
Ooh this sounds good, I like the idea of this tension buildup romance with mystery plot- you are fuelling my book addiction.
Jen xx