The Other Gwyn Girl

By Nicola Cornick

What it’s about?

1671 – London

The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered
father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite
companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn.

Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a long way from selling oranges and a childhood in a brothel, but as her fortunes have turned, her sister Rose has taken a different path. Marriage to a feckless highwayman has left Rose in the grim Marshalsea prison and now she needs her sister’s mercy to help get her out.

But Nell needs Rose too. A plot to steal the Crown Jewels has gone tragically wrong, and Nell’s future with her protector King is at risk. If Rose can’t solve the riddle of the jewels both Gwyn sisters will head straight to the Tower.

Present Day

Librarian and history enthusiast Jess Yates has hit rock bottom. With her ex behind bars for fraud,
Jess needs to lay low – easier said than done with a celebrity sister. But Tavy has her uses. Her latest
TV project involves renovating Fortune Hall, and she needs a house sitter while she’s jetting around
the world. The opportunity is too good to miss, especially when Jess discovers that Fortune Hall has
links to the infamous Nell Gwyn.
Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no
longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family
in her hands.

Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no
longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family
in her hands.

What I think:

I love Nicola Cornick’s dual timeline historical novel. She is an absolute master at giving a voice to some of history’s forgotten but important women.

The Other Gwyn Girl explores the story of Rose Gwyn, the less well-known sister of enigmatic Nell. While Nell’s story has been told and retold, this book exploits the gaps in her sister’s life to create a story of survival, resilience and romance.

Rose is story is mirrored in the present day by the story of Tavy and Jess Hates. Tavy is a reality star and influencer who travels around the world with people catering to her every whim, while sister Jess is academic, thoughtful and intensely private.

In both timelines, the dynamics between mothers and daughters and the relationship between sister is explored.

I absolutely loved Rose’s storyline. And while I enjoyed both, this timeline was definitely the one that pulled me in the most. The writer creates the world of the 17th Century and the opportunities for uneducated women thrust into poverty in vivid detail. Both Rose and Nell will do whatever it takes to survive even though their choices take them down different paths.

This is an interesting and engaging read with strong, interesting female characters. There’s history, mystery and romance in a book that will keep you up reading  past your bedtime.

About the author:

Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in
one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate
her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history.
Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide
and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works asa consultant for TV and radio, and is a trustee of the Wantage Literary Festival and the Friends of
Lydiard Park.

Social Media Links
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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicola-cornick

Thank you to Boldwood Books For my gifted digital copy The Other Gwyn Girl, and to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this fantastic blog tour.