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The Phantom Tree
‘There is much to enjoy in a sumptuous novel that slips between present day and 1557.’ Sunday Mirror“My name is Mary Seymour and I am the daughter of one queen and the niece of another.”
Browsing antiques shops in Wiltshire, Alison Bannister stumbles across a delicate old portrait – supposedly of Anne Boleyn. Except Alison knows better… The woman is Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr who was taken to Wolf Hall in 1557 as an unwanted orphan and presumed dead after going missing as a child.
The painting is more than just a beautiful object from Alison’s past – it holds the key to her future, unlocking the mystery surrounding Mary’s disappearance, and the enigma of Alison’s son.
But Alison’s quest soon takes a dark and foreboding turn, as a meeting place called the Phantom Tree harbours secrets in its shadows…
*************************************************************
Readers love Nicola
‘Alluring and hypnotising… I was hooked from page one.’
‘A haunting and mesmerising story.’
‘Atmospheric and filled with tension and danger.’
‘Full of dark twists and spooky turns. Brilliantly written, unguessable and page-turning.’
‘Spellbinding, with a narrative that left me bewitched. Not to be missed!’
‘A fabulous read. I was completely enthralled, and kept guessing throughout.’
Browsing antiques shops in Wiltshire, Alison Bannister stumbles across a delicate old portrait – supposedly of Anne Boleyn. Except Alison knows better… The woman is Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr who was taken to Wolf Hall in 1557 as an unwanted orphan and presumed dead after going missing as a child.
The painting is more than just a beautiful object from Alison’s past – it holds the key to her future, unlocking the mystery surrounding Mary’s disappearance, and the enigma of Alison’s son.
But Alison’s quest soon takes a dark and foreboding turn, as a meeting place called the Phantom Tree harbours secrets in its shadows…
*************************************************************
Readers love Nicola
‘Alluring and hypnotising… I was hooked from page one.’
‘A haunting and mesmerising story.’
‘Atmospheric and filled with tension and danger.’
‘Full of dark twists and spooky turns. Brilliantly written, unguessable and page-turning.’
‘Spellbinding, with a narrative that left me bewitched. Not to be missed!’
‘A fabulous read. I was completely enthralled, and kept guessing throughout.’
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
About the author
Nicola Cornick
218 books1,119 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews
September 3, 2018
4 stars to The Phantom Tree, the untold story of Mary Seymour! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My first book by Nicola Cornick, The Phantom Tree, was highly recommended by my friend, Stephanie, at Stephanie’s Novel Fiction! A genre-spanning work involving historical fiction, romance, light mystery, and time travel/fantasy, Cornick’s lyrical writing had me immersed and charmed from the first chapter.
Told in two narratives, the first is the present day with Alison. A friend of hers has found a rare portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows it’s Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with her second husband.
Mary Seymour has always been a mystery of the court because she vanished. What happened to her? And how is she tied to Alison in the present day?
The way the two story lines converge is part of the enchantment of this story. The writing is transportive, and the storyline complex and masterful with layers of coming-of-age, deceit, drama, and a taste of magical elements.
Overall, I recommend The Phantom Tree to fans of Tudor fiction who are looking for a new twist on history, as well as for Outlander fans or anyone who enjoys light fantasy involving time travel. I was also approved for Nicola Cornick’s next book, The Woman in the Lake, out in February 2019, and I cannot wait to soak up that story!
Thank you to Harlequin/Graydon House for the complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
My first book by Nicola Cornick, The Phantom Tree, was highly recommended by my friend, Stephanie, at Stephanie’s Novel Fiction! A genre-spanning work involving historical fiction, romance, light mystery, and time travel/fantasy, Cornick’s lyrical writing had me immersed and charmed from the first chapter.
Told in two narratives, the first is the present day with Alison. A friend of hers has found a rare portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows it’s Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with her second husband.
Mary Seymour has always been a mystery of the court because she vanished. What happened to her? And how is she tied to Alison in the present day?
The way the two story lines converge is part of the enchantment of this story. The writing is transportive, and the storyline complex and masterful with layers of coming-of-age, deceit, drama, and a taste of magical elements.
Overall, I recommend The Phantom Tree to fans of Tudor fiction who are looking for a new twist on history, as well as for Outlander fans or anyone who enjoys light fantasy involving time travel. I was also approved for Nicola Cornick’s next book, The Woman in the Lake, out in February 2019, and I cannot wait to soak up that story!
Thank you to Harlequin/Graydon House for the complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
July 30, 2022
Last year, I read another novel by Nicola Cornick and found myself eager to try The Phantom Tree when I saw it listed on NetGalley. I was awarded the book about a month ago and scheduled it for this week. If you've never read something from Cornick, think of it as a combination of historical fiction, fantasy, romance and mystery. All four elements are usually incorporated into her style and provide a very intense and sometimes Gothic read. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from her.
This story takes place in two different time periods in the UK -- the mid 16th century and modern times. In modern times, a ~30ish woman named Alison has re-connected with a former boyfriend who has announced a discovery that he's found a portrait of Anne Boleyn, a rarity. Alison knows this is really a painting of Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's last wife) and her second husband. But how does she know? And will she and Adam reunite or will the reasons they separated a decade ago still keep them apart? In the 16th century, Mary and her cousin are teenage girls dealing with the potential of forced marriages and interested lovers. One becomes pregnant. Another seems destined to be a witch. But then something odd happens, the girls are separated, and the child is lost seemingly forever. How are the stories connected? Who's related to whom in the current day? It's quite a fantastical story, but one I really adored.
My favorite aspects of Cornick's novels are her writing style. Pages will describe a scene or a setting and you are immediately transported there. It's lyrical and haunting at the same time. Occasionally it can be a lot to handle (I'm often a plot guy), but it's breathtaking to just read a few paragraphs from time to time. You'll know how writers live in their heads coming up with something so detailed they can't help but want to share it with their readers.
I also really connect with the historical truths in the books. Mary Seymour was thought to have died quite young and disappeared, but some feel she actually survived. Cornick takes that notion and runs with it in this book, and while parts are fabricated, it's woven in such an endearing way, you like the fictional components. It draws you in and gives you a fair balance of story and facts. That's the kind of read I enjoy!
This story takes place in two different time periods in the UK -- the mid 16th century and modern times. In modern times, a ~30ish woman named Alison has re-connected with a former boyfriend who has announced a discovery that he's found a portrait of Anne Boleyn, a rarity. Alison knows this is really a painting of Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's last wife) and her second husband. But how does she know? And will she and Adam reunite or will the reasons they separated a decade ago still keep them apart? In the 16th century, Mary and her cousin are teenage girls dealing with the potential of forced marriages and interested lovers. One becomes pregnant. Another seems destined to be a witch. But then something odd happens, the girls are separated, and the child is lost seemingly forever. How are the stories connected? Who's related to whom in the current day? It's quite a fantastical story, but one I really adored.
My favorite aspects of Cornick's novels are her writing style. Pages will describe a scene or a setting and you are immediately transported there. It's lyrical and haunting at the same time. Occasionally it can be a lot to handle (I'm often a plot guy), but it's breathtaking to just read a few paragraphs from time to time. You'll know how writers live in their heads coming up with something so detailed they can't help but want to share it with their readers.
I also really connect with the historical truths in the books. Mary Seymour was thought to have died quite young and disappeared, but some feel she actually survived. Cornick takes that notion and runs with it in this book, and while parts are fabricated, it's woven in such an endearing way, you like the fictional components. It draws you in and gives you a fair balance of story and facts. That's the kind of read I enjoy!
August 30, 2019
My name is Mary Seymour and I am the daughter of one queen and the niece of another.
Mary Seymour, a child lost to history, it's presumed she died at the age of two in 1550. Until the present time when Alison Bannister comes across a painting of her in a local gallery. The celebrated historian who found the painting is convinced it's a portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows better. For Alison was Mary's childhood friend...
The Phantom Tree is a fascinating read, the coming together of the two timelines is very well done. In the past we have Mary, a young woman who has been shunted unwanted from relative to relative her entire life and in the present we have Alison, who would do anything to get back her son. It's a highly original take on historical fiction, and one I would recommend to all lovers of the genre.
Mary Seymour, a child lost to history, it's presumed she died at the age of two in 1550. Until the present time when Alison Bannister comes across a painting of her in a local gallery. The celebrated historian who found the painting is convinced it's a portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows better. For Alison was Mary's childhood friend...
The Phantom Tree is a fascinating read, the coming together of the two timelines is very well done. In the past we have Mary, a young woman who has been shunted unwanted from relative to relative her entire life and in the present we have Alison, who would do anything to get back her son. It's a highly original take on historical fiction, and one I would recommend to all lovers of the genre.
July 24, 2018
I loved the fact that this time travel story had someone going from the past to the present which I’ve not seen done much previously. Mary Seymour was definitely my favorite character and the way her departure was handled did not do her justice. I felt the conclusion was ‘cheesy’ and a huge let down given how much I enjoyed the rest of the novel. I know this sounds weird but I wish I’d just stopped reading when it started wrapping up and created my own ending. A strong 5 star until the conclusion which was a 2. Overall 3.5 stars.
Read
May 29, 2017This is a time travel book, telling the story of two women; both orphans. One is Alison Banestre, the second Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour. This is, of course, an alternative history, as Mary Seymour is supposed to have died young. However, although she is not mentioned in historical records past her second birthday, her fate is unknown. In this novel, Alison (a fictional character and not based upon any known person) and Mary Seymour meet at Wolf Hall.
Both of these young women, have a prickly relationship with each other. They share the fact that they are both, essentially, unwanted. When Alison becomes pregnant, she is sent away in disgrace and her son, Arthur, is taken from her. However, Alison finds a door to the present (or the future, as she obviously sees it) and plans to escape with her son and create a new life. Having travelled between times she suddenly finds the door closed and she is stuck in the present day. Before leaving, she made a pact with Mary, asking her to find Arthur and send her word of where she can find him.
When Alison comes across the portrait of a woman believed to be Anne Boleyn, only she knows it is of Mary Seymour. The discoverer of the painting is a television historian, with whom she previously had a relationship. Alison believes the portrait contains clues to help her find her son, but she needs Adam’s help to investigate and that involves her opening herself up to be possibly hurt. For Alison is surviving, and surviving well, in a place, and time, that was initially utterly strange and unfamiliar to her.
This novel tells the story of what happens to both Mary and Alison, along with the investigation by Alison of the portrait and possible clues to the whereabouts of her son. Can she find a way back to find him? Can she cope with the sense of loneliness, and loss without him? I found this an enjoyable novel. The time travel part of the book is handled well and not too unrealistic. Of course, Alison is young when she first arrives in the present and it is evident that she does not cope well at first, but she does manage to make a realistic life for herself. I enjoyed the story featuring Alison more than the storyline about Mary, but the book overall was interesting and well written.
Both of these young women, have a prickly relationship with each other. They share the fact that they are both, essentially, unwanted. When Alison becomes pregnant, she is sent away in disgrace and her son, Arthur, is taken from her. However, Alison finds a door to the present (or the future, as she obviously sees it) and plans to escape with her son and create a new life. Having travelled between times she suddenly finds the door closed and she is stuck in the present day. Before leaving, she made a pact with Mary, asking her to find Arthur and send her word of where she can find him.
When Alison comes across the portrait of a woman believed to be Anne Boleyn, only she knows it is of Mary Seymour. The discoverer of the painting is a television historian, with whom she previously had a relationship. Alison believes the portrait contains clues to help her find her son, but she needs Adam’s help to investigate and that involves her opening herself up to be possibly hurt. For Alison is surviving, and surviving well, in a place, and time, that was initially utterly strange and unfamiliar to her.
This novel tells the story of what happens to both Mary and Alison, along with the investigation by Alison of the portrait and possible clues to the whereabouts of her son. Can she find a way back to find him? Can she cope with the sense of loneliness, and loss without him? I found this an enjoyable novel. The time travel part of the book is handled well and not too unrealistic. Of course, Alison is young when she first arrives in the present and it is evident that she does not cope well at first, but she does manage to make a realistic life for herself. I enjoyed the story featuring Alison more than the storyline about Mary, but the book overall was interesting and well written.
June 21, 2020
My first book by Nicola Cornick, The Phantom Tree, was highly recommended by my friend, Stephanie, at Stephanie’s Novel Fiction! A genre-spanning work involving historical fiction, romance, light mystery, and time travel/fantasy, Cormick’s lyrical writing had me immersed and charmed from the first chapter.
Told in two narratives, the first is the present day with Alison. A friend of hers has found a rare portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows it’s Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with her second husband.
Mary Seymour has always been a mystery of the court because she vanished. What happened to her? And how is she tied to Alison in the present day?
The way the two story lines converge is part of the enchantment of this story. The writing is transportive, and the storyline complex and masterful with layers of coming-of-age, deceit, drama, and a taste of magical elements.
Overall, I recommend The Phantom Tree to fans of Tudor fiction who are looking for a new twist on history, as well as for Outlander fans or anyone who enjoys light fantasy involving time travel. I was also approved for Nicola Cormick’s next book, The Woman in the Lake, out in February 2019, and I cannot wait to soak up that story!
Thank you to Harlequin/Graydon House for the complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Told in two narratives, the first is the present day with Alison. A friend of hers has found a rare portrait of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows it’s Mary Seymour, the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with her second husband.
Mary Seymour has always been a mystery of the court because she vanished. What happened to her? And how is she tied to Alison in the present day?
The way the two story lines converge is part of the enchantment of this story. The writing is transportive, and the storyline complex and masterful with layers of coming-of-age, deceit, drama, and a taste of magical elements.
Overall, I recommend The Phantom Tree to fans of Tudor fiction who are looking for a new twist on history, as well as for Outlander fans or anyone who enjoys light fantasy involving time travel. I was also approved for Nicola Cormick’s next book, The Woman in the Lake, out in February 2019, and I cannot wait to soak up that story!
Thank you to Harlequin/Graydon House for the complimentary copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 13, 2018
3.5 stars
This is the first book that I have read by Cornick, but it certainly will not be my last! I am really torn on my rating for The Phantom Tree because, on one hand, I really enjoyed the story. But on the other hand, there were a few things that just kept bothering me throughout the entire story.
Let’s start with the not so positive, shall we?
First off, I have no issue with time travel books. I am willing to suspend belief and thoroughly enjoy the story. I have read a few other time travel centric books and the fantasy element is a non-issue.
Where Phantom Tree fell flat for me was that there wasn’t any explanation of HOW Alison was able to time travel. We are told she traveled to and from the present a few times, but then gets stuck in the future. But how was she able to time travel? Where is the secret door? The magic cupboard? I mean, why not The Phantom Tree? It’s right there for the taking. No matter how much I was enjoying the story, this kept niggling in my brain and I kept thinking “when are we going to find out how this happened?”
Additionally, as I mentioned, we are told that she time traveled a few times before getting stuck. I really kept hoping that in the “past” storyline, we would have seen how Alison discovered she could time travel and how many times she did it before she got stuck in the future. It was all very glossed over and she was in the past one minute and then boom, she is in the future. Even her departure from the past was all very vague, and to me, this is a huge plot point. If you are telling a time travel story, how it happens is a huge part story.
Eventually, in the very end of the book, we do find out how she did it. But it was too little too late. And even then, it really wasn’t explained very well.
Now, if you have made it this far in my review, you might be thinking that I hated this book, and you could not be more wrong. I actually really, really enjoyed this book! I really liked Cornick’s writing style and the actual plot was a really well told story. I was hooked from the beginning. I will admit, that I enjoyed the “past” storyline much more than the “present”, but the story was woven together very nicely.
With all of this being said, I think I am going to settle on 3.5 stars. The story was interesting and I enjoyed it, but there were too many loose ends for me give this a higher rating. I would highly recommend this books to historical fiction lovers and fantasy fiction lovers alike.
Thank you to Harlequin – Graydon House Books for my copy of this book via NetGalley
This is the first book that I have read by Cornick, but it certainly will not be my last! I am really torn on my rating for The Phantom Tree because, on one hand, I really enjoyed the story. But on the other hand, there were a few things that just kept bothering me throughout the entire story.
Let’s start with the not so positive, shall we?
First off, I have no issue with time travel books. I am willing to suspend belief and thoroughly enjoy the story. I have read a few other time travel centric books and the fantasy element is a non-issue.
Where Phantom Tree fell flat for me was that there wasn’t any explanation of HOW Alison was able to time travel. We are told she traveled to and from the present a few times, but then gets stuck in the future. But how was she able to time travel? Where is the secret door? The magic cupboard? I mean, why not The Phantom Tree? It’s right there for the taking. No matter how much I was enjoying the story, this kept niggling in my brain and I kept thinking “when are we going to find out how this happened?”
Additionally, as I mentioned, we are told that she time traveled a few times before getting stuck. I really kept hoping that in the “past” storyline, we would have seen how Alison discovered she could time travel and how many times she did it before she got stuck in the future. It was all very glossed over and she was in the past one minute and then boom, she is in the future. Even her departure from the past was all very vague, and to me, this is a huge plot point. If you are telling a time travel story, how it happens is a huge part story.
Eventually, in the very end of the book, we do find out how she did it. But it was too little too late. And even then, it really wasn’t explained very well.
Now, if you have made it this far in my review, you might be thinking that I hated this book, and you could not be more wrong. I actually really, really enjoyed this book! I really liked Cornick’s writing style and the actual plot was a really well told story. I was hooked from the beginning. I will admit, that I enjoyed the “past” storyline much more than the “present”, but the story was woven together very nicely.
With all of this being said, I think I am going to settle on 3.5 stars. The story was interesting and I enjoyed it, but there were too many loose ends for me give this a higher rating. I would highly recommend this books to historical fiction lovers and fantasy fiction lovers alike.
Thank you to Harlequin – Graydon House Books for my copy of this book via NetGalley
September 7, 2018
5 Stars
Arc Book Review
Release Date-21/8/18
So this was one that initially drew me in by being described as for fans of Barbara Erskine and I have to say I agree completely.
I myself have been a huge fan of that particular author for many years; in fact, she's an auto-buy for me and "The Phantom Tree" I found was in a very similar vein, combining the past and present just so effortlessly.
What I loved about this the most was the rich factual history that was interwoven amongst the fiction.
It's almost a history lesson within a story that's been brought to vivid life before my very eyes. Managing to capture but also retain my initial attention just so effortlessly.
A timeslip story which manages to combine elements of history, Romance and suspense all parcelled up so nicely into one enticing little bundle.
"The Phantom Tree," tells the story of the very real historical character of Mary Seymour and her distant cousin Alison.
Rivals, as well as unlikely allies these two young girls, mature together under the roof of the real-life Wolf Hall of 1557.
Due to circumstances forced upon both girls there paths separate following such different directions, one to a whole new home as a companion and poor relation, the other escaping through a doorway to the future.
Promises made but unable to deliver this story starts to unfold both then and now its repercussions managing to echo down through the coming centuries affecting all around.
Past and present combining so splendidly together at its very heart this is a tale of love. loss and redemption one I really can't recommend enough.
I really didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I actually did, this is one book that certainly snuck up on me catching me completely unawares.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "The Phantom Tree" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
May 3, 2018
Historical Fictional fans rejoice!
Give a round of applause for The Phantom Tree!
For those who are as obsessed as I am with the Tudor court, for those that love the anything to do with 16th century England, this book is for you.
This is my first Nicola Cornick book and I have to say this, her writing style was beautiful!
The way she described scenes were detailed and you couldn't help but imagine it vividly. The Phantom Tree is haunting and filled with mystery.
To be honest, this book had a little bit of everything: romance, probability of fear and wonderment, mystery, a sense of danger, time travel, hurdles of a woman in that era.
I will say this, this is not the best historical fiction out there but I absolutely enjoyed Nicola's writing style. The way she has written this book, it was like she had woven a spell on readers..making you feel like as if the Fictional 'facts' were real and genuine.
I admit I Googled the hell out of the people who inspired the characters that were mentioned in this book.
The Phantom Tree is primarily a romance novel, and by the end I honestly felt a sense of bitter sweet contentment.
Highly recommend it!
For more ...
www.jemimajamir.com
January 1, 2018
4 stars--I really liked it.
Ever since discovering Mariana, I've adored time slip/past life novels. I started seeking them out: Green Darkness, the Outlander books, etc. So when I saw this on Netgalley, I jumped to request it. And I wasn't disappointed.
This is the first book I've read that has someone going forward in time, and that was a nice twist. Alison, the main character (and time traveler), is prickly and determined, and I liked her for that. No spoilers, but I found the plot bittersweet, with a satisfying ending. Good characters, nice historical touches, and all-around enjoyable.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
Ever since discovering Mariana, I've adored time slip/past life novels. I started seeking them out: Green Darkness, the Outlander books, etc. So when I saw this on Netgalley, I jumped to request it. And I wasn't disappointed.
This is the first book I've read that has someone going forward in time, and that was a nice twist. Alison, the main character (and time traveler), is prickly and determined, and I liked her for that. No spoilers, but I found the plot bittersweet, with a satisfying ending. Good characters, nice historical touches, and all-around enjoyable.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
August 13, 2018
Absorbing, heartwarming, and incredibly intriguing!
The Phantom Tree is a well-paced, evocative, time-travel novel set in England during both the mid-1500s as well as present day and is told from two different perspectives, Alison Banestre, a strong, heartbroken, young lady running from scandal, and Alison Bannister, a successful, driven, young woman searching for a way home.
The writing is effortless and immersive. The characters are multifaceted, tormented, and sympathetic. And the plot using a back-and-forth, past/present style captivates and enthralls as it sweeps you away into an intricately woven, suspenseful tale of life, loss, familial responsibility, coming-of-age, betrayal, deception, drama, mystery, love, and a touch of magic.
The Phantom Tree is a beautifully written, clever, unique story, and even though there is not much known about the life and death of Mary Seymour, Cornick has done a remarkable job of taking the barest of historical facts and surrounding them with fiction that is passionate, alluring, and exceptionally fascinating.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
The Phantom Tree is a well-paced, evocative, time-travel novel set in England during both the mid-1500s as well as present day and is told from two different perspectives, Alison Banestre, a strong, heartbroken, young lady running from scandal, and Alison Bannister, a successful, driven, young woman searching for a way home.
The writing is effortless and immersive. The characters are multifaceted, tormented, and sympathetic. And the plot using a back-and-forth, past/present style captivates and enthralls as it sweeps you away into an intricately woven, suspenseful tale of life, loss, familial responsibility, coming-of-age, betrayal, deception, drama, mystery, love, and a touch of magic.
The Phantom Tree is a beautifully written, clever, unique story, and even though there is not much known about the life and death of Mary Seymour, Cornick has done a remarkable job of taking the barest of historical facts and surrounding them with fiction that is passionate, alluring, and exceptionally fascinating.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
January 9, 2018
**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR, IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW.**
While passing an antiques shop, Alison spots a painting in the window that immediately grabs her attention. The painting is thought to be of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows that the painting is of Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr, who was the sixth and final wife of the infamous King Henry VIII. Mary was sent to Wolf Hall in 1557, an unwanted orphan. Many presume that she died as Mary seemed to drop off the map and there’s no official historical record of her after the age of two, only hearsay and circumstantial information. Alison, however, knows for a fact that Mart was at Wolf Hall in 1557...because she was there too. To Alison, the painting of Mary is the key to her past and how she can find her way back to her own time, and finally get the answers to questions that have haunted her for centuries.
I finished reading The Phantom Tree earlier this evening and my first impression was just “WOW!” It’s so incredibly well written and drew my attention from the first paragraph and never let go until the very end. It switches back and forth between both Alison’s and Mary’s points of view, as well as between the Tudor period and present day seamlessly. While this is obviously an “alternative history”, and creative license was definitely utilized, it’s also quite obvious that Nicola Cornick spent a lot of time researching the era and people of the day. I truly enjoyed stepping into the past, especially since this is a period that I’ve always been particularly fascinated with. I really felt that all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, even the ones I didn’t particularly like, because they were truly horrid, as far as personalities. It made me sad the way that both Alison and Mary were just shuffled off to be forgotten and treated as though they were merely burdens to be tolerated until they could inherit and be married off but I loved watching both of them “come into their own”, so to speak. It was amazing watching Alison transform from a somewhat surly and rebellious young girl into a confident lady who knows she can handle what life throws her way. Mary, also, has an inspirational transformation as she progresses from the shy, naive child into a young lady who’s willing to stand up for herself and seek her own happiness. Honestly, I find myself hoping that Cornick writes more in this vein, about some of the other characters like Thomas Fenner and Reginald De Morven because I honestly cannot wait to read more of her work.
While passing an antiques shop, Alison spots a painting in the window that immediately grabs her attention. The painting is thought to be of Anne Boleyn, but Alison knows that the painting is of Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr, who was the sixth and final wife of the infamous King Henry VIII. Mary was sent to Wolf Hall in 1557, an unwanted orphan. Many presume that she died as Mary seemed to drop off the map and there’s no official historical record of her after the age of two, only hearsay and circumstantial information. Alison, however, knows for a fact that Mart was at Wolf Hall in 1557...because she was there too. To Alison, the painting of Mary is the key to her past and how she can find her way back to her own time, and finally get the answers to questions that have haunted her for centuries.
I finished reading The Phantom Tree earlier this evening and my first impression was just “WOW!” It’s so incredibly well written and drew my attention from the first paragraph and never let go until the very end. It switches back and forth between both Alison’s and Mary’s points of view, as well as between the Tudor period and present day seamlessly. While this is obviously an “alternative history”, and creative license was definitely utilized, it’s also quite obvious that Nicola Cornick spent a lot of time researching the era and people of the day. I truly enjoyed stepping into the past, especially since this is a period that I’ve always been particularly fascinated with. I really felt that all of the characters were dynamic and interesting, even the ones I didn’t particularly like, because they were truly horrid, as far as personalities. It made me sad the way that both Alison and Mary were just shuffled off to be forgotten and treated as though they were merely burdens to be tolerated until they could inherit and be married off but I loved watching both of them “come into their own”, so to speak. It was amazing watching Alison transform from a somewhat surly and rebellious young girl into a confident lady who knows she can handle what life throws her way. Mary, also, has an inspirational transformation as she progresses from the shy, naive child into a young lady who’s willing to stand up for herself and seek her own happiness. Honestly, I find myself hoping that Cornick writes more in this vein, about some of the other characters like Thomas Fenner and Reginald De Morven because I honestly cannot wait to read more of her work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
Nicola Cornick’s The Phantom Tree, while not perfect, was a pleasant surprise. It was an easy read with some fantastic elements of historical fiction that were believable and genuine. It had similarities to A. S. Byatt’s Possession but lacked its literary focus and genuine depth, yet despite this it was an enjoyable read, if not entirely convincing in its narrative.
The Phantom Tree tells the concurrent stories of two friends, separated by time. Allison Bannister is a woman living in the present, ripped from her family and stranded in a time that isn’t hers. Mary Seymour is a woman lost from history who holds a secret she needs to communicate through time itself.
Tudor historical fiction is a dime a dozen these days. It’s always been popular, so the fact that Nicola Cornick tried to do something different with the formula is commendable. Her descriptions of the period are emotive and beautiful and gave a deep sense of what life would have been like for the ‘forgotten’ aristocracy of the Tudor period. It was less about the large political machinations and big personalities that punctuate what we know about the time, and instead put these elements in the background of a much more personal story. They gave a sense of time and place, rather than becoming the focus of what is, essentially, a very personal story.
It’s a shame then that the modern-day narrative didn’t have the same heart or depth as the historical narrative. Cornick’s love is obviously history, and that love showed through every word where the Tudor period was concerned. The modern elements simply felt flat and lifeless in comparison. We are introduced to Allison when she is already well established in our time. She has a job, an apartment, has already had a serious relationship (which is rekindled with absolutely no spark or romance) and so we never get to know the difficulty she must have had adjusting to modern life having just come from a time that is so far removed from our own as to be a different planet. Despite Allison being the protagonist, it was Mary who had all the characterisation and soul.
I think one of the reasons this may have been the case is that there is no internal logic or believability to the central premise of magic and time travel. At no point is it explained why it is possible. All the characters simply shrug and seem to say ‘that’s just the way it is’. There wasn’t enough in it that could suspend my disbelief at the fantasy elements. If it had been as simply as ‘time travel exists’ I probably could have been ok with that, but there are so many other elements jammed in there that didn’t heighten the narrative at all, that it did bear some kind of explanation. There are visions, precognition, telepathy and a weird telepathic romance that left me a little confused as to why it was necessary.
The ultimate resolution to The Phantom Tree was far too neat. All Allison’s modern day compatriots simply accept her story of time travelling without even a blink of disbelief. In only ten years we are meant to simply accept that she perfectly came to grips with modern life, learns to drive, studies abroad with a university despite having no documentation to even prove that she exists and lands a dream job with a start-up travel company that people would probably kill for, despite there being countries on the itinerary that hadn’t even been discovered at the time she was born. Even the answer to the plot’s great mystery somehow just seems to appear in her mind, despite the plot being set up as a tale of sleuthing through time.
There was a lot to commend The Phantom Tree as a work of historical fiction. But the fantasy elements and blind acceptance of the fantastical situations by the books characters were a little hard to swallow. Where the historical elements flowed naturally and worked as a believable narrative, the modern-day and fantasy elements felt somehow forced and made the book in to something that I don’t think it should ever have been.
Review also at I Blame Wizards
The Phantom Tree tells the concurrent stories of two friends, separated by time. Allison Bannister is a woman living in the present, ripped from her family and stranded in a time that isn’t hers. Mary Seymour is a woman lost from history who holds a secret she needs to communicate through time itself.
Tudor historical fiction is a dime a dozen these days. It’s always been popular, so the fact that Nicola Cornick tried to do something different with the formula is commendable. Her descriptions of the period are emotive and beautiful and gave a deep sense of what life would have been like for the ‘forgotten’ aristocracy of the Tudor period. It was less about the large political machinations and big personalities that punctuate what we know about the time, and instead put these elements in the background of a much more personal story. They gave a sense of time and place, rather than becoming the focus of what is, essentially, a very personal story.
It’s a shame then that the modern-day narrative didn’t have the same heart or depth as the historical narrative. Cornick’s love is obviously history, and that love showed through every word where the Tudor period was concerned. The modern elements simply felt flat and lifeless in comparison. We are introduced to Allison when she is already well established in our time. She has a job, an apartment, has already had a serious relationship (which is rekindled with absolutely no spark or romance) and so we never get to know the difficulty she must have had adjusting to modern life having just come from a time that is so far removed from our own as to be a different planet. Despite Allison being the protagonist, it was Mary who had all the characterisation and soul.
I think one of the reasons this may have been the case is that there is no internal logic or believability to the central premise of magic and time travel. At no point is it explained why it is possible. All the characters simply shrug and seem to say ‘that’s just the way it is’. There wasn’t enough in it that could suspend my disbelief at the fantasy elements. If it had been as simply as ‘time travel exists’ I probably could have been ok with that, but there are so many other elements jammed in there that didn’t heighten the narrative at all, that it did bear some kind of explanation. There are visions, precognition, telepathy and a weird telepathic romance that left me a little confused as to why it was necessary.
The ultimate resolution to The Phantom Tree was far too neat. All Allison’s modern day compatriots simply accept her story of time travelling without even a blink of disbelief. In only ten years we are meant to simply accept that she perfectly came to grips with modern life, learns to drive, studies abroad with a university despite having no documentation to even prove that she exists and lands a dream job with a start-up travel company that people would probably kill for, despite there being countries on the itinerary that hadn’t even been discovered at the time she was born. Even the answer to the plot’s great mystery somehow just seems to appear in her mind, despite the plot being set up as a tale of sleuthing through time.
There was a lot to commend The Phantom Tree as a work of historical fiction. But the fantasy elements and blind acceptance of the fantastical situations by the books characters were a little hard to swallow. Where the historical elements flowed naturally and worked as a believable narrative, the modern-day and fantasy elements felt somehow forced and made the book in to something that I don’t think it should ever have been.
Review also at I Blame Wizards
May 29, 2017
This is a time travel book, telling the story of two women; both orphans. One is Alison Banestre, the second Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour. This is, of course, an alternative history, as Mary Seymour is supposed to have died young. However, although she is not mentioned in historical records past her second birthday, her fate is unknown. In this novel, Alison (a fictional character and not based upon any known person) and Mary Seymour meet at Wolf Hall.
Both of these young women, have a prickly relationship with each other. They share the fact that they are both, essentially, unwanted. When Alison becomes pregnant, she is sent away in disgrace and her son, Arthur, is taken from her. However, Alison finds a door to the present (or the future, as she obviously sees it) and plans to escape with her son and create a new life. Having travelled between times she suddenly finds the door closed and she is stuck in the present day. Before leaving, she made a pact with Mary, asking her to find Arthur and send her word of where she can find him.
When Alison comes across the portrait of a woman believed to be Anne Boleyn, only she knows it is of Mary Seymour. The discoverer of the painting is a television historian, with whom she previously had a relationship. Alison believes the portrait contains clues to help her find her son, but she needs Adam’s help to investigate and that involves her opening herself up to be possibly hurt. For Alison is surviving, and surviving well, in a place, and time, that was initially utterly strange and unfamiliar to her.
This novel tells the story of what happens to both Mary and Alison, along with the investigation by Alison of the portrait and possible clues to the whereabouts of her son. Can she find a way back to find him? Can she cope with the sense of loneliness, and loss without him? I found this an enjoyable novel. The time travel part of the book is handled well and not too unrealistic. Of course, Alison is young when she first arrives in the present and it is evident that she does not cope well at first, but she does manage to make a realistic life for herself. I enjoyed the story featuring Alison more than the storyline about Mary, but the book overall was interesting and well written.
Both of these young women, have a prickly relationship with each other. They share the fact that they are both, essentially, unwanted. When Alison becomes pregnant, she is sent away in disgrace and her son, Arthur, is taken from her. However, Alison finds a door to the present (or the future, as she obviously sees it) and plans to escape with her son and create a new life. Having travelled between times she suddenly finds the door closed and she is stuck in the present day. Before leaving, she made a pact with Mary, asking her to find Arthur and send her word of where she can find him.
When Alison comes across the portrait of a woman believed to be Anne Boleyn, only she knows it is of Mary Seymour. The discoverer of the painting is a television historian, with whom she previously had a relationship. Alison believes the portrait contains clues to help her find her son, but she needs Adam’s help to investigate and that involves her opening herself up to be possibly hurt. For Alison is surviving, and surviving well, in a place, and time, that was initially utterly strange and unfamiliar to her.
This novel tells the story of what happens to both Mary and Alison, along with the investigation by Alison of the portrait and possible clues to the whereabouts of her son. Can she find a way back to find him? Can she cope with the sense of loneliness, and loss without him? I found this an enjoyable novel. The time travel part of the book is handled well and not too unrealistic. Of course, Alison is young when she first arrives in the present and it is evident that she does not cope well at first, but she does manage to make a realistic life for herself. I enjoyed the story featuring Alison more than the storyline about Mary, but the book overall was interesting and well written.
September 21, 2018
Immersive is the word I’d pick to describe my reading experience of The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick. The story is an entertaining blend of history, mystery and romance with a slight fantasy element. Narrated in dual timelines of present day and mid-sixteenth century, and set in London and Wiltshire, this complex, multilayered tale is full of drama and deceit with bits and pieces of Tudor history.
One evening in present day Wiltshire, Allison Bannister comes across a dated Tudor portrait in an antique shop, the subject presumably being Anne Boleyn. Allison, however knows for a fact that the woman in the portrait is Mary Seymor. Historically speaking, there is no record of Mary as an adult. Born in 1548 to Thomas Seymour, Baron of Sudeley, and Katherine Parr, widow of Henry VIII of England, Mary Seymor mysteriously vanished from history when she was a child. So, why and how does Allison believe the woman to be someone who technically disappeared in history?
Allison knows this for a fact, because back in 1557, when nine year old Mary came over to live in Wolf Hall following the unfortunate death of her parents, Allison was there, eleven years old, residing in Wolf Hall, and about to share her chamber with Mary. Beautiful, wild and free spirited Allison never got along with plain, quiet and meek Mary, their relationship being prickly at best and downright hostile at worst. A few years later, a fateful turn of events force them both to help each other and Mary promises Alison to help her look for something she’s been desperately searching for.
How does Allison end up in the present day and did she find what she was looking for? What was she looking for? Was Mary able to keep her promise through the centuries? What really happened to Mary and how did she get lost in history? The answer to these innumerable and inexplicable questions is what makes up this extremely engaging story. Of course, there are a few magic elements but they’re beautifully incorporated into the mystery. There is also some romance in both the timelines and just the right amount. The story concludes with a completely unexpected but totally satisfying twist towards the end.
The Phantom Tree is an absorbing dual timeline historical mystery that beautifully combines fact with fiction and tells an unforgettable tale of love, loss and redemption. After reading this, one might just believe that magic is real and time travel a possibility, that promises can be kept over centuries and sometimes what we seek isn’t necessarily what we need. All in all a relishing read!
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
** An ARC was provided by Harlequin Books and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
One evening in present day Wiltshire, Allison Bannister comes across a dated Tudor portrait in an antique shop, the subject presumably being Anne Boleyn. Allison, however knows for a fact that the woman in the portrait is Mary Seymor. Historically speaking, there is no record of Mary as an adult. Born in 1548 to Thomas Seymour, Baron of Sudeley, and Katherine Parr, widow of Henry VIII of England, Mary Seymor mysteriously vanished from history when she was a child. So, why and how does Allison believe the woman to be someone who technically disappeared in history?
Allison knows this for a fact, because back in 1557, when nine year old Mary came over to live in Wolf Hall following the unfortunate death of her parents, Allison was there, eleven years old, residing in Wolf Hall, and about to share her chamber with Mary. Beautiful, wild and free spirited Allison never got along with plain, quiet and meek Mary, their relationship being prickly at best and downright hostile at worst. A few years later, a fateful turn of events force them both to help each other and Mary promises Alison to help her look for something she’s been desperately searching for.
How does Allison end up in the present day and did she find what she was looking for? What was she looking for? Was Mary able to keep her promise through the centuries? What really happened to Mary and how did she get lost in history? The answer to these innumerable and inexplicable questions is what makes up this extremely engaging story. Of course, there are a few magic elements but they’re beautifully incorporated into the mystery. There is also some romance in both the timelines and just the right amount. The story concludes with a completely unexpected but totally satisfying twist towards the end.
The Phantom Tree is an absorbing dual timeline historical mystery that beautifully combines fact with fiction and tells an unforgettable tale of love, loss and redemption. After reading this, one might just believe that magic is real and time travel a possibility, that promises can be kept over centuries and sometimes what we seek isn’t necessarily what we need. All in all a relishing read!
For more reviews visit my blog Booktimistic - Books, Outdoors & Optimism
** An ARC was provided by Harlequin Books and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
March 31, 2018
Life in the time of Alison and Mary was not good. With the death of their parents each has become an orphan living with unwelcoming and terrorizing relatives who would just as soon see them dead.
This was a time when women were owned by their fathers, husbands, guardians. Double standards abound. While the men bed anything they want, the women are then left damaged and in desperate straits.
When Alison runs away and ends up in modern-day London, she plans to go back and find her infant son, taken from her. Mary is to try her hardest to find the child and leave her clues. However Alison ends up stuck in modern times, trying to find any clues to where Mary might be as well as the baby.
By chance she walks by a gallery and immediately recognizes a small portrait of Mary Seymour. Although it is labeled as Anne Boleyn, Alison knows that the A.B. on the box in the portrait belongs to her and that Mary has left her clues in the painting.
But how can she get back? Maybe with the help of the gallery owner and his godson.
We read this book from alternating points of view, Mary and Alison, past and present.
This was one of the best slip time historical books I've read. Nicola has such a readable style to her writing, it was easy to keep up with who was who and where everyone was. It is one of those books for us history lovers that you fall in and cry with the characters because you know what is going to happen to at least one of them.
A must read this year! Well Done!
NetGalley/ September 1st 2018 by Graydon House
This was a time when women were owned by their fathers, husbands, guardians. Double standards abound. While the men bed anything they want, the women are then left damaged and in desperate straits.
When Alison runs away and ends up in modern-day London, she plans to go back and find her infant son, taken from her. Mary is to try her hardest to find the child and leave her clues. However Alison ends up stuck in modern times, trying to find any clues to where Mary might be as well as the baby.
By chance she walks by a gallery and immediately recognizes a small portrait of Mary Seymour. Although it is labeled as Anne Boleyn, Alison knows that the A.B. on the box in the portrait belongs to her and that Mary has left her clues in the painting.
But how can she get back? Maybe with the help of the gallery owner and his godson.
We read this book from alternating points of view, Mary and Alison, past and present.
This was one of the best slip time historical books I've read. Nicola has such a readable style to her writing, it was easy to keep up with who was who and where everyone was. It is one of those books for us history lovers that you fall in and cry with the characters because you know what is going to happen to at least one of them.
A must read this year! Well Done!
NetGalley/ September 1st 2018 by Graydon House
April 6, 2020
Honestly, for the majority of this novel I thought I would be rating it one or two stars. I really did not get into the story until the last third of the novel but at that point, I couldn't stop reading.
I think if you have a historical background or knowledge regarding Anne Boleyn, Mary Seymour, or the Tudors, this book may be an amazing pick for you. However, as the average 'layperson', the only history I know regarding this era is very minimal.
Most of this story was very dry. It was difficult to focus and nothing seemed to hold my interest. However, as previously stated, that did change in the last third of the novel when the action seemed to start. At that point, I did somewhat understand the reasoning behind the slow story development.
That last third of the novel (in combination with the impactful ending) made up for the whole story. I wish I could have liked the rest of the novel more but unfortunately, that was just got the case.
***I received an ARC of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for hosting this giveaway***
I think if you have a historical background or knowledge regarding Anne Boleyn, Mary Seymour, or the Tudors, this book may be an amazing pick for you. However, as the average 'layperson', the only history I know regarding this era is very minimal.
Most of this story was very dry. It was difficult to focus and nothing seemed to hold my interest. However, as previously stated, that did change in the last third of the novel when the action seemed to start. At that point, I did somewhat understand the reasoning behind the slow story development.
That last third of the novel (in combination with the impactful ending) made up for the whole story. I wish I could have liked the rest of the novel more but unfortunately, that was just got the case.
***I received an ARC of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for hosting this giveaway***
March 12, 2018
I am a fan of Australian writer Kate Morton so a cover promo line on The Phantom Tree advising that "Fans of Kate Morton will enjoy this gripping tale" had me pretty well convinced of the story's pedigree before I'd even opened it, and it didn't disappoint. I found it hard to put down again, which I guess is the best endorsement you can have for a time travel mystery!
Alison Bannister is a reluctant exile from the mid sixteenth century, and Wiltshire's Wolf Hall, on the run from an unscrupulous scion of the Seymour family when she slips through time forward 400 years. She a "reluctant exile", because although her time slip is a very effective escape from desperate circumstances back in Tudor times, she has compelling emotional reasons for wanting to return, that are soon revealed and best are not shared until you've read the story!
It's a fascinating set up - a beautiful young woman stuck in the 21st century, desperate to return to a bad situation in Tudor times, and unable to find the key to time travelling back. This period of Tudor history has been very thoroughly mined by both popular and "literary" historical novelists in recent times - Hilary Mantel made 'Wolf Hall' famous and Philippa Gregory has written extensively of the great families of the time, but Nicola Cornick is right up with them in the riveting historical narrative she delivers.
I don't pretend to be anything of an expert on the period, but I found myself fascinated enough to keep "Google checking' various characters as they came into the story - in particular Alison's mysterious cousin Mary Seymour, the real life daughter of Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour - the husband the former Queen married after the King's death. The story weaves so seamlessly between the imagined world and the historical facts as they are known that I was completely captivated, burning the midnight oil to see it through to it's satisfying end.
So - convincing Tudor history, intriguing narrative, some complex and interesting characters, a real sense of how grim life in the upper echelons of Tudor society could be even for those who had wealth and lands - and and several romantic sub plots to keep us enthralled - The Phantom Tree is another "winner" from an author who is already an international best seller with books in 26 languages.. Just the "escape" busy 21st century readers of the genre can relish.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Alison Bannister is a reluctant exile from the mid sixteenth century, and Wiltshire's Wolf Hall, on the run from an unscrupulous scion of the Seymour family when she slips through time forward 400 years. She a "reluctant exile", because although her time slip is a very effective escape from desperate circumstances back in Tudor times, she has compelling emotional reasons for wanting to return, that are soon revealed and best are not shared until you've read the story!
It's a fascinating set up - a beautiful young woman stuck in the 21st century, desperate to return to a bad situation in Tudor times, and unable to find the key to time travelling back. This period of Tudor history has been very thoroughly mined by both popular and "literary" historical novelists in recent times - Hilary Mantel made 'Wolf Hall' famous and Philippa Gregory has written extensively of the great families of the time, but Nicola Cornick is right up with them in the riveting historical narrative she delivers.
I don't pretend to be anything of an expert on the period, but I found myself fascinated enough to keep "Google checking' various characters as they came into the story - in particular Alison's mysterious cousin Mary Seymour, the real life daughter of Henry VIII's last wife Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour - the husband the former Queen married after the King's death. The story weaves so seamlessly between the imagined world and the historical facts as they are known that I was completely captivated, burning the midnight oil to see it through to it's satisfying end.
So - convincing Tudor history, intriguing narrative, some complex and interesting characters, a real sense of how grim life in the upper echelons of Tudor society could be even for those who had wealth and lands - and and several romantic sub plots to keep us enthralled - The Phantom Tree is another "winner" from an author who is already an international best seller with books in 26 languages.. Just the "escape" busy 21st century readers of the genre can relish.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 4, 2018
I was drawn to this book for two reasons: one, that it features Mary Seymour, daughter of my favorite of Henry VIII's wives, and two, that it features time travel from the past to the future. From the very beginning, when Alison Bannister spotted Mary's newly discovered portrait in a gallery window (mistakenly identified as Anne Boleyn because of the initials on a box, which actually stand for Alison Banestre), I was hooked.
From there a delicious story unfolds of two poor orphaned girls of noble birth struggling to make lives of their own while being dependent upon the generosity of others--until Alison stumbles across a portal to the future. Both women are very well drawn and worthy protagonists: Mary, in the past, navigating the pitfalls of Tudor society and the ambitions of those who would use the dead queen's daughter for their own gain, and Alison in the present, desperately trying to find a way back to the past and the son she left behind yet increasingly finding herself torn between her new life and her old one. It was a joy to watch their lives unfold side by side yet separated by the centuries, and to watch Alison try to find the clues Mary left her. And, as a sucker for a good romance, it was also a joy to watch both women find love.
I was absolutely loving this book and couldn't put it down, but unfortunately I thought the resolution left a lot to be desired. While some things seemed to be too convenient, even "pat," if you will, others were too obscure. One storyline ends well, but the other was very unsatisfying. Actions that seemed very out of character led to tragedy, seemingly just for the sake of having a tragedy in the story. Also, a number of threads seemed to slip through the cracks. Hard to go into detail without spoiling anything, but foremost in my mind is why a certain character in the present day looked so much like a character in the past, yet the connection was never explored. And considering the Phantom Tree plays no role in the story, (and I had theories on what it would turn out to be and was disappointed), I don't know why it was chosen for the title.
Still, I was really loving it and felt sure this book was going to end up being a favorite until the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. And that's really the worst. But I am going to give it four stars because it was so good up until that point. And I do think it's worth a read for anyone who enjoys stories set in Tudor England, mysteries, and romance.
From there a delicious story unfolds of two poor orphaned girls of noble birth struggling to make lives of their own while being dependent upon the generosity of others--until Alison stumbles across a portal to the future. Both women are very well drawn and worthy protagonists: Mary, in the past, navigating the pitfalls of Tudor society and the ambitions of those who would use the dead queen's daughter for their own gain, and Alison in the present, desperately trying to find a way back to the past and the son she left behind yet increasingly finding herself torn between her new life and her old one. It was a joy to watch their lives unfold side by side yet separated by the centuries, and to watch Alison try to find the clues Mary left her. And, as a sucker for a good romance, it was also a joy to watch both women find love.
I was absolutely loving this book and couldn't put it down, but unfortunately I thought the resolution left a lot to be desired. While some things seemed to be too convenient, even "pat," if you will, others were too obscure. One storyline ends well, but the other was very unsatisfying. Actions that seemed very out of character led to tragedy, seemingly just for the sake of having a tragedy in the story. Also, a number of threads seemed to slip through the cracks. Hard to go into detail without spoiling anything, but foremost in my mind is why a certain character in the present day looked so much like a character in the past, yet the connection was never explored. And considering the Phantom Tree plays no role in the story, (and I had theories on what it would turn out to be and was disappointed), I don't know why it was chosen for the title.
Still, I was really loving it and felt sure this book was going to end up being a favorite until the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. And that's really the worst. But I am going to give it four stars because it was so good up until that point. And I do think it's worth a read for anyone who enjoys stories set in Tudor England, mysteries, and romance.
July 19, 2019
Sorry, I just didn't enjoy this book. The posit was ok. The Tudor and earlier eras were interesting. Not the ones in the present. Alison's entire present day story line didn't seem to "fit" into this book. For me, Reginald's reaction made much more sense.
Is this book historical, romance, s.f., occult? I don't think it knows itself.
And where is the dual telepathy coming from to fit into all this? Beats me.
I read every word but I still don't understand the ending to any satisfaction for the length. Mary's personality also left me guessing oodles.
Way too much woo-woo of all flavors in this one for me. And usually I love time travel. Especially when it makes sense.
Is this book historical, romance, s.f., occult? I don't think it knows itself.
And where is the dual telepathy coming from to fit into all this? Beats me.
I read every word but I still don't understand the ending to any satisfaction for the length. Mary's personality also left me guessing oodles.
Way too much woo-woo of all flavors in this one for me. And usually I love time travel. Especially when it makes sense.
June 20, 2017
I loved this book! As a fan of Tudor history and Katherine Parr in particular, I have always been curious about what might have happened to her daughter Mary Seymour, so I was thrilled when I saw Nicola Cornick had written about it. This is everything you want in a historical timeslip--mystery, romance, and great descriptions. Can't wait for her next book!
June 4, 2018
// RECEIVED AN ADVANCE READER COPY FOR REVIEW //
“I felt his smile. It was wonderfully comforting.”
This book got me shaking at how cute the couples are :)
plot:
The writing style was simply enchanting and very descriptive. It had a really good start which I found essential, especially for fantasy books, to be able to get the attention of their readers. It had the detail that fantasy books call for. I enjoyed the story a lot because aside from the fantasy or historical aspect, it was also very amusing and not boring. It did not really have the very strong fantasy vibe I was expecting at the start of the book.
Though it was a creative idea to make the plots at different eras, it was one of the things I thought was unnecessary for the book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if they stuck to the earlier eras. The back and forth of eras did not appeal to my reading style.
And from what I remember, we were not even given a specific date. . .
it was merely written as "present time" so I imagine it in the contemporary world.
It was not a bad portrayal however, words were chosen carefully to fully depict to the readers the timeline.
Aside from that, the other elements in the story fit the theme perfectly for me. What I like with historical fiction is how they can show us a different side to things. It made me see the life of novelty differently.
characters:
“There was love, and teasing and all the reassurances that I remembered. It made me want to cry all over again.”
i love the relationships of the characters because they were mostly relatable.
some of my favorite tropes were here so I may be a little bias hehe
“I was just a girl, in love with being in love.”
I cannot get over the couples in the story !!! They were so cute.
there were prominent familial relationships which I always like seeing in fantasy books because this very different world suddenly makes it more relatable in a way that a lot of people are familiar with, the aspect of family.
themes:
As I said earlier, though I like most of the themes that were in this book and they fit the fantasy genre, there were still some themes that I was not a fan of which was the main reason for my 3-star rating.
overall:
It was mostly an enjoyable read and I had a really hard time rating this because it had one of the most enchanting writing styles I have come across but the plot just really did not call out to me. Historical Fiction readers might love this since i the writing style seemed genuine and had a little bit of everything.
“I felt his smile. It was wonderfully comforting.”
This book got me shaking at how cute the couples are :)
plot:
The writing style was simply enchanting and very descriptive. It had a really good start which I found essential, especially for fantasy books, to be able to get the attention of their readers. It had the detail that fantasy books call for. I enjoyed the story a lot because aside from the fantasy or historical aspect, it was also very amusing and not boring. It did not really have the very strong fantasy vibe I was expecting at the start of the book.
Though it was a creative idea to make the plots at different eras, it was one of the things I thought was unnecessary for the book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if they stuck to the earlier eras. The back and forth of eras did not appeal to my reading style.
And from what I remember, we were not even given a specific date. . .
it was merely written as "present time" so I imagine it in the contemporary world.
It was not a bad portrayal however, words were chosen carefully to fully depict to the readers the timeline.
Aside from that, the other elements in the story fit the theme perfectly for me. What I like with historical fiction is how they can show us a different side to things. It made me see the life of novelty differently.
characters:
“There was love, and teasing and all the reassurances that I remembered. It made me want to cry all over again.”
i love the relationships of the characters because they were mostly relatable.
some of my favorite tropes were here so I may be a little bias hehe
“I was just a girl, in love with being in love.”
I cannot get over the couples in the story !!! They were so cute.
there were prominent familial relationships which I always like seeing in fantasy books because this very different world suddenly makes it more relatable in a way that a lot of people are familiar with, the aspect of family.
themes:
As I said earlier, though I like most of the themes that were in this book and they fit the fantasy genre, there were still some themes that I was not a fan of which was the main reason for my 3-star rating.
overall:
It was mostly an enjoyable read and I had a really hard time rating this because it had one of the most enchanting writing styles I have come across but the plot just really did not call out to me. Historical Fiction readers might love this since i the writing style seemed genuine and had a little bit of everything.
July 3, 2018
This book really struck a chord with me. This whole idea of not fitting in and being at home, really, really hit home. Yes, the story is in places silly, coincidences are convenient etc. etc. but there was something wonderful about it for me. If you like Susannah Kearsley, I highly recommend picking this book up. It had for me the same vibes, I just ordered two more books by this author ;)
March 15, 2019
Listened on Hoopla while reading eArc
Really enjoyed. Didn't care for certain elements.
Wanted more information about the relationship 10 years previous.
How was the protagonist able to time travel? I felt that was never addressed or made clear.
I would recommend and plan, in future, to pick up more by Cornick.
eArc provided by Graydon House via Netgalley
Really enjoyed. Didn't care for certain elements.
Wanted more information about the relationship 10 years previous.
How was the protagonist able to time travel? I felt that was never addressed or made clear.
I would recommend and plan, in future, to pick up more by Cornick.
eArc provided by Graydon House via Netgalley
September 4, 2018
Review coming soon.
February 10, 2017
Nicola's stories take you on a journey through time, she opens your eyes to an era long forgotten but with her words history becomes alive in your head entrancing you in another world.
The Phantom Tree is a captivating historical time slip mystery romance that was utterly spellbinding, mystifying, tragic but equally beautiful. I didn't want the story to end, I was feeling quite bereft and emotional once I had finished reading ... signs of a good story!
The story starts in the present day with Alison walking through the crowded pre-Christmas streets of Marlborough. By chance Alison sees a portrait of a young woman in an art gallery, the painting takes her by surprise, she is drawn to the image and can't quite believe what she sees before her eyes. The painting is listed as Anne Boleyn but Alison knows otherwise. The image stirs memories of a past that Alison thought she'd never see again, the image is Mary Seymour, daughter of Katherine Parr, who was taken to Wolf Hall in 1557. Alison knows this fact as she too lived at Wolf Hall in 1557. Somehow Alison has managed to escape the life she had in the past and has transported over 400 years in the future. For the last 10 years she has tried desperately to return or to find information about something very dear to her that was cruelly taken from her, her son Arthur. This portrait has been the breakthrough Alison has been looking for her.
The book continues with the story about two quite different women that were flung together in unusual circumstances. We follow Mary Seymour's story back in 1557 with her quest to fit in and escape the visions and words in her head. We then follow the story of Alison Bannister who had fled time and is desperate to get back as a mother's love is a bond that is not easily broken. Clues from the past start catching up with Alison and she starts to question herself whether the risk is too great to go back to the 16th century.
This story was so enthralling I loved the images of the past evoked from the words on the pages. The rawness of the times with greed and betrayal. It was so heart breaking for a blossoming love to be cut so cruelly short but time felt like it stood still for this couple till they could be reunited again.
Once again a brilliant historical romance brought to life by Nicola Cornick. 5/5*
The Phantom Tree is a captivating historical time slip mystery romance that was utterly spellbinding, mystifying, tragic but equally beautiful. I didn't want the story to end, I was feeling quite bereft and emotional once I had finished reading ... signs of a good story!
The story starts in the present day with Alison walking through the crowded pre-Christmas streets of Marlborough. By chance Alison sees a portrait of a young woman in an art gallery, the painting takes her by surprise, she is drawn to the image and can't quite believe what she sees before her eyes. The painting is listed as Anne Boleyn but Alison knows otherwise. The image stirs memories of a past that Alison thought she'd never see again, the image is Mary Seymour, daughter of Katherine Parr, who was taken to Wolf Hall in 1557. Alison knows this fact as she too lived at Wolf Hall in 1557. Somehow Alison has managed to escape the life she had in the past and has transported over 400 years in the future. For the last 10 years she has tried desperately to return or to find information about something very dear to her that was cruelly taken from her, her son Arthur. This portrait has been the breakthrough Alison has been looking for her.
The book continues with the story about two quite different women that were flung together in unusual circumstances. We follow Mary Seymour's story back in 1557 with her quest to fit in and escape the visions and words in her head. We then follow the story of Alison Bannister who had fled time and is desperate to get back as a mother's love is a bond that is not easily broken. Clues from the past start catching up with Alison and she starts to question herself whether the risk is too great to go back to the 16th century.
This story was so enthralling I loved the images of the past evoked from the words on the pages. The rawness of the times with greed and betrayal. It was so heart breaking for a blossoming love to be cut so cruelly short but time felt like it stood still for this couple till they could be reunited again.
Once again a brilliant historical romance brought to life by Nicola Cornick. 5/5*
August 29, 2018
If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be weird. The author spent more time on the subplots than on the actual plot. The Darrell/Cat thing? Weird and never really explained. Everything came to a weird abrupt ending. I’m just not really sure what the point to it all was. It took a long time to get the book going just to kind of go in circles that got interesting but lead nowhere. It’s a good thing I was sent this book for free to read for a review because this is one author I will not be reading again. I forced myself to finish it because I have a more exciting TBR pile waiting.
February 24, 2017
A wonderful tale of time travel, love and historical mystery – loved it! It’s the kind of story where you can’t wait to get to the end to see what happens, but at the same time you never want it to end because you’re so emotionally involved and want to stay in that fictional world for as long as possible. Just brilliant!
March 18, 2017
Brilliant loved it very much, as always Nicola did not disappoint thank you Nicola xx
July 25, 2018
It all started with an old portrait that holds the key to one woman’s past, present and future. A little dark with a stroke of fantasy, a kiss of romance and an intriguing mystery that will slip through time, THE PHANTOM TREE will enthrall readers while melding fact and fiction from start to finish.
Nicola Cornick has created a mood of gothic intrigue as she takes us on a journey through time to the sixteenth century Royal court and the mystery of a young girl who “vanished” from English history. More intriguing is the fact that Alison, a contemporary woman knows hidden truths that should have been lost to time, but how? What secrets does THE PHANTOM TREE hold? What connections does a young child from the past hold with a child missing from the present time?
Like a haunting with words, Nicola Cornick’s tale is weighty and thought-provoking as we invited to travel through time, unveil mysteries and feel the romance of a story well-told.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Harlequin-Graydon House Books.
Publisher: Graydon House; Original edition (September 1, 2018)
Publication Date: August 21, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction | Romance
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Nicola Cornick has created a mood of gothic intrigue as she takes us on a journey through time to the sixteenth century Royal court and the mystery of a young girl who “vanished” from English history. More intriguing is the fact that Alison, a contemporary woman knows hidden truths that should have been lost to time, but how? What secrets does THE PHANTOM TREE hold? What connections does a young child from the past hold with a child missing from the present time?
Like a haunting with words, Nicola Cornick’s tale is weighty and thought-provoking as we invited to travel through time, unveil mysteries and feel the romance of a story well-told.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Harlequin-Graydon House Books.
Publisher: Graydon House; Original edition (September 1, 2018)
Publication Date: August 21, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction | Romance
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews