Four motherless sisters, raised by a distant father in a crumbling, ivy-choked country estate. A terrible war on the horizon that will tear an ancient family apart...
Stratford-upon-Avon, 1940. Rosalind Arden, born into one of the oldest families in England, has grown up running wild through the walled gardens and secret passages of historic Arden House, known to have once been frequented by Shakespeare himself. But centuries of squandered wealth have left the family destitute, and Papa Arden plans to replenish the coffers by securing hasty marriages to the highest bidder for Rosalind and her sisters. Passionate and headstrong, Rosalind is quickly running out of ways to avoid this fate.
But then war comes to England, and not even Arden House can remain untouched. As food shortages grip the villages and England is shrouded by black-outs, Rosalind is unexpectedly swept into the orbit of soft-spoken aspiring architect Guy Thompson… just weeks before he's sent to fight. Heartbroken, Rosalind knows she can't return to the golden prison of Arden. Packing her one treasure, a leather-bound book of Shakespeare – a secret bequest from her mother – she runs away to London. There, she throws herself into the war effort, photographing the heart-wrenching aftermath of the blitz – building a life for herself she never thought possible...
Until she is called home to devastating news. With Guy having inexplicably cut contact and her father on the edge of ruin, Rosalind must choose between the life she has made for herself and saving her beautiful, broken Arden House, home to the man who has only ever tried to bend her to his will…
A heartbreaking and unforgettable story full of mystery that will have you reaching for the tissues. Perfect for anyone who loves Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Dinah Jefferies.
What readers are saying about The Shakespeare Sisters:
"This was fantastic! Perfect for a Kate Morton or Lucina Riley hangover, this book will draw you in and won't let go until you've read the last page. This book was unputdownable – fascinating characters, excellent writing, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. I loved every second of it… If you love fiction, especially WWII – then you absolutely must read The Shakespeare Sisters." Reader review, 5 stars
"I found myself reading chapter after chapter unable to put it down. A first-time read by this author but certainly not the last." Reader review, 5 stars
"For readers of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley, this book will be one of your favorites… A historical novel that will keep you reading until the end." Reader review, 5 stars
"An absolutely brilliant read. I could not put it down…I loved how the war changed everyone and it was a gripping story. Made me very grateful for the freedom I have. I really loved it. Cannot recommend it enough." Reader review, 5 stars
"Everything that I was looking for… it left me wanting to read more from Juliet Greenwood." Reader review, 5 stars
