How delighted I was to be able to read the second novel in this great triology by Dinah Jefferies having loved the first," Daughters of War", and it did not disappoint as the author captured the story of how Florence Baudin who is at last in England after a perilous journey with Jack through occupied France and now residing in a picturesque cottage, both still traumatised by events. The story has two timelines as it picks up Florence's Aunt's story and the wish of her Mother Claudette to find her sister who disappeared off to Malta in 1925. The story centres on how Rosalie worked at night in a bohemian club in Paris as a dancer using her skills as a ballet dancer and eventually is taken home after a raid on the club to the shock of her parents who just want her to settle down and marry a nice middle-class man like her sister Claudette did. Unfortunately she is given some news by an informant that her father is hiding a great secret and when she discloses this to her parents they are very angry and she decides to run away and ends in Malta of the 1920s. Whilst Malta looks lovely with its ancient buildings, palaces and churches there is a seedy underbelly and Rosalie with forged papers and renamed Riva begins to discover that foreign hostesses are disappearing and often found dead in the sea around the island. The pace of the novel is good and Rosalie's story has her falling in love and then discovering the ancient town of Medina full of palaces and nobility inside it fortress like walls. AS for Florence her hidden love for Jack who brought her out of the Nazi occupied France is developing despite his affair with her sister Helene and she is missing her other sister Elsi who is pregnant with her shot Resistance Leader's baby. How each of the main character's develop their lives in changing worlds is beautifully crafted. The terrible events in the British island of Malta is skillfully described and I can equate with this having spent a holiday there over 10 years ago and encountered an ex-RAF survivor of those times amd seen the bullet holes in stone world from the bombers' attacks. A great novel that holds the reader to the very last page. Thanks for this opportunity.

This was a fascinating read. I know very little of Malta, let alone what the island suffered during WW2. The descriptions of it, from bustling Valletta to quiet and dignified Ndina have made me put it on my holiday list!
The story of both Rosalie/Riva and Florence running concurrently was gripping and emotional. It was easy to follow (less experienced writers can make this confusing but no problems here) and generally a lovely read.
Of course pockets of sadness and despair, but enough lightness and hope to keep you reading. Very enjoyable.

Great read! Loved the story from the outset, interestjng family history and dynamics explored, ooking forward to the next instalment

Set mainly on the island of Malta, this story tells of Rosalie Delacroix who flees Paris in 1925 to live her dream of becoming a dancer that her strict family have forbidden.. In 1944 her sister is desperate to reconnect with Rosalie and begs her daughter to go to Malta in search of the aunt she has never met. But it is wartime and it is hazardous to travel. A fascinating tale of life and secrets in another era.

The Hidden Palace is an intriguing historical romance story by Dinah Jefferies set in England, France and Malta. As with all of this author’s books, it is atmospheric and brings to life the tragedy and suffering of war. This is actually the second book in a series of three ‘Daughters of War’ stories and even though I have not read the first one, I am not sure why as I thoroughly enjoyed all Dinah’s previous books, it can be read as a standalone.

Three sisters Helene, Elise and Florence live in France while their Mother Claudette lives in England. They appear to have a strained relationship with their Mother but when Florence returns to England she discovers secrets and mysteries that need to be uncovered so peace and understanding can be resumed. The devastation of war surrounds Rosalie who is Claudette’s estranged sister and as Florence uncovers her Aunts colourful life in Malta she is faced with both sadness and joy.
My thanks to net Galley and Publishers Harper Collins for the ARC of this enjoyable read.

The 2nd in the Baudin family trilogy. It was good to revisit the characters from the first book, although the book is no longer set in France. The story focuses on Florence and her Aunt. The description of Malta made me want to visit it again and was very favourable towards the island's treasures. I look forward to the next book.

The second book in the Daughters of War series follows the life of Florence once she escapes France and arrives in England with Jack. She is tired and a little broken but her feelings for Jack are still strong. This is a battle as her older sister Helene is in love with Jack and Florence is trying not to let her feelings show.
Florence finally gets to visit her mother who is living in the Cotsworld. Her mother has asked Florence to find her missing sister Rosalie, a dancer, who had run away from their strict conservative French family over 20 years ago. The only clue she has is a letter from to Malta.
Florence is determined once the war is over to travel to Malta to find her aunt.
The book chapters alternate between Florence’s life in the mid 1940s and Rosalie’s life from 1925.
There is so much to like about this book. I really enjoyed reading about Rosalie’s life in Malta during the war. Having travelled to Malta many times as my husband was born there I found the wonderful descriptive passages took me back to the narrow streets in Mdina, the picturesque walled harbor, beautiful Valetta and many other locations in the Island.
A truly engaging read but I feel you need to read the first book to truly appreciate this second part of the series. Can’t wait for the next instalment in the lives of the Daughters of War

I have just finished reading The Hidden Palace by Dinah Jefferies. Having read the first book in the Daughters of War series, I was looking forward to this second one. I was thrilled when I was offered an ARC. I wasn’t disappointed. Although World War 2 stories are not my usual genre, I found this one interesting, and learnt some history of what the war was like in Malta and the devastation it caused. The story is a continuation of the Daughters of War. Although this one can be read as a stand alone book, I think there is more enjoyment if you have already read the first book. I tried to guess the ending all the way through, but was wrong every time. There are lots of minor plots along the way, lots of emotional highs and lows, and 2 timelines, which works perfectly in this case. I am very grateful to the publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this lovely book.

Dinah Jeffries is a wonderful story teller, this book is pure entertainment, provoking lots of different emotions, it kept me reading well in to the night..What more can I say, I loved it.

Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.
A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.
A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier – and time is running out.

I enjoyed Daughters of War and was looking forward to the next book in this series. The story of Rosalie was unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable and I really liked the two strands running through and slowly coming together. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next novel takes us on the journey of the sisters.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Harper Collins UK

1925. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets. 1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before. Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier – and time is running out.

'The Hidden Palace' is a follow up to Jefferies' book 'The Daughters of War' and it is a very fitting second instalment. This book focuses largely on Florence, her two sisters do feature but not as much. We pick up roughly where we left Florence in the first book and we follow her as she adjusts to her new life. The book then changes to include Florence searching for her missing Aunt, a search that takes her away from home and leads to her meeting new people.

I did really enjoy this book, Jefferies has a beautiful way of writing her characters and the landscape and atmosphere are captured perfectly. However, I did think this was a bit too long and as a result it lost pace which I did find a shame. At times, this was a difficult, emotional read as Jefferies writes about some sensitive subjects and of course the war features heavily. On the whole I was enthralled by this read but I do think it would have been improved if it had been a little shorter.

As I have said, this is a second instalment and you do need to have read the first book in order to fully appreciate this. I loved catching up with characters we have already been introduced to and seeing how they handle the new events Jefferies throws at them. Jefferies has a way of writing characters that capture my imagination and this was no different. I look forward to the next instalment!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.

2nd book in the series and this was a breathless read! It’s definitely an unforgettable story and it just gets more beautiful and moving as it goes on until it reaches its conclusion which is a perfect ending. I absolutely loved it.

This is the sequel to Daughters of War and I recommend that you read it first.
This book follows Florence and Jack as they enter the UK after escaping from France. They are both traumatised and are staying at a cottage in the countryside belonging to Jack. Florence then goes to visit her mother and leaves with things unsaid and unfriendly. Her mother has asked her to find her sister Florence who ran away from home years ago. The only clue she has is it might have been Malta she fled to.
Florence feels she has to do this but it will be impossible until after the war. I was so amazed at her mother asking this of Florence and yet not being interested at what she went through living in occupied France. Even at the end of the book when more things are explained I had no sympathy at all for this woman she just kept making me mad with her.

The story takes us to Malta before and during the war and the story of Rosalie. I really enjoyed her story it was one of survival against the odds. I have been to Malta so I could imagine each one of the places as if I was there.

Florence begins to find her voice during this book. She is no longer the younger sister being teased by her siblings, she is a woman with her own mind. We hear of the other sisters through letters sent back and forward from France to England
.As is usual for a Dinah Jefferies book this one has ups and downs, sad moments, scary moments , heartbreak and love. I didn't find it as traumatic as the first book and this was a good thing as some of the first book was so tragic.
Once again an amazing read by this author, The research that goes into each of her books is immense and enhances each story. Loved it , roll on number three.

Amazing author who has not failed to disappoint, loved the dual timeline and catching up with old characters and welcoming new, storyline was lovely, really could not put this book down
BRILLIANT!

I’m a big fan of Dinah Jefferies and really enjoyed this book. It’s the second in The Daughters of War series, but as I haven’t read the first, I can say that it can be read as a stand alone.
We follow 2 intertwined stories, Florence in 1944 and her aunt Rosalie in 1925 Malta.
A well written and interesting wartime romance.
I would definitely recommend this book.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really enjoy this authors style of writing and this was no exception, great storyline and great characters. Would recommend.

This is the second book in Dinah Jefferies' Daughters of War trilogy, with this one focusing on youngest daughter Florence and her aunt Rosalie. At the end of the first book Florence escaped from occupied France with Jack, including a gruelling walk through the Pyrenees. The start of this book sees them arriving at Jack's home in Devon. We meet his family, including the wife he is trying to divorce, whilst Florence makes contact with her mother who is living in the Cotswolds. On a visit there Florence is asked to track down Claudette's sister who left home at the age of 19. After the end of the war, when travel is once more possible for civilians, the quest begins.

This is a story of love, family and friendship surviving the horrors of war. We hear about the heroism of the Maltese people and the terrible devastation caused by war. We also hear of the white slave trade, which is still going on in various parts of the world. Ultimately a very readable book with plenty of historic detail.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot...

I was delighted to be given an ARC of this novel, having enjoyed previous titles by this author. However I did not realise when I started it that it was actually the second book in a trilogy! I'd say that whilst it works OK as a standalone - elements of background are included for the main characters - I did feel that I was missing something (I wondered if the book had been heavily edited) so I think it would have been more enjoyable if I'd read the previous title before this one.

The plot is in several strands, seen from two different points of view, and in different time periods - which I always enjoy in a novel of this genre. I liked the main characters, and the vivid descriptions of the various settings were excellent, with enough detail to fuel the imagination.

Whilst this is a light read on the surface, elements of loss and sadness are woven throughout the plot, so there is more substance than you might expect.

I'll happily read more by Dinah Jefferies, and will hopefully manage to read the other books in this trilogy.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Well what can one say, having read the 1st book in this series I couldn't wait to meet up with the sisters on there next adventures, and I can honestly say this book is a total roller coaster of a journey I don't know how many times I held my breath cried laughed and found out so much about Malta that I had know idea had happened there the sisters are very individual and this certainly came out in this book they went above and beyond I want to give nothing away that will spoil it for others
With thanks to author and publisher for a early read this really is an EXTRAVAGANZA of a book

Beautifully written historical romance. Not an ordinary wartime boy meets girl tale. Several stories within the story which makes for an interesting read. Read in less than 24hrs!