I dont have much to say on this book sadly. I enjoyed the dual timelines but I really didn’t like either of the main characters. The story was very predictable, honestly I felt like I have read this story a hundred times. Just the same overall story redone. I really struggled to finish the book. The only reason I didn’t DNF it was because I hopped the ending would some how surprise me but it didn’t. Aso I have no idea how the author got this title, The Storyteller’s Daughter. If I really think about it I guess I can see how it came about at the very very end but even so its a stretch.

This book I am sure is enjoyable for some people but it just didn’t do it for me, sadly.

Thank you Netgally and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoy a dual-timeline book, and this one just gets it right. The split between the wartime era and the early part of this century felt just right. We spend more time in the contemporary era than in wartime, but the narrative effortlessly straddles the two, gradually revealing the gripping story.
Although from two different eras, Beth and Nita struck me as very similar. Of course, they were related, but their similarities were unmistakable. I was struck by Nita’s drive and determination to reveal the truth about a sinister rumour during the war years. What she could not have anticipated was the impact that truth would have on her life.
Nita is a character who will stay with me, and I’m happy for her to live rent-free in my mind. The treatment she received from her immediate family saddened me, and I felt genuine sympathy for her plight.
Beth had a strong bond with Nita, so it comes as no surprise that she was mentioned in Nita’s will. That mention impacted her parents' plans, and she took great pleasure in standing firm and insisting that Nita’s memory be respected and her wishes honoured.
There were plenty of additional characters in the supporting cast, but I’m loathe to go into too much detail as I would hate to include any spoilers. What I will say is that the similarities between Nita and Beth are at their strongest when viewed through the lens of their families.
Whilst the themes of this story are serious, the lightness of touch left me feeling hopeful that Beth's future may be brighter if she can simply embrace Nita’s legacy and accept the friendship of the local community.
Absolutely brilliant and an author I will look forward to reading more from.

I felt very drawn to this book, as I thought the cover was beautiful, and I was intrigued by both the title and description.

This is a dual narrative novel following Beth in 2008, and Nita in 1940. The story takes place at a manor house in Surrey, and I felt the author brought this setting to life beautifully. I pictured Melham Manor as somewhere beautiful but mysterious, and after a few chapters, I was very drawn into the story.

In 2008, Beth is visiting her great-aunt, whom she hasn't been in contact with for many years. In 1940, Nita is investigating a story for her local newspaper. I connected with both protagonists; in fact, I became so emotionally invested that I didn't want to stop reading until I'd finished. At one point, I also found myself close to tears. This beautifully written book provided me with an escape for a few hours, and once I stopped reading, it took me a few minutes to come back to reality.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC! *The Storyteller's Daughter* by Victoria Scott is a poignant and beautifully written tale of resilience and the power of stories. Scott masterfully weaves a narrative that explores grief, hope, and the bonds between family members. The protagonist's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, drawing readers into her struggles and triumphs. With its lyrical prose and emotional depth, this book is a testament to the healing power of love and imagination.

A new to me author I was first attracted to this title as when reading the blurb I discovered it was set in rural Surrey. Imagine how delighted I was then to discover later that not only was it set in the Dorking area, my birthplace, but that the country estate Melham Manor is based on a place I know well!

The protagonist Nita Bineham is based on a real person who is a distant relative to Victoria Scott. She has carefully blended this lady into an entirely fictional but credible account of her WWII secrets that were buried for decades. Until in 2008 her great niece Beth is drawn into a family mystery.

An engaging dual timeline story of secrets and loss which is recommended to fans of historical family drama and intrigue. With thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review 'The StoryTeller's Daughter.’

I loved this book. Set in 1940 and present day this book really caught my attention. The characters were so interesting and the book kept up the pace all the way through. Highly recommend this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is not a book I would have chosen to read normally but loved it from start to finish. It is set in 1940 and 2008. In 1940 Nita finally gets to help out at a newspaper as her mother is against it. While their she discovers their might be a German spy in their village and proceeds to find out who it is.
In 2008 Nita passes away but her great niece Beth arrives that night and Nita tells her there is a secret up in the attic for her.Beths marriage is not going well as her husband wants a divorce.Beth finds papers in the attic and start’s Nita’s journey to find out who the German spy was.Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood.

An engaging dual timeline story set mainly in Dorking in 1940/41 World War Two, and 2008/9. The point of view during the war is that of Nita who wanted independence from her parents. She takes a position at The Bugle. The story tells how she coped with life at that time. Nita’s great niece Beth visits her at the end of Nita’s life in 2008, and unravels the past. At the same time Beth’s own life is unravelling.
It’s a story of secrets and loss, and the solidarity of women, of friendship and trust (or at times lack thereof). Was there really a German spy?

This haunting dual time story gives us a wonderful insight into the lives of two strong female characters and although separated by time, their shared story will resonate as family secrets are gradually revealed. Both Nita Bineham in the 1940s, and Beth Bineham, in 2008, have more in common than they realise and as the family bonds get pulled ever tighter, so a secret is revealed which began with Nita during the war years.

Beth has always had a strong bond with Melham Manor, the place her great-aunt called home, and after Nita’s death, Beth becomes thoroughly invested in discovering more about this enigmatic older woman and in doing so realises the significance of Melham Manor and Beth’s modern day emotional connection to it. Told in alternate timelines we follow Nita’s story as she begins to discover her independence during the war years when she worked as a journalist for the local newspaper and also Beth’s story as she too must learn to rationalise some significant changes in her personal life.

The story flows seamlessly with neither timeframe seeking to outshine the other, I was equally as comfortable walking alongside Beth as, using the clues Nita left behind, she tries to makes sense of some long buried family secrets. I thought Nita’s story was particularly well done and I enjoyed being immersed in her life and the restrictions that her wealthy family placed upon her. Beautifully told, with a sharp eye for historical detail, and with a strong emphasis on the problems that families create The Storyteller’s Daughter is an emotional story which kept my attention from start to finish.

The Storyteller’s Daughter is a dual time novel set in 2008 and the early 1940’s during WWII.

in 2008 Beth is sent by her family to the deathbed of her eccentirc great aunt at the family home, Melham Manor. Beth’s lfe is at a crossroads, her husband wants a divorce and she has been suspended from the family business for making some inappropriate public remarks. Before her Aunt Nita passes away she advises her there is a box of secrets in the attic. Beth is asked to clear out the manor and finds the box and it’s secrets. While working on clearing the manor and her issues, Beth finds out more about her family and the secrets they hid.

In 1940 after WWII is declared, Nita Bineham, the daughter of a wealthy landowner is given the job of junior dogsbody and journalist at the local paper. While working for the paper there a rumors of a German spy in their midst and Nita is determined to flush them out, but doing so may cause the biggest tragedy of her life.

This was an interesting story of wartime secrets and family drama. I enjoyed both time periods equally.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.

What a wonderful read!

Told in dual timelines, this is a novel about Nita, in the 1940's and Beth, in 2008. Focusing alternatively on each character, it really took no time at all for me to be fully invested. As I immersed myself in each woman's life, I would forget about the other until the next chapter when it was all change. Beautifully written, with the split between the characters absolutely spot-on, I just loved everything about this one and found myself thinking about it even when I didn't have my kindle in my hand. A truly fabulous novel which I couldn't give anything less than five sparkling stars and my highest recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This is my first Victoria Scott book and I can’t wait to read more! This book had so many twists it was a real page turner. I loved this Historical Fiction written in dual timeline of 1940 and 2008.The story of 21 year old Nita during the 1940s, in the middle of a World War trying to navigate a life that strays from tradition. Nita does not want the traditional lifestyle of staying home as her mother has she wants to be out in the world. That opportunity comes as a secretary for a local newspaper where she uncovers a mystery in her community. This mystery impacts her entire future.
Beth visits her Great Aunt Nita on her deathbed where she tells her of a mysterious box in the attic. The box leads Beth to the secrets of her Great Aunt Nita and a better understanding of her Aunt and her property.

I really enjoyed this story, there was an equal amount of action in the past (1940s) and in the latter time.(2008) The story’s main focus is around Melham Hall, the village and the family who lived there. Beth is the main character in the latter years and Nita, the daughter of the house in the former time. Beth is having a troubled time herself with her family. There is a mystery linked to the 1940s regarding a German spy. I loved how everything came together towards the end and seeing the connections revealed. This was a lovely story, a little sad at times but a very satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such an engaging dual timeline story, anchored by the family estate at Melham Manor – with such a strong sense of place that it almost becomes another character in the story.

In 2008, Beth arrives there as her great aunt is dying – she was a key figure in her childhood, with many happy (but hazy) memories, but later shunned by the family. Tasked with wrapping up her estate, the manor becomes Beth’s sanctuary as she escapes the issues in her own life – a disintegrating marriage and an error at her work in the family’s business that’s led to her suspension. But before she dies, her great aunt tells her about a box left for her in the attic – and that leads her on a quest to uncover deeply hidden secrets of the past, while making decisions about where her own future lies.

In 1940, Nita – her life very much controlled by her parents, wanting her to make a suitable marriage – eagerly grabs the opportunity to work at the local paper, owned by a friend of her father, as a volunteer. At first, she’s frustrated to be treated as a dogsbody, struggling to fit in with her wealthy and privileged background – but her growing closeness with one of the reporters sets her on the trail of a Nazi spy operating in the area, and ultimately changes the whole direction of her life.

The story is told from the viewpoints of both main female characters – both sympathetic and very well developed, encountering similar issues in their lives around family relationships and challenges in being able to follow their chosen paths in life despite the very different times they live in. The supporting cast is very well drawn too – the male-dominated newsroom in Nita’s time, the current editor of the paper that Beth finds herself working with, the women they both encounter in their lives when they most need them. And there are other elements to the story I particularly enjoyed – the cryptic clues, a few supernatural touches (not overdone – just intriguing), and the exploration of Wiccan beliefs and the connection with the natural world that ran through both stories.

Nita’s story was particularly compelling and emotional, but the stories were so well balanced, the shifts seamless and easy to follow – I was never wrenched from one timeline when unwilling to follow. And it’s all so beautifully told – excellent storytelling, perfectly paced, well handled emotional touches, a very intriguing mystery, and a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Very much recommended.

Victoria Scott’s dual-timeline narrative weaves together the past and present as Beth, a journalist seeks solace in her family's dilapidated manor house.

After a disastrous career and marital setback, Beth is drawn into a gradually unravelling mystery surrounding her great-aunt Nita, a young woman living in the same house during World War II.

I liked the contrast between the world of the 1940’s newspaper office and what it became in 2008, and how the two women respond to very different challenges.

Beth delves into Nita's past through old newspaper articles and personal belongings, she uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and danger. The historical backdrop of WWII adds a depth and intrigue, with sometimes disturbing details of the era.

The plot twists are engaging as we explore of family secrets and their impact on generations. The Storyteller's Daughter is a poignant reminder that the past is never truly buried and how the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences.

A great dual time line novel. Sympathetic characters and a good coming of age story in a way. I was rooting for both main characters.

1940: When twenty-one-year-old Nita Bineham is offered the chance of independence, away from the high walls of her family’s Surrey estate, she grasps it with both hands. But her new role at a local newspaper coincides with the emergence of a sinister rumour in their quiet village: that there is a traitor in their midst. Nita is determined to prove herself by uncovering the truth, but is she prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

2008: Following the death of her great aunt, Beth flees London for the privacy of rural Surrey. Within the confines of her family’s dilapidated manor house, she hides from the dual wreckage of her career and her marriage. But when her aunt’s dying words lead her to a stack of old newspaper articles, Beth finds herself drawn into a decades old mystery: about a long-buried secret, and an enemy dangerously close to home.

First of all, the cover was enough for me to pick this one up. So perfect! The stories from both timelines were interesting and compelling, and I loved the interwoven themes of marriage and family relationships. Well-written, with just enough mystery to keep me engaged all the way to the end. 4.5 ⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this dual time line story.

We meet Beth, visiting her dying great aunt who her family has had nothing to do with since she was a little girl. We follow Beth’s story as she comes to terms with big changes in her life, while also trying to find out about her great aunts life. Along side this, we get to discover Nita’s life and how she ended up where she did, and how this joins with Beth’s story.
The first half of the book greatly introduces us to the characters, the family, their situations, the house in which Nita has spent her life. There is great character development and a real feeling of getting inside this story. It pulls you in and gets you hooked. The second half really pulls you in more as you discover secrets kept across the decades. I love how friendships and relationships develop through the story, the hope of friendship even after relationships fail.
All in all a lovely story to loose yourself in. It includes tales of witches, tales from the war, but also how important it is to take time to get to know someone, even someone within your family, rather than assuming what they are going through. 4.5 stars

Victoria Scott, in The Storyteller’s Daughter, uses the time old tragedy of a family divided through inflexibility and social standing which is in so many ways, timeless, to weave a captivating story over the dual timeline of 1940 and 2008.
Nita Bineham was bought up to be a woman of standing, breeding and a society hostess, all of which she hated. Given a chance to work at the local newspaper, The Bugle, she grasps the opportunity, even though she discovers she is to be a receptionist, not a budding journalist; a desire she holds dear.
Only days after she commences her new job, there are serious rumours there is a German spy living somewhere in the vicinity of Melham Village. An opportunity occurs where she can help Joe, the junior reporter, cover the story. She decides and is determined that she will help him find this person, no matter what.
2008 sees her niece Beth arriving in Melham on the eve of Nita’s passing. The family home is bitterly cold, the place in need of considerable maintenance and the guilt Beth is carrying relating to so much of her disaster of a life, is crippling.
Her Aunts final words to her, along with the closing of her Estate and the House, into which she has been coerced by her parents, gives her the chance to remain in a place she loved as a child for a few more days, and put her everyday life on hold.
As she searches through the attic for a particular box of papers she begins to realise there was far more to her beloved Aunt than a somewhat eccentric, reclusive woman. Secrets which were buried deep, are being bought into the light of a new world and those secrets, will change her and her families lives forever.
Many layers, along with carefully developed characters, make up this riveting and entertaining story as the past moves steadily into the future, bringing with it long overdue endings and beginnings.

The Storyteller's daughter is the perfect book to curl up to read on a cold winter night. This book is atypical in that it crosses a few different genres. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, and mysticism will be enthralled. This book is reflective and mesmerizing at the same time. I certainly look forward to reading more stories by Victoria Scott. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.