In 1629 Portia and her baby girl Vittoria flee Milano for London.
In 2025 Beatrice runs an esoteric shop and finds an antique tarot deck when unpacking her late mother's possesions. It's missing one card though and Bea is determined to find it.
What follows is a dual timeline, London in 1644 and 2025, the stories of both women and the journey of the missing card.
Daughter of Tarot is a fast paced cosy read, exploring family, freedom and spirituality in different centuries. An exciting story set in beautiful surroundings. I felt a bit let down by the abrupt ending.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

This is an enjoyable and engaging read, a dual timeline where there is an actual and meaningful connection between the characters rather than a contrived one. I liked the weaving through of the tarot symbolism and readings, and the search for liberation, progress and meaning in both times. The echoes throughout of the Devil card, and the meaning behind it and how important that was provided a good thread and driver for many of the characters and storyline which made it feel more cohesive. The underlying feminist narrative was more powerful for not being pointed out, shown rather than told. All the characters were fairly well rounded and convincing. I've dropped one star only because I found the romance in the present a bit cliched and idealistic, but that's a pet hate of mine so others may thoroughly enjoy it.

This story of two women, separated by over 400 years, linked by the generational heirloom of tarot cards, and it is a beautifully told tale. The tale of strength, independence, and resilience in a time when women were expected to be quiet and endure the patriarchy, interwoven with a story of grief, heartache, longing, and self-discovery, was mesmerizing. Beatrice and Portia are now old friends and ones that I will turn to time and again for a tarot reading to remember what is real and parse out what is an illusion.
Clare does an excellent job of bringing us on a journey with both Beatrice and Portia, as they find the strength they need to make tough decisions to keep themselves and the people around them safe. The story was captivating and left me wanting to devour the whole book in one sitting. There were times when reading, where I would exclaim out loud, and one time in particular, where I audibly sighed an expletive because of where the story headed.
After reading this, I’m excited to read more of Clare’s works. I want to thank the team at Boldwood Books for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley in exchange for a thoughtful and honest review.

I loved this story by Clare Marchant, another great historical dual timeline book. I have an interest in Oracle and Tarot cards myself so I loved finding out about the different cards and their meanings.
Portia was my favourite character, her helping other women touched me. I really enjoyed the way the story took shape through one of the missing cards.
I enjoy Clare Marchants books and this is my favourite.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was such a fun read. The dual point of view was so much fun. Love how both stories tied up together in the end. All the characters were inserting and had a depth to them. 10/10 recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

I felt drawn to this book, much like a tarot card reader is drawn to the cards. The dual timeline is an aspect that I feel adds another dimension to a story.

The two main protagonists of the story; Portia and Beatrice, are two strong women from different time periods linked by the tarot cards and ultimately also by blood.

A really intriguing and interesting story unravels, which includes a wonderful amount of information regarding the cards themselves, something I'm not familiar with, and also some Italian history.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. It was easy to read, absorbing, and well written.

Highly recommended.

A brilliant read! Dual timeline of 400 years adds interest and depth to the story. Also it is interesting to find out more about tarot cards, their origins and meanings which gave the story even more of an intriguing background.. I loved the story of both strong woman through the ages helping other women via their tarot readings. A lovely ending completed book nicely

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

In 17th-century Milan, Portia escapes an abusive relationship and finds refuge in London, determined to build a safer future for herself and her infant daughter, Vittoria. As a tarot reader, Portia quietly crafts a lifeline for women in desperate situations, helping them vanish from dangerous marriages. But as her network grows, so does the risk of discovery—especially when a figure from her past reappears, threatening everything she’s worked for.

Centuries later, Bea is beginning anew after the loss of her mother and the emotional turmoil she feels about the speed with which her father finds love again. Rooted in family tradition, she opens a tarot shop in London, hoping to find grounding through heritage and purpose. When she discovers an old, incomplete tarot deck passed down through generations, Bea becomes intrigued by the missing card. As she searches for it, she uncovers chilling links to a historical string of murders—and learns she’s not the only one searching.

This is the first book I’ve read by Clare Marchant, and it certainly won’t be the last. The dual timeline is beautifully woven, the historical detail rich without ever overwhelming the story. I especially appreciated how the history of tarot was subtly threaded throughout, adding atmosphere and intrigue. The pacing is taut, with well-timed twists that kept me turning the pages, and the ending delivered a truly satisfying conclusion.
If you enjoy evocative dual-timeline stories with mystical elements, secrets that echo across centuries, and just a touch of romance, this novel will enchant you.

Thank you to Clare Marchant, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC.

I loved this book. We first meet Portia in 1644 when she's living in London with her daughter, having escaped from the plague and an abusive man in Milan in 1629. Then we meet Beatrice in present day, who's moved to London after her mother's death and her father's plans to remarry. While unpacking, Beatrice comes across a deck of tarot cards she's never seen before, that's missing The Devil card. As Beatrice searches for the missing card in the present, Portia's story unfolds, revealing the circumstances around it's disappearance. Beautifully told with the tarot cards weaving through both stories. Excellent!
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Clare Marchant for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

Fabulous story, beautifully written, and Tarot Cards, what's not to love?
First time reading this author and it won't be the last.
Loved it.
Highly recommend

Daughter of the Tarot by Clare Marchant

Another great read by the,author , she is the best for dual timelines and has a wonderful way of drawing you into the story .
Two women centuries apart but bought together by a Set of tarot cards .
Both timelines and the two women in them , Portia & Beatrice are perfect characters for their time and those around them .
I normally prefer one of the stories over the other but this time , as,with all her books you get so invested that you love both the same.
Perfect .

The magic and mystery of the Tarot cards is the basis of this latest wonderful dual timeline novel by Clare Marchant.
In the mid 1700's Portia is trying to keep her daughter Vittiria and friend Maria safe. They travelled from Milan during the plague with very little, escaping from an abusive husband. Portia has a beloved set of tarot cards and earns extra money by reading the cards for women in London. But she also assists fellow women who wish to escape their abusive lives, but the danger for Portia is never far away.
Present day and Beatrice opens a tarot shop, she finds some antiquated cards in a box belinging to her late mother. Discovering the Devil card is missing she embarks on a mission to discover what happened to the card to unite it with the others
The past and present mould seamlessly together. Portia showed great strength and resilience in her quest to stay safe and protect the people around her. She put the needs of others to the forefront.
The novel is very descriptive and a great read

Wow another brilliant read from Clare which had me totally gripped from the beginning.

Would definitely recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Brand new from the bestselling author of The House of the Witch. Perfect for fans of The Midnight House and The Square of Sevens.

Two women, linked by the cards, unravel a secret spanning the decades...

1644: Portia is living in London, having escaped an abusive man in Italy, with just baby Vittoria and the clothes on their backs. Making her living reading tarot cards, she starts to realise there are other women like her - who need help. As she delivers the Devil card to their door, each has the chance to escape... But to what future? Because Portia is a woman with secrets. And they are about to come back to haunt her.

Now: After her mother's death and father's hasty plans to remarry, Beatrice has left home to open a tarot shop in London. But when she's unpacking, she finds a set of cards she's never seen before, one that's evidently been handed down through generations of her family. It's a set that is missing a card though… the Devil's Card. She begins to search for the lost card, but she also starts to hear rumours of that very card being linked to a series of murders of women in 17th century London...

Will she find the truth… or will she only see the illusions the cards are suggesting?"

Murders or rescues? I'm a sucker for anything with the tarot.

This exciting dual timeline story is sure to be a memorable reading experience. Although both female characters are separated from time the one thing that connects thwm are the tarot cards and they hold some strong power. However with great power comes great responsibility and these women will learn that sometimes this type of power can do more harm than good. I for one was quite impressed with how the story went.
In the seventeenth century we are introduced to Portia who is trying to escape an abusive relationship along with her daughter in a tow. Once to safety she embarks on a project of sisterhood involving the misunderstood tarot cards. However, will she be able to make a difference in a practice that is often frowned upon.
In the modern storylind we are introduced to Beatrice who is trying to cope with the death of her mother. She decides to move to London and finds herself involved with the search of a missing card. Will she be able to handle the great responsibility that was passed down to her?

3.5 ⭐


An enjoyable somewhat cosy read here.
Set across two timelines, one facing some danger, the other on a quest to reunite a tarot pack.
I enjoyed learning a bit about the history of cards, and possible interpretation of the cards themselves.
The present day timeline was definitely more heartwarming, with a bit of romance thrown in.
Though I did sometimes feel Beatrice was a bit of a spoilt brat.
A good read that I'll be recommending to many.

With Tarot in the title I just had to dive into this story by Clare Marchant. I have a vast collection of Oracle, Fortune and Tarot cards, so this element was always going to pull me in.
It’s told in two time lines, 1600s Italy and England and 2025 London.
Portia’s story takes place in the former and Beatrice’s in the latter time frame.
I was gripped by the strength and determination that Portia shows in running from her old life to her new life with Marie and Vittoria by her side and the lengths she goes through to protect women from abuse with the help of her trusted tarot cards and the often misrepresented Devil card.
Beatrice took herself off to London to escape her fathers’ decisions and embrace the dream her deceased mother had carried within; in her honour she really makes a go of it. Whilst unpacking she discovers a maternal family heirloom handed down from one female to another, it’s there she discovers a mission card.
A search for the missing card begins and a quest to uncover the trust about the dead women linked to the card. Along the way she forms a strong bond with Jack who is a book-seller and totally engrossed in the mystery of the card.
Will both women find the present they deserve, whilst dreaming of a future and running from the past? Interesting, page turning and informative.

This is Clare Marchant's best book yet.
Portia is linked to Beatrice by a pack of tarot cards, though the former was born in the seventeenth century and Beatrice lives in modern times. I loved the characters, especially the two leading ones, Beatrice and Portia. The story kept me right on the edge of my seat until I finished the novel.
When I saw a summary of what the book was about I really wanted it, and I was fortunate enough to get an ARC from netgalley.
I am not going to spoil the story by relating it, but this is a fine historical novel and I highly recommend it if you love historical fiction.

I read The House of the Witch by Clare Marchant and I loved that book so I was excited to read this one. I will say, she didn’t disappoint with this new book. Clare writes beautifully. I highly recommend this book.

Reading "Daughter of the Tarot" on a rare, rainy day felt like a wonderful gift. Clare Marchant has worked her magic once again, transporting me to another continent and a different century. This is the story of two women, separated by 500 years but connected by a set of Italian tarot cards. Death and betrayal were the catalysts for both Portia and Beatrice to make drastic changes in their lives. As Beatrice searches for the lost Devil card missing from the ancient pack, she unknowingly traces the life of her Italian ancestor. The writing is flawless, with each piece of the genetic puzzle falling into place until the final one is put in its rightful position. In Portia's story, we learn of an underground sisterhood of women helping each other escape abusive marriages. For Beatrice, the journey is learning how to move beyond grief to find the life she was meant to have. For both women, reading the tarot cards and accepting their message is at the center of who they are. This story will resonate with women of all ages because the struggles are universal. I highly recommend Daughter of the Tarot, even if you don't have a rainy day.

My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.