Life on a Ceylon colonial plantation is vividly portrayed in Dinah Jefferies's historical novel about a young girl's marriage to a widowed tea planter. The Prologue cleverly draws the reader in with an intriguing story of a mother and child living in Ceylon thirteen years before Laurence and Gwen's marriage. I was anxious to read further to discover what happens to this mother and baby and how they impact the story. This is the first of many twists and turns the storyline takes, telling a tale of secrets, miscommunication, and heartache. At times I found it hard to relate to some of Gwen's choices but felt that the author did an excellent job of putting these actions in historical context. Laurence's character was very flat. A fuller development of his character would have provided some rationale for some puzzling behaviors. It was interesting to learn about the political and societal attitudes of the time and how they influenced individual characters. While at times the storyline stretched ones imagination that so many tragic events could collide, it did keep my attention. I recommend this book for those interested in reading books about marriage in a historical context.

I had high hopes for this book based on the intriguing cover and interesting title. The first two lines of the Prologue grabbed my attention immediately. My interest was piqued. Who is this girl and why is she trapped in that small room with no way out? I settled in for a journey of mystery, drama and damsels in distress.

Brackston cleverly keeps my questions at bay by switching back and forth between feudal and contemporary Wales, telling the tale of two women whose infatuations lead them on a path of potential destruction.

The author excels at descriptions of the Welsh countryside and does a good job of setting the stage for both stories. Where the book faltered for me was in effectively intertwining of the two stories. It was unclear whether the author thought this was a historical novel, a fantasy or psychological thriller. It would have been a stronger story if the author had focused on one or two genres, but not all three.

More character development would have been helpful in understanding the plot directions. The male characters in particular were poorly developed. Merlin serves as the link between the two stories, but he is relegated to a minor character. He mesmerizes both women without much explanation. It was also difficult for me to understand why Laura, who is trying to have a baby with her husband, would find herself entangled with other men. Perhaps more information about Dan or Rhys might have made Laura a more sympathetic character.

It is unfortunate that a book with such potential would end so predictably. It left me disappointed and thinking about how it could have been a better book. The book was a quick read and I enjoyed the historical plot focusing on Megan much more than its contemporary counterpart. That may be enough for fans of Ms. Brackston.