Love, loss and impending war, Set in Paris in 1938, it tells the story of twin sisters, Romaine and Florence united by a terrible dark secret in their past but divided by present day political loyalties.The story is chilling and suspenseful and heart-breaking all at once.
Highly recommended for historical fiction fans. ( )

The Betrayal is another excellent book from Kate Furnivall set in pre-war France. I've read (and adored) three of Kate Furnivall's books now and I have found that each one has swept me away to Kate's chosen location and historical era; they are pure escapism with riveting storylines and surprises galore. The writing is so vivid that it feels very much like you're living in the book with these unforgettable characters.

The Betrayal has an amazing first chapter: set in 1930, Romaine (Romy) regained consciousness in her father's study with her father's body beside her. Her twin sister, Florence, took control and encouraged Romy to blame the gardener for her father's murder, a crime which saw him tried and executed. Romy had to live with the guilt of being responsible for an innocent man's death and she almost became carefree with her own life, by becoming a risk taking pilot. Her twin, Florence, couldn't be more different: she mixes with the rich and famous and entertains high ranking Germans as Hitler prepares for war.

As Romy spends more time with her sister and her guests, there's something about the German language that causes fragments of Romy's memory to reappear. She remembers that she heard German being spoken in her father's study that fateful day. As Romy chips away at her memory, Florence is keen to keep it all hidden. What does she know about her father's murder and what does she have to hide? Or more significantly, what does she have to lose?

This was so gripping and reminded me of a game of Cluedo: all the pieces were laid out on the board pointing at Romy in the study with a paperknife but until Romy remembers what she saw and heard, we're playing the game with some key pieces still in the box. So it's one of those books where you can't read fast enough to put all the pieces of the jigsaw together. Now I've gone and mixed up my boardgames, but I'm sure you know what I mean!

You don't need a time machine with Kate Furnivall writing such superb historical fiction. The Betrayal fully immerses the reader in the era, leaving no doubt as to the time and place you're reading about. I do think Kate's books, in particular The Betrayal, would make a stunning film. Not that it would enhance the story, as it's written so beautifully, but I just feel that the dramatic scenes described in The Betrayal would be absolutely breathtaking on the big screen.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. ( )

A tense family drama that was a bit unbelievable for me to enjoy it ( )

A fast paced mystery set in Paris in 1938 telling the story of two sisters Romy and Florence who were defined by an event which took place in 1930.

The action moved on quickly, hardly letting you take a breath. The two sisters were well defined, strong characters but both very different and the characters around them brought to life. The story covered themes of love, betrayal, divided loyalties and danger.

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. ( )

I loved this! I always know I’m in for a great read when I start Kate Furnivall’s books.

The story begins in 1930 in Paris. A traumatic incident occurs, involving twins, which has tragic consequences. Time rolls on to 1938 just before WWII when Adolf Hitler and his cronies are on the warpath. For the twins, it’s a period of confusion and tumult as events from the past keep coming back to haunt them.

This is a rollercoaster of a ride and quite a journey! It’s action packed, exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are some brilliant characters, especially the twins who are strong and resilient women but so very different. One is a socialite and the other an aviatrix. Both have secrets which impact on each other. It’s a tale of lies, clandestine operations and treachery. But, throughout it all there is a great sense of the power of love. There is also an interesting and shocking twist at the end!

A beautifully written and captivating page turner which I can highly recommend.

Reviewed for TBC on Facebook. ( )