Historical Fiction Archives - Jessie Cahalin Writes

Celebrating the release of The Lost Garden with Angela Petch

Bestselling author Angela Petch has written another captivating and magical novel set in Italy. I was privileged to read an early review copy of The Lost Garden and will share my thoughts with you. But first, I wanted to know more about Angela and wondered if this lovely author always dreamed of writing novels. I invited Angela to write a letter to her sixteen-year-old self.

Angela, at 16 years old, playing Jane in Pride and Prejudice.

Here is Angela, aged 19 years, in her beloved Italy. Little did she know her memories would colour her novels in the future.

Dear Lala,

I’m using your family pet name to write this letter from the future.

You’re tall, a book worm and you love sport. English is your favourite subject. Whenever you meet a boy you like, you’re painfully shy and invariably taller than he. Your dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer is dashed by your Russian teacher because of your growth spurt. Be proud of your height: don’t slouch! Carry it well.

It’s time to choose your A-level subjects: French, German and English. (You’d love to study Italian, as you lived in Rome until two years ago). The tragedy of losing your little brother there in a drowning accident will haunt you for evermore but it will make you sensitive to people’s suffering.

Wow! You’ve chosen to study for Special English by yourself and you’ll go on to gain a distinction. You won’t read English at university because you think of it as a hobby. Instead, you choose Italian. If you’d read English as minor, maybe your writing might have started earlier.

This shyness of yours: it will stop you from living university-life to the full. You won’t try team sports until your third year, when you’re immediately selected. As a result, you fail to win your blues. Believe in yourself, Lala!

Your upbringing is sheltered: your father, although very loving. believes in preserving innocence for as long as possible. This protectiveness does nothing for your self-confidence.

I advise you to stand up for yourself; understand your opinions are as good as the next person’s. In the ninth book you will write many years later… Yes! You did it… perhaps you will realise the character of Tina has many of your traits. Tina’s father is over-protective, she is rather naïve, loves to lose herself in music and books and, eventually, through adversity, finds a way to becoming her own person. Like you.

Write what you know! “We don’t know who we are until we see what we can do.” (Martha Grimes, author). At sixteen you already know a lot about Italy. Little do you realise how much information you’ve absorbed and how useful this will be to your writing. You never dreamt you would be a published author one day, did you? If you had spread your sixteen-year-old wings, maybe your writing would be richer now. Maybe…

However, this letter might be totally pointless: the course of our lives shapes us and too many what-ifs and regrets amount to negativity. So, continue along your chosen path and be thankful for the enriching twists and turns. You’ve got this!

With love from one close to you.

My thoughts on The Lost Garden:

A captivating and emotional novel that I will never forget!

This novel had me a secret garden!

The Lost Garden is a story of innocence to experience, set against the backdrop of World War Two Italy and the fall of Mussolini. There is also a clever twist of supernatural in this stunning narrative.

Contessina Ernestina de Montesecco (Tina) inhabits an Italian castle with her over-bearing father. One day, she discovers her late mother’s secret garden, where secrets are hidden, and gains her first taste of freedom.

Reminiscent of the children’s novel – The Secret Garden – I was lost in the gorgeous imagery. The ruined garden reinforced the state of Italy at that time. Like a princess in a castle, Tina is protected from the outside world, until war rages and politics begin to shape her life. As the world changes and the reader walks through Italian history, Tina moves from innocence to experience. But there are many risks… And the countess with a ‘rebellious streak’ certainly does not want to be rescued by a prince!

With a fascist father and ‘wild’ peasant mother, Tina’s identity is full of contradictions until she finds a purpose and courage! Absolutely wonderful how Tina’s late mother’s influence is woven into the narrative.

This was a sweeping story of intrigue, secrets and mystery. I loved the twists and turns and slow burn romance. A completely captivating and emotional novel that I will never forget!

More about Angela:

Angela’s gripping WWII novels set in Italy are published by Bookouture.

Published by Bookouture, Angela Petch is an award-winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring their unspoilt corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas.

The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.

Angela’s gripping WWII novels set in Italy are published by Bookouture. While her novel, Mavis and Dot, was self-published and tells of the frolics and foibles of two best-friends who live by the seaside. Angela also writes short stories published in Prima and People’s Friend.

More about The Lost Garden

It hides a family secret that could change the course of the war.

Italy, 1930s. Tina lives in the crumbling castle of Montesecco with only her strict father and their maid, Allegra, for company. She’s never been allowed to ask questions about her mother, who died in childbirth. But the day Tina discovers a hidden, crumbling door, everything changes.

Inside is an overgrown garden. Ivy and roses adorn the stone walls. Fresh water springs from a fountain and the scent of wild herbs fills the air. How did she never know this beautiful place existed? Excitedly begging Allegra for answers, the elderly woman’s face turns pale. ‘You must never mention this to your father. It’s not safe. You’ve found your mamma’s garden.’

The Count believes Tina’s mother died because of the garden: but Allegra refuses to say more. Certain she can feel her mother watching over her, Tina secretly tends to the garden herself. And when war breaks out, Tina’s encounters with local resistance fighters mean the garden becomes a place of refuge, a place of hope – and a place of great danger when Tina must prove where her loyalties lie once and for all…

Will Tina ever discover the truth about her mother? Or was the garden, with all its secrets, never meant to be disturbed?

An absolutely breathtaking and stunning historical novel about the incredible risks people took in wartime, family secrets, loss and love. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Santa Montefiore.

Read what everyone’s saying about Angela Petch:

‘Absolutely stunning… takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… Captivating… devastatingly heartbreaking… My heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes… DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!… I completely fell in love.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story… Stunning… Broke my heart… This deeply moving novel pierced my heart… I highly recommend.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Emotional, heart-wrenching and unforgettable… Beautifully written… Full of intrigue, emotion, drama and intensity… Touches the heart and will keep readers glued to its pages… Enthralling… Simply superb… Must-read.’ Bookish Jottings

Click on the photo of the novel to purchase the novel.

You can connect with Angela at:

Blog: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaJaneClarePetch

Here are Angela’s other books:

The Postcard from Italy

The Girl Who Escaped

The Sicilian Secret

Mavis and Dot

Thank you for visiting Jessie Cahalin Writes Blog. This is the home of Maisie Bloom. Maisie is a newly qualified teacher who becomes an accidental sleuth and falls in love. Step inside A Gift for Maisie Bloom for romance, mystery and a trip to Paris…

Chatting with Clémence Masson from Mistress of the Manor

If you love novels by Alison Weir, Elizabeth Chadwick, Conn Iggulden and Philippa Gregory, then you’re in for a treat. Clara Clayton has just released Mistress of the Manor, and this is the first in the Tapestry Tales series – a new historical series set in an English Manor House. In an interview with the novel’s main protagonist, Cara presents an insight into the compelling novel. It is my pleasure to hand over the blog to author Cara Clayton.

Cara: Good day Clémence. Tell me, does it cause you problems to be so well educated by the monks from Vaudey Abbey? It’s certainly very unusual in this year of 1342.

Clémence: I’m very fortunate that my father is so forward-thinking. But…

Cara: He’s the master mason that helped to build some of Vaudey, here in Lincolnshire, isn’t he?

Clémence: Yes.

Cara: Sorry, I interrupted.

Clémence: He thought I should learn about the heavenly bodies; the medicines of Florence and the herbs that heal the sick; the travels to the far east from where spices come. Oh! There are so many places of interest that I should love to visit — the great cathedrals of France, the art in Italy.

Cara: You sound frustrated to be here.

Clémence: It’s so unfair that I am stuck here, salting the fish and the vegetables to see us through the winter, when there is so much of the world to explore.

Cara: I see from your expression that it’s frustrating.

Clémence: It truly is. I met Sir Ruadhán the other day. He is returned from battles with the Scots. You probably heard that he rescued my sister, who is so devout, and me from a ruffian who would have…, well… he rescued us. He has seen and done so much that is denied to me because I’m a woman.

Cara: His name is unusual.

Clémence: ’Tis Irish and he was named for the berries of the tree we call mountain ash because his hair and beard are fiery red. We played together with others from the village but I didn’t recognise him the other day, at first. He’s… he’s incredible. Way beyond my dreams now, of course. There’s no way I could become his consort. He’s far above me in status despite my father’s position in our small community. Anyway, I heard he has been promised to a young woman of similar noble birth already and she is to arrive for the handfasting any day now.

Cara: What of Sir Ruadhán’s Uncle, Sir Aedric. He can’t be too happy about that either. Word in the alleys is that he hoped to inherit the estate when his brother died and if a son should be born to the young couple…

Clémence: True. He bitterly resents his nephew but he would never have inherited despite him being a twin with Ruadhán’s father. It’s the law of King Edward 111 and has always been so.

Cara: I hope all will be well on the estate when Sir Ruadhán has to return to battle for his liege lord John of Gaunt.

Clémence: Indeed, so do I. He certainly enjoys the wine cellar while he supposedly looks after everything since Ruadhán still hasn’t reached his majority and is away so much.

More about Mistress of the Manor

A compelling new historical series set in an English Manor House! For fans of Alison Weir, Elizabeth Chadwick, Conn Iggulden and Philippa Gregory.

Life is wonderful at the manor … or is it?

1342, Lincolnshire, England

Clémence Masson has always yearned for more than her expected marriage to an apprentice or farmer’s son.

So when an opportunity arises at the nearby Grimsthorpe Manor House to be a companion to a newly-arrived bride-to-be, Clémmie is excited by the opportunity.

The young bride is soon to be handfasted to the lord of the manor, Ruadhán Amundeville, who is recently returned from battles with the Scots.

Ruadhán’s uncle Ulric has been overseeing the estates in the young lord’s absence, and it soon becomes clear to Clémmie that Ulric does not have Ruadhán’s best interests at heart.

But Clémmie does. She has found herself falling for the charming lord of Grimsthorpe.

When Ruadhán leaves for war with the French, Clémmie is left with Emma to deter Ulric’s unwanted advances.

And with the Black Death threatening, all of their lives could be at stake…

Will Clémmie achieve her dream of rising above her station? Could Grimsthorpe hold the key to her happiness?

Or will the darkness surrounding the manor destroy everything in its grasp…?

More about the author

Cara Clayton is the pseudonym for Ros Rendle.

After taking early retirement as a Headteacher, when Ros Rendle had to write many policy documents and also had fun story-writing for children, she moved with her husband and dogs to France. She lived there for over ten years and began writing seriously for adults. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. This afforded a detailed critique of her first novel and subsequently she was fortunate enough to gain a publishing contract. Ros has eleven historical and romance books published, frequently featuring the French countryside and sometimes even a handsome, enigmatic Frenchman!

The new mediaeval series (first book published 25/07/2025 and two others, so far, to follow), is published under the pseudonym of Cara Clayton.

Now, as well as writing, Ros and her husband are raising a guide dog puppy for the blind and enjoy walking him and their new pet dog.

Mistress of the Manor is receiving great reviews. Readers are enjoying the historical period, romance and intriguing plot. I love to escape to historical novels, particularly when the era is unfamiliar.

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Jessie Meets Jan Baynham

Ever since I read Jan Baynham’s first novel, I have been a huge fan of her writing. Her novels are set in mid-Wales and sunny locations, providing the perfect escape. She weaves extensive research into her gripping narratives and presents engaging, warm characters you care about. It is an honour to celebrate the publication of The Silent Sister with lovely Jan Baynham, and I asked her to join me for a chat.

Jessie: When did you first realise you wanted to write novels?

Jan: A very late starter, I didn’t write any fiction until a year or so after I retired when I joined a creative writing class at a local library. There, I began writing short stories and flash-fiction, but very soon my pieces began getting longer and longer. I could never keep to set word counts and I wanted to delve deeper into the characters’ stories. Very soon, I joined a novel writing course at Cardiff university and the rest is history.

Jessie: Explain what your current novel is about and what inspired you to write it.

Jan: The Silent Sister tells of three-year-old Eléni who is pulled, barely alive, from the rubble of an earthquake in Kefalonia when her parents and grandparents perished alongside her. Once physically healed, the traumatised little girl is raised by Cassia, who witnessed her rescue and who is faced with keeping a secret that must never be revealed. I was inspired to write the story after my first visit to the beautiful Greek island and hearing about the devastation caused by the earthquake. The ‘what if?’s began!

Jessie: Who is the main protagonist in The Silent Sister? Tell us something about them.

Jan: In the 1953 story, Cassia Makris is determined Eléni will not enter an orphanage once she leaves hospital and with the help of Tom, the sailor who rescued the little girl, she raises her as her own daughter and leaves the Greek island for Wales where Tom is from. Twenty years later, Eléni finds a journal revealing Cassia’s secret and uncovers the truth about her past.

Jessie: Where is The Silent Sister set? Share one quote that captures the setting.

Jan: It’s set on the beautiful island of Kefalonia and rural mid-Wales.

‘Once they got to the top of the hill, they were rewarded with the most wonderful view. Through the pine trees, the sea was a vivid aquamarine, streaked with varying shades of turquoise and azure. Tiny frills of white foam edged the little beach. Eugenia’s house was crystalline white and glowed in the bright sun.

“What a view!” Tom turned to Cassia. “Your sister is so lucky to look out on that every day.”

Cassia’s stomach churned the nearer they got to the house. To the side was an olive grove casting shade on the sandy soil underneath.’

I love all of Jan’s novels and can’t wait to dive into this one. It is so special when you discover one of your favourite authors. In the meantime, here’s what readers are saying about The Silent Sister:

‘A real family saga that deals with heartache, romance and mystery.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Powerful and very emotional.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of those books you don’t want to end!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘The author’s skilful storytelling effortlessly evokes a brilliant sense of time and place, bringing the contrasting settings alive with vivid detail.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of the best sagas I’ve read in a very long time.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I felt as if I’d gone on holiday.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘The wonderful cast of characters stole my heart from the outset.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazon Page – Jan Baynham

More about Jan Baynham:

Originally from mid-Wales, Jan lives in Radyr, on the outskirts of Cardiff. After retiring from a career in teaching and advisory education, she joined a small writing group in a local library where she wrote her first piece of fiction. Her first collection of stories was published by Black Pear Press. Fascinated by family secrets and ‘skeletons lurking in cupboards’, Jan writes dual narrative, dual timeline historical novels that explore how decisions and actions made by family members from one generation, usually in or just after WW2, impact on the lives of the next. Setting and a sense of place play an important part in all of Jan’s stories and as well as her native mid-Wales, there is always a contrasting location in sunnier climes. She is published by Joffe Books/Choc Lit.

Check out Jan’s lovely bog: Blog – Jan’s Journey into Writing

More about The Silent Sister:

Two lost women. One Greek island. A secret that spans generations.
Kefalonia, Greece, 1953.

On a sun-drenched island, Cassia defies her powerful father by falling in love with Nikos — a man her family will never accept. But their happiness is short-lived.

A catastrophic earthquake strikes, and the once-idyllic island is reduced to little more than dust and ruin.

Amid the chaos, Cassia loses almost everything. She is left with no choice but to flee the only home she has ever known, carrying a shattering secret she must never reveal.

Wales, 1973. Eleni uncovers a hidden journal among her mother’s belongings. Within its pages lies a woman’s story shaped by tragedy — a story Cassia never shared, and one that might finally explain why Eleni never spoke as a child.

Driven by a need to uncover the truth about her past, Eleni travels to the now-rebuilt island. There she seeks to reveal the secrets hidden among the pastel-hued houses.

In the place where it all began, Eleni must confront the legacy of silence. Here she must make a life-altering decision that will reshape her future and finally heal her family’s past.

This breathtaking and escapist historical tale about resilience, hope and the healing power of love will sweep you away to a sun-kissed Greek island. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Dinah Jefferies, Santa Montefiore or Karen Swan.

The Silent Sister is available today! I have already downloaded my copy. Greece is one of my favourite destinations, and how wonderful to travel without having to pack my bags.

Contact Jan Baynham

X– @JanBaynham

Facebook – Jan Baynham Writer

Instagram – janbaynham

Tag: Historical Fiction

Celebrating the release of The Lost Garden with Angela Petch

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Chatting with Clémence Masson from Mistress of the Manor

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Jessie Meets Jan Baynham

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