The Secrets of the Rose: A BRAND NEW spellbinding story of hidden secrets and lasting love from Nicola Cornick for 2025

Discover bestselling author Nicola Cornick’s brand-new heart-breaking historical tale of unforgettable courage, hidden secrets and lasting love, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory and Christina Courtenay. 1715: With the country on the brink of rebellion, Dorothy Forster’s life at Bamburgh Hall is ruled by the men in her life – her feckless brothers stirring up trouble at court, her elderly father with his dangerous secrets and the man she loves who the world seems determined to keep her apart from. As tensions grow, Dorothy finds herself caught between the warring factions, danger everywhere. Then Dorothy discovers her family are the keepers of the legendary Rose, the talisman both sides believe will guarantee them victory in this deadly conflict. Now Dorothy will have to risk everything to keep the Rose safe; the fate of the country and the men she loves rests in her hands.

Present Day: Hannah Armstrong has returned home to Bamburgh Hall for work but when she discovers that her stepmother Diana has been keeping worrying secrets, her focus shifts to getting to the truth. Their family home once belonged to heroic Dorothy Forster, whose portrait graces the walls and whose spirit lingers in her home, but soon Hannah learns that there was much more to this formidable woman. Because Dorothy left behind a mysterious legacy and it’s not long before Hannah realises it’s one people are willing to kill for. Now Hannah is in a race against time to unravel the secrets of the past before danger arrives at their door.

Two women divided by time but bound by a centuries’ old mystery. Bestseller Nicola Cornick is back with a brand-new thrilling adventure, a heartbreaking love story and the unforgettable story of how the courage of one woman can save a family and even save a nation.

Readers love Nicola Cornick:

‘I so enjoy Nicola Cornick's masterful weaving of history and imagination, creating vivid stories that one remembers long after the last pages are turned. The author brings history to life in such an exciting and vivid way.’

‘I read everything this author writes as I love, love LOVE her books! This is one of the best I’ve read. Some fascinating history (from a neglected period), fabulous characters on a journey of discovery, a hint of spookiness and a whole carriageful of rollicking romance.’

‘Triumph as always from Nicola Cornick. no one creates such relatable characters and Intricate plots. I couldn't put this down and highly recommend it.’

‘Nicola Cornick's novels are always a real treat. Her history is always accurate, but her research doesn't show - instead, you feel as if you're right there in the time period she's writing about… Loved the characters, the two timelines were woven together well, there was plenty of historical colour and lots of dramatic tension. Definite five stars from me.’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Praise for Nicola Cornick:

'Wow! I have no other word for this story which has totally blown me away – it is a master-class in timeslip writing and I loved it!' Christina Courtenay

'I ended this book with tears in my eyes, so invested was I in the story of Rose Gwyn and her heroic Captain Forster. The 17th century is so alive on the page I could taste and smell it. A really wonderful read.' Jane Dunn

‘What a fascinating story. I enjoyed every moment of it. Intriguing and with a lovely time-slippery twist’ Barbara Erskine on The Last Daughter

© 2025 Boldwood Books (Audiobook): 9781785137273
© 2025 Boldwood Books (Ebook): 9781785137327

Release date

Audiobook: 7 February 2025
Ebook: 7 February 2025