Publication Date: Sep 2023

Synopsis:

1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York’s gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.

1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy’s castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe’s doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe’s store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she’d thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma’s life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.

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What To Expect:

Readers can expect a dual timeline historical fiction with suspense, mystery, and themes of redemption. It covers heavy topics in a graceful way.

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Content Warnings:

Language: Mild

Sexual Content: Closed Door – Sex is implied but not described or detailed. Mentions of various male partners. Assault on child. Pregnancy out of wedlock. (none are detailed or graphic)

Violence: Moderate – Assault on children, domestic abuse, death

Substance Use: Use of alcohol and opium

Prejudices: Classism & sexism (mild)

Religious Themes: Christian themes are subtly woven into the story

Other Topics: Parental neglect, suicidal thoughts, mention of adultery

*SPOILER* Human trafficking

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