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The Distant Hours

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The Distant Hours

By: Kate Morton
Narrated by: Caroline Lee
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About this listen

Edie Burchill and her mother have never been close, but when a long lost letter arrives with the return address of Milderhurst Castle, Kent, printed on its envelope, Edie begins to suspect that her mother’s emotional distance masks an old secret. Evacuated from London as a 13-year-old girl, Edie’s mother is chosen by the mysterious Juniper Blythe, and taken to live at Milderhurst Castle with the Blythe family.

Fifty years later, Edie too is drawn to Milderhurst and the eccentric Sisters Blythe. Old ladies now, the three still live together, the twins nursing Juniper, whose abandonment by her fiancé in 1941 plunged her into madness. Inside the decaying castle, Edie begins to unravel her mother’s past. But there are other secrets hidden in the stones of Milderhurst Castle, and Edie is about to learn more than she expected. The truth of what happened in the distant hours has been waiting a long time for someone to find it.

©2010 Kate Morton (P)2010 Kate Morton 20th Century Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction
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I was concerned at the length of the story but to my surprise I loved every minute and didn’t want it to end. The narration was excellent too

Loved every minute of this book!

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It took me longer to get into than usually does with a Kate Morton book but glad I persevered as I enjoyed it by the end. Was a little bit predictable though.

Not the best Kate Morton book but still worth a listen

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I normally love Kate Morton, but this novel is not her best. This one is a very slow burn, takes 16 hrs before anything really happens, it’s terribly sad, has few characters and feels very formulaic to some of her other books. It was okay but if you’re new to Kate Morton try one of her other novels first.

Not the best Kate Morton

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The first half of the book explained the story line however I felt this took too long. I kept hoping something would happen. when it did get 2/3rds through. I became interested and looked forward to a conclusion of the story. I struggled to stay interested, hoping the story would unfold. In the end I was surprised with the outcome. I would not listen to it again.

Very drawn out.

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If you could sum up The Distant Hours in three words, what would they be?

intriguing, historical, haunting

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Distant Hours?

mud man at the window

What about Caroline Lee’s performance did you like?

very easy to listen to

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

dreams and reality

Any additional comments?

really enjoyed it!

Loved it!

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I absolutely loved this book. The story, the characters, the castle, the style of writing, the narration - everything!

I will miss these women

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Very twisted plot. Kept me going until the last page and left me wanting mor

Great Book

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loved it.
engaging from start to finish. never quite sure where the plot would lead

a twist at every turn

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A riveting read! The Distant Hours is spellbinding and kept me in suspense until the very end. The war-time era is very well described and the characters believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.

Hours of Suspense

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Don't hesitate if you love beautifully written stories that keep you enthralled to the end

Loved every minute

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