In 1947, American historian and veteran of WWII, Martin Mitchell, wins a Fulbright Fellowship to document the end of British rule in India. His wife, Evie, convinces him to take her and their young son along, hoping a shared adventure will mend their marriage, which has been strained by war.
But other places, other wars. Martin and Evie find themselves stranded in a colonial bungalow in the Himalayas due to violence surrounding the partition of India between Hindus and Muslims. In that house, hidden behind a brick wall, Evie discovers a packet of old letters, which tell a strange and compelling story of love and war involving two young Englishwomen who lived in the same house in 1857.
Drawn to their story, Evie embarks on a mission to piece together her Victorian mystery. Her search leads her through the bazaars and temples of India as well as the dying society of the British Raj. Along the way, Martin’s dark secret is exposed, unleashing a new wedge between Evie and him. As India struggles toward Independence, Evie struggles to save her marriage, pursuing her Victorian ghosts for answers.
You have to wonder if a book that is so incredible looking on the outside could possibly deliver on the inside. Wonder no more. Elle Newmark brought me into her journey
I admit I was a little cautious about reading yet another book that was war related… I feel as of late I have over dosed a bit on this topic, yet The Sandalwood Tree provided more than a compelling cover, on the inside the words fell right into place along side my heart.
I love the idea behind the hidden letters and the flash forwards and backs are done flawlessly so I easily was able to follow along with the time changes and the story lines and they mixed and mingled to weave this much desirable story.
The characters were well written and I found myself drawn to Evie and then again to her son Billy. Honestly there is so much more I would like to say in this review but am censoring myself not to give any bit of the adventure away. I hope you too will experience this book and go on this adventure.
Book Journey 
I recently read and reviewed this, and agree about the characters, they were very appealing, especially Billy!
Yes – agreed 😀
What is it about hidden letters and secrets? You had me at “secrets”! LOL
I’ve got a copy of this packed away (story of my life) and will get to it in the fall. I’m excited about that.
LOL – right I know! Love that stuff! I think it stems back to my Nancy Drew days…. 😛
Thank you for the lovely review. There is nothing more satisfying for a writer than to know she connected with a reader.
best,
Elle Newmark
Thank you Elle, I wish I had more time to do the book justice. 🙂
I also recently read and reviewed this book and I thought India was truly brought to life with Elle’s writing. It was so vivid I felt I was there.
I love it when books take me there Laura 🙂
I am SO excited to read this book. Like you said the cover is stunning and I am so glad that the content lives up to the beauty on the outside!
Total cover love Bonnie 🙂
This one sounds like it has a lot of promise. Thanks for reviewing it!
Sure Staci 🙂
I’m so glad you liked this book so much as I am starting it this weekend! I too find that I read way too many books set during the war but I keep finding them to be worth my time.
I hope you really enjoy it!
I am definitely going to add this to my TBR list and make sure I order a copy for my library. Thanks for sharing your review! It sounds like a book I’ll love.
Wow – that is great 😀
Hm, this one sounds like I might enjoy it!
I think you would too Hannah 🙂
Thanks for the rec!
You’re right – the cover is fantabulous. I love pretty much anything WWII-related and lately I’ve been fascinated by far-flung and exotic locations. This book might just fit the ticket! Thanks for sharing a great review, Sheila.
This will be perfect for you then 🙂
This one is in my TBR pile. I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Thanks Nikki-ann I hope you do too 🙂
I love books that take me away to a place I have never been. I also love it when this coincides with a different time period. I have noticed a trend in war-related books lately. They have been everywhere and that doesn’t get me super excited, but I find it to be understandable. This book sounds like a gem and I am definitely going to be adding it to my TBR pile. Thanks for a lovely review that didn’t give too much away.
Thanks Jennifer 🙂
I just added this to my Amazon wishlist. I want to know what the secret is.
LOL – GOOD! 😛
I didn’t read your entire review, as I have this one on my review pile for this week, and I try not to let myself be influenced by outside reviews, but I DID read your first sentence, and know that I’m in for a treat!
For some reason, my reading (unintentionally) tends to be kind of cyclical, having just read Small Acts of Amazing Courage (set in colonial India) and with Secret Daughter (set in India) on my to-read list this week.
Ahhhh…. good Julie 🙂 I hope you really like it too 🙂