Review: The Last Daughter of York by Nicola Cornick

ByMary Emmer Updated on

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The Last Daughter of York is the latest historical fiction book published by Nicola Cornick.

If you’ve been waiting for another one of Nicola Cornick’s books that weave together some historical figures from centuries past, a little romance, and a present-day cast of characters searching for the answers to what seems to be an unsolvable mystery, then you’re in for a treat.

Inspired by the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, and absolutely perfect for fans of historical fiction and especially Philippa Gregory novels, this book cleverly weaves together events from two different time periods and features a timeslip element with a few of the characters.

This review includes a short synopsis of The Last Daughter of York along with my thoughts on the book – what I liked, what I didn’t like, and whether it’s a worthwhile read.

The Last Daughter Of York by Nicola Cornick

cover of the book the last daughter of york by nicola cornick

The Last Daughter of York is the most recent book written by Nicola Cornick.

Nicola Cornick is a British author and historian who began her career as an author by writing Regency romance books, the first of which was published by Harlequin Mills & Boon in 1998.

She now writes dual timeframe books inspired by figures in history and often featuring big, atmospheric, old Gothic houses and secrets hidden within, and sometimes with a timeslip element.

Nicola Cornick also works as a guide and historian for the National Trust at the seventeenth-century hunting lodge Ashdown House. How cool it would be to visit this historic house and find that you have Nicola Cornick as your guide!

The Last Daughter of York is her fifth historical fiction novel.

Synopsis of The Last Daughter of York

It’s the winter of 1483 and Francis Lovell is Richard III’s Lord Chamberlain and confidant. But the threat of Henry Tudor’s rebels has the king entrusting to Francis and his wife, Anne, his most crucial mission: protecting the young Richard of York, his brother’s surviving son and a threat to Henry’s claims to the throne.

In present-day England, Serena Warren is haunted by the disappearance of her twin sister Caitlin, many years ago. Caitlin’s earlier disappearance is mystery enough, but when her bones are discovered interred in a church vault that hasn’t been disturbed since the eighteenth century, Serena is faced with facts that seem impossible and a mystery that is certainly unsolvable.

Between hazy memories of the day that her twin sister disappeared and local folklore that refers to a magical relic, Serena begins to uncover an impossible secret that has been hidden by her grandfather. One that connects her family to another more famous one from the fifteenth century.

The Last Daughter of York – What I Liked

The first thing I’ll say about this book is that it caused me to Google something before I even started it!

I love books that send me searching around on Google to discover if something is real or fiction. Or, to learn more about a historical figure or place mentioned in the book.

In this case, I was Googling the mystery of the Princes in the Tower before I even started the book.

The book is set between two different time periods – The fifteenth century and present-day England. The story is told from the viewpoint of two different characters, alternating chapters throughout the book. One of them is Serena in present-day England, and the other is Anne in 15th-century England. Despite the fact that the book alternated time periods and viewpoints in each chapter, I thought it was very easy to get to know the characters and understand what was going on.

It was fast-paced, and I loved that.

I thought this was a fantastic story and the mystery kept me going until the end.

The Last Daughter of York – What I Didn’t Like

Honestly, I loved this book. There really wasn’t anything I disliked about it.

If I had to mention anything at all that I disliked, it would be this – there was a time-slippery twist in the book, and, without giving you any spoilers, I’ll just say that I would have liked to read something more in-depth about that element with regards to the characters that were involved.

The Last Daughter of York – Read, ReRead, or Reject?

And now for my 3 Rs of book reviews. Should you Read, ReRead, or Reject?

What are my honest thoughts about The Last Daughter of York?

This book is definitely a Read.

This book is a solid read for me, as are all of Nicola Cornick’s historical fiction novels. This could well turn into a ReRead for me personally, as I’m on the verge of rereading a few of her previous books.

And if you’re ready for some other book suggestions, then hop on over and explore more historical fiction.

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Mary Emmer, is the founder of Looks Like Books. She is an avid book enthusiast and self-employed entrepreneur, with an inspiring passion for reading and learning.  With a background in the travel industry spanning four decades, Mary has cultivated a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her unique perspective on life and storytelling.  More about Mary.

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