For the last few years, Jess – a research archivist – has been assisting her boss with his own pet project. The senior professor is obsessed with finding the identity of a skeleton that was discovered buried with a bishop renowned for his charity work prior to and during WW1. The skeleton is that of a young woman, and Jess has been reading countless letters and other historical documents for clues as to her identity.

The story is not merely an intriguing historical mystery, but also an exploration of how easy it is to spend years of your life doing what is expected of you instead of following your intended path. Jess is frustrated by her boss’s lack of appreciation for her work, and acknowledges that she is allowing herself to be manipulated, but struggles to overcome that inertia that keeps her in her comfort zone. That same entrenched behavioural pattern is also damaging her marriage and Jess is forced to make some difficult choices.

I found the first section of the story a bit difficult to read, partly because the introverted dramas of a woman bored with her life is not really my preferred genre, but if I’m honest with myself, mostly because reading about Jess’s character flaws and poor choices was really frustrating – as it was meant to be. The second part of the story is written as flashbacks to the bishop’s life, and I was thoroughly engrossed. The characters and settings are interesting and vivid, and bring home how some historical documents can seem like such dry glimpses into events and lives that were actually full of flavour and emotion. The final parts of the story follow Jess’s discoveries as she embraces and begins to enjoy the research she had previously felt so trapped by. These run in parallel with flashbacks to the events themselves, revealing the mystery in the eyes of the people involved, and I could not put the book down.

The Bishop’s Girl was the perfect holiday read – although now I feel the need for another holiday – perhaps to Europe to visit some old churches and war museums? I certainly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good historical romance.
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During World War I, an English Bishop, Anthony Shacklock is buried near the field hospital in France where he helped to comfort soldiers. The beloved Bishop is soon exhumed to be brought back home to England. However, when the Bishop is dug up another body is found with him. The bones of a young woman remain a mystery through present day. Professor Waller has made finding out the identity of the young women his life’s work; however, he gives most of the actual research work to archivist Jess Morris who must toil away in dark libraries and go chasing leads all over England on weekends. Doing all of Waller’s work has placed a strain on Jess’ husband and children. Just when Jess seems to find a significant and exciting lead on her mystery woman, she begins to make some risky decisions with her personal life.
This was a very intriguing historical mystery. I was thrown into the story from the very beginning when the unexpected bones were found. First of all, I love dual-time stories and this story went back and forth between the present and 1899-1918. I also like giving a story to those who were forgotten and nameless, even though this story is completely fictional it gives a small taste of the work that researchers do in order to solve mysteries of the past. This story did have a bit of a slow start for me, while I do find research interesting; there was perhaps a bit too much in the beginning. However, as the clues began to come forward and we got a look back into Shacklock’s time period, the story became better paced. There was definitely a lot going on with Bishop Shacklock and the story of his time in Greece and in the French Hospital were very involved and intriguing. The conditions of the field hospital were particularly well done and I could imagine it very well. Jess’ story slightly mirrored what the Bishop was going through, however some of her issues paled in comparison to the Bishop and the mystery woman. When the identity of the mystery woman is revealed, I felt relief of her identity and sadness over her story. Overall, an absorbing historical mystery and a wonderful look into historical research.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )

What I enjoy about Rebecca Burns' writing in The Bishop's Girl is how "real" it sounds. I almost begin to research the bishop thinking that surely this book must be historical. (It is not.) Bishop Anthony Shacklock also reminds me of Ralph de Bricassart, the main character of The Thorn Birds, a memorable book I read a long time ago. The common threads of family, fidelity, and priorities tie together the stories of the women past and present in this book.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016/12/the-bishops-girl.html.

Reviewed based on a copy received from the author. ( )