Simone Demas, a French aristocrat, and her daughter, Zoe, find shelter in Britain, escaping the terrifying consequences of the French Revolution. Simone marries Hugh Dovefield, a successful barrister with a kind heart. Hugh treats Zoe as his daughter, yet the stubborn and rebellious girl is not always kind to those around her. Zoe's lady's maid, Lucy, doesn't return after her half day off. The officials find her body in Whitechapel, and the coroner assumes that her death is accidental. Zoe is sure Lucy would never voluntarily go to this dangerous London area. She joins forces with Quinton Huxley, who knows the darker side of London well. Together, they make astonishing discoveries. The Ties That Divide by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler appeals to fans of historical fiction, mysteries, dramas, and social issues novels.

In The Ties That Divide, Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler describe the glamorous Regency era in detail. The thoroughly researched historical background engages our imaginations with the aristocratic way of life peculiar to the nobles of that time. Sandra and Taylor add a shocking contrast, showing Whitechapel, the poorest and most dangerous part of London. Zoe goes through personal growth, and her character development is exceptional. Quinton's backstory is no less interesting than the main storyline, enriched with gripping intrigue. The authors create several complex secondary characters, like Quinton's childhood friend, Charlie Modi, and his family, and Rory Stewart, a man of many talents. The connecting link between all these different people is their readiness to survive, no matter what. Every reader will find something to admire in this captivating novel that artfully balances multiple genres.

For me, escaping into the past through historical fiction is like turning off all the noisy TV shows overloaded with fast guns, fast talk, and fast women. The silence is so welcome! By contrast, despite murders still occurring, in a novel as well-written as The Ties That Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler, the historical setting seems peaceful, the pace more acceptable, the plot easier to follow, and the characters more realistic. Yet, there’s so much going on behind the scenes that once you start reading, you don’t want to stop. The murder that kicks off the plot is centered around the feisty, outspoken, young but brilliant Zoe Demas. Her maid, Lucy, whom she realizes she barely knew, is found dead. Zoe’s shock at the news turns into the determination to find the killer when she feels the police aren’t doing enough. She enlists the help of Quinton Huxley with an unexpected team of helpers that includes a young deaf-mute and his sister.

Those who like seeing strong female characters stand up for themselves will love Zoe. In some respects, she’s a modern high-society teen in a past era. Quinton, by contrast, grew up in the streets and is full of hurt he keeps to himself. When Quinton’s sister is also found murdered, Mary, Zoe’s new companion, tells Quinton: “She was a part of the fabric of your life—a part of the tapestry that makes you…you. Beyond all reasonin’ or logic, the threads of the tapestries of  all  our  lives  are  entwinin’.” Mary’s statement immediately made me think of the tapestry of my own life…of each of our lives. It sums up what this novel is all about - people, good and bad, weaving their ways into and out of our lives. The Ties That Divide is well-researched and authentic in its historic setting and customs. It’s an exciting read with engaging characters, a hint of budding romance, and unless I’m just being hopeful, closing paragraphs that suggest a sequel might be coming. If so, I, for one, look forward to reading more about Quinton and Zoe from Sandra and Taylor Preisler.