Author: Ann-Christin Antell
Finnish original: Kätketty tähti
Publisher: Gummerus 2026
Genre: historical romance
Number of pages: 344 pp.
Reading material: Finnish original, English synopsis
The Adel Sisters trilogy follows three talented and charming sisters in the early 1900s Finland and on their travels in Europe as they try to find their way in the male-dominated fields of art and science. The sisters live with their painter father Axel and mother Matilda in a beautiful Casa Adel in Naantali, southwestern Finland. The family has aristocratic background but have been impoverished due to unfortunate events. The oldest daughter, Thyra, is an introverted soul focused on mathematics and astronomy. Middle child Lily loves art and aspires to become a painter like her beloved father. The youngest, Kitty, spends her days roaming about forests and lakes and dreams of becoming an archaelogist. In addition to complicated matters of the heart, the reader gets swept in the cultural and spiritual movements of the era that influenced art and science alike. And a depiction of a time when women were active and committed actors on many fields but for on e reason or another repeatedly overshadowed by men in a patriarchal society.
In Hidden Star (2026), we get to follow the eldest Adel sister, Thyra, a mathematically gifted introvert. Thyra and her younger sister Kitty are spending the summer at their maternal grandmother’s farm at the Kustö island, where their cranky recluse of an uncle conducts scientific experiments and studies stars. Thyra succeeds in gaining his trust. While exploring the ruins of a castle on the island, Thyra encounters a headstrong and gloomy baron, Marcus von Willebrand, from the neighboring estate. At the same time, she learns about her mother’s scandalous youth. Where will the stars lead Thyra?
About the author
Ann-Christin Antell