"The Distant Hours" is a novel by Kate Morton that follows the story of Edie Burchill, a young woman who discovers a long-lost letter from her mother. This letter leads her to Merevale, an old, mysterious castle where her mother once lived during her childhood. As Edie explores the castle, she uncovers secrets about her family's past and the lives of the three sisters who inhabit the castle. The narrative intertwines past and present, revealing how the sisters, Percy, Saffy, and Juniper, are connected to Edie's family. The novel delves into themes of memory, love, and the impact of history on the present, creating a rich tapestry of intertwined lives and hidden truths.