Tag: genre: historical fiction

• Book Review: “A Touch of Stardust” by Kate Alcott (ARC)

  Posted at 6:30 am by Laura, on February 12, 2015

  A Touch of Stardust by Kate Alcott

  Publisher: Doubleday
  Publishing Date: February 17
  Genre: historical fiction
  ISBN: 9780385539043
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★★

  When Julie Crawford leaves Fort Wayne, Indiana for Hollywood, she never imagines she’ll cross paths with Carole Lombard, the dazzling actress from Julie’s provincial Midwestern hometown. Although the young woman has dreams of becoming a screenwriter, the only job Julie’s able to find is one in the studio publicity office of the notoriously demanding producer David O. Selznick—who is busy burning through directors, writers and money as he begins filming Gone with the Wind.

  Julie is given a front-row seat to not one but two of the greatest love affairs of all time: the undeniable on-screen chemistry between Scarlett and Rhett, and off screen, the deepening love between Carole and Clark. Yet beneath the shiny façade, things in Hollywood are never quite what they seem, and Julie must learn to balance career aspirations and her own budding romance with outsized personalities and the overheated drama on set.

  Julie Crawford dreams of becoming a screenwriter, and what better place to go than Hollywood. Her arrival is perfect, because the intimidating perfectionist David Selznick is in the beginning stages of filming Gone With the Wind. Originally placed in publicity, Julie’s luck changes when she meets Andy Weinstein, Selznick’s assistant, and Carole Lombard, the soon-to-be-wife to Clark Gable and Hollywood’s hottest female actress. Together, these two help Julie inch closer to her goal, while the whirlwind of the biggest movie of all time coincides with whisperings of a second world war.

  I’ve been an Alcott fan from the start (Dressmaker, Daring Ladies of Lowell), and this book is just as wonderful as it is different from her previous publications. Julie, fresh from college with big dreams, is eager and determined to make her way through life without the help of her stifling Midwestern parents. She’s young, naive, and starry-eyed, and thus falls into several Hollywood holes on her journey. But her awe ceases once she meets the actors, the humans behind the characters they play. Shy Clark, energetic Carole, poised Vivienne, humorous Hattie — even the eye-gauging-inducing producer, David (oh my LORD that man drove me insane). And on this journey is someone who challenges her and supports her: Andy.

  Andy, working as Selznick’s right hand man, is constantly under pressure and works hard to keep publicity from freaking out and Selznick from blowing a gasket. He’s also Jewish, which poses a problem whenever the glamor of a movie set fades away and real world politics leaks in. With family in Berlin, he’s watching the papers and listening to the radio, waiting for the right moment to head off to Europe.

  I liked how Julie interacted with Andy. (With all the characters, really, especially Carole. Those two were more than boss and assistant — they were genuine girlfriends always ready to rush over and save the day during a crisis.) She was believably shy and quick to become jealous — hard not to be when he’s an older man and in the business and city of artful lies — which felt authentic for her age and upbringing. I felt connected with her as a mid-twenties Midwestern girl. At the same time, watching her grow with him, stand up for herself and demand respect and equality in the relationship, that was wonderfully empowering. My only wish was for Andy to be less of a downer with her. He felt more real and promising at the baseball game than at any other time. Yet, of course he’s a bit on the down side — he’s stressed in several areas of his life, has a decade more in experience and reality, and knows that Julie is only just beginning. I didn’t love him the way Julie did — but I could certainly see why she did.

  Do not be fooled by the jacket summary! This novel is far more about a girl’s journey in the magic of Hollywood during the filming of the greatest American films in history than it is about love affairs — and thank goodness for that!

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this copy from Doubleday for review!

   

  Posted in books, Reviews 2015 | 1 Comment | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, review

• Book Review: “Alistair Grim’s Odditorium” by Gregory Funaro

  Posted at 7:35 am by Laura, on January 24, 2015

  Alistair Grim’s Odditorium by Gregory Funaro

  Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
  Published: January 6, 2015
  Genre: middle grade, fantasy, steampunk
  ISBN: 9781484700068
  Goodreads: 3.97
  Rating: ★★★★

  Grubb, age twelve (or thereabouts), has never known anything beyond his miserable existence as a chimney sweep, paid only in insults and abuse by his cruel master.

  All of that changes the day he stows away in the coach belonging to a mysterious guest at the inn that he is tasked with cleaning. Grubb emerges from Alistair Grim’s trunk and into the wondrous world of the Odditorium. Fueled by a glowing blue energy that Grubb can only begin to understand, the Odditorium is home to countless enchanted objects and an eccentric crew that embraces Grubb as one of their own.

  There’s no time for Grubb to settle into his new role as apprentice to the strange, secretive Mr. Grim. When the Odditorium comes under attack, Grubb is whisked off on a perilous adventure. Only he can prevent the Odditorium’s magic from falling into evil hands-and his new family from suffering a terrible fate.

  Grubb knows he’s no hero. He’s just a chimney sweep. But armed with only his courage and wits, Grubb will confront the life-or-death battle he alone is destined to fight.

  Grubb (spelled like the worm but with a second b) is an orphaned chimney sweep working for a very large, very grumpy Mr. Smears. An accident at the local inn drives Grubb to hide in a trunk stowed in a carriage — and the next thing he knows, he’s a stowaway granted permission to live in the dark, mysterious, glowing Odditorium. He stumbles across several enchanted and mechanical objects, all running off this strange blue or red energy. But Mr. Grim instructs Grubb to not ask questions, to not cause trouble, and to not touch anything. A small mishap with a tinkered pocket-watch sends Grubb on a wild journey across time and space with a sorcerer, a banshee, a witch, a business investor, a fairy, and countless Odditoria to save Victorian London and prevent the Odditorium’s magic from falling into Prince Nightshade’s hands.

  What a witty and fun adventure! I thought Odditorium was going to be a quirky Victorian Gothic book, but it’s not. It felt like a child Dickens mixed with Potter mixed with Snicket — and yet wholly unique. A mixture of Roman mythology and Celtic lore, with a dash of Victorian culture, and a dollop of magic, Odditorium is definitely a whirlwind of a read. I especially loved the illustrations by Vivienne To — it really added to the story!

  From the character names to their personal catch phrases, their hidden talents to their mysterious stories, it was enjoyable to watch Grubb’s world change in a matter of days from a skinny, starving, dirtied chummy to that of a sorcerer’s assistant risking life and limb to save a remarkable collection. The little academic inside me cheered.

  The story ended on a good note with a hint for a sequel. I do hope one comes out. This was a great mini Dickens-meets-fantasy read.

  This qualifies as book #1 in my resolution to read 10 library books in 2015.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2015 | 1 Comment | Tagged book review, books, genre: fantasy, genre: historical fiction, genre: middle grade, genre: sci-fi, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Miss Buncle’s Book” by DE Stevenson

  Posted at 8:00 am by Laura, on January 22, 2015

  Miss Buncle’s Book by DE Stevenson

  Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (org. Farrar & Rinehart)
  Published: 2012 (org. 1934)
  Genre: fiction
  ISBN: 9781402270826
  Goodreads: 4.03
  Rating: ★★★.5

  Barbara Buncle is in a bind. Times are harsh, and Barbara’s bank account has seen better days. Maybe she could sell a novel … if she knew any stories. Stumped for ideas, Barbara draws inspiration from her fellow residents of Silverstream, the little English village she knows inside and out.

  To her surprise, the novel is a smash. It’s a good thing she wrote under a pseudonym, because the folks of Silverstream are in an uproar. But what really turns Miss Buncle’s world around is this: what happens to the characters in her book starts happening to their real-life counterparts. Does life really imitate art?

  Mr. Abbott doesn’t know what to make of this “John Smith” and “his” book Disturber of the Peace. Is “he” an idiot or a prodigy? Is “he” incredibly simple or full of wit and satire? When Miss Barbara Buncle fesses up to being “John Smith” and writing what she knows — literally — Mr. Abbott is beside himself and can’t wait to publish her book. But Silverstream, Miss Buncle’s quaint English village, is not quite ready to read about their town, exposed so nakedly to the public eye. Soon enough, the events in Miss Buncle’s book — the portion she actually used some imagination for — begin to unfold in real life, and fiction and reality start to blur.

  What a charming read! At first I found the writing a bit jarring. The narrative jumps between characters within the chapters. But once I got into the flow, I found I couldn’t put this book down. It’s very much a product of its time in terms of style and execution, but you can find remnants of good old English storytelling in today’s BBC shows. I couldn’t help but think of Doc Martin when reading this.

  My favorite thing about this book — apart from it being a book about a book — was how everyone responded to Miss Buncle’s book and scurried around her, gossiping in front of her, scheming within earshot about discovering the author’s true name. Some cute romances blossomed from this as well, whether or not they were inspired or nudged by the book. Seeing this little town fall down a rabbit hole of a tizzy was very entertaining. It makes me wonder how many people swear up and down they’re a character in an author’s book. (And it must have happened often enough to warrant the disclaimer at the beginning of every fictional work!)

  A delightful read, perfect for an afternoon tea when BBC television just can’t cut it for the day!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2015 | 1 Comment | Tagged book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister (ARC)

  Posted at 8:15 am by Laura, on January 8, 2015

  The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister 

  Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
  Publishing Date: January 13
  Genre: historical fiction, mystery
  ISBN: 9781402298684
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★

  The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt watching from the audience, she swaps her trademark saw for a fire ax. Is it a new version of the illusion, or an all-too-real murder? When Arden’s husband is found lifeless beneath the stage later that night, the answer seems clear. But when Virgil happens upon the fleeing magician and takes her into custody, she has a very different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless—and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn Arden in or set her free… and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors.

  Young, infamous female magician Arden has one night to convince a police officer that she did not kill her husband on stage during one of her most notorious tricks: The Halved Man. While he wants her to begin her story with that particular night, she decides to tell him her life story, the story of how she became a magician. How else can he best understand any of her motives? From the pampered rooms in the city, to barns in the farmlands, from stage dances to railcar shows, Arden reveals herself little by little to the police officer. But is she lying? And if she is, is she lying about the murder — or herself?

  This really is a mixture of Night Circus — the elaborate lifestyle, traveling by train for a show a night, the magic of it all — meets Water for Elephants — the darker elements of abuse and psychological distraught. Arden’s life is governed by the desire to flee a boy who wasn’t right in the mind, a truly dangerous and terrifying character that left me just as much on edge as he left Arden. Arden’s desire to become a dancer is what lead her to the magic show, and her diligence, determination, and strict practice turned her into the success she is at the scene of the crime.

  The twist — the lie, and what kind of lie and where in the story and why — is what really kept me moving. The breaks between Arden’s story and her open discussions with the police gave the reader some insight as to where she might potentially be lying, but I’ll admit I almost skipped those passages simply because it was an interruption in Arden’s story. My advice? Don’t skip those passages. Search for the lie not only in the tale she spins to the police officer — to you — but also in those interruptions. The tiniest lines can give you the clues. And you’ll be guessing all the way to the end.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for sharing this book from Sourcebooks for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2015 | 2 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: historical fiction, genre: mystery, goodreads, review

• Top Five Books of 2014

  Posted at 8:40 pm by Laura, on December 17, 2014

  The most difficult post of the year: selecting five fantastic books from the 66, as of December 17th, I read this year!

  

  Goodness. This year was full of discoveries. If last year was deemed The Year of Gothic Literature, this could be called the ARC Frenzy (so. many. ARCs.) or The Year of Contemporary YA. Seriously, why hadn’t I read Gayle Forman sooner? Or Rainbow Rowell? Or Stephanie Perkins? They’re definitely my top YA authors now — I will follow their publishing career to the ends of the earth. This was also the year I stumbled upon Morgan Matson, Jenny Han, and Huntley Fitzpatrick. What a fun experience!

  In no particular order, here are my Top Five Books of 2014!

  For more favorites: Top Five of 2013, Top Five of 2012. To see the full list of books I read in 2014, feel free to see my Goodreads Challenge!

  

  

  

  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon || Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins ||
  Just One Day by Gayle Forman

  A time-traveling historical fiction with a dash of romance, now a hit TV series, is totally worth the volume of words and pages. If you haven’t giggled in a while, travel to Paris and relive your first romance! And finally, one magical day abroad can change your life forever.

  Clearly there’s a foreign theme going on…

  

  

  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell || Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

  Break personal barriers and overcome anxiety your freshman year in college, or shatter your entire belief system to save hundreds of people your uncle despises. These young women are daring in their own way!

  Some honorable mentions include Indiana author Sharon Biggs Waller’s A Mad, Wicked Folly, the Buffy-esque series starter Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins, and quietly beautiful The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston. There are two great books coming out in January 2015 that I read this year and loved (and will most likely make it into the Top 5 of 2015!), Geek Girl by Holly Smale and All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven — reviews to come.

  Which books made it to your Top Books of 2014 list? 

  Posted in books, Update Post | 7 Comments | Tagged books, genre: adult fiction, genre: contemporary, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, genre: young adult

• Book Review: “Ravencliffe” by Carol Goodman (ARC)

  Posted at 7:45 am by Laura, on November 18, 2014

  Ravencliffe by Carol Goodman

  Publisher: Viking
  Publishing Date: December 2
  Genre: young adult, fantasy, historical fiction, gothic
  ISBN: 9780670784776
  Goodreads: — 
  Rating: ★★★★

  Avaline Hall is no ordinary girl.

  She’s a student at Blythewood Academy, an elite boarding school that trains young women to defend human society from the shadowy forces that live among us.  After the devastating events of her first year at Blythewood, Ava is eager to reunite with her friends—and with Raven, the compelling but elusive winged boy who makes her pulse race. She soon discovers, though, that the sinister Judicus van Drood hasn’t finished wreaking havoc on Blythewood—and wants to use Ava and her classmates to attack a much bigger target.

  Ava’s the only one with any hope of stopping van Drood. But to scuttle his plans, she must reveal her deepest secret to everyone at Blythewood. What’s she willing to sacrifice to do what’s right—her school?  Her love?  Or her life?

  Avaline ended her first year at Blythewood with more than just the knowledge that fairies exist in our world — she knows who (or rather what) her father is. A tumultuous summer break leaves Ava nostalgic for the comforts of Blythewood and all it entails: routine, classes, her friends Daisy and Helen, and Raven, the Darkling who works so hard to convince her that not all Fae are evil. But returning to Blythewood actually leaves Ava more haunted than relieved, for Judicus van Drood has a sinister plan in mind, one that will destroy the school and leave any remaining girls exhausted, torn, and ruined. The only solution Ava can see is revealing her true nature, no matter the consequences.

  Gosh, if you thought Blythewood was magical and enchanting and touching in a way that only Harry Potter and A Great and Terrible Beauty could be, then you’ll fall head over heels for this. Amp up the gothic melodrama, throw in history of magic, allude to historical disasters to come and connect our world with that of the Fae, and you’ve got yourself Ravencliffe. While the first book met the standard expectations of typical Gothic literature, this one met every single point on target: the adventure, the heightened emotions, coincidences and quick solutions, and an all-encompassing romance.

  Do not devour this book all at once. Because of the heightened melodrama, the mix of so many new characters and settings, and one disaster piling on top of another (which leads to an inevitable explosion of an ending), it can feel like too much too soon if read quickly. Savor it. Enjoy it. Live each chapter. The best way to enjoy a book such as this is to take it slowly.

  For a concrete portion of a review — rather than my vague, cautionary ramblings and excitement over the fantastical — allow me to praise Goodman’s ability to keep the romance distinctly triangle-less. Ava is torn not between two boys — one human and one Darkling — but between two lifestyles: to accept the portion of herself that is Darkling, and therefore face potential exile from the human and Darkling worlds, or to shun that portion of herself and remain steadfastly human. That being said — and as real and honest and beautiful as her relationship is with Raven — I will not deny Nathan’s affections for her. It’s clear he prefers her company to others girls’ yet every interaction felt incredibly platonic. Thank goodness. The love they share for one another runs like siblings’ love. Also, every encounter Ava has with female Darklings and Raven cracked me up — it’s so typical for a girl, the way her mind jumped to unreasonable jealousy, and then mental slapping for ever thinking such a thing.

  This book is so much more than the romance, but I cannot delve too far into it without giving away major plot points. More magical creatures, more magical places, more ominous events tied to actual history, more self-discovery, more characters outside the Order, more alliances, more everything. It’s remarkable. I’m excited to see where Goodman takes us next.

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Viking for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 0 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: fantasy, genre: gothic, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Jackaby” by William Ritter

  Posted at 8:35 am by Laura, on November 6, 2014

  Jackaby by William Ritter 

  Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
  Published: September 2014
  Genre: young adult, fantasy, historical fiction, gothic, mystery
  ISBN: 9781616203535
  Goodreads: 3.79
  Rating: ★★★★

  “Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion–and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.”

  Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary–including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police–with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane–deny.

  Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

  Abigail Rook had dreams of taking adventures around the world, following her father’s footsteps in archeology and unearthing history’s mysteries. But after a series of negative responses from friends and family, she decided to create her own adventure, and ended up in New Fiddleham where she met the extraordinary R.F. Jackaby, an investigator in supernatural occurrences and crimes. From the moment she steps through his door, the town erupts in mayhem: a serial killer is on the loose. Jackaby and Junior Detective Charlie Cane are convinced it’s a supernatural being, and though Abigail cannot see proof of it, neither can she see the villain as a human. Adventure has finally begin.

  What an amazing genre-bender! It truly is a blend of Doctor Who and Sherlock, with the incredible supernatural events and beings — what’s even more, so many of these creatures are of various cultural lore — and sole Seer of the beings, and the obnoxiously intelligent and socially inept detective wrecking havoc around the police. Gosh, I loved Jackaby. I loved the way Abigail worked around him, too. Her wit and spunk really helped the two of them bounce ideas off one another, fight off unwanted attention, push aside those who didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t believe. Both were incredibly fun.

  Reading this was like candy. Not too frightening, not too humorous, just the right amount of fantasy and realism, wit and logic. Any fan of either of those British shows would eat this up. I can’t go into too much detail, else I’ll spoil the book. Let’s just say I’m glad this is the first of a planned series. You can bet I’ll be buying the sequels.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 3 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: fantasy, genre: gothic, genre: historical fiction, genre: mystery, genre: young adult, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Voyager” by Diana Gabaldon

  Posted at 3:09 pm by Laura, on October 29, 2014

  Voyager by Diana Gabaldon 

  Publisher: Dell
  Published: 1993
  Genre: historical fiction, romance, fantasy, adventure
  ISBN: 9780440217565
  Goodreads: 4.37
  Rating: ★★★★★

  Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her… and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.

  Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her…the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland… and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite—or forever doom—her timeless love.

  Claire’s told her daughter Brianna about her birth father, Jamie, and the unusual circumstances in which he and Claire met. With Roger Wakefield’s help, Claire and Brianna begin a desperate search to find out what happened to Jamie after Culloden, as evidence points to his survival. When they make a discovery that he could still be alive 20 years after the battle — 200 years exactly for Claire — Claire decides to take a chance and return to him. But will he be the same man she left 20 years ago? What sort of life is he leading now? And though Claire clings to the memory of him, does he still hold her in his heart as well?

  SPOILER ALERT
  Events pertaining to Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber are within this review.
  SPOILER ALERT

  While only slightly put off by the 1960s Scotland in Dragonfly, I was not put off at all in this book! I love Roger and Brianna, their personalities and enthusiasm and general goodness. They’re fleshed out much more in this book, and even while Claire was reunited with Jamie I did wonder how they were getting on. Could they follow Jamie and Claire in the history books? How was Brianna dealing with the loss of her mother? How was Roger coping with his newly discovered, time-warped family history? How was Brianna coping with her newly discovered, time-warped family history?! I’m excited to see more of them in future books.

  Gabaldon knows just how to answer all the reader questions. I was happy to see the conflict and slow decision Claire encountered when faced with traveling back in time to see Jamie. Of course she’d go back — but that takes preparation. And she did it so well, so thoughtful of her daughter’s well-being, of her career and friendship with Joe (who is also awesome, by the way), her forgiveness for Frank (who frankly (ha ha) doesn’t deserve it, the bastard, but it was well done and very Claire-like). It was fun to see her collect the proper coinage, the right dress, the knowledge of history and culture and politics — so much preparation to blend in for her arrival.

  Not to mention the constant insecurities and questioning upon reuniting with Jamie! They love each other, pure and true, but it has been 20 years, and so much can change a person. The book takes place across four months in the 1760s, and while the reader gets snippets of Jamie’s past (his hiding, his imprisonment, his servitude in England), Claire learns of them briefly and at very inopportune moments. It’s as if they know one another so deeply, and suddenly there’s a rift they must work through. It was beautiful (and heartbreaking) to read. I’ve never read of a couple more human than these two.

  So much happens in this book. If I thought Dragonfly was filled with several many names and circumstances, I had to think again. New acquaintances, reconnections, pirates and military, nieces and nephews, adventures on land and by sea, Scotland and France and the Caribbean — it was all a jumble of love, adventure, shock, discovery, and brand new beginnings for these two. And I can honestly say that at this point, I don’t care where they end up as long as they’re together.

  I also hope Jamie’s no longer an outlaw, poor fellow. But clearly he becomes one again at some point in future books. Sigh. Can’t seem to catch a break.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 3 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: action/adventure, genre: adult fiction, genre: fantasy, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “First Impressions” by Charlie Lovett (ARC)

  Posted at 7:45 am by Laura, on October 6, 2014

  First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen by Charlie Lovett 

  Publisher: Viking Adult
  Publishing Date: October 16
  Genre: contemporary, historical fiction, mystery
  ISBN: 9780525427247
  Goodreads: —
  Rating: ★★★.5

  Book lover and Austen enthusiast Sophie Collingwood has recently taken a job at an antiquarian bookshop in London when two different customers request a copy of the same obscure book: the second edition of Little Book of Allegories by Richard Mansfield.  Their queries draw Sophie into a mystery that will cast doubt on the true authorship of Pride and Prejudice—and ultimately threaten Sophie’s life.

  In a dual narrative that alternates between Sophie’s quest to uncover the truth—while choosing between two suitors—and a young Jane Austen’s touching friendship with the aging cleric Richard Mansfield, Lovett weaves a romantic, suspenseful, and utterly compelling novel about love in all its forms and the joys of a life lived in books.

  Sophie Collingwood’s life is dedicated to books. Thanks to her Uncle Bertram’s enthusiasm for literature, she too began collecting and reading books at a young age. When her uncle dies outside his apartment unexpectedly, Sophie is certain it was murder. Upon arriving at his apartment, she finds it completely bare of books — and after acquiring a job at an antiquarian bookshop, she makes it her personal mission to find Bertram’s murderer and his personal library. Soon enough, she becomes entangled in a mystery connecting her family to Jane Austen’s career, and she must decide if it’s a secret worth dying for.

  Lush and exquisitely told, Lovett’s dual narrative between present-day Oxford graduate Sophie Collingwood and the young Jane Austen — prior to her publishing career — is a rich, cozy read. I think Austen fans will enjoy this interpretation of the beginnings of Pride and Prejudice, and I certainly enjoyed the mystery and thrill in Sophie’s life. Threatening phone calls to obtain a rare book that may or may not be connected to Austen can definitely make a bookworm’s heart pound. Between Oxford and London, libraries and bookshops, graveyards and old estates, Sophie’s narrative is exciting for the bookish researcher. Jane’s narrative is calmer, revealing a growing friendship with an old cleric who also enjoys literature. His influence on her books is profound, and their connection deep and unyielding.

  I cannot pinpoint why exactly I didn’t give this four or five stars. It’s one of those books that, once you begin reading and fall into the rhythm of the narrative, you can’t put it down. Seeing as I had to repeatedly put it down for other responsibilities in my life, I didn’t quite fall into it like I wanted to. The mystery is justifiably intriguing, the hunt for books engaging, and the threat to reveal the truth behind Austen’s most famous work terrifying. I liked it. Bookworms will too!

  Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from Viking for review!

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 3 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, genre: adult fiction, genre: contemporary, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, goodreads, review

• Book Review: “Dragonfly in Amber” by Diana Gabaldon

  Posted at 8:33 pm by Laura, on September 28, 2014

  Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon 

  Publisher: Seal Books
  Published: July 1992
  Genre: historical fiction, fantasy, romance, adventure
  ISBN: 9780440215622
  Goodreads: 4.31
  Rating: ★★★★

  For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones …about a love that transcends the boundaries of time …and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his ….

  Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart …in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising …and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves…

  Scotland, 1968. Claire brings her daughter Brianna to Scotland to visit the place Frank studied with such depth and devotion. Claire introduces Brianna to Roger Wakefield, the adopted son of the reverend Frank corresponded and shared academic stories with during and after his second honeymoon with Claire. But Roger and Brianna are set in store for more than nostalgia and acquaintance reunions — little do they know they’ll learn of the years Claire spent away from Frank, and what it means for them.
  Scotland & France, 1744-1746. Claire and Jamie flee Scotland for France, and work their way into Charles Stuart’s court in Paris in an attempt to thwart his efforts to reclaim the Scottish throne. Leading the life of a double-agent, Jamie’s political leanings and pride in his country war in his heart, and Claire attempts to navigate court life to help in his efforts. Soon enough their work is needed in Scotland once more, and it appears that fate has a different plan set in store for the Frasers, the MacKenzies, and Scotland.

  Note: All Outlander books will be filled with spoilers. If you haven’t read Outlander yet, do not read on!

  This would’ve received five stars if it weren’t for France. Not that Gabaldon’s writing was poor in France, or that the history wasn’t fascinating — nothing like that. And it’s not that it was the setting that put me off (France versus Scotland…mmm, I’d take Scotland). The slow pacing and political intrigue was just like in Outlander, except that this time we’re set in the opulence of a French court, with too many characters and too much gossip and too much scheming and it not only took a toll on me but also on Jamie and Claire. They love each other deeply and they care about their cause, but it clearly disrupted their life, being double agents and attempting to change the course of history. It created a rift, in a way. I promise you, if you’re reading Dragonfly in Amber right now and you’re not back in Scotland yet, keep reading. It’ll be worth it! Soon our lovers are back on home land and even they admit France was tedious!

  At first I was slightly put off by the twenty-years-into-the-future part of the story — including the switching perspectives — but after a while I genuinely liked it. We see how Claire struggled to maintain a secret, read her mind as she flashed back to the difficulty in her marriage with Frank post-return, felt her love for her daughter Brianna and all that she meant. We can sense how heartbreaking it was for her to come back to the twentieth century and have a child. And then to tell the child about her years away from Frank and hope against all hope she’d believe Claire. That’s tough. Although I still find it hilarious that the most logical of men in this series still believe Claire faster than any woman has (first Jamie, then Anselm, then Roger).

  I know that everyone is okay. It’s clear, reading the summaries of the other books, that everyone is okay. But that still didn’t stop the feeling of dread once we were back in Scotland, once you realize Claire really did return to the future, once Jamie and Claire have to say goodbye. So many tears. So. Many.

  And the cliffhanger? Good Lord.

  There’s a reason this series is successful. It’s not a romance about how two people come together and live happily ever after. It’s about a marriage. About following these two people across time and space, about all the hardships they’ve encountered together and apart, how they work with one another and make decisions and still come out loving one another so deeply and fully it makes your own heart shatter. It’s beautiful.

  Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 0 Comments | Tagged book review, books, genre: action/adventure, genre: adult fiction, genre: fantasy, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, review

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• Hello, I’m Laura!

  I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to travel, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm always down for chips-and-queso nights. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!

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