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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Stacey Halls is rapidly becoming the go-to author for period dramas. Even though I don't normally go for historical dramas I decided to give one of Halls' books a try.
I found myself really enjoying the book. Halls’ style of writing is easy to read and I felt that the plot had the right amount of twists and suspense moments to be entertaining without over-complicating the plot as Ruby (and myself) learn more about the backstories of the Englands and their staff. I found Halls was also able to continually keep the plot moving forward without making the story feel rushed.
I found myself really enjoying the book. Halls’ style of writing is easy to read and I felt that the plot had the right amount of twists and suspense moments to be entertaining without over-complicating the plot as Ruby (and myself) learn more about the backstories of the Englands and their staff. I found Halls was also able to continually keep the plot moving forward without making the story feel rushed.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An easy read which follows the fledgling career of children’s nurse Ruby May as she takes up her position with a wealthy London couple to care for their baby girl. Ruby loves her young charge and is happy in her job but when the family emigrates to Chicago, she reluctantly decides she cannot accompany them so must quickly find another family requiring her services. With great trepidation, but desperate for an income, she accepts a position which sees her travelling to Yorkshire in the far north to care for four children. The year is 1904 and her new employers, the Englands, come from a long line of cotton and mill owners. This paints a rather gloomy and gothic atmosphere in her new home and town, especially when Ruby slowly comes to the realisation that all is not how it should be. A slow burn with an ominous undercurrent of control and threat.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A standard historic fiction piece with some suspenseful moments.
I hadn’t realised that the reveal was inspired by a true story, so I’ll read up more on that.
I’m not typical an audiobook girl and I do think I suffer as I didn’t fully pay attention towards the end when the reveal came to light, so did feel somewhat confused. But hey… got there in the end.
I hadn’t realised that the reveal was inspired by a true story, so I’ll read up more on that.
I’m not typical an audiobook girl and I do think I suffer as I didn’t fully pay attention towards the end when the reveal came to light, so did feel somewhat confused. But hey… got there in the end.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the vibe of this book. I was pulled in to the world and really felt driven to find out more about the characters. I wish the relationships between Ruby and Mr and Mrs Booth had resolved more - especially more between her and Mrs Booth (Blaise).
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
A very readable Edwardian gothic mystery - I enjoyed it!