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2.5 but I’ll round up because I liked most the story line, it had potential …
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Story was decent. I only finished it to see how it ended.
Fascinating History Blended With A Heart-Tugging Second Chance Romance!
It was so fascinating to read about Viking history, illuminated manuscripts, and the way that ancient books are preserved. Add a realistic romance where the characters own hidden trauma leads them to seek divorce, but a mystery and lost manuscript unexpectedly brings them back together and I was zipping through this wonderful book! I loved the main characters (who were incredibly realistic) and was rooting for them the whole time.
It was so fascinating to read about Viking history, illuminated manuscripts, and the way that ancient books are preserved. Add a realistic romance where the characters own hidden trauma leads them to seek divorce, but a mystery and lost manuscript unexpectedly brings them back together and I was zipping through this wonderful book! I loved the main characters (who were incredibly realistic) and was rooting for them the whole time.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Was trying to listen to the book.
Got an hour and a half in and just couldn't do it anymore.
The premise of the book could be so good if not for the constant repetition of the protagonist struggling with choice and emotion. It's too much back and forth writing when it's clear what the plotline and the characters choice will be.
Also, I feel like the category should have been faith based romance or something like that.
Not my cup of tea.
I wanted to like it but, couldn't.
Got an hour and a half in and just couldn't do it anymore.
The premise of the book could be so good if not for the constant repetition of the protagonist struggling with choice and emotion. It's too much back and forth writing when it's clear what the plotline and the characters choice will be.
Also, I feel like the category should have been faith based romance or something like that.
Not my cup of tea.
I wanted to like it but, couldn't.
This redemption story pulled at my heartstrings and deepened my faith.
Both Ellora and Alex have history and secrets they’d rather keep hidden. They could use both as a viable excuse for their actions and be pardoned by many. Instead, these deeply flawed individuals are not ready to give up on each other. The author capitalizes on this glimmer of hope and presents us with an opportunity to see what a lack of communication can do to a relationship and what, if possible, is needed to get it back on track. She wraps this beautiful possibility in an exciting adventure, resulting in a compelling read.
I loved the premise of a lost illuminated manuscript bringing two lost souls to a place where they could ‘find’ each other in their attempt to locate Lindisfarne’s treasure.
This book was more than I expected.
You’ll be swept away by inspirational messages, a castle, an adventure, the possibility of second chances and a heartwarming romance.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Romance and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Both Ellora and Alex have history and secrets they’d rather keep hidden. They could use both as a viable excuse for their actions and be pardoned by many. Instead, these deeply flawed individuals are not ready to give up on each other. The author capitalizes on this glimmer of hope and presents us with an opportunity to see what a lack of communication can do to a relationship and what, if possible, is needed to get it back on track. She wraps this beautiful possibility in an exciting adventure, resulting in a compelling read.
I loved the premise of a lost illuminated manuscript bringing two lost souls to a place where they could ‘find’ each other in their attempt to locate Lindisfarne’s treasure.
This book was more than I expected.
You’ll be swept away by inspirational messages, a castle, an adventure, the possibility of second chances and a heartwarming romance.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Romance and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer is a great book that is full of history, mystery, second chances, love, loss, and hope.
This is the story of Ellora (Ellie) Lockwood and her husband Alex (both history professors) who are struggling in their marriage, a grandmother (June) gone missing in the search of a lost manuscript set in St. Cloud, MN & England.
Will Ellie and Alex be able to save their marriage? What happened to Grandma June? Will the lost manuscript be found? Will their marriage survive?
It is beautifully written, with scripture, talk of God and our relationship with Him. "I think we often equate God's love with how well our lives are going."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the story of Ellora (Ellie) Lockwood and her husband Alex (both history professors) who are struggling in their marriage, a grandmother (June) gone missing in the search of a lost manuscript set in St. Cloud, MN & England.
Will Ellie and Alex be able to save their marriage? What happened to Grandma June? Will the lost manuscript be found? Will their marriage survive?
It is beautifully written, with scripture, talk of God and our relationship with Him. "I think we often equate God's love with how well our lives are going."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Lost Manuscript is an interesting story of an ancient medieval manuscript, created by a woman, and hidden away for hundreds of years. This is Christian fiction, and while I appreciate the religious side of this story, I found the musings about God's plans and prayer unnecessary to the story at times.
Ellora feels abandoned by the people she loves. Her parents were addicts who left her with her Grandma June when she was young. June disappeared several months ago from England while searching for a lost medieval manuscript. Ellora had a miscarriage during a store robbery and her husband knew nothing about the baby they lost. Her marriage ended when her husband took a job in Alnwick. She can't seem to move on and is consumed with grief and anger.
Her husband Alex did run away, because he couldn't understand her anger at him for saving a woman during the robbery. Why does she feel so abandoned by him? He never wants children, and while he doesn't know about the child they lost, he does know she wanted a child. They had agreed on no children when they married; why has she changed her mind now?
But God (and Grandma June) is bringing them back together. Alex finds a letter to Ellora under a rug in her office in Alwick, and he urges her to come to teach with him at the university's summer session at the castle so she can investigate and maybe find the lost manuscript. Her best friend Lanae is coming, too, as a resident advisor.
Ellora, Alex, Lanae and Oscar, Alex's friend, get caught up in the mystery of what happened to June, and where the mysterious manuscript can be. Ellora gets threatening messages, but she can't stop looking for her beloved grandmother and the manuscript that may have led to her death.
This story captivated me from the beginning. I did want to scream at Ellora and Alex to Just. Talk. To. Each. Other., and I did feel some of the mentions of God and prayer felt like they were just tacked on. But unlike some Christian fiction, the mentions of God weren't excessive and didn't detract from the story.
Those who love history, and strong women who broke boundaries, will enjoy this story, as long as the references to God and religion aren't off-putting. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
Ellora feels abandoned by the people she loves. Her parents were addicts who left her with her Grandma June when she was young. June disappeared several months ago from England while searching for a lost medieval manuscript. Ellora had a miscarriage during a store robbery and her husband knew nothing about the baby they lost. Her marriage ended when her husband took a job in Alnwick. She can't seem to move on and is consumed with grief and anger.
Her husband Alex did run away, because he couldn't understand her anger at him for saving a woman during the robbery. Why does she feel so abandoned by him? He never wants children, and while he doesn't know about the child they lost, he does know she wanted a child. They had agreed on no children when they married; why has she changed her mind now?
But God (and Grandma June) is bringing them back together. Alex finds a letter to Ellora under a rug in her office in Alwick, and he urges her to come to teach with him at the university's summer session at the castle so she can investigate and maybe find the lost manuscript. Her best friend Lanae is coming, too, as a resident advisor.
Ellora, Alex, Lanae and Oscar, Alex's friend, get caught up in the mystery of what happened to June, and where the mysterious manuscript can be. Ellora gets threatening messages, but she can't stop looking for her beloved grandmother and the manuscript that may have led to her death.
This story captivated me from the beginning. I did want to scream at Ellora and Alex to Just. Talk. To. Each. Other., and I did feel some of the mentions of God and prayer felt like they were just tacked on. But unlike some Christian fiction, the mentions of God weren't excessive and didn't detract from the story.
Those who love history, and strong women who broke boundaries, will enjoy this story, as long as the references to God and religion aren't off-putting. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
This book did not turn out as I expected. There was a mystery element involving the titular Lost Manuscript that turned out to be the most fun aspect of the book. Following the historical clues was fun and had me wanting to visit England! The main relationship fell kind of flat, however. From the get go their separation didn’t make much sense, and you could tell right away that everything would be fine. This title is perfect for senior clients who like family stories, and gentle reads.
I loved the cover of The Bookshop of Secrets, and this cover is equally beautiful. After reading the book, I think the cover matches the story well. Since the characters search for an ancient manuscript dyed with lapis lazuli, the bright blue book feels appropriate.
The beginning of the book felt awkward. However, I always feel wary of Christian books which focus on a divorced, or separated and on the brink of divorced in this case, couple as the main characters. I also went into this book without reading the synopsis, so I just knew part of it was set in the UK and followed a woman as she searched for a missing manuscript. Once all of the characters met up in England and started on the actual mystery, things fell into a good pace without as much floundering.
The hunt for the manuscript kept my attention. The married couple worked on communicating better with each other. One of the villains took me by surprise. The English setting satisfied my wanderlust. Overall, it was a great book. I just wish the publisher had included a map. I became a bit confused as to where all of the places the characters visited were located. I have not settled on a star rating yet, but it gets at least 4 stars from me. If any of my readers enjoy low-stakes mystery or a book set in England, pick up a copy of The Lost Manuscript when it comes out in 2 weeks on August 29, 2023.
The beginning of the book felt awkward. However, I always feel wary of Christian books which focus on a divorced, or separated and on the brink of divorced in this case, couple as the main characters. I also went into this book without reading the synopsis, so I just knew part of it was set in the UK and followed a woman as she searched for a missing manuscript. Once all of the characters met up in England and started on the actual mystery, things fell into a good pace without as much floundering.
The hunt for the manuscript kept my attention. The married couple worked on communicating better with each other. One of the villains took me by surprise. The English setting satisfied my wanderlust. Overall, it was a great book. I just wish the publisher had included a map. I became a bit confused as to where all of the places the characters visited were located. I have not settled on a star rating yet, but it gets at least 4 stars from me. If any of my readers enjoy low-stakes mystery or a book set in England, pick up a copy of The Lost Manuscript when it comes out in 2 weeks on August 29, 2023.