Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I received a proof copy of this book and fell in love with it. This was my first read of Ruth Hogan and I will definitely be going back for more!
It was such a great story I just couldn’t put it down, I loved all the characters (even the ones I disliked if that makes sense), and the emotional journey they go on was captivating. I enjoyed how the book follows the two main characters, Madame Burova and Billie, in two different time periods, it gave much more insight into them.
Although I did figure out half of Billie’s parentage I was still changing my mind about the other half until it was finally revealed. Each individual character was well developed regardless of how big or small a role they played, it made me feel as if I knew them personally. Whilst generally a lighter read, the story also touched on some important topics such as racism, sexism, and sexual harassment.
I was really impressed with this even though it’s not my usual genre and would definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary proof copy of the book from Readers First and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It was such a great story I just couldn’t put it down, I loved all the characters (even the ones I disliked if that makes sense), and the emotional journey they go on was captivating. I enjoyed how the book follows the two main characters, Madame Burova and Billie, in two different time periods, it gave much more insight into them.
Although I did figure out half of Billie’s parentage I was still changing my mind about the other half until it was finally revealed. Each individual character was well developed regardless of how big or small a role they played, it made me feel as if I knew them personally. Whilst generally a lighter read, the story also touched on some important topics such as racism, sexism, and sexual harassment.
I was really impressed with this even though it’s not my usual genre and would definitely recommend it.
*I received a complimentary proof copy of the book from Readers First and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Ruth Hogan wins again with this romantic, magical novel that surrounds Imelda Burova, a fortune teller who keeps confidential the secrets she learns from her clients. After her retirement, she realizes it is time for her to keep the promise she made by getting in touch with a woman who has no idea she was ever adopted. Imelda was associated with the mother. But mystery of who the father was has haunted her for decades. As Hogan does, the story flashes back to the 1970s when Imelda and the other entertainers at Larkin's had a colorful time.
Imelda is such a lovable character. I grew teary at the end when all was revealed.
Ruth Hogan wins again with this romantic, magical novel that surrounds Imelda Burova, a fortune teller who keeps confidential the secrets she learns from her clients. After her retirement, she realizes it is time for her to keep the promise she made by getting in touch with a woman who has no idea she was ever adopted. Imelda was associated with the mother. But mystery of who the father was has haunted her for decades. As Hogan does, the story flashes back to the 1970s when Imelda and the other entertainers at Larkin's had a colorful time.
Imelda is such a lovable character. I grew teary at the end when all was revealed.
Loved it more than I thought I would. I love the backstories of each character introduced. There were some heartbreaking bits but it made for a great character arc.
All in all, I enjoyed seeing the world through Madame Burova's eyes and learning about her story and how she made an impact on the lives she came across.
All in all, I enjoyed seeing the world through Madame Burova's eyes and learning about her story and how she made an impact on the lives she came across.
This novel is set between to time periods current day England and 70's England, both of which are very well written and I enjoyed the cultural references to those who rose to fame in the 70's and 80's
I was initially drawn in through the beautiful artwork on the cover. From the opening sentence I was immediately pulled into the world and the idea of all the secrets Madam Burova holds and I would happily read a book from Ruth Hogan.
I found the way Ruth Hogan began showing how the different charters all interlink, and I found her characterisation of each of the main characters and how they differ from their perspectives and those around them refreshing.
I was initially drawn in through the beautiful artwork on the cover. From the opening sentence I was immediately pulled into the world and the idea of all the secrets Madam Burova holds and I would happily read a book from Ruth Hogan.
I found the way Ruth Hogan began showing how the different charters all interlink, and I found her characterisation of each of the main characters and how they differ from their perspectives and those around them refreshing.
Le tenía muchas ganas a este libro, tantas que lo empecé tres veces porque no me estaba atrapando. Al final logré concluirlo pero no me encantó, a pesar de que es una buena historia, me costó mucho conectar con los personajes y aunque en general me gustan las historias que van en distintas líneas de tiempo, en este caso no contribuyó para que me gustara. Me tardé mucho en agarrar el hilo y casi hasta el final le encontré el gusto.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved the book The Keeper of Lost Things and was excited to read another book by Ruth Hogan. This book features many characters who are woven together in two timelines as a young woman finds out she was adopted and is connected to Madame Burova as she starts to find out about her past. I found it interesting that Madame Burova is Romani and a fortune teller. It made me wonder if this was playing into stereotypes, but at the same time, this is not a culture I have read about before. I enjoyed the unique cast of characters in this book. It does contain references to animal mistreatment, racism, and sexual harassment.
