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3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
I received this book from NetGalley as an eARC in exchange for a review.
The Poppy and the Rose follows two timelines, one set on the titanic and one in modern day.
I found this book to be way more interesting than I originally anticipated on rereading the summary. I am not normally a HUGE fan of historical fiction but I like mystery, so it did a good mix of including both to keep me hooked.
The Poppy and the Rose follows two timelines, one set on the titanic and one in modern day.
I found this book to be way more interesting than I originally anticipated on rereading the summary. I am not normally a HUGE fan of historical fiction but I like mystery, so it did a good mix of including both to keep me hooked.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book comes out at October 6th 2020
“DUST IN THE AIR SUSPENDED
MARKS THE PLACE WHERE A STORY ENDED."
The Poppy & The Rose is a lot, but it never felt like too much or that it was trying too hard. The story is told from 2 POV, one from Taylor in 2010, ready to go study Journalism on Oxford, and one from Ava in 1912, ready to set on the Titanic. At first, it seems like they don’t have anything in common, but as the story goes on, it seems like that isn’t true at all. The story has elements of mysteries that entertained me for sure. Even for someone who hasn’t read a lot of mysteries or historical fiction, I still enjoyed it and the story kept me guessing what was going to happen next. It is simple to follow, though the clues are hidden perfectly, making it almost impossible to put the book down.
Both the main character are believable. Taylor is dealing with the lost of her dad and doesn’t like how her mom is taking it, which felt believable. Emotions can be very mixed and so it is even hard to understand for one what they clearly mean. One can be bitter while also grieving, and I liked that aspect of Taylor. Side character in her storyline felt like they were there with a reason and not just there for the sake of it.
Ava’s character felt also believable, wanting to follow her passion for photography while dealing with her mom’s health state and wanting the best for her, since she believes that will save her dad as well. It is clear the writer did enough research to make sure Ava and the time she is in where believable. It isn’t info-dumping the reading, which I feel like a lot of historical fictions do, unfortunately. Here and there are things revealed from the time, but overall it felt like it added to the story. Here as well, the side characters added something to the story, making it easy to remember who was who.
All by all is it a great story for people who want to dive into both mysteries and historical fictions. Even though both of these genres felt more like sub-genres, it is a great start and tells you what you can expect.
“DUST IN THE AIR SUSPENDED
MARKS THE PLACE WHERE A STORY ENDED."
The Poppy & The Rose is a lot, but it never felt like too much or that it was trying too hard. The story is told from 2 POV, one from Taylor in 2010, ready to go study Journalism on Oxford, and one from Ava in 1912, ready to set on the Titanic. At first, it seems like they don’t have anything in common, but as the story goes on, it seems like that isn’t true at all. The story has elements of mysteries that entertained me for sure. Even for someone who hasn’t read a lot of mysteries or historical fiction, I still enjoyed it and the story kept me guessing what was going to happen next. It is simple to follow, though the clues are hidden perfectly, making it almost impossible to put the book down.
Both the main character are believable. Taylor is dealing with the lost of her dad and doesn’t like how her mom is taking it, which felt believable. Emotions can be very mixed and so it is even hard to understand for one what they clearly mean. One can be bitter while also grieving, and I liked that aspect of Taylor. Side character in her storyline felt like they were there with a reason and not just there for the sake of it.
Ava’s character felt also believable, wanting to follow her passion for photography while dealing with her mom’s health state and wanting the best for her, since she believes that will save her dad as well. It is clear the writer did enough research to make sure Ava and the time she is in where believable. It isn’t info-dumping the reading, which I feel like a lot of historical fictions do, unfortunately. Here and there are things revealed from the time, but overall it felt like it added to the story. Here as well, the side characters added something to the story, making it easy to remember who was who.
All by all is it a great story for people who want to dive into both mysteries and historical fictions. Even though both of these genres felt more like sub-genres, it is a great start and tells you what you can expect.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Poppy and the Rose! On paper, this book was actually written for me - YA, stories of The Titanic, mystery, and time travel elements. Can we also talk about this amazing cover?!?
I really enjoyed reading the two perspectives - one of Taylor, studying in England in 2010 and one of Ava, who was on board the Titanic. It kept me guessing the entire time how they were connected and I really enjoyed the Titanic elements!
Where I thought this booked lacked was how much was packed into the book. I felt at times I had to write notes to keep track of the characters and intertwined timelines. Other than that, I rate this as a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5! I highly recommend for those who enjoy classic mystery tropes and stories about the Titanic.
I really enjoyed reading the two perspectives - one of Taylor, studying in England in 2010 and one of Ava, who was on board the Titanic. It kept me guessing the entire time how they were connected and I really enjoyed the Titanic elements!
Where I thought this booked lacked was how much was packed into the book. I felt at times I had to write notes to keep track of the characters and intertwined timelines. Other than that, I rate this as a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5! I highly recommend for those who enjoy classic mystery tropes and stories about the Titanic.
What a lovely historical fiction novel! I am usually a bit wary about reading books regarding the Titanic because I know it will be a heart wrencher, but the synopsis was so intriguing! I thoroughly enjoyed the multi-perspective approach to the narrations; moreover, the two timelines weaved together quite nicely. Ava is a fantastic character! The intertwining of history, psychology, conspiracy...it was so well done!
There were some elements that seemed randomly placed. For example, Tay's roommate Dalia comes in at one point and just magically seemed to know certain things. In addition, the sinking of the Titanic seemed a bit rushed. Despite that, the scene that followed the devastation of the Titanic sinking seemed a bit comical after following a scene so traumatic.
There were some elements that seemed randomly placed. For example, Tay's roommate Dalia comes in at one point and just magically seemed to know certain things. In addition, the sinking of the Titanic seemed a bit rushed. Despite that, the scene that followed the devastation of the Titanic sinking seemed a bit comical after following a scene so traumatic.
eARC provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. all opinions are my own
*3.5 stars*
rep :
*3.5 stars*
rep :
DNF @ 60% Not great writing, eh characters, head-scratching plot, and tropey but not in a good way. Really wanted to like this but it missed the mark for me.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Poppy and the Rose by Ashlee Cowles is told from two points of view. One from Ava, whose tale comes from aboard the Titanic, and the other from Taylor in 2010 as a student at Oxford. I liked the idea behind this book but it was a little slow paced and I felt some things could have been moved along faster. At times I also felt there was too much happening that didn’t really advance the plot. All in all it was a nice young adult book that will be enjoyable to most.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I DNFed this book, for a few reasons. One of which is that I didn't realize it had a first-person POV and I'm very picky when it comes to these books. If I can, I avoid them. Which doesn't mean I think it can't be done well, but this book just wasn't one of them. The writing style didn't click with me, it was way too flowery and descriptive, which didn't make sense considering we were reading someone's inner thoughts. The main character was also very insufferable and annoying. I was very disappointed because the premise of the book was very interesting. It had potential, but it was wasted on the first-person POV. It would have been much better with maybe a close third-person POV. I read about 50 pages, but it felt more like a chore than entertainment.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and was immediately stricken by the beautiful cover and the captivating title. This is my first ARC review (even though the book came out already). I found this book slow to read at times but that was most likely because I am not their target reader.
Ava is an English aristocrat on board the Titanic in 1912 with her father. Taylor is at Oxford doing a summer program and grieving her father’s death in 2010.
I was much more intrigued and enthralled in Ava’s storyline than Taylor’s and probably would’ve been more invested if it was only told from Ava’s perspective. I am always interested in the Titanic and it was clear that a lot of research went into this book. There were also some supernatural elements that were unique and made for an interesting story. As I said, I am definitely not the target audience for this book: I read YA romance and contemporary not a lot of historical fiction/supernatural mystery. If you are into those genres I definitely suggest this book!
BIG Thank you to NetGalley and Owl Hollow Press for the opportunity to read and review!
Ava is an English aristocrat on board the Titanic in 1912 with her father. Taylor is at Oxford doing a summer program and grieving her father’s death in 2010.
I was much more intrigued and enthralled in Ava’s storyline than Taylor’s and probably would’ve been more invested if it was only told from Ava’s perspective. I am always interested in the Titanic and it was clear that a lot of research went into this book. There were also some supernatural elements that were unique and made for an interesting story. As I said, I am definitely not the target audience for this book: I read YA romance and contemporary not a lot of historical fiction/supernatural mystery. If you are into those genres I definitely suggest this book!
BIG Thank you to NetGalley and Owl Hollow Press for the opportunity to read and review!