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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I'm not going to lie... this book was a slow build for the entire first half but not in a boring way. Despite the slow pacing, it engaged me enough to want to keep going. It did not disappoint! Halfway through, I found myself starting to rush read it because it was just that good.
And... despite being pre-WWII, it gave me strong Nightingale (by Kristin Hannah) vibes towards the end -I had my tissues out and I was full on ugly crying. This book will rip you right open and I absolutely loved it.
And... despite being pre-WWII, it gave me strong Nightingale (by Kristin Hannah) vibes towards the end -I had my tissues out and I was full on ugly crying. This book will rip you right open and I absolutely loved it.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This story follows a trio of "Bright Young Things" in glittering 1920's London, England with the focus on socialite Selina and, 10 years later, the social climate is much more subdued for Selina's lonesome young daughter Alice. Typical historical romantic elements: penniless misunderstood artist, socially repressed parents and older sister, subterfuge involving loyal servants, lost fortunes, hypocritical class system, lots of angst, et cetera, but quite satisfying, nonetheless.
It seems to be my week for reading about the ‘Bright Young Things’ of pre-WWII England. This story is told primarily from the viewpoint of young Alice Curlew, who has been left at the estate of her mother’s parents while her parents go on a trip to India for her father’s business. Alice feels unwelcome by her grandparents, but spends her time on a treasure hunt with clues provided by her mother and Polly, who has been with the family since her mother was a young girl. Alice’s mother, Selina Lennox was one of London’s Brightest Young Things. Fearless and somewhat reckless after the death of her beloved brother in the Great War, she is living for two people. On one fated night while on a treasure hunt of her own, Selina meets Lawrence Weston, an artist, and it changes the paths of their lives forever. Lawrence is not a part of Selina’s class, and she is to marry a friend of her deceased brother, Rupert Curlew. Will Selina follow her heart, or will she do the safe thing? The story starts out rather slowly, but then the clues start to appear, and when they do, the story unwinds in a most unexpected way. Historical fiction, mystery, romance, this book has it all. If you like Iona Grey’s first book, then this one is a must. Thank you #netgalley for the ARC of this book.
I would have given this book more stars if it had been shorter! So many words!!! I enjoyed the concept of the treasure hunt for Alice and also Selina’s story. The love story between Selina & Lawrence is what just seemed to drag on too long for me. I was happy with the ending though.
Way too long, childhood perspectives far more interesting than the love story of her conception.
The cover of this book is stunning. The flecks of gold are eye-catching.
I was not familiar with Grey's previous works so I have nothing to compare. I did find this book started a bit slow for me. It was one of those slow burns that I ended up loving.
This is a story set in two different time periods from two different points of view. 1920s was Selina's story and the 1930's was Selina's daughter's, Alice, story. At times I felt like Alice's story was a bit too slow moving but Selina's made up for it.
This is my 94th book of 2019 and I will say that it has made the list of my favorites of the year. I will be checking out other works by this author. Her writing style is smooth and descriptive.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
I was not familiar with Grey's previous works so I have nothing to compare. I did find this book started a bit slow for me. It was one of those slow burns that I ended up loving.
This is a story set in two different time periods from two different points of view. 1920s was Selina's story and the 1930's was Selina's daughter's, Alice, story. At times I felt like Alice's story was a bit too slow moving but Selina's made up for it.
This is my 94th book of 2019 and I will say that it has made the list of my favorites of the year. I will be checking out other works by this author. Her writing style is smooth and descriptive.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Took me awhile to get into this book and I set it aside a few times but oh man! Once it got going I couldn’t put it down again. Few books have made me cry and this is one of them.
I enjoyed this book and felt compelled to read it quickly but have to admit there's nothing really unique about it. The romance is lovely but the plot twists are predictable and the characters are pretty one-dimensional. I wouldn't call it historical fiction although it is set in the 1920s and 1930s in England and the impact of WWI is undeniable. It's a light easy read and was just what I needed right now.
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes