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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you enjoy historical fiction books, this one is beautifully written. It begins in San Francisco just before the devastating 1906 earthquake and then walks you through the aftermath. A coming of age novel of a young woman who has lost everything, yet finds that she’s stronger and tougher than society expects. The author writes it in a way that you feel like you’re on the journey and part of the book yourself. 5 stars - I highly recommend!
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma
Minor: Death of parent
From the very beginning we are ushered into the lives of the rich when May Kimble is plucked from her Brooklyn poverty and was sent for to live with her wealthy aunt's family in San Francisco. May has never known anything about the life of the rich and upon arrival she is instantly thrusted into the life of the well to do. With her cousin Goldie by her side May is introduced to the "sporting set" of the upper class who enjoy lavish parties and jovial drunken lunches. While May is placated by this lifestyle for a moment, she soon grows bored and focuses on finding out the truth about her mother Charlotte and her Aunt Florence's relationship. She also sought out the letter that her mother wrote her aunt in hopes of finding the truth out about what really killed her mother--Charlotte died very suddenly and kept her illness from her daughter. Things take a big turn when May confirms her suspicions about her cousin's secret, and she goes for a real ride. I loved the details in the book, it really helped paint the picture in this historical piece of fiction. Chance made sure to detail the opulence, the bars, and even the filth of San Francisco. (A lot of people talk about the earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco being a "big backdrop" in the novel but it's really only a small section that comes towards the end of the book.)
I enjoyed May's character although I was terribly frustrated by the way in which she was so naive. I was so happy when she got "smart". I was totally satisfied with the ending because May showed that she truly understood the game of high society and it was something that did the job despite the complaints I've seen. I definitely would recommend.
I enjoyed May's character although I was terribly frustrated by the way in which she was so naive. I was so happy when she got "smart". I was totally satisfied with the ending because May showed that she truly understood the game of high society and it was something that did the job despite the complaints I've seen. I definitely would recommend.
This work was an easy, interesting read - no, it was nothing profound or deep, but the story and characters were engaging and it made for a good vacation read. However, I don't know if I'd call it historical fiction other than that it used the San Francisco earthquakes/fire in the setting. But again, it made for a light, easy read and ended in a satisfying manner. Overall I'd recommend this work.
This was a recent Amazon First Reads book. For whatever reason, I didn't expect much out of it, so I came out impressed.
This book has 2 parts. Our protagonist, May, moves to San Francisco to live with her nouveau rich estranged family, who she had never known existed. There's lots of great foreshadowing, but nothing so revealing as to lead me to expect what happened.
The second part involves the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Chance describes the destruction and survival well, and doesn't skim over it. And then, May gets her revenge.
The first half of the book was evenly paced, with great suspense-building. The latter half (following the survival of the earthquake) seemed more rushed and more conventional. All still enjoyable, and I liked the ending.
This book has 2 parts. Our protagonist, May, moves to San Francisco to live with her nouveau rich estranged family, who she had never known existed. There's lots of great foreshadowing, but nothing so revealing as to lead me to expect what happened.
The second part involves the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Chance describes the destruction and survival well, and doesn't skim over it. And then, May gets her revenge.
The first half of the book was evenly paced, with great suspense-building. The latter half (following the survival of the earthquake) seemed more rushed and more conventional. All still enjoyable, and I liked the ending.
Reminded me (in a good way) of Rebecca
This was an engrossing read, and I enjoyed the little trip through time. There was serious intrigue, but I caught on to what was happening well before it did. Still a very enjoyable read.
This was an engrossing read, and I enjoyed the little trip through time. There was serious intrigue, but I caught on to what was happening well before it did. Still a very enjoyable read.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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:
Complicated
4.5 rounded up. Each part almost felt like a different genre but this book was great and I was really really invested
The story captivated me immediately. I love the characters. I felt myself rooting for May right from the start. Twists, turns, mystery, intrigue, and secrets. I didn't want to put it down and only did when I absolutely had to. It was great and I'm definitely going to look for other work from this author.