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A review by books_over_everything
The Poppy and the Rose by Ashlee Cowles
4.0
Initial Thoughts
I was bummed that I didn’t get to read this book before release day but, I’m so glad that my forever buddy reader @lianne_the_bibliophile and I decided to make this our next pick. I loved the idea of historical fiction mixed with a modern twist.
Some Things I Liked
Independent storylines. I really enjoyed that these main characters had their own stories with plenty of parallels. I liked the idea of each of them telling their own story and being so similar without feeling repetitive.
Cute and subtle romance plots. I also liked that the author managed to write two subtle but very believable romance plots into these stories. I loved both Caleb and Nathaniel and would read more about their adventures if given the chance.
A sprinkle of the supernatural. I loved that there was a very slight nod to historical fantasy / supernatural elements in this story. It was not the focal point of the plot but it made for an interesting addition.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The two main storylines did not converge in a meaningful way until very late in the book. As much as I loved each storyline individually, I felt that they were almost entirely independent for most of the story. It was hard to see both characters as part of a larger plot without that element. I wish we had seen them connect sooner than we did.
Series Value
This story feels very Lara Croft – Tomb Raider meets National Treasure in the investigative journalism sense. I can easily see Taylor going on more adventures and I’d like to think that Ava and Mae had more adventures that they documented and Taylor could relive. I would read more of their adventures if Ashlee Cowles wanted to write them.
Furthermore, I am interested to read more of Ashlee Cowles’s writing. I enjoyed the writing style here and the characters were very engaging.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and I loved the historical fiction mixed with modern contemporary elements.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Spectacle by Jodie Lynn Zdrok – if you enjoyed the idea of a historical fiction story with a sprinkle of the supernatural, try this series.
The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill – if you liked the historical side of The Poppy and the Rose, try this standalone mystery.
I was bummed that I didn’t get to read this book before release day but, I’m so glad that my forever buddy reader @lianne_the_bibliophile and I decided to make this our next pick. I loved the idea of historical fiction mixed with a modern twist.
Some Things I Liked
Independent storylines. I really enjoyed that these main characters had their own stories with plenty of parallels. I liked the idea of each of them telling their own story and being so similar without feeling repetitive.
Cute and subtle romance plots. I also liked that the author managed to write two subtle but very believable romance plots into these stories. I loved both Caleb and Nathaniel and would read more about their adventures if given the chance.
A sprinkle of the supernatural. I loved that there was a very slight nod to historical fantasy / supernatural elements in this story. It was not the focal point of the plot but it made for an interesting addition.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The two main storylines did not converge in a meaningful way until very late in the book. As much as I loved each storyline individually, I felt that they were almost entirely independent for most of the story. It was hard to see both characters as part of a larger plot without that element. I wish we had seen them connect sooner than we did.
Series Value
This story feels very Lara Croft – Tomb Raider meets National Treasure in the investigative journalism sense. I can easily see Taylor going on more adventures and I’d like to think that Ava and Mae had more adventures that they documented and Taylor could relive. I would read more of their adventures if Ashlee Cowles wanted to write them.
Furthermore, I am interested to read more of Ashlee Cowles’s writing. I enjoyed the writing style here and the characters were very engaging.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and I loved the historical fiction mixed with modern contemporary elements.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Spectacle by Jodie Lynn Zdrok – if you enjoyed the idea of a historical fiction story with a sprinkle of the supernatural, try this series.
The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill – if you liked the historical side of The Poppy and the Rose, try this standalone mystery.