Lucy Alling sells rare books, not always attaining her goals in the most honest manner. When her secrets become common knowledge her relationship is ruined with boyfriend James Carmichael. Now Lucy has to change, and change for good.
James’s grandmother, Helen, is a wealthy matron of society and she demands that Lucy accompany her to London to work as her literary and antiquities consultant. Lucy agrees to accompany her but is completely baffled why Helen would choose her as her companion and consultant. The reason is clear, Helen understands Lucy’s perdicament better than any one else could.
During the trip to London Lucy learns much from Helen. Lucy then applies Helen’s wisdom as Helen faces something from her past that encourages Lucy to do the same. The Bronte sisters inspire Lucy to stay strong and endure the battle that lies ahead of her.
Can Lucy repair the damage that she has already caused and begin anew or will this final catastrophe end her career and relationship for good?
My Thoughts
I could not believe just how much I had in common with the character Lucy. The huge mistakes that she couldn’t seem to quite making, the despair that she would never be able to change, the fact that ultimately she had to rely on God to make the BIG changes in her life. This is why I feel that Lucy and I had so much in common . . . she felt REAL. I loved that about this character. The trials and the mental shakedowns she put herself through seemed so true and I loved that about her!
James was not my favorite character, at first. He came off as high and mighty but then I had to step back and look at the whole picture. He felt justified in his emotions and that made him seem like he was standoffish. I had high hopes for Lucy and James. I am thrilled with how the story turned out.
Helen was a force to be reckoned with. She was full of grit and panache! She was a favorite of mine. I loved her depth and her heart. She was full of wisdom as well as completely down to earth, it made for a lovable character for sure.
The story had many twists and turns, so much depth to all of the characters. They are well written and the story was full of truth, finding your true place in the world, and forgiving as Christ would. I absolutely thought that this was a wonderful book and I was thrilled that I was able to read it. The writing by Katherine Reay is fun and you are drawn into the story within the first few pages. This was a book that I had a hard time putting down because I so desperately needed to know what was going to happen.
If you are looking for a book to help soothe some past mistakes or find a way to heal from past hurts, this is a book that will help you find your bearing. God is prevalent in the story, as well as His redeeming grace and forgiveness, you just need to see it.
Well done!
About The Author
What to say? . . . I am a writer, a wife, a mom, a runner, a tennis player, a tae kwon do black belt (how random is that?), a wanna be chef, a disorganized housekeeper, but compulsive vacuumist, and a horrific navigator. One of my son’s favorite stories to tell friends is that I tend to argue with the car’s GPS before going my own way — sure that I know better. It’s a gift…
It’s hard to introduce myself in a few adjectives. We are all such a complex and unique jumble of attributes — God made us that way and he isn’t done yet. So I may have some new adds tomorrow.
I started my professional career in marketing and I’ve morphed into a novelist. I like this much better. Fiction is powerful stuff, I think. It allows us to convey truth in meaningful and palatable ways — one reading of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and you’ve got the whole gospel Narnia-style without ever leaving an amazing adventure.
But to have a really good story — you have to engage a complex and authentic character. If I can relate to/empathize with/care about a character, then her journey becomes mine and I learn about myself and the world around me — perhaps in ways I never imagined. And that’s provocative…
Connect with Katherine Reay:
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I hope you enjoyed this latest book review and that you visit again soon to see what else I have on the book shelf!
In His Grace.
Callie
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the TNZ Fiction Guild blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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