For lovers of literature, book stores and quirky characters, this is the book for you.
But I want to put this disclaimer at the beginning - the only problem, and this could be a deal-breaker, is the language. (f-word used multiple times). Such a shame. It's not even needed.
OK. that being said- I really enjoyed this book. AJ Fikry is a fickle book store owner, a widow and from India. When a young child shows up in his book store, orphaned, his world changes. He changes. His vision for his future opens to include new people, including Amy, a publishing house agent who makes the trip to his store a couple of times a year to sell books.
Book readers will love this story because of all the literary references. There are conversations about telling what a person's personality is like based on what books they like to read. Reading lists. The conflict between paper books and electronic readers. And more.
Non-book readers and readers alike, will like this story because the characters are quirky yet believable. Its easy to see yourself in these characters and their weaknesses, insecurities and frailty. Its a story about being dealt a hard hand and persevering, finding joy along the way.
If not for the language, I would buy this book and share it with all my reading friends. It s a great, great story!
We are first introduced to Anton in 1017. He is a disgraced soldier living a quiet life with his wife and young child. When an undefeatable monster appears, his life changes forever.
And by forever, I mean we are again introduced to Anton, now known as Simeon, in 2017.
One of the best parts about "The Time Seller" is the way Abel Keogh plays with time. The concept of manipulating time is very complex and its very believable throughout the story.
There are several things that make this story engaging. One of them is the setting. Throughout the novel we are jumping between time periods--old-timey fantasy and high-tech modern time. Both settings are believable and engaging. While reading, I was sad to leave one period but then I started the next and I was just as interested to read on.
The characters are also unique and authentic. Anton is a strong, complex character faced with moral decisions and he makes the best decision he can, even if its not perfect. All the supporting characters are strong and developed. I loved that each character had strong motivation and moral compass.
The only thing I would caution is that this is definitely an adult book. There is violence against a child and there are adult themes. I recommend this book for adults and older, mature teens maybe.
This is a great time traveling, time manipulating adventure.
"Amy Snow" by Tracy Rees is a fantastic book for someone who enjoys regency era but not regency romance.
A small babe is found in the snow by Aurelia, a young heiress on a large estate. Aurelia brings her inside and informs her parents that she is keeping the baby and names her Amy Snow. From that point on, feisty Aurelia loves Amy. By the rest of the household, she is seen as a second-class citizen. Especially by Aurelia's mother, who has not been able to hold on to a pregnancy since Aurelia.
Aurelia and Amy have a strong bond that eventually earns Amy a place as Aurelia's handmaid. Then Aurelia becomes sick and the household is heartbroken, knowing she will die young and probably never marry. While Aurelia is still in relatively good health, and in order to avoid a marriage to a man she doesn't love, she leaves on a trip around England with her aunt. Amy is left behind, feeling confused and heartbroken.
It isn't long after Aurelia returns that she passes away. In her will, she leaves Amy a letter. A letter with a secret. By deciphering the hidden message, Amy is thrust into a treasure hunt. Following clues, Amy learns how to stand on her own and also uncovers more secrets she never knew Aurelia was hiding.
The interaction between Amy and Aurelia were so authentic. I wished I could read more about Aurelia before she died. She was such a head-strong character. Amy was fun to follow because of her growing self-awareness. There is a love-story element and it was almost too much for me. But it wasn't the typical regency romance. Phew.
Then ending, though I had guessed at it early, was still rewarding and fitting. A good read for those who enjoy treasure hunts with clues dropped along the way, mixed with regency and a little romance.
veritas
"Veritas" is half murder mystery, half horror, with bits of love story and adventure thrown in to make it a compelling page turner.
Hester is blind and deaf and has heightened awareness of sound and smell. In fact, they are powers she holds because she is a Demi-god in Stonehenge, CO 1892. Raised as the only child in a wealthy family, she has everything she wants except the freedom to pursue the man she loves, Tom. She and Tom have the ability to communicate telepathically. And despite the restraints her parents put on her, she and Tom are lovers.
When one of the ghosts that constantly badgers Hester, clues her in on a new murder in town, her life is flipped upside down. And things get more complicated from there.
The first time I read anything from this book was for a first chapter online critique group. It read like a horror story and I was intrigued. It was just enough to horrify me but not gross me out. The character of Hester is what drew me in. She is so unique and strong, yet vulnerable. She stayed with me several days after I read.
The only critique I have is that some of the storylines are not resolved. But then again, this is the first in a series. At the same time, I wish they'd been addressed a little more.
I loved the setting. Stonehenge, CO! How did she come up with that? 1892. So very unique. I enjoyed the way Coleridge explores the senses with Hester. Everything has a unique smell, even emotions. The love triangle is not overbearing, which is always a relief for me. (I'm not opposed to romance. I just don't love romance novels.) The world building is well done with intriguing plot twists.
But the writing... its good. Good writing. This is an author who is not just a good story-teller but a student of the craft. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next.
Favorite quote:
"The doctor leads me to a chair, smelling of everything good and normal in the world. Cinnamon, chocolate, cold wintry air, dried lavender, pine needles, healthy horseflesh, and a male body kept clean with the daily application of warm water and soap. It's an unbefitting thing to admit, but I could sit here and inhale Kelly for hours."
