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I LOVE IT SO MUCH – A NEW FAVORITE
I don’t even know where to start. It will be hard for me to write this review because THERE WERE SO MANY THINGS I LOVED!
This story starts and ends in modern day 2016, in Carroll, TN but travels back in time to 1885 much the way Alice steps into Wonderland. But, the world and detail is so real and you are right there for the story. 26-year-old Elizabeth (Liz) Cooke and dear friend Scott are regular hangout pals. He is a gentleman in his own right, paying for movies and snacks, holding open doors, observing propriety and tolerating her joy at old movies. But, Liz cannot see any of that. She is drawn into the old world charm of novels such as Pride and Prejudice whose romantic hero knows how to treat a lady and drink tea. When times were simple without the evils of today.
There are Disney references and movie references from favorites like You’ve Got Mail. And the tea, oh the tea! So many flavors referenced (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Orange Spice Herbal, Apple Spice) and moments shared. Even scones with lemon curd at the Grayson Library where her dear tea drinking, book-loving friend, and librarian Betty works. TEA MOMENT: Ch. 1 It didn’t matter what day or what time of the day, I was always welcome, and I knew there would be a tea party awaiting me.
After Scott helps her lug an old trunk up to her flat above her antique shop, “Curiouser and Curiouser Antiques and Gifts”, she discovers photos and a dress that have the wheels of her mind turning. Somehow, she is magically transported back to that family and gets to live life with them. But, we see it through her modern eyes, as she compares and contrasts the things of today; things I can relate to and instantly recognize. She is a woman of faith who has gotten lost in expectation and distraction. We get to see her grow in a beautiful way and be frustrated beside her at injustice. I particularly loved how we are enlightened to other points of view when Liz tries to fix problems. I could see myself reacting in the same way, but when people around her explain why her views are slanted my eyes were opened.
Brother Nathan; I loved his character. His words dance around like the confusing caterpillar but his wisdom is sent down from heaven.
SOME FAVORITE QUOTES: Ch.1 Seriously? Me? It was like she didn’t know me at all. An e-reader was so cold and distant, while a book was warm and inviting. A book could very well hug you back if you were to fall asleep reading and it fell on your face, or if you rested it on your arm. Books were friendly. And it was more than friendship. Books were classic. Timeless. E-readers were not.
Ch. 8 "Where you're going says so much more about who you are and the heart that beats within. Sometimes a person's past is just plain hard or out of their control. But your future – the purpose you've set your feet upon – this is all of your own planning.”
Ch.10 “Ugh! I sniffed a book! In front of people? People who weren’t also sniffing books! Scott would have been rolling on the floor, laughing at me, had he seen.”
Descriptions are wonderful in this story: “skin the shade of tea and cream” “deep plum skirt” and several small historical details were educational such as how they heated a bath.
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| Click to enlarge for back of book description. |
I really enjoyed this story and connected to it in so many ways! I also appreciate how, following the story, the author tells you her inspiration for several of the characters loosely based on the characters from Alice in Wonderland. It was sort of a lightbulb ah-ha moment for me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the author who approached me and asked me to review for her and I believe I have a found a new kindred spirit in. I truly did delete things but I had such a hard time condensing this review! BUY THIS ONE! (smile). My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.
A Season Passed Series
If Only It Were Yesterday - 9/4/2018
If Only It Were Yesterday - 9/4/2018
Yesterday’s Christmas - coming soon
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| I may have ordered this "Who Are You" tea from Adagio.com just for this book review ((smile)) |
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| Tea Ingredients |
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| Click each blogger to read her thoughts |
Release Day Spotlights:
Sept 4: Amanda @ With A Joyful Noise Becky @ Blossoms And Blessings Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny
Reviews: Sept. 5: Laura @ Blue Eye Books Sept. 6: Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny Sept. 10: Karen @ Karen Sue Hadley Sept. 11: Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings Sept. 12: Virginia @ Bigreadersite Sept. 13: Heather @ Blue Jeans and Teacups Sept. 17: Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae
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| Author A.M. Heath is having a giveaway! for her U.S. Fans |
Author Bio:
Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
Author Links:
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| CLICK HERE TO ENTER HER GIVEAWAY (Closes 9/17) |
You know how much I adore your blog! It's a honor to have my novel featured here! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review! I think it would be interesting to read the parts where, "we are enlightened to other points of view when Liz tries to fix problems...I could see myself reacting in the same way, but when people around her explain why her views are slanted my eyes were opened." I love to hear other people's view of things. There's always two sides to everything and it's enlightening to understand what other people believe, whether it is correct or not. Each review I read of this book gets me more excited for it :D Sounds like a fantastic read. Thanks for the review!
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