Set during Victorian England, young Sylvia Stafford has learned to stand on her own two feet after the devastating suicide of her father that left her abandoned by all those in high society that she called friends. She creates a new life for herself as a governess to two young children and she comes to be content in her much simpler life until the past comes knocking at her door. Past heartbreak comes in and shatters the happiness she created for herself and leaves her questioning everything about the past that she never fully understood. Why had she given her heart away so easily? Why was her love not returned? All these questions torment and embarrass her, but she could have never imagined the truth. This is a story of heartbreak, underlined with hope, and dotted with regret.
The Future She Left Behind
12 Days at Bleakly Manor
Every once in a while I stumble upon a book that I don’t want to end and that is exactly what The Future She Left Behind is for me. Marin Thomas created characters that are not only likable, but extremely relatable. From Katelyn and her strained relationships to Sadie who sees the beauty in people, there wasn’t a single character or situation that I don’t want to continue seeing play out.
The story is based around Katelyn and the fallout from her failed marriage. Though still reeling from the unexpected divorce she must learn to navigate and juggle not only her new phase of life, but also all the people who come along with it. She has the typical mother-in-law who points out her every flaw but thinks her son walks on water, an almost non existent relationship with her mother in a small town in Texas, and two 18 year old twins entering college and busy with their own lives. It’s a beautiful story to watch unfold as Katelyn begins to blossom into a person she had forgotten existed and she begins to live rather than just go through the motions. A combination of humor, romance and heartache, The Future She Left Behind is a wonderful book about second chances and faith.
I vote for this to become a series.
Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor puts a little twist on what we expect from Christmas tales. This story is part Clue and part And Then There Were None with a dash of romance. Michelle Griep created an enjoyable mystery as the 1st part to her Once Upon A Dickens Christmas series that leaves me excited for the next. Set in 1851 the story focuses on young Clara who has lost everything and faces an uncertain future when a mysterious invitation arrives promising her 500 pounds to spend the 12 days of Christmas at Bleakly Manor. With no other prospects or much hope Clara sees no other option than to oblige and see how the 12 days will play out. What awaits for her at Bleakly Manor is certainly not at all what she was expecting when she arrives and finds a group of strangers who were also made promises in exchange for staying the full 12 days. The most unexpected surprise for Clara, however, comes in the form of the very man who jilted her at the alter and left her in her difficult situation she has faced for nearly a year. None of the guests understand why they are there or even who the mysterious host is, but day by day things slowly start to unravel and they begin to learn the truth which nobody expected. 12 Days at Bleakly Manor is a unique and fun little read for the chilly days up ahead.
This is a story about finding strength after tragedy and regaining what you hadn't even realized you had lost in the complicated maze of life. After Nina's husband unexpectedly dies, she is forced to pick up the pieces for herself and her sons. Always the one to rely on her husband to take care of everything, she is faced with the difficult challenge of finding the courage in herself and putting their lives back together. Through the process she must learn to forgive not only her husband, but also herself and together they all begin to heal and settle into their new normal and heal. This book by Amanda Prowse is touching, heartbreaking and at times just so darn frustrating because you want to reach between the pages and lend a helping hand.
