Hi internet world! I have another blogger book review for ya!
Back of the book:
"Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.
Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.
Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe."
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
4.5 stars!
This book surprised me with how much I liked it. I wouldn't say its my typical favorite genre... It is historical, yes, but it had a level of whimsy and fairytale-ness that it almost needs its own category. That being said, I must confess something... I haven't read or watched many fairytales. I've heard the names of the classics, and I know roughly what they are about. But to give you some context, I had really no clue what the hints were for the various fairytales mentioned through quotes at the beginning of the chapters and the ones the characters referenced. Knowing about them may have helped me understand a bit more. I got the gist though, so that's what matters!
I loved the overall quality of writing style. I must say, these words and descriptions were beautifully penned. So much so that I collected my favorite quotes along the way. I'll share those at the bottom of this review. I liked the setting in a garden, although this part did seem a little far fetched, thinking the garden was somehow special or magical (same with the necklace). On one hand, I can see the beauty that Lily Temple saw, as I also love nature and being out in the "garden."
The characters were fun, Lily made me smile and Peter was Peter. I think he would be considered a cinnamon roll among literary fangirls. Even though they were nothing alike, their romance didn't seem forced, it was so cool to see their story come full circle at the end. (I also love how this book started and then jumped back, then finished where it started).
This book had a short cast of characters, we didn't get to know many other characters, but the two MC's lives did cross with at least 3 people's stories. I liked the mystery aspect! I didn't really have a favorite side character and I usually do.
Overall, this was a fun read, full of beautiful descriptions, deep themes disguised in fairytale lingo, and likable characters, one of which had many tricks up her sleeve!
My favorite quotes:
"We are all of us a combination of romance novels, humorous tales, and tragedies, depending on what angle we show the world”
“Some called him ineffectual and bookish, silent and lacking in might, but only because they didn’t know what real strength looked like or from whence it came.”
“Regret was a poison that never left the bloodstream”
“In my experience, a woman’s intuition is seldom wrong and never unfounded.”
“It’s a pity and a blessing that we cannot see the future until it is the present.”
