Its my stop on the blog tour for this delightful read. I've got my watercolours at the ready and I've hidden my silver.
Detangling the plot:
In present-day Charleston, Lucy Legare has just inherited an old house from a mysterious benefactor, along with all the secrets it holds, including an old silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney is determined to buy the house for his family’s development company. But as Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, garden, and silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history’s sake but also for her own.
Bobs and Books honest review:
Usually with a dual timeline I feel more invested in one than the other. However, on this occasion, I loved both in equal measure. It felt very Romeo and Juliet-esque in its nature with the rift between the two families that is centuries old with no end of stopping and still going on in present day. Lucy and Declan go on a date but the family rift forces them apart and in conflict, and Eliza and William's relationship is secret as they know the stir their relationship will cause.
I loved how both stories developed, and then interlinked so intricately. The house Lucy inherits unexpectedly almost becomes a character in itself as its history takes on a whole new meaning.
Whilst Eliza and William are more the doomed Romeo and Juliet couple (without the giant tragedy rest assured), Lucy and Declan remind me of Beatrice and Benedick from Much Ado with their fiery arguments and passion of hatred. Declan infuriates Lucy and this is amusing yet also suggestive. A good few twists and turns challenge both couples and both timelines delight throughout.
Wondrous, engaging, satisfying.
About the author:
Ashley Clark writes romantic women’s fiction set in the South. With a master’s degree in creative writing, Ashley teaches literature and writing courses at the University of West Florida. When she’s not writing, she’s rescuing stray animals, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English breakfast tea she can get her hands on. Find her online at www.ashleyclarkbooks.com.
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