September 2021 – Courtney Grice

For my August read in Crystal Caudill’s Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge, I chose to read the book Tabitha by Vikki Kestell.

Tabitha is a mix of memories of the character combined with her current situations just before and during World War I. She tells her story to allow readers to understand how she came into her situation and also to be a beacon of hope for other women within the story.

What I liked about the book
I have seen some books that give the back story to you in a way that makes you want to set the book aside. However, this one, incorporates another character named Rose into it early on as a means of someone to converse with. By Rose being there, it allows enough breaks to see just how Tabitha’s storytelling is affecting someone else. It really helps to understand Tabitha’s history and how so much rides upon it.

Favorite Characters
Tabitha Hale: Though reluctant at first to share her story, she pours it out in a way that will help so many to understand that with God’s help, you can rise from even the darkest pit. Her determination to reach her goal despite setbacks was nice to see.

Mason Carpenter: Though I didn’t mention him above, Mason is a great addition to the story. He doesn’t see Tabitha as she sees herself. He sees her for who she is when he knows her. His giving heart allows the reader to love him.

Would I read this book again?
Yes, this is another I have read before. It shows so much healing on Tabitha’s part, and the beauty of new beginnings. If you enjoy the World War I era and would like a glimpse into nursing during that time, I recommend you read this book.

My July read for Crystal Caudill’s Unlocking the Past Challenge was A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden.

In A Dangerous Legacy, Lucy Drake is a telegraph operator for the Associated Press in New York. She and her brother, Nick, have been involved in a family dispute their entire lives, and they have had enough. It’s not until Lucy befriends a supervisor of the Reuters’ office, Sir Colin Beckwith, that they begin to make some progress.

However, when Colin befriends the opposite side of the dispute in exchange for a significant amount of money, Lucy doubts where his true loyalties lie. Will they be able to mend their differences and stop the family dispute once and for all?

What I liked most
Mrs. Camden blends history with mystery to keep her novels running. She kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the book. The characters were well written. There were twists and turns throughout which made it that much more fun to read.

My Favorite Characters
Lucy Drake: I liked her strong sense of self-confidence. There were times when it wavered, which showed her vulnerable side. She wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed and fought hard for what she viewed as important.

Colin Beckwith: He’s really a likable fellow from the beginning, even though Lucy doesn’t want to see him as such. He cares about what’s going on with her and allows her to see more than others have about him in order to gain her trust.

Would I read it again?
Yes, I would. In fact, this was the second time I’ve read it. The fast pace is so much fun. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Gilded Age time period.

Month: September 2021

Tabitha by Vikki Kestell

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden