3 stars I think I’ve given every other book in this series five stars. I received an ARC because I’m a fan of Emma Lombard. I’ve enjoyed reading about the adventures of Silas and Grace, and their family. Peripheral characters were interesting, but I didn’t feel a burning need to read any books about them. That said, if I were offered an ARC, I’m sure I’d be happy to read such a book because I know it would be good. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for this one. As always, Lombard’s attention to historical details is impressive, and that’s part of the reason I’ve bumped my rating from two to three stars. The writing is good with some wonderful metaphors. In her attempt to feature all of the extras from the White Sails series, Ms. Lombard has included mini-stories, with a chapter dedicated to each character and where they are ten years after the last book in the series. I didn’t remember a lot of the details associated with each of them, and although Lombard did an adequate job of reminding me, it didn’t make me care a whole lot more. Worse though, there was no true resolution of their current problems. The only chapter I really liked was the one devoted to Wee Granny Mac and Old Quill, and maybe that’s because there was a resolution. There were also some great visuals. “Old Quill’s snowy brows clashed together like two ancient maggots at war.” Describing the warm night: “...hot air lay across her like a second skin, slick skin…” These two have the best banter, refusing to acknowledge their love for one another, when every action clearly demonstrates it. This one was funny. Granny said: “Ha! The last time ye flipped me in bed, yer poker barely warmed my hearth.” Old Quill’s shoulders jiggled. “I only flipped you so as I didn’t have to look at the mantelpiece while stoking the fire.” “Ye cheeky beggar!” She jabbed his forearm with her bony knuckles. “What makes ye think I fancied yer dried leather strap anyway?” The chapter devoted to Dr. Billy Sykes was confusing. I couldn't figure out what his actions and thoughts meant. If it was meant to reflect his conflicted thinking, it did, but it also confused me. This phrase was used to describe his ‘love’ interest. “She offered him the tea, her smile sucking the blood from his gut like a malnourished hookworm.” So why was he interested in her? Also, I ended up really not liking Adelia because of her judgmental attitude. Overall, I was disappointed. For anyone dying to know what happens to the supporting characters in the White Sails series, this book is for you. But you’ll only get a snippet. As for me, I’d have been happy to read about Old Granny Mac and leave it at that. June 19, 2022
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Elizabeth J ConnorWriter. Editor. Proofreader. Archives
September 2022
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