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jilliwwatson's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
dreamawakebooks's review
4.0
I absolutely loved this story! The mystery winding through every page and Jude's struggle to give rest to the ghosts of her past, only to find herself further embroiled in the past than she ever thought. I loved the final piece also, shedding some light on the biggest mystery of all, Esther Wickham.
The only reason I have not given this 5 stars is that there is a sense that the last few chapters were a little rushed, and that more could have been said in those pages about the tying up of the final 'loose ends'.
All in all, an incredibly enchanting and beautiful story spanning many generations. I found it very hard to put down!
The only reason I have not given this 5 stars is that there is a sense that the last few chapters were a little rushed, and that more could have been said in those pages about the tying up of the final 'loose ends'.
All in all, an incredibly enchanting and beautiful story spanning many generations. I found it very hard to put down!
emmastinylibrary's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
When Jude chances on the opportunity to value a collection of astronomy books near her home town in Norfolk, she takes the opportunity to also visit her family, as well as have a working holiday. Starbrough Hall, home to the Wickham family, offers so much more than a few dusty books and globes, as Jude soon starts to discover. It's home to an undiscovered story that involves her family and friends.
I loved all of this book: the discovery of lost manuscripts, a spooky folly, found family, historical research, sisterly issues and possible ghostly happenings that reminded me of Ali McNamara's books. Mostly set in Norfolk, the backdrop was as beautiful as the characters.
I loved all of this book: the discovery of lost manuscripts, a spooky folly, found family, historical research, sisterly issues and possible ghostly happenings that reminded me of Ali McNamara's books. Mostly set in Norfolk, the backdrop was as beautiful as the characters.
lananasplit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jgtruesdell's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the past lives, intertwining histories and the supernatural aspects. The family connections were dizzying and confusing in the end. I felt like I needed to write it all down to keep it straight.
heather_boo's review
4.0
For this the reader must enjoy protracted story telling and a slowly moving but enticing plot. There is a lot of imagery, family connections over generations, and a large plot to unfold. I found it was a calming place to get lost in when my daily life was so hectic. I enjoyed the history of astronomy, and old diaries that linked the past with the present.
illusie's review
4.0
I choose to read this book based on the beautiful cover, and did not regret picking it up. It's a charming story about Judith (Jude) who works as an antique appraiser. She goes to an estate to valuate astronomical books and equipment. There she finds an intriguing journal written by a girl named Esther who seemed to have been wiped from the family tree. Jude is determined to find out the secrets of the past.
I liked the characters, each one had a unique character. My favorite character is Esther. You feel like you really get to know her through her journal. It feels like you are really there with her.
I love books in which secrets of the past are unraveled, and this book is no exception. It is a bit slow paced, but there is a lovely atmosphere. In the end everything comes together. Though there are too many coincidences to still be realistic. Personally, I think the story would have been better if some of Jude's families secrets were left out.
There are parts in the book that can not be explained, like the dreams Jude and her niece had. This adds a paranormal element to the book. I'm not sure what to think of it. It was just so strange, but didn't put me of. What I thought was a nice tough was that even though Jude did not discover all secrets, the reader found out what happened through accounts of the events through the eyes of the involved persons.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and thought it was hard to put down. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.
I liked the characters, each one had a unique character. My favorite character is Esther. You feel like you really get to know her through her journal. It feels like you are really there with her.
I love books in which secrets of the past are unraveled, and this book is no exception. It is a bit slow paced, but there is a lovely atmosphere. In the end everything comes together. Though there are too many coincidences to still be realistic. Personally, I think the story would have been better if some of Jude's families secrets were left out.
There are parts in the book that can not be explained, like the dreams Jude and her niece had. This adds a paranormal element to the book. I'm not sure what to think of it. It was just so strange, but didn't put me of. What I thought was a nice tough was that even though Jude did not discover all secrets, the reader found out what happened through accounts of the events through the eyes of the involved persons.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and thought it was hard to put down. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction.
aotora's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love a good historical fiction. And I loved this book - the pacing was a little bit slow but it was still a great story. I loved all of the characters and I loved the story- I love me a good mystery that happens in a old house and spans the generations and decades and this is precisely that kind of book.
I also love the theme - I am not really into astoronomy but this book made me appreciate astronomy just a little bit more and do some more extra research on topic and learn a few new things I didn't know before. I also listened to the audiobook alongside reading and I enjoyed it a lot - it was pretty great and the narration flows really well.
I also love the theme - I am not really into astoronomy but this book made me appreciate astronomy just a little bit more and do some more extra research on topic and learn a few new things I didn't know before. I also listened to the audiobook alongside reading and I enjoyed it a lot - it was pretty great and the narration flows really well.
lee25's review
4.0
I really enjoyed [b:A Place of Secrets|8120067|A Place of Secrets|Rachel Hore|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327959093l/8120067._SY75_.jpg|12915540]. The characters are likeable, the story had a good pace, and the romance was subtle.
I will agree with other reviewers that the ending was a bit too contrived, but I liked the characters enough to want the happy ending for them.
I will agree with other reviewers that the ending was a bit too contrived, but I liked the characters enough to want the happy ending for them.
bookpup's review
5.0
4.5/5
This took me a while to finish. I can safely say it's worth it. I was interested in both Esther's and Jude's stories. The familial bonds explored in the book are great. The relationship between the two sisters is strained but real.
Grief was explored in a very real manner. The pain of losing someone, the loneliness that comes afterwards, everything was executed well. The romantic subplot wasn't rushed and I felt happy seeing where it went.
The mystery in the book was wonderful and I was always excited to see where it was going. It was so good. The historical aspects of being a woman was also discussed in the book, and I felt that it was done nicely. I was frustrated at certain people throughout the book, but those were people we were supposed to hate so I think the author did a good job making me care enough to hate these people.
The rest of the characters we were supposed to be rooting for, I rooted for them. I felt bad for them, and got frustrated for them along with them.
It's like an ocean of stars.
This took me a while to finish. I can safely say it's worth it. I was interested in both Esther's and Jude's stories. The familial bonds explored in the book are great. The relationship between the two sisters is strained but real.
Grief was explored in a very real manner. The pain of losing someone, the loneliness that comes afterwards, everything was executed well. The romantic subplot wasn't rushed and I felt happy seeing where it went.
The mystery in the book was wonderful and I was always excited to see where it was going. It was so good. The historical aspects of being a woman was also discussed in the book, and I felt that it was done nicely. I was frustrated at certain people throughout the book, but those were people we were supposed to hate so I think the author did a good job making me care enough to hate these people.
The rest of the characters we were supposed to be rooting for, I rooted for them. I felt bad for them, and got frustrated for them along with them.
It's like an ocean of stars.