/ So Obsessed With

A Story of Sisters

Feb 5, 2015

A Memory of Violets by Hazel Gaynor

Release Date: February 3, 2015
Publisher: HarperCollins | William Morrow Paperbacks
Pages: 432 pages
Source & Format: Publisher; ARC
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Summary (from Goodreads)

In 1912, twenty-year-old Tilly Harper leaves the peace and beauty of her native Lake District for London, to become assistant housemother at Mr. Shaw’s Home for Watercress and Flower Girls. For years, the home has cared for London’s flower girls—orphaned and crippled children living on the grimy streets and selling posies of violets and watercress to survive.

Soon after she arrives, Tilly discovers a diary written by an orphan named Florrie—a young Irish flower girl who died of a broken heart after she and her sister, Rosie, were separated. Moved by Florrie’s pain and all she endured in her brief life, Tilly sets out to discover what happened to Rosie. But the search will not be easy. Full of twists and surprises, it leads the caring and determined young woman into unexpected places, including the depths of her own heart.

Thoughts on A Memory of Violets

I was excited when I found a copy of A Memory of Violets in my mailbox. I love historical fiction, and I'd been wanting to give Hazel Gaynor a try. This focuses on two different stories - one in 1912 and one in 1876. In 1912, Tilly Harper leaves her home in the Lake District to become an assistant housemother at Mr. Shaw's Home for Watercress and Flower Girls in London. The place was created to provide a place of refuge for orphaned and crippled children living on the streets who make a living selling flowers. There is tragedy in Tilly's past, and she accepts the position believing that this is her chance for a new life. When she arrives, she learns the story of her room's former occupant, a young woman named Florrie.

The 1876 storyline concerns Florrie and her sister, Rosie. Florrie is an orphaned flower girl who lives on the streets with Rosie until they are tragically separated one day. Tilly is told that Florrie died without ever finding her sister, but Tilly thinks she might be able to find out what happened to Rosie. She begins looking for clues, putting together the pieces... and hoping to learn the truth. Her own personal journey - to overcome past mistakes and find forgiveness - overlaps nicely with Florrie's story.

My favorite thing about A Memory of Violets was the setting. I've always loved the movie My Fair Lady, but I'd never read anything set during that time period and focusing on flower girls. I was excited to learn more about this aspect of history, and I can definitely say that this book whet my appetite for stories about flower girls. It was so sad to read about what they went through, and I thought Florrie and Rosie's story was the most compelling one in the book. That being said, the book started really slow. I was unsure of the story at first and hoped to become more invested. Thankfully, I found my groove with the book by the time I got to part two.

Aside from the pacing, I felt like the writing was too descriptive and detail heavy at times. I became more invested in the characters and in their stories, but I never loved the writing. The plot was a little predictable and the ending a bit too coincidental, and yet I still liked this story. I don't usually enjoy books that shift between multiple time periods, but I think it worked in A Memory of Violets. While I preferred Florrie and Rosie's story, I still found Tilly's intriguing and was pleased with the way she resolved some of her relationship issues.

I can think of a number of things that bothered me while reading A Memory of Violets, but I did think it was a sweet and heartwarming read. I doubt that I'll think of it again, as I did find it forgettable once I turned the last page, but I was invested in the story while I was reading. If the summary appeals to you, I'd tell you to give it a shot - especially since the setting was my favorite aspect of the book.

So Quotable

"A person can never be truly lost, as long as someone is looking for them."

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review.

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Stay in Sevenwaters

Feb 4, 2015

When Alexa and I hosted Fall Into Fantasy in November, we decided to finally take Daughter of the Forest off our shelves. We'd both been gifted a copy several years before, but we'd never gotten around to reading it. Almost as soon as we started, we couldn't believe we'd waited so long to pick it up. As I said in my review, I loved Fall Into Fantasy for many reasons... but the biggest one was discovering this author. I immediately dove into a Sevenwaters series binge, so it seemed only fitting to write a series review. I'm going to tell you six reasons you ought to read this series by sharing one reason per book. Don't worry though - no spoilers!

Originally, this series was written as a trilogy. So, you can actually stop after the third book if you want. While I think the first two books are strongest overall, I think it's worth reading all six so you can spend more time in this world and with these characters. Each book has a different heroine (and some jump a bit forward in time), but they're all connected to one another by blood and by the place they call home. The first two are my favorites, and the ones I'd be most likely to re-read, but you've still got to see this series all the way through to the end. Then you'll really appreciate Marillier's vision for this world!

1. Writing

I think the thing that immediately stood out to me when I was reading Daughter of the Forest was Marillier's gorgeous writing. She captures the harsh realities of life while adding this magic and mystery to it all. For all of the dark moments in the series, there's also something very hopeful and powerful about what you're reading. I felt so emotional reading these books, and that all goes back to Marillier's writing. It's descriptive, lovely, and evocative. You could lose yourself in these words! For the most part, the pace is on the slower side... but it just gives you a chance to truly appreciate Marillier's talent. These books are meant to be savored, to be highlighted and underlined, to be cherished and to be read again and again.

2. Romance

There is a romance in every single book in this series, but I keep debating whether my favorite is the romance in the first or the second. Since the second has a bit more passion, I decided it was most fitting to talk about the romance in relation to the second book. But don't be fooled, you'll find love stories woven throughout this series. Each romance is unique and memorable. I definitely have my favorites (and one or two did fall a little flat for me), but I love how much emotion Marillier infuses into these stories. Since I've only recently grown to love fantasy, I was so glad that relationships were a significant part of each book. It's a huge reason why I became invested in this series! I loved the tension between the different heroines and the men they love.

3. Magic

The magic in Sevenwaters is a huge part of everything that happens in these books. It drives the conflict, spurs the characters to action, and represents a darkness that threatens the peace of this world. While the third book was one of my least favorites, I did love seeing the way the magical elements developed in it. You get a better sense of everything going on behind the scenes in this world, and it's not necessarily a pretty picture. This isn't a place where magic brings out the best in people! But I did love that the magic gave the entire series a fairy tale quality - raising the stakes and making it an epic showdown in the end. For someone who hasn't always loved fantasy, I was totally intrigued by the magic in these books!

4. Characters

I've already mentioned a bit about the characters, but I cannot praise them enough. The heroines are all unique, but each possesses an inner strength that I found so admirable. Family is so important in these books, and I loved that the characters were willing to fight and die for the people they loved. But even the secondary characters were memorable! This world is huge, and you get to meet so many of the incredible people populating it. From the villains to the friends, Marillier puts so much thought into them all. My heart ached in their sorrow, rejoiced in their happiness, celebrated with them in success, and cheered them on in their trials. I cared about the characters, and that's one of the biggest reasons I would recommend this series so passionately!

5. Setting

Oh, this world! The Sevenwater series is historical fantasy - set during a real time period (9th century) and in a real place (Ireland), but filled with magic. There's this incredible combination of fact with fantasy, and it worked so perfectly for me. I loved that it felt real but otherworldly at the same time. I liked that each book introduces you to new parts of the world. Some places seem so familiar to you by the time you finish the series, and others feel like you've barely scratched the surface of all there is to see and know. Sevenwaters, Harrowfield, Inis Eala, the Otherworld... I loved the richness and scope of this world. While the characters are the heart of this series, the setting is like a character in many respects. It drives the action - precipitating a battle between good and evil.

6. Conflict

There's a conflict between light and darkness in this series, and I thought this aspect was so compelling. I loved watching it unfold on each page, and I was never sure how it was going to end. Would good triumph over evil? Would this family that I'd come to love be able to save the day? There is an overarching conflict in the first three books that is resolved by the end of the third, but there's a new conflict introduced in the fourth book that isn't resolved until the very end. And honestly, every minute of this journey was worth it to get to that last page. I was sad to say goodbye to this unforgettable world, but I was content and at peace. It was an epic conclusion - so fitting for a series that's so unlike anything I've ever read before (in the very best way).

Do I Need to Say More?

Marillier has done something special with this series. I fell in love before I even reached the end of the first book, and I spent the next few weeks in a Sevenwaters haze. It was hard to finish the last book and realize that I didn't have any more waiting for me! While I highly recommend reading the entire series, I will admit that Daughter of the Forest, Son of the Shadows and Heir to Sevenwaters were my favorites. I would probably only re-read those three in the future... but I could pick them up again right this second.

I had a few issues (mostly minor) with the other books, but nothing that lessened my love for this series overall. My few complaints included things like difficultly connecting to the main character, a somewhat predictable plot, frustrations with the pace or an unsatisfying romantic relationship. But in each case, there were other things about those three books that kept my attention and made me want to continue.

This series isn't without its flaws, but it's still one of the best reading experiences I've had in a long time. Over the course of six books, I fell in love with these characters and their world. I've already bought more of Marillier's books, and I have no doubt I'll be talking them this year on my blog. But until then, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Daughter of the Forest. Then, be prepared to binge them all. | Add on Goodreads

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Adding to the Austen Collection

Feb 3, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/top ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so it makes perfect sense that I'd love this feature!

Top Ten Austen-Related Books I Can't Believe I Haven't Read

With the open-ended topic, I debated what genre I wanted to write about today. Should I focus on the fantasy favorites I still haven't read? Highlight the historical fiction gems I've somehow missed? Instead, I picked a type of book that I always purchase but am terrible about actually reading: non-fiction about Jane Austen. Seriously, I own six of the books on this list but still haven't read them.

ON MY SHELVES:

1. Jane Austen's England by Roy & Lesley Adkins

2. The Real Jane Austen by Paula Byrne

3. The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever After by Elizabeth Kantor

4. Jane Austen by Peter Leithart

5. Jane Austen for Dummies by Joan Elizabeth Klingel Ray

6. What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan

ON MY WISHLIST:

7. Searching for Jane Austen by Emily Auerbach

8. Jane Austen's Country Life by Deirdre Le Faye

9. The World of Jane Austen by Deirdre Le Faye

10. At Home with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson

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January 2015: Recap + On My Shelves

Feb 2, 2015

January felt like a slower month for me, even though I'm surprised it's already over. I ended up spending more time watching movies/TV than reading, but I also totally curbed my book buying. I hope that continues!

1. Goodies from Kelly - I was so excited when I got this thoughtful Christmas present from Kelly. I can't wait to read this historical fiction book that's also one of her favorites! And she clearly knows all of my obsessions: mason jars, Jane Austen and pens. I LOVED everything in her package and am so thankful for her!

2. Got Spotify Premium - I tried Spotify Premium for a few months almost two years ago, but I stopped when I realized I wasn't really taking advantage of it. I didn't plan on signing up again, but I was wishing for it one day and purchased it on a whim. I figured I could always cancel after one month. But now I'm addicted...

3. Meeting Colleen Oakley - I fell in love with Before I Go when I read it last year and already re-read it this year. I wanted my review to capture all the reasons I loved this book so much. I was thrilled when I found out she was signing near me. I had so much fun meeting her and getting my book signed - yay local bookstore!

4. New Boots - I've never been someone who enjoyed shoe shopping or wanted a closet full of shoes. So, I'm usually terrible about buying new ones. Give me a few that work with everything, and I'd be perfectly content. But I needed some new black boots, and I was so excited when I found a pair that I absolutely loved!

Read 12 Books | Favorites:

The Diary of Mattie Spenser by Sandra Dallas

Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Challenge Progress:

1 Classic for The Classics Challenge

3 Fantasy for Flights of Fantasy Challenge

6 Re-Reads for The Re-Read Challenge

1 Series for A Series a Month

"No one is innocent in the tide of history. Everyone has kings and slaves in his past.

Everyone has saints and sinners. We are not to blame for the actions of our ancestors.

We can only try to be the best we can, no matter what our heritage, to strive for a better future for all."
Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

"A rebel she was, but not of the kind he understood - a rebel who desired, not a wider dwelling-room, but equality beside the man she loved. For Italy was offering her the most priceless of all possessions - her own soul."
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

"I want you to think your own thoughts even when I hold you in my arms."
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

[Most Popular]

Overall: Be the Change.

TTT: Classics on My TBR

Review: Girl Before a Mirror by Liza Palmer

Discussion/Feature: The Picky Pledge

[Personal Favorite]

Overall: Statistically Speaking of 2014

TTT: 2014 Releases I Meant to Read

Review: Before I Go by Colleen Oakley

Discussion/Feature: The Liza Palmer Party

1. Gilbert Blythe kicks the ass of Mr. Darcy... by Bethany from It's Better with Bangs - Bethany is a debut author this year, and I added her book to my wishlist the minute she tweeted me about her love for Gilbert Blythe. And when she sent me this post she wrote a few years ago? It sealed the deal! I love Pride and Prejudice, but I wholeheartedly agree with everything she wrote. Gilbert FOR LIFE.

2. To Have & To Discard by Estelle from Rather Be Reading - This was the very first post I bookmarked in 2015, and it remained my favorite from the past month. I loved Estelle's reflections collecting and culling, especially because I've been feeling the same way this year. And the last few sentences of the post? If they had been in a book, I'd totally have highlighted them. SO GOOD.

3. Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Blog Posts by Renae from Respiring Thoughts and Favorite Quotes by Judith, Ellice and Ellis from Paper Riot - I always look forward to the freebie Top Ten Tuesday because I love seeing what people will do! I loved Renae's post because it gave me the chance to catch up on the best of the best on her blog. And as a sucker for quotes, I was sold when I saw the gorgeous ones that the ladies of Paper Riot picked!

4. Nerding Out: Book Organization by Gaby & Lisa from Bookish Broads - I love getting a peek at people's shelves and the way they organize their books. I'm not sure if it's the organization nerd in me or just straight-up nosiness. As you can probably imagine, this post was right up my alley! And I loved that Gaby and Lisa labeled the different shelves. Unfortunately, it gave me the "MUST REORGANIZE" itch.

5. There are 7 ways to hate a book. by Anne from Modern Mrs. Darcy - I've really fallen in love with this blog! Whenever I'm going through my reader, I always look forward to reading Anne's thought-provoking and well-written posts. I particularly enjoyed this post about the different reasons you might hate a book. While there are a few I could add, I've experienced all of these at least once (and some a lot more than that).

Favorite Song: "Wherever Is Your Heart" by Brandi Carlile from The Firewatcher's Daughter

I've listened to Brandi Carlile before, but I was addicted in January. She was the soundtrack of my month!

I'm anxiously awaiting the release of her new album in March, especially because this song is amazing.

The 100, Season One - Yes, I finally caved to peer pressure. No one has shut up about this show on Twitter, so I finally decided to give it a shot. I figured it was something my husband would enjoy too, and I was right. We binged through the first season and are working on getting caught up with the second now. NOW I GET IT.

In Your Eyes (2014) starring Zoe Kazan and Michael Stahl-David - I added this to my Netflix queue after I saw it featured in Lindsey's Book People Talk Movies post. She sold me on watching this movie, and I'm so glad she did! I absolutely loved watching this - it was funny, sweet and something I'll watch again and again.

Bought: Before I Go by Colleen Oakley, Fairest by Marissa Meyer, Love and Freindship by Jane Austen and Girl Before a Mirror by Liza Palmer

ARC for Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Finished Copies for Review: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, Rebound by Noelle August, The Grown Ups by Robin Antalek, A Memory of Violets by Hazel Gaynor and Girl Before a Mirror by Liza Palmer

Gifted: Tarnish by Katherine Longshore (in What I Loved section)

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#ReRead2015 January Recap

Feb 1, 2015

I was a little nervous when Kelly approached me about co-hosting The Re-Read Challenge. I loved the idea, but I've barely participated in challenges in the past. What was going to happen when I hosted one? I re-read 26 books last year, which wasn't too shabby. But as a challenge host, I felt like I needed to push myself this year so I set my goal for 36 books. Well, we're only one month into the year, but I can already tell this was just what I needed in my reading life! I was on a re-reading kick in January and revisited six favorites: