Loraine E. (genealady) reviewed Whispers in the Reading Room (Chicago World's Fair, Bk 3) on + 13 more book reviews
Excellent and enjoyable read!
Nora S. (biblegirl06) reviewed Whispers in the Reading Room (Chicago World's Fair, Bk 3) on + 92 more book reviews
I was hooked to the story right from the start. I was instantly dropped into a library, hanging out with Lydia; a woman who is opinionated and adores books. There is a mysterious handsome nameless man who has frequented the reading room several times a week now for the past several months. He sits in his favorite chair and keeps his nose in a serious of books. This current one was about Lewis and Clark. "She noted the expression on his face when he read the last word in the book. He looked pleased and just a bit melancholy. She knew those dual feelings well the satisfaction of completing a well-written piece of literature while also coming to terms with the fact that those few moments of pure bliss would soon be replaced with a longing for more."
Sebastian the mystery man ponders something, "Only when he was along did his mind drift back to Miss Lydia Bancroft. The way she rarely chattered on like most females of his acquaintance. The way she shelved books like they were old friends. How she seemed to be more at ease with a room full of books than with people."
Both of these characters had a love affair with the written word. Each eager to go on adventures and learn all they could from the characters they met. This author did an amazing job of dropping me into this reading room where I too love to spend my time. This love of books brought them together and made me love this novel even more. I instantly connected with these likable characters and found their situation and the times they lived in fascinating.
This is book three in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery series (that reads as a standalone) the series is set in Chicago during the late 1890's. I didn't feel lost at all. Lydia learns this mysterious strangers name when he saves her from a dangerous situation inside the Hartman hotel. Their paths cross again in an unexpected way. Lydia seeks to have an adventure in real life not just experiencing those she reads in books. Sebastian and Lydia's encounter is filled with twists and turns that change their life forever.
This story is skillfully written. It's filled with mystery, fun and intrigue. I loved how this author had the character's interact with word games and sometimes battles and banters that made me giggle. It seemed most of the characters in this story were hiding their inner selves from one another. Each hiding behind a confident show they put on for the world to see. In the process trying to discover who they truly were when no one was around leading them to what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives. Each had their own tangled web to climb through filled with lies, deception to get through to who they wanted to be, discover friendships, faith and true love.
I enjoyed this story. It's a great book to read for fun and would make a great book club pick. There are 9 thought provoking questions in the back to help generate lively discussion at your meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booklook blog site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Sebastian the mystery man ponders something, "Only when he was along did his mind drift back to Miss Lydia Bancroft. The way she rarely chattered on like most females of his acquaintance. The way she shelved books like they were old friends. How she seemed to be more at ease with a room full of books than with people."
Both of these characters had a love affair with the written word. Each eager to go on adventures and learn all they could from the characters they met. This author did an amazing job of dropping me into this reading room where I too love to spend my time. This love of books brought them together and made me love this novel even more. I instantly connected with these likable characters and found their situation and the times they lived in fascinating.
This is book three in the Chicago World's Fair Mystery series (that reads as a standalone) the series is set in Chicago during the late 1890's. I didn't feel lost at all. Lydia learns this mysterious strangers name when he saves her from a dangerous situation inside the Hartman hotel. Their paths cross again in an unexpected way. Lydia seeks to have an adventure in real life not just experiencing those she reads in books. Sebastian and Lydia's encounter is filled with twists and turns that change their life forever.
This story is skillfully written. It's filled with mystery, fun and intrigue. I loved how this author had the character's interact with word games and sometimes battles and banters that made me giggle. It seemed most of the characters in this story were hiding their inner selves from one another. Each hiding behind a confident show they put on for the world to see. In the process trying to discover who they truly were when no one was around leading them to what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives. Each had their own tangled web to climb through filled with lies, deception to get through to who they wanted to be, discover friendships, faith and true love.
I enjoyed this story. It's a great book to read for fun and would make a great book club pick. There are 9 thought provoking questions in the back to help generate lively discussion at your meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booklook blog site. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Susan S. (sulock) -
Just finished a wonderful novel mix of history character study and romance thrown in. Chicago setting just after the World's Fair closes, Librarian in a reading room , and a Gambling Hall owner meet because of their love of books. Debutante hiding how down and out she and her mother are after fathers death, and the Gambling hall owner hides that he was raised in the poorest part of Chicago. All his learning of the world and how people are to act is learned from books. Reflects on who we show to the world and who we really are. I was really captured by the book and the author's character building.
