A ★★★★★ Book Review of A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy | A Historical Fiction Novel
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.All thoughts below are my own. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links which means I will receive a commission based on sales generated via these links.
A beautiful, heartfelt new novel from master storyteller, Kimberly Duffy, who’s woven threads of science, wanderlust and faith into a deeply satisfying culmination of historical fiction and romance.
An inspirational tale that will tug on readers’ heartstrings as the determined, brilliant entomologist, Nora Shipley, embarks on a life changing journey as she learns to surrender her life and plans to a God who has more in store for her than she could ever possibly imagine.
"A Mosaic of Wings inspires and entertains. This is one novel you won't want to miss!"--Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author
Nora Shipley has one goal--to carry on the legacy of her late father by taking over the scientific journal he started. To that end, she's fought to be taken seriously among her male classmates and graduate as valedictorian of Cornell's entomology program. When pressures to settle down rise to a fever pitch, she impulsively joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field and win a scholarship.
But India holds several surprises--she is impressed not only by the beauty of its natural wonders, but also by the gentle nature she discovers in the rival classmate who accompanied her, Owen Epps. Instead of exploring, however, she is forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her. During the many quiet days, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.
In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love. - Synopsis from A Mosaic of Wings
★★★★★ | Friends, if you’re looking for a beautiful summer read, this is the perfect novel for those of you who enjoy inspirational, historical fiction. Kimberly Duffy delights readers with the science and heart behind her masterful new story A Mosaic of Wings.
I truly enjoyed this sweet, tender and unique story with a strong, capable, if not a little impetuous, heroine…Reading through the story and firsthand witnessing Nora’s coming into her own is rich and rewarding as she moves through the grief in her heart, the struggle to find and assert her place in the world, prove herself in a predominantly male society and blossom into a woman who puts someone else’s needs above her own. Nora discovers a deep fulfillment from her faith after following her heart to advocate for a young girl who captures her attention. In time, she discovers the blessings the Lord has in store for her because of her decision to stay the course and do the right thing against all odds. God uses the people in her life to teach her valuable and life altering lessons as her heart grows, strengthens, and falls in love for the first time…
A Mosaic of Wings is well written, educational and uplifting with a subtle underscore of women’s empowerment and the battle of society’s expectations during that era. The story moves at a gentle flow and draws readers in with delightful characters, a dreamlike setting and heartfelt story. The romance that blossoms between Nora and Owen is oh-so-sweet as it grows, bending and breaking just the right amount. Owen’s charming, patient and supportive character is the perfect compliment to Nora’s impulsive, strong-willed and often passionate nature. The setting is vibrant and rich in culture, painting a thorough picture of life in 1880’s India. The ending is deeply satisfying and I feel certain it is a story to fill your heart and soul. This novel will be well enjoyed by Christian historical fiction lovers and is appropriate for readers 15+.
“Owen took Nora’s hand and squeezed it. She leaned her head against his arm, and beneath the layers of grime and torn silk and the frantic beating of her heart, something whispered to her. A cool cup of water soothing her parched throat. A breeze in the middle of India’s scorching summer. A dance beneath monsoon rains. This is right. This is good. This is worth it. ”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group. | Photo Credit: © Laura Hicks Photography
Kimberly Duffy (www.kimberlyduffy.com) is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind.
Lastly, pick up your own copy of A Mosaic of Wings or borrow it from your local library. Then, I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on the book in the comments below!
