Thursday, February 8, 2018

Lady Jayne Disappears

GIVEAWAY
POLITANO, JOANNA DAVIDSON
LADY JAYNE DISAPPEARS

Lynhurst Manor is a house built on secrets...
and the arrival of Aurelie Harcourt might reveal them all.

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies suddenly, he leaves her just two things: his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll, and his wealthy family -- who want very little to do with her.

As Aurelie struggles to find a home with her father's family and learn the rules of society, she relishes in his parting gift -- the beginning of his last story. The story she always wanted to hear, about her mother's mysterious disappearance from the home where she now lives. To complete the novel, she'll have to extract clues from relatives -- and one engimatic houseguest -- who often seem reluctant to give them up.

My Review:

"How amazing, how humble, was this girl who broke herself into a million pieces and distributed them to any who had need." (p 65)

Exquisitely written. Breathtakingly beautiful both in words and in substance. The kind of story you want to nestle into forever. Savor every nuance. Bask in the vivid impressions the author's words conjure up. Images that need to seep into your soul before proceeding any further into the story. And if you stop to record the most quotable of quotes it might just take you a week to finish Lady Jayne Disappears. And you won't mind a bit because it means you get to spend more time in the story. More time with the characters. More time figuring out the mystery (but I bet you won't!)

There's a story within this story. And it celebrates writers, readers and the written word. In short, it's a bibliophile's dream. I didn't realize I was craving a novel like this until I held it in my hands and even now that I've finished, I can't bring myself to shelve it. I want to keep it close for when I need a book hug. Or profound wisdom on my faith journey and my relationship with God. Or delightfully witty and insightful commentaries on the power in stories. Because my copy is riddled with sticky-note flags that ensure I won't lose a single gem.

Captivating from the very first page. Aurelie is shrouded in mystery. But then so is Silas. Loved their interactions -- the delicious undercurrents that promise a deeper connection than mere acquaintances. And the way the story unfolds -- so many intricate threads running amok causing chaos and confusion and yet Politano manages to weave them altogether by the end. And it's the kind of ending that amazes and astounds and leaves a reader bereft because you just don't want it to be over. Ever.

A stunning debut novel. I want more from Joanna Davidson Politano. Right now. Please.

God answers prayers..."Not in one big powerful move, but gradually so I don't notice until I've turned around and see that I have exactly what I need." (p 225)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 11 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

46 comments:

  1. I have no words as to how much your review has compelled me to put this one on my absolutely-must-read-devour-savor-and-forever-keep list....because WOW what a review! You left me speechless (which is a feat by itself)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh yes, indeed, Trixi, you definitely want this book on that list! I was intrigued just by the backcover blurb but I was blown away once I started reading. Good luck.

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  2. I think this sounds like an outstanding book....and what a review! Thank you so much, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. It's definitely outstanding -- and so much more. Good luck, Melanie.

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  3. I have been curious about this book since it came out, so many great reviews but I still wasn't sure about it for some reason. You've convinced me by saying it was one you didn't want to shelve so you could have it close by when you needed a book hug. I've had those feelings before too and wouldn't mind reading a story that could pull that off again. Wonderful and intriguing review.
    thanks Kav!!!
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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    1. You won't be sorry once you read it, Tracey. It's...indescribably wonderful. I feel the need for a book hug...excuse me while I pay Aurelie and Silas a visit. Oh...and good luck!

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  4. I have had the privilege of reading this astounding book and I have to whole heartedly agree with you! Wasn't it amazing? It felt like a comfortable blanket I wanted to curl up into. Beautifully written and so intriguing! Don't enter me, but I had to say you are right on. :)

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    1. Blissful sigh -- one of the ways to extend the reading pleasure is to talk about it with someone who knows!!! Thanks for sharing, Susan. Wouldn't Lady Jayne Disappears make an awesome book club selection. So much to talk about. And swoon over. And steam over and....

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  5. I agree with Trixi. What a breathtaking review that left me speechless. Almost. lol Your passion and love for this book would surely cause the whole world to want to devour it if they could read your review! And I'm just a little miniscule dot down here who would dearly LOVE to read it. EEP!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I'm just a wee bit taken with this novel. Guess you could tell? lol And you will be too, Diana, when you read it. Good luck!

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    2. I could tell you kinda sorta liked it. ;)

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  6. this is one book that is on my list to buy. Your review has solidified this for me. thanks.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. Yes, definitely needs to be on your must buy list. Good luck, Lori.

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  7. Your review sold me on this one! I want to win!!!

    Thank you
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. Yay -- glad I sold you on this one. Good luck, Diane.

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  8. I've been hearing so many good things about this book and your review just made me want to read it even more!

    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's....just....that book you need to read!!!! Good luck, Abbi.

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  9. I have not heard of this book or author! But, wow, your review gobsmacked me! Please count me in and thanks, Kav.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. It's a gobsmacking kind of book, Jackie. And this is Joanna Davidson Politano's debut novel. Her debut!!!!!!! I can't even....Good luck, Jackie.

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  10. This is a book I want to read for sure! Loved your review.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  11. Have heard so much buzz about this book. Would love to read it. Thanks for the giveaway and review.
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. You're welcome, Mindy. The buzz is true!! Good luck.

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  12. I have heard great things about this book. Lady Jane Disappears has been on my want-to-read list for awhile. Thanks for your review and the chance to win it.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I think it belongs on everyone's want-to-read list! Good luck, Pam.

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  13. Wow, what an interesting book summary!

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    1. It's an interesting book! Good luck, Dianna.

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  14. Sounds amazing! Count me in, Kav!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  15. You had me with the first line of your review - and if that wasn't enough to convince me to read this book, then the rest of your review did! :)
    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

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    1. Bwahahaha! Glad I'm convincing. Good luck,Marian.

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  16. Don't enter me since I have read this but it is rather unique, from the cover until the last pages have been read......enjoyed your thoughts on it!

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  17. I for one can't wait to read it, and neither can our library readers. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. This is on my TBR pile. Hopefully soon.

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  19. Sounds Really Great :)
    Thanks for sharing your review and for the chance to win a copy
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

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  20. WOW! What a great review! I've seen others say almost the same thing. Thanks for the giveaway! Becky lelandandbecky{AT}reagan{DOT}com

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    1. It's a book to thrill over! Good luck, Becky.

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  21. It all sounds so mysterious. Love the author father idea; plot sounds intriguing.

    arletta(dot)boulton(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. This one sounds so good, and I love the suspense that it creates. Definitely on my tbr list for sure so I can find out what happens. Thanks!

    LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

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