I liked the story - particularly this historical setting - and I like the characters (at least the ones that the reader is "supposed" to like!) I did think that some of the pieces of the story were "a bit much" - and a good editor would have been quite useful to keep the various story lines "straight"! I'd recommend it to someone who would like a relatively "light" read and isn't too bothered about every "t" being crossed and every "i" dotted! Not sure if I'll continue reading this series... I’m still a sucker for books that tout themselves as Downton-esque so I picked this one up & dove right in. Set in Seattle just after WWI the story takes us to Benedict Hall & the family & servants who reside there. I won’t spoil here but I will say this, I liked Margot and that she was a doctor quite determined to practise when it wasn’t considered a proper job for a woman. She was smart, sometimes awkward, most often sensible and very relatable. I also liked Frank Parrish, the Major back from the war where he’d lost an arm. He never gave up and despaired and still remained kind even when he was feeling ill at ease or unsure of his place in the world. I had no problem investing in and rooting for the two as a couple. Preston was a nasty piece of work but he kept me page turning in a macabre way. I still want to know what made him so hateful and twisted. Margot is quite clear about him always having been that way and having tried multiple times when they were children to kill her with Blake being the only thing that stood in his way. So, I wondered what happened to make him that way. It’s not answered but I hope there’s some further insight in the next book (which I have on my desk to read). I’m still not sure how I feel about what is hinted at as his fate and I really didn’t know what to do with the “mystical sapphire” turn but still, I enjoyed reading this story for the most part. The scene setting was well done & gave a clear picture of Seattle at the time. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for another series to get into. It’s a fairly quick read & engaging enough to breeze through on the weekend. A 3.5 star read for me.
A charming story about a woman doctor and a Great War veteran in Seattle in 1920
—Maria
thought it would be a Seattle version of Downton Abbey --it was ok
—ldal
Good period piece. 1920 California. Great summer read.
—Isha
The ending was rather disappointing.
—CARTERDE1990
loved it. Could not put it down
—hushhushbaby
