(A Whimsical Victorian Historical Romance from a Debut Author)
A little Victorian Steampunk, a little Jules Verne, a little Nutcracker makes this a fabulous book that blends quirky characters, acerbic wit, an interesting premise and Godly wisdom.
Clara feels responsible to look after her family. She has a hard time seeing that God is in control, not her. Her grandfather Drosselmeyer, is a clockmaker and inventor of marvelous contraptions. Theodore Kingsley, who has a hidden past, is taken on as an apprentice. He is mistrusted by Clara but they, along with her Mum, set out on a scavenger hunt to track down Grand and his flying owl, while fleeing a dastardly villain.
The descriptions of the places they visit make me feel like I was there. And throughout the journey Clara thaws toward Theodore.
Mum was a favorite character. She advocated for animals and their welfare and wore a live ermine named Fred as a stole.
The clues for the scavenger hunt were so well done and were connected to an intricate pocket watch. The message clues from Grand to Clara were full of godly wisdom and helped Clara to see that she didn’t have to live up to her nickname of Little Atlas with the weight of the world on her shoulders.
An exceptional and cleverly executed debut from an outstanding author. *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a strong faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.
London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.
Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.
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