This is a case of choosing a book based on its cover. While the description didn't really draw me in, the cover sure did! In this case, judging a book by its cover turned out to be a good thing!
It's 1885, and all Nora Shipley wants, now that she's graduating from Cornell University as valedictorian of the entomology program, is to follow in her late father's footsteps by getting her master's degree and taking over the scientific journal he started. The only way to uphold her father's legacy is to win a scholarship, so she joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field.
India isn't what she expects, though, and neither is the rival classmate who accompanies her, Owen Epps. As her preconceptions of India--and of Owen--fall away, she finds both far more captivating than she expected. Forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her, 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.
A Mosaic of Wings is the beautiful story about a young woman who slowly finds that everything she ever wanted might not actually be what she wants.
I felt that the first part—before Nora goes to India—was a little slow, and it took me a while to get into the story. The India section, however, was simply stunning! The vivid descriptions of people and places jumped off the page, I loved the way Nora truly blossomed, and I actually found myself caring about insects! The final section, back in Ithaca, moved a little slower again (or maybe it's just that it lacked the vibrancy of the India section), but I enjoyed seeing how everything resolved.
The romance aspect of this novel is a little understated (because the novel is more about Nora's journey than anything else), but it's so sweet, and I absolutely loved Owen and the way he cared for Nora.
This is a wonderful debut novel, establishing Duffy as an author to watch! 4 stars.
Buy the book (affiliate link).
Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio. 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 20 years. He doesn't mind. You can find Kimberly at www.kimberlyduffy.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."
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