The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay

From the publisher:

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

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This book surprised me.  In fact, I think every book that I have read by Katherine Reay has surprised me and in a good way.  The Bronte Plot is not what you expect and instead you get something deeper. 

 Lucy Alling is a character that you are not sure you like, yet you do like, because you are like her.  As Helen and she adventure in London you are amazed and drawn into all the details that Katherine Reay has put in.  It is as if she was walking in the same places and has you right there with each of the characters.

The way that literature is woven into this story will make any literary lover happy, even if they don't know all the references, it is fascinating to see how seamlessly the author puts it all together.

I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.