What I’m reading: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay

When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures 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 the ghosts of 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 change.

Now Lucy must go back into 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.

This book totally engrossed me for about 24 hours (which is the length of time it took me to read!). Whilst I didn’t totally like Lucy or her character I had a great deal of empathy for her and the situation she had gotten herself into. I loved the setting of the Chicago antiques scene and Lucy’s visit to England as I have visited many of the places she does in London and Haworth.

Lucy has to confront her past and I liked the fact she did this at Haworth, scene of the tumultuous lives of the Bronte sisters. The book is cleverly written with lots of allusions to the lives of the Bronte sisters although you could also read this knowing nothing about them. Some of the Americanisms annoyed me in the parts set in the UK but overall I loved this book and will be seeking out other books by Katherine Reay.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy to read.