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jillianbald's review
The Memory House: A Love Story in Two Acts had a great opening and beginning chapters. I was hooked, ready for suspense and romance. As the story progressed, however, I was underwhelmed with both.
Jenetta James’ writing is engaging, and the story moved along quickly. I wanted to love this book, but I wasn’t convinced of the chemistry between the two pairs of lovers.
** Some might find these next paragraphs to be SPOILERS.**
The norms in Kitty’s society didn’t require love before marriage (although Kitty yearned for that). It was only a contract between families. Still, as the title suggests, this is a love story. For any romance novel, I expected some courting and titillation, even from the Victorians.
In the contemporary setting, I wanted sparks and more flirtation from Josie’s and James’ “courtship”. Their matchup felt like a hookup of convenience, not growing love. I use “hookup” loosely. The romance is pretty tame, and sexual encounters are only briefly mentioned in both storylines. I was not expecting a sexy romance—but a little more sizzle would have been fun.
I liked the premise of the dual timelines, but clues to the mystery that linked the historical with the contemporary were, for me, too blatant. Maybe I am a good guesser, but I wanted to be on the edge of my seat and be wrong in my guess.
I hope my thoughts on this novel help you more than random star ratings. I would recommend "The Memory House" to readers who enjoy chaste Victorian period novels with a dash of romance and a splash of mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jenetta James’ writing is engaging, and the story moved along quickly. I wanted to love this book, but I wasn’t convinced of the chemistry between the two pairs of lovers.
** Some might find these next paragraphs to be SPOILERS.**
The norms in Kitty’s society didn’t require love before marriage (although Kitty yearned for that). It was only a contract between families. Still, as the title suggests, this is a love story. For any romance novel, I expected some courting and titillation, even from the Victorians.
In the contemporary setting, I wanted sparks and more flirtation from Josie’s and James’ “courtship”. Their matchup felt like a hookup of convenience, not growing love. I use “hookup” loosely. The romance is pretty tame, and sexual encounters are only briefly mentioned in both storylines. I was not expecting a sexy romance—but a little more sizzle would have been fun.
I liked the premise of the dual timelines, but clues to the mystery that linked the historical with the contemporary were, for me, too blatant. Maybe I am a good guesser, but I wanted to be on the edge of my seat and be wrong in my guess.
I hope my thoughts on this novel help you more than random star ratings. I would recommend "The Memory House" to readers who enjoy chaste Victorian period novels with a dash of romance and a splash of mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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