The Bronte Plot

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.

I was given an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: four of five stars

This is a modern day romance. It isn't overly romantic, no love scenes or anything like that but overall I would have to call this one romance.

This book is from the point of view of Lucy. It takes you through an amazing journey she gets to take with an ex's grandmother, Helen. Most of this book takes place in England but there are also parts in America before and after Lucy's trip.

The characters in this book are quite like-able. Though Lucy did have some issues, she was a person you could relate to. I really loved how the author pulls in other classic books into this one, hence the name "The Bronte Plot" In my opinion there isn't really an antagonist in this book. Lucy has to face her flaws and figure out how to fix her mistakes. I loved the journey she took. I also loved how this book also focused on Helen and her trip and the reason behind it. She became a real lovable character when she takes Lucy with her on the journey she needs to make.

At the heart, this book is about people facing their past to be able to move on into the future. One quote I loved was said by Lucy near the end of the book:

I’m not guaranteed a happy ending just because I make it to the last page – every choice along the way matters and they have real consequences. I want to learn from you. There is no one I admire or respect more.

I love it. So easily applied to any of our lives. Lucy wanted to learn from the man who helped "force" her into the journey with Helen.

Overall I thought this book was wonderful. The beginning really had me wondering, but it got better once Lucy and Helen left the country. I found the journey that both women took to be one that can resonate with anyone. Overall this book gets a solid four stars.