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An Inconvenient Letter by Julie Wright

11/23/2023

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I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy via Edelweiss. I have never read anything by Julie Wright, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Here's the synopsis of An Inconvenient Letter.​

Synopsis

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For years, Marietta Stone has harbored a secret infatuation for the handsome Frederick Finch and has poured out her deepest feelings in a series of passionate love letters that she keeps in a locked drawer. But when Marietta’s private letters are accidentally delivered to Frederick’s house, she must retrieve them immediately before they fall into the wrong hands. If the letters were read by anyone else, the resulting scandal could jeopardize her reputation.
Gerard Hartwell has no time for infatuations, courtship, or even love. He must find a wife with a substantial inheritance if he wishes to save his late father’s bankrupt estate. When he accidentally discovers Marietta’s love letters at his cousin Frederick’s estate, he strikes a bargain with her. If she helps him court her older sister, Anne, he will return the letters and help Marietta win Frederick’s heart.
Marietta agrees, and the two quickly pretend to be courting in order to spend time with their individual love interests. Yet, what appeared to be a straightforward bargain becomes complicated when Gerard realizes that the more time he spends with Marietta, the more he wishes he could court her for real. But can he persuade Marietta to give him a chance when her heart might belong to another man?

General Thoughts

Let me start off by saying this book was remenescent of Pride & Prejudice, Doctor Thorne, Bridgerton, and To All the Boys. I was initially very concerned with the similarities with the Bridgerton series, I didn't want another book riddled with sex scenes. However, I didn't have to be worried, as there were no explicit scenes in this book... Thank God!
​I felt like the author did a good job of making the flow of the book feel like something written by Jane Austen. There were a few turns of phrases that made the reading more immersive to that era, even when it wasn't dialogue. 
I felt the story was nicely thought out and didn't leave me feeling dissatisfied. The only instance of confusion for me, and it might be thanks to reading books As I was farely early in the story, there was a tidbit of information the author "put out there" that initially led me to believe that Anne intentionally sent our Etta's letters. It was on page 29. Anne and Etta are discussion how Freddie was never meant to see the letters and Anne asks why she addressed the letter if delivering it wasn't her intention. "How private could you have meant for them to be when you took the time to address them?" Her sister made an excellent argument. Etta did not recall addressing them. While reading this, along with a few moments of suspicious behavior on Anne's part, I was convinced for a percentage of the book that Anne had willfully and maliciously sent Etta's letters hoping to increase her odds in the upcoming season. 

Characters

Marietta Stone, known throughout the book as Etta, is a likeable character. She was very remeniscent of Elizabeth Bennet. She's her father's favorite, she doesn't excel at the things most women educate themselves with like the pianoforte or embroidering, instead taking focusing on her intelligence. Also like Elizabeth Bennet, she struggles with her pride a little, which is actually what gets her into the situation of fake dating Gerard in the first place. Rather than lose face infront of her friend's prejudice mother, and admit why she isn't attending the season in the city, she lies about her relationship status. 
While I like Etta, I don't necessarily see much character growth throughout the book on her part. I believe the only change we really see in her is a shift in her mentality towards Freddie. As her feelings for Gerard grow, she comes to believe that what she felt for Freddie, when she wrote the love letters the story is based around, wasn't love at all. Aside from that we also see her start to stand up for herself more... and by more I mean twice. First, when her mom is trying to force her to go to town for the season and then when Freddie refuses to give her back the letter she wrote him and she grabs it from him. I guess if you wanted to be technical, you could say she also is resolute when Gerard comes to talk to her at the end of the book, but I feel like she never had a problem setting boundaries or communicating with Gerard so it doesn't feel like part of that particular character arc. 

Gerard Hartwell is not remeniscent of Fritzwilliam Darcy. He is the one that has the massive obstacles to overcome, his families destitution at the forefront of that list. He is not capable to helping Etta the same way that Darcy helped Elizabeth. Personally, that felt like a feminist cop out... like we couldn't have the man save the woman, but instead we had to define the woman's value based on her rescuing the man. Power balance aside, I genuinely liked Gerard. I felt like he was more real that Etta. He had struggles, he made bad decisions, he had to humble himself to try and provide for others, and my favorite, he struggled with doing what he knew propriety demanded. During many of his interactions with Miss Bates, he would like to be rude and direct, but always chooses to do what is polite.
I feel like Gerard got a better character development than Etta. He has to overcome the burden of ownership of his late father's estate, which has been run into the group. Tenants are leaving left and right and he has hit a wall as to how he will be able to make the estate profitable. With the help of Etta, he is able to bring in new tenants and he puts in a lot of hardwork as opposed to depending on the dowery of some lady. (Though I do fill bad for his steward who originally suggested bringing in sheep as a solution and was promptly ignored haha)
My favorite moment in his development is when he has his big "AH HA" moment in regards to Etta. He originally wanted to pursue Anne, Etta's sister, because they were such good friends growing up. That stays consistent throughout the book, but as he is remenescing he regularly recalls good memories with Etta. Suddenly his steward talks about Gerard being in love with Etta. He has this train of thought where he is trying to convince himself that he is just good friends with Etta. But then he realizes that's the EXACT reason he wanted to pursue Anne, because he wanted a relationship that is built on friendship. And what better friend than Etta? I have never face-palmed myself so hard! I was like EXACTLY!! THANK YOU GERARD FOR GETTING WITH THE PROGRAM!!!

Freddie Fredericks is every screwed up guy in literature all combined into one! Okay that's a drastic overstatement. But trust me, he is AWFUL! Sticking with the theme of who he is remeniscent of, I would have to say he reminds me most of Louis Scatherd in Doctor Thorne. He is very self centered. However, like Louis, I feel like Freddie has rare moments where we see his humanity. I don't think it's necessarily enough to completely redeem him from his propensity to be a jerk, but it definitely adds a little bit of dimension to him. Honestly, I don't have much to say about Freddie because I feel like he is like every pretty boy that the "less than popular" girl has had a crush on. He knows he's pretty, he lords it over her, and then when he sees her affection being pulled in another direction, in a last stitch effort to control, he lays the charm on real thick.
Interestingly enough, I think the primarily issue I have with Freddie is also my favorite character quirk for him... his irritation, and insuing poor decisions, when he believes Gerard has faked his engagement to con him out of money. We don't see much thought to Freddie's character. Yet, when this happens we see how much this hurts him. Throughout the book he has openly offered Gerard a loan. He is very up front about this offer. However, when he things Gerard is trying to pull one over on not just everybody else, but Freddie as well, he feels betrayal. I'm glad the other gave Freddie this level of dimension, he needed something to give him another layer. I think this shows that while Freddie is frivolous in many of the other aspects and relationships in his life, when he chooses to be loyal to someone, he is all in or at the very least, expects the same level of loyalty in return.

Conclusion

I very much enjoyed this book, which is evident in the fact that I read it for a day and a half straight upon receiving it. I believe the author did a good job of taking classic and modern inspiration and creating a story that was enchanting. As I was reading I was constantly urging Gerard to rub his two brain cells together and realize he was in love with Etta, all the while I was screaming at Etta to stop second guessing herself.
​I look forward to reading more from Julie Write.

​Favorite Quotes

"The point of having an impressive dowry is to make me presentable with no effort on my part."
Is that my problem? I don't have a dowry to compensate for my lack of charm? 
"There is no rational reason behind irrational behavior."
I tell my niece and students this all the time. It brings me a lot of comfort when I want to bang my head up against a wall.
"Compassion is beauty."
I love the simplicity of this single quote. So true.

"What is love if not a skill that must be practiced regularly?"
I think we forget this daily. Love isn't something we just know how to do naturally... well maybe it is, but life quickly seems to rob us of that skill. So we need to practice it daily.
"You saved me from the despair of a lifetime of loneliness."
This one makes me sad, but I think it'd be beautiful to have someone say that to their significant other. Just to remind them of their importance in your life.
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A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass

12/30/2022

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Annika is a princess who has lived a life of luxury. Lennox is a bloody enforcer for his outcast tribe. Both are stuck in a life that is not their own. When their paths cross however, something both believed was unattainable for them sparks to life… love. With their paths being so intertwined and atrocities committed on both side, will the possibility of love be enough to forgive all wrongs? Only time will tell.
I am a long time fan of Kiera Cass. I read the Selection series a few years back and loved it! Recently I read the Betrothed and it reminded me why I liked Kiera Cass’ writing style. However, I think I have to say… A Thousand Heartbeats might be my favorite of them all. This book had a little more of what I liked than the other books by Cass. Over the years I’ve come to love authors like Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Victoria Aveyard. What do they have in common? They write very detailed worlds with characters that grow and change over the course of their slightly longer books. While this was a standalone book, I felt like more of these traits were incorporated i


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Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham

12/15/2022

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Beauty Reborn falls into one of my favorite genres... Fairytale retellings. This particular one is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. The book begins with Beauty's family having lost their fortune and being forced to sell their estate and all their belongings and move into a hovel. When Beauty's father steals a golden rose from a castle he returns home to bid his 4 children goodbye. The price for his theft is his life. On a dangerous whim, Beauty takes the charm that was meant to magically return her father to the castle. But when she arrives to take his place, the castle is empty. She goes through the castle looking for the hideous beast that demanded a life's debt, but all she finds is the magic of the castle as it attempts to make her comfortable. Eventually she "meets" the beast, however, every time she tries to steal a glance at him, he vanishes without a trace. Soon she falls into a comfortable pattern of existence,  even going so far as to spend her days in the library reading to the beast. However, when the beast continues to ask her to marry him, dark secrets from her past are brought to light.
As far as I understand, this is Elizabeth Lowham's first book. While there were definitely moments where that was very evident, overall I really enjoyed this book. I’m a sucker for any fairytale retelling, but my bread and butter really is Beauty and the Beast. I don’t know what it is about the story, but it resonates with me and it always has. Lowham does a good job of adding her own touch to the story that made it feel just that little bit different from other versions I’ve read. Though on a fun side note, I felt a lot of A Court of Thorns and Roses undercurrents peppered throughout this version.


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Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

7/23/2016

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I got this book in early June as an ARC. It took me a while to get to it because I was reading a few other books first, but I was so excited when I did start it! Let me begin by giving you the synopsis for the book.

Britta's father has been the King's revered bounty hunter for years. She has been trained by him her whole life, and is challenged in talent only by his apprentice, her friend, Cohen. When her father is suddenly murdered, Britta's world is turned upside down. On the brink of starvation, she decides to risk hunting on the King's land. When she is caught, she is certain she will be executed. However she is offered a lifeline. Track down and return with the man accused of killing her father, and she will not only be excused for poaching, but she will be given her father's lands. Sounds too good to be true right? Pretty much. The murderer is none other than Cohen. Britta must choose between her life or that of the man who stands accused of killing her father, the man that she has grown up with and loved for years. ​

I loved this book! It was a great first book, both in the series and for the author, Erin Summerill. It is reminiscent of an epic adventure. You have this new world, with magic, kings, war and intrigue. The characters have backstories that slowly get unraveled before your eyes, and not always in ways that you predict. I could write an entire book on why I loved this book and why it was great, but a pros and cons list might be faster (that way you will eventually get to the book itself.)

​Pros:

  • ​​​Great flow! Erin Summerill made everything flow smoothly & it was easy to understand & visualize.
  • Great plot & characters. While they both were reminiscent of other books, they were unique enough that I had a hard time predicting how most of the events were going to play out.
  • Britta has visible struggles & development. There are certain character traits she lacks in the beginning that you get to witness her gain by the end.  This also makes her multi-dimensional.  She also isn't the only character you witness grow.
  • The villain & heroes aren't black & white. You don't know from the get go who the villains are or who you should/shouldn't trust. 
  • There was a very suspenseful love interest, one that all the hopeless romantics can get behind. However it isn't the focus of the book, just a nice side story that adds to the plot.

​Cons:

  • ​​The end! Cliffhanger!! I am going to have to wait FOREVER to find out what happens!!!
  • Which leads into my second con... IT NEEDED TO BE LONGER!! I wanted it to go on forever!
  • The plot reminded me, in parts, of other books I've read. But this is my favorite genre SOOOO I'm 100% okay with that! Especially sense it was still very unique!​
​
I have so many feelings about this book that I want to share, BUT I CAN'T!!! All I can say is the SECOND it comes out, y'all need to go buy it because I need to fangirl with someone!! You won't regret it! I PROMISE! Come December 27th make sure you run out and get this book! Better yet preorder it so you can get it right away!! Most importantly keep an eye out for Erin Summerill, because if this book is any inclination, she is going places!
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    Reviews

    Books have become a part of my life. However, that wasn't always the case. Since discovering the wonder of books, I can't seem to find enough time in the day to indulge in my bibliophilic ways. This page is to catalog those things which I have read. I hope you enjoy!

    2025 Reading Challenge

    2025 Reading Challenge
    Stefani has read 2 books toward her goal of 25 books.
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    Currently Reading

    Throne of Glass
    it was amazing
    Throne of Glass
    by Sarah J. Maas

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    Books Read

    Quicksilver
    really liked it
    Quicksilver
    by Callie Hart
    Onyx Storm
    really liked it
    Onyx Storm
    by Rebecca Yarros
    Iron Flame
    it was amazing
    Iron Flame
    by Rebecca Yarros
    Fourth Wing
    it was amazing
    Fourth Wing
    by Rebecca Yarros
    Just for the Summer
    it was amazing
    Just for the Summer
    by Abby Jimenez
    Yours Truly
    it was amazing
    Yours Truly
    by Abby Jimenez
    An Inconvenient Letter
    it was amazing
    An Inconvenient Letter
    by Julie Wright
    A Curse for True Love
    really liked it
    A Curse for True Love
    by Stephanie Garber
    The Ballad of Never After
    really liked it
    The Ballad of Never After
    by Stephanie Garber
    Once Upon a Broken Heart
    really liked it
    Once Upon a Broken Heart
    by Stephanie Garber

    goodreads.com

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ABOUT ME

My name is Stefani. I am a princess, a dragon rider, a warrior, a magician, a time traveler, a crime solver and so much more. But for "technical" purposes you can call me a Librarian. I teach Elementary Library and Technology as well as High School Coding and Robotics. In my spare time I love books, archery, fishing, crafts and a lot of little things that make life wonderful.

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