Teaser:
"The heir to Tiffany's jewelry empire is left without a staff when glassworkers go on strike just months before the opening of the much-anticipated Chicago World's Fair and the hyped mosaic Tiffany Chapel. Desperate and without another option, Tiffany turns to a group of female art students to finish the job. Flossie Jayne answers the call, moving to a New York City boardinghouse with high hopes of making a name for herself as an artist and defying those who say that the work can't be completed in time--least of all by a set of young, inexperienced women."
My favorite quotes from this book:
"The closer she came to the Manufacturer's Building the more it dwarfed her. Climbing its steps to the grand portal, she passed beneath a triumphal arch, then paused at the imposing entrance. She looked behind her, almost expecting to find the celestial city had vanished like an illusion, but the magic spell of its ravishing vista remained unbroken."
"Holiness encompassed every corner, every crevice, and seeped into her very soul."
"Dragging a hand through his hair, he looked about her room, reminding her of Mr. Darcy when he'd gone to profess his love to Elizabeth but was unable to spit out the words. Of course, Mr. Wilder had no such feelings for her, but his discomfort was palpable nonetheless."
"The earnestness in her expression, the natural love she had for everyone, shone through her eyes. It nearly undid him. Cupping her cheek, he grazed her lip with his thumb. 'You deserve someone a lot better than me.'"
All of Chapter 74 made me giddy with delight. Quoting anything from there would be a talent spoiler.
I loved how history came alive in this story. Compelling storytelling. I was so emotionally invested in these characters I actually got mad at their behavior and quit reading for a bit. I related most to the Reeve Wilder character. He was the typical writer: observant, doesn't speak much, but his brain was always swimming. He wrote in his journal every day and that really propelled his fiction writing to the next level. When was the last time I wrote in a journal - stream of conscious writing without thought, without using the backspace key? Reeve and Flossie had two breaks they took from each during this story. When they found each other again, they were more sensitive and mature. They saw each other with new eyes. I think a lot of couples could really benefit long absences.
As always, Deeanne Gist delivers a story that stays with you long after you've stowed it away on the bookshelf.
