A Mosaic of Wings, by Kimberly Duffy, is a story of two young Cornwell University graduates who are hoping to get a scholarship to master in entomology. Nora has spent her inheritance and cannot afford more schooling. Owen’s father wants him to go to school to be a lawyer. They both find themselves in India, where the leader of the expedition will not allow Nora to go with them, but rather stay behind drawing the items they find. When she befriends a local girl and helps her get away from a terrible life, her belongings are destroyed and they are sent home.
This is a wonderful story. It is very well written and very descriptive. I found it very easy to imagine the landscape and could almost picture the butterflies and taste the food. Nora and Owen are good strong characters who put others first. Nora is very mature for her age, putting the needs of her mother first and suffering at the hands of her step-rather. The part that I enjoyed most about this story was how Nora connected with the young Indian girl and did what she felt was right. I liked how she questioned how the group could teach Christianity to children, yet not be there to support them when they got home. The story touches on how our plan for our life is not always God’s plan. It also focuses on forgiveness and friendships. I especially liked how the book ended. I hope to see a lot more from this author.
I received a copy of this e-book from Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Look out world, Kimberly Duffy is making her mark. What a beautifully penned debut novel! It completely took my breath away, and made me so fascinated with the world of bugs. Trust me when I say this is huge lol. But seriously, Duffy is someone to watch for, and I have already added her to my "must read" author list. Not only does she write incredible characters, but she writes settings that just jump off the pages to me. I felt like I was in India right alongside Nora and Owen. Experiencing the weather, the insects, the excitement.

Nora is not your average heroine in so many ways, but I really found myself enjoying her character. First of all, she likes bugs. Bugs! I know that may seem okay to some, but bugs just aren't my thing you know? But Nora? Well, she kind of makes me want to learn just a little bit about them. But what really drew me to her character was her passion. First, she had passion for her family. I can easily connect with that, and understood her desire to put her family first. But then she had passion for her job, her learning. It didn't matter to her that she was a woman in a "man's" world. She just wanted to learn as much as she could to be able to contribute to the world. I found this to be so refreshing.

Duffy's personalized experience with India really showed in her ability to stay true to the culture, the food, the experience. Again, I felt like I was IN India! And for the record, I didn't want to leave. Although there is some friendship to romance here, I really feel that the location and the growth of Nora's character are what ultimately kept me turning the pages. I think historical fiction readers will enjoy Duffy's debut novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Readers are always searching for those rarest of books that not only entertain and delight you, but also work their way deep into your spirit, finding an eternal home there. A Mosaic of Wings is one of them. The story opens with Nora, a passionate student of entomology at Cornell University, who finds beauty and wonder in all of God's creation, but particularly in the world of insects. But society insists that she cannot add anything of value to a man's field, and Nora soon finds herself opposed on all sides, most fiercely by her step-father, who promotes a advantageous match as the only proper path for her.

Still, some friends remain true, among them a favorite professor who longs to see her flourish in the field. Before long, Nora finds herself swept off to India, a land all warmth and spice and passion, competing for a scholarship that just might give her the freedom she's craving to boldly pursue her dreams. It will not be long, though, before this new land and its people, along with an unexpected friend from home, begin to shape Nora into a stronger and more courageous woman of God than ever before, making her one of those rare fictional characters who are most worthy of emulating.

Without doubt, Kimberly Duffy has woven an enchanting tale that will captivate anyone with the courage to pick up this book and embrace all the ways it will challenge and change you.

It caught my attention from the first page! I loved all the "bug stuff", and the bravery of Nora. Loved Owen too! There's a lot of romance in this story, which I'm sure those of you who are into that will be happy to hear. 😊 Quite good for a first published novel!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am not a bug person. Yet I found this book about a female entomologist enlightening. It was fun to travel with Nora and Owen to India. I could feel the humidity and felt I was going through the wilderness with them. I loved Sita and her energy.

Nora is a complex woman. She is not very likable much of the time and I wondered what Owen saw in her. Then other times, her courage won me over. She learns some key lessons and changes as a result.

This was a strong debut novel and I’ll keep watch for more from this author in the future. Thanks to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This historical novel about a female entomologist was completely captivating! I am not a fan of insects-AT ALL-so I was skeptical, but this story took my breath away with its beauty.
The author creates exceptional characters that stirred my emotions to their plights. I feel as if I’ve traveled to India through her words. She is an exceptional visual storyteller and her descriptions were outstanding. I feel like I walked in the jungle with Nora, I ate the spicy foods, I felt the humidity and I relished in the beautiful colors of India along with her.
Without giving away any spoilers I will say that I wasn’t sure what to expect from the storyline and I was blown away by parts of it. It was one of the most unpredictable novels I have read in a long time. This was my first novel to read by Kim Duffy and I will now look for more. Exceptional storytelling and beautiful characters.

What a gorgeous debut. The narrative descriptions are lush and full. I feel like I went back to India for a visit with her well-drawn characters.

In addition, I don't know how Duffy makes the study of insects appealing, but she does. I never once felt overwhelmed by the science, but I actually learned more than a few things. This is a historical novel that is well worth the read.

What a beautiful story about finding your true identity and being who Jesus created you to be. Nora is like a beautiful butterfly that has stayed in her cacoon too long but once she emerges she soars.

I will say this book ebbed and flowed for me. I was drawn in immediately but my interested waned for a bit and then about half way through I was hooked. So many interesting things taking place and unique settings, this kept me engaged.

I really liked Nora and Owen, and their love-hate relationship kept things rolling until the end!.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

Against the Grain!

Nora is the valedictorian of her college class, and wants to be a scientist, just the way her dad raised her. Unfortunately, it is 1885, and the world believes women should strive to be wives and mothers only. Her father has been replaced by a step-father who wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment and fights Nora every step of the way.

In an attempt to win a scholarship, she goes to India. Unfortunately, Frederic, the man in charge also thinks women are useless. He hardly lets her participate in what she came to do, and she inadvertently causes horrible trouble for Frederic multiple times.

But India also gives Nora the chance to see schoolmate Owen differently, revel in the beauty of a foreign land, and change a little girl’s life—at a great cost to her.

I sympathized with Nora about her stepfather’s dishonesty, but I never did like her study of bugs and it took me a while to warm up to her. Owen is a gem with his character and reliance on God. India and the story will charm and captivate you. I recommend this 4-star book to those who like tales in exotic or historical settings with a bit of romance.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, A Mosaic of Wings, for the purpose of review.

Ever since seeing this cover and knowing it was by a new author, I have been looking forward to reading this story. This was such a lush, atmospheric read that drew me into the story and into Nora's life as a young woman trying to make her way in science. Specifically entomology, the study of insects. Now usually a read like that might give me the creeps, but no, this one drew me into the climate of not just India but also Nora's hometown of Ithaca, New York.

Now this story is divided into three parts. Each part in the different locations. I will say that at first the story seemed a little bit slow for me. I think I just had a hard time connecting with Nora, she seemed too smart for her own good and maybe a little standoffish. Especially with fellow classmate Owen Epps. The constant friction between her and her stepfather was also wearing me thin- but that just shows you how invested I was getting into the story. And then there was a certain climatic showdown that happened in the first part that caught my attention fully and would not let me go.

By the end, I came to know Nora and like her. She had quite a way to grow and when she let a certain someone begin to love her- well lets just say it was a very romantic story. Though the romance was only part of this tale.

I very much look forward to more great reads from author Duffy, she is an author to put on your reading list.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved how this book featured a woman entomologist wanting to focus on her education in 1885. Nora was passionate about her education, and wouldn’t let anything get in her way of achieving it – or so it seemed. She also has a lot of family struggles due to her loss of father and gain of a step-father. I think that this relationship between her and her step-father was done well. These situations can be tricky, and the author made it so real that I really disliked the step-father at one point in the novel.

I also enjoyed the setting of India. The author used such vivid descriptions that made it easy for me to be transported there during this timeframe.

I do wish there had been more growth on Nora’s part. While I commend her beliefs about the situation in India, I also would’ve liked to see her listen to others and better explain her beliefs. I felt like she was almost too headstrong during multiple parts of the novel, and yet not headstrong enough in other situations.

A Mosaic of Wings is the best kind of book! Engaging characters. A unique plot. Lovely writing.

The story begins in Ithaca, New York, in 1885. Nora Shipley is about to graduate from Cornell university with a degree in entomology. She desperately wants to continue her education but is out of funds and her step-father is out of patience. They come to an agreement of sorts: if Nora wins a scholarship, she may continue at Cornell for a master’s degree. If she doesn’t win the scholarship, she will move to Long Island to become her aunt’s companion, and possibly marry or be courted by her step-father’s business associate.

Because Nora’s mother’s health is precarious, she declines a place on a team in India that would help her scholarship chances. But when Nora and her step-father clash yet again, she finds herself in India, along with Owen Epps, the young man who was her competitor for grades and accolades at Cornell.

There are all kinds of twists and turns on Nora’s journey, in Ithaca, India, and personally. Nora learned lessons about following one’s conscience, doing the right thing, and how God views all His creatures.

Nora and Owen’s relationship grows naturally and, of course, the scholarship is an issue between them, as well as some events in India.

I loved this story of an unusual young woman with brains and a strong spirit.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kimberly Duffy a little over a year ago at a writers’ event. She had recently signed a contract for her first book and I’m so pleased to be able to offer a review of it.

I thought that the subject matter was very interesting and I enjoyed the time period that it was placed in, however; the plot did not grab a hold of me and I had a hard time caring about what happened next. I would recommend this books for those that are a fun of romantically written narratives but not for those that are looking for a gripping read.

I really enjoyed this debut romance novel. I loved the exotic location, and I found the subject of butterflies interesting. The main character could be frustrating at times, but she experienced a lot of growth through out the book, and I really enjoyed the romance. While it wasn't perfect, it was enjoyable and fun.I would have liked to explore the Indian culture and religion more than we were able to. I felt like things got cut short for the sake of the love story. Still, it was a good read overall. I would recommend it to readers of historical romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for the purpose of review.

Full of adventure, romance, humor, nature, Indian culture, and twists, Author, Kimberly Duffy made this novel impossible to put down!
I love the fiery spunk in Nora and the courage she had in helping a girl promised to temple prostitution. A moving story all the way around that made me cry several times. Although this is a must read for any historical romance lover, I believe this page turner can be enjoyed by anyone. With vivid descriptions and keen details that draw you in, I can’t say enough about this book. I love, LOVE it!!! I give it 5 stars!

A Mosaic of Wings is Kimberly Duffy’s debut novel. I have mixed feelings about this story. I liked some parts of it, while others I did not. Nora Shipley had a wonderful, encouraging father until he passed when she was fifteen in a tragic accident. It is something that Nora cannot forget. She feels responsible and wants to prove herself by taking over her father’s esteemed publication, The Journal of Eastern Flora & Fauna. It has been run by her stepfather, Lucius Ward who seems to be taking the journal in a different direction much to Nora’s dismay. Lucius has certain ideas about women (it is 1885) and they do not include a woman pursuing a higher education or running a magazine. He wants Nora to meet a colleague and consider marriage. Part one of A Mosaic of Wings has some sections that I found upsetting. I know there were many men like Lucius in the world during this time period, but I do not like to read about their bullying ways. There was also quite a bit of repetition that I wish had been eliminated. Part Two has Nora and Owen in India. I enjoyed the author’s beautiful descriptions of India. Ms. Duffy brought the country alive for me with her word imagery. I was amazed at the many varieties of insects and I could relate to Nora’s disdain for cockroaches (awful creatures). It was interesting learning how they preserved the specimens and studied them in their natural habitat. I like how Nora took Sita under her wing. Sita had such a good heart and quick mind. I kept hoping her lot in life would change. Nora could be frustrating at time as she got herself into one predicament after another. She really did not help herself or the cause of women at times. Nora had good thoughts and ideas, but she would forget that what she does impacts others. Nora was a Christian who believes it is her duty to help another Christian. I like some of her thought provoking questions and statements. Owen was a positive man with an adventurous spirit and common sense. I like that he supported and encouraged Nora. When I finished this book, I had mixed thoughts. There were some interesting sections, but I was not fond of the cliché characters, repetition, and domineering males. I do think that A Mosaic of Wings is a good start for Kimberly Duffy. I am curious to see what this author creates next. A Mosaic of Wings shows the challenges a woman endures when she pursues her passion for entomology despite opposition and expectations of others.

I discovered A Mosaic of Wings quite by accident and am thoroughly pleased that I did. I was prepared to be whisked away to a strange and foreign land and Kimberly Duffy did not disappoint. As a lover of history, I was extremely impressed with the breadth of the research Duffy must have undertook to bring the sights and smells of 1880s India to life. The author wrote with such rich details I felt I could see the exotic colors, feel the oppressive heat and humidity, and taste the spicy foods and drinks. The people and culture came alive as well through this richly told story as we learned about the place of women in both Indian and British/American societies, the British influence in India, and the stark difference between Christianity and some forms of Indian temple worship. Duffy also gave us a glimpse into late 19th century scientific field work as the entomology team in India hunted for, captured, and illustrated so many unusual bugs and butterflies.

One thing I especially liked was the heroine, Nora Shipley. She was as unique as she was flawed and that spoke to me. How unlikely is it that a woman is into bugs, even today? But Nora loves the study of all manner of bugs and butterflies because it holds a precious connection to her father who passed when she was a child. She is intelligent, hard-working, and determined to make a significant contribution to the field of entomology.

That brings me to her weaknesses. So often in Christian fiction, the flaws authors give their main characters are not really flaws at all. But Nora, God bless her, was stubborn and a bit self-centered. Oftentimes it seemed, she cared little about the cost her actions had on others and I wanted to wring her neck. But when Nora is befriended by an Indian child, Sita, and she learns Sita is to be dedicated to a God who requires her to prostitute herself when men worship in the temple, Nora doesn’t hesitate to intervene – even though intervention may cost her everything she’s been working for. This is when Nora realizes “God had made her that way [stubborn] for a reason,” and she takes action. May we all be so bold to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit without calculating the costs. By the end of the story, Nora realizes the impact one person’s actions have upon those around them and that relationships are a more important legacy than her position in the scientific community.

And for romance fans, A Mosaic of Wings, offers a delightfully sweet romance as well. Owen Epps is a totally a swoon-worthy hero who had to work a bit harder than most heroes to get his woman which only captured this romantic’s heart even more. He accepts Nora, flaws and all, and cheers her toward her academic and scientific goals and is a real example of “unconditional love,” something Nora hasn’t known since her father’s passing.

This is a solid debut for Duffy who weaves words beautifully. A Mosaic of Wings definitely takes flight!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Nora Shipley is a woman ahead of her time, and a unique heroine. She doesn’t want to marry the man her stepfather has chosen for her (and no surprise there. He’s a misogynistic boor). She wants to go back to university and complete her master’s in entomology (yes, the study of insects). First she’ll need to win a scholarship … which means spending six months in India.

While I like butterflies and understand the importance of honeybees, I’m not a fan of other insects. And I definitely share Nora’s feelings about cockroaches. What captured my interest in A Mosaic of Wings was the Indian setting, and this was definitely the strength of the novel for me. These chapters showed the beauty of India, and something of the culture—both good and bad.

I enjoyed seeing Nora develop as a character and make some difficult choices. The novel wasn’t overtly Christian, but Nora’s responses to her most difficult choices were definitely based on a Christian world view—even when those choices contradicted the decisions made by some of the Christians she met.

I didn’t enjoy the US-based scenes nearly as much. That was mostly because of stepfather Lucius, although partly because of Nora’s mother. She was a frustratingly weak character who seemed to spend her time either ill in bed, or arranging social events her daughter wanted no part of. She was such a vapid character that I sincerely wondered if she was being drugged by Lucius (she wasn’t, but that would have been the most logical explanation for much of her behaviour).

Lucius is plainly set up as the antagonist and has no redeeming features except for loving Nora’s mother. Well, he says he does. He certainly doesn’t act as though he does. Mind you, the same could be said of Nora’s mother’s attitude towards Nora. As a result, while Nora’s difficulties with Lucius drove most of the novel’s conflict, I didn’t find it entirely believable. Lucius tries to force Nora to do something, saying she gave her word. Fine. She did, and she is a woman who seeks to keep her word. But I don’t think she needs to keep her word when he has so plainly not kept his.

Overall, this is a novel about choices and freedom. Some people have more choices than others. It’s also about how sometimes we have to make a choice that might not be the easiest choice for ourselves, but is the right choice for others.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

P.S. If you read or have read A Mosaic of Wings and you’re as horrified by Sita’s predicament as Nora is, then I encourage you to check out the Dignity Freedom Network and their work rescuing jogini girls in India. Yes, this practice is still going on despite having been outlawed in 1988.

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duff

The cover is beautiful and definitely grabs my attention. Nora is a strong willed heroine. She often finds herself in trouble because of that. She is just too much for me but I want to see how her character will develop. Nora, being in a scientific world and deemed to be a man’s world, adds more spice to the story.

I love nature so the nature scenes, the unique butterflies and insects are interesting to me. I looked up jewel bugs, Prioneris sita and many other exotic species. It’s perfect in naming one of her characters, Sita. Oh I want to see their illustrations too!

The trip to India is great. It’s set in 1885 with many British and Americans in Kodaikanal. It captures the country’s natural beauty and customs. Nora’s decision to help Swathi and Sita gets her and her team of scientists in a difficult situation, again.

I don’t know but I just keep on thinking about this book. I am interested in Nora’s life even if she frustrates me. I pity Owen but his love for Nora is great. I am not happy with Lucius at all. I do like to see Nora and Owen do another adventure together. 4.5 stars

Thank you #netgalley and Bethany House for the free copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a truly amazing debut novel that I couldn’t put down. I wasn’t expecting such a magnificent novel from a debut author, so this book totally surpassed my expectations!
This story has two settings: Ithaca, New York, where Nora and Owen study in Cornwell University, and Kodaikanal, India, where they are both sent to help a research team that’s already settled there and has been losing researchers due to illness and infection.
Nora, the main character, left me in awe. She was in no way a perfect character: she was strongminded, highly opinionated, persistent and determined to the bone, and prideful too. But along the story, she will prove many times she’s a woman with a compassionate heart, and strong unwavering christian convictions. Nora carries a strong baggage. Her father, a very well known entomologist at the University who died when Nora was still young, has always been her main inspiration and model. Her dream is to follow his steps and keep and prolong his scientific legacy. She vows she will undertake the management of the Journal (a magazine about nature her father founded), but her stepfather -who is already starting to ruin it- will have none of it until she proves herself capable. Nora, even after she graduates as valedictorian as an entomologist needs to study a master in order to be better prepared for the task. And there’s only one scholarship that will be offered to the best student, which means she needs to work on the field and do some research worth of recognition. Professors John and Anna Comstock, which I later learned were true characters from history (and I’m a fan of novels base on real characters), have been Nora’s mentors, especially since her father died. They encourage Nora on a mission trip to India to join a group of scientists and researchers that are working for the Crown. After some struggle because of her mother’s ill health and some unfortunate events, she and her college rival, Owen Epps, embark on this amazing adventure that will prove a wonderful lesson from God, not only about His Creation, but about things that matter most, and the need to sacrifice even personal dreams in order to do what is best before His eyes. Nora will be faced with so many tough decisions in this story, and I was really in awe at how difficult it was for women to express freely and participate as equals to men in the working field and many other things.
I totally felt transported to India! I spent almost a month there in 2006, and I can say that the way she describes the landscape, the people, and the customs is very accurate and made feel as if I was truly there again. It left little work to the imagination with all the details in descriptions about the flora and fauna of the place where they researched. The way she described the different butterflies and insects, wow! With their latin names, I loved that too. The indian characters, like Pallavi and Sita, were wonderfully developed, and I loved Nora’s relationship with them, especially Sita.
The romance between Nora and Owen was really sweet, and I loved that it wasn't the focus of the story. I loved Nora because of her determination in doing what her heart told her was best and the sacrifices she had to make, even knowing what she could lose in the consequences, but I loved Owen all the more because of his love of Nora. Even if it didn’t seem so at first sight, Owen’s love for Nora was what I would call “unconditional love”: she loved her as she was, and didn’t want to change her; in fact, he wanted her to pursue and do what he knew made her more plentiful, even if he risked her love in making her conscious of what would make her better and happier. And talk about sacrificial love! I won’t say anything, but those dialogues at the end made me cry of happiness at contemplating such a real and deep love!
Finally, the book is full of insights and uplifting messages: of pursuing higher things, even if you feel they overwhelm you, to be your best self, to accept others (and oneself) as they are, to forgive, and to sacrifice for another’s better good. I just loved this quote: “All her life, people asked Nora, “Why are you so willful and stubborn” and “Why can’t you be a normal girl?”. She hadn’t been able to answer then, but now she knew. God had made her that way for this moment…”
All in all, an amazing book and heart touching book I will definitely recommend to anyone, and will also be rereading for sure! And Ms. Kimberly Duffy is definitely a new favorite author of mine and I’m looking forward to future books from her, hopefully like this kind!
I received a complimentary copy by the Publisher vía NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed here are unbiased and solely my own.