Kimberly Duffy’s debut features beautiful scenery, a strong female lead, and insects. A Mosaic of Wings proves this author is one to watch.

At first, Nora Shipley struck me as stubborn and brash, but with her desire to make her mark in a predominantly male field, those characteristics are almost necessary. Plus, it leaves a ton of room for character growth for our heroine.

Owen, on the other hand, is so likable from the first time we meet him, you can’t help but cheer for the guy. And he’s a good fit for Nora—both protective and willing to point out her flaws to her.
Duffy’s research in this story is impeccable. Whether Nora is studying or discussing bugs (yep, creepy crawly shivers and all) or sharing her experiences while in India, the words transported me right into those scenes.

Fans of Elizabeth Camden should enjoy Duffy’s work or readers who are looking for an escape to another time and place.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I think this one had good bones for a story, but it was also hard for me to get through. Take into mind that I am among the many readers dealing with quarantine brain right now, and this may have played at least somewhat of a factor into it as well. The beginning was lengthy and it took too long to get to the heart of the story. Then I don’t think the heart of the story was given enough emphasis. Confession: I don’t like bugs. But I figured if it was just butterflies it wouldn’t be a big deal. But I still don’t like bugs, and wasn’t interested in the science aspect. This is completely my opinion and I recognize that others would feel very differently (I hope they do!) but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I feel that Sita’s story needed significantly more page space. I think there was so much more there that begged to be told. My heart went out to her and I found myself speeding through other parts just so I could get back to hers. I get that this was Nora’s story and not Sita’s, but I still think that’s where the real heart was. As much as I tried I wasn’t ever able to fully connect with Nora. Even though this wasn’t my favorite, I’d still give the author another try. I know that I won’t love every book I read, and there were parts that I was sucked into and held my attention. I also know there are others who have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I would recommend checking out some other reviews as well.

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Kimberly Duffy takes us on a wonderful journey to India in the 1880s. I loved her description of all the different insects that Nora saw. I loved how this book was about a woman trying to find success in a man’s world. I loved how Nora had to decide what was more important, her career or doing what was right. I really loved how much Nora grew through this book. I liked how her priorities changed from the experiences she had and as she learned to be true to who both she and God want her to be. I thought this was a great first book by Kimberly Duffy and I look forward to reading more by her.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

In her debut novel, Kimberly Duffy has created the perfect mix of female empowerment and romance in this historical fiction. Nora Shipley, an American entomologist, is an intellectually, socially awkward, flawed woman. Her brazen behavior and unleashed tongue ultimately and frequently provide trouble for her. When she discovers her father’s legacy is in jeopardy, Nora makes an agreement with her stepfather that if she were to receive a prestigious scholarship in order to further her degree, he would in turn relinquish his hold on her father’s publication. However, when Nora is forced to travel to India on a field assignment in order to win the scholarship, she realizes that there may be more than the life she had planned.

I love this book for many reasons. For one, I truly enjoyed the storyline. The fact that Nora is a woman entomologist in the 1800s is rather unique. I for one am not a fan of insects; however, by reading Nora’s fascination with them has shown me a new side of God’s creation. I would have thought that Kimberly Duffy also had a passion for entomology, but in reading the author’s note, I learned that she too dislikes bugs. However, her daughter would like to be an entomologist and so she wrote a character to help encourage and inspire her. How cool is that! Furthermore, I also liked Kimberly’s writing style. I admired her creativity in expressing Nora’s anger by saying there were angry bees inside her. I can often be as “passionate” (or pigheaded as you might say) as Nora and found it humorous to think of that rising feeling to a swarm of bees.

I really liked Nora and Owen’s characters. At times, I did not personally relate to Nora as I have a great family and as expressed, am not a big fan of bugs, but her bravery, confidence, moral character, and even her drive/ambition all made her a character to love and admire. Owen was a great contrast to the intensity of Nora. He was forgiving where she was angry. He was humorous where she was intense. He was a dream seeker where she was a settler.

Moreover, without giving anything away, I liked how the story didn’t progress nor end with a quintessential hallmark trademark (not associated with Hallmark - just the concept is what I am referring to). Although I do love an “everything ends perfectly and everyone is happy” storyline from time to time, I also really enjoy a book that is real, raw, and true. We all struggle and go through difficulties, and books are a great place to find peace that you are not the only one. Not everyone has a happy ending, but they are all pursuing their own version of such an ending and I appreciated how the story ended.

A Mosaic of Wings was just released on May 5th, but needless to say, I am excited for what Kimberly Duffy has in store for us next!

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
***5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop, Desire to Re-read

Despite the old adage, covers definitely either attract me to a book or send me the other direction. This one drew me in immediately and I eagerly read the back cover. I haven't read many books set in India, and the main character's struggle to choose between multiple good things sounded interesting, so I decided to take a chance on a debut author. I found a well-written novel with vivid characters facing unique challenges in an exotic setting, and an author from whom I cannot wait to read more.

Nora and I have little in common besides our desire to have a say in the direction our lives take. I have those choices freely while she must fight for everything she wants. She is fascinated by insects; they send me running. She thinks a career is what will make her happy and I always knew I wanted to marry and have a family. But she is a fascinating character and I couldn’t help but relate to her struggles.

One of the things that really stood out to me in this novel is how alike we really all are, despite what we perceive as the things that separate us. This is highlighted when Nora compares herself to others and misses the similarities. For example, she longs to break barriers erected to keep women in a certain place, but often cautions others that their dreams are too risky and should be based in current reality.

This novel is not only populated with great characters, but the prose is beautiful, too. I could see the sights and hear the sounds; I wanted to taste the foods Nora was experiencing, too, even looking certain spices and recipes up online out of curiosity with the idea that I might try one or two. I feel as if I have gotten a taste of another culture through reading this book, and I’d like to know more.

And through it all is a thread of hope, that we can be more than we are, that our futures are more than what society tells us it has to be. That there is a God above who loves each of His children, regardless of the country of their birth or the color of their skin, but also despite what we’ve done or what has been done to us. There is always hope as long as we draw breath.

This is a beautiful novel of a life very different from our own, and yet not so different after all. It’s a universal tale of struggle and finding who we are, of deciding what is important to us rather than those around us. I highly recommend this story for those who have an interest in India and its history, and those who enjoy historical romance in a distinct setting with characters who will remain with the reader long after the last page is turned.

I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

Who would have thought a book about insects could be so interesting. This is a debut novel for the author. Is well written and the descriptions given help you to imagine what the characters are seeing and experiencing. Nora is a very flawed character. She does some cringe worthy things at times. Her decisions are questionable. There’s much room for growth. Owen is quite the main hero character. He’s patient, protective and positive. I am sure bring a female in 1885 was hard and going to college to study insects was far from the norm. So I imagine Nora has to have the attitude she has. Her step father is not a nice man. And it seems Nora will not stop comparing him to her late father. Guilty ears away at Nora over his death. The star of the book is Sita. I really hope e we learn more about her in the future books. A beautiful young girl in India. Honestly, I have a better respect for insects now. It was such a unique subject. And I was very happy to ’travel’ to India. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

A favorite wore from the book “There’s a Peace here I’ve never felt before. It feels like a sanctuary hidden deep in the country of a thousand idols. A place where God’s finger prints point to His plan.”

Nora Shipley is a valedictorian of her class at Cornell University in 1895, but she is a female graduating with a degree in entomology which is unheard of in that day and time. All she yearns for is to follow in her deceased father's footsteps. Owen Epps has been her arch rival for the top spot her entire time in college. Now they are both off to India to see who can win the scholarship to pursue a Master's Degree.

Duffy's writing flows so beautifully, and she brings to life not only India but the beauty of its life, culture, insects and butterflies. Nora so embodies the advanced women of her times and is determined that nothing will stop her (including her demanding stepfather) in her pursuit of what she wants. But as she spends time in India she finds that people are more important than things. She makes decisions that may derail her pursuit of further education, but she knows deep in her heart that she has made the right choices. Owen was a swoon worthy hero who also realizes that choices can determine your path in life.

This debut novel was absolutely intriguing, and I can't wait for more books from this author.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

A refreshingly new historical fiction debut. Nora is not your average young woman graduating from college. She is bright, intelligent, and loves entomology. She is determined to make a name for herself and believes that taking over her father’s journal is the way to prove to the scientific community that women are just as capable of credible research. Nora applies for a scholarship and sets off for India to prove herself, not accounting for Owen, who is also determined to win the scholarship for very different reasons. While there, Nora is thwarted at every attempt to join the team and show them what she is capable of contributing. During this time, she meets young Sita and learns that some things are more important and worth standing up for. Nora’s determination costs her everything, but also introduces her to her true self and a higher calling. The descriptions of India truly made me feel like I was experiencing the unbelievable scenery and frenetic markets myself. I could see the vivid colors, taste the rich flavors, and smell the exotic spices as Duffy transported my mind and my heart along with Nora and Owen in an unforgettable story. I highly recommend this clean, inspirational, historical fiction book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely shared.

I loved this story. I have always loved butterflies and this book put adventure together with butterflies. I enjoyed how the author showed what an entomologist can really do. Insects have many uses in this world. I loved the characters in the story. I was not fond of Nora’s family but they all learned a lesson by the end. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Being unfamiliar with this author, I opened A Mosaic of Wings anticipating a quirky historical romance, what I got was so much more. Nora Shipley, while blanketed in grief of her father's passing, is compelled to follow in his footsteps, making her way in their shared field of entomology; not an easy task for a woman in 1885. To make things more complicated, Nora has also pledged to wrestle control of her father's scientific journal publication from her stepfather, returning it to its position of respect in the scientific community. Owen Epps is Nora's biggest competitor in her plans for making her dreams come true, but Owen had dreams of his own that were beyond Nora's wildest imagination, dreams that would lead to her finding her true way, the one God had gifted her for. A very special little girl named Sita would also greatly impact Nora's path as well as her understanding of placing love as life's top priority.

A Mosaic of Wings is an emotional story, filled with intense sensory images. I could not put this book down for long, but there were times that I had to let it rest in my lap while the story settled in my mind. I highly recommend this book, and am grateful to have received a copy from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

This debut novel from author Kimberly Duffy had me fascinated and intrigued.
All about a lady entomologist in the 1880s, which intricate details about that particular science, and lots of beautiful descriptions of the country of India, this new author has talent that is worth watching.
I am absolutely not a lover of insects, but after reading this story, I almost wished I was.
I loved reading about butterflies and their intricate little details.
The characters I found fascinating, if infuriating at times. I enjoyed reading about Nora, but her actions left me wondering about her on occasion.
She faces some extremely hard choices, and well, she may or may not make the right ones. This shows humanity as it really is.
Because this was the first book by this author (duh), I had no idea what to expect. I liked it even more than I'd dared to hope I would, and I will definitely be reading anything else Ms. Duffy writes!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Nora Shipley is in a tough spot; as a rare female college student, striving for an exclusive scholarship, she needs to set herself apart. With her mother's health on the edge, and her stepfather delivering ultimatums, she takes the opportunity to travel to India on an entomology expedition. Her closest competition, Owen Epps, travels with her, and they find themselves not just exploring India's flora and fauna, but also their relationship and potential futures. India challenges Nora in ways she could not have foreseen, and leaves her changed forever.

This was such a unique book! I love reading about unique careers, and uncommon literary settings. A female entomologist doing field work in the late 19th century was a fascinating mix. Nora's delight in bugs and scientific study was engaging, even though I am not the least bit interested in entomology. When she encountered a cultural clash with India's religious practices that she could not reconcile with her own beliefs, I felt her conflict, and I was so upset on her behalf when she couldn't find an ally.

I give this book 5 stars. It was a unique story, and it didn't shy away from hard topics. I believe that it was a debut novel from this author, and I certainly look forward to reading more from her!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

It was fun to learn the authors eight-year-old daughter Grainne requested she write a book about a girl entomologist. First of all, no one has done a book about it and second, Grainne loves bugs. Her mother doesn’t share that bug love. The author says, “I love how much my daughter loves creation”… “Grainne makes me see the world in a different way.. She continues, “….I loved the thought of writing about one of the nineteenth-century female scientists who made an impact on history.”

I liked that the main female character is headstrong, opinionated, and is working hard to be taken seriously in a male dominated world. She didn’t mind the thought of children but there was so much more she could do with her life, but in 1885 things were limited. In Ithaca, New York. Nora Shipley lives, breathes and is absorbed in the world of insects. She has graduated Cornell University as Valedictorian. She’s determined to walk in her father’s footsteps. The thing is the board is looking to see who’s serious about going the extra mile to win the scholarship. A professor offers an opportunity to go to Kodaikanal, India to help study butterflies. Lots of tough choices must be made.

The author tells readers that this story is loosely based on Anna Comstock, who, with her husband, John, worked at Cornell University….”Anna illustrated all of her husband’s books, she also wrote and illustrated her own. She was instrumental in the nature study movement and became Cornell University’s first female professor.”

I learned so much in this fascinating novel. I was clueless about how they went about studying insects back then. I liked how the author had Nora and Owen give us a peek at the world through their eyes as they search the forests for unique butterflies. I enjoyed the two main characters, especially Owen who went above and beyond to encourage Nora in her natural talents and in her passion for the work she did. I really enjoyed going to India too. The author said that she lived in India. It’s her favorite place on the planet and it shows in her writings.

This is an intriguing story that’s a fun escape and one that would work great for a book club pick. This is the first novel by this author who has two more novels about female scientists with a release date of 2021. This is an author to watch.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Kimberly Duffy transports readers from New York to India in her artfully written debut novel and I was more than happy to take the journey. Nora Shipley is a young entomologist, recent college graduate, who is low on funds since she used the money her father left her. She wants to further her education and must find a way to accomplish her goals. I liked Nora a lot, she was courageous, intelligent and willing to help her mother in any way she could even if that means giving up her dreams. Owen is a fellow student, a rival, an eventual friend and is highly entertaining.

As Nora and Owen both need a scholarship for their futures, they find themselves traveling to India to further their studies where they learn so much more than they ever imagined. I’ll be honest here and admit that I have an aversion to insects but the authors writing was so amazing I focused more on the what the characters were working on which was more interesting than I could have imagined.

Overall, I thought the author penned a beautiful and heartfelt story. This historical novel will definitely be on my keeper shelf and I plan on adding many more written by Ms. Duffy.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are completely my own.

(4.5 stars) - Transforming love

The cover of this book is beautifully done and attracted me to it, so it fulfilled its purpose admirably, lol.
Books with feminist themes don't generally appeal to me, nor does the study of insects, but this one has been one of the (surprising) happy exceptions. Nora wants a future that she's being told she shouldn't want or have - and is competing for a scholarship with Owen, who also wants a future that he's being told he shouldn't want or have.

The two start out as rivals in opposition to each other; however, like the butterflies & other insects they study, they both undergo transformations in the story. They each have baggage that they're allowing to determine the course of their lives instead of seeking direction from God. It's not until they "let go and let God" that they recognize God's will for their lives and find something even better.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: overtly Christian, but completely organic to the story not preachy

What a stunning debut novel! I loved Kimberly Duffy’s well-detailed research into the world of entomology. Even if sometimes the explanations of insects made me shudder now and again, I was truly drawn into the insect world and the vivid sights and colors of India from her amazing descriptions, realizing by the end that insects are really a glimpse of God’s amazing creativity! I enjoyed reading about the history as well and the author proved that she did her research! I also really liked how Nora grew from a smart yet selfish girl into a caring and selfless lady. I liked Owen a lot and enjoyed reading about their relationship as it changed throughout the story. The spiritual themes of believing God to handle the details of our dreams, trusting in His will for us, and realizing the importance of self-sacrifice for others was seamlessly woven in the story and added depth to the novel. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Beautiful cover and beautifully written book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

Nora was smart, spunky and strong willed. Owen was a fellow college student, who she rivaled with for the past three years. They were both chosen to spend time in India to further their studies in Entomology and compete for a scholarship to get their masters.

Nora thought she knew her purpose in life-to honor her late father, who she adored, by taking over his publication, The Journal. Owen's father was not supportive of his desire for adventure and expected him to become a lawyer. They both needed that scholarship to fulfill their dreams. The trip to India was a learning experience for them both, in ways they didn't expect.

The author did an amazing job at drawing me in with her descriptive imagery. I never thought I would have been so absorbed in a story about insects, but I was! That's what a well-written book does.

A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy is a breath of fresh air to the historical fiction genre. The book opens in Ithaca, New York and quickly moves to Kodaikanal, India, where the main character, Nora, is studying insects in an attempt to win a scholarship and continue her studies in entomology. What fascinated me the most were the descriptions of India. I could imagine, along with Nora, what the air felt like, how exotic the setting was, the noise and scents and lushness of India. It intrigues me in a way I never considered India to be.

With most historical fiction I read I will often google the information the author is presenting to verify their claims or to understand the item/animal/clothing, etc., being described. In so doing, I found the book is even more engrossing when you see the butterflies and insects that Ms. Duffy describes in her book. Insects are pretty gross to me and yet caught up in Nora's exploration of them, I found myself fascinated at how many insects exist that I knew nothing about! A Mosaic of Wings is a feast for the senses!

I also identified with Nora's headstrong personality. Her tendency to jump before thinking. The beauty is that in the midst of her scientific journey, Nora also learns a lot about herself, and she changes and grows through the journey. While Nora starts out likable, it's the transformation she goes through, that makes her admirable. Add in the dash of romance with her classmate, colleague, and eventual love interest, Owen, and A Mosaic of Wings hits all the right notes.

This intriguing story unfolds like butterfly wings. As Nora fights to make a name for herself in the scientific community and struggles to find her footing in the male dominated world of entomology, she discovers what it means to make difficult choices. Duffy's mastery of words and in-depth research weaves the beautiful and the arduous together like a stunning tapestry, as Nora finds her way. The author uses technical names for the creatures Nora encounters, which adds to the picture of Nora's beautiful, intelligent character. I enjoyed the push and pull between Nora and Owen and the gorgeous settings of both Ithaca, NY and India. If you love adventure, romance, and women's fiction, you'll want to read A Mosaic of Wings. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Take a bit of Ann of Green Gables, a little Pride and Prejudice, add a trip to India and revolve the entire story around insects (!), and you have Mosaic of Wings. What a unique debut by Kimberly Duffy. Something I must commend this author for is the way she incorporated Lydia and Swathi into the storyline. Both characters presented “forks in the road” and forced anomalous decisions. This added much depth to the story. The main characters, on the other hand, is where I felt the novel could have improved. One was far too perfect and the other had the same flaws/weaknesses repeat over and over. This in turn made the romance feel a bit lopsided and unrealistic. Can’t say I’m a fan of insects, but I may look at them a little different after reading this story. My overall feel for the book is 3.5.