A Tapestry of Light By: Kimberly Duffy is Historical Fiction book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. I am a history nerd and I have a masters in military history. I have NOT ever read a book that was based in India during 1885. I do not know a lot about the culture or this time period. I learned a lot from the author. The author did careful research to make this feel as real as possible.

In this story we meet Ottilie. She is trapped between two cultures. She does not feel like she belongs to either of them. Ottilie and her brother Thaddeus have just lost their second parent. Ottilie knows that she still has to support her family - so she continues her mother's beetle wing embroidery business. I felt bad for Ottilie - the loss of her parent - the struggle of being caught in two cultures where you don't feel like you belong. Ottilie looks Indian like her mother, while Thaddeus can pass for white. There is also a family secret that threatens to bring shame to the family.

I love the way that the author wrote her characters. When they felt sad, that oozed off the pages. You felt their emotions. The author has also done a great job weaving faith into the story. Ottilie was faced with a lot - and she surely felt like she was losing her faith in God.

Special thanks to the author and the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Oh the feelings! After reading A Passage to India with my homeschool group last year, I’ve craved more stories from that part of the world. A Tapestry of Light satiated much of that thirst. It was clear that Duffy had done her research for the era as well as the landscape. I adored Ottilie and related well with her struggle of faith. On repeat in my mine while reading was the story of Job. She had so much taken from her, yet she still found a way to believe. Her story will stick with me quite sometime.

Thank you to Bethany House through Netgalley for the complimentary copy.

Side note: Before being granted an advanced copy for review, I purchased this book because I knew I needed to read it.

I’m glad one day Kimberly Duffy decided to write a book. Her stories are always refreshing, thoughtful, and engaging. The story starts with lots of pain — for another loss of a parent, divided family but also as we see Ottilee struggling with her identity. Through all the darkness and with community, the characters press on, and light shines through the pages.

IMO A Tapestry of Light is more woman fiction than romance, and it can be classified in inspirational fiction, or Christian fiction – it’s the second time I happen on this subgenre on Netgalley in a short period because it’s not said in the description. At least here there aren’t prayers or other religious things on every page, even if the heroine’s reflection about her faith has an important place in the story.

The descriptions of Calcutta, its surroundings, and the heroine’s life, are very detailed, with the good and the bad sides. Racism is also at the center of the story, as Ottilie, from mixed origin, is looked down on by the English people because she has the dark skin of her maternal family, without being accepted by the Indians because of her white father and grand-father. She even has been rejected by the soldier she loved, because of her skin color. After arriving in England she’s not treated better, the servants ignore or avoid her, and her aunt snubs her while telling her to hide her blood tie to her little brother in order for him to be accepted in society (he took after their father).

I found that lot of tragedies befell on Ottilie: the father, a brother and a sister all died of cholera when she was younger, the mother was run over by a car just before the beginning of the book, the maternal grandmother gets cholera too – okay, Ottilie needed a strong reason to leave India, but that’s a lot for one person. Add to that the shock of the more than lukewarm reception by her paternal family, the separation with her little brother who’s sent to a boarding school at the age of six, and her relationship with Everett, and you’ll understand I was in a low spirit for her.

Talking about Everett, don’t read this book if you want a novel where the story is more about the love story, or if you want sensual scenes. As I said, it’s more a woman fiction following the heroine’s journey. Everett, even if he’s present, is much in the background, and for most of the book he says he wants to rise in society through marriage, which wouldn’t be possible with Ottilie. All in all we only see them kiss two or three times.

The cover attracted me, and it corresponds to the story. There’s an example of the beetle-wing embroidery, with the iridescent wings of the insects, that the heroine does, an Asiatic art really difficult and very sought after in London in the 19th century. I must say the result is splendid.

As for the writing style, I thought there was slowness and repetitions, and a good amount of Indian words are not explained, which doesn’t help the understanding. But I still was touched by the heroine and I had a good reading time.

This is an exceptional novel, one that I really enjoyed. Although this my first to read by Duffy, I am sure it won’t be my last . Ottillie the main character, has had many blows against her in her short span of life. Her mother and two siblings taken by Cholera and then her father dies and now her grandmother has succumbed to the same dreaded disease. All she has left is her little brother, sweet Thaddeus, the glowworm, casting light on everyone around him! Their sweet relationship was touching and uplifting…..The setting takes place in India in 1833. Ottillie is of mixed parentage, her father British and her mother part British and Indian. She looks like Indian only her eyes are her beloved father’s. Although both her and her brother are Eurasian, she looks Indian where as Thaddeus looked British (white). She does not fit in with the pure Indian people nor would she fit in with the British. When she immigrated to England so Thaddeus could take his rightful place as Baron Sunderson and heir to a large estate, she was totally rejected and shunned by the family, regulated to being a servant….. I loved reading about the Indian culture, the sights and the foods. The beetle-wing embroidery fascinated me! Also loved reading about the British customs and dress and society of that day. Also their coldness and adhering to strict rules of society. This is a heart touching story of how one can learn that we are all God’s handiwork and love and trust in Him can overcome all…..
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Classic Kimberly Duffy. Thought provoking. Beautifully written. Excellent character development. Highly recommended.

I loved reading this book. If was well written and interesting. I do isn’t know a lot about india during that time so it was fun to learn about it. All those different spices that Ottilie used sounded good and I wish I could have tried her dishes. It made me want to go to India.

I liked both Ottilie and Everett. They were fun to get to know. Thaddeus was just adorable. He brightened up the room whenever he was around. The story had a lot of detail and was well thought out. I could picture the scenes very well. I liked how she weaved Biblical truth throughout the story. The reader can learn them right along with the characters.

I listened to part of this as an audiobook. The narrator did a good job bringing the story to life. She was easy to understand

I’m looking forward to reading more by Kimberly Duffy. I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This book is a quite full story. Ottilie has had her share of loss in her lifetime and it is truly heartbreaking. She takes up her mother's job of embroidery to take care of what is left of her family. She is a mixture of Indian and British heritage, and looks more like the Indian side whereas her brother looks more British.

There is a lot going on and tough decisions to be made. The author has a good writing style that I enjoyed. I didn't connect with the characters like I normally do. I felt empathy and their heartache but I just wasn't pulled into the story. Overall, it was well written and engaging.

3/5.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Well written, with lush descriptions that bring to life in vivid detail the two cultures that Ottilie is torn between. After the death of her mother, Ottilie struggles to support her grandmother and brother with her beetle-wing embroidery, but when news comes from across the waters that her brother is heir to a title she makes the difficult decision to move with Thaddeus to England, knowing that her Eurasian blood will make her even more of an outcast there than in India.

This book does a great job of showing rather than telling with regard to the characters, their interaction, and relationships. And while this book has a more steady pace, I think that each scene did its part to progress the plot. I love learning about the different cultures as well as the history, and the beautiful art of the beetle wing embellishments.

Ottilie is a woman who has faced much loss, but loves her brother fiercely. I admired her for bravely moving to another country, knowing that it would be especially difficult for herself. I also really liked her faith arc, and how serious seeking doubt was portrayed. I also enjoyed the complex depth of many of the other characters, like Alberta and Everett who are burdened by the conventions of society.

Overall, this was a well done and enjoyable read, well researched, with layered characters and a steady pace. I also think that this book did an excellent job of feeling authentic to the time period in the manners, culture, and characters, perfect for fans of classic Masterpiece Theatre. Well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Life in imperial India from the perspective of a native Eurasian woman—a unique setting and perspective. It certainly opened my eyes to the struggles of the time and the tension between the British and the Indians. The strands of Ottilie Russell’s life become much more tangled and complicated than her intricate embroidery. She sacrifices her life to do what she believes is best for the family she has left. Secrets from the past threaten her future and disrupt her present. Will she lose her little brother in addition to all her other losses? This story is intriguing because of its exotic location and way of life in 1886 Calcutta and for the opportunity to learn about the culture and its biases, which are not so different from today. We witness the pain of prejudice and the difference friendships can make. The author must have done an incredible amount of research to craft this lengthy novel with its authentic characters. It feels real—like you are there with them. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #tapestryoflight #Netgalley

This story started a little slow for me but do not give up on it because it is a beautiful story of hope and faith. Ottilie and her brother are part European and part Indian. They go through many trials and tribulations before moving to England and learning more of their heritage. There are many twists and turns in Ottilies life and I enjoyed learning all of them. I love the many beautiful descriptions of her use of beatle wings in the clothing. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Right from the cover of Tapestry of Light, the magnificent colors capture the reader’s attention. The intriguing story begins with Ottilie Russell, who is faced with critical decisions now that her mother has passed away. To make matters worse, she has the weight of her grandmother and her brother as well as a servant relying on her. She tries to find the best way to continue to provide for them, so she uses her gift of embroidering.

One would suspect that once a person has faced several trials and hardships, they would come to the end of the valley so they could move upward towards the peak. Unfortunately, hardships do not stray far from Ottilie as she seeks to find a world she belongs in. Her heritage is both English and Indian, but she does not feel a sense of belonging in either world. She thinks she finds a sense of acceptance and kindness in an unexpected stranger, but time tells a different story.

The book was well written with a tapestry of words to enlighten all the senses. The reader could visualize the bright colors of India as well as the rich smells and intense flavors from Ottilie’s world. Having been to a Hindu country, my experience came alive again as I journeyed with Ottilie. The imagery was stunning. Personally, I loved the richness of the language within the pages because it was educational and brought a sense that it was greatly researched. It had me wanting to learn more.

Page after page Ottilie’s struggle with her faith took the reader along for the journey. The authentic thoughts and emotions were raw and real. I loved the wisdom Nani shared with Ottilie patiently. Most importantly, I loved the discovery of a deeper faith with Nani’s Bible. This is another reminder of the legacy we leave behind for those we love.

Tapestry of Light was a well written story of faith and acceptance. Reading the novel was more than just for entertainment but for opportunities to see our own faith in another light. It was definitely that had one thinking after reading, which is a big accomplishment in my opinion.

I would highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

The thing I love most about Kimberley’s writing is the depth it has- the amount of layers and complexity of the characters and story. Her subplots are SUPERB and she weaves them with her main story with such skill, I’m amazed- truly amazed.💛
A Tapestry of Light feels alive- I could smell the wonderful pastries and cardamom 🥮, touch the shiny beetle elytra glimmering under the sun , feel the elaborate dresses embroidered with rainbow colors 🌈 , actually see the clash of two different cultures and people mingling together in this other world city…. I was sucked in the story in such a way, I didn’t want it to end. I grabbed this book at night, right before bed and it just filled me with such a cozy feeling ahhh.
I adore the family trope in this books so much! It will make your heart smile :)
The main character, Ottilie is such a beautiful soul. Even though she had her struggles and doubts, she stood up for her family and worked diligently to fill, at her young age, that parental role for her younger brother, Thaddeus. She’s so strong in so many ways…She’s the perfect example of a strong girl with a gentle spirit.
All the characters are adorable and complement each other beautifully.
A Tapestry of Light is a cacophony of truth and light in a world as colorful as the stories of these beautiful characters.
I loved it and highly recommend it!

This book is beautifully written. The author’s descriptions of both India and England helped me understand the “culture” shock that both Ottilie and Thaddeus experienced as they moved from India to England. The author’s attention to historical details of the time period made this story have an authentic feel.

I found this book to be emotional reading. The mistreatment and prejudice that Ottilie experienced because of her Indian heritage and appearance was tragic. She had suffered many losses in her life, and because of this she was struggling with her faith. She found herself caught between two worlds without fully belonging in either one. This complicates her relationship with her English family and her potential relationship with Everett Scott.

Ottilie’s story of overcoming prejudice and discovering her true identity as a child of God is a compelling one and her journey back to faith was inspiring as she learned to trust God during difficult circumstances.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Wow, I don't think any book has ever transported me into another time and culture so thoroughly. It was SO good.

Ottilie's story is not an easy one, but oh there is so much truth and wisdom within the pages. So much goodness and hope and redemption. I can't recommend it enough.

Duffy takes readers on an emotional journey in A Tapestry of Light. Ottilie’s character brings to light so many things that haunt us today. She is both British and Indian, and struggles with others wanting her to hide part of who she is. Forced to pretend she is something she is not, just so her brother can have a chance at a “normal” life, or as normal as those around her wanted it to be. And thrown into a world that was so unfamiliar to her. And while suffering loss, trying to understand her faith, and maybe, just perhaps, fall in love. She is a complex character that goes through so much, and yet seemed to do so with a strength she didn’t realize she had.

One again, Duffy has amazed me with the depth of research that is inside the pages of this novel. Not only can you visualize each and every scene, you can smell them, and sense them in every way. She’s so descriptive, and so true to the setting and time period. She doesn’t miss a beat, whether it’s about the kind of embroidery Ottilie would do, the types of dresses worn, or the culture in general. I’ve learned a thing or two in reading this novel. It kind of makes me want to visit the beautiful setting of Calcutta in 1886!

I think historical fiction fans will fall in love with Ottilie and her family. Duffy’s poignant story of love, loss, and faith is a book that will stir hearts and inspire readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"She knew every time she created something beautiful, she was declaring something of her own— independence, value, creativity"

1889 Calcutta, India. What an interesting story. Ottilie is a Indian-British young lady with a talent for beetle-wing embroidery, a skill handed down for generations. She was not accepted by society, on either side of her heritage. "No matter how far she ran, she couldn’t escape the narrative God had been fashioning for her—a story of constant loss and never belonging." She had lost her father and two siblings to cholera, and then later her mother was killed, leaving Ottilie to care for her grandmother and young brother. Her mother had supported them with sewing and embroidery and she tried to. Then their British relatives send a representative to take her little brother to England as he had become heir of the family estate. An estate their father had walked away from. You can feel Ottilie's fragility and her strength throughout, as well as her struggle with faith, since her grandmother had died too. But the safety of England from cholera made her accept their going there. Unfortunately society in general there did not accept her and even her relatives treated her terribly, and Everett the young man who had been sent to take them to England. They all struggle to coexist, and when her brother is sent away to school, she leaves the estate to be near him and takes a job in a dress design shop,. This is also a story of the poor conditions women worked in to produce high fashion for the elite. Excellent read! A lot to learn.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ATapestryofLight #NetGalley

I requested to read this novel because the debut novel by this author was an intriguing adventure. I adored A Mosaic of Wings. It was interesting reading about the headstrong leading lady Nora Shipley who flies to India as part of an expedition to prove to herself and her comrades she could do the job. Not only that, but I was also fascinated as I learned about how Nora illustrated exotic butterflies; but this new novel I just could not get into this new novel. I really wanted to like this story, but I could not.

I stopped reading at Chapter 5. I did not connect with the characters and the theme of the story. I enjoyed this authors’ first book very much. I look forward to the next book she writes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and 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!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.

When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie’s English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.

But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn’t forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.

My Thoughts: This is a tale of a woman who has to overcome obstacles in life; being of British and Indian descent in 1885 was not easy. The discrimination from both sides made life very difficult. This is the story of Ottilie, who had to live this life. This is the story of finding God, and of forgiveness. This was a wonderful story to read and is enlightening to the readers. For those who like historical novels, this is one to read. The writer has done a marvelous job of spinning the storyline. A wonderful book of acceptance and peace.

💜💜💜💜💜

There can be beauty in brokenness. When God is allowed to shine through the cracks and crevices that we can never fill by ourselves. That's what A Tapestry of Light revealed to me through Ottilie's journey. Her's was not an easy path, and the suffering was all the more intense when mixed with her doubt. The story is beautifully written and expertly weaves the threads of Ottilie's doubt, her fear, and the prejudice that surrounds her, into a novel that will break your heart while giving you hope. If you've ever felt as though you have no place, no sense of belonging, you'll quickly relate to Ottilie. Even if you've never experienced that feeling, you'll enjoy this novel and its complexity. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.