A Tapestry of Light

Excuse me while I gush a bit. Oh my. I was not prepared for this story to hit me like a ton of bricks. I had heard great things about this author, so when I had the chance to read one of her books, I took it. But wow. I was ready for a nice story of a girl leaving her home in India to live in England. And of course fall in love. Because it has to happen in these stories, right? But what I got was so much better, deeper, so much MORE than that.
As someone who often struggles with feelings of isolation, I found the main character‘s struggles to speak to me. I could so easily identify that feeling. And the faith element blew me away. The author is to be highly recommended for her adept weaving of a faith element. It could have been preachy or fake. It was so honest and raw and real I was almost in tears.

This book will be on my list of best books of the year. And probably all time. It was so good. Buy this book. I know I will buying it for my friends.

I did receive a copy of this book to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.

A TAPESTRY OF LIGHT by KIMBERLY DUFFY is a book that really spoke to my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
The story moves between Calcutta in India and Wiltshire in England, giving us insight into what life was like in these two countries in the nineteenth century. The novel has a wealth of wonderful characters and a heartwarming Christian message.
Ottilie Russel is Eurasian, looking more Indian than British, whereas her little brother Thaddeus looks completely European. As Ottilie says of herself "She was either not enough or too much of one or the other." When Thaddeus is all that is left of her beloved family, she leaves India with Englishman Everett Scott for her six year old brother to take up his responsibilities as Baron of Sunderson Park.
I like the author's description of life in India with its sights, sounds and smells, exotic food and people, as opposed to a constrictive life in England. Ottilie's fear of rejection and feelings of loneliness, which have always been a part of her life, are exacerbated by the lack of welcome shown by her father's family. There are so many secrets in her family and also in Everett's, with him longing to belong in a society that has made very strict rules.
I do not want to spoil the read for you - there is so much I could say but I will leave you to discover this beautiful story for yourselves. The message of faith starting as a mustard seed in our hearts and either growing or being discarded, is really beautifully woven into the tapestry, and the beetle wing embroidery brings a special light into the story.
This is a novel I will read many times and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Some of my favorite things about A Mosaic of Wings, my previous read by this author, was the way she writes (in general), and her beautiful and respectful descriptions of colonized India. So those were the main things I was looking forward to in A Tapestry of Light. A Tapestry of Light had all the things I liked about Mosaic of Wings and none of the things I didn't. It was everything, better.
We returned to late nineteenth century India, this time to Eurasian siblings, the children of a British father and a half-British, half-Indian mother. My heart was shredded walking with Ottillie through unfathomable loss of her family and control over her future, painful wrestling with her identity, and deep doubts about her faith. She has to navigate shame, regrets, and unforgiveness on both sides of her family tree and figure out what it all means to her now, and is able to participate in and observe hearts being softened all around. She willingly sacrifices her own future and happiness to serve those she loves, and she allows her own struggle with bitterness to drive her to the Scripture, where she discovers the same key to rebuilding her faith that her grandmother had years before.
There was just so much that I loved about this book. I liked the main characters. I felt hopeless when they felt hopeless, but the author never left us in a pit of despair. It wasn't so depressing that I didn't want to pick the book back up; as the characters kept pressing toward the light, I was kept turning pages faster and faster. I think we were able to have more empathy with the "difficult characters" in this book than in Mosaic, and they actually softened in this story. I loved the complexity of all the relationships. Nothing was simple, nothing was cut and dried, and none of the characters were too hateful to love.
The faith thread was strong and consistently a major theme throughout the book. It was very well done. I loved the friendships, I loved the family relationships, I loved the romance. This book was just a lot of everything and I loved it all. The one thing that dropped from a "love" to a "like okay" was that in some places, the description got in the way of the story. For the most part the scene setting was terrific, but in a couple of places, I was so desperate to know what was going to happen, that I lost patience with it. I'm sure the author intended us to slow down in those places, but I rebelled.
I would be happy to be in a book discussion about this book, and recommend it to book clubs and lovers of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher, but I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.

Any book set in India I am game for, and I am so glad I received this ARC. Wonderfully written, and felt very authentic. Excellent story, and I really liked the characters and the relationships portrayed. Recommended

This book was wonderful. I loved getting to know Ottilie and her family. Her life is so hard and yet it has to get harder before it can get better. When you meet her you will know what I'm talking about.

Life has always been hard for Ottilie. When her father was alive things were better. But when he died he took all the good with him it seemed. When her father died two of her siblings died too. All in her care. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for her at her young age!

And life just keeps getting worse. To top it all off she's not really accepted where she lives in India. It's because she's not really Indian and yet not really English. You see, her grandfather was British, and so is her father. But her mother is the product of that English grandfather and an Indian grandmother.

Ottilie herself looks Indian except for the green eyes and the love of learning she got from her father. Her brother Thaddeus though looks British through and through.

When not only Ottilie's mother but also her grandmother die can she make the right choices for herself and her brother. When she learns that her brother is the next Baron Sunderson and that he is expected to take that position her life will never be the same. And neither will her heart.

Can Ottilie let go of what she wants for the good of others or will she let fear rule her? Can she allow herself to love and be loved again? And what about God? Will she ever find her way back to him?

This is such a wonderful book. I really loved it and it read quickly. Many times I cried along with Ottilie in the book. Part of that might be my pregnancy but a lot of it is just good writing and characters that draw you in and make you a part of their story.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

"A Tapestry of Light" is a book I very much enjoyed and look forward to reading it again the future, as I do with most of my favourite books!

Set in the Victorian time, the story begins in Calcutta, India, where Ottilie, a young Eurasian women (of British and Indian ascent) lives in a poor neighbourhood with the remaining members of her family: her grandmother and younger brother. Then comes a kind, young, British man, Everett, who announces that Ottilie's younger brother Thaddeus is in fact a baron and must go to England to learn his role in the British society. After the death of her grandmother (which I wish wasn't revealed in the summary), Ottilie, her brother, and Everett embark on a ship towards England. There, Ottilie and Thaddeus meet their extended British family, the latter not knowing how to deal with the fact that their newly found family members have Indian ancestry. Both siblings try to find their place in British society as well as in their new family and community, but struggle to adapt to their new country.

I loved the story and its sweet and relatable characters. I also loved travelling to India in my mind and learning so much about British and Indian societies in the 1880s.

There are a few elements I particularly appreciated in the story:

- the historical and geographical details. This book is full of descriptions which allows the reader to really imagine two societies and countries during the late 19th century, which the readers might not be familiar with. It allows them to really immerse themselves in the books' imagery.
- the sensory details (visual, odorant, tactile, etc.) about India - it made me want to travel to India, see the colours; touch the silk saris; taste the food: the mustard seeds, the lassi, the sweets; as well as have an oil massage!
- the faith element. I am not religious and don't usually like books with too strong a religious focus, but here it brought something important to the story as Ottilie struggled with her faith. I just wish faith was explained more clearly for non-religious people (here, I didn't really get most of the teachings of Christianity addressed in the book which is a shame - I'm sure I would have appreciated them).
- the sensitive way in which topics such as death, grieving, loneliness and racism are dealt with. These are some topics that are not easy to address.

What I would have appreciated it:
- that the Indian words be explained. There was quite of bit of Indian vocabulary (that might or might not be found in English dictionaries), but as a non-native English speaker, I often wished there were small notes to explain what these words meant instead of having to guess or skip them.
- I wish there was an illustration of the elytra/beetles embroidery in the first pages of the book (in addition to what's already drawn on the gorgeous cover), because I had never seen it before and couldn't imagine how beautiful it looks!
- the ending was a bit too rushed. I seem to understand the author was already over a world limit. Considering the slow pace of the first three quarters of the book, I regret that the ending was so fast and resolved everything in so few pages. I was left hungry for a bit more.

Wow! One of the best books I’ve ever read! I loved Otillie and her grit, questions, struggles, and victories. This story was so intricately woven with stories and experiences from India to England. It handled faith, prejudice, and cruel circumstances with reality laced with grace. Everyone should read this book!

Kimberly Duffy writes historical fiction that grabs her readers and makes them think. A Tapestry of Light is no exception to that. Most of the time I won't take the time to read the author's notes, because I am more interested in the story being told. This time I did take the time to read it and I find that Kimberly has opened up her inner self in the notes and put herself into the book.

Ottilie is the orphaned daughter of a British scientist and an Indian woman, and she also is the guardian of her little brother, Thaddeus. Just a few short months after her mother dies, someone comes looking for her brother to take him back to England to inherit his title. Because of her parentage and her looks, she is not accepted in the English world or in the Indian world. The only place she feels she belongs is with her brother and her grandmother. Now this interloper named Everett has upset the calm order of Ottilie's world. When her grandmother dies from the sudden onset of cholera, Ottilie decides that she will go back to England with her brother because there is nothing left in India for her.

When Ottilie finally arrives in England, she finds just how unaccepted she is in her own family's home. Because of her coloring and her resemblance to her mother, she is looked down upon as less than. When her father's mother and her aunt decide to send Thaddeus to school, she decides to go to London to be nearer to her brother and find work as an embroiderer for a modiste. Ottilie's talent lies in using beetle wings in her embroidery and it is becoming quite the rage in London. She is the only one with a source and the talent to use the wings.

With the unrest among the races that is current in today's world, Kimberly has brought out the unrest that has been prevalent for generations. She has also brought out the struggle to make faith something personal and something worth pursuing. This is one of those books that won't be forgotten soon. The other thing Kimberly does and does well is her descriptive settings that come alive in the reader's mind. If books could share the sights and scents of a setting, this one certainly could.

This is a five-star book with two thumbs up and a beautifully embroidered dress for your next ball.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"Calcutta, 1886.

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."

Yes, this has so many of the things I love in a book, but the uniqueness of the beetle-wing embroidery is what made it stand out.

This book actually has a dual setting. The first part of the book is set near Calcutta, India, in the late 1800s. The story follows an Anglo Indian girl, Ottilie Russell, and her family. Unfortunately, Ottilie has suffered more than her share of death. She lost her English father and two siblings to cholera and recently suffered the loss of her Anglo Indian mother as a result of a horse accident. Left to provide for her Indian grandmother and her brother, Thaddeus, Ottilie follows in her mother’s footsteps and offers her services in beetle wing embroidery. Still, the family struggles to meet their basic needs. Then a visitor from England arrives and huge changes follow.

I really enjoyed reading this story. The dual setting was great because I find both India and England fascinating. I enjoyed learning about the Anglo Indian people and their struggles during this time period. The beetle wing embroidery so fascinated me that I did more research on my own. What a wonderful art! It is so beautiful.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Although Ottilie and her family go through some very hard times that are heart rending to read, it is so worth it. It is a totally clean book too, so I would have no hesitation in recommending it for all ages.

3.5 stars

India, 1885. Ottilie Russell and her brother Thaddeus have just lost a second parent. In order to support her family, Ottilie continues her mother’s work of embroidery.

As the story begins, her mother’s recent passing puts a dark cloud over the story. Ottilie’s thoughts keep referring to her mother’s memory, which gives a melancholic atmosphere. Faith is a big part of this story and those who like books under Christian category will probably appreciate this story.

The story is presented with beautiful prose, well-developed characters. It is rich in customs, touching upon English and Indian ways of life and having influence on each other. However, I wished there was a bit more to the plot to carry this story a bit faster.

The story of Ottilie Russell, a young lady of a mixed race marriage, was told with such rich descriptions of life in India that I truly felt like I was truly there with her. The two extremely different worlds of the ruling British class and the Indian people was something that Ottilie struggled with since she was both British and Indian. She must discover that she is a special young lady, worthy of love, who must forgive those who have treated her and her family shamefully in order to find peace and a sense of belonging.

While Ottilie wanted to reject her British ancestry and the painful circumstances she would have to endure when she moves there, this is what brought healing, happiness, and redemption. I thought it was a brilliant way of depicting both cultures converging in her life.

One part of the story that I found intriguing was that while Ottlilie lived in India, she earns a living for her family by painstakingly embroidering beautiful, intricate designs for the wealthy British ladies of society by using iridescent beetle’s wings. Ms. Duffy’s skillful use of Ottilie’s embroidery in having it play such a vital role in the transformation that takes place in her life is well done. Additionally, the cover of the book was creative and added richness to the story by incorporating a delicate beetle wing design as the framework for Ottilie.

My thanks to Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this ebook. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy is a heart-wrenching story of loss, prejudice, and fortitude.

Ottilie was born in India to an Anglo-Indian mother and an English father. Looking like an Indian but educated within the English community, Ottilie lived amidst two different cultures, not being accepted by either.

The story is so sorrowful. My heart went to Ottilie and her endless string of losses and all the pain it brought her. The blatant prejudice she was subjected to was heart-breaking.

She immigrated to England with her brother, and matters became even worse when not even her own family members fully accepted her.

The characters were layered and flawed. Ottilie's strength and courage despite all her misfortunes were very inspiring. She was always kind and understanding of her family and friend's many weaknesses.

There was a strong faith element throughout the story. Ottilie's faith was repeatedly tested, and she did not hide from her doubts.

There was a little romance in the story's background, although I must confess I resented the hero too much to rejoice in their HEA.

I loved to learn about an embroidering technique that uses iridescent beetle wing cases. I checked online, and they have a lovely blue hue. I could imagine how stunning Ottilie's creations would have been.

A Tapestry of Light is a moving story to read with a box of tissues at hand.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 03/16/2021*

Last year I read Mosaic of Wings and was blown away by the beautiful writing style of Ms Duffy. I felt the same way reading A Tapestry of Light. The author writes in such a wonderful, descriptive way that draws you in and makes you see and feel everything the characters do.

This story is about loss, pain, loneliness and rejection. It broke my heart reading what Ottilie was going through. But there is also hope. Thadeus, who had also experienced loss and rejection, offers a friendship to Ottilie that she hasn't had before. I loved Ottilie's grandmother and the words of wisdom she gave to her. It was wonderful seeing these truths begin to help Ottilie grow stronger as a person and also spiritually.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it! I am already looking forward to more books by this author.

A Tapestry of Light begins in Calcutta,India in November of 1885, and ends in Wiltshire, England in July of 1889. Ottilie, a skilled beetle embroiderer of Eurasian descent, struggles with loss, betrayal, racism, holding onto her heritage, and most importantly grappling with her Christian faith. She asks the hard questions, ones that many of us are afraid to ask; among them: how do we know what we believe is truth, why do we suffer, and why do some people suffer so much more that others. Nānī, her grandmother, assures her that God is not afraid of her questions. Everett Scott, an Englishman who has experienced a great loss of his own, encourages Ottilie with wisdom that eventually, paired with new circumstances, allows her to see things in a new light.

This story is filled with beautiful language, vivid mental images for sight, smell, and taste; intense emotion; and enlightenment. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“Nothing you do or I do will ever make me acceptable. Nothing society thinks can make me unacceptable. My worth, your worth, is found in God alone. And he says we are accepted.”

A Tapestry of Light is a tender story of acceptance. Not just acceptance from others, but from oneself, and knowing that we are accepted by God, the One who truly counts.

The story starts off in India where Ottilie was born and raised in a loving household. One-by-one, her family leaves for their eternal home, and she is faced with a choice: stay in a place where she is comfortable even though death can knock at her door at any moment, or pick up her life and the only family she has left, and enter into English society, a place where she knows she could never belong.

I struggled to get into this novel as I felt the beginning moved too slowly, and then I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. But in between the two was a beautiful story that pulled at the heartstrings and even made me cry at one point (and almost cry at others). I could feel Ottilie’s agony over wanting what was best for her little brother Thaddeus, yet at the same time knowing she wouldn’t be welcomed as he was. Though both from the same parents, it was obvious that Ottilie had Indian blood, a taboo at that time, whereas her brother looked every bit English. Her other concern was that Thaddeus would lose the Indian part of him, forgetting where he came from.

Family was important to Ottilie, and she felt it was her duty to protect them. But as the book neared the end, she discovered that family was more than just blood.

“…since I arrived in London, I’ve learned family is made up of more than those related by blood. And before I left India, Dilip told me that home was never supposed to be a place. It is the people.”

The pages were also filled with romantic tension. Though it was obvious to both Ottilie and Everett that they had deep feelings for each other, a successful match between them could not be possible. Everett needed to marry someone who could help him in society, and, sadly, Ottilie could not be that woman given her Eurasian heritage.

I thought Kimberly Duffy did a wonderful job showing the issues society brought upon Indian and England in the late 1800s and the individual struggles that came from them. No character remained static as they each faced their own battles, and because of this, the story truly was a beautifully woven tapestry.

I received a copy of A Tapestry of Light thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House. Opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading A Tapestry of Light. I found it to be intriguing to be journeyed back in time to the late nineteenth century India. I loved entering Ottilie’s world. I thought she was a great character to get to know. The story is beautifully written and wonderfully detailed that made feel part of the adventure. I was fascinated from start to finish. I had the whole book read in no time. I did not want to put it down until I was completely done reading it to the very last page.

I going to give A Tapestry of Light four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I am looking forward to more by Kimberly Duffy in the future. This one should not be missed.

I received A Tapestry of Light from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

In A Tapestry of Light Kimberly Duffy writes an in-depth and nuanced tale of the intersection of Indian and England through the lives of a single family. This novel is lengthy, which I loved. It dives deeply into life in India allowing you to really live in the setting, before shifting its way across the sea. The characters are beautifully developed and the story tugs at your heartstrings as you follow the journey of Ottilie through valleys deep and far flung lands. A story of hope, faith, struggle, love and overcoming, this book is one I can wholeheartedly recommend.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

#BookReview: A TAPESTRY OF LIGHT by Kimberly Duffy

Wow! Have you read A Mosaic of Wings? If you do, this is so much better. It’s slow burn but every page is rich with history and compelling narrative. It brings to life 1886 India with its dynamic culture and an influx of British people. Ottilie has gone through so much in life and has caused her faith to waver. As a Eurasain, she doesn't belong to either one. I was side by side with Ottilie in her struggles socially, emotionally and spiritually. I felt her pain. I cried, loved and laughed with her. I researched about elytra and have some vivid imaginations of how the gowns looked like. She is very talented. It warms my heart to read about her relationship with her brother, Thaddeus. It’s so sweet.

There are so many twists and turns that have kept me hooked to this wonderful book. Ottilie's romance with Everett was just a part of who she is. She is a woman with so much love to give. Fear creates an imaginary wall that hinders us to be open to others and for them to reach us. That is Ottilie. I highly recommend this book as she takes us on her journey of faith and self discovery! Don’t skip the author’s note at the end of the book! 5 stars

Thank you to @bethanyhouse and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

"You aren't unwanted. And never will be." A heartfelt reminder Author Kimberly Duffy weaves into this gem, A Tapestry of Light.
With both Indian and British blood running through Ottilie's veins, she faces rejection at every turn. My heart ached as she tried to fit in either country but fell through the cracks in both. Whether through racism, failure, or the loss of a loved one, our identity can easily get lost when we lose sight of who we are in Him.
This journey from India to England will move your spirit as you travel along. I blinked back satisfying tears at the perfect ending. 5/5 stars! I must forewarn you to read on a full stomach or you will be craving Indian food. 😆

I didn't want this to end, yet I couldn't wait to find out how it ended. It almost felt like The Henna Artist meets Pride and Prejudice.

It's 1886 in Calcutta and Ottillie Russell, a young British-Indian woman has grown up never feeling like she belongs anywhere outside of her family. That family also seems to keep shrinking. Years ago she lost her father and two of her siblings to Cholera, and now she has lost her mother after she was trampled by a horse. Suddenly, Ottillie's beetle-wing embroidery is the only income she has to support herself, her younger brother, Thaddeus, her grandmother, and their former servant, who has become like family. When Everett Scott appears out of the blue from England claiming that Thaddeus is a Baron and he has traveled to India on behalf of Ottillie's paternal grandmother to collect Thaddeus, Ottillie begins to learn that sometimes even the closest knit families have secrets.

This was a beautifully written novel with a fascinating story. The setting is written so well, I almost had to remind myself that I've never been to India. What I loved the most about A Tapestry of Light was how deep Kimberly Duffy dived into the complexity of being born from both British and Indian heritage during the nineteenth century. Ottillie is a wonderful character and I wanted her to have the world, but, because of her heritage, it won't come easily. I knew very little about the historical setting of this book and the history of the relationship between Britain and India. I felt like I learned a lot while reading this, which, I suppose, is the point of historical fiction.

As Ottillie learned and navigated her faith, I felt like I was on a journey with a real person as her warmth seemed to float off the page (well, I read this on a Kindle, but floating off the screen doesn't sound as good). Duffy's characters are just about as well written as her settings. I really enjoyed every single character and learning about their motivations. There wasn't a single main or supporting character who felt out of place or undeveloped to me.

I loved this from cover to cover and am looking forward to reading Duffy's first novel, A Mosaic of Wings, and her novel that's being released later this year, Every Word Unsaid.

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for the promise of an honest review.

Wow. This beautiful work of historical fiction immerses you in the tangled history of Britain and India and shows the strength and resilience that can come from suffering.

Ottilie was born in Calcutta, India to a British father and a Eurasian mother. Having grieved the loss of her family, she is left to care for her young brother and grandmother. When she learns that her brother is the sole heir to a large estate in England, she is forced to decide what her life is going to look like and whether she has the courage to face the unknown.

I loved the themes that this book explored and the intricate way it dives into cultural prejudices and doubts about faith and suffering. Ottilie's story lingers long after you close the pages, for it reflects many of the questions that arise in our own hearts.

This was my first book by Kimberly Duffy and I already can’t wait to read what she releases next. I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a beautiful, atmospheric story. Duffy explores India's rich culture and history in Ottilie's story. Read it with some tissues, there are many moving moments throughout this story, but in the end all is well. Ottilie's grief, doubt, and fear are ultimately soothed by her developing faith and her journey is both unique and relatable. Recommend for reader's who enjoy strong female leads in beautifully detailed historical fiction.

If you're looking for a sad book and you love historic fiction, this is a book for you. I rarely cry while reading books but this was one where I had to keep the tissues handy.

Ottilie is a British-Indian young woman living in Calcutta in the 1880s when a series of tragedies and unexpected circumstances force her to make tough choices to ensure her family's survival. The writing throughout the book is beautiful at immersing the reader in colonial India, but what I think Kimberly Duffy does even better is describing the challenge of being mixed race in a society where the British look down on Indians. This showed me a new picture of history at this time which taught me a lot.

My only two complaints about this book is that there was some disjointed writing during points where Ottilie rediscovered her faith and that the ending wrap up after such a twisting sad story was a little too neat and perfect. But overall, that was it. I enjoyed this book and recommend it!

"A Tapestry of Light" is a romance set in 1886 in India and England. The first half of the book occurred in India showing what it was like for those of mixed British and Indian heritage. The second half showed the prejudice they faced in England. The historical details about daily life, beetle-wing embroidery, cultural differences, etc., were woven into the story and brought it vividly alive in my imagination.

The characters were well-developed and complex, and I cared about what happened to them. Which is why this was a sad story: Ottilie faced one tragedy and hardship after another all the way up until the end. I didn't see how she could end up with a happy ending, yet one abruptly happened as everyone repented of the wrongs they'd done toward her. Some of it was believable, like a ten-year-old boy not staying quiet about his life in India. But the abrupt change of heart of the love interest and English family members just didn't seem believable to me. While the love interest was kind and thoughtful, I kept wondering why Ottilie kept giving her heart to him when he made it clear that he was determined to marry into high society. It's realistic, yes, but frustrating to see her open herself up to further hurt like that.

Ottilie wondered why God allowed his faithful followers to suffer so much and had a crisis of faith. She clung to God and grew into a kind woman of faith through the events. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this historical novel.

Kimberly Duffy has done it again. With A Tapestry of Light, she has woven a rich tale of faith amidst life's challenges.

I’ve said before that I believe an author has done a great job when you don’t agree with everything a character does but still root for them. And with Ottilie, Duffy have created such a character. From the moment I met Ottilie, I connected with her. Grief is a burden we all bear at one time or another. Coupled with her fierce love for her brother Thaddeus and her grandmother, Ottilie quickly became a character I could root for. It wasn’t long before I was sucked into the story.

Though I’ve never been to India, Duffy’s vibrant descriptions dropped me right in the midst of 19th-century Calcutta. Much as she did in her debut A Mosaic of Wings, she made the setting come alive.

But what gripped me the most was Ottilie’s struggle with faith, fear, and the inevitability of change. Though I often sighed when she pushed people away, I could understand why she did. Watching her grow throughout the story resonated with me in a way few books have been able to manage.

There’s so much more I want to say, but I’m having trouble putting it into the words. But trust me when I say that A Tapestry of Light is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.

Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

(Review will go live on the blog on 3/19 at 12 p.m.)

I longed to visit India when I was younger but having recently read a Robin Cook book set in India's crowded streets and then following with Kimberly Duffy's A Tapestry of Light which was set 100 years prior to Cook's book, I think I'll pass. Kimberly Duffy created a strong and extremely likable heroine in Ottilie Russell. Ottilie copes with extreme poverty and rampant illness while devoting herself to her family and their needs. The descriptions of the food and scents of Indian culture and of the artistic embroidery brought me into Ottilie's world. My heart was broken for Ottilie. A Tapestry of Light is a wonderful read.

A Tapestry of Light is the second novel of Kimberly Duffy and I’m glad to say my prediction that she will be the next big name in Christian Fiction is still standing strong. But first, let me tell you a bit what it’s about.

The story starts in India, where Ottilie lives with her grandmother and younger brother. She has already had her fair share of loss, and is grieving for her mother who recently passed. Funds are low, and she turns to her family’s tradition of beetle wing embroidery (featured on this beautiful cover!) when a man arrives who wants to take her brother to England, where he is in line for a title. Thaddeus can pass as white, where Otillie looks very Indian like her mother, and this brings a clash of cultures as she’s not sure where she belongs. Will she find a place where she is truly loved?

I absolutely loved A Mosaic of Wings with the focus more on romance, I can appreciate this book even more, I feel like the author bared her soul in this one. Otillie is doubting her faith, she wants to believe but with all the grief and hardship she’s had, it’s very hard to do that, understandably. This is a theme that struck home with me, I struggle a lot too and to see it reflected in fiction and to make her see her choice to stubbornly believe despite it all made me feel less alone.

Okay, I guess I wanted to start with deep thoughts. The story itself is very rich and layered, and I now want to visit India. I loved reading more about the culture! The writing is well done, though I do think there are some pacing issues, it took a while for the story to really go somewhere, and then it rushes a bit toward the end. But I don’t mind that really as I wasn’t bored at all. I loved the developing friendship between her and the man that wants to take her brother away to England. There are also a strong female friendships which I love to see in books. I also liked that racism was addressed, as Otillie is too white to fit in with native Indians, and too Indian too fit in with white people, which made that she experienced racism a lot. I think the author shows this very well, she does not spell it out, but it’s always there in the background.

The story itself was quite heavy as there is so much grief throughout the entire book and the hardships are many, but I love stories that have depth in them and I could handle it. But if you yourself are grieving, you might want to avoid this book. There is plenty of other stuff too, forgiveness, family secrets, embroidery (yay!), sibling love and wise grandmother words, and of course a bit of romance. Despite the pacing issues, every scene feels important and necessary to the story, and is filled to the brim, so much has happened! And I can’t even talk about it as that is spoilery... All in all, I loved A Tapestry of Light and I think it’s quite unique in this genre.

I received a free e-copy of this book through Netgalley but it hasn’t influenced my opinion.

A Tapestry of Light
By Kimberly Duffy

Ottilie Russell is caught between two worlds accepted by neither and rejected by both. Her mixed heritage is held in contempt and viewed with suspicion - the British reject her due to her clearly Indian heritage and the Indians disdaining her British ties as a betrayal of who she could have been. She is clearly Indian but too British to be accepted by those she calls neighbors.

She has lost the joy and peace that life once offered. Losing her parents, brother, and sister has left her in fear and doubt. Fear that she will lose what little family she has left and in doubt that God is indeed loving and concerned for her.

Using her skills as a beetle-wing embroiderer she manages to eke out a living that provides for the barest needs of her little brother Thaddeus and her grandmother. But life is anything but easy as she pushes herself to fulfill the work in the attempt to gain more.

But she is adrift - when Everett Scott shows up claiming that he has been sent to bring Thaddeus back to England. But Ottilie cannot give up her brother her last reminder of her parents and their love. But Thaddeus has inherited a title and though he is only 6 he has a duty to fulfill. In the process of trying to convince Ottilie that Thaddeus's life will vastly improve if he is permitted to leave, Everett and Ottilie form a friendship of sorts. A friendship that has the potential becoming something more.

When yet another tragedy strikes Ottilie agrees to Thaddeus's removal from India on the condition that she goes with him. As Ottilie faces the prospect of a new world so different from the one she's always known she finds herself adrift. The family that she prayed would accept her is shocked at her foreign appearance and ways. She is expected to reject the ties that bind her to England so as to not upset societal expectations and ruin her brother's future. Worse she faces betrayal once again from a man in whom she has placed her truth. Can she ever find a place to belong and find the answers she so desperately seeks?

A Tapestry of Light is a journey of faith and discovery. Who is God? Throughout Ottilie and various other characters find themselves in doubt as to who God truly is and what role, if any, His plays in their life? Is He loving? A cruel tyrant? An indifferent deity who demands everything? These are the answers that drive the story as much as the prejudices that drive Ottilie to make choices that set her life on an altogether different path she never anticipated following. These are truths that all readers can take to heart as something to ponder. This book takes the reader on a journey through heartbreak, sorrow, desolation, and joy. It is also a look at the world under British rule and it is disheartening that the prejudices that were are still such a very real part of life today. Ethnic and class snobbery is not unique to any particular era or people and yet it is equally painful and destructive. Kimberly Duffy brings Ottilie Russell life with all her complexities, fears, hopes, and dreams. This is the first work of Kimberly Duffy that I have had the pleasure of reading and I can assure you that it will not be the last and I highly recommend her work if you are looking for something that entertains while providing a multifaceted depth.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Yes - read it. It's another beautiful read by Kimberly Duffy.

The visuals of India that your mind imagines while reading are just wonderful. If you enjoy the imagery part of reading, this is most definitely a read for you. I happen to be intrigued by India especially during the raj so I enjoyed it immensely.

It is a HEA ending but it takes a while, and in my case tears, to get there. I actually felt the ending was rushed. I could have handled a few more chapters.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers to prepare for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to learn about how people from India were treated by the English, especially those who had mixed blood. I thought it was interesting to see Ottilie struggle with her faith throughout the book and how she struggled feeling like she fit in anywhere. I liked how once she realized that the only person’s whose opinion matter was God’s, she was able to grow and help others to grow and learn to accept her. I also loved learning about the culture in India especially about the Beetle Wing embroidery. I thought this was a good book that helped me to learn and grow along with the characters.

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.

Last summer, I had the chance to read the debut novel from Kimberly Duffy- A Mosaic of Wings. I very quickly fell in love with the author's style. It was a slower paced novel perhaps, but so rich in scenery and history that I found myself transported... and had me wanting to explore the sights in India for myself. With a debut like that, I found myself looking forward to what would come next from her. When I saw Tapestry of Light, I couldn't wait to experience it for myself... and what an experience it was.

In this book, we travel back to India in 1886, where we meet Ottilie who is mourning the loss of her mother and finding herself split between two cultures, unsure of where she really belongs. This story had everything that I so loved about the previous book--- the writing that allowed us to truly imagine India in beautiful vividness, an abundance of research made clear within it's pages and a fantastic heartfelt journey of faith. As it deals with the topic of grief, it's certainly an emotional story, but in the end really leaves you walking away with a sense of hope. I enjoyed getting to know and feel for these characters, and found that this one definitely solidified for me that Kimberly Duffy is one to read more from!

If you enjoy historical fiction and beautiful cultures, this is one worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This novel was exquisite in its attention to detail – not in a monotonous or droning way – but in the essence of how the author captured the senses in every paragraph. With some well-crafted wording, we’re transported from 2021 into a time and place far from home. I don’t generally read about the British colonization of India, for no other reason than it just hasn’t struck my fancy. Duffy has changed that for me by bridging the two worlds of British society and Indian culture and highlighting the plight of a people caught in the middle.

My heart broke for the injustice of this novel and the theme of searching for home – the longing for acceptance, love, and belonging. Even as the author struck a chord with her tale, did she do justice in a book whose very core message highlights difficulties due to one’s family tree or the people group they belong to? I think Duffy told Ottilie’s story well. She also created an awareness that prods me to dig deeper into learning about the history of Anglo-Indians – to hear their stories and to learn.

Overall, this was a moving page-turner of a tale. It brought me to tears, to frustration, to empathy. It didn’t coat over messy moments. It made me want to dig deeper, and that’s not something that every piece of fiction can do. It was an engaging work of fiction with notes of bittersweet honesty. Thankfully, it wasn’t just darkness and uncertainty, struggle and loss, but also a richly captivating beacon of beauty, hope, and welcome.

My thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own and excerpts from a full review on my personal blog: www.lifelovelaughterlinds.ca

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy takes readers to 1880s Calcutta, India. Ottilie Russell is a woman between worlds with the responsibility of caring for her family on her shoulders. Losses weigh heavy, but when a stranger arrives with shocking news, secrets she never expected come to light.

I’ve been looking forward to reading A Tapestry of Light. Partly because I loved Kimberly Duffy’s previous book A Mosaic of Wings and partly because the story mostly occurs in India—and the cover is gorgeous! Ottilie does not have an easy life and it shows in her struggle with her faith, which makes the spiritual journey she experiences throughout the book go deep.

The romantic in me wished to have seen more romance. That part of the story didn’t begin until much later in the book than usual and then felt rushed at the end, especially because we are never given Everett Scott’s perspective. But for readers who prefer the rich inner life of a single character, I suspect you will especially love A Tapestry of Light. It is richly woven, just like Ottilie’s gorgeous needlework.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers, and JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

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.

This book is special! From the vivid imagery and wonderful characters, the locations and the struggles of the characters, I loved every minute of this story.
The beauty that comes from being broken and then put back together. Ottilie had my heart from the start because I too have experienced her struggles, trying to fit in in an entirely different environment from what you are used to and yet still trying to remain true to yourself.
Her struggles with faith too, the understanding that sometimes we question what we seem to have always known and it's okay to keep searching till we find answers. The full surrender when she finally found answers understanding who Christ was to her.
This is one book to definitely add to your reading list ASAP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit tours. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

Sometimes, when we are most alone, the God who sees and knows is closer than ever.

1885 in Calcutta, India was a time of change. The author gives us incredible detail of what life was like. Ottilie Russel has lost her father and two siblings to cholera and now has lost her mother to an accident, leaving her young brother, Thaddeus in her care. Nani (grandmother) lives with them and they manage to scrap out a living with the gorgeous beetle-wing embroidery Ottilie sells. Cholera strikes again, but not before a totally unexpected visitor arrives, bringing with him a complete status change for six year old Thaddeus.

A move to England may bring safety from that dreaded cholera, but it doesn’t bring peace to Ottilie. The issues of mixed race, prejudice and feelings of unworthiness are very gently worked through. For one so far from home, how could acceptance into society be so very important? Will her faltering faith be enough to help her learn to love and appreciate her new home? Can life be separated into a before and after or are life’s seasons a mix of both?

I loved the way the author gives us a glimpse of what is going on in Ottilie’s mind - an opportunity to watch the light change the tapestry of her world and those around her. This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers, CelebrateLit and NetGalley. My rating, thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.

I have been wanting to read a book by Kimberly Duff ever since she released Mosaic of Wings. (I have the book in my extremely long TBR pile!) I was so happy to be able to review this book. This story is filled with SO much! The author does an incredible job at drawing you in with her descriptive words. She paints such a beautiful picture with words and makes you feel like you are in the different locations this story takes place in.

The story is jam-packed with so much emotion. It encompasses big feelings such as loss, pain, rejection and feelings of loneliness. I'm not going to lie, tears were shed and the tissue box got put to use as I went through Ottilie's journey. Despite all of that what I loved most is how her faith in God grew and was made stronger throughout the story.

Although there was some romance in the book. I honestly think the story could of been just about Ottilie and it would have been just as good.

I didn't want to give too much of the story away because you should really take the time to read it. Just be mindful that it is emotional and you may need some tissues handy. I can't wait to see what else Ms. Duffy writes in the near future!

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Trapped between two cultures, Ottilie longed to find her place. To find home. As a very Indian-looking Eurasian, she was rejected by Indian and British alike. My heart was broken for her in her grief - she had experienced so much loss! Her heart was filled with love for her little brother and she toiled diligently to provide for him - sweet Thaddeus, the glowworm, casting light on everyone around him! Their sweet relationship was touching and uplifting.

Ottilie's search was not just to find her place. She also struggled with her faith, doubting His goodness when she surrounded by loss. Even once she chose to believe, she still wavered. Her decision to praise God in the morning was transformational! I loved watching her faith grow from the tiniest seed.

Ottilie's sweet Nānī (grandma) and the strong faith she exhibited even in times of grief endeared her to me. The beautiful spiritual lessons she shared were poignant. She also had endured much hardship and rejection in her life and yet was confident in her knowledge that she belonged to Jesus. Even the way she came to know Him when she was a girl was amazing!

Entrancing imagery filled my mind with the sights, sounds, and aromas of India! Some of which were lovely and others... Well, let's just say they were not. When the scene changed and moved to Victorian England, the lovely descriptions did not end. I loved the way I could so easily picture everything that was happening in the story.

The beetle-wing embroidery fascinated me! Hearing the descriptions though, only made me want to see pictures. Search for it online if you get the chance and you will be amazed by the beauty that comes from bugs. (Technically, as Ottilie pointed out in the story, the elytra are not the actual wings but their protective casings.)

Readers of historical fiction will not want to miss A Tapestry of Light!

This was a fascinating book. I learned a lot about the plight of eurasians, people born to a British man and an Indian woman. While Thaddeus inherited his father’s looks, his sister, Ottilie, has the dark coloring of her grandmother. Ottilie feels she doesn’t fit in anywhere and lives her life providing for and protecting her brother. When that is threatened, she is out of sorts.

Ottilie embroiders using elytra, beetle wing casings. I googled images to see some amazing examples of what was done in fashion with these casings. It’s remarkable. What was not were the conditions that women suffered in to provide a living for themselves as seamstresses and embroiderers. It made me thankful for my own work conditions and all that has come to pass to make things better for workers.

I enjoyed the story. It has a slower pace. I enjoyed the interactions between Ottilie and Everett, especially while they were in India. I’d recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Another beautiful read from from Kimberly.

She has a way of bringing things to life that I have never thought about before and she certainly did that with this book.

Ottilie is caught between two words and neither accepts her. I could only imagine what would happen when she moved to England and Everett tries to warn her but she refuses to be separated from her brother.

The slow romance between Ottilie and Everett had me wondering from the onset how could they ever make it work between them and I was anxious to see how the author would play that out. It was very satisfying but if you want to know all of the details you will have to read the book for yourself. This is a definitely an author to watch and follow.

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

Ottilie Russell has only ever known life in Calcutta. First as the adored child of an English scientist and Eurasian woman, then as the helper for her bereaved mother. Now her mother has died in a tragic accident and Ottilie must provide for her grandmother and younger brother. Each tragedy has cracked her faith in a God who cares, despite what her mother and her grandmother tell her.

She must rely on her skill as an embroiderer to put food on the table and keep Thaddeus in school. Her maternal grandfather, who abandoned her grandmother and mother years ago, offers to help, but Ottilie wants nothing to do with him. She lives between worlds—the vibrant, colorful world of Calcutta with its languages and traditions, and the stiff Victorian world that disparages those of mixed race.

A stranger arrives on their doorstep and informs her that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson. His paternal grandmother and aunt want him and his sister in England. A grandmother and aunt who have no idea Thaddeus inherited his father’s skin coloring and Ottile favors her grandmother’s people.

Everett Scott, her grandmother’s messenger, insists Thaddeus has a responsibility to the peerage and England. Ottilie finds herself drawn to the kind stranger, and soon calls him a friend. But she remains firm in her decision to stay in India—until tragedy strikes again.

This time, Ottilie agrees to allow Thaddeus to travel to England, on the condition that she accompany him. Family secrets further test her faith as Ottilie prepares for their journey to the land of her father. A land full of people who will most likely reject her for the color of her skin just as surely as the British in Indian have rejected her. But she will endure anything for the love of her brother.

Upon arriving in England, Ottilie suffers rejection, betrayal, and helplessness as she tries to navigate a new life in an unknown world. Will her mustard seed of faith flourish in spite of the hardships?

What I Loved About This Book

Duffy weaves a tapestry of colors, smells, sounds, and emotions that draws readers in from the first page. This isn’t just a book about a journey between two worlds, it’s a book about the journey between unbelief and faith. Ottilie knows how to be a Christian, but she doesn’t understand faith. She must go through the fires of adversity to understand the world without faith and the world with faith.

Replete with historical details from both India and England, the words shimmer like the beetle casings used in Ottilie’s embroidery. This is a book I’ll read over and over again.

This is a Christian Historical Romance read, that takes you back into the 1885's era. The story takes you to England and deals with the heritage of being British and Indian. Ottilie has a passion for beetle wing embroidery that she has learned from her family generations, she uses this skill to provide for her brother and grandmother. When she gets word that her brother is in trouble she heads to England to find out how she can help and save her brother from death. What she finds awaiting in England is more than she expected. Can she save her brother? Will she be able to overcome the diversity of family heritage? What will be the outcome of her decisions she makes?

If you want a story that deals with heavy issues and decisions, this is a read you won't want to miss. This is a book that is not a fluffy read and at times is very touching and heartfelt. It will take you back into the days when needlework was an art and skill. It is a read to make you think and wonder what decision you would make?.....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

I read a lot of good books, but there is something special about a GREAT book. And this, my dear readers, is a great book! I may have closed the last page days ago but I am still thinking about this novel now. I absolutely love Ottilie in this story. I love her steely determination, her giant heart, her passionate beauty, her loyalty to her family; and yes, I love her spiritual struggles, her growth, and her failures because she became real to me on these pages. She became a friend with whom I wanted to sit down and try her delicious chai tea and listen to her deepest wishes and dreams. I felt like I got to know her in this story and that kind of writing takes true skill and talent. I loved every aspect of this book! The descriptive scenes made it so easy for me to picture the bright colors and rich scents of India and appreciate the seasonal changes and rolling hills of England. There is so much packed into this story—themes of family, loyalty, love, loss, and ultimately the sense of belonging as the relationships and friendships change and flow in the novel. But ultimately, my favorite aspect was the vulnerability in which the very real spiritual struggles were displayed in this fictional character as I went on a spiritual journey with Ottilie and experienced her trials and doubts and eventually celebrated her victories and her growth in her faith in God. The romance is perfectly written and clean but passionate. The social issues are interesting and eye opening. The art, style, and history of elytra and fashion were fascinating. And the writing made me eager for more as I read late into the night, never wanting this story to end. I have found a great book and it has found a permanent spot on my “reread and keep” shelf! I cannot wait to read more by Kimberly Duffy! I most highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

An epic tale that takes you from the hot, colorful streets of India to the cool, tempered manors and estates in England. A slow build that requires commitment because when the story picks up, and it will, you will not be able to put it down. Ottilie is Eurasian and is torn between two worlds. She wants to see her brother safe and secure in this new world, but not at the expense of remembering who he is and where he comes from. She struggles with her faith and all the tragedies she’s endured and now must discover how to stand firm right where she is. I treasured the women woven into her story to remind her of God’s love, in all things. I love that she loves boldly and unashamedly and is proud of her heritage. Everett has much to learn as well and is convinced he’s doing what is expected of him, no matter the cost. Together, Ottilie and Everett have to find their place in a society that does not freely accept those who are different and refuse to conform. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

This is a book about loss and love and family and searching for faith. This is the second book that author Kimberly Duffy has partially set in colonial British India. Britain is the other location. The plot of the book focuses on how these cultures do not manage to mix well. Actually this title helped me to understand how deep prejudice that is based on appearances can be. Even though the two siblings featured in this book have the same parents, they are definitely treated differently.

Because of circumstances in her life, Ottilie, the main heroine, struggles with her faith. She doubts that God is with her. I found that to be acceptable because that theme does come to a resolution.

Celebrating Indian culture is another important part of this title. Ottilie has learned beetle-wing embroidery. (In the afterward, the author tells about all of the research that she did to better understand this type of handcraft art.) Indian clothing and food are also celebrated.

Family honor is also emphasized. Should love supersede all barriers? Can people from different backgrounds truly connect to the point that heritage no longer matters? The reader gets to ponder those mindsets as a part of the plot.

What Ottilie really wants is to maintain her heritage and to keep her close connection to her younger brother. Both of those goals prove to be challenging. While I would not call this a "happy" read, I do think the book is a meaningful one. This one does not let the reader "rest easy." Instead he or she is almost forced to reconcile with held beliefs that may not be fair overall.

My only small complaint - I wish there would have been one more chapter between the final one and the epilogue. I felt like the transition was a bit abrupt. (My guess is that the author might have pushed her word count and not been able to elaborate anymore.) This results in my final rating being a 4.8 because overall I did love the rest of the book.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for letting me read this book through NetGalley during the month it was released. I wanted to read the book. All opinions are my own.

A poignant tale:
This was another wonderful book by a truly masterful story teller. I loved the depth of description and how drawn in and invested I became. Whilst the overall tone of the book was quite sad, there was also a strong thread of hope and healing that ran throughout that helped balance it out a bit.
My heart really went out to poor Ottilie as she faced such loss and prejudice. I thought the author did a wonderful job of highlighting the social injustices that existed between India and England in the late 1800s. Many of the issues were still relevant for today.
There was a light romantic thread and I was so glad that Ottilie and Everett were able to finally find love. Ottilie's struggle with her faith felt real and authentic and I appreciated the honesty and rawness that was displayed.
Whilst I enjoyed this book, I could only read it for shorter periods of time as it was a bit depressing. I felt it was a little repetitive and dragged at times, which may partly be because I was ready for things to move to happier times.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Speaking of Vivid…

This is my first book by Kimberly Duffy and wow does she truly have a remarkable ability to transport you to the scene she sets. From the cultural richness of India to the backstreets of London, I felt like I was RIGHT THERE. I so enjoyed her attention to detail while writing this story, I felt like I could feel the thread and taste the tangy air. Again, truly one of the better books regarding the details given by the author that I have read in a while. However, the flipside to that is in the details. I think some people will probably think there are to many of them and just want the story to get to the point!

Ottilie was a fantastic character in terms of self-reflection and for the depth of her faith (the faith aspect of this book was beautifully done without being preachy but displayed in a walking out your faith type of way). I enjoyed her interactions with Everett, and I LOVED her devotion to her brother Thaddeus. The story is told in third person, but I would have loved to see some of Everett’s story included as well.

Overall, I give this story 4 out of 5 stars for the AMAZINGLY vivid descriptions that transported me, and for the deep faith aspects of the story. I truly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

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.

💜💜💜💜💜

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

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.

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.

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.

A Tapestry of Light is a poignant and heart-wrenching story of loss and longing to find a place to belong and fit in. It’s also a glorious story of overcoming, hope, and faith. Set in Calcutta, India in 1866 and later in England, Kimberly Duffy masterfully paints a picture of the surroundings and what life was life in that time period. The characters come alive on the page, and it’s easy to transport yourself to another place and time. Ottilie Russell is the daughter of a British father and Eurasian mother but resembles her mother with her dark skin and coloring. Her brother, Thaddeus, resemble his father and can pass for British. When their parents pass away, Everett Scott comes to India to fetch Thaddeus, as he has inherited a title.

As they attempt to integrate themselves into British life, Ottilie feels like she’s on the fringes of society and unacceptable no matter where she goes. Her journey of faith and belonging is very inspirational. Duffy is a fantastic story teller, and I enjoyed experiencing this slice of history, even though I felt empathy for Ottilie in her situation. This story will stay on my heart for a long time. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy is an exquisite tale of a young woman who, in the midst of heart-shattering loss and rejection, finds that the only constant in life is God.
Although it deals with some deep and serious themes, it never once falls into being dreary, depressing, or drawn out. Instead, its delicate, lyrical tone lends a sense of hope amid the darkness.
Ottilie was such a unique character—trapped between two warring cultures, fighting to be strong for her brother, holding on to her dwindling faith, and learning to trust God even in the darkest of moments. I felt her pain and heartache as if she were real. Her faith journey was one of the best I've read—it was natural and slow, and made all the more beautiful by the questions and obstacles. It was truly inspiring.
The romance was subtle, but absolutely lovely and fit the story perfectly.
I’d recommend it to fans of J’nell Ceisielski, Kristi Ann Hunter, Laura Frantz, and Elizabeth Camden.

(I received a complementary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)

Wow! I was totally blown away by A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy. This book has EVERYTHING! This 5-star historical novel is a must-read — put it at the top of your TBR now!

So I loved A Tapestry of Light — let me count the ways. 😉 First, the characters are complex and very, very real. Although I have very little in common with main character Otillie, she is Ango-Indian and very much a bound by the conventions of her day, she is a character that struggled and grew in ways that I could definitely relate to. And relatable is probably the best word to describe all of the characters. Even one character in particular who was not very nice and very easy not to like AT ALL, I found to mirror some of my more unlikable character traits as well. Talk about uncomfortable. But Duffy writes her characters in such a way that they become friends and you can learn from each of them. Second, the setting of the first half of the book is amazing. India, and in particular, Calcutta of the late 1880s, becomes something of a character on its own. It plays such a big role in who Otillie is. Duffy engages all of the senses in her vivid descriptions. I also really liked that the setting for the second half of the book — England — mirrors Otillie’s emotional state. As winter turns to spring, Otillie begins to thaw and see new growth as well. Duffy explains her connection to Otillie in the Author’s Note. Otillie’s story is very personal — this reader felt that and it again makes real the strong spiritual threads in the book.

A Tapestry of Light gets a Very Highly Recommended rating from me. It will definitely be on my best of the best list for 2021.

Very Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

I loved A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy. Ottilie Russell’s remarkable journey, combined with vibrant descriptions of India and its culture, fascinated me. Ottilie’s character felt authentic in many ways. Her spiritual doubts and questions reflect my own with uncanny accuracy. The author portrayed these faith struggles with depth and compassion as Ottilie moved toward healing. Other things I admired about Ottilie included her sacrificial love of her family and her remarkable talent for embroidering elytra.

Throughout A Tapestry of Light, Ottilie undergoes deep character development as she struggles with her Eurasian heritage, her desire to care for her brother, and the brokenness inside. I loved that the author dove into Ottilie’s reasoning, feelings, and motives. Part of Ottilie’s character development comes via Everett Scott, the man determined to bring her young brother to England. Their slow burn romance played a significant role in the story, but it was Ottilie that drew me back to the story nightly.

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy stands as a historical fiction novel, perfect for readers who enjoy exotic locales, deep character development, and slow burn romance. This novel will likely make it into my top ten reads of the year. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

This book has absolutely fabulous characters that you quickly connect to. They are the standout in this beautiful novel. This story was very emotional, and I really enjoyed it. I easily connected to the characters and to what was happening. This was an all-consuming story that I couldn't put down. I loved it!

Siblings Ottilie and Thaddeus Russell live between worlds in 1885 Calcutta—Ottilie looks like her half-Indian mother, but six-year-old Thaddeus favours their father and can easily pass as English. Their father was a respected English scientist, but his death left the family penniless. Ottilie now supports their small family by decorating dresses with beetle-wing embroidery, a skill that has been handed down the women on the Indian side of her family.

I found the first few chapters slow and difficult to get through. There seemed to be too many characters )and each character had multiple names and nicknames), and the relationships between the character were equally difficult to sort out. I also didn’t find Ottilie particularly interesting. Call me shallow, but I read for entertainment. I don’t find it entertaining to watch a woman struggle with the twin problems of poverty and prejudice.

The story came alive at around the 20% mark, when Everett Scott finally arrived on the scene. I say “finally” because the book description promised this would the the event that propelled the story forward, and it was. Mr Scott wants to take Thaddeus back to England to be educated and to take his place as Baron Sutherland. Ottilie finally agrees, and the story finally starts.

The story expanded into a deep examination of the difficulties of being born into two cultures and the struggle to fit in, set against the backdrop of Anglo-Indians and the memory of the horrific 1857 mutiny. It’s also a deep examination of faith, of the challenge of believing in and trusting God, not merely believing in and adhering to Christian values.

A Tapestry of Light was well researched and brilliantly written. I’m always impressed when an author can take a little-known aspect of history (such as the beetle-wing embroidery), and turn that into a novel. It’s even better when those historical aspects can be interwoven with deep faith messages and even a little romance.

Recommended for fans of Christian historical fiction with deep faith themes in an international setting.

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

I have been wanting to try a book by Kimberly Duffy since I first heard about her! I really like that she writes about India since its not very common. Despite going through a bit of burnout right now, I did like this book. It took some getting used to since I’m not very familiar with Indian terms and culture. I would definitely recommend her books for the historical fiction fans out there!

A Tapestry of Light was one of the most fascinating books I've read in a long time! While I love books set in the US and the UK, it was a breath of fresh air to travel through words to a new land. Granted the second half of the book is set in England but the first half is set in Colonial India which I've never read about outside the pages of my history books. Kimberly Duffy's love for the land and culture of India shone through the pages in her passionate and vivid descriptions of everyday life. Death and grief are a large part of the story and, were I a person more given to tears, I'm sure I would of shed a few as I had to watched Ottilie battling depression and bitterness as she dealt with loss and loneliness while trying to straddle two very different worlds. I found myself so invested in her story that I just wanted to yell at some characters, punch others or just in general give them a good shake and talking to. I loved how flawed the characters were, that rather than being stoic macho men and women, they were very real emotional messy people. There wasn't a tonne of romance in the story but there was just enough to satisfy my romantic heart. If you want a feel-good romance, then I wouldn't suggest you read this one but if you want a unique story that deals with some heart hitting God truths then I highly recommend this book for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Wonderful setting. Great characters. Enjoy all books by this author. The characters are memorable. Sophisticated plot. Even though it’s historical fiction, the plot details relate to current issues. I was fascinated by the book description and chose to read the book based on the setting. A good choice for fans of historical fiction.