The Brontë Plot

WOW! Love Reay's writing -- it's more than based on classic literature, it captures the nuances and has a inspiring underlying spiritual level to it. Can't wait to read more!

Sometimes you come upon an author that you just love. Katherine Reay is one of those authors for me. I fell in love with her writing when I read her very first novel almost two years ago. I love to read classic literature, (the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, etc.) and I love that she writes about some of my favorite stories in new and interesting ways. When I read her first novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, I expected a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not. Ms. Reay writes stories that don’t mirror those they are named after in any way, but instead incorporates them into new plots and draws on the lessons learned in them. Her first book was followed with a novel about two sisters, Lizzy and Jane, which is still my favorite to date. But the excellence continues in her third book, The Bronte Plot, which will not disappoint fans of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte.

Lucy Alling is the main character in this story about family ties and honesty. She is employed by one of the most popular interior designers in Chicago. Sid does the decorating, and Lucy runs the office and minds the gallery in his absence. She loves the antiques and the history that surround her, but the best part for Lucy is the books. Every Wednesday she spends the entire day with the rare and collectible books in the shop, taking special care of them. It is through these books that she meets James, and falls in love with him. But Lucy has a terrible secret, and when James discovers it, their relationship is shattered. When James tells his family about Lucy’s deception, they are all angry at her, except his grandmother, Helen. She invites Lucy to go on a trip with her to England. Although she is confused, and James and his family are totally against the plan, she decides to go. She learns some valuable lessons along the way to finding out if you truly must look back to move forward.

Ms. Reay writes wonderfully twisted plots. Situations in her characters’ lives are never black and white, but fall into that indeterminable gray area. While Lucy’s decisions would not be my own, I can see how she arrived at them, and I can also understand James’ anger over them. I can definitely understand her desire to figure out if she can break the mold of her family’s less-than-upstanding past. I admire her determination to make everything right, even if it costs her everything she holds dear. Once more, Ms. Reay mirrors real life, as her story takes Lucy down a difficult path, that doesn’t necessarily end with a “happily ever after,” but with a better, more fulfilled life then she had before. This isn’t really a love story, but there is a little romance woven in along the way.

One of my favorite things about Katherine Reay’s writing is her characters’ love for literature. While I do love to read, I can’t spout off obscure lines from Austen, Dickens and other classical writers at the drop of a hat. I enjoy reading about people who can though. Now that I’ve followed Lucy’s adventures through literary sites in England, I’m anxious to go there myself someday. I’ve also added a few “new” books to my “want to read” list. This book is obviously well-researched and written with great attention to detail. It's very evident in the beautiful scenery she describes and the completeness of her characters.

If you haven’t read any of Katherine Reay’s books yet, I highly encourage you to do it now! I think you’ll be like me and find a new favorite. You’ll discover interesting stories, with characters and plots that will really make you think, and probably look at your life a little differently. And you’ll get a new appreciation for the writers and fiction of the past.

Happy Reading!

Lyndsie

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own and a favorable review was not required. Look for your copy of The Bronte Plot on or around November 3, 2015.

It is no secret that I love Katherine Reay's stories, since they make it onto a lot of my Top Ten lists.;) With The Bronte Plot, she outdid herself! While I didn't always like the main character, she is real, interesting, and easy to grow to love as she faces her family's demons and the impact they have had on her life. I like that I can relate to Lucy and her love for reading. I finished this book feeling like I had made a new friend.;) And, I now have a new favorite book to add to my list! I especially enjoy that the reader doesn't always know where the story is going to go, and that the characters are so well developed that you half expect to pass them on the street. I can't recommend this book enough! The only downside is that the story is hard to put down.;)
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

I’m a self-professed book nerd. I always have been. When I was in the ninth grade, I was first taught Shakespeare. My teacher (whom I still remember fondly) taught us about Stratford-upon-Avon and this place in Westminster Abbey called Poet’s Corner. As I got older that love of classics continued, expanding to Jane Austen and also to the Bronte sisters (among others).

I read Katherine Reay’s “Lizzy and Jane” last year, and loved it. When I heard she had a new book out, I immediately requested it here and was lucky enough to get approved. I can’t rave enough about this book. I put everything else I was reading to the side so that I could devour it. Now I get to recommend it to everyone.

Lucy Alling works in an antique store. She’s a loner type, working hard and then going home to a sparsely decorated apartment. Raised by a single mom, Lucy doesn’t have that many people in her inner circle. She has a typical relationship with her mom, and her con artist father left them years ago. Lucy’s best friend is probably her boss, Sid. But Lucy has a secret. And she’s not the only one.

Then enter James, a customer who buys a copy of “Jane Eyre” for his grandmother Helen. Lucy develops close relationships with both of them. Once James finds out her secret, one of those relationships change. Once that change occurs, Lucy starts to embark on a journey across the Pond – to help someone, but ultimately to help herself.

A big theme in this book is integrity. Do our misdeeds haunt us forever? We can’t lock them up in an attic, as if they were Rochester’s wife. They will come out. They always do. Everyone has regrets, but only some people are willing to take the steps to truly make amends. How long and how far is good enough? It’s not enough to WANT to do something; you must actually DO it in order for it to work. That’s a lesson that’s as old as the stories being referenced.

Katherine Reay seamlessly sprinkles her story with literary allusions, so thinly they’re almost translucent. The way she writes is simply beautiful. There are a few writers (including Austen) who just make me step back an re-read a sentence just because it’s that beautiful. This book has multitudes of those. But it’s not just the literary passages that are beautiful. There are references to art and color and design and all things artsy.

I felt that this novel is an homage to all of English literature, not just the Bronte sisters. It provides solid proof to me that literature can inspire, create, and inform – but most of all, it can heal.

P.S. Thank you, Ms. Reay, for the description of Poet’s Corner and for making me feel like a high school freshman again, with an entire literary world yet undiscovered at my feet.

Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay is interesting, sweet and at times sad story. I enjoyed the way she connects Lucy's situation with Jane Eyre's, Catherine Earnshaw's, Catherine Morland's, Margaret Hale's situations, how she speculates how all those stories would have ended if there were no lasting love or sole mates or second chances.

The story is about Lucy, who works in antique shop that also offers interior decorating and old books. Lucy's father has abandoned the family when Lucy was just eight but he has sent her a book every year for her birthday. Lucy's father was gifted storyteller (liar) and he used it for making his life easier. They moved a lot when Lucy was little, since his father shams didn't last long, and finally when he left alone, she and her mother moved permanently to Chicago.

One day a young man comes to the store looking for a gift for his father and Lucy suggest a book. Some time later he visits them again, this time he needs a gift for his grandmother and once again Lucy suggested a book. At the end he gets his nerves together and asks Lucy out.

Lucy and James are good together and they spend wonderful months together. But one day James notices that the inscriptions from the previous owners in the books that he bought from Lucy are written with the same hand. Lucy admits to James that she has added some story to the books and that does not sit well with James.But James' grandmother has seen in Lucy something else than just a bookseller who has played with books - she has seen somebody she knew long ago and that reminded her a mistake she made in her youth and now she wants to remedy tit and so she takes Lucy with her to London as art expert and on their trip she explains why Lucy was the right person to come along.

Lucy knows she is her fathers daughter and she has also used shams and manipulations to get what she or others have wanted, but she wants to leave this all behind. But its hard to get rid of old habits over night. London, England and Helen's quest give to Lucy a good opportunity to reevaluate her actions and her "inheritance" - does she wants to manipulate people around her like her father or does she wants get more from life and live more purely, more honestly.

It's a warm and sweet and provoking and engaging story. Since it's filled with Victorian time literature and authors, specially sisters Bronte, Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, it's a wonderful book for those who know the books and love the authors.

Another lovely book by Katherine Reay! As with her first two the only word I can use to describe the writing and the story is rich. I love the character development. I admit that I didn't feel as connected to this book as to her first two, but I think that is because I'm not well versed in the Bronte sisters' writings whereas I am in Jane Austen's (which Reay's first two books drew from).

I read this book in one day. I loved all of the literary tie-ins. I am huge fan of Katherine Reay! Unfortunately, I don't have the time to write a proper review but I thoroughly enjoyed her latest book and would highly recommend it!

The Bronte analogies add to the delight of this well written book. The author pleases those of us that adore classic literature by drawing upon analogies and similarity from the Bronte books as well as Austen from her previous writings. The main character is deeply flawed but redeemable in the readers opinion. This is a novel of manipulations, of second chances and starting over. It is a absolute delight . I highly recommend this excellent book. Thank you for the advance reading copy.

Another riveting read by one of my favorite authors. Who can a resist a author that pays such homage to the Bronte's? Utterly brilliant with delightful characters that are raw and down to earth. I rare treasure in literary fiction.

This book totally engrossed me for about 24 hours (which is the length of time it took me to read!). Whilst I didn't totally like Lucy or her character I had a great deal of empathy for her and the situation she had gotten herself into. I loved the setting of the Chicago antiques scene and Lucy's visit to England as I have visited many of the places she does in London and Haworth.

Lucy has to confront her past and I liked the fact she did this at Haworth, scene of the tumultuous lives of the Bronte sisters. The book is cleverly written with lots of allusions to the lives of the Bronte sisters although you could also read this knowing nothing about them. Some of the Americanisms annoyed me in the parts set in the UK but overall I loved this book and will be seeking out other books by Katherine Reay.

This is a real book lover’s book. Lucy works with books and lives and breathes books….particularly those by British authors like the Bronte sisters, Dickens, and Austen. This book is not a modern retelling of a Bronte book. Rather Lucy explores thoughts and ideas about the Bronte sisters and comes to understand more about herself. I really enjoyed the anecdotes about various authors and the little snippets from some favorite books. I would love to take the tour Lucy took and roam Catherine’s moors, etc.

Lucy’s character is really well developed. She savors her work like a cup of fine tea. It was interesting that she had such a pronounced character flaw. I don’t see that often in books….at least not this particular flaw. It was very gratifying to see her grow in taking responsibility for her own actions.

The romance was a little lacking, I felt. James asks Lucy out and then they’ve been dating for months. It was the only part that felt superficial for me. There were better interactions between Lucy and Dillon. The romance really wasn’t the focus of the book so that didn’t bother me much.

This was my first book by this author and I am glad I picked it up. I’ll definitely be going back to read her prior books and will look forward to what comes next.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book for the purpose of this review.

Other books by Katherine Reay:

Dear Mr. Knightley

Lizzy and Jane

I loved Katherine Reay's first two books so I figured it was a given that I'd love this one as well. I'm happy to say that I was right. I'm a huge Jane Austen fan so that accounts for why I didn't enjoy The Bronte Plot as much as the others but I love the message that this book portrays. In order to make the best of your future, you need to let go of your past. There's nothing I love more than witnessing how characters change over the course of a story and that is exactly what I got with this book. While Helen makes peace with her past you can practically see the weight that has been lifted off her shoulders. As Lucy comes to terms with her family's history/who she is, she decides that she wants to be better. To do this Lucy has to face the consequences of her actions before she can begin to move forward.
As for the romance, I enjoyed how subtle it was. It allowed for the main focus of the story to be on the London trip. It was so easy to picture all of the wonderful places Lucy and Helen went and the many literary references really added to the story.

I can't wait until November 3 when I can to to Barnes & Noble and pick up a copy for my shelves at home!

Kindle Copy for Review

Lucy Alling sells rare old books but not always by ethical matters. She meets James while selling him a few books and they started to date. But when he discovers her secret, they break up.

But beforehand, she meets his grandmother Helen who he had bought a book as a present. Sudden Helen wants to go on a last minute London literary and antiques excursion and hiring Lucy as a consultant. Helen has her own secrets for wanting to go on the trip as well as Lucy.

With an excursion to even Haworth and visit the home of the Bronte sisters who endured struggles. Both Lucy and Helen must deal with their past ghosts and learn to move forward.

This is a tale surrounding literature that in the end is about moving past on past.

The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay is an enjoyable read. I was engaged by the story immediately Lucy Alling is a young woman, living in Chicago and selling rare books and helping her boss with his interior design business. She meets James and her personal life and professional life are both going very well. Then, some of Lucy Alling's business decisions come back to haunt her and cost her not only professionally but personally as well. She finds an unexpected ally in James grandmother, Helen. Lucy learns that sometimes you must go back to go forward. This novel is full of literary references, enjoyable characters, and very important life lessons. One of my favorites this year.

The Bronte Plot surprised me. I had read the description and thought it would be a good debut novel to try; I ended up not putting it down until I was at the last page, then I wanted to read more. Books and Interior Design is Lucy's life until some opportunities come her way and she has to make some changes. Lucy has ways to get a table at every restaurant even without a reservation; which I love. I felt like I was traveling beside her along with the story by reading. True enjoyment!

An enjoyable easy read which includes a love of books and classical English Victoria writers, and interior design. Lucy appears an upright citizen but as she looks for her errant father, it transpires she may have inherited some of his dishonest ways. I found the unusual plot enthralling. The characters are believable and endearing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the way it pulls you in and I love the literature references. This was such an enjoyable book and I will definitely be seeking out more from this author.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions of London were so real and I feel that I must red Jane Austin again after the constant references. Will look for other ooks by this author

This was a fun literary romp, with likable characters that were very well drawn. Lucy was abandoned by her father at the age of 8, and his only method of contacting her has been by sending her a book each year for her birthday. As a result of this abandonment, Lucy's interests are bookish, but her personality makes her embellish truth and ultimately causes a kind of self-destruction.

Her road to redemption comes from a surprising person -Helen, the dying grandmother of her ex-boyfriend. Their trip to England to tour literary history and to right some wrongs is a fantastic journey.

I enjoyed this book a lot - and moved right on to Wuthering Heights after finishing!

I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review. I struggled through the first few chapters, the book seemed to jump forward in time without any warning. It did however come together the further along I read. The story follows Lucy from America to England, namely London, Haworth and Windermere. This is a voyage of discovery for Lucy, and her ex boyfriend's grandmother, Helen, whom she travels to England with. I loved the characters, James (Lucy's ex) and Helen especially brought out the honesty in Lucy and her shady dealings. There were quite a lot of little twists and turns throughout the book. Loved all the literary references. A surprisingly lovely, thoroughly enjoyable read that has left me with the urge to re-read all the classics.

Lucy Alling acquires antique books in an underhand way- yet cherishes , loves and embellishes their history to create a story for prospective buyers. James Carmichael meets Lucy whilst buying a book for his grandmother Helen. Lucy and Helen's pasts become entwined and a trip to London and the Lake District reveals answers about Lucy's absent father and Helens secrets about a past love.
I found this a most enjoyable read. I have never read any books by this author but intend to remedy that as I became entranced by the story and loved the literary references to Haworth and the titular Bronte sisters, the Lake District poets and Bath and Jane Austen. A real romantic read set amongst the poets and authors of the 19th Centuary.

3 1/2 stars Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books from the Bronte sisters. I've seen the movie Wuthering Heights, which is written by another Bronte. So I feel like I'm somewhat familiar with the Bronte style. In my mind, the Bronte's write novels that have passion, angst, a little mystery and darkness to them, but also redemption. These are the themes I was expecting to find in Katherine Reay's new novel, The Bronte Plot.

I will begin with redemption, because I believe this novel had that as it's central theme. Lucy's story has an aspect of generational sin, passed down from her grandfather to her father, and through her relationship with James, she sees herself doing the same things her father did. Lucy is emotionally scarred from her father's abandonment, but she wants to cover it with all the creative stories her father used to tell her. She doesn't want to see who he really was and how he truly influenced her. But the redemption comes as Lucy begins a journey to not only retrace some family history, but also to see that she can break the cycle. She can "be the change" and not be controlled by the actions of generations past. Along the way she is able to form new friendships and see her talents and gifts...gifts that were not used to harm others but help them...and blossom into a new person. I really appreciated this aspect of the novel and liked the growth of not just Lucy's character, but also growth of other characters that were with her on the journey.

As for the other themes that I was giddily looking forward to...the passion, angst, a little mystery and darkness...were not as present for me. There was a little bit of mystery surrounding Lucy's history, but there wasn't a strong love story. Lucy does have a love interest in James, but their story had very little romantic tension. That was a little disappointing. The overall flow of the novel was very even keel.

**I received a free copy of this novel from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Great storytelling new author discovered and will definitely read more of her books.

Who or What Shapes Our Future?

Two years ago, I read a little book called Dear Mr. Knightley and every year since, I’ve looked forward to seeing what Katherine Reay comes up with next. Lizzie & Jane did not disappoint and neither does Reay’s 2015 offering, The Bronte Plot.

Lucy Alling has a great job in which she passes her love of books and a great story on to other collectors. Through that job, she meets a great man, James. But when it’s discovered that she’s using less than honest methods of selling those books and stories, she loses James’s love and faith in her.

When his grandmother, Helen, recruits Lucy for a trip to England to procure some items, Lucy is forced to go along. Spending time in London and Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters, allows Lucy to breath the lives of her beloved authors, to examine her motives and her reasons behind them. But Helen has secrets of her own, and as the two embark on this journey of releasing the past and embracing what’s ahead of them, they discover that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.

Through Victorian-era fiction, especially the works of the Bronte sisters, Lucy discovers there’s more to life than what she’s been allowing herself. I appreciated the way literature is woven throughout the book and I felt like I was visiting the sites of London, Haworth, and The Lake District right along with Lucy. And I always love a book that brings another place to life.

In the end, it’s C.S. Lewis’s words that have the most influence on both Lucy and Helen. Come further up, come further in.

Don’t miss this endearing and thought-provoking book from Katherine Reay.

***Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I just finished reading The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay and was enthralled. It is a wonderful read about the journeys of life: self discovery and exploration, making peace with the past, taking responsibility for one's actions, making amends for misdeeds and moving forward. "Come further up, come further in," a C.S. Lewis quote used to great effect in this lovely book. The value of truth and honor is also a strong, recurrent theme of this book. In addition, Ms. Reay does an excellent job of writing the multi dimensional characters of this book.

Lucy, the main character, is flawed, but not irrevocably so. On the road to redeem herself, she has to take both a real and metaphorical journey. Lucy begins the book as a young woman who manipulates facts and stories to suit her own needs. If she can embellish the truth to gain an end, she has no problem doing so. She is employed by Sid, who is a very sympathetic character. Not really seen except through Lucy's eyes and some brief conversations, still it is clear that he is a good and honorable man with a good heart. His words about his name being on the shop and his reputation on the line, drive home to Lucy, possibly for the first time, the fact that her actions can have ramifications for others. Lucy's free and easy way with the truth also affect James, her boyfriend.

I loved Helen, James' grandmother. She is on a journey of her own, but with her advanced years, she has gained wisdom and has softened around the edges some. She is very kind to Lucy and a great mentor. Her shared memories and outlooks on life give Lucy a much needed different perspective.

The author's vivid descriptions of objects as well as people, adds much to the book. They brought to life Westminster Abbey, the MacMillan vases, the books, and so much more. I loved the references to specific paint colors in regard to eye color, skin tone, etc. Very clever but also something I could see a designer doing.

I highly recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid, nor was I required to write a positive review.

Lucy is following the path of her father, living life with little white lies and falsehoods which backfire. Her relationship with James comes to an abrupt end when he realizes she has forged books in the antique gallery she works in. A trip to France with James' grandmother helps her to find her way. The book is about choices, and set in the steps of the Bronte sisters in England, how those choices come to define us.

A slow burning, beautiful novel exploring identity, families, and the power of honesty/vulnerability.

I'd heard of Katherine Reay, so was keen to read this novel, and it didn't disappoint. She weaves a story based on many other great stories; classic works by the Bronte sisters (and other authors) are alluded to, form part of the plot, and provide inspiration for some of Reay's themes.

I didn't initially find the depiction of Lucy's work in an antique gallery particularly gripping, but as the novel continued I found myself drawn in by the characters, the plot, and the broader literary allusions. The hints about what Lucy had done wrong were a little frustrating at times, and I felt some aspects of the characterisation could have been developed a little further.

These minor things didn't stop me enjoying the book, and I've found myself thinking about it, and the classic novels connected with it in the days after finishing 'The Bronte Plot' - particularly the inscription 'Strength to Endure'.

Another excellent read by Katherine Reay! While the lead character, Lucy, was not always likable, she was beautifully flawed - trying to create experiences in every situation. It was easy to follow her journey to wholeness and enjoy the other characters along the way!

An absolutely delightful romance with wonderful literary references.

This is my first Katherine Reay read and it was definitely a page-turner! I made the mistake of 'glancing through it' at midnight and was still reading some two hours later! I especially enjoyed the way Lucy and Helen used fiction to reflect deeply on their current circumstances, as well as to draw strength from them in order to make the right choices. I also loved 'travelling' along with them to England and imagining all the spots they visited in my head - "The Bronte Plot" will definitely be a book to bring along if I ever make it to London/Haworth! Now I'm looking forward to reading her other two books as well.

Definitely one for curling up in front of a fire on a wet winter's day. A glorious tale of literature and London as seem through the eyes of two book loving Americans .Lucy loves her job. She works for Sid, one of the most respected antique dealers in Chicago. and whilst she deals mainly with organising Sid she has a side line in antiquarian books.The problem is that some of the books may not have the provenance she says they have..

Lucy falls in love with James and through him meets his Grandmother Helen. When her relationship with James hits a hiatus, Helen comes to the rescue by suggesting that Lucy accompanies her on a trip to England.

The English settings are seen rather through romantic eyes and some of the geography in London is not quite correct but as long as you can get past it, this is a sensual enjoyable book of literature and romance.

Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book

A little slow at the beginning but once Lucy left for the country I was hooked. This is a nicely written romance.

After a hard slog through a difficult tome, I found this book a refreshing palate cleanser - quite light and with a good pace, but with a firmer centre than first appears. I loved the references to classic British writers and their work, which created a sense of history around the plot as well as being instrumental in starting the quest to England in the first place. Overall an interesting and engaging story with likeable characters you could grow to love and an air of old-fashioned morality that harks back to the Bronte era of the plot.

As a fan of all the Bronte novels the title of this book appealed to me instantly. After a bit of a slow start when I found it difficult to engage with the main characters, I was slowly drawn into the world of family secrets, rare books and antiquities. Anyone with a passion for reading, and especially with a love for the classics will enjoy this novel and the literary references included throughout. Having recently read the Bronte biography by Juliet Barker I was particularly interested in the section of the book set in Haworth and the surrounding areas. This is a perfect read for a cosy afternoon in with (as they frequently do in the story) a nice cup of tea or even better a large glass of wine!

I truly loved this book. Perhaps because Lucy and her story reminded me of myself and my story a bit. Every character was dynamic, realistic, charming, and absolutely lovely. If I could travel to Chicago and London to meet these characters, I would. The author makes several good point about how people change, stay the same, and really make their own path regardless of the choices made by past generations. This book speaks hope and a love for literature. This one will be on my re-read list and now I sincerely want to read the other books written by Katherine Reay. The only small (but kinda big) thing that I didn't like is the ending. I need more! I always do. I wish this book was part of a series or that there was at least an epilogue. All in all, I loved it and am very glad I read it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Charming, addictive and just perfect. The kind of novel to curl up with on a Saturday afternoon and get lost inside of.

I am an avid reader of romance and erotica and like most romance readers I have a great love of english literature. Especially of Austen and Bronte. I really can't call this book a romance novel as this isn't just about a love between a man and a woman but more about a love of books and a need to find ones true self. Lucy has loved books ever since she was a little girl. It's also a special connection that she has with her father. Ever since her father left her, he has been sending her books every year on her birthday. A con artist, her father has been moving and the books are the only link she has with him. She soon realizes that her love of books isn't the only thing she has in common with her father, she also loves to make up stories and sometimes uses those "stories" to get things. Her fake stories end up costing her her relationship. But all is not lost, she gets a second chance when she is asked to accompany her ex's grandmother to England. Helen must also makes things right. She has terminal cancer and wants to make everything right before it is too late. Both women discover themselves during this journey and Lucy finds more than she bargained for.
A beautiful story that takes you to the heart of the Brontes and Austen's land. A true treasure for all lovers of english literature. Will be checking out more of Katherine Reay's work in the future.

Really enjoyed this tale of Lucy, who combines looking after rare books with running the shop for an interior designer. A multi-layered story, looking at family, relationships, safeguarding other people's belongings, design, discovering things aren't always what they seem, and my favourite - classic novels.

After a tricky breakup, Lucy is aghast to discover she is to travel to England from Chicago, with her ex-boyfriend'sgrandmother. A literary take follows with trips to literary London, most notably Bloomsbury,and Haworth - home to the Brontës.

These layers are unpeeled in varying depth - but each adds to the story. To say more will spoil it, but an interesting read (after a slowish start). Will definitely appeal to book lovers!!

The multiple layers allow many different types of readers to enjoy this book. There's something for everyone!, an easy read but with some touching moments.

For both lovers of classic literature and those who aren't as familiar with the classics! Katherine Reay's story of finding and loving your true self while finding the love of your life is simply wonderful.

Lucy Alling's father left when Lucy was eight. She doesn't really know much about him except that he was a conman who loved books and sends her a book of classic literature every year for her birthday. Now Lucy's grown up, working in an antique design shop and sells books along with home decor. Like her father, Lucy has a knack for conniving and getting what she wants through her fast talking. She didn't see anything wrong with it until she meets James, a dreamy lawyer from a good family. Everything's going great, Lucy thinks, when one day James visits her shop with his grandmother. Helen has an agenda that includes Lucy, a trip to England, a mysterious watch and the opening up and airing out of MANY secrets--both Helen's AND Lucy's.

With many references to the Bronte sisters, Beatrix Potter and other classic literary favorites, The Bronte Plot follows Helen and Lucy as they visit the land of Bronte and Potter and compare their own life's upheavals to those of their favorite characters all the while trying to unburden themselves and find happiness.

Wonderful book! Loved the characters, the literary tie-ins and the sprinkling of romance. One of my new favourite authors!

I really enjoyed this book. The story line was really well developed in that Katherine really showcased how the things we learn as children can affect how we act as adults. The dynamic between James & Lucy was excellent and the fact that their relationship had so many obstacles that you would find in real life was refreshing to see.

Lucy loves books and can get to extreme measures to be sure her precious ones will go t good houses. She has a boyfriend, James and does no know where it is going to..
James' grandmother will offer to take the young woman to a tirp centered around the three Bronte sisters. There, Lucy will take a different look at life and decide to repair what she can from the errors she has committed. She learns more about the Brontes and the problems they had and finds inspiration through their lives. Helen, James'grandmother and Lucy become close friends, and disclose some of their secrets. When Lucy returns

The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay is a must read for anyone who loves romance, suspense, England and of course ~ the Bronte sister's classics. The scenery, literary themes as well as the intrigue and romance captured me from the start. I laughed and shed a few tears through this novel. I cheered Lucy on as she lived, learned and strove to find herself. All in all, The Bronte Plot is an excellent book. I highly recommend it!

4.5 Stars

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy makes errors and mistakes early on in this book as is revealed from the back cover, but as you live through them with her, you discover life lessons about yourself as well. This is not a typical romance where boy meets girl, there is some sort of misunderstanding, all is fixed by the end of the book and they live happily every after. This is a bit more real life than that, but in a deeper raw way. You will find a real love demonstrated more fully here, as each layer is stripped away. Ms. Reay does a wonderful job of giving a piece of classic, modern literature for book lovers.

This book has so many layers that I'm not quite sure where to begin. On the surface is a complicated love story between a man and a woman. But when you lift that layer you find a story about a father and a daughter and a mother and son and even grandson. All the characters have complex histories that are intertwined and desperately need to be sorted out.

Beyond the people is the setting. It is a lovely trip to some of those magical places we've all visited in our favorite classics. And speaking of classics . . . this is full of wonderful references and quotes. There's Austen and the Bronte sisters and even the beloved Beatrix Potter. If you are a fan of British literature you'll appreciate that aspect of the novel.

I continue to be impressed with the writing of Katherine Reay. I can understand why those that want a light read would not be so thrilled with her books. But for those of us that want texture to the story she does a marvelous job! I'm eagerly looking forward to her next book.

Enjoyed it very much. A great story and enjoyable read! I will gladly recommend it to my friends.