Review of Hattie Vavaseur
Posted: 12 Oct 2021, 04:38
[Following is a volunteer review of "Hattie Vavaseur" by M. Rebecca Wildsmith.]
Hattie Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith is a cozy yet captivating account of the adventures of an honorable elderly lady. Hattie Vavaseur gets lost after attending someone's funerals. A mysterious chauffeur named Bertram takes her to an old mansion. Hattie not only cannot remember whose house it is, but she finds herself in a room completely decorated with the most annoying pink color! And Ms. Vavaseur couldn't stand all shades of pink since her childhood. More than that - it's impossible to find a single mirror in the house, its scary master behaves strangely, and Bertram convinces Hattie to visit a clairvoyant named Vamelda. She promises to help Hattie restore her lost memory and unveil some obscure events in her past.
I liked the historical period the author used as a background for the book - the 1920s with references to the end of the nineteenth century. I also loved the author's wonderful humor. For example, Hattie was scandalized with Vamelda's exotic name, and to say it "wasn’t difficult for her orally, but morally." Also, the characters (even secondary ones) were very well developed and lively. The more I learned about Hattie, the more I liked her. She seems to be strict, snobby, and cold from first sight. But she has a tender and wounded soul under all these protective layers. The way her aunt and uncle treated her in her youth was devastating. The author managed to show a tragedy of a lonely soul with just a few skillful lines. Another interesting character is Florence Sydbury, or simply Syd. She is a medium too and represents a new type of woman - strong, independent, and true to oneself in any circumstances. For example, she refuses to put on a show for clients as Vamelda does in her shop because she's too honest. In my opinion, it's impossible not to like her. Also, the romance is beautiful, touching, and genuine.
I dislike that Vamelda, a bit shallow and a hardly bright person, plays a central part in the narrative. She has a big heart, but her ability not only to communicate with ancient gods but even obtain some benefits from them seems doubtful. Also, I don't quite understand the necessity for ghosts to eat ordinary food, for they even shared it once with Vamelda.
Nevertheless, it was my pleasure to award this book with 4 out of 4 stars. The editorial work was quite impressive and professional, for I found only one minor typo. The book cannot get fewer stars because of the intensity of the ending, charming writing style, rich language, and the author's ability to create an authentic atmosphere peculiar to the described junction of centuries.
I recommend this book to all fans of detective stories, romance novels, and supernatural thrillers. The book is for a mature audience because it has scenes of violence. Readers interested in the epoch the book so masterly recounts would enjoy it.
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Hattie Vavaseur
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Hattie Vavaseur by M. Rebecca Wildsmith is a cozy yet captivating account of the adventures of an honorable elderly lady. Hattie Vavaseur gets lost after attending someone's funerals. A mysterious chauffeur named Bertram takes her to an old mansion. Hattie not only cannot remember whose house it is, but she finds herself in a room completely decorated with the most annoying pink color! And Ms. Vavaseur couldn't stand all shades of pink since her childhood. More than that - it's impossible to find a single mirror in the house, its scary master behaves strangely, and Bertram convinces Hattie to visit a clairvoyant named Vamelda. She promises to help Hattie restore her lost memory and unveil some obscure events in her past.
I liked the historical period the author used as a background for the book - the 1920s with references to the end of the nineteenth century. I also loved the author's wonderful humor. For example, Hattie was scandalized with Vamelda's exotic name, and to say it "wasn’t difficult for her orally, but morally." Also, the characters (even secondary ones) were very well developed and lively. The more I learned about Hattie, the more I liked her. She seems to be strict, snobby, and cold from first sight. But she has a tender and wounded soul under all these protective layers. The way her aunt and uncle treated her in her youth was devastating. The author managed to show a tragedy of a lonely soul with just a few skillful lines. Another interesting character is Florence Sydbury, or simply Syd. She is a medium too and represents a new type of woman - strong, independent, and true to oneself in any circumstances. For example, she refuses to put on a show for clients as Vamelda does in her shop because she's too honest. In my opinion, it's impossible not to like her. Also, the romance is beautiful, touching, and genuine.
I dislike that Vamelda, a bit shallow and a hardly bright person, plays a central part in the narrative. She has a big heart, but her ability not only to communicate with ancient gods but even obtain some benefits from them seems doubtful. Also, I don't quite understand the necessity for ghosts to eat ordinary food, for they even shared it once with Vamelda.
Nevertheless, it was my pleasure to award this book with 4 out of 4 stars. The editorial work was quite impressive and professional, for I found only one minor typo. The book cannot get fewer stars because of the intensity of the ending, charming writing style, rich language, and the author's ability to create an authentic atmosphere peculiar to the described junction of centuries.
I recommend this book to all fans of detective stories, romance novels, and supernatural thrillers. The book is for a mature audience because it has scenes of violence. Readers interested in the epoch the book so masterly recounts would enjoy it.
******
Hattie Vavaseur
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
And the same here!