MrsK Books: 03/01/2016

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Shelley Gray

ISBN: 9780310338499

Publisher's Synopsis:

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

MrsK's Review:
Have you ever read a book that is so uniquely special you are hesitant to share it? A book that was endearing and yet so "alive" that you want to savor it before others tell you what they thought of it? Forgive me readers, but this was one of those reads. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted time alone with it before opening it up for your discovery.

In October 1893, The Chicago Times-Courier reported that even though the city was enjoying the success of the Columbian Exposition, there were "dark events taking place in the city's underbelly." By January, Lydia Bancroft was focused on cataloging the newest books and preparing for her favorite patrons visit to the library's reading room. She had noticed that last week when he had finished his last book that he looked "pleased and just a bit melancholy" (Oh, how I could relate to this reader's experience). Although Lydia's day begins no differently than any other day, it will prove to be a turning point in every aspect of her life. For today will be the moment in which her favorite patron will catch her off guard with the quietest gesture:

"When she instinctively looked his way, he was gazing at her directly... she gave in to temptation

and allowed herself to meet his gaze. But when one of his eyebrows rose with a look of amusement,

her embarrassment worsened."

With a sense of dread Lydia attends another ball as a way of squelching her mother's fears. For some "unknown" reason she catches the eye of Mr. Avondale. With the delight her mother pushes Lydia into accepting Mr. Avondale's proposal and now her mother assumes that their future will be secure. Yet, Lydia is very concerned about Mr. Avondale's response to their lack of wealth. Surely he will be understanding, after all he "seemed fond enough of her."

On the day that Mr. Avondale takes Lydia to tea at the Hartman Hotel, she notices her patron standing nonchalantly against the wall. Flustered beyond belief, Lydia becomes distracted to the point that a surprised confrontation will change everything about Lydia's future:

"Easy now... Everything is all right now, Lydia.

Nothing was all right. Her patron was holding her too close, too secure...

Her circumstances had certainly not just gotten better."

Lydia will not be "unguarded" as she walks through her circumstances. Her mysterious patron, Mr. Marks, will become a gentle and resourceful guardian. Given special orders from Mr. Marks, Vincent and Bridget will not only watch over Lydia they will ensure her safety.

What started in the whisper room, continues beyond the Hartman Hotel through the Camp Creek Alley and pass the doors of the Silver Grotto. With poise and determination, Lydia will endure as any true Librarian should... dignified and mostly unruffled. Until the evening of the murder!

Every character is delightfully crafted. The historical settings and fashionable attires adds perfection to "setting the scene!" Conversations are quick witted, often snippy and snobbish. Yet, there are many moments in which the characters will add their uniquely "seasoned" quips to satisfy any tense moment.

Take a journey back to 1894 with a Librarian that will offer you the right story for your leisurely reading,
MrsK

"Tell me, Miss Bancroft, do your books whisper warnings about befriending men like me?"

Sebastian Marks

Quite irresistible!

Chicago World's Fair Mystery's

Meet the Author:
4web

I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.
Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.
I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.
Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.

Brides of Pinecraft

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)