Book Review: The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell

A MUST READ!!!!  I'm not even quite sure how to begin to review this, as I'm still in awe over the story.  This brilliant debut by Suzanne Rindell, is absolutely delicious!

Rose, a plain girl who was raised by nuns in an orphanage,  is a stenographer for the New York City Police Department.  She leads a simple, albeit mundane life and rather likes it like that.  She is quirky, but a well respected, likeable girl who truly enjoys her job.  That is until SHE walks in to the precinct for an interview for the same position.  Odalie.  That's what she calls herself.  She breezes in with such an air about herself, and decorated with the finest attire.  She has no business waltzing in and stopping the whole place in it's tracks.  She's beautiful, dressed to the nines and wants to work here?  Well, after catching the attention of literally everyone in the precinct, she of course gets the job and Rose's life is about to change forever, or is it?

After a rough start, Rose and Odalie become quick friends and Rose even leaves her home in the boarding house to join Odalie in her posh apartment as her roommate.  However, soon after, Rose learns just how Odalie ticks, and where the money for her coveted lifestyle is actually coming from.  Nevertheless, her feelings of admiration for Odalie continue to grow as she is entering a world of which she'd have never seen without her new friend.  Yet, when this new life of luxury turns into a life of mystery, the plot only thickens while their relationship becomes more and more enmeshed.   Just as she realizes that she may be in over her head, another shocking revelation is revealed. 

SUPERB!!  Rindell has written a book that is without a doubt a home-run!!  I could go on and on about this book, but don't want to give away too much.  While the narration of this incredible novel is a bit different, I found Rose to be an incredible character that is like no other I've read. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, and just flat out great books.

Thank you Susan Rindell for such an amazing book, and thank you Net Galley and Penguin Book Australia for this fantastic book!!

Book Recommendation: Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

  STUNNING DEBUT!!!

 Why have I only just recently learned of this book!  For fans of The Help, or any Historical Fiction buffs out there, this is a simply FANTASTIC read!!

The year is 1837 in the Deep South, where rich white families give their newly born babies to the wet nurses/nannies to raise.  Lisbeth has just been born and Mattie, the families slave must leave her own baby to tend to the new white girl.  But what begins as somewhat of a bittersweet relationship turns into a true labor of love.  Mattie grows to adore Lisbeth, and Lisbeth finds a deep heart filled trust and love in Mattie.  

Over the years this love continues to grow and Lisbeth is forced to witness just how poorly slaves are treated in the south.  Mattie shares her life stories with Lisbeth, and learns exactly how Mattie came to be her caretaker.  Mattie's given up all she knows to watch over a family that isn't hers.  Then, just as Lisbeth is trying to wrap her head around all that is wrong with slavery, she witnesses an unfortunate incident in which she views and despicable act of violence towards another worker in the house, which only reinforces Lisbeth's need to help Mattie.  After more trials and tribulations, Lisbeth and Mattie become separated but their love from one another knows no bounds.

This is a heartfelt story that will be loved by all that read it.  I can't WAIT to see what the author will bring out next, although this will be hard to beat.  A simply beautiful, albeit short read!

Thank you Net Galley and Flaming Chalice Press for the chance to review such an lovely book.  I can only hope I'll be reading more of her work soon!!