Book Series #1 - Finds & Fiction Recommendations

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly - Set in London of 1888, this historical fiction follows Fiona Finnegan, an Irish worker for a tea factory, who stumbles upon a conspiracy concocted by the factory's owner, William Burton, leading to an ongoing battle against the secret goings on of the tea business. 

I find the use of genre as a literary device to exploit a character's personality attractive, and this book does it through Fiona's encounters with romance. She is a strong female protagonist swathed in overtones of conspiracy, murder, and undertones of despair. If you find this appealing, give it a try. This book is more than 10 years old, but definitely worth picking up. 

The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly - This is the second book in The Tea Rose Series. The protagonist is a recent medical graduate named India Selwyn-Jones. She embarks on a quest to shut down the rampant opium business in 19th century London.

I never knew there was a second book to this series. Shame on me! I'm pretty excited to read it, but I must reread the first one to refresh my memory.

I had snatched the last beat up copy, sitting lonesome on the lowest shelf, all the way in a quiet corner at the back of the bookstore. That's a bit depressing isn't it? Not unless you're accompanied by a warm cup of tea and a blanket prepared to hug you all day long.

The Book Of Lost Things by John Connolly - This fantasy novel follows David, a 12-year-old with a deep love for books. Fairy tales become an integrated part in how he copes with his mother's passing...especially when those tales come to life and spirit him away from the only home he has ever known.

My wonderful cousin sent this book to me (as a late Christmas gift, but no matter). I'm almost done reading it and hot damn, has it been a ride. The title is a nod to fairy tales, and this one is densely packed with them. However, don't expect beautiful princesses and happily ever afters dipped in honey. This is more of a bitter pleasure; a book worth reading in the dark to amplify what happens when little boys creep in the bent shadows of fairy tales. 

Any fiction books you would recommend?

-Piki