Tanya E Williams

Meet Me at the Clock is a very enjoyable historical fiction book. I was drawn in the by the time I had read the first few pages and only became more absorbed as pages flew by. Sisters Clara and Louisa are compelling characters--sisters with a deep bond but very different outlooks on life and the paths they intend to choose. One thing they share is their work as maids at the luxurious Vancouver, Canada hotel, The Hotel Hamilton. In addition to bringing the main characters to life, the author gives us a fascinating look at details of this historic hotel and the daily operations required to run it smoothly.

With their steady job the sisters, and their father, are finally able to enjoy a degree of financial stability that they have not experienced since their mother died several years back. They went through a rough period after the loss of their mother. Their father became an alcoholic and did not have a steady job for a while. Fortunately, he was able to stop drinking and land a steady job. That, combined with the sisters' employment at the hotel is enough to secure them a decent apartment and enough food for the family.

While Clara believes they should accept their rather low station in life and work hard to maintain stability, Louisa aspires to bigger and better things. In particular, Louisa has always wanted to be an actress, and has the talent for it, too. She had a bad experience in a theater company in the past with an abusive director, and is scared to try again; but never gives up her dream. Finally, a chance she feels she must take presents itself and she courageously accepts the challenge at a new theater company. Her sister Clara does not understand Louisa's decisions and she herself is full of fears of trying for a promotion or in any way seeking advancement in life. She takes these fears out on Louisa in a display of unpleasantness. Likewise, Louisa takes out their differences of opinion in the same way, lashing out at her sister. Each of them in turn realizes what is happening and addresses the situation before it gets too far out of control and they agree to both try their best to muster up courage to meet what opportunities life holds for them.

The historical details of the Vancouver area and the hotel are fascinating. The author describes some of the historical details that certain events in the novel are based on at the end of the book in the Author's Note. I found that information very interesting!… (mehr)

I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher and Bookish First Impressions in exchange for an unbiased review.

A unique story told in 2015 by people living in different realities. Emily Reed is a new graduate from University of Washington law school. She is still angry and resentful since the unexpected death of her parents almost 20 years ago. She was placed with her parents friends Veronica and Colin who remain legal guardians of her inheritance until she is 29 years old. She struggles as it seems there are constant reminders of her parents where she goes. Emily decides to take on a research assignment as a new lawyer at her firm. The solitude of sorting documents seems to be a break from the hustle of the law firm.

Fortunately, Emily has a supportive boyfriend of 2 years, Ryan who works as an architect. The case Emily is given pertains to the state wanting to force historical status on a church building. The caretakers and parishioners feel it is a tremendous burden to financially maintain the historical building. Ironically, she discovers that her parents were married in this very church so her work takes on new meaning.

She discovers some diaries of Elizabet she finds in the basement going through the historical documents. She finds it an odd discovery but feels compelled to read them and the history of that time period. Since she parents death Emily has had complicated relationships and didn’t trust people. Father Michael offers her support and guidance which comforts her during her working days.

It seems that house is still occupied by the ghost of Elizabet who relishes reliving her past through Emily’s diary readings. She has been in the storage room for the past 80 years wiring for her beloved Rupert. He died when she was 47 and still feels his presence at the sanctuary of the church where they said their vows in 1910. Much to her chagrin her unlikely friend from the past Dorothea has been trying to help her move on to the spirit world where she is convinced Rupert is waiting for Elizabet.

Over time, Emily and Elizabet both find resolutions which allow them to move on in their own way. The story is about family, loss, grief and how to find peace. Denying the pain of loss and ignoring the grief does not become easier over the years. The hardest but bravest decision is to ask and receive support and guidance.… (mehr)

I've decided to dnf this one for now, though I may come back to it in the future. I've been pickier about the kinds of books I want to read lately and unfortunately I'm really struggling to get into this one. I love the idea of a dual perspective storyline and I thought I was in the mood for this type of historical fiction, but I was wrong.

My main issue is with the writing style. It is overly descriptive and feels very forced to me. I can see how some people might like it, but it didn't allow me to fully connect with the characters. It feels a bit like the author was trying to satisfy a required word count, so every sentence is phrased in an overly complicated way and it comes off feeling stilted and formal.

I can't speak much to the plot because I didn't get far enough for that, but the storyline does have potential. Right now I'm just looking for books that are more immediately engaging.

Thank you to BookishFirst and Tanya E Williams for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.… (mehr)