The Girl in the Glass

The Girl in the Glass
Susan Meissner
Waterbrook Press
Fiction, Contemporary
September 18, 2012

From the time she was a child Meg has been promised a trip to Florence, Italy. She's held on to that promise and longed for the day she can find the setting for a work of art she remembers from her grandmother's house. When her grandmother passes away Meg is dependent on her somewhat absent father to take her to the city of her dreams. With one excuse after another her plans for Florence seem to be on a permanent hold.

Under mysterious circumstances Meg's father finally books the trip to Italy. She gets a ticket by mail and has hours before she leaves. Upon arriving in Italy her father is nowhere to be found. With no idea where to go or what to do Meg calls her Florence contacts. As an editor Meg has been reading the work of Sofia Borelli who is an aspiring memoir writer. Sofia graciously opens her home to Meg and a truly mesmerizing adventure begins.

Meg explores Florence with Sofia by her side and sees the Florence of old. Sofia claims to be the last surviving member of the Medici family. She also claims that a former Medici princess, Nora, communicates with her through some of the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Meg isn't sure what to believe but she's seeing Florence through the eyes of Sofia and Nora and it's changing everything.

It is no secret that Meissner is in my top 5 favorite authors. Her last book was sorely lacking so I picked up The Girl in the Glass with mixture of trepidation and hope. I'm delighted to report that this book does not disappoint. Meissner is back. This is an intricately written book that you will find yourself wanting to savor. I found myself wanting to go back to Florence with book in hand and to explore Sofia's way.

Meg is a sweet and simple character. She is not lacking in depth, she is simply who she is. Sofia is delightful in a hundred different ways. There is just a hint of romance as Meg and Sofia's neighbor, a long-time client of Meg's, begin to spend more time together. Beyond that the story draws you in like only Susan Meissner can.

There were a few parts I found myself skimming as the details seemed to overwhelm the page. Intricate details on art pieces are not really my thing. While this sits solidly in the middle as far as favorite Meissner books goes I thoroughly enjoyed it. You'll find yourself transported and aching to hop a plane for Florence. If you can't do that I suggest you brew an espresso, put a scarf on, play some classical music and dive into this work of art. 

My thanks to Waterbrook Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Sound Among the Trees

Arizona desert girl, Marielle, meets widower Carson online and they get married. Marielle suddenly finds herself step-mother to two children and living at Holly Oak, a plantation house in Virginia with Carson's grandmother-in-law. The house itself is rumored to be full of mystery, and if you believe the blue-haired ladies, it's full of ghosts. One of the ghosts is Susannah, a former resident of the house who is rumored to have been a civil war spy for the north.

History seeps through the very pores of the house down to the Civil War cannon ball lodging in the siding. Grandmother Adelaide holds all the history and stories close to herself. She's pretty sure the house is not haunted but is instead somehow stuck in sorrow and trying to make amends. Marielle isn't sure what to believe but she isn't entirely comfortable in a house filled with so many questions and stories from the past. 

Meissner is one of my absolute favorite authors and I was beyond thrilled to be able to review this book. What's unique about this author is her ability to blend the past and the present in an incredibly effective way. I'm rather bummed to say that this book did not live up to my expectations. Almost two-thirds of it was taken up with the modern day story that I felt was a bit heavy on the haunting and a bit lacking in clarity. Once we were transported to the past through a series of letters the book was fascinating and I stayed up late to finish it. Unfortunately the first two-thirds dragged and were not, in my opinion, Meissner's best work. However, she does an excellent job with the story of Susannah in the Civil War and you will find yourself captivated.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

The Shape of Mercy

I think I may have just found a new top 10 favorite author. I have read two books of Susan Meissner now and I am hooked. Lady in Waiting was a wonderful read and I dare say The Shape of Mercy  was even better.

Lauren Durough, 20 year oldcollege student and an only child, has grown into a bit of a rebel when it comes to doing what her family expects her to do. She is a product of the privileged lifestyle to which she was born and she has lived her whole life wondering if her father would have rather had a son. Those wonderings make her even more determined to blaze her own trail, resulting in her choice of a state school over a private university and her decision to major in English rather than in Buisiness or economics. 

A desire to cover some of her own school expenses leads Lauren to a fascinating job transcribing the personal diary of Mercy Hayworth, a young woman who in 1692 living in Salem was charged with being a witch. The diary's owner, Abigail, intrigued her, and the diary captivated her. Little did she know the "job" would change her life.

The Shape of Mercy  is about three distinct women, Lauren, Abigail, and Mercy. Each woman brings their own depth to the story. At it's very heart this book is a love story, yet it is so intricately weaved and delicately written that you'll suddenly realize that and then wonder how you got there.The beauty that underlies it all is that the wonderful power of love can bring healing to any situation.

Meissner is a master storyteller and I look forward to reading her books for years to come.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

Her husband has moved to New Hampshire needing "time away", her son is off to college, and Jane has just received a shipment of antiques from England with a hidden ring that dates back to the 1500's. The ring is beautiful but even more intriguing is the inscription on the inside side that has Jane's name on it.

This book was an easy fascinating read. I was dreading another book about a woman's struggle to rebuild her life after her husband leaves her. However, Lady in Waiting holds many surprises and I was very pleasantly surprised. Switching back and forth between the 16th century England and modern day New York I found myself captivated by the stories in both centuries. As always I found myself fascinated by the historical aspects. Jane learns much about love and I dare say the reader will as well.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.