Welcome to my stop on the blog tour celebrating the release of Where the Light Enters by Sara Donati! Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the invitation! Stay tuned for information on how to win a copy at the bottom of this post!
About the Book:
From the international bestselling author of The Gilded Hour comes Sara Donati’s enthralling epic about two trailblazing female doctors in nineteenth-century New York
Obstetrician Dr. Sophie Savard returns home to the achingly familiar rhythms of Manhattan in the early spring of 1884 to rebuild her life after the death of her husband. With the help of Dr. Anna Savard, her dearest friend, cousin, and fellow physician she plans to continue her work aiding the disadvantaged women society would rather forget.
As Sophie sets out to construct a new life for herself, Anna’s husband, Detective-Sergeant Jack Mezzanotte calls on them both to consult on two new cases: the wife of a prominent banker has disappeared into thin air, and the corpse of a young woman is found with baffling wounds that suggest a killer is on the loose. In New York it seems that the advancement of women has brought out the worst in some men. Unable to ignore the plight of New York’s less fortunate, these intrepid cousins draw on all resources to protect their patients.
My Thoughts:
While Where the Light Enters is a follow-up to Donati’s previous novel, The Gilded Hour, this beautiful book can stand on its own.
Dr. Sophie Savard is an obstetrician returning to Manhattan in the late 1800s. Her husband has passed away, and in many ways, she is starting over.
Sophie’s dear cousin, Anna, is also doctor, and the pair plan to continue working with disadvantaged women who are often forgotten.
Anna’s husband is a detective and seeks their help in solving cases. One is a wife who has disappeared, while the other is a deceased woman with unusual wounds.
With the changing roles of women, it seems their being victims is continuing to happen. Sophie and Anna will do all they can to keep their patients safe.
Oh my, if you are looking for strong female characters, look no further. Sophie and Anna are completely inspiring, and not just because of their smarts. Their devoted friendship to each other and their care and advocacy for their patients are awe-inspiring.
Where the Light Enters is a chunk of a book, but no worries because it’s not overwritten. It’s simply that epic. If you are a mystery fan, there is a big, involved one here. Why are these women showing up murdered? And at whose hands? Sophie and Anna intend to find out.
Overall, Where the Light Enters is a must-read for historical fiction fans, though I think mystery fans, and just about anyone will love this story. There’s grittiness and atmosphere, as well as two main characters with a strong passion for doing what is right, no matter the cost.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Sara Donati is the author of eight historical novels set in the United States between 1790 and 1885. Her most recent novel is The Gilded Hour. The sequel, Where the Light Enters, will be out in 2019 with Penguin/Berkley.
***Book Giveaway***
For a chance to win a finished copy of Where the Light Enters, please visit my instagram page! Giveaway generously sponsored by the publisher.
You know I’m a big fan of historical mysteries, as my love affair with the Gaslight Mysteries series bears out. This sounds wonderful and similar to that one (my heroine is a midwife) and it’s remarkable that these two women were doctors in that era. Excellent review, Jennifer💜
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Thanks, Jonetta! I found this so special and I can definitely see the parallels with those series. It also reminded me a touch of another duo of books I read about female doctors during this era (totally blanking on the name though). I’m so grateful we are being told these stories! ♥️
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Oh wow this sounds like an absolutely fantastic read! I definitely want to read Where The Light Enters now. Wonderful review! xx
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Thanks, Yvo! It blew me away! I hope you get a chance to check it out!
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This sounds like a great combination of historical, mystery and great character development! Thanks for sharing, and wow that photo!!
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Aw, thank you, Tammy! It was a great story with all those things combined.
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Amazing review Jen! I need to check this author out! Happy Wednesday my friend!📚🌞💜
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Thanks, Sus! You do need to! I hope you have had a great Wednesday! ♥️
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Gorgeous picture, Jennifer! Wonderful blog tour and review. I added this strong female character, historical fiction to my TBR list. Happy Wednesday! 👩⚕️🌻❤️📚🌻🥰😘
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Thanks, Virginia! This was such a good read! I hope you get a chance to try it! ♥️
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Great review! This sounds good – I like a mystery with a strong historical setting. Funnily enough, I’ve just been reading about a real-life female American detective from just a couple of decades before this one – it’s intriguing to know they were around so early…
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Thanks, FF! It really is interesting. We didn’t have many stories about them before, but I’m grateful we are reading more and more.
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The book cover is gorgeous.
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Thanks, Jane! I think so too!
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oh and I just noticed the cat. Too adorable!!!
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Thank you! ♥️
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Definitely sounds interesting and one to add to Mt TBR.
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I hope you get a chance to check it out, Marialyce!
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Ohh I love how Anna and Sophie focus on helping disadvantaged women. I had no clue this was a followup novel, so I’ll need to check out The Guilded Hour!
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Lovely review! This one sounds great – the women must be strong to pursue their careers in this historical timeframe.
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Thanks, Anne- that is so true. And they are strong and courageous.
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