Aureole

by Kate Mitchell

When Jessica Carleton, a shy eleven year old from a poor family in Brooklyn who had their fair share of trouble, goes to live with the wealthy Bishop family on Manhattan's Upper East Side, she quickly learns that just because you have money does not mean you're happy. As the years pass, she grows to love the family, and although they never officially consider her to be a member of it, she becomes an important part all the same. Everything goes well until the Christensons arrive a little over ten years later. A devious, clever, and good-looking brother and sister from Connecticut, individually they stir up trouble, but together they wreak havoc. Soon enough Jess realizes that unless she stands up for herself for the first time in her life, she will lose all that she has come to treasure. She has to make a either lose the family that never really accepted her and try to start over one more time, or take a stand for what she believes in. For the quiet, unassuming young woman, this is no easy decision. A different kind of coming of age story for anyone who has ever been unsure of themselves, this novel watches over the Bishop family in Manhattan and all of their endeavors. It follows Jess as she makes mistakes, does her best to correct them, and maybe, just maybe, works her way into the hearts of the Bishop family for good using her heart, her mind, and without using money at all.

Genres: Young Adult

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

From an early age, Kate Mitchell has been an avid reader. In June 2009 she graduated from high school in Maine, and in August of the same year she entered Vanderbilt University, where she double majored in Secondary Education and English. After graduating from in 2013, she was employed to teach 9th grade English in Nashville, where she currently lives. She will continue to write, as writing will always be her first love. A Delta Gamma sister, musician, blogger, and arthritis patient advocate, she enjoys a wide variety of activities outside of writing, reading, and teaching.

Reviews

[Alicia Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book! Review coming soon. Why didn't I read this sooner?

[Dayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 Stars

Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7

I received this novel from the author for review.

Kate Mitchell's Aureole is a sweet and fast-paced novel that touches on the importance of family, whether related by blood or circumstance. Jessica Carleton, though a victim of a negligent and abusive household, is fostered by a rich family in New York City, while her siblings are sent to live with family. If the reader expects Mitchell's novel to be a "princessy, dreams come true" story, then s/he will be sorely disappointed. Mitchell goes beyond the cliches of the rich and jumps into the loneliness and downfalls of being a stranger in a rich, expectant family.

The one negative aspect of Mitchell's novel is the poor editing. Though the story follows a strong plot line, it is occasionally freckled with misspellings and repeated words. Having said that, however, Mitchell has weaved such a story for her readers that after a few chapters the editing is barely even noticed. Jessica's life with the Bishop family is fascinating and her friendship with the younger Bishop son, promising. It is easy to root for Jessica, even if she at times acts naive and too forgiving.

Though I could sense what is coming, thanks to the omniscient third person narrative, the events near the conclusion still shocked me. The reactions of the characters are proof of the character growth that occurs in the novel. One excellent example is how Jessica perceives the world near the last few chapters. Of all the characters, Jessica is rightfully the more changed.

As a debut, Aureole is an insightful view into the "princess" tale of a poor girl being taken in by a prestigious family. At times dark, funny, and heartwarming, Aureole shows more layers to Jessica's situation. In fact, money is barely mentioned regarding Jessica as she ages, except for the appropriate places. The reader does not see Jessica being bought everything, nor is she ever coddled. Jessica is the reality of how one might view the idea of a rich family taking in a poor young stranger.

I would recommend Mitchell's novel to those seeking young adult fiction that follows the life of the protagonist, rather than just one event. I also recommend this novel to readers who want the grittier side of the rich classes and their "generosity".

Aureole is a unique read thanks to Jessica's commentary on the Bishop family and her desire to overcome her misfortunes.