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The Invention of Sophie Carter
With all sorts of delightful Parent Trap-style identical twin hijinks, The Invention of Sophie Carter is the perfect light-and-sweet palate cleanser.
1851. Bounced from one home to another their whole lives, orphaned identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter have always relied on each other for love and support, even though the sisters couldn't be more different.
Brash Sophie wants to be an inventor, and demure Mariah wants to be an artist. Both long to visit London for the summer―Sophie to see the Queen’s Great Exhibition and Mariah to study the world’s finest collection of paintings. But when their cantankerous aunt answers their letter pleading for a place to stay, she insists she only has time and room to spare for one of them.
So, Mariah and Sophie hatch a clever They will travel to London together and take turns playing the part of "Sophie".
At first the plan runs like clockwork. But as the girls avoid getting caught by increasingly narrow margins and two handsome gentlemen―both of whom think they’re falling in love with the real Sophie Carter―enter the equation, the sisters find they don’t have the situation quite as under control as they thought.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2020 Whitney Award Nominee
“This novel is a delightful combination of coming-of-age and Cinderella, a tale told with humor and warmth. The characters of the twins are delineated with care, showing similarities but also the growing differences as each finds a way to understand her individual gifts and how they can be developed even if they should marry the man they love. The author has done considerable research, not only into the period but also into the details of engineering and the working of clocks. She presents a thoroughly believable pair of protagonists, true to their time but also relatable to the present-day reader.”
—Historical Novel Society
“I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute.” ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us
“In a time like now when many of us want some kind of escape, this book kept me up way past my bedtime and let me disappear into Victorian England with two delightful heroines! Do you like your books with romance, protagonists with art and STEM interests, identical twin sister hijinks, and swoonworthy love interests? The Invention of Sophie Carter has all that and more!! Just as she did in The Last Word, Samantha Hastings gives a cheery portrayal of Victorian life without shying away from the hardships women faced. Hastings’ enjoyment of 19th century literature is obvious, and if you’re also a fan, you’ll see it in everything from the Dickensian childhood of her main characters Sophie and Mariah, to the wit and romance of Austen peppered throughout. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!—Jennieke Cohen, author of A Dangerous Alliance.
1851. Bounced from one home to another their whole lives, orphaned identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter have always relied on each other for love and support, even though the sisters couldn't be more different.
Brash Sophie wants to be an inventor, and demure Mariah wants to be an artist. Both long to visit London for the summer―Sophie to see the Queen’s Great Exhibition and Mariah to study the world’s finest collection of paintings. But when their cantankerous aunt answers their letter pleading for a place to stay, she insists she only has time and room to spare for one of them.
So, Mariah and Sophie hatch a clever They will travel to London together and take turns playing the part of "Sophie".
At first the plan runs like clockwork. But as the girls avoid getting caught by increasingly narrow margins and two handsome gentlemen―both of whom think they’re falling in love with the real Sophie Carter―enter the equation, the sisters find they don’t have the situation quite as under control as they thought.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2020 Whitney Award Nominee
“This novel is a delightful combination of coming-of-age and Cinderella, a tale told with humor and warmth. The characters of the twins are delineated with care, showing similarities but also the growing differences as each finds a way to understand her individual gifts and how they can be developed even if they should marry the man they love. The author has done considerable research, not only into the period but also into the details of engineering and the working of clocks. She presents a thoroughly believable pair of protagonists, true to their time but also relatable to the present-day reader.”
—Historical Novel Society
“I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute.” ―Tricia Levenseller, author of Daughter of the Pirate King and The Shadows Between Us
“In a time like now when many of us want some kind of escape, this book kept me up way past my bedtime and let me disappear into Victorian England with two delightful heroines! Do you like your books with romance, protagonists with art and STEM interests, identical twin sister hijinks, and swoonworthy love interests? The Invention of Sophie Carter has all that and more!! Just as she did in The Last Word, Samantha Hastings gives a cheery portrayal of Victorian life without shying away from the hardships women faced. Hastings’ enjoyment of 19th century literature is obvious, and if you’re also a fan, you’ll see it in everything from the Dickensian childhood of her main characters Sophie and Mariah, to the wit and romance of Austen peppered throughout. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!—Jennieke Cohen, author of A Dangerous Alliance.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2020
18 people are currently reading
4725 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hastings
56 books286 followersSamantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
November 8, 2020
Orphaned twins head to London with different skills and ambitions but ultimately similar end goals. Sophie is technically minded and wanting to achieve independence through invention, and Mariah is the more sensitive, artistic bookworm. They stay with an aunt who is under the impression that she is hosting just one of them for a season, which they spend together by partially sharing an identity and trying to create a better future for themselves.
You have to suspend disbelief a bit, but who doesn’t love identical twin shenanigans, especially in Victorian London? Light, sweet and entertaining.
You have to suspend disbelief a bit, but who doesn’t love identical twin shenanigans, especially in Victorian London? Light, sweet and entertaining.
July 14, 2020
Sophie and Mariah are identical twins, on the outside they are a mirror of each other but on the inside, they are night and day. Mariah is the romantic, the artist, the softer one, thinking with her emotions. Sophia the logical one , the inventor, less trusting, more of a leader than a follower. Both are kind, caring and talented. Both have been treated as if they were noting, unwanted and unloved. Orphaned at childbirth, sent way from their foster parents after the birth of their own child, to live with strangers who only viewed them as unpaid help.
Sophie, always being the practical and more forward of the two takes the steps to insure both her and Mariah never again have to live dependent on others. She asks their mothers sister for help. Hoping to go to London and see the Great Exhibition.To become an apprentice. To secure their future. But things don't go as she hoped, her plan now requires them both to be one person, Sophie.
As "Sophie" experiences a season in London with their aunt who is only willing to help one of her nieces find a husband, they both begin to live as one. In doing so they have to be very careful to not be seen. To remember who they have met, and have talked about. Finding a husband was never part of Sophie's original idea, but when two young men both seem to care for "her", it isn't good for one of them when she get's the same feelings in return. How does "one" person go about living as two people and not have anyone notice? Will they be found out? Will they ever find the happiness they have lacked all their lives?
Through all the swaps, hiding and acting like one person they both come to discover more about who they are as individuals.
I found The Invention of Sophie Carter to be heartbreaking right from the very beginning. The story it's self is a light and quick read but still heavy with it's themes. We have two young girls who whether they admit it or not are deeply in need of love and affection. To always feel unwanted and burden hit home. Because I could relate to some of the hurt and feelings of these characters it helped placing myself in the story.
But despite the sadness there were many enjoyable times and I truly did like this story and many of the characters. Samantha Hastings did a wonderful job in the creation of her cast, even if I didn't like some of the people, that just means she her job well.
My copy was uncorrected proof so that being said it did have some errors in the text, an name typo and scene cutting which I'm sure will be fixed in the final printing.
Sophie, always being the practical and more forward of the two takes the steps to insure both her and Mariah never again have to live dependent on others. She asks their mothers sister for help. Hoping to go to London and see the Great Exhibition.To become an apprentice. To secure their future. But things don't go as she hoped, her plan now requires them both to be one person, Sophie.
As "Sophie" experiences a season in London with their aunt who is only willing to help one of her nieces find a husband, they both begin to live as one. In doing so they have to be very careful to not be seen. To remember who they have met, and have talked about. Finding a husband was never part of Sophie's original idea, but when two young men both seem to care for "her", it isn't good for one of them when she get's the same feelings in return. How does "one" person go about living as two people and not have anyone notice? Will they be found out? Will they ever find the happiness they have lacked all their lives?
Through all the swaps, hiding and acting like one person they both come to discover more about who they are as individuals.
I found The Invention of Sophie Carter to be heartbreaking right from the very beginning. The story it's self is a light and quick read but still heavy with it's themes. We have two young girls who whether they admit it or not are deeply in need of love and affection. To always feel unwanted and burden hit home. Because I could relate to some of the hurt and feelings of these characters it helped placing myself in the story.
But despite the sadness there were many enjoyable times and I truly did like this story and many of the characters. Samantha Hastings did a wonderful job in the creation of her cast, even if I didn't like some of the people, that just means she her job well.
My copy was uncorrected proof so that being said it did have some errors in the text, an name typo and scene cutting which I'm sure will be fixed in the final printing.
July 6, 2020
I loved reading about the bond between these sisters. The romances were super cute. And just the concept was so great: two girls forced to pretend to be the same person. It made for all kinds of romantic tension, which everyone knows I’m a fan of!
March 23, 2021
“We’ll always be together. I have you and you have me. We don’t need anyone else.”
A cute, low-stakes, light-hearted read: This definitely required some suspension of disbelief, but it was such an enjoyable adventure!
Sophie and Mariah were great main characters—their sisterly love for each other was so heartwarming, and I really enjoyed their respective journeys of pursuing the things they loved. The two love-interests were both charming and complemented the sisters well; they weren't complex, fully-fleshed-out characters, but they didn't have to be—the romances were predictably adorable. And, of course, the swapping-places confusion was thoroughly entertaining.
My only hesitation is with the writing style: It felt a bit weird and stilted at times, like the author was trying really hard to make these characters and the narration sound like they belonged in Victorian London. Since I was (obviously) not alive at the time, I can't judge whether or not it sounds authentic, but a lot of the language used just felt kind of forced and strangely posh. The writing also definitely skewed younger YA, so that might have been part of it, but it just really stood out to me.
Besides that though, this was everything I wanted in an identical-twins-swapping-places book. :)
July 9, 2020
The inventions of Sophie Carter, this book was such a cute read. Two sister pretending to be one to get out of a life they didn’t deserve. The relationship between the sisters, was my favorite part besides the romance. Sophie in particular was very out spoken and told it like it is, that is me on a deep level. Her sister, Mariah was more like my sister, sweet and emotional but feisty when it comes to her sister. I related to them in my relationship with my sister. Which makes this book even more enjoyable for me.
The Romance was the second part of the book that I really liked, these two gentlemen think they are in love with Sophie Carter and while one is to be true with recipercated feelings, on the other hand gentleman number two is in love with the sister who he believes to be Sophie Carter. The back and forth and the risk of being found out was so fun to read about. And the side characters also added to the story, I was really invested in the story. I liked the growth we saw in both sisters and the love that connected them every step of the way. I highly recommend this book!
The Romance was the second part of the book that I really liked, these two gentlemen think they are in love with Sophie Carter and while one is to be true with recipercated feelings, on the other hand gentleman number two is in love with the sister who he believes to be Sophie Carter. The back and forth and the risk of being found out was so fun to read about. And the side characters also added to the story, I was really invested in the story. I liked the growth we saw in both sisters and the love that connected them every step of the way. I highly recommend this book!
March 30, 2020
This Victorian YA romance was completely unputdownable.
Both sisters were so well developed and you couldn’t help but get attached to them and to their male leads.
I had a particular soft spot for Sophie because she was the toughest and most determined of the twins, which reminded me a lot of my mother (also a twin).
Both sisters were so well developed and you couldn’t help but get attached to them and to their male leads.
I had a particular soft spot for Sophie because she was the toughest and most determined of the twins, which reminded me a lot of my mother (also a twin).
July 31, 2020
A witty, adorable, YA historical novel you simply can’t miss! The characters are absolutely charming. The plot is delightful. The romance is swoony. And the story is a breath of fresh air, which we could certainly all use right now. I will gleefully read every book this amazing author writes.
July 14, 2020
"None of us are the same, and we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. Our comparisons are invariably false when we compare their strengths to our weaknesses."
England, 1851: Orphaned and grudgingly cared for by their reluctant guardian, identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter don't think they need anyone else when they have each other.
What the sisters need, desperately, is a chance at lives filled with more than the drudgery they've known for the last ten years. Sophie dreams of using her clockmaking skills to become a renowned inventor while, with the right instruction, Mariah's artistic talents could make her a leading painter.
Sophie's plan to get them both to London for the summer to see the Queen's Great Exhibition (for Sophie) and London's finest art (for Mariah) almost works. The problem? Their aunt will only accommodate one sister. To avoid separation the girls travel to London together agreeing to take turns being "Sophie."
At first, the plan is simple enough since no one can tell the twins apart. But as Sophie forges an unlikely friendship with businessman Ethan and Mariah warms to their aunt's prickly ward Charles both girls will have to contend with their own feelings and ambitions as well as the two young men who each think they're falling in love with the real Sophie in The Invention of Sophie Carter (2020) by Samantha Hastings.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is Hastings' second novel. Chapters alternate between close third person following each sister during their adventures around London and in their aunt's house.
Breezy narration, a pitch perfect historical setting, and just the right amount of romance make this story a delight. Themes of sisterhood and individuality elevate this romance adding dimension to both sisters as their horizons expand with the opportunities they are able to seize in London. Ethan and Charles are also excellent foils to both sisters.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is a delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended.
You can also check out my interview with Samantha about the book here on the blog!
Possible Pairings: Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Antsey, Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger, Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen, Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevemer, A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
England, 1851: Orphaned and grudgingly cared for by their reluctant guardian, identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter don't think they need anyone else when they have each other.
What the sisters need, desperately, is a chance at lives filled with more than the drudgery they've known for the last ten years. Sophie dreams of using her clockmaking skills to become a renowned inventor while, with the right instruction, Mariah's artistic talents could make her a leading painter.
Sophie's plan to get them both to London for the summer to see the Queen's Great Exhibition (for Sophie) and London's finest art (for Mariah) almost works. The problem? Their aunt will only accommodate one sister. To avoid separation the girls travel to London together agreeing to take turns being "Sophie."
At first, the plan is simple enough since no one can tell the twins apart. But as Sophie forges an unlikely friendship with businessman Ethan and Mariah warms to their aunt's prickly ward Charles both girls will have to contend with their own feelings and ambitions as well as the two young men who each think they're falling in love with the real Sophie in The Invention of Sophie Carter (2020) by Samantha Hastings.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is Hastings' second novel. Chapters alternate between close third person following each sister during their adventures around London and in their aunt's house.
Breezy narration, a pitch perfect historical setting, and just the right amount of romance make this story a delight. Themes of sisterhood and individuality elevate this romance adding dimension to both sisters as their horizons expand with the opportunities they are able to seize in London. Ethan and Charles are also excellent foils to both sisters.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is a delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended.
You can also check out my interview with Samantha about the book here on the blog!
Possible Pairings: Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Antsey, Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger, Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen, Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevemer, A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
October 1, 2020
This book turned out to be a nice surprise for me, I really liked both Sophie and Mariah and their adventures made for a very light-hearted and enjoyable read. It was definitely naive and idealistic like a Disney movie and the author took quite a few historical liberties but it all didn't matter in the end because the final version of the novel is adorable.
Want to read
April 18, 2021
August 1, 2020
2.5 stars
While it didn’t seem terribly authentic to the time period, and it got a little cheesy at times, it was still a cute read.
While it didn’t seem terribly authentic to the time period, and it got a little cheesy at times, it was still a cute read.
July 1, 2020
I read this book in one sitting!! I loved the balance between the Mariah and Sophie--their personalities and interests. Mariah's quiet determination and Sophie's self-assured spunk and the way they support one another was lovely. Sister stories all the way!! I love all the historical aspects too--the Crystal Palace and the Pre-Raphaelite movement among painters. I wanted to google all the names of painters and important people to see if they were based on real people. The world building is lovely, the story is just the right balance of sweet and real, and it's definitely swoony. Such a lovely book to read while trying to pretend the world isn't burning down outside :)
July 13, 2020
Samantha Hastings writes the wittiest, cleverest, most fun historical fiction! I'm a huge fan of her debut, The Last Word, and Sophie Carter is every bit as fabulous. Sophie and her identical twin sister, Mariah, leapt off the page from the very first chapter. I really liked how different they were, while still being fiercely loyal to one another. That's actually one of my favorite things about Hasting's work in general: her portrayal of strong female friendships/ women supporting women during time periods when women weren't traditionally given much respect.
Both girls have dreams and ambitions that are nontraditional for their time, and they're not afraid to go after what they want. The backdrop of the Great Exhibition and Sophie's clockwork skills are particularly well-drawn and interesting, and as always, there are plenty of swoony scenes for both of our heroines. I adored how their male counterparts drew out the best in each of them respectively. There are also a handful of delightfully grumpy and witty side characters.
This book is an absolute joy and exactly what I needed to read amid all of the the craziness going on in the world. Highly recommended!!!
Both girls have dreams and ambitions that are nontraditional for their time, and they're not afraid to go after what they want. The backdrop of the Great Exhibition and Sophie's clockwork skills are particularly well-drawn and interesting, and as always, there are plenty of swoony scenes for both of our heroines. I adored how their male counterparts drew out the best in each of them respectively. There are also a handful of delightfully grumpy and witty side characters.
This book is an absolute joy and exactly what I needed to read amid all of the the craziness going on in the world. Highly recommended!!!
April 18, 2023
I've been sooo excited to read this book! Twin hijinks are my favorite! And you know my love for sister stories ;)
Lasting Impressions
Sophie and Mariah could not be more unlike each other. Sophie is inventive, strong-willed, and fiery in nature while Mariah is quiet, creative in the arts, and empathetic to all those around her. Yet they both wish to be free of their past of hurt and neglect by people who were supposed to love them. As they work together and work around each other to fulfill their desires, they come across difficulties but also discover their strengths. I especially loved watching Mariah step outside her sister's shadow as she realized she wanted to become her own independent person.
While the sister story is a huge focus in this book, the romance does not take a back seat (in fact, I felt Samantha did a great job of balancing both aspects of the novel). Each twin meets a man who complements them in a way that the twin does not, which made for some hilarious mix-ups among the couples. I loved Ethan's support of Sophie's passions, and I appreciated Charles's patience and interest with Mariah, as well as how he struggled to realize what he wanted in life.
Not only are the main characters and their love interests fleshed out, but the more minor ones are as well. The twins' long-lost aunt has her own motivations that seem unclear at first are revealed later on. The female competition doesn't lean into old stereotypes but becomes good friends with both of the twins.
The depth of the characterization is not the only thing going for this book. It's also hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud moments as the twins try to dupe everyone into thinking they're the same person. The author's writing also immerses you quite well into 1850s London with excellent details, though with its fast pace, the book doesn't take too long to dwell on particulars. It has the exact right amount of balance.
Overall Thoughts
Once I began this book, I couldn't put it down! Frankly, The Invention of Sophie Carter is addicting in the best way. I can't wait to read more of Samantha's work.
Lasting Impressions
Sophie and Mariah could not be more unlike each other. Sophie is inventive, strong-willed, and fiery in nature while Mariah is quiet, creative in the arts, and empathetic to all those around her. Yet they both wish to be free of their past of hurt and neglect by people who were supposed to love them. As they work together and work around each other to fulfill their desires, they come across difficulties but also discover their strengths. I especially loved watching Mariah step outside her sister's shadow as she realized she wanted to become her own independent person.
While the sister story is a huge focus in this book, the romance does not take a back seat (in fact, I felt Samantha did a great job of balancing both aspects of the novel). Each twin meets a man who complements them in a way that the twin does not, which made for some hilarious mix-ups among the couples. I loved Ethan's support of Sophie's passions, and I appreciated Charles's patience and interest with Mariah, as well as how he struggled to realize what he wanted in life.
Not only are the main characters and their love interests fleshed out, but the more minor ones are as well. The twins' long-lost aunt has her own motivations that seem unclear at first are revealed later on. The female competition doesn't lean into old stereotypes but becomes good friends with both of the twins.
The depth of the characterization is not the only thing going for this book. It's also hilarious, with many laugh-out-loud moments as the twins try to dupe everyone into thinking they're the same person. The author's writing also immerses you quite well into 1850s London with excellent details, though with its fast pace, the book doesn't take too long to dwell on particulars. It has the exact right amount of balance.
Overall Thoughts
Once I began this book, I couldn't put it down! Frankly, The Invention of Sophie Carter is addicting in the best way. I can't wait to read more of Samantha's work.
April 10, 2020
A splendid tale of a sisterly scheme complete with hijinks and plucky ambition will satisfy readers with its historical detail and adorably awkward situations. THE INVENTION OF SOPHIE CARTER by Samatha Hasthings is a well-crafted YA historical romance that readers will find charmingly addictive.
July 23, 2020
**Come visit me at Smada's Book Smack **
I do not really ever seek out historical fiction to read, it is usually just not my thing, but after hearing this author talk about her debut book The Last Word at a book event last year (she is one of my local authors so I met her before her book came out) I knew I had to read it- and I did and absolutely adored it (you can read my review HERE ). When I discovered she had a second historical fiction/romance coming out, there was no doubt I was going to read it. And I am happy to report that The Invention of Sophie Carter is just as adorable, engaging, and swoony as I hoped it would be. Basically, this was just plain fun for me to read.
I was swept away in the drama of the story and I am always a sucker for great family dynamics and you can;t beat the relationship between the sisters. I really appreciated that the story was narrated by both Sophie and Mariah and they had very distinct voices and personalities- and lets not forget to mention the ridiculous, wonderful twin shenanigans! I enjoyed watching both girls grow into the women they were meant to be, capable in their own ways and able to find love in two very charming, endearing men.
I know I am sounding like total fan girl, but I am proud to admit that I am! This is the perfect book choice for any one who likes historical fiction, very proper romance stories with just the right level of kisses, spunky heroines who help themselves, sisterly love, and the best kind of ending (or really beginnings).
I do not really ever seek out historical fiction to read, it is usually just not my thing, but after hearing this author talk about her debut book The Last Word at a book event last year (she is one of my local authors so I met her before her book came out) I knew I had to read it- and I did and absolutely adored it (you can read my review HERE ). When I discovered she had a second historical fiction/romance coming out, there was no doubt I was going to read it. And I am happy to report that The Invention of Sophie Carter is just as adorable, engaging, and swoony as I hoped it would be. Basically, this was just plain fun for me to read.
“Can you say that you are whole and complete?"
“No,” she said, pressing her hand to the center of her chest. “My life has been an empty canvas, and I thought I had to wait to find someone to paint my life into a masterpiece. But I was wrong. I am the painter and I am the only person who can make my life into a masterpiece. And I’m the only person who can make me whole and complete.”
I was swept away in the drama of the story and I am always a sucker for great family dynamics and you can;t beat the relationship between the sisters. I really appreciated that the story was narrated by both Sophie and Mariah and they had very distinct voices and personalities- and lets not forget to mention the ridiculous, wonderful twin shenanigans! I enjoyed watching both girls grow into the women they were meant to be, capable in their own ways and able to find love in two very charming, endearing men.
“I understand why you like to read— I prefer books to people, too. But I’m not a heroine in one of your novels. Love is not the answer to all of my problems.”
“You’d more likely be the villainess of the book.”
“I’d actually prefer that. They’re always more interesting than the saintly heroine,” Sophie said with a laugh and tugged at one of Mariah’s curls.
I know I am sounding like total fan girl, but I am proud to admit that I am! This is the perfect book choice for any one who likes historical fiction, very proper romance stories with just the right level of kisses, spunky heroines who help themselves, sisterly love, and the best kind of ending (or really beginnings).
April 24, 2020
Hastings has done it again with her sophomore novel, giving us a modern heroine (or, rather, TWO modern heroines!) in a fun period setting. The twin confusions play out like scenes from a Shakespearean comedy, adding both humour and dramatic tension, but the heart of the novel lies with two girls who balance their vocational pursuits with their desire to love and be loved. For all the ball gowns and teas, it's a modern conflict and it's this thoughtful juxtaposition of Then and Now that seems to be Hastings' trademark. The book is peppered with fun historic details and we even get cameos from the likes of Ruskin and Rossetti. There's something for everyone within the pages: literary references, art, science, history, family, friendships, and plenty flirty glances and hoped-for kisses. While the story touches on some of the harsh realities of the Victorian world, the overall tone is light and readers will fly through the pages, anxious to see both girls fulfill all of their dreams. One might even say it flows like clockwork.
July 29, 2020
4.5 stars.
Two love stories in one? Yes, please!
I loved both girls so much--Sophie was fiery and tenacious, and Mariah was soft-spoken and kind. Watching them both fall in love was a delight!
I bought a hard copy of this book without even reading any of Hasting's other work, simply because the plot line was THAT intriguing! And it didn't disappoint! Two girls pretending to be one, two gentlemen falling in love with "one" girl, and an aunt who wouldn't welcome them both... what could go wrong?? It took me a little bit of time to feel like I really got into each sister's head-- I kept having to check which sister I was currently reading about--but once their voices became more distinct about a third of the way into the book, I couldn't put it down.
There was a fun little twist I didn't see coming, and I loved the subplots. Can't wait to read more from this author!
Two love stories in one? Yes, please!
I loved both girls so much--Sophie was fiery and tenacious, and Mariah was soft-spoken and kind. Watching them both fall in love was a delight!
I bought a hard copy of this book without even reading any of Hasting's other work, simply because the plot line was THAT intriguing! And it didn't disappoint! Two girls pretending to be one, two gentlemen falling in love with "one" girl, and an aunt who wouldn't welcome them both... what could go wrong?? It took me a little bit of time to feel like I really got into each sister's head-- I kept having to check which sister I was currently reading about--but once their voices became more distinct about a third of the way into the book, I couldn't put it down.
There was a fun little twist I didn't see coming, and I loved the subplots. Can't wait to read more from this author!
May 15, 2021
Samantha Hastings is two for two with interesting premises + sweet romances. I was immediately drawn to The Invention of Sophie Carter, mostly because of a trifecta of great title, cover, and premise. Dating back to watching Full House as a kid, I was blown away by the idea of two actors trading off playing a single Michelle Tanner. Ever since, I've loved the "twins changing places" or "twins pretending to be one girl" trope. I enjoyed how Hastings brought it to life in her sophomore novel, and I look forward to more books from the author.
May 1, 2022
This is the perfect feel-good romance, especially for fans of the Victorian era. I recommend reading it wrapped up in a blanket when it's raining outside. :)
The author clearly understands close sister relationships. Sophie and Mariah are so devoted to each other but both have their different personalities shine through. They both have traits that are so relatable, at least for me. Their dreams are different but their support of each other really makes this book shine, and it's easy to get invested in their dreams as much as they are.
I especially loved Sophie's and Ethan's romance. They're adorable and it was so much fun following them as they explored London together. I didn't care as much for Mariah's romance, but I did like how it was another example of how different Mariah and Sophie are despite their identical appearances.
This book is a pretty light and easy read, so I don't have too much else to say about it. But for romance lovers I would definitely recommend this one. :)
The author clearly understands close sister relationships. Sophie and Mariah are so devoted to each other but both have their different personalities shine through. They both have traits that are so relatable, at least for me. Their dreams are different but their support of each other really makes this book shine, and it's easy to get invested in their dreams as much as they are.
I especially loved Sophie's and Ethan's romance. They're adorable and it was so much fun following them as they explored London together. I didn't care as much for Mariah's romance, but I did like how it was another example of how different Mariah and Sophie are despite their identical appearances.
This book is a pretty light and easy read, so I don't have too much else to say about it. But for romance lovers I would definitely recommend this one. :)
June 6, 2020
A story of sisters and harassing what could be! Full RTC
July 13, 2020
Initial thoughts: the premise was so intriguing and I loved the sister relationship and family and love in this! While i did wish there was more romance, I did love the sisterly love and the story was fun!
Full review to come on my blog:
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a good historical fiction novel, mistaken and hidden identities, a bit of a parent trap style narrative, and a beautiful sisterly bond. If you enjoy sneaking out through windows, passionate women of the arts and clocks, portrait paintings, dancing and adventuring through a new town then you definitely should check out this book!
Full review to come on my blog:
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a good historical fiction novel, mistaken and hidden identities, a bit of a parent trap style narrative, and a beautiful sisterly bond. If you enjoy sneaking out through windows, passionate women of the arts and clocks, portrait paintings, dancing and adventuring through a new town then you definitely should check out this book!
February 10, 2021
The Invention of Sophie Carter is a great historical fiction. The writing style is fantastic and immersive, and the setting was a lot of fun. I really liked Sophie and her love interest, but I wanted more development between Moriah and hers. I wouldn't have minded if it was a little bit longer! I also liked the development in the relationship of the twins. It was nice to see them grow!
August 31, 2023
I read this for my online book club, it's my first book by Samantha Hastings and I really enjoyed Sophie and Mariah's story. I was thoroughly engaged in the story of identical twin sisters who've never really had a place where they belonged. Orphaned at a very young age, they think they've found a home only to be sent away when the wife finally has a child of her own. When they arrive at the next place to take them in, they find themselves immediately put to work caring for all the young children in the family. When their deceased mother's sister says she can only one of them in, Sophie comes up with a plan so they can both leave their dismal situation.
The sisters were so different I wondered how long they could pull off pretending to be the same person. I liked that both sisters found a handsome young man to spend time with and found myself liking Sophie's young man more the one Mariah was drawn to.
I did like that the sisters get to see the family they lived with when they were very young but was truly saddened and shocked at the woman's attitude towards the girls, especially Mariah, who had truly cared for the woman. I especially enjoyed the Aunt's neighbors whom Sophie and Mariah end up spending time with.
This was a fun book and yes, you have to suspend a bit of disbelief, but isn't that why we read fiction anyway? To escape reality for awhile.
The sisters were so different I wondered how long they could pull off pretending to be the same person. I liked that both sisters found a handsome young man to spend time with and found myself liking Sophie's young man more the one Mariah was drawn to.
I did like that the sisters get to see the family they lived with when they were very young but was truly saddened and shocked at the woman's attitude towards the girls, especially Mariah, who had truly cared for the woman. I especially enjoyed the Aunt's neighbors whom Sophie and Mariah end up spending time with.
This was a fun book and yes, you have to suspend a bit of disbelief, but isn't that why we read fiction anyway? To escape reality for awhile.
February 1, 2021
You must read this one! I had not read any books by Samantha Hastings before. But this book drug me into the story from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down. I read this book in less than 24 hours.
I loved Sophie and Mariah. Identicle twins in a historical romance. I had not seen that plot before. But the auhor did a great job with it. I loved the way these two pretended to be eachother. But they each got what they needed and what made them happiest in the end.
The prologue was kind of sad. With the woman that had raised them sending them away coldly. I really loved the way they were able to meet with her again later in life and come to terms with her and with their situation.
This book ends up being kind of a dual love story. And that made me happy. This book is great! Make sure to grab your own copy!
I loved Sophie and Mariah. Identicle twins in a historical romance. I had not seen that plot before. But the auhor did a great job with it. I loved the way these two pretended to be eachother. But they each got what they needed and what made them happiest in the end.
The prologue was kind of sad. With the woman that had raised them sending them away coldly. I really loved the way they were able to meet with her again later in life and come to terms with her and with their situation.
This book ends up being kind of a dual love story. And that made me happy. This book is great! Make sure to grab your own copy!
February 18, 2020
I wanted to read The Invention of Sophie Carter from the moment Swoon Reads announced its publication. The story concept intrigued me, and Samantha Hastings’ writing doesn’t disappoint. From the first page, I found myself sympathizing with feisty Sophie and her shy twin Mariah. The well-plotted tension drew me from one scene to the next, especially whenever the actions of one twin threatened to unravel the hopes and dreams of the other. This was one of those rare stories that made me want to lock myself in a room so no one would bother me until I found out how things ended. (Unfortunately people at my house pound on doors until I answer!) The Invention of Sophie Carter is a fun read that will appeal to both younger and older audiences. From beginning to end it’s five out of five stars!
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August 28, 2020I've always loved stories with mistaken identities, and this did not disappoint! The sisters were each unique and well developed, and you can't help but root for them. Plus, any time you can get two love stories in one book, I'm sold! I don't read a lot of historical novels, but books by Samantha Hastings are the exception!
October 15, 2019
I adored this story!! I love the idea that even when you are faced with some challenging trials, you can not rise above them. But do it with humor, class, and style. Five stars, one-click for sure!
July 21, 2020
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
4.5*
4.5*
Oh this is just such a lovely gem of a book, certainly cementing Samantha Hastings as an auto-buy author for me. Her previous book was such a hit for me, and this one was even more so!
Sophie and Mariah are twin sisters who have kind of had a pretty tough go of it. They're orphans, and every family who has taken them in has eventually shipped them right back out. It's sad, really, and no fault of their own, but as such they are looking to find their place in the world. Sophie, as the title suggests, wants to invent stuff. Mariah is an artist, and hoping to find love and a family. They think London would be a great opportunity, for there is a Great Exhibition in town, as well as many more opportunities than a small town provides. Only, their crappy aunt (she is so crappy, no joke) decides that she can maybe tolerate one of them visiting, but both would... Idk, give her the vapors? She truly sucks.
But wise women do not let a crappy aunt get in the way of their dreams! They're identical, after all, and their aunt wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them with a gun to her head so... plan is in play! (Side story, I had twin friends and in high school, they would switch places all the time to take tests for each other and stuff. Zero percent of the teachers ever noticed. So this is very plausible.)
Things are actually going pretty well for the women. Mariah has found an opportunity with an artist, Sophie has a job posing for said artist, and much to Sophie's chagrin, she finds a charming young man who enjoys her company. But... we know nothing can run that smoothly!
The whole of the book is really about both women finding themselves and what they want from their lives, all while finally encountering people who see their worth for who they are. It's about women who refuse to settle for some predetermined fate, and who are willing to take risks to make their own futures. And yeah, there are some very swoony romances, and a lot of sisterly love.
Bottom Line: This book is straight up enjoyable and charming and a feel-good story we all could use right now. Filled with delightful characters and a great nineteenth century London setting, it should definitely make it's way to your reading list!
July 15, 2020
The Invention of Sophie Carter is a young adult victorian era romance by Samantha Hastings. This novel was utterly adorable and completely lovable. It felt like a Victorian era parent trap, which was a ton of fun. Swoon Reads somehow manages to always pick the perfect books and perfect authors to release feel good romances that are sure to put a big smile on your face. And The Invention of Sophie Carter is no different. I loved this book and I had a blast reading it.
In The Invention of Sophie Carter we meet identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter. The twins couldn't be more different, but when their aunt tells them she only has space for one of them to live with her, they hatch an ingenious plan to both go and act as if they were one person. Nothing can possible go wrong there, right? This book was a delightful comedy of errors and happenstance that leads the twins to court different gentleman suitors, who each think they are courting Sophie Carter, and to each try and get the most out of their London experience. Sophie and Mariah are each delightful in their own right, and I love seeing their bond as sisters. It is clear that they love and look out for one another. Sophie is outspoken and loud and Mariah is much more reserved, and watching their personalities differences come through in the romance aspect of the story was excellent.
Which leads me to my next point. I loved the romances so much! Ethan and Charles were great, and watching some of the scenes play out between all of the characters actually had me genuinely laughing out loud. Art history enthusiasts will enjoy seeing references and visits to many famous pieces of artwork, as the Sophie's visit London's various art collections. That was a nice touch to the world building of the story that made the reading experience come alive even more for me.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of the Parent Trap, you will love The Invention of Sophie Carter. If you have never seen the Parent Trap, then The Invention of Sophie Carter will be perfect for fans of romantic comedies set in a historical setting. This book was adorable and completely hilarious, which is always a winning combination in my opinion. I can't wait to read more by author Samantha Hastings. She has a real talent for writing a very satisfying story. The Invention of Sophie Carter was exactly what I was in the mood to read! I loved this book.
In The Invention of Sophie Carter we meet identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter. The twins couldn't be more different, but when their aunt tells them she only has space for one of them to live with her, they hatch an ingenious plan to both go and act as if they were one person. Nothing can possible go wrong there, right? This book was a delightful comedy of errors and happenstance that leads the twins to court different gentleman suitors, who each think they are courting Sophie Carter, and to each try and get the most out of their London experience. Sophie and Mariah are each delightful in their own right, and I love seeing their bond as sisters. It is clear that they love and look out for one another. Sophie is outspoken and loud and Mariah is much more reserved, and watching their personalities differences come through in the romance aspect of the story was excellent.
Which leads me to my next point. I loved the romances so much! Ethan and Charles were great, and watching some of the scenes play out between all of the characters actually had me genuinely laughing out loud. Art history enthusiasts will enjoy seeing references and visits to many famous pieces of artwork, as the Sophie's visit London's various art collections. That was a nice touch to the world building of the story that made the reading experience come alive even more for me.
Bottom line: If you are a fan of the Parent Trap, you will love The Invention of Sophie Carter. If you have never seen the Parent Trap, then The Invention of Sophie Carter will be perfect for fans of romantic comedies set in a historical setting. This book was adorable and completely hilarious, which is always a winning combination in my opinion. I can't wait to read more by author Samantha Hastings. She has a real talent for writing a very satisfying story. The Invention of Sophie Carter was exactly what I was in the mood to read! I loved this book.
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