Becoming Fenimore: A Novel

by Rebecca Bryan

Within our belongings, pieces of our soul remain, waiting to live again~ Upon learning she is the only living beneficiary of a late aunt's estate on far away Mackinac Island, Elle Curtis finds an unusual array of items connected to 19th Century writer Constance Fenimore Woolson—a discovery that will lead her on a journey and change her forever. Her aunt’s link to Constance remains a mystery until an ancient scarab pin acts as a portal, thrusting Elle into Constance's nineteenth century world where she literally lives in her shoes, speaks with her voice, even writes her stories, slowly becoming, as close friend Henry James calls her, Fenimore. But there is someone else on the island who knows about the scarab, and they will do anything to get it. With the help of her aunt's lawyer, handsome Jace Stokes, Elle works to get to the bottom of the mystery, clear her aunt's name, and solve a string of mysterious deaths. But she can't stop thinking about Constance and Henry and longs to go back. Torn between these two worlds, Elle grows obsessed with saving Constance and winning Henry’s affections. Risking her life and the life of her new friend, Jace, it will take more than willpower to save her in the end. It will take that of transcending love.

328 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2015

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never having written a book I have no idea how that experience is for the writer. But having read thousands of books I know what makes a good experience for a reader. Spelling mistakes, random grammatical errors and using the wrong name on the same page as the correct name make for a terrible experience for this reader. The concept of having your soul attached to your belongings after you die was interesting. But the execution left so much to be desired.

[Kari Garrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I would really give this book 2 and 1/2 stars. I read another book written by this author, entitled "The Sand Bar." I liked it better. Flipping back and forth between Constance and Elle was sometimes a bit confusing.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by an author I know personally, and it was a fun experience. Becky is incredibly talented and gifted and I much enjoyed this book and was shocked to discover how much of the historical backstory between Fenimore and James was actually true.

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first half of this book. It was so wonderful. I loved all of the references to the movie Somewhere in time and the time setting of Henry and Constance. But the ending was much too......eventful? I dont' know if that is the right way to describe it. This was a great relaxing love story. Then the end seemed like a murder mystery that shouldn't have been there. I HATED that Nedra was in the book at all....It ruined the sweetness of the book. I wished I could have had more thoughts from Henry James. I LOVED the idea for the book and the true histories, I just didn't like the ending...