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The Luella Winthrop Trilogy (Gaslamp Trinkets) #1
The Crimson Inkwell
The Crimson Inkwell is a novel about journalist Luella Winthrop. In her journey to become Dawnhurst-on-Severn's most acclaimed writer, she discovers that her city houses dark, magical secrets too uncomfortable to believe.
When an enigmatic carnival worker offers her a pen that can turn fiction to fact, she quickly learns that tampering with the unknown can be intoxicating, lucrative, and dangerous. Can she withstand the onslaught of enchanted consequences with her life and engagement intact?
When an enigmatic carnival worker offers her a pen that can turn fiction to fact, she quickly learns that tampering with the unknown can be intoxicating, lucrative, and dangerous. Can she withstand the onslaught of enchanted consequences with her life and engagement intact?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2019
199 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth A. Baldwin
10 books46 followersKenneth A. Baldwin writes stories that blur the lines between history, magic, dreams, and reality. He loves finding oddities in history books with unbelievable tales or unexplained phenomena. His first series, The Luella Winthrop Trilogy, takes place during just such a time when late 19th-century Victorians struggled to balance a surge of occultism and never-before-seen scientific advancements.
Before he started writing novels, Kenny paid his way through law school by writing, performing, and teaching humor. You can still catch him on stage or in corners of the Internet that feature sketch and improv comedy. Now, he lives nestled under the Wasatch Mountains with his wonderful wife, sons, and Golden Retriever.
Before he started writing novels, Kenny paid his way through law school by writing, performing, and teaching humor. You can still catch him on stage or in corners of the Internet that feature sketch and improv comedy. Now, he lives nestled under the Wasatch Mountains with his wonderful wife, sons, and Golden Retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 4, 2020
This is the first book in the Luella Winthrop Trilogy. I am definitely going to be reading the next two books, and I would highly recommend if you are going to read this trilogy you read them in order, because a lot happens in book 1.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It takes place in Victorian England, which gets my interest immediately. Add in a strong woman who wants to be a writer at a time when that is definitely not the norm, nor does society really encourage that particular endeavor, plus a very mysterious man from the circus who claims to have a magical pen, a fiance that leaves a bit to be desired, and a policeman who is investigating some very odd happenings about town, and you have definitely got me suckered in.
The story takes some twists and turns which are unexpected. It is well-written, and you will care about the characters.
On to book two...book one left me hanging!
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It takes place in Victorian England, which gets my interest immediately. Add in a strong woman who wants to be a writer at a time when that is definitely not the norm, nor does society really encourage that particular endeavor, plus a very mysterious man from the circus who claims to have a magical pen, a fiance that leaves a bit to be desired, and a policeman who is investigating some very odd happenings about town, and you have definitely got me suckered in.
The story takes some twists and turns which are unexpected. It is well-written, and you will care about the characters.
On to book two...book one left me hanging!
May 9, 2019
* I was given a copy of the book for an honest review*
First off I love the Victorian feel of this book and the female lead. This book was very imaginative and adventurous. This world had some magic and a touch of fantasy and I loved some of the humor that came along with it. Not sure if this is a debut book, but I definitely loved the authors style of writing. I love female leads who prove themselves and do the things boys do! It poses the question, “what’s real, what’s magic, and what’s science?”
Can you believe in something that you never seen in before?
First off I love the Victorian feel of this book and the female lead. This book was very imaginative and adventurous. This world had some magic and a touch of fantasy and I loved some of the humor that came along with it. Not sure if this is a debut book, but I definitely loved the authors style of writing. I love female leads who prove themselves and do the things boys do! It poses the question, “what’s real, what’s magic, and what’s science?”
Can you believe in something that you never seen in before?
June 20, 2022
A solid, 4-star read. Downgrading to 3 stars as it's end is incomplete - you have to read the next book to find out what happens to the characters.
But it's interesting and entertaining. Good for fans of historical settings and use of magic. Was much better than I anticipated.
But it's interesting and entertaining. Good for fans of historical settings and use of magic. Was much better than I anticipated.
April 21, 2019
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
DNF- I hardly ever DNF a book, actually I never do, and I really hate giving low star rating. I understand that each author has a different type of writing style but there should be some type of guideline.
This really was not for me. I give everything a chance but it got to the point where I was forcing myself to keep reading but I couldn’t. The descriptions used for certain things didn’t make sense? Some terms were being used out of context.
I would use less description in order to build the character and let that be the main focus in order to steer the plot. There were so many words used in one sentence which lead to run on sentences and this only lost me in the process. I read about 50 pages, without understand what the plot was(?).
I wasn’t able to connect with the characters at all. They fell extremely flat for me and forced in a way. The book is in first person with Luella, the main character, narrating the story. The use of metaphors and idioms were abundant.
The potential is there but I just could not get into the old English type writing, it was extremely confusing. However, I do recommend giving a chance to this book, maybe it’s not for me but maybe it is for someone else. Again, I really hate giving low star rating but an honest opinion is constructive criticism.
Thanks so much to the author for the copy of the book, best of luck!
.
DNF- I hardly ever DNF a book, actually I never do, and I really hate giving low star rating. I understand that each author has a different type of writing style but there should be some type of guideline.
This really was not for me. I give everything a chance but it got to the point where I was forcing myself to keep reading but I couldn’t. The descriptions used for certain things didn’t make sense? Some terms were being used out of context.
I would use less description in order to build the character and let that be the main focus in order to steer the plot. There were so many words used in one sentence which lead to run on sentences and this only lost me in the process. I read about 50 pages, without understand what the plot was(?).
I wasn’t able to connect with the characters at all. They fell extremely flat for me and forced in a way. The book is in first person with Luella, the main character, narrating the story. The use of metaphors and idioms were abundant.
The potential is there but I just could not get into the old English type writing, it was extremely confusing. However, I do recommend giving a chance to this book, maybe it’s not for me but maybe it is for someone else. Again, I really hate giving low star rating but an honest opinion is constructive criticism.
Thanks so much to the author for the copy of the book, best of luck!
.
March 26, 2024
This book was free on the author’s website, so I grabbed a copy, hoping for some urban fantasy worth my while. It is an easy to read novel, some humor is sprinkled in and it has relatively few characters, which makes it easy to follow along.
Unfortunately our protagonist Luella Winthrop is a terrible human who is deserving of only loathing and contempt. She is engaged to marry Byron, but she doesn’t really love him. She falls in love with Edward and adores him with a childish admiration I find hard to believe survives most women turning eighteen. Yet she's a grown woman. She also falls in love with the carnival performer Bram, who introduces her to the magical pen and later gifts her with the crimson inkwell. The magical pen is a device she can use to write about things that happen in the future. Despite Bram telling her she most likely does not create the stories with the pen, that she just precognites them, she fully believes that she is the creator of future events, a god. Because it is all about her. When she does stupid things, she expects others to rescue her from the consequences, and at the same time she blames others for her predicaments. She turns around on her emotional spinning wheel all the time, often on the same page, contemplating marriage to either one of her three men, never contemplating making a life without some male crutch to lean on. And she elevates herself to her incapable little sister’s savior when it turns out her sister has to save her on several occasions. These incidents are promptly forgotten by Luella, who shows a very narcissistic selective memory when it suits her self image. And what she adores in one minute, she detests and hates the next. She turns to violence when all other options seem impossible - like telling the truth and showing some integrity.
It is hinted that the magic pen has created some kind of addiction for Luella, and that her anger is a symptom of something the pen is responsible for. But hey, I have worked with such narcissists, the ones that are flawless and never make any mistakes, but blame it on the computer, fax machine or telephone when errors occur and no humans are around to blame. Luella is too immature and insecure to take responsibility for herself, and her self image is down the toilet, of course that is why she cannot take criticism from Brutus, her “nemesis”, that is why she feels she has to win the journalist award, why she has to be loved by the men in her life. But she is running around all three men not being able to choose one, because she wants them all. The adoration is more of an addiction for her than the magic pen. What a despicable human Luella Winthrop is. “- But, but, but, it was the magick donne it!”
The magic pen, when Rebecca puts it like this,
“But he knowingly put you at risk by inviting you to use his magical artifact?”
presents the pen as a phallic symbol, the stories as her and Brams offspring and the crimson inkwell as menstruation, marking the end of impregnation. Now this symbolic meaning might never be an intention from the writer, but it is hard not to consider this in the romance The Crimson Inkwell turns out to be, especially since the crimson inkwell doesn’t really do anything other than stay in Luella’s possession. If she fears the magic and finds it hard to trust Bram, why doesn’t she just throw the inkwell away?
As the story comes to a close in this first book, the magical addiction and influence on Luella starts to be true, not just excuses for her narcissism. Still the feeling of mental illness alone stays strong, and I have to ask why. I have touched on it a little, it has to do with the strong emphasis on Luella’s mind and internal world, and not enough on the experiences she has with the magic. The parts where she uses the pen after the very first time are too little touched upon, they are more of an idea than a reality. We are told that she loses her memory while writing the last story where Edward’s father is involved, but it could be a bit more traumatizing for her or elaborated so that the reader understands more of her conflicts within.
I enjoyed the writing, the book is a fast read, but I would have preferred that Luella’s insane inner romantic ramblings and turnabouts were toned down and that we heard a bit more about the magic pen and the stories Luella wrote with it instead. A bit more world building outside Luella's chaotic brain, please.
What dragged the reading experience down further, was the editing errors in my e-book version,
P 37 It felt so wonderfully childish, afraid of every shadow in, afraid to get out of bed and check for monsters.
P 64 reminding me of gemstone exhibits of alexandrite I had seen once one at a museum I had taken Anna to for her birthday.
P 102 I smiled just thinking about.
P 112 After all, horses are very commonplace, and most have us have seen a suit of armor on display somewhere.
P 118 There was enough chivalry over by you to last you a lifetime.
P 142 He hadn’t come back to bother us about though,
P 148 I was sure to miss that appointment with Bram, and there was no way to ask to him to reschedule.
P 17 His eyes saw past me to something, perhaps someone else, much the way Rebecca had done at Dough’s ago.
P 213 I couldn't stand to see him packing so casually there like that like he was getting away with a marvelous prank.
P 240 You’ve explained it all me well enough,
P 304 Now that my energy back
P 325 A sight like that was enough to remind that God was plausible,
—
As a consolation, twelve of these do not match the seventeen I found in The Bone Ships. Still they are twelve too many.
All this being said, I would not be foreign to reading the next book in the series, my annoyance with Luella aside. Despising or loathing characters in books is not a reason to turn a book away. The feelings are mine and it should be my responsibility what to do with them. I have read other great novels where the protagonist was just as bad or even worse, and still found it worthwhile. Just think about Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, or Martin Eden by Jack London. Still romantic fantasy, lovingly (or satirically? I don’t know for sure) dubbed romantasy is usually not my cup of tea, so I will suspend decision on continuing or not.
Unfortunately our protagonist Luella Winthrop is a terrible human who is deserving of only loathing and contempt. She is engaged to marry Byron, but she doesn’t really love him. She falls in love with Edward and adores him with a childish admiration I find hard to believe survives most women turning eighteen. Yet she's a grown woman. She also falls in love with the carnival performer Bram, who introduces her to the magical pen and later gifts her with the crimson inkwell. The magical pen is a device she can use to write about things that happen in the future. Despite Bram telling her she most likely does not create the stories with the pen, that she just precognites them, she fully believes that she is the creator of future events, a god. Because it is all about her. When she does stupid things, she expects others to rescue her from the consequences, and at the same time she blames others for her predicaments. She turns around on her emotional spinning wheel all the time, often on the same page, contemplating marriage to either one of her three men, never contemplating making a life without some male crutch to lean on. And she elevates herself to her incapable little sister’s savior when it turns out her sister has to save her on several occasions. These incidents are promptly forgotten by Luella, who shows a very narcissistic selective memory when it suits her self image. And what she adores in one minute, she detests and hates the next. She turns to violence when all other options seem impossible - like telling the truth and showing some integrity.
It is hinted that the magic pen has created some kind of addiction for Luella, and that her anger is a symptom of something the pen is responsible for. But hey, I have worked with such narcissists, the ones that are flawless and never make any mistakes, but blame it on the computer, fax machine or telephone when errors occur and no humans are around to blame. Luella is too immature and insecure to take responsibility for herself, and her self image is down the toilet, of course that is why she cannot take criticism from Brutus, her “nemesis”, that is why she feels she has to win the journalist award, why she has to be loved by the men in her life. But she is running around all three men not being able to choose one, because she wants them all. The adoration is more of an addiction for her than the magic pen. What a despicable human Luella Winthrop is. “- But, but, but, it was the magick donne it!”
The magic pen, when Rebecca puts it like this,
“But he knowingly put you at risk by inviting you to use his magical artifact?”
presents the pen as a phallic symbol, the stories as her and Brams offspring and the crimson inkwell as menstruation, marking the end of impregnation. Now this symbolic meaning might never be an intention from the writer, but it is hard not to consider this in the romance The Crimson Inkwell turns out to be, especially since the crimson inkwell doesn’t really do anything other than stay in Luella’s possession. If she fears the magic and finds it hard to trust Bram, why doesn’t she just throw the inkwell away?
As the story comes to a close in this first book, the magical addiction and influence on Luella starts to be true, not just excuses for her narcissism. Still the feeling of mental illness alone stays strong, and I have to ask why. I have touched on it a little, it has to do with the strong emphasis on Luella’s mind and internal world, and not enough on the experiences she has with the magic. The parts where she uses the pen after the very first time are too little touched upon, they are more of an idea than a reality. We are told that she loses her memory while writing the last story where Edward’s father is involved, but it could be a bit more traumatizing for her or elaborated so that the reader understands more of her conflicts within.
I enjoyed the writing, the book is a fast read, but I would have preferred that Luella’s insane inner romantic ramblings and turnabouts were toned down and that we heard a bit more about the magic pen and the stories Luella wrote with it instead. A bit more world building outside Luella's chaotic brain, please.
What dragged the reading experience down further, was the editing errors in my e-book version,
P 37 It felt so wonderfully childish, afraid of every shadow in, afraid to get out of bed and check for monsters.
P 64 reminding me of gemstone exhibits of alexandrite I had seen once one at a museum I had taken Anna to for her birthday.
P 102 I smiled just thinking about.
P 112 After all, horses are very commonplace, and most have us have seen a suit of armor on display somewhere.
P 118 There was enough chivalry over by you to last you a lifetime.
P 142 He hadn’t come back to bother us about though,
P 148 I was sure to miss that appointment with Bram, and there was no way to ask to him to reschedule.
P 17 His eyes saw past me to something, perhaps someone else, much the way Rebecca had done at Dough’s ago.
P 213 I couldn't stand to see him packing so casually there like that like he was getting away with a marvelous prank.
P 240 You’ve explained it all me well enough,
P 304 Now that my energy back
P 325 A sight like that was enough to remind that God was plausible,
—
As a consolation, twelve of these do not match the seventeen I found in The Bone Ships. Still they are twelve too many.
All this being said, I would not be foreign to reading the next book in the series, my annoyance with Luella aside. Despising or loathing characters in books is not a reason to turn a book away. The feelings are mine and it should be my responsibility what to do with them. I have read other great novels where the protagonist was just as bad or even worse, and still found it worthwhile. Just think about Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, or Martin Eden by Jack London. Still romantic fantasy, lovingly (or satirically? I don’t know for sure) dubbed romantasy is usually not my cup of tea, so I will suspend decision on continuing or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2023
This was a very good historical featuring a woman writing for a paper. You have ghosts, hypnotism, and lots of good stories within stories. 4 ⭐.
May 20, 2019
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for me to review!*
Set in London in a time when women were considered more suited to finding a suitable husband and running a household instead of seeking a professional career, this started out feeling a little like the Jackaby series I just finished – which is a very good thing! But that’s really where the similarities end; this story is told from the perspective of Luella, who wants so much to be an award-winning writer, but she must take on a male pseudonym Travis Blakely to do so. After a critic was indifferent about one of Mr. Blakely’s latest articles, Luella takes it upon herself to search the city for a lead that will inspire a more exciting story to sell more papers and hopefully get her closer to winning that elusive award, the Golden Inkwell. Her initial search does land her a successful story, but it only fuels her desire to dig for even more interesting pieces. This leads her to a chance encounter at a carnival where she’s shown a magic pen that makes anything she writes come true. While that provides her the stories she’d always wanted to write, the magic comes at a great cost and we soon see the drastic effects it has on her life and relationships.
Overall I enjoyed reading this. While early on some of the dialogue and writing seemed a little rushed, it didn’t take away from how well-written the characters were and the relationships between them. At times I both loved and questioned Luella, but I felt her emotions along with her – like the excitement she had when her stories were selling well and the confusion she felt when experiencing magical side effects. There were a few characters and ideas in the story that I feel weren’t touched on enough, but the way the book ends leads me to believe there will be more. So I’m confident those few incomplete topics I read will be better addressed later.
If you enjoy reading about magic set during a realistic, historical time period and a strong female lead trying to make her own way in life, I recommend adding this book to your TBR list!
3.5/5
Set in London in a time when women were considered more suited to finding a suitable husband and running a household instead of seeking a professional career, this started out feeling a little like the Jackaby series I just finished – which is a very good thing! But that’s really where the similarities end; this story is told from the perspective of Luella, who wants so much to be an award-winning writer, but she must take on a male pseudonym Travis Blakely to do so. After a critic was indifferent about one of Mr. Blakely’s latest articles, Luella takes it upon herself to search the city for a lead that will inspire a more exciting story to sell more papers and hopefully get her closer to winning that elusive award, the Golden Inkwell. Her initial search does land her a successful story, but it only fuels her desire to dig for even more interesting pieces. This leads her to a chance encounter at a carnival where she’s shown a magic pen that makes anything she writes come true. While that provides her the stories she’d always wanted to write, the magic comes at a great cost and we soon see the drastic effects it has on her life and relationships.
Overall I enjoyed reading this. While early on some of the dialogue and writing seemed a little rushed, it didn’t take away from how well-written the characters were and the relationships between them. At times I both loved and questioned Luella, but I felt her emotions along with her – like the excitement she had when her stories were selling well and the confusion she felt when experiencing magical side effects. There were a few characters and ideas in the story that I feel weren’t touched on enough, but the way the book ends leads me to believe there will be more. So I’m confident those few incomplete topics I read will be better addressed later.
If you enjoy reading about magic set during a realistic, historical time period and a strong female lead trying to make her own way in life, I recommend adding this book to your TBR list!
3.5/5
August 9, 2019
{ I was sent an arc for an honest review}
I am completely and utterly obsessed with this book and fell deeply in love with the story & characters :)
I am completely and utterly obsessed with this book and fell deeply in love with the story & characters :)
May 2, 2019
I read an advance reader copy of this book and really enjoyed it. I'm typically not a fan of Gaslamp Fantasy or Historical Fiction, but the well-rounded characters and interesting magic system in this book kept me hooked. Baldwin's writing style feels classically Victorian, which only adds to the authenticity of the protagonist's voice. Unlike many Victorian romances that I've read where the relationships seem contrived or cliche, the romance throughout this story is unique, organic, and complex. And I usually hate the way that male authors portray women, but Baldwin does an excellent job creating a relatable, realistic female protagonist. I can't wait to read the next installment!
June 21, 2019
2.5 Stars
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. I loved the idea of the book the synopsis sounded just up my alley however the plot felt muddled when reading. The main character was supposed to be confused but just ended up being annoyingly indecisive to the point of feeling pointless to read. The beginning was confusing and at times boring. The ending seemed rushed and not in line with the rest of the book and also left many unanswered questions and plot holes. The writing had quite a few issues with proper grammar but was also an advanced reader copy.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. I loved the idea of the book the synopsis sounded just up my alley however the plot felt muddled when reading. The main character was supposed to be confused but just ended up being annoyingly indecisive to the point of feeling pointless to read. The beginning was confusing and at times boring. The ending seemed rushed and not in line with the rest of the book and also left many unanswered questions and plot holes. The writing had quite a few issues with proper grammar but was also an advanced reader copy.
May 10, 2019
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was really pulled into the world the Baldwin created here. I loved the Victorian feel, but also the strong female lead getting stuff done! I finished it in a day because I couldn’t stop reading! Loved it!
September 22, 2020
*I received this book from the author for free via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review*
This is a truly remarkable story. It is wonderfully written, full of wit and humour yet also grasping several important emotional concepts. Luella is an instantly likeable protagonist, and her obsession with becoming an esteemed writer is endearing. Baldwin's writing encapsulates her inner struggles magnificently, as she goes about trying to navigate the various relationships in her life within a world which serves to determine her place for her. As well as the protagonist, the secondary characters were also composed very well - everyone from Byron and Anna to Rebecca and Doug were likeable and relatable, and Baldwin brought their stories to life within the small Dawnhurst town.
My only disappointment came in how effortlessly Luella's romantic life was arranged for her. I really appreciated the dynamic she was confronted with in her engagement to Byron yet the attachments she felt with Edward (and Bram at times), yet almost effortlessly these were resolved with Byron's apparent betrayal. I felt it was a little rushed and that took a significant chunk of the plot away.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the Luella Winthrop Trilogy.
This is a truly remarkable story. It is wonderfully written, full of wit and humour yet also grasping several important emotional concepts. Luella is an instantly likeable protagonist, and her obsession with becoming an esteemed writer is endearing. Baldwin's writing encapsulates her inner struggles magnificently, as she goes about trying to navigate the various relationships in her life within a world which serves to determine her place for her. As well as the protagonist, the secondary characters were also composed very well - everyone from Byron and Anna to Rebecca and Doug were likeable and relatable, and Baldwin brought their stories to life within the small Dawnhurst town.
My only disappointment came in how effortlessly Luella's romantic life was arranged for her. I really appreciated the dynamic she was confronted with in her engagement to Byron yet the attachments she felt with Edward (and Bram at times), yet almost effortlessly these were resolved with Byron's apparent betrayal. I felt it was a little rushed and that took a significant chunk of the plot away.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the Luella Winthrop Trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2021
My thanks to Kenneth A. Baldwin and Voracious Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a treat it was to stumble across this story. The Victorian era complimented the mixture of unresolved fantasy, romance, and adventure perfectly. I loved Luella’s relationship with her sister, and the constant turmoil and sincerity she felt as a role model to Anna (younger sis), as well as to her own ambition. The beckoning ‘what’s to come’ feeling definitely has me plotting to reach for book two.
What a treat it was to stumble across this story. The Victorian era complimented the mixture of unresolved fantasy, romance, and adventure perfectly. I loved Luella’s relationship with her sister, and the constant turmoil and sincerity she felt as a role model to Anna (younger sis), as well as to her own ambition. The beckoning ‘what’s to come’ feeling definitely has me plotting to reach for book two.
September 7, 2020
What an amazing book! Such a gripping story. Could not put it down! Can’t wait to start on the next one!
June 9, 2024
Slow start, but 3/4 through I had a hard time putting it down. Just in time to get the next book...
January 26, 2020
What a wonderful tale of magic and mystery! Magic seems to be an addiction in this story set in the days when women could not be in a mans position. This novel had so much detail that I could picture the sweet buns in my mind as well as imagine how good they must smell. I feel Luella is in for a long search. With Edward by her side, I can only hope the search will not seem so daunting. I was surprised at what Byron had done to her, but I think he was upset by her previous actions. I cannot wait to read the next installment to find out if Luella and Edward find their happy ending.
May 23, 2019
Luella Winthrop is a young woman in Victorian era London, determined to make something of herself as a renowned journalist. Writing under a male pen name for a small paper owned by her much older fiancé, her critics aren’t being kind in helping her to succeed. Baldwin paints the atmosphere, the grime of city life and the middle class struggle of the time, with wonder. But he also, thankfully, makes Luella a woman worth championing, a woman who can stand on her own. Even better, the supporting men are equally as deftly handled.
Edward Thomas, a young constable who has had a recent encounter with a ghostly apparition, is written as unshakable in his mind but bendable on societal matters. This paints him as a forward thinking male of the times, and instantly admirable. Meanwhile, the charming but suspicious carnival magician, Bram is expertly woven by Baldwin to remain a mystery and keep the readers in a sense of mistrust. Because of this, the romantic storyline is superb and not overly sappy. But this novel could have used an editorial hand with the internal thoughts and qualms of our protagonist Luella. Often a paragraph expresses the same thing in different ways, making it slightly tedious to read instead of the usual perfect pace that author Ken Baldwin otherwise does well to set.
The Crimson Inkwell is lovable for all the right reasons and though a very abrupt end has the reader shot like a human cannonball from the prose, it delivers a proper dose of feminism and equality without going too far as to be deliberate.
Edward Thomas, a young constable who has had a recent encounter with a ghostly apparition, is written as unshakable in his mind but bendable on societal matters. This paints him as a forward thinking male of the times, and instantly admirable. Meanwhile, the charming but suspicious carnival magician, Bram is expertly woven by Baldwin to remain a mystery and keep the readers in a sense of mistrust. Because of this, the romantic storyline is superb and not overly sappy. But this novel could have used an editorial hand with the internal thoughts and qualms of our protagonist Luella. Often a paragraph expresses the same thing in different ways, making it slightly tedious to read instead of the usual perfect pace that author Ken Baldwin otherwise does well to set.
The Crimson Inkwell is lovable for all the right reasons and though a very abrupt end has the reader shot like a human cannonball from the prose, it delivers a proper dose of feminism and equality without going too far as to be deliberate.
April 18, 2020
The Crimson Inkwell
By: Kenneth A Baldwin
A Gaslamp Trinkets: Book 1
Luella Winthrop. Single, educated, motivated and definitely born in the wrong era! She aspires to be a well renowned journalist writing stories that make headlines, not articles about draperies and proper table settings. She has a hard road ahead being born in the time when men were the head of everything. She even works for her fiancé at the local weekly publication where they seem to placate her by giving her “pieces that fit her station”. OK, OK, we all know that happened and I can’t imaging how I would handle that for a second.
The problem is, she really is a good journalist. She sets out to prove it and along the way meets her “dream man”, encounters a magical “
carnival worker and is introduced to a writing instrument that makes her stories come true. But in true pre “women’s movement” fashion she wavers back and forth regarding her personal and professional life. Should she? Shouldn’t she? At one point, I wanted to yell...”Just make up your mind!” The Pen could make her famous (although it has a few side effects), the “perfect man” could make her happy but her fiancé is a solid bet. Hmmm, what would you do?
This story flows easy and is captivating. There is “proper” romance, danger and magic...what’s not to like. Pick this up and give it a try, it definitely has my attention and left me wanting more!
Jeanie G
By: Kenneth A Baldwin
A Gaslamp Trinkets: Book 1
Luella Winthrop. Single, educated, motivated and definitely born in the wrong era! She aspires to be a well renowned journalist writing stories that make headlines, not articles about draperies and proper table settings. She has a hard road ahead being born in the time when men were the head of everything. She even works for her fiancé at the local weekly publication where they seem to placate her by giving her “pieces that fit her station”. OK, OK, we all know that happened and I can’t imaging how I would handle that for a second.
The problem is, she really is a good journalist. She sets out to prove it and along the way meets her “dream man”, encounters a magical “
carnival worker and is introduced to a writing instrument that makes her stories come true. But in true pre “women’s movement” fashion she wavers back and forth regarding her personal and professional life. Should she? Shouldn’t she? At one point, I wanted to yell...”Just make up your mind!” The Pen could make her famous (although it has a few side effects), the “perfect man” could make her happy but her fiancé is a solid bet. Hmmm, what would you do?
This story flows easy and is captivating. There is “proper” romance, danger and magic...what’s not to like. Pick this up and give it a try, it definitely has my attention and left me wanting more!
Jeanie G
December 10, 2025
Louella Winthrop is a talented writer who works for a small newspaper "Langley's Miscellany."
In Dawnhurst-on-Severen she writes under an assumed name since women aren't "qualified" to earn their living.
She supports her younger, fragile sister, Anna.
Her boss, Byron Livingston, although in his 40's has asked Luella to marry him. She accepts.
Her dream is to win The Golden Inkwell - an annual prize that would showcase her talent and enable her to write actual news stories instead of articles on homes that are tedious & boring to her -- like how to choose the right curtains.
In order for her to write an award winning column, she steps outside her comfort & safety zone and attempts to get first notice of a breaking arrest or a crime from which she can stretch several days' material on the front page
Thus "scoop" other local papers which "Langley's" has not accomplished and save tgr papers lagging sucess.
Sgt. Cooper is in.charge of the local constabulary and was a good friend of her late father. She finds an almost incredulous story about a "fog man" who disappears from a young and very handsome officer.
Mystery, mayhem, danger impact her formerly staid life. A mysterious circus performer enchants her with the promise of success & she finds success but at a price she may not be willing to pay.
Wonderful characters & descriptions of 1800's England. I felt like I was with Luella & the final chapters are engrossing
This was an ARC copy.
In Dawnhurst-on-Severen she writes under an assumed name since women aren't "qualified" to earn their living.
She supports her younger, fragile sister, Anna.
Her boss, Byron Livingston, although in his 40's has asked Luella to marry him. She accepts.
Her dream is to win The Golden Inkwell - an annual prize that would showcase her talent and enable her to write actual news stories instead of articles on homes that are tedious & boring to her -- like how to choose the right curtains.
In order for her to write an award winning column, she steps outside her comfort & safety zone and attempts to get first notice of a breaking arrest or a crime from which she can stretch several days' material on the front page
Thus "scoop" other local papers which "Langley's" has not accomplished and save tgr papers lagging sucess.
Sgt. Cooper is in.charge of the local constabulary and was a good friend of her late father. She finds an almost incredulous story about a "fog man" who disappears from a young and very handsome officer.
Mystery, mayhem, danger impact her formerly staid life. A mysterious circus performer enchants her with the promise of success & she finds success but at a price she may not be willing to pay.
Wonderful characters & descriptions of 1800's England. I felt like I was with Luella & the final chapters are engrossing
This was an ARC copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
I have very mixed feelings about The Crimson Inkwell. This is a story set in mid to late Victorian England, featuring a young woman's attempting to make her way as a writer. As she deals with various other difficult circumstances, she stumbles upon a magical mystery. . . .
The story begins well. Luella, the main character is struggling to establish herself as a writer, and resents having to use a male pen name in order to publish her stories. . . in her much older fiancée's magazine. She desperately wants a secure life on her own terms, but realizes that in these times--marriage to a stable, gainfully employed men is the most likely option for both her and her sister. I thought it was interesting the way the character balanced her attempts at a career and her misgivings about her fiancé, and the very realistic way she viewed her situation. Later the tone of the story is less believable as she swoons at the attention of another younger, more handsome man. Then! The magical activity part arrives----and it loses any tone altogether.
One of the errors: The unmarried women in the stories are referred to as Ms. Jane Doe. and Ms. Sarah Smith! In the 1800's! I understand that it was supposed to a fantasy, but the uneven tone and style are very distracting.
The story begins well. Luella, the main character is struggling to establish herself as a writer, and resents having to use a male pen name in order to publish her stories. . . in her much older fiancée's magazine. She desperately wants a secure life on her own terms, but realizes that in these times--marriage to a stable, gainfully employed men is the most likely option for both her and her sister. I thought it was interesting the way the character balanced her attempts at a career and her misgivings about her fiancé, and the very realistic way she viewed her situation. Later the tone of the story is less believable as she swoons at the attention of another younger, more handsome man. Then! The magical activity part arrives----and it loses any tone altogether.
One of the errors: The unmarried women in the stories are referred to as Ms. Jane Doe. and Ms. Sarah Smith! In the 1800's! I understand that it was supposed to a fantasy, but the uneven tone and style are very distracting.
September 26, 2019
********I was given a copy by the publisher for my honest review***********
Rating: 2.5
The Premise of this book was great, but the execution was very up and down for me. Set in London this story follows Luella Winthrop as she tries to become the writer that she wants to be in a world where women are expected to find a husband and look after the kids then have a career, one night while visiting a carnival she meets a man who gives her access to a magical pen that brings stories to life. sadly I was bored through a lot of the book . I did like Luella she was a good character but she was so indecisive it became really annoying . The idea of the magical pen was intriguing but I wish it was explored more, for me the stories that were being written weren't that exciting. i liked the writing but I was confused at times and sometimes it kind of felt like the story was going nowhere and the ending was not very satisfying, it left to many unanswered question's.
Thank you to the publisher for the copy
Rating: 2.5
The Premise of this book was great, but the execution was very up and down for me. Set in London this story follows Luella Winthrop as she tries to become the writer that she wants to be in a world where women are expected to find a husband and look after the kids then have a career, one night while visiting a carnival she meets a man who gives her access to a magical pen that brings stories to life. sadly I was bored through a lot of the book . I did like Luella she was a good character but she was so indecisive it became really annoying . The idea of the magical pen was intriguing but I wish it was explored more, for me the stories that were being written weren't that exciting. i liked the writing but I was confused at times and sometimes it kind of felt like the story was going nowhere and the ending was not very satisfying, it left to many unanswered question's.
Thank you to the publisher for the copy
October 13, 2020
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Miss Luella Winthrop seems to have a normal, if modest life. She takes care of her younger sister Anna and works (under a pen name) as writer for a newspaper owned by her fiancé. Although she lives a decent, respectable life, there is a part of her that longs for more. In fact, she secretly dreams of earning the Golden Inkwell, a prize awarded to the writer who puts out the most exciting stories. Against the advice of her fiancé, Luella starts traveling her small town looking for more stories. It is then when she meets a carnival worker named Bram, who promises her an unlimited supply of interesting stories... if she’s willing to believe in things out of the ordinary. As Luella gets more involved with Bram, she starts to believe in magic... but the magic might have some unintended consequences that aren’t exactly for the better.
Miss Luella Winthrop seems to have a normal, if modest life. She takes care of her younger sister Anna and works (under a pen name) as writer for a newspaper owned by her fiancé. Although she lives a decent, respectable life, there is a part of her that longs for more. In fact, she secretly dreams of earning the Golden Inkwell, a prize awarded to the writer who puts out the most exciting stories. Against the advice of her fiancé, Luella starts traveling her small town looking for more stories. It is then when she meets a carnival worker named Bram, who promises her an unlimited supply of interesting stories... if she’s willing to believe in things out of the ordinary. As Luella gets more involved with Bram, she starts to believe in magic... but the magic might have some unintended consequences that aren’t exactly for the better.
June 17, 2019
Luella Winthrop has found her life turned upside down, and that’s saying something for this young woman who has been writing under a male pseudonym!
The Crimson Inkwell is a delightful Victorian style story that has all the dash of Sherlock Holmes and the wit and mystery of Wilkie Collins. Luella is a well developed and grounded female lead who finds herself “taken in” by a magic beyond her control. Though the rules of the “magic system” are sometimes unclear and the villain of the story underdone, the overall plot and its woven threads are still exciting and compelling.
In addition, the cast of characters is rich and satisfying (though I would’ve loved to learn more about a certain magician and his acquisition of a very important pen!)
This book ends on a cliffhanger, though a satisfying one, and left me anticipating the next installment.
The Crimson Inkwell is a delightful Victorian style story that has all the dash of Sherlock Holmes and the wit and mystery of Wilkie Collins. Luella is a well developed and grounded female lead who finds herself “taken in” by a magic beyond her control. Though the rules of the “magic system” are sometimes unclear and the villain of the story underdone, the overall plot and its woven threads are still exciting and compelling.
In addition, the cast of characters is rich and satisfying (though I would’ve loved to learn more about a certain magician and his acquisition of a very important pen!)
This book ends on a cliffhanger, though a satisfying one, and left me anticipating the next installment.
July 29, 2019
The author is a friend of my daughter’s so when she suggested it might be something I’d enjoy, I was happy to give it a chance. I was not disappointed. It took a moment to adjust to the Victorian setting and language but the compelling main character drew me in. Kenneth does well at expressing Luella’s voice and making her a complex but relatable female lead. I loved the intertwining of relational uncertainty with the mystery of magic. I was pleased at how unpredictable the plot and characters were. I was both excited and disappointed at the ending, as I was left with unanswered questions but glad to know a sequel is a possibility. I enjoyed this book very much and am pleased to recommend it to lovers of fantasy, mystery, and human drama.
May 3, 2019
I received an advance copy of the book.
I loved Crimson Inkwell. Clever. Deep. Funny. Suspenseful. Baldwin has created a wonderful world of subtle magic dealt with by wonderful, grounded characters. Reminded me of how I felt when reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Has that same realistic feel with that great touch of fantasy that fills your imagination whenever you read. What stood out to me the most are great one-liners Baldwin sprinkles through the story. Whether they're humorous or insightful, you'll find certain sentences that just shine. I hope they strike a chord with you like the did with me.
I loved Crimson Inkwell. Clever. Deep. Funny. Suspenseful. Baldwin has created a wonderful world of subtle magic dealt with by wonderful, grounded characters. Reminded me of how I felt when reading Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Has that same realistic feel with that great touch of fantasy that fills your imagination whenever you read. What stood out to me the most are great one-liners Baldwin sprinkles through the story. Whether they're humorous or insightful, you'll find certain sentences that just shine. I hope they strike a chord with you like the did with me.
June 29, 2019
Something about the book kept me engaged and interested. The main character dug herself deeper and deeper into a relatable and understandable pickle, drawing me into the story. Baldwin also threw in pleasant little twists to make the plot surprising. The characterizations were excellent, and I mostly struggled to put the book down. The actual writing style and dialogue were also decent in my opinion. No, it wasn't a perfect five-star book; it started a little slow and sometimes dove into long descriptions, especially when it came to the thoughts of the main character. But overall, I'd say it's worth a read.
August 23, 2021
*Note: I received a free copy from the author through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review*
The premise for this book sounded really good and like something I'd really enjoy reading. Sadly, despite how desperately I wanted to enjoy this book, I didn't. Right from the start it was very hard to get into. It felt like the author had created multiple plot lines that they could have used and instead of choosing one tried to merge them all together. This left the book feeling very muddled and at times incomprehensible. The characters were okay at best and just plain flat at worst. And the ending felt rushed and separate from everything else that happened in the book.
The premise for this book sounded really good and like something I'd really enjoy reading. Sadly, despite how desperately I wanted to enjoy this book, I didn't. Right from the start it was very hard to get into. It felt like the author had created multiple plot lines that they could have used and instead of choosing one tried to merge them all together. This left the book feeling very muddled and at times incomprehensible. The characters were okay at best and just plain flat at worst. And the ending felt rushed and separate from everything else that happened in the book.
May 16, 2019
I liked the first half of this book. The idea of a pen that turns fiction into fact was interesting, and I liked the characters well enough. But the second half of the book didn’t do it for me. The magic got weirder, the characters often acted “out of character,” and the ending was completely unsatisfactory and abrupt. This book had so much potential, but I can’t bring myself to rate it any higher.
July 15, 2020
This story follows Luella, a writer (under a male nom de plume) for a publication owned and operated by her fiance. Frustrated by the frivolous nature of most of her assignments, Luella's ambition and natural curiosity lead her to an encounter with a mysterious man at a carnival. This interaction exposes Luella to a magical pen - whatever it writes comes true. Luella takes advantage of this artifact in order to further her writing career.
The world-building that was present was well-done, although I think there was definitely room for more. The city, Dawnhurst, was described well enough for the events of the novel, though I found myself believing it was a suburb of London (this may well be due to the limits of my Canadian education). I was unclear on just when this novel is set - it largely has the feel of the Victorian era, but I didn't catch any clear references to be entrenched in a particular historical moment. When it came to the prose and dialogue, there was an old-fashioned flavour, which suited the setting well, although I felt there was room to take this further. (I recognise that, in order to appeal to a modern audience, a certain amount of liberties with the florid and outmoded speech patterns is necessary. My personal taste found a slightly jarring feeling by times).
The pacing of the story really suited the time period in which events were set - it's a little on the slow side for modern fiction, but I found that to be a strength of the novel and I really liked it.
The character development was also generally well-done. This was another area where I yearned for more. Luella is the primary character, and we see the events as well as the other characters through her eyes. I think she's an interesting character and well-suited to be the protagonist. She definitely has some flaws and inconsistencies in her attitudes, which makes her interesting. She seems to be willing and able to recognise when her preconceived notions about others are wrong - probably my favourite among her strengths as a character. She also exhibits a naivete of which I am a little suspicious, owing to what we learn of her background. (I have questions about her background).
Since Luella narrates the story in the first person, all the other characters are only experienced through her eyes. It is a weakness because the reader must trust the narrator (not always a good decision!) However, in this case, I think the author does a good job of demonstrating different facets of the other characters' personalities. While I've already mentioned Luella's ability to recognise errors in her perceptions, her biggest blind spot (for me) was her sister. The relationship between the two did not ring true to my own experiences, and seemed almost superficial. On the other hand, several of the other characters were very interesting to me, and I wanted to read more of them (Rebecca, Doug, Mrs. Crow).
By far the weakest element to me is one that I'm struggling to be able to articulate. It has to do with the language use (and may encompass some editing elements). This novel does not read as though it were written by a British writer, despite being set in England. American spelling conventions are used, for one thing. The vocabulary feels generic - there's very little British slang that would help bring the setting to life. The characters' voices (in my head) did not have British accents naturally. Aside from the very specific locations that I did recognise, I feel that novel could easily have taken place in Middle America. This adds up a sense of lack of authenticity, and that's a pity as the story is so well suited to the setting (both geographically and temporally). The added attention to detail would really have leveled my reading experience up.
There were several mistakes (spurned/spurred, solider/soldier, etc) that I think should have been caught. However, these were not so frequent as to be a total distraction. (I may have been better able to overlook them had I been able to really immerse myself in the setting).
This novel was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
The world-building that was present was well-done, although I think there was definitely room for more. The city, Dawnhurst, was described well enough for the events of the novel, though I found myself believing it was a suburb of London (this may well be due to the limits of my Canadian education). I was unclear on just when this novel is set - it largely has the feel of the Victorian era, but I didn't catch any clear references to be entrenched in a particular historical moment. When it came to the prose and dialogue, there was an old-fashioned flavour, which suited the setting well, although I felt there was room to take this further. (I recognise that, in order to appeal to a modern audience, a certain amount of liberties with the florid and outmoded speech patterns is necessary. My personal taste found a slightly jarring feeling by times).
The pacing of the story really suited the time period in which events were set - it's a little on the slow side for modern fiction, but I found that to be a strength of the novel and I really liked it.
The character development was also generally well-done. This was another area where I yearned for more. Luella is the primary character, and we see the events as well as the other characters through her eyes. I think she's an interesting character and well-suited to be the protagonist. She definitely has some flaws and inconsistencies in her attitudes, which makes her interesting. She seems to be willing and able to recognise when her preconceived notions about others are wrong - probably my favourite among her strengths as a character. She also exhibits a naivete of which I am a little suspicious, owing to what we learn of her background. (I have questions about her background).
Since Luella narrates the story in the first person, all the other characters are only experienced through her eyes. It is a weakness because the reader must trust the narrator (not always a good decision!) However, in this case, I think the author does a good job of demonstrating different facets of the other characters' personalities. While I've already mentioned Luella's ability to recognise errors in her perceptions, her biggest blind spot (for me) was her sister. The relationship between the two did not ring true to my own experiences, and seemed almost superficial. On the other hand, several of the other characters were very interesting to me, and I wanted to read more of them (Rebecca, Doug, Mrs. Crow).
By far the weakest element to me is one that I'm struggling to be able to articulate. It has to do with the language use (and may encompass some editing elements). This novel does not read as though it were written by a British writer, despite being set in England. American spelling conventions are used, for one thing. The vocabulary feels generic - there's very little British slang that would help bring the setting to life. The characters' voices (in my head) did not have British accents naturally. Aside from the very specific locations that I did recognise, I feel that novel could easily have taken place in Middle America. This adds up a sense of lack of authenticity, and that's a pity as the story is so well suited to the setting (both geographically and temporally). The added attention to detail would really have leveled my reading experience up.
There were several mistakes (spurned/spurred, solider/soldier, etc) that I think should have been caught. However, these were not so frequent as to be a total distraction. (I may have been better able to overlook them had I been able to really immerse myself in the setting).
This novel was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
May 9, 2024
Beautifully narrated audiobook with believable protagonist.
Note: As there was no way to rate the audiobook specifically, I am leaving this review under the ebook.
This audiobook was my first introduction to the Luella Winthrop trilogy, and Naomi Rose-Mock’s voice is therefore synonymous for me with Luella’s narrative. It took me a little while to warm up to that voice ,and I don’t know if that is the character or the narrator. While every book needs a good plot and a compelling narrative voice, the actual voice of the narrator tends to make or break an audiobook experience, so let me go ahead and state that Rose-Mock is a phenomenal voice actor. I don’t love her male voices—she can only go so deep, through no fault of her own—but I could definitely tell they were male. And later in the book, in the space of a single chapter (ch. 26), she voices four distinct female characters back and forth in quick succession, and I knew exactly whom she was reading each time. I even correctly guessed who was banging on the door by the way Rose-Mock voiced the character. So my hat goes off to her skills.
As for the story itself, it kept me engaged and wanting to hear more. I even did some extra house cleaning so I had a productive excuse to listen! Yet I have mixed feelings. I like Luella; I find her interesting and believable. But the pace of each scene tends to be slow, because Luella’s narrative voice tends to pause for introspective analysis. This is justified, because as the story goes on, you begin to understand that this character, who is naturally cool-headed, conservative, caring and decorous, is under the influence of—well, a powerful influence. While you believe her capable of passion, you’re also convinced her passions are out of character.
As events unfold, Luella makes one odd, impulsive decision after another, leading her down a path littered with mistakes and boxing her into something of a corner. It happens so gradually, almost naturally, that you never find yourself at that unenviable point as a reader where you want to shout at her to stop being so stupid. Actually, Baldwin does a masterful job of portraying the inside of a woman’s head and heart with insight and honesty. Yet the fact remains that Luella’s situation goes from bad to worse, and though I did not blame her for her choices, I did sort of get tired of watching her head reel repeatedly as she discovered the consequences.
It’s not all dust and ashes, of course. There is some beauty in the book, and a couple of particularly gratifying friendships develop along the way. Yet I feel Luella’s journey is succinctly summed up by this pensive line from chapter 20: “The true weight of secrets is borne by our loved ones.” And again in this wistful reflection from chapter 35: “It’s so easy to pine after the roads we pass as destiny whisks us along.”
I was surprised to find I really liked the ending .The last two lines of the book were quite satisfying. I will definitely keep going with the series, but I confess I sort of dread Book Two. I suspect things will have to get a whole lot darker, and I may not love where Luella ends up by the end of the second book. Will Book Three redeem it all? I certainly hope so. And my first experience with Baldwin (which was Drops of Glass, book one of The Shards of Lafayette series) leads me to believe in him as a storyteller.
/ I had the privilege of receiving a complimentary copy of the audiobook, and this review reflects my honest opinion. Look for my reviews of the remaining two books to complete my reflections on the series as a whole. /
Note: As there was no way to rate the audiobook specifically, I am leaving this review under the ebook.
This audiobook was my first introduction to the Luella Winthrop trilogy, and Naomi Rose-Mock’s voice is therefore synonymous for me with Luella’s narrative. It took me a little while to warm up to that voice ,and I don’t know if that is the character or the narrator. While every book needs a good plot and a compelling narrative voice, the actual voice of the narrator tends to make or break an audiobook experience, so let me go ahead and state that Rose-Mock is a phenomenal voice actor. I don’t love her male voices—she can only go so deep, through no fault of her own—but I could definitely tell they were male. And later in the book, in the space of a single chapter (ch. 26), she voices four distinct female characters back and forth in quick succession, and I knew exactly whom she was reading each time. I even correctly guessed who was banging on the door by the way Rose-Mock voiced the character. So my hat goes off to her skills.
As for the story itself, it kept me engaged and wanting to hear more. I even did some extra house cleaning so I had a productive excuse to listen! Yet I have mixed feelings. I like Luella; I find her interesting and believable. But the pace of each scene tends to be slow, because Luella’s narrative voice tends to pause for introspective analysis. This is justified, because as the story goes on, you begin to understand that this character, who is naturally cool-headed, conservative, caring and decorous, is under the influence of—well, a powerful influence. While you believe her capable of passion, you’re also convinced her passions are out of character.
As events unfold, Luella makes one odd, impulsive decision after another, leading her down a path littered with mistakes and boxing her into something of a corner. It happens so gradually, almost naturally, that you never find yourself at that unenviable point as a reader where you want to shout at her to stop being so stupid. Actually, Baldwin does a masterful job of portraying the inside of a woman’s head and heart with insight and honesty. Yet the fact remains that Luella’s situation goes from bad to worse, and though I did not blame her for her choices, I did sort of get tired of watching her head reel repeatedly as she discovered the consequences.
It’s not all dust and ashes, of course. There is some beauty in the book, and a couple of particularly gratifying friendships develop along the way. Yet I feel Luella’s journey is succinctly summed up by this pensive line from chapter 20: “The true weight of secrets is borne by our loved ones.” And again in this wistful reflection from chapter 35: “It’s so easy to pine after the roads we pass as destiny whisks us along.”
I was surprised to find I really liked the ending .The last two lines of the book were quite satisfying. I will definitely keep going with the series, but I confess I sort of dread Book Two. I suspect things will have to get a whole lot darker, and I may not love where Luella ends up by the end of the second book. Will Book Three redeem it all? I certainly hope so. And my first experience with Baldwin (which was Drops of Glass, book one of The Shards of Lafayette series) leads me to believe in him as a storyteller.
/ I had the privilege of receiving a complimentary copy of the audiobook, and this review reflects my honest opinion. Look for my reviews of the remaining two books to complete my reflections on the series as a whole. /
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