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Stone Memory
Clifton, present time. Kate O’Carroll has just moved to take up a new position at Bristol University. She’s found a lovely house that comes complete with its own library – a big bonus for an avid reader. Her new life seems to be starting auspiciously when she slips on the pavement and ends up at the local A&E. Adrienne Sargent, the surgeon on call, immediately feels a connection to her patient, but of course, there’s no reason they should meet again outside the hospital.
Clifton, 1900. Dorcas Fairstead, a parson’s daughter, is starting a teaching career at one of the pioneering colleges for women. Not much older than her students, she is finding her feet, making friends and writing a journal for the first time in her life. At a conference, she and her friends meet Elizabeth Sutcliff, a young doctor working at one of the first women’s hospitals in London.
There must be something in the air, for although none of these women is actively looking for love, life has other ideas. As past and present intersect, are they ready to follow their desires?
Clifton, 1900. Dorcas Fairstead, a parson’s daughter, is starting a teaching career at one of the pioneering colleges for women. Not much older than her students, she is finding her feet, making friends and writing a journal for the first time in her life. At a conference, she and her friends meet Elizabeth Sutcliff, a young doctor working at one of the first women’s hospitals in London.
There must be something in the air, for although none of these women is actively looking for love, life has other ideas. As past and present intersect, are they ready to follow their desires?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2021
12 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 16, 2021
**'Never underestimate the sheer value of insightful knowledge and encrypted storytelling..'
Interesting read!
....
Interesting read!
....
January 14, 2022
Incredibly wordy and detailed story - but perhaps too much? Kindle Unlimited.
I did enjoy it in a very quiet way. This is not hugely passionate, or sweeping epic in anyway, and I liked the more solemn tone... Our MC's are 49 and 33, so I preferred the more mature approach... until sudden immaturity hit.
However I felt that the main relationship simply wasn't emotional enough for me. We got so many idiosyncratic details of characters and their backstories, that when the actual relationship starts to bloom, it's just skipped and jumped over, and therefore incredibly disappointing.
What was also disappointing was a huge black moment that was far too easily solved, and felt so freaking forced! I understand trying to showcase insecurity, but this was ridiculous.
There's also a secondary storyline, from the 1900's told via journals and letters that one MC finds. Again it was so very detailed in many ways, but when it came to the relationship, it almost seemed accidental they even got together at all.
So it's a very strange one, that I don't think I would recommend. Lots of Solid writing here, for sure, the author has talent but needs to learn where to edit and streamline everything and expand on the things people DO want to be immersed in, instead of needless details that don't actually affect the characters and story.
I did enjoy it in a very quiet way. This is not hugely passionate, or sweeping epic in anyway, and I liked the more solemn tone... Our MC's are 49 and 33, so I preferred the more mature approach... until sudden immaturity hit.
However I felt that the main relationship simply wasn't emotional enough for me. We got so many idiosyncratic details of characters and their backstories, that when the actual relationship starts to bloom, it's just skipped and jumped over, and therefore incredibly disappointing.
What was also disappointing was a huge black moment that was far too easily solved, and felt so freaking forced! I understand trying to showcase insecurity, but this was ridiculous.
There's also a secondary storyline, from the 1900's told via journals and letters that one MC finds. Again it was so very detailed in many ways, but when it came to the relationship, it almost seemed accidental they even got together at all.
So it's a very strange one, that I don't think I would recommend. Lots of Solid writing here, for sure, the author has talent but needs to learn where to edit and streamline everything and expand on the things people DO want to be immersed in, instead of needless details that don't actually affect the characters and story.
October 15, 2022
Of course, I won’t hold a grudge against the author for that but I really wouldn’t have minded a longer novel because all those characters are interesting and I wanted to know them even better … It doesn’t change my 5 ⭐️ rating, though. Because there are plenty of things to love in this original novel. Among them (non-exhaustive list):
° a great cover illustrating well what composes the heart of the book (OK, also, I confess: I’m in love with the artwork used as background)
° an original and refreshing narrative structure with, in present time the back and forth between Kathryn’s 1st person POV and the 3rd person when Adrienne is concerned.
° two gracefully told sweet love stories (one set in the present time and the other one set in the early 20th century.)
° some good touches of humor found here and there
° a diversity in the well-drawn characters :
°° In present time Adrienne is disabled (her right hip has been replaced by prothesis – to know how, you’ll have to read the book 😉 ) & Kate (based, between other things, on her seemingly difficulties in social interaction, along with her restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests), if I’m right, seems to be suffering from an autism spectrum disorder. I’d say a mild one, maybe the Asperger syndrome but I’m no expert …What I know for sure, though, that’s it’s has been handled delicately.
°° In the Victorian era : the MCs and their friends and relatives are all very different the ones from the others. They all have a different background and education, coming from different social classes but they are still able to connect without judging the others.
THANK YOU so much Aimée for this good reading opportunity …
° a great cover illustrating well what composes the heart of the book (OK, also, I confess: I’m in love with the artwork used as background)
° an original and refreshing narrative structure with, in present time the back and forth between Kathryn’s 1st person POV and the 3rd person when Adrienne is concerned.
° two gracefully told sweet love stories (one set in the present time and the other one set in the early 20th century.)
° some good touches of humor found here and there
° a diversity in the well-drawn characters :
°° In present time Adrienne is disabled (her right hip has been replaced by prothesis – to know how, you’ll have to read the book 😉 ) & Kate (based, between other things, on her seemingly difficulties in social interaction, along with her restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests), if I’m right, seems to be suffering from an autism spectrum disorder. I’d say a mild one, maybe the Asperger syndrome but I’m no expert …What I know for sure, though, that’s it’s has been handled delicately.
°° In the Victorian era : the MCs and their friends and relatives are all very different the ones from the others. They all have a different background and education, coming from different social classes but they are still able to connect without judging the others.
THANK YOU so much Aimée for this good reading opportunity …
October 9, 2021
This is a 3.5 to 3.6-star book but I rounded up.
I received an uncorrected proof of Stone Memory in exchange for an honest review.
"As I stepped out of my new house….", so begins the story of Kate O'Carroll, a parapsychology lecturer, and, after a fall sends her to the hospital, the story of Adrienne Sargent, the doctor who treated her. Dr Sargent's "love-at-first sight" of an unconscious Kate put me off at first as I thought the story would descend into an immediate romance and ghost stories. Do not, though, allow these two aspects to stop you. Once past the first twenty pages or so, it became clear that there was much more depth here than I expected both in the two main characters as well as the couple of women (Dorcas and Elisabeth) who had an eerily similar experience and story more than 100 years before, i.e., one a teacher, the other a doctor. We find out about the earlier couple through a diary kept by the teacher, Dorcas Fairstead, the niece of Aunt Helen and her "friend" Claire (yes, yet another couple), as well as letters exchanged between Ms. Fairstead and Ms. Sutcliffe. How this transpired, I cannot tell you without giving away key parts of the story.
I found the intersection (yes, this is the correct word) between the different couples quite interesting and well handled by the author. The character development of the four main women was extensive. The narration was split between Kate and Adrienne and, of course, Dorcas through her diary. In most cases, the switch between narrators was clear although there were a few times I found the switch between Kate and Adrienne in the middle of chapters clumsy especially when this seemed unnecessary. Kate is a woman of the past who loved the simpler times of the Victorian era and who eschewed modern technology (telephones, cell phones, texting, etc.) but incongruously read books on a Kindle despite the large library of books in the furnished house she had purchased.
I liked that it was a book of romance but not of steamy erotica. It was quite easy to become absorbed in the stories of these women and when I finished the book, I had many more questions about the various characters and situations of the book which would make this a great book for a book club discussion.
There were other characters that appeared in the book but their appearances were not essential to the story and in some cases were distracting without purpose. In those instances, I would have either liked these characters and their stories to be better developed or omitted.
Medical acronyms and descriptions that are not among the common vocabulary of non-medical personnel are scattered throughout the book, so keep a dictionary handy.
As I had an uncorrected proof, there were annoying grammatical errors and references to names of the main character which were other than Kate or Adrienne. There were also a couple of times when the dialogue became confused between the characters. I assume that these were fixed by a good copy-editor in the published version of the book.
I recommend the book as a light, quick read and look forward to reading more from this author.
I received an uncorrected proof of Stone Memory in exchange for an honest review.
"As I stepped out of my new house….", so begins the story of Kate O'Carroll, a parapsychology lecturer, and, after a fall sends her to the hospital, the story of Adrienne Sargent, the doctor who treated her. Dr Sargent's "love-at-first sight" of an unconscious Kate put me off at first as I thought the story would descend into an immediate romance and ghost stories. Do not, though, allow these two aspects to stop you. Once past the first twenty pages or so, it became clear that there was much more depth here than I expected both in the two main characters as well as the couple of women (Dorcas and Elisabeth) who had an eerily similar experience and story more than 100 years before, i.e., one a teacher, the other a doctor. We find out about the earlier couple through a diary kept by the teacher, Dorcas Fairstead, the niece of Aunt Helen and her "friend" Claire (yes, yet another couple), as well as letters exchanged between Ms. Fairstead and Ms. Sutcliffe. How this transpired, I cannot tell you without giving away key parts of the story.
I found the intersection (yes, this is the correct word) between the different couples quite interesting and well handled by the author. The character development of the four main women was extensive. The narration was split between Kate and Adrienne and, of course, Dorcas through her diary. In most cases, the switch between narrators was clear although there were a few times I found the switch between Kate and Adrienne in the middle of chapters clumsy especially when this seemed unnecessary. Kate is a woman of the past who loved the simpler times of the Victorian era and who eschewed modern technology (telephones, cell phones, texting, etc.) but incongruously read books on a Kindle despite the large library of books in the furnished house she had purchased.
I liked that it was a book of romance but not of steamy erotica. It was quite easy to become absorbed in the stories of these women and when I finished the book, I had many more questions about the various characters and situations of the book which would make this a great book for a book club discussion.
There were other characters that appeared in the book but their appearances were not essential to the story and in some cases were distracting without purpose. In those instances, I would have either liked these characters and their stories to be better developed or omitted.
Medical acronyms and descriptions that are not among the common vocabulary of non-medical personnel are scattered throughout the book, so keep a dictionary handy.
As I had an uncorrected proof, there were annoying grammatical errors and references to names of the main character which were other than Kate or Adrienne. There were also a couple of times when the dialogue became confused between the characters. I assume that these were fixed by a good copy-editor in the published version of the book.
I recommend the book as a light, quick read and look forward to reading more from this author.
January 21, 2022
This book was just what I needed: a sweet love story elegantly told. There are actually two love stories, one set in the present and one in the early 20th century. Kate is a psychologist interested in ghosts. She is a new lecturer at a college. Adrienne is an older, hard-boiled trauma surgeon. They meet when Kate injures her wrist and they are instantly drawn together. The novel follows the traditional romance arc closely, but as in every book in this genre, it's the development that counts. The characters are extremely well-drawn, including the hint of one being on the spectrum, which is handled delicately. It's refreshing when the characters are convincing in their professional roles, and it's relevant to the story. The requisite misunderstanding that almost breaks them up grows organically out of their respective situations. If you enjoy ghost stories, historical fiction, or a well-written romance, this book is for you.
September 24, 2021
I received an Advanced Review Copy of Stone Memory and, as a follower of Aimée, I have no hesitation in saying that this is certainly her best yet. The story starts in the present time when Kate, a lecturer in paranormal psychology, moves into a house that has a special feeling about it. She becomes accustomed to its quirks and then one day she discovers a diary dated 1900 that tells the story of a young teacher called Dorcas. Later, she also finds a bundle of letters from the same period, between Dorcas and the woman who becomes her lover, Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Kate finds a new friendship blossoming from a chance encounter with a doctor, Adrienne. The two relationships – past and present - develop in parallel, which gives the book an added dimension and keeps the reader gripped throughout. Much more than just a romance, Stone Memory also opens a window onto a vividly portrayed Victorian society, one in which women are constantly battling against prejudice and stereotyping. The minute, fascinating details of Dorcas' life draw the reader completely into that world, while the budding romance between Kate and Adrienne encounters its own bumps and twists along the way. Aimée keeps a firm grip on both narratives, expertly drawing the threads together to create a story that stays in the mind long after the last page has been turned. Highly recommended.
October 17, 2021
I think it's too soon after having read this to give a good review. ("Good" as in one I feel is accurate, rather than "positive.")
I have to think about it more. There were parts where I felt the story could have gone further, or a bit differently. But I'm not sure that's a legitimate complaint. (I mean, sometimes it is, but is it with this book? Of course, I would love to have more, but that's a different "complaint." When do we not want more of a fascinating story?)
So, the good stuff - wow! There is so much. I love the back and forth between the contemporary time
period and the early 20th century. And the similarities. No more there, so I don't have any spoilers.
For the contemporary main characters, Adrienne and Kate, the difference between the confidence at work and the much-less-than-confidence in their personal lives (especially Adrienne) is so adorable. And their insistence on continuing with their relationship regardless, is brave, in a sense that we usually don't use the word. And thank goodness for the people around them, encouraging them to be more open with, and understanding of, the other.
I have to think about it more. There were parts where I felt the story could have gone further, or a bit differently. But I'm not sure that's a legitimate complaint. (I mean, sometimes it is, but is it with this book? Of course, I would love to have more, but that's a different "complaint." When do we not want more of a fascinating story?)
So, the good stuff - wow! There is so much. I love the back and forth between the contemporary time
period and the early 20th century. And the similarities. No more there, so I don't have any spoilers.
For the contemporary main characters, Adrienne and Kate, the difference between the confidence at work and the much-less-than-confidence in their personal lives (especially Adrienne) is so adorable. And their insistence on continuing with their relationship regardless, is brave, in a sense that we usually don't use the word. And thank goodness for the people around them, encouraging them to be more open with, and understanding of, the other.
October 9, 2021
This was a different kind of love story. The main characters are Kate and Adrienne .Kate started a new job at Bristol University andI slipped and fallen and hurt her ankle. Adrianne is the Doctor Who treated her and feelings develop between Kate and Adrianne.
Kate has moved into a new house and has discovered the diary in the super hole in the wall. This is the diary cut by Dorcas in 1901 and Kate is mesmerized by it.
The author uses this diary as a parallel to the love story between K and Adrianne. It is an interesting concept using I love story in 1901 do you reflect on their love story.
This is not an erotic love story but show us a simple love between two people in different centuries. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book It would be a good book for those who enjoy romance and a very interesting story.
Kate has moved into a new house and has discovered the diary in the super hole in the wall. This is the diary cut by Dorcas in 1901 and Kate is mesmerized by it.
The author uses this diary as a parallel to the love story between K and Adrianne. It is an interesting concept using I love story in 1901 do you reflect on their love story.
This is not an erotic love story but show us a simple love between two people in different centuries. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book It would be a good book for those who enjoy romance and a very interesting story.
October 8, 2021
if you like a little flashback from the Victorian past, move in a house with many secrets; discover a hidden door; open the ancient pages of a turn of a century journal; written by a young woman, letting us see several glimpses of their daily adventures. Equality is a big No-No during these Victorian times and we see how they women fought for their rights to be who they really are. Along the way, we met our soon to be couple: Elizabeth and Kate. You want to learn how their love blossomed? You want some Historical Romance? Then grab this book!
December 10, 2021
Wow!
Beautifully written story, especially when the reader realizes what the author is doing with her story. Kate buys a house near Bristol and discovers a hidden door, finding the key and opening it to discover a set of journals written by a teacher from the 1900's. What follows is relationship between a couple of ladies in 1900's and a couple of ladies living in the present. A almost
parallel lives story. The author draws the reader to accept what cannot be seen yet but enjoyed while searching. Very much enjoyed!
Beautifully written story, especially when the reader realizes what the author is doing with her story. Kate buys a house near Bristol and discovers a hidden door, finding the key and opening it to discover a set of journals written by a teacher from the 1900's. What follows is relationship between a couple of ladies in 1900's and a couple of ladies living in the present. A almost
parallel lives story. The author draws the reader to accept what cannot be seen yet but enjoyed while searching. Very much enjoyed!
March 7, 2022
Embedded Memories
Present Day: Kate O’Connor has moved to Bristol to a new job and house with its own library. On her way to her first work day at the University she’s mowed down by a scooter and breaks her waist. Awakening in the ER she meets surgeon Adrienne Sargent and feels a connection. 1900: Dorcas Fairchild starts her career at a college for women. At a conference she and her friends meet Dr. Elizabeth Sutcliffe who works at a women’s hospital in London. A love that span decades and centuries. A paranormal romance.
Present Day: Kate O’Connor has moved to Bristol to a new job and house with its own library. On her way to her first work day at the University she’s mowed down by a scooter and breaks her waist. Awakening in the ER she meets surgeon Adrienne Sargent and feels a connection. 1900: Dorcas Fairchild starts her career at a college for women. At a conference she and her friends meet Dr. Elizabeth Sutcliffe who works at a women’s hospital in London. A love that span decades and centuries. A paranormal romance.
January 19, 2023
2.5
A bit uneven. Some events happen all of a sudden, with no tension or lead up, seemingly out of the blue. And I’m not a fan of miscommunication plots that could have been solved by something simple and obvious that the main character just doesn’t do, purely for the sake of increasing the drama/angst.
I actually enjoyed the story in the letters much more and felt those characters were more “alive” than those set in the modern day frame story.
Overall, I was able to finish the story and I didn’t hate it, but it was off kilter with pacing. Could have been stronger. Love the idea though.
A bit uneven. Some events happen all of a sudden, with no tension or lead up, seemingly out of the blue. And I’m not a fan of miscommunication plots that could have been solved by something simple and obvious that the main character just doesn’t do, purely for the sake of increasing the drama/angst.
I actually enjoyed the story in the letters much more and felt those characters were more “alive” than those set in the modern day frame story.
Overall, I was able to finish the story and I didn’t hate it, but it was off kilter with pacing. Could have been stronger. Love the idea though.
January 27, 2022
A painfully boring read following two sets of dull characters--one in the present and the other told through exceptionally wordy and mind-numbing diary entries--as they find awkward romance with each other.
January 7, 2023
Wonderful
This is a great read. Really wonderful filled with past and present. Take a chance, it might intrigue you too
This is a great read. Really wonderful filled with past and present. Take a chance, it might intrigue you too
November 21, 2025
Very enjoyable read
Very enjoyable read two love stories one in the past the other in the present. Very sweet love NJ story. Thanks
Very enjoyable read two love stories one in the past the other in the present. Very sweet love NJ story. Thanks
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews