Every once in awhile an author introduces their readers to a village so charming and wonderful you wish you could stop by and visit. Sometimes, if you're lucky, the author will give you a chance to visit once again.
In Yours Truly, Thomas, Fordham takes readers back to the little town of Azure Springs. While not what I would call a traditional sequel to The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas still features the same landscape and cast of characters that were so endearing in the first novel with it's own host of mysteries and romance.
However, this novel feels more like a "summer read". The writing not quite as crisp, the plot a little more familiar. This novel is a comfortable read for a hot summer afternoon and a chance to revisit old friends more than be challenged or engaged by deep plots. The old friends though . . .
Personally, I was thrilled to see the return of Margaret and her boarding house. Margaret was one of my favourite characters in Fordham's other outing to Azure Springs and I loved seeing her character get some more time to shine. It was also interesting to see how life had played out for both Em and Eliza in the years that had passed. Fordham certainly doesn't forget the characters of her past which I appreciate as a reader, the town's moved forward but not forgotten and the continuity of Azure Springs felt honest. I also appreciate Fordham's willingness to let characters live with the consequences of their actions within the plot, for better or for worse. It felt respectful of the secondary characters and allowed them their own moments of importance.
As far as new characters go, Penny is a lovely lead. I enjoyed having her backstory at the dead letters office and how it allowed letter writing to become so important to the plot. She is a wonderful mix of romantic and seeker of wisdom wrestling to find her place in life. Both Penny and the male lead Thomas really help emphasize a theme of new beginnings and second chances that just seems at home in Azure Springs.
As I mentioned earlier, the plot wasn't especially surprising, that said it was the perfect level of engagement for a lazy summer afternoon with a satisfying resolution of the main stories by Fordham at the end and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to visit again should Azure Springs pop up once more.
3.75 stars out of 5
I received this book as part of the Revell Reads book tour in exchange for my honest opinions
No comments:
Post a Comment