Beatriz Williams

Notes from a Reading Journal: “The Glass Ocean,” by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

“Oh, for Christ’s sake! You bloody Americans and your conspiracy theories. What are you trying to imply, Miss Blake? That my great-grandfather was some kind of secret agent? Maybe had something to do with the sinking of the ship.” — P. 48

Sarah Blake needs an idea for her next book. When she stumbles across an old chest belonging to her great-grandfather who died while working as a steward on board the Lusitania, inspiration strikes. She leaves New York for London, in hopes of engaging the help of John Langford, descendant of Robert Langford. Robert Langford gave her grandfather an engraved watch and Sarah is sure there is a story there about the events leading up to the sinking of the ship.

The historical mystery is told from three perspectives: Sarah (modern tale); Tess; and Caroline (set in 1915 with events leading up to the boarding of Lusitania; their crossing; and after). There are love stories; tales of espionage and double-agents; and of course, historical tidbits about the sinking of Lusitania. It is all wrapped up nicely in the end too, with no guessing needed.

P.S. The story in the beginning about a book club hosting an author when they pirated online copies of her book is real. Yikes! Buy the book or download from the library, y’all!

Notes from a Reading Journal: “The Golden Hour,” by Beatriz Williams.

“Then I touched land and discovered that freedom was not so straightforward, that you could move to a different universe but you couldn’t escape the prison of your own skin.” — P. 53

This was my BOTM selection for June. I think I thought I was getting into a murder mystery set in the Bahamas wherein the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were operating behind the scenes. What I got was more of a historical romance that involved two sets of couples – Elfriede and Wilfred, and their son Benedict Thorpe and new wife Lulu. The murder mystery and the royals were more on the periphery. Whatever I got vs. what I thought I ordered, I was glad to get! The way the book is written is absolutely compelling and beautifully written. The author certainly knows how to keep you turning those pages and engaged in her story.

I will be checking out more titles by Beatriz Williams just to read some more of her language. This time, with no expectations of what the story is about! Forgive the comparison, but much like sitting at the chef’s table, sometimes you need to sit back and let the master work. Next time, I will know to happily ingest whatever Mrs. Williams is serving! This book will easily fall into the category of “best book you’ll read this year.” Enjoy!

Jamie Davis Writes

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Notes From a Reading Journal: The Glass Ocean, by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

Notes From a Reading Journal: The Golden Hour, by Beatriz Williams