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Monday, October 26, 2015

Upcoming Release Review & Giveaway: Forbidden by Eve Bunting

Expected publication: December 1,  2015
Publisher: Clarion Books

In early-nineteenth century Scotland, sixteen-year-old Josie, an orphan, is sent to live with an aunt and uncle on the rocky, stormy northwest coast. Everything and everyone in her new surroundings, including her relatives, is sinister, threatening, and mysterious. She's told that Eli, the young man she's attracted to, is forbidden to her, but not why. Spirited, curious, and determined, Josie sets out to learn the village's secrets and discovers evil, fueled by heartless greed, as well as a ghostly presence eager for revenge. An author's note gives the historical inspiration for this story.


My Thoughts
Forbidden was a quick and entertaining novel that I finished in two short sittings. The story kept me interested the entire time, and the main character’s plight immediately earned my sympathy.

When sixteen year old Josie Ferguson is forced to leave her Edinburg home after losing her parents to influenza in 1807, she goes to Brindle Point to live with her Uncle Caleb and Auntie Minnie in their cliff-side home Raven’s Roost. Immediately, Josie realizes her life will never be the same. Upon her arrival, the people of Brindle and the scenery casts a sinister feeling over her, and she soon discovers after meeting Eli Stuart, the forbidden resident, that the town and its inhabitants are harboring a secret that leaves her hoping to escape her new home.

I knew from the moment Josie walked through her uncle’s house that she was not going to last long under his care. His dark soul and hypocritical ways were clearly evident from the onset of the novel. Couple that with her aunt and their horrible dog that attacked Josie, and I really felt bad for her situation.

Eve Bunting did a good job of keeping the town’s activities and Eli’s true nature a secret, where you had to unfold the details with care. I have to admit that the twist was clever and the ending was filled with well-timed dramatic effect.

Overall, Forbidden was a quick hit that has the right atmosphere and setting to make you feel like you’re chartering sinister territory. Perfect read for this time of the year!
3 Snowflakes
If this sounds like a book you'd enjoy, I am giving away an ARC edition of Forbidden by Eve Bunting.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter and share a thoughtful comment below. 

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3 comments:

  1. This one seems to be full of secrets and I love the mystery of it all. Great review!

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  2. I have already added it to my TBR winter list. I read all winter, because I hate the cold outside. My husband even starts my car in the morning. He gets it all nice and toasty, then I make a mad dash to it, and off to work. This book seems to be the kind of story I like.

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