It’s 1885, and all Nora Shipley wants, now that she’s graduating from Cornell University as valedictorian of the entomology program, is to follow in her late father’s footsteps by getting her master’s degree and taking over the scientific journal he started. The only way to uphold her father’s legacy is to win a scholarship, so she joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove … herself in the field.
India isn’t what she expects, though, and neither is the rival classmate who accompanies her, Owen Epps. As her preconceptions of India–and of Owen–fall away, she finds both far more captivating than she expected. Forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.
In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices–between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she’s always thought she wanted and the man she’s come to love.
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I really enjoyed the debut novel by Kimberly Duffy. I will admit that it took me a bit to get hooked. I can’t really even explain why, but these kinds of gems are why I don’t give up on books! If you thought it a slow start…and quit…you will SO want to finish!! During these times…maybe it was just a mood thing, who knows.
The explanation and setting of India was incredibly well done! It was like taking a trip and enjoying the wonderful differences in beauty and culture. The heart of the author really cane through during this part of the book.
I was a tomboy growing up, and insects have always fascinated me…science not so much. This book does a great job bringing out the enjoyment of studying insects…and the beauty with which God has surrounded us.
The characters are very well done. I really liked Nora. Her difficulties in decisions that affected her future were so realistic. She followed her conscience and made some decisions that adversely affected her. She wasn’t sorry , though, for doing the right thing. It was interesting to read about the culture in India as well.
The book had a wonderful story and plot…and I really liked the characters. The writing was beautifully done. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Kimberly Duffy’s debut features beautiful scenery, a strong female lead, and insects. A Mosaic of Wings proves this author is one to watch.
At first, Nora Shipley struck me as stubborn and brash, but with her desire to make her mark in a predominantly male field, those characteristics are almost necessary. Plus, it leaves a ton of room for character growth for our heroine.
Owen, on the other hand, is so likable from the first time we meet him, you can’t help but cheer for the guy. And he’s a good fit for Nora—both protective and willing to point out her flaws to her.
Duffy’s research in this story is impeccable. Whether Nora is studying or discussing bugs (yep, creepy crawly shivers and all) or sharing her experiences while in India, the words transported me right into those scenes.
Fans of Elizabeth Camden should enjoy Duffy’s work or readers who are looking for an escape to another time and place.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
There is a book blogger I follow that starts her reviews with the words “you have bewitched me, body and soul”. That is how I felt after reading A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy. It is a beautiful book, both inside and out, filled with rich detail, depth and emotion.
“Unfair” is a word I’d imagine Nora Shipley, the book’s heroine, would use to describe many aspects of her life. It’s not fair that her father died before his time. It’s not fair that she’s a smart woman trying to succeed in a man’s world. It’s not fair that her stepfather controls the purse strings. It’s not fair that she has to try twice as hard to prove herself, just because she’s a woman.
The thing Nora wants most in life is to pursue a career in entomology. It’s a passion she’s had since she was a little girl, one her father lovingly encouraged. She sees the door closing on that dream until she learns of a scholarship her college is offering to one student for the purpose of pursuing a master’s degree in her field. A beloved mentor offers her a chance to go to India as part of a research team. Nora goes, hoping to find something there that will make her application stand out from everyone else applying. Little does she know how this much this trip will change her life.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
What a beautiful story! I absolutely loved the development of the hero and heroine’s relationship that reminds one of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe. With a magical tone, this debut author weaves a rich tale that will have her readers lost in the beauty of India and the wonders of entomology. This is a MUST read book!
This was a truly amazing debut novel that I couldn’t put down. I wasn’t expecting such a magnificent novel from a debut author, so this book totally surpassed my expectations!
This story has two settings: Ithaca, New York, where Nora and Owen study in Cornwell University, and Kodaikanal, India, where they are both sent to help a research team that’s already settled there and has been losing researchers due to illness and infection.
Nora, the main character, left me in awe. She was in no way a perfect character: she was strongminded, highly opinionated, persistent and determined to the bone, and prideful too. But along the story, she will prove many times she’s a woman with a compassionate heart, and strong unwavering christian convictions. Nora carries a strong baggage. Her father, a very well known entomologist at the University who died when Nora was still young, has always been her main inspiration and model. Her dream is to follow his steps and keep and prolong his scientific legacy. She vows she will undertake the management of the Journal (a magazine about nature her father founded), but her stepfather -who is already starting to ruin it- will have none of it until she proves herself capable. Nora, even after she graduates as valedictorian as an entomologist needs to study a master in order to be better prepared for the task. And there’s only one scholarship that will be offered to the best student, which means she needs to work on the field and do some research worth of recognition. Professors John and Anna Comstock, which I later learned were true characters from history (and I’m a fan of novels base on real characters), have been Nora’s mentors, especially since her father died. They encourage Nora on a mission trip to India to join a group of scientists and researchers that are working for the Crown. After some struggle because of her mother’s ill health and some unfortunate events, she and her college rival, Owen Epps, embark on this amazing adventure that will prove a wonderful lesson from God, not only about His Creation, but about things that matter most, and the need to sacrifice even personal dreams in order to do what is best before His eyes. Nora will be faced with so many tough decisions in this story, and I was really in awe at how difficult it was for women to express freely and participate as equals to men in the working field and many other things.
I totally felt transported to India! I spent almost a month there in 2006, and I can say that the way she describes the landscape, the people, and the customs is very accurate and made feel as if I was truly there again. It left little work to the imagination with all the details in descriptions about the flora and fauna of the place where they researched. The way she described the different butterflies and insects, wow! With their latin names, I loved that too. The indian characters, like Pallavi and Sita, were wonderfully developed, and I loved Nora’s relationship with them, especially Sita.
The romance between Nora and Owen was really sweet, and I loved that it wasn´t the focus of the story. I loved Nora because of her determination in doing what her heart told her was best and the sacrifices she had to make, even knowing what she could lose in the consequences, but I loved Owen all the more because of his love of Nora. Even if it didn’t seem so at first sight, Owen’s love for Nora was what I would call “unconditional love”: she loved her as she was, and didn’t want to change her; in fact, he wanted her to pursue and do what he knew made her more plentiful, even if he risked her love in making her conscious of what would make her better and happier. And talk about sacrificial love! I won’t say anything, but those dialogues at the end made me cry of happiness at contemplating such a real and deep love!
Finally, the book is full of insights and uplifting messages: of pursuing higher things, even if you feel they overwhelm you, to be your best self, to accept others (and oneself) as they are, to forgive, and to sacrifice for another’s better good. I just loved this quote: “All her life, people asked Nora, “Why are you so willful and stubborn” and “Why can’t you be a normal girl?”. She hadn’t been able to answer then, but now she knew. God had made her that way for this moment…”
All in all, an amazing book and heart touching book I will definitely recommend to anyone, and will also be rereading for sure! And Ms. Kimberly Duffy is definitely a new favorite author of mine and I’m looking forward to future books from her, hopefully like this kind!
Kimberly Duffy takes us on a wonderful journey to India in the 1880s. I loved her description of all the different insects that Nora saw. I loved how this book was about a woman trying to find success in a man’s world. I loved how Nora had to decide what was more important, her career or doing what was right. I really loved how much Nora grew through this book. I liked how her priorities changed from the experiences she had and as she learned to be true to who both she and God want her to be. I thought this was a great first book by Kimberly Duffy and I look forward to reading more by her.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Despite the old adage, covers definitely either attract me to a book or send me the other direction. This one drew me in immediately and I eagerly read the back cover. I haven’t read many books set in India, and the main character’s struggle to choose between multiple good things sounded interesting, so I decided to take a chance on a debut author. I found a well-written novel with vivid characters facing unique challenges in an exotic setting, and an author from whom I cannot wait to read more.
Nora and I have little in common besides our desire to have a say in the direction our lives take. I have those choices freely while she must fight for everything she wants. She is fascinated by insects; they send me running. She thinks a career is what will make her happy and I always knew I wanted to marry and have a family. But she is a fascinating character and I couldn’t help but relate to her struggles.
One of the things that really stood out to me in this novel is how alike we really all are, despite what we perceive as the things that separate us. This is highlighted when Nora compares herself to others and misses the similarities. For example, she longs to break barriers erected to keep women in a certain place, but often cautions others that their dreams are too risky and should be based in current reality.
This novel is not only populated with great characters, but the prose is beautiful, too. I could see the sights and hear the sounds; I wanted to taste the foods Nora was experiencing, too, even looking certain spices and recipes up online out of curiosity with the idea that I might try one or two. I feel as if I have gotten a taste of another culture through reading this book, and I’d like to know more.
And through it all is a thread of hope, that we can be more than we are, that our futures are more than what society tells us it has to be. That there is a God above who loves each of His children, regardless of the country of their birth or the color of their skin, but also despite what we’ve done or what has been done to us. There is always hope as long as we draw breath.
This is a beautiful novel of a life very different from our own, and yet not so different after all. It’s a universal tale of struggle and finding who we are, of deciding what is important to us rather than those around us. I highly recommend this story for those who have an interest in India and its history, and those who enjoy historical romance in a distinct setting with characters who will remain with the reader long after the last page is turned.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Who would have thought a book about insects could be so interesting. This is a debut novel for the author. Is well written and the descriptions given help you to imagine what the characters are seeing and experiencing. Nora is a very flawed character. She does some cringe worthy things at times. Her decisions are questionable. There’s much room for growth. Owen is quite the main hero character. He’s patient, protective and positive. I am sure bring a female in 1885 was hard and going to college to study insects was far from the norm. So I imagine Nora has to have the attitude she has. Her step father is not a nice man. And it seems Nora will not stop comparing him to her late father. Guilty ears away at Nora over his death. The star of the book is Sita. I really hope e we learn more about her in the future books. A beautiful young girl in India. Honestly, I have a better respect for insects now. It was such a unique subject. And I was very happy to ’travel’ to India. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
A favorite wore from the book “There’s a Peace here I’ve never felt before. It feels like a sanctuary hidden deep in the country of a thousand idols. A place where God’s finger prints point to His plan.”
A refreshingly new historical fiction debut. Nora is not your average young woman graduating from college. She is bright, intelligent, and loves entomology. She is determined to make a name for herself and believes that taking over her father’s journal is the way to prove to the scientific community that women are just as capable of credible research. Nora applies for a scholarship and sets off for India to prove herself, not accounting for Owen, who is also determined to win the scholarship for very different reasons. While there, Nora is thwarted at every attempt to join the team and show them what she is capable of contributing. During this time, she meets young Sita and learns that some things are more important and worth standing up for. Nora’s determination costs her everything, but also introduces her to her true self and a higher calling. The descriptions of India truly made me feel like I was experiencing the unbelievable scenery and frenetic markets myself. I could see the vivid colors, taste the rich flavors, and smell the exotic spices as Duffy transported my mind and my heart along with Nora and Owen in an unforgettable story. I highly recommend this clean, inspirational, historical fiction book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely shared.
Beautiful cover and beautifully written book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
Nora was smart, spunky and strong willed. Owen was a fellow college student, who she rivaled with for the past three years. They were both chosen to spend time in India to further their studies in Entomology and compete for a scholarship to get their masters.
Nora thought she knew her purpose in life-to honor her late father, who she adored, by taking over his publication, The Journal. Owen’s father was not supportive of his desire for adventure and expected him to become a lawyer. They both needed that scholarship to fulfill their dreams. The trip to India was a learning experience for them both, in ways they didn’t expect.
The author did an amazing job at drawing me in with her descriptive imagery. I never thought I would have been so absorbed in a story about insects, but I was! That’s what a well-written book does.
**I received a copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**
I loved this story. I have always loved butterflies and this book put adventure together with butterflies. I enjoyed how the author showed what an entomologist can really do. Insects have many uses in this world. I loved the characters in the story. I was not fond of Nora’s family but they all learned a lesson by the end. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This debut novel from author Kimberly Duffy had me fascinated and intrigued.
All about a lady entomologist in the 1880s, which intricate details about that particular science, and lots of beautiful descriptions of the country of India, this new author has talent that is worth watching.
I am absolutely not a lover of insects, but after reading this story, I almost wished I was.
I loved reading about butterflies and their intricate little details.
The characters I found fascinating, if infuriating at times. I enjoyed reading about Nora, but her actions left me wondering about her on occasion.
She faces some extremely hard choices, and well, she may or may not make the right ones. This shows humanity as it really is.
Because this was the first book by this author (duh), I had no idea what to expect. I liked it even more than I’d dared to hope I would, and I will definitely be reading anything else Ms. Duffy writes!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
What a lovely debut! Duffy has such a way of penning words that I’m already looking forward to her next release. The detailed research and historical nuances reminded me of Elisabeth Camden works. I LOVED the international setting and the rich atmosphere that came to life in the page. The cultural and religions differences between the cultures was handled with care and respect that anyone could see the author’s heart in the matter.
The romance was sweet and Owen a gem! The story was bookended with Anne and Gilbert flavor that made me want to relive my childhood Blythe crush. My only qualm is that I wanted MORE of Nora and Gilbert, but, alas, this book isn’t technically a romance so that’s my own swoon-loving heart pitter pattering.
A book for the keeper shelf!
Kimberly Duffy transports readers from New York to India in her artfully written debut novel and I was more than happy to take the journey. Nora Shipley is a young entomologist, recent college graduate, who is low on funds since she used the money her father left her. She wants to further her education and must find a way to accomplish her goals. I liked Nora a lot, she was courageous, intelligent and willing to help her mother in any way she could even if that means giving up her dreams. Owen is a fellow student, a rival, an eventual friend and is highly entertaining.
As Nora and Owen both need a scholarship for their futures, they find themselves traveling to India to further their studies where they learn so much more than they ever imagined. I’ll be honest here and admit that I have an aversion to insects but the authors writing was so amazing I focused more on the what the characters were working on which was more interesting than I could have imagined.
Overall, I thought the author penned a beautiful and heartfelt story. This historical novel will definitely be on my keeper shelf and I plan on adding many more written by Ms. Duffy.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are completely my own.
This intriguing story unfolds like butterfly wings. As Nora fights to make a name for herself in the scientific community and struggles to find her footing in the male dominated world of entomology, she discovers what it means to make difficult choices. Duffy’s mastery of words and in-depth research weaves the beautiful and the arduous together like a stunning tapestry, as Nora finds her way. The author uses technical names for the creatures Nora encounters, which adds to the picture of Nora’s beautiful, intelligent character. I enjoyed the push and pull between Nora and Owen and the gorgeous settings of both Ithaca, NY and India. If you love adventure, romance, and women’s fiction, you’ll want to read A Mosaic of Wings. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What a stunning debut novel! I loved Kimberly Duffy’s well-detailed research into the world of entomology. Even if sometimes the explanations of insects made me shudder now and again, I was truly drawn into the insect world and the vivid sights and colors of India from her amazing descriptions, realizing by the end that insects are really a glimpse of God’s amazing creativity! I enjoyed reading about the history as well and the author proved that she did her research! I also really liked how Nora grew from a smart yet selfish girl into a caring and selfless lady. I liked Owen a lot and enjoyed reading about their relationship as it changed throughout the story. The spiritual themes of believing God to handle the details of our dreams, trusting in His will for us, and realizing the importance of self-sacrifice for others was seamlessly woven in the story and added depth to the novel. I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read more by this author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy is a breath of fresh air to the historical fiction genre. The book opens in Ithaca, New York and quickly moves to Kodaikanal, India, where the main character, Nora, is studying insects in an attempt to win a scholarship and continue her studies in entomology. What fascinated me the most were the descriptions of India. I could imagine, along with Nora, what the air felt like, how exotic the setting was, the noise and scents and lushness of India. It intrigues me in a way I never considered India to be.
With most historical fiction I read, I will often google the information the author is presenting to verify their claims or to understand the item/animal/clothing, etc., being described. In so doing, I found the book is even more engrossing when you see the butterflies and insects that Ms. Duffy describes in her book. Insects are pretty gross to me and yet caught up in Nora’s exploration of them, I found myself fascinated at how many insects exist that I knew nothing about! A Mosaic of Wings is a feast for the senses!
I also identified with Nora’s headstrong personality. Her tendency to jump before thinking. The beauty is that in the midst of her scientific journey, Nora also learns a lot about herself, and she changes and grows through the journey. While Nora starts out likable, it’s the transformation she goes through, that makes her admirable. Add in the dash of romance with her classmate, colleague, and eventual love interest, Owen, and A Mosaic of Wings hits all the right notes.
Unique, captivating and haunting:
I absolutely loved this book! The prose was beautifully descriptive with many profound statements and I found myself transported to interesting and exotic locales.
Nora and Owen are rivals in their entomology classes and they have never truly understood one another. Nora is riddled with guilt and determined to honor her father’s legacy by being in charge of his scientific journal. Meanwhile Owen is running from the stifling demands being placed on him by his overbearing father. I enjoyed seeing their personal growth as they sought and ultimately found the lives that they were destined to live. It was wonderful reminder that we need to be prepared to give up and surrender our dreams to God so that He can put new dreams in our hearts and we can pursue His will in our lives.
The author had obviously done extensive research and the cultural and entomology facts for example were interesting and not overwhelming. I can’t wait to read more by this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
The author left me totally amazed and overwhelmed by this book. The story, the characters, the places, the bends and curves of the story, the flow was totally, undisputable captivating.
It was hard not to fall in love with the head strong, Nora, a lady of uncommon intelligence, grit and beauty. She made this story worth it. Her devotion, her wit, her drive was so admiring.
She amazed me and brought to mind that there are things in life bigger than ourselves and love should always guide one.
Kimberly Duff has become one of my favorite authors with just this first book of hers I am reading.
A Mosaic Of Wings is captivating, intriguing, educative and inspiring. One of the endearing themes of the book for me was how God can use one even in the most dire of situations for His glory.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.