A story of history and mystery rolled into one. This story has a slow start that builds to a satisfying conclusion. Two stories that slowly combine into one. A haunting, historical past come to life in a docudrama television show that tries to re-create the past.Ally Kirklund has a dream to be a Hollywood producer. Her family has more realistic dreams for her. Ally's big break comes in a summer job working behind the scenes on a television show or so she thinks. After working behind the scenes for a couple of weeks, Ally gets offered the role of playing the historical character of Bonnie Rose because she looks just like her. Ally decides to take on this role. Ally becomes the school teacher Rose in the 1860s. Ally learns that living in a time warp is hard work. Ally is torn between following the rules and finding out what really happened to Bonnie Rose. In trying to solve this mystery, her life is changed and she is challenged in ways she never thought were possible.
I wasn't sure if I would like this book. The two story lines were confusing to start out. As the storylines converged it became clear and I look forward to learning more about each character's story. I was intrigued by Ally's mystery men. I wanted to know more about them and how they fit into the story. My guesses as to where the story was going were proven wrong. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the twists in Ally's story. Rose's story of struggle was captivating. I enjoyed learning how Rose would deal with adversity in a town that hated her. Rose's tenacity to care for her students was shown in how they eventually trusted her with their problems.
Wingate's complex story unraveled into a spell binding mystery that was fascinating and surprising. I liked how the two stories melded into one. I was pleased that every storyline came to a satisfying conclusion. The reader can close the book and smile because you know that Ally is headed toward her future in the film industry, and Rose's mysterious life comes to a joy filled conclusion.
If you like to learn a bit of history while solving a mystery this is the book for you.
My thanks to Bethany House publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy to read and review..
