Friday, July 29, 2016

Book Review: The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold (Debut Novel)


Click here to buy the book on Amazon
Click here to buy the paperback at The Book Depository

This week, I had started and stopped reading three novels -- making it to 25%, and then giving up on them. I was about to call it a bad week of reading for me, and then I started reading Thomasine Rappold's debut novel, The Lady Who Lived Again, finished it, and loved it.

It's New York in the Gilded Age, but Thomasine Rappold has chosen to set her story in the gray and bleak, and appropriately named town of Misty Lake. I like the idea of "mist" -- that not-quite middke ground between clear and hazy -- not as solid-looking as clouds, but not a shapeless notion as fog -- it's perfect for the world where Madeline lives in: where her gift of healing lives alongside modern science.

Madeline Sutter was, perhaps, the fairest of the Fair Five. The leader of a group of the most beautiful and sought-after girls in Misty Lake. The world was their oyster, and everyone adored them. Life was good, and the future for all four girls was bright. Then the world turned upside down, when a birthday picnic in the mountains of Misty Lake ends in the tragic death of Madeline and her friends, but, strangely, Madeline returns from the dead a day after -- coincidentally on Friday the 13th.

Now Madeline bears the scars of the accident, the hostility of the families of her friends, the directed enmity of the town's pastor, and the suspicion of the rest of the town.

For three years, Madeline has accepted her lot as outcast, but, when her only friend, Amelia, one of the Fair Five (who was on holiday at the time of the accident), decides to return to Misty Lake for her wedding, and asks her the be part of the wedding party, Madeline's first instinct is to refuse, but, then, she realizes that Amelia might be right -- that this might be her chance to regain her place in society.

Jace Merrick is the new town Doctor: young, fresh from the Big City -- armed with skills and modern ideas. Jace is looks my for a fresh start after serving in the emergency rooms of Pittsburgh. He is weary and wary, and he is hoping that Misty Lake might restore a little bit of his faith in the world.

This is Thomasine Rappold's mesmerizing and compelling story of two people seeking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Both of them have handled themselves very well and survived on their own, but they discover that life, and the world becomes more bearable when they are together. What keeps you reading Rappold's debut novel is following Madeline's arduous journey, and how she bears the unbearable burden of being the only survivor of the town's worst tragedy. Her only allies are her grandfather, who is too sick and frail, and is confined to the house, her friend Amelia, whose family moved away from Misty Lake, and Jace Merrick, a new addition to the town.

You can't help but admire Madeline, who possesses a quiet dignity, and an overwhelming grace in the face of open hostility, but she is not perfect. You can see Madeline struggle, stumble, and fall -- but you also see a different Madeline, remnants of the old Madeline, one who charms and teases her way to getting what she wants. And I love that Madeline does not wallow in being a martyr -- she keeps herself active and proactive, despite all opposition.

Jace is a modern man who now lives in a town that hasn't moved forward: they've had the same pastor, they've had the same doctor, the same mercantile store owner, etc. -- it's a town that is alive, and bustling, but not quite at the same pace as the rest of the country. When Jace first meets Madeline, he is intrigued by her beauty -- and when he finds out Madeline's story, the scientist in him is intrigued even more.

Love and logic are at opposing poles for Jace, who struggles to maintain a professional distance from Madeline -- and with good reason: if he is to help Madeline regain the town's good opinion, she must preserve her reputation, and, if Jace is to be Madeline's greatest defender, he must show that he is an unbiased opinion. Madeline knows that her gifts are counter Jace's medical background, and the last thing she wants to do is expose herself to more scrutiny and judgment -- but the temptation to experience desire, to be admired for herself and not for her past -- it is irresistible.

Our hero and heroine represent opposite ends of the spectrum: Madeline relies on her emotions and feelings, and Jace is very analytical -- but, they compliment each other very well. Both are able to provide a unique perspective for the other -- I really love how well they worked together in Jace's clinic. ^_^

The Lady Who Lived Again, is, at it's core, a story of "you and me, against the world" -- and Thomasine Rappold could have easily created flat one-dimensional villains, but, the author does the fair thing, and provides the town with an honest, legitimate reason: someone's daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, or friend, died that day -- and they can't help but resent and be angry at Madeline, who survived, despite being the one driving the wagon. The town pastor, and the town doctor, could have, as moral pillars, called for calm, and order, but, they, too -- lost that day, and would stand to lose even more if they had stood by Madeline.

How the author resolves all is just as wonderful, and, for me, seals the deal -- making this a true 5-star read for me.

The Lady Who Lived Again is book 1 in Thomasine Rappold's Sole Survivor series, and her debut novel. To find out more about Thomasine Rappold and her books, click below:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter

51 comments:

  1. Quester is a Pakistan-based questioning answering website where people can ask questions and we try our best to provide them with the best answers. Anyone can ask any legit question in English or Roman Urdu and we provide answers in the same language format.
    https://www.quester.pk/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Quester is a Pakistan-based questioning answering website where people can ask questions and we try our best to provide them with the best answers. Anyone can ask any legit question in English or Roman Urdu and we provide answers in the same language format.
    https://www.quester.pk/

    ReplyDelete
  3. ViralQQ Ialah Situs Agen Judi Poker Online paling Dipercaya Terbagus Mudah Menang, Bandar Poker, DominoQQ, Poker Online, Serta Agen BandarQ Online Paling Baik Dengan Deposit Murah.

    if you want more just look here "Agen Judi Online"

    ReplyDelete

  4. We are glad to provide a safe virtual environment for you to interact with single women genuinely interested in finding happiness, romance, love and even marriage with the man of their dreams.

    if you want more just look here "Russian girlse"

    ReplyDelete
  5. Online calculator to convert money and currency using today exchange rate.
    if you want more just look here "convert money"

    ReplyDelete
  6. Learning more about copyright in the music industry will help avoid tons of problems later on. It would also be great to include the basics of copyright laws in the teaching program at school.

    if you want more just look here "human rights assignments"

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Blue Eye in Saranda is definitely a “must see” if you are traveling in Albania. A breathtaking view combined with the crystal water are so mesmerizing that you feel like you are a part of a fairytale

    if you want more just look here "Beautiful Albania"

    ReplyDelete
  8. The best Maui wedding photographers since 2004. Voted number one in wedding photography on Maui by magazines around the world. Our award-winning Maui wedding photography team have hundreds of five-star reviews and the most affordable wedding photography packages on Maui

    if you want more just look here "Maui wedding photographers"

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nuestra agencia de Detectives en Sevilla ofrece servicios de investigación privada en cualquier ámbito. Tenemos un despacho de detectives en Sevilla, que además pertenece a una de las mayores agencias de detectives del país, pertenecemos a Grupo Arga Detectives.

    if you want more just look here "Detectives sevilla"

    ReplyDelete
  10. We remind you that the consultation is always free. A qualified professional will gladly assist you and guide you throughout the process. Benefit from our great prices of computer experts in Madrid at the best quality.

    if you want more just look here "perito informático forense"

    ReplyDelete
  11. All K managers are composed of 20 managers who work and are high-quality educated managers. It is a place full of uniqueness differentiated from other companies. From the thoughts and perspectives of your customers, K's business trip massage
    Because it is an operational strategy, the satisfaction of managers is high, so if you believe and call me, thank you

    if you want more just look here "Ulsan Branch Massage"

    ReplyDelete
  12. A leading online gambling website, UFA affiliated with another website that is equivalent to a gambling website. That serves like a relative And is by your side 24 hours a day, making you feel safe and free from worry about fraud And also providing a full range of online gambling services, including lotteries, boxing, football betting, playing fish shooting games Play online baccarat Play online casino slots games which have high standards.

    if you want more just look here "UFABET911"

    ReplyDelete
  13. CBD is a short form of Cannabidiol. CBD introduced by William Brooke O’Shaughnessy in 1939 to American pharmacies. And it got popularity as a remedy for health problems. In recent times it gains popularity for its numerous health benefits. This oil is extracted from a tree called the cannabis Sativa plant.

    if you want more just look here "https://bestcbdoilbusiness.wordpress.com/"

    ReplyDelete
  14. Purchase, sale of land, hotels, villas, resorts, businesses, shops, restaurants, bars, residential, commercial and other properties on Koh Rong Island and Koh Rong Samloem Island (aka Sihanoukville, Westport Islands) , Rental, Cambodia Islands). We serve clients, developers, tenants, landlords and investors from all over the world. We provide the following services: purchase, sale and lease of any real estate, real estate and investment consulting, operating documents and arrangements to purchase, lease, protect, lease real estate agreements, due diligence report on real estate you want to buy or lease, property rights application guide, Lawyer support, business and company registration guides, arranging an architecture and design team that suits your needs.

    if you want more just look here "kohrongre"

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nothing ruins your garden or yard like weeds, those uninvited guests who rob your plants of space and nutrients. So kill the weeds that are the worst, but without harmful chemicals that you can take care of too.

    if you want more just look here "Unkraut"

    ReplyDelete
  16. Easily accessible by communication devices, both smartphones and computers. Access anywhere, anytime There are casino games to choose from, including fish shooting games, table games such as online slots, Pussy888, roulette or card games such as baccarat (baccarat) and many other games with special promotions, free credit. And so on

    if you want more just look here "pussy888"

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nicely written blog.... Thank you for this article and very informative article. Wish to travel Turkey apply for turkish visa through online e visa application. The visitors need to fill online e visa application upload documents & photos, make online payment. Turkey is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations. The rectangular-shaped country is surrounded on three sides by three different seas. Its shores are laced with beaches, bays, coves, ports, islands, and peninsulas. Turkey is also blessed with majestic mountains and valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and grottoes perfect for winter and summer tourism and sports of all kinds. The world is full of natural beauties, spectacular landscapes, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, sealife, mountains, glacier so many places. Everybody wishes to travel across the world, country to country to visit their favorite tourist destinations. So if you wish to travel India for tourism, then you need to apply for e tourist visa india India is full of natural gems such as in north to the east cover-up by the great Himalaya, east to south, and south to the west is surrounded by the sea. The famous Indian desert Thar. And there are lots of famous places in India such as the ancient temple, Yoga, the sacred river Ganga, great mountains, wildlife and many more.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Natural Crystal Pens, Manifestation Tools, Affirmation, and Law of Attraction driven products.

    if you want more just look here "manifestation"

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great post... Thank you for this great work.. Wish to visit the Saudi Arabia, Then apply for Saudi Arabia e visa through online evisa application. Visitors should check the security situation before going. The main city of the region, Abha, is about 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the Yemeni border, where a Saudi-led coalition is waging war against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Saudis and foreign residents have been killed and wounded during Houthi drone attacks on Abha’s airport. However a recent festival in the region drew crowds of domestic and foreign tourists, largely without incident. Also if you really wish to visit the India for tourism or for a business related visits. In this case you need to apply for Indian evisa online and you also can check the Indian e visa requirements online.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It all started with a vision and our love for our furry friends. We live & breath our brand every single day. We share our thoughts and pictures on social media daily. We share our advice and expertise on our Frenchie Blog.

    if you want more just look here "French Bulldog"

    ReplyDelete
  21. What are the best sugar daddy websites for sugar babies finding a sugar daddy? What are the best sugar daddy sites for helping to get a sugar daddy free of charge? If you have asked questions like these, then you have come to the right place. Because these are two of the questions that lots of sugar babies often ask when they are looking for sugar daddies,

    meet sugar daddy free

    ReplyDelete
  22. The secret law of attraction dates back 5,000 years ago and it a natural law. It is not magic, but like magic and prays it is placing an intention to God or Universe to let them know what you want or need. It is a very powerful tool to change your life. You can bring yourself into perfect alignment with what you want or need. With the power of affirmations, visualization, and prays you to improve your life. Law of Attraction techniques

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nicely described points here.. thank you for this work In urgency, the travelers want to apply for e visa, then he/she can apply for Azerbaijan urgent visa through this application you will get visa within few hours.

    ReplyDelete
  24. MathType Crack is a software application developed by Design Science that can be used to create mathematical notations for desktop and web applications.
    Little Alterboy Crack
    Keyscape Crack VST
    Arcade VST Cutput Crack

    ReplyDelete
  25. Paint Tool SAI 2 Crack is the best creative tool for anyone who loves to play with badges and loves to draw innovative pictures.
    Wondershare Filmora Crack
    Restoro Licene Key Crack
    Autodesk AutoCAD Crack

    ReplyDelete
  26. DriverFinder Crack is the most reliable program for sorting out obsolete or expired drivers. This program can also download and install the latest editions of the necessary drivers.
    Adguard Crack
    GetFLV Pro Crack
    Auslogics Driver Updater Crack

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. You can read all kenya health surveillance form requirements about visas. Tourists and business travelers who meet e-Visa requirements can usually obtain a visa online within 24 hours.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I just couldn’t get away from your web site before suggesting that I truly appreciated the typical information an individual give on your guests? Is likely to be yet again routinely to examine fresh articles bitmain antminer s19 pro

    ReplyDelete
  29. Good post. I learn something totally new and impressive on websites. I found such a significant of fascinating stuff with regards to your blog particularly its discussion. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. Truly, this article is really one of the very best in the history of articles. I am a antique ’Article’ collector and I sometimes read some new articles if I find them interesting. And I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work! A great website with interesting and unique material what else would you need. 토토

    ReplyDelete
  30. i am interested this informative article. There are so many things noted right here i had in no way idea of earlier than. You have got made me understand there's a couple of way to reflect onconsideration on this stuff . That is my first visit in your blog! We are a crew of volunteers and new projects within the equal niche. Blog gave us beneficial information to paintings. You've got done an excellent task! Remarkable put up. I have been examining approximately this issue. So a dedication of thankfulness is all collectively to publish. Totally cool post. It 's exceptionally exceptionally good enough and useful put up. Thanks . This is critical, even though it's vital to help you head over to it weblink: 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  31. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future.. Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  32. I will also give reviw about insomnia specialist near me Because he has done a lot to treat insomnia. i found this link on Dr Syed Ahmed Reviews Page.

    ReplyDelete
  33. 당신의 기사는 정말 사랑스러워 보입니다. 여기 당신이 좋아할만한 사이트 링크가 있습니다. mlb중계

    ReplyDelete
  34. https://www.toksblog.com/2013/11/sporty-leather.html?sc=1696939044430#c1003786056654810941

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...