A Girl Called Foote by A.E. Walnofer

Publication Date: May 13, 2015

eBook & Paperback; 390 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Young Jonathan Clyde causes mischief for everyone at Whitehall, the stately home of his privileged ancestors. As he matures, however, he comes to despise the vanity and conceit surrounding him.

Misfortune requires Lydia Smythe, an exceptionally clever farmer’s daughter, to seek employment at Whitehall. As a parlor maid, she feels stifled and harried by those over her. Still, she refuses to relinquish her independent mind and spirit.

From the moment Jonathan catches Lydia reading the books she is supposed to be dusting, he is intrigued by this unusual servant. Thus begins a clandestine relationship that is simultaneously amusing, confusing and enlightening. Just as it is evolving into something neither of them expected, an unforeseen truth comes to light, and the two wonder if their unconventional bond will be forever lost.

Set in England in the mid-eighteen hundreds, A Girl Called Foote is the coming-of-age story of two similarly impressive people leading very different lives.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

THOUGHTS/REVIEW:

I absolutely loved this book - I was so engrossed by Clyde and Lydia's story and was transported to the beautiful setting of England in the mid 1800's which was quite a delight to read. I love a well done historical romance between two people from the opposite social classes, like a Romeo and Juliet of sorts.

Jonathan Clyde lives in a grand estate called Whitehall that showcases privilege and vanity. Lydia Smythe a strong willed and intelligent young woman ends up working in Whitehall as a parlor maid. There are a cast of secondary characters that surround Jonathan and Lydia that was so well developed and added to this beautiful story.
How Walnofer can tell a story about the life and times of people from almost 200 years ago and make it so engrossing and immersive is truly the author's brilliance. I was so deeply enthralled in the story that I carried this book not leaving my side for a few days. Yes, my friends I was invested with this book and the characters. That is Walnofer's magic in her writing.

I loved the storytelling style, the wonderful vivid and rich descriptions of their everyday lives and the development of the characters to culminate a satisfying conclusion of our protagonists.

For our historical fiction fans, this is a must read.

About the Author

A.E. Walnofer spends weekdays mobilizing the soft tissue and synovial joints of patients, and weekends typing out stories that are incessantly brewing inside her head. There are lots of these tales and she hopes to share many more of them with you in the future.

Website | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, May 4

Review at YA, It's Lit

Review at Probably at the Library



Tuesday, May 5

Review at Gwendalyn's Books



Wednesday, May 6

Review at Nursebookie

Feature at What Is That Book About



Thursday, May 7

Feature at Books In Their Natural Habitat



Friday, May 8

Review at Momfluenster

Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two eBooks of A Girl Called Foote! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.



Giveaway Rules



– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 8th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.

– Only one entry per household.

– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.

– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.



A Girl Called Foote