Y'all, I love Narnia. I even did a course on CS Lewis in
college, and spent some time in Oxford at his college. I
find truth in that world in ways I don't often find them
in ours, so when I read the synopsis of this one, I
snapped it up. Overall, it was enjoyable, but not a book
for anyone who a: doesn't have a working knowledge of
Lewis' books or b: isn't open to inspirational romance.
I read a bit of inspy myself, and I tend to rank them on
the gentle to preachy side. This is a moderate one, but
faith takes an active role in the happily ever after, as
does the faith portrayed in Narnia. If someone is averse
to either of those, this book will not work for them.
As an American who spent time in the U.K., I liked some
of the quirks of Amelia's new life - learning that
"pants" means something is bad, for example, or being
caught up in the Oxford/Cambridge boat race. I was swept
up in story and really enjoyed so much of it.
In fact, I was so swept up, that when I finished the
book, I went and retrieved THE LAST BATTLE, the
conclusion of the Narnia series, to experience it afresh.
I'm sure other Narnia fans would feel the same.
A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a
wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans
together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.
Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the
rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless
tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed
girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check
for the magical land on the other side. When a story she
writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford,
England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the
damage she has caused.
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great
Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost
his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back
to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to
do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing
the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.
When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in
Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common
ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons
from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when
secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart?
Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique
shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to
life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about
second chances.