The Last Word
Samantha Hastings
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: July 9th 2019
Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult
Set against the smoky, gaslit allure of Victorian London, this sweetly romantic historical debut is full of humor and stars a whip-smart female heroine ahead of her time.
Where one story ends, another begins.1861. Miss Lucinda Leavitt is shocked when she learns the author of her favorite serialized novel has died before completing the story. Determined to learn how it ends, Lucinda reluctantly enlists the help of her father’s young business partner, Mr. David Randall, to track down the reclusive author’s former whereabouts.
David is a successful young businessman, but is overwhelmed by his workload. He wants to prove himself to his late father, as well as to himself. He doesn’t have the time, nor the interest, for this endeavor, but Lucinda is not the type to take no for an answer.
Their search for the elusive Mrs. Smith and the rightful ending to her novel leads Lucinda and David around the country, but the truths they discover about themselves—and each other—are anything but fictional.
Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan’s young adult imprint Swoon Reads, The Last Word by debut author Samantha Hastings is a fun yet intellectual romp through Victorian London—the perfect book for book-lovers.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
“It is no great matter,” Lucinda said. “I can wait in his office. I’ve learned that waiting is what ladies do best.” Another invaluable lesson from Miss Holley’s Finishing School.The Last Word was such a cute, fast read that was equal parts adorable and engaging. I enjoyed getting to meet Lucinda and feel the struggle she experienced for having all of her life controlled against her will. Also, as someone who did not get a conclusion to one of her favorite book series, I 100% could relate to Lucinda's need to know the answers. I also wonder if this was just one little things she could control in a world where she had no power as being a woman.
But she was not a well-brought-up young lady— she was a stubborn one. And never knowing the ending to her favorite story was simply unacceptable.I loved watching the romance between Lucinda and David develop, almost an enemies to lovers vibe. Lucinda and David had been the best of friends growing up until her destroyed her trust and she was sent away to a ladies finishing school. Now that Lucinda is home, she is equal parts the refined beautiful lady her father was hoping she would be and the headstrong, spunky, sightly manipulative (in a totally cute, endearing way!) number wizard she knows herself to be. I loved watching the two interact and verbally spar, and I think I was just as love with David by the end of the book as Lucinda was. I highly recommend this YA standalone read to anyone who loves romance, mystery, history and a spunky heroine who can save herself- but has a charming love interest to help her if she needs it. This is Samantha's debut book and she set the bar very high. I can't wait to see what she creates next.
Author Bio:
Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, and chasing her kids. The Last Word is her debut novel.
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Historical is also a genre I don't often read but it can be super interesting and compelling when you hit the right one! This sounds like a really well written read with great characters, too! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI went to Samantha's launch party and she was just as entertaining in person and her book was to read!
Delete