A Tapestry of Light

by Kimberly Duffy

Paperback, 2021

Status

Available

Call number

F DUF

Collection

Call number

F DUF

Publication

Bethany House Publishers (2021), 432 pages

Description

Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. When a stranger appears in India with news that Ottile Russell's brother must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, she is shattered by the secrets that come to light. But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure her brother doesn't forget who he is, as well as stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Harley0326
This has been an epic journey with a character that I immediately liked. It was easy to like Ottilie with her compassion for her brother and her heritage. The author explores how difficult it is to fit in when you come from a different region. I loved learning about the Indian culture and the
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beautiful garments the women wore. It broke my heart when Ottilie was shunned by so many because of her heritage.

When she travels with her brother to England I hoped things would improve for her. She finds herself struggling to be accepted and the rejection is overwhelming. The story reminds us what others feel when they are judged by their religion, culture or looks. I could feel her pain each time a cruel word was said to her or when she was rejected by members of her own family.

I enjoyed learning about the craft of embroidery and the intricate details that make a garment beautiful. Ottilie is very gifted and I think that gave her a little boost to her ego. Her heart was broken at times and I enjoyed the depth the author took Ottilie as she struggled with her faith. As her heart pours out to Jesus you can sense her surrendering and finding peace. There are many secrets that are exposed in the story which cause a little chaos and trust issues. Overall I loved the story and the lessons on allowing God to comfort you, having faith and knowing that you are never alone.

“Sometimes, when we are most alone, the God who sees and knows is closer than ever.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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LibraryThing member thedeffenbaughs6
I have been wanting to read a book by Kimberly Duff ever since she released Mosaic of Wings. (I have the book in my extremely long TBR pile!) I was so happy to be able to review this book. This story is filled with SO much! The author does an incredible job at drawing you in with her descriptive
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words. She paints such a beautiful picture with words and makes you feel like you are in the different locations this story takes place in.

The story is jam-packed with so much emotion. It encompasses big feelings such as loss, pain, rejection and feelings of loneliness. I'm not going to lie, tears were shed and the tissue box got put to use as I went through Ottilie's journey. Despite all of that what I loved most is how her faith in God grew and was made stronger throughout the story.

Although there was some romance in the book. I honestly think the story could of been just about Ottilie and it would have been just as good.

I didn't want to give too much of the story away because you should really take the time to read it. Just be mindful that it is emotional and you may need some tissues handy. I can't wait to see what else Ms. Duffy writes in the near future!

I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member Eamace
Sometimes, when we are most alone, the God who sees and knows is closer than ever.

1885 in Calcutta, India was a time of change. The author gives us incredible detail of what life was like. Ottilie Russel has lost her father and two siblings to cholera and now has lost her mother to an accident,
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leaving her young brother, Thaddeus in her care. Nani (grandmother) lives with them and they manage to scrap out a living with the gorgeous beetle-wing embroidery Ottilie sells. Cholera strikes again, but not before a totally unexpected visitor arrives, bringing with him a complete status change for six year old Thaddeus.

A move to England may bring safety from that dreaded cholera, but it doesn’t bring peace to Ottilie. The issues of mixed race, prejudice and feelings of unworthiness are very gently worked through. For one so far from home, how could acceptance into society be so very important? Will her faltering faith be enough to help her learn to love and appreciate her new home? Can life be separated into a before and after or are life’s seasons a mix of both?

I loved the way the author gives us a glimpse of what is going on in Ottilie’s mind - an opportunity to watch the light change the tapestry of her world and those around her. This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers, CelebrateLit and NetGalley. My rating, thoughts and impressions were in no way solicited.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This story started a little slow for me but do not give up on it because it is a beautiful story of hope and faith. Ottilie and her brother are part European and part Indian. They go through many trials and tribulations before moving to England and learning more of their heritage. There are many
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twists and turns in Ottilies life and I enjoyed learning all of them. I love the many beautiful descriptions of her use of beatle wings in the clothing. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
I loved A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy. Ottilie Russell’s remarkable journey, combined with vibrant descriptions of India and its culture, fascinated me. Ottilie’s character felt authentic in many ways. Her spiritual doubts and questions reflect my own with uncanny accuracy. The author
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portrayed these faith struggles with depth and compassion as Ottilie moved toward healing. Other things I admired about Ottilie included her sacrificial love of her family and her remarkable talent for embroidering elytra.

Throughout A Tapestry of Light, Ottilie undergoes deep character development as she struggles with her Eurasian heritage, her desire to care for her brother, and the brokenness inside. I loved that the author dove into Ottilie’s reasoning, feelings, and motives. Part of Ottilie’s character development comes via Everett Scott, the man determined to bring her young brother to England. Their slow burn romance played a significant role in the story, but it was Ottilie that drew me back to the story nightly.

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy stands as a historical fiction novel, perfect for readers who enjoy exotic locales, deep character development, and slow burn romance. This novel will likely make it into my top ten reads of the year. Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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Language

Physical description

432 p.; 8.5 inches

Pages

432

ISBN

0764235648 / 9780764235641

Barcode

60300
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