Title: A Token of Love
Author: Carrie Turansky
Major Themes: Social Justice, Human Trafficking, Orphans, Museums, London, England
Synopsis: Lillian Freemont is on a mission, in 1885 London, to find her missing niece; in 2023, Janelle runs across a mystery having to do with the Foundling Museum where she works.
It’s been a few years since I read a book by Carrie Turansky, but when I saw A Token of Love, I knew I wanted to read it. I think I’ve read three other of her books, and loved two of them. And this one is split-time, which is one of my favorite types of story. I ended up reading several reviews of this book before I had the chance to read it for myself, and that whetted my appetite for it.
Publisher’s description:
Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.
In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.
In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.
My thoughts:
I was not disappointed! I forgot just how much I enjoy Carrie Turansky’s books. Once I started reading this one, I was hooked. Both stories caught my attention and drew me in; I wouldn’t be able to choose a favorite between them. I loved the way Lillian and Matthew worked together to find and rescue Alice. The reality of life for women and girls in London in 1885 was grim, but people were working to improve conditions. I also loved the story of Janelle and Jonas, and how they worked together to dig up the truth (and rescued someone along the way). The process of making the film was also interesting.
As with the other books I enjoyed by Carrie Turansky, I appreciated the extensive author’s note at the end of the story. I always like to know how much of the book is true!
While I enjoyed the historical parts of this book, as well as the storyline, there was not a lot of spiritual depth. There was definitely a Christian tone to the book; all the main characters went to church and had a faith in God. That element felt like it was less important, though, than in a lot of books I read.
I recommend A Token of Love for people who enjoy split-time novels or for those who like to read about people fighting social injustice. Or, just for those who love the cover, like I do! I am rarely drawn to a book by the cover (the description is much more important to me), but this one’s cover caught my attention. It will also appeal to people who love historical fiction with clean romance included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 3: Mention of girls being sold to work in brothels. Chapter 5: Short discussion about brothels, no details given. Chapter 20: Kiss. Chapter 26: Attempted abduction. Chapter 28: Kiss.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Library Binding | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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