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Get ready for a historical adventure that will take you from the ancient ruins of Egypt to the luxurious mansions of New York's elite in Jocelyn Green's latest page-turner,
The Metropolitan Affair.
Author Jocelyn Green has the ability to transport her readers to whatever historical era she chooses and also make us feel fully immersed in that period. Her latest release,
The Metropolitan Affair, part of her new
On Central Park series, takes us back to 1920s New York filled with jazz music, flappers, bobbed haircuts, prohibition, and, of course, the world's fascination with all things Egyptian with the discover of King Tut's tomb. This juxtaposition of two iconic historical eras was a unique historical kaleidoscope for me!
Dr. Lauren Westlake is a rare and captivating heroine. Her vast knowledge and passion for Egyptology reminded me somewhat of the character 'Evelyn' from the 1999 movie The Mummy and I was so onboard with this. Not sure if this was the author's intention or not, but I loved it.
Lauren is now in her early 30s and recognized in her line of work, but her father's recent appearance in New York asking her to accompany him to Egypt has thrown her orderly and organized world off-kilter. Lauren still yearns for a relationship with her father despite how damaged and tense it is due to his long absences and hollow promises to take her on an archeological dig. Her interest and love of Egypt's culture and artifacts may have began as a way to win her father's affection and praise, but it's turned into her passion and life's work. While she's a specialist in her field, Lauren still encounters some opposition to those who doubt her area of expertise. I like that she is confident in her skills, but not arrogant. This trait is evident all throughout the story and makes you like her even more.
Enter Detective Joe Caravello, a man on the hunt for a notorious forger who is preying on New York's high society. With Egyptomania sweeping the city following the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Lauren's expertise in Egyptology makes her the perfect partner for Joe as they search for the truth behind the forger's identity. The closer they get to uncovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a world of secrets and lies.
And this, of course, draws them closer. I'm not sure there are enough words to express how much I loved Joe and Lauren's relationship, They had this natural chemistry that you couldn't wait to see how they would interact and what was going to happen next. Ms. Green did a great job of pacing the story and keeping the romance between Joe and Lauren realistic. It's almost as if the Metropolitan Museum became like another character and a place of refuge for both Lauren and Joe as their relationship builds.
Ms. Green explores the theme of forgiveness and how it relates to our families. We all have our fair share of family issues and struggles, but it's through forgiveness that we can find healing and peace. Through relatable characters and heartwarming anecdotes, the author reminds us that no family is perfect, and we all make mistakes. But it's when we look to our true Heavenly Father that we can find the strength and courage to forgive one another and move forward with love and compassion.
My absolute favorite quote is on page 229. This quote made me sigh with happiness. When you get to that part in the book I would love to know what you think of the quote as well.
I'm hopeful the author will give us more stories form this era. I'd love to know more about Lauren's roommates Elsa and Ivy or her secretary Anita. Just me? Would you like to read their stories too?
I found the book to be filled with vivid descriptions of exotic locales, fascinating historical details, and heart-pounding suspense, so I can happily recommend that you need to add The Metropolitan Affair to your Must Read List.
