The Lost Manuscript is Page-Turning Adventure

 

Mollie Rushmeyer's author tagline is "Contemporary Fiction" with a Heart for History." If this tagline speaks to you, then you need to add The Lost Manuscript to your TBR pile.  After loving Ms. Rushmeyer's debut The Bookshop of Secrets I was eager to read her latest. 

I loved the heroine Ellora Lockwood.  She is a unique, smart, and charming heroine. I liked that she had an affinity for all things vintage in both dress and décor. The love of history is in her blood passed down by her grandmother June. She was an old soul living in modern times. A heroine I felt a definite kinship with. 

Ellora's world is turned upside down when she finds her beloved Grandma June has gone missing on a search for a lost manuscript  Her estranged husband, Alex Lockwood asks her to come to England to teach a summer class at Alwick Castle. 

I was rooting for Ellora and Alex to have a second chance in their marriage, to find their way back to each other and realize they still love each other. I appreciated that the author paints a realistic view of marriage. They had to work through so many past issues and heal. In Alex and Ellora's relationship, I thought it was interesting the way their professions complemented one another. They both liked aspects of history and throughout the story they are continually playing off one another. 

The bond she shared with her grandmother was truly extraordinary and unique. I was fascinated by Ellora's knack for uncovering various clues, akin to embarking on an Indiana Jones-style treasure hunt. As she collaborates with Alex, will they manage to unearth the manuscript before time runs out?

 At first, Ellora's reunion with Alex is strained, but as time goes on he proves himself through his words backed up by clear actions that he wanted a second chance with Ellora. Some of the reasons that Ellora's relationship with Alex was strained because of miscommunication and misunderstandings that were left undiscussed. I feel like this is a major issue in many relationships and the author does a good job and showing why having difficult conversations are imporatnant, needed, and healthy for a relationshp to last, but also why you root for Alex in the story. 

The Lost Manuscript's central message—that we should put our trust in God and make Him the cornerstone of our lives—struck a cord with me. It artfully expressed the idea that by doing so, we can find comfort in His protection and vigilance, illuminating a road of fortitude and direction in our lives.

The Lost Manuscript was the perfect mixture of intrigue, danger, mystery and a second chance romance set against the backdrop of historic England and the lush countryside. I wanted to dive into the book cover and visit all the places Ellora and Alex visited. 

I am so excited for more books by this author. What about you, have you read any of Mollie Rushmeyer's books? Do you love the mix of contemporary fiction and history? 

Reading is an Adventure,

Emilee 

~~The Lost Manuscript was provided to me by the author herself and the publisher in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~