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About this item
Highlights
- It's 1885, and all Nora Shipley wants, now that she's graduating from Cornell University as valedictorian of the entomology program, is to follow in her late father's footsteps by getting her master's degree and taking over the scientific journal he started.
- About the Author: Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India.
- 368 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
Determined to uphold her father's legacy, newly graduated Nora Shipley joins an entomology research expedition to India to prove herself in the field. In this spellbinding new land, Nora is faced with impossible choices--between saving a young Indian girl and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.Book Synopsis
It's 1885, and all Nora Shipley wants, now that she's graduating from Cornell University as valedictorian of the entomology program, is to follow in her late father's footsteps by getting her master's degree and taking over the scientific journal he started. The only way to uphold her father's legacy is to win a scholarship, so she joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field.India isn't what she expects, though, and neither is the rival classmate who accompanies her, Owen Epps. As her preconceptions of India--and of Owen--fall away, she finds both far more captivating than she expected. Forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.
In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.
From the Back Cover
"A Mosaic of Wings inspires and entertains. This is one novel you won't want to miss!"--Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning authorNora Shipley has one goal--to carry on the legacy of her late father by taking over the scientific journal he started. To that end, she's fought to be taken seriously among her male classmates and graduate as valedictorian of Cornell's entomology program. When pressures to settle down rise to a fever pitch, she impulsively joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field and win a scholarship.
But India holds several surprises--she is impressed not only by the beauty of its natural wonders, but also by the gentle nature she discovers in the rival classmate who accompanied her, Owen Epps. Instead of exploring, however, she is forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her. During the many quiet days, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.
In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.
"Duffy is an author to watch. She presents a unique look at society's expectations for women in two different cultures in the late 19th century. . . . This historical romance is recommended for readers of Tracie Peterson and Jody Hedlund."--Library Journal
"In this exceptional novel, Duffy tells a powerful story about personal transformation and legacy. From the picturesque falls of Upstate New York to stunning sites in India, Duffy shines in elegant, flowing prose and delicate precision that underscores the nineteenth-century setting. A Mosaic of Wings examines the rhythm of change, the sense of loss that accompanies a passing season, and fear and excitement of journeying into the unknown. Science, culture, and romance intersect enjoyably in Duffy's tale of academia, while the tensions of gender and social norms circa 1885 add complexity to her memorable characters." - Booklist starred review
"A nineteenth-century entomologist is caught between social expectations and desire in Kimberly Duffy's A Mosaic of Wings, a novel about wanderlust and women's empowerment. . . . India's allure is captured with appreciative details of its spices and embroidered saris. . . . A Mosaic of Wings is a religious romance that pays tribute to trailblazers and field research as a captivating, down-to-earth bluestocking dares to let her own dreams take flight."--Foreword Reviews
"The excursions through the Indian landscape and late 1800s Ithaca, New York, are well detailed and enchanting. . . . The stakes are high, and so are the emotions surrounding the choices Nora makes. The book had its hooks in me early on with its trailblazing female lead and her captivating uphill climb. Recommended."--Historical Novels Review
About the Author
Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind. You can find Kimberly at www.kimberlyduffy.com.Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x 1.1 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Theme: Romance, Historical
Format: Paperback
Author: Kimberly Duffy
Language: English
Street Date: May 5, 2020
TCIN: 79133299
UPC: 9780764235634
Item Number (DPCI): 247-11-8960
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.1 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
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4.7 out of 5 stars with 11 reviews
100% would recommend
9 recommendations
I'm a sucker for happy endings and Indian spices ;)
5 out of 5 stars
JaxStyle - 4 years ago
I thoroughly enjoyed A Mosaic of Wings and I am excited for Kim Duffy's future as an author. A Mosaic of Wings is a strong first publication as a new author and Kim Duffy should be proud! I appreciated Kim's description throughout this book. Her imagery through words allowed me to feel the vibrant and exotically beautiful scenes of India's jungles and smell the spices of its market streets. I was readily shown the stark contrast of India's vast spectrum of colors compared to the rigid constraints of Nora Shipley's hometown in New York. I could walk right alongside Nora and experience her internalized emotions as Duffy painted with words illustrating Nora's personal journey grappling with traumatic events from her past and present. I loved the extreme issues that Duffy included in this story: the traumatic death of Nora's father at a young age, the addiction of her step father, the emotional fragility of Nora Shipley's mother spawned from widespread ill-treatment of women from the era, and the dire situation of Sita being dedicated as a temple pr*stitute in India. All of these issues and more, Duffy boldly delve into with a beautiful sprinkling of the hope of God in Jesus Christ throughout, and how Nora Shipley's journey navigating through all of these trials led her to see God in a more tangible and personal way. I would be hugely remiss if I failed to mention the beautiful character of Owen, Nora's college rival and eventual love who displayed the unconditional love and patience of Christ toward Nora throughout the book. Owen's gentle character was endlessly touching, uplifting, and beautiful throughout. He became a pillar for Nora when she most needed it. When issues in her heart came to a head and she was forced to address them, Owen was there to ever so gently walk her through them, just as Jesus does with each of us. The courtship between Nora and Owen and his pursuit of Nora was so beautifully ginger and gentle as well, also very reminiscent to me of Christ's pursuit of each of our hearts and is the kind of love story that I would love for my daughter to read some day (versus modern day romantic-comedies.) Kim Duffy, I applaud you for this beautiful story. I am excited to read more from you!
A stunning debut novel!
5 out of 5 stars
- 5 years ago
A Mosaic of Wings, the stunning debut novel by Kimberly Duffy, is a captivating book that is exceptionally well-written, well-researched, and utterly memorable. From the first page to the last, it carries the reader on a unique journey that touches the heart and inspires the soul. With settings that are truly immersive, characters that are unconventional, and an engaging plot full of surprises, this novel is not to be missed.
Ms. Duffy is a talented writer, and as a new voice in fiction, she adds originality and depth to the historical genre. In A Mosaic of Wings, beautifully descriptive writing appeals to the reader's senses and emotions. Careful attention to sensory details makes sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures vivid and real. From the fluttering of butterfly wings, to spicy lentil stew, to warm air moist with sticky humidity, this book is meant to be experienced.
Through words well-chosen the reader is swiftly transported back into a time of loss, faith, adventure, courage and love. As the story unfolds, the main characters find it necessary to embark on a journey far from home. This journey not only tests them physically, but also provides ample opportunities for self-discovery, healing, and redemption. More than simply leading them to an unfamiliar land and culture, this journey profoundly shapes their hearts and defines their futures.
A Mosaic of Wings is a well-crafted story of faith, perseverance, courage, and love that abounds with thoughtful descriptions that provide a fresh perspective on historical India, entomology, human worth, and God's grace. Adventurous and compelling, this book is relevant, meaningful, and thought-provoking. It is worthy of much praise, and I recommend it enthusiastically.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Impressive Historical Fiction
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lucy Reynolds - 5 years ago
I found this to be an impressive novel that has an unusual heroine, so to me it was like a breath of fresh air in the Historical Fiction genre. I can’t believe I was reading about bugs in India and actually enjoying it but the author draws you in and before you know it you are immersed in the characters , culture, foods, and setting. Sita was a surprise to me and I was sucked into feeling empathy for her plight therefore I pray I would be brave enough to make the decisions that Nora was faced with. I found this book to be the complete package and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Duffy.
I won a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Prepare to Be Transformed
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 5 years ago
A Mosaic of Wings is a historical romance that chronicles Nora Shipley's struggle to prove herself. An entomologist and valedictorian of her university program, she must learn to trust those who love her, to stand up for herself and what is right, and to make choices that will direct her career. In this novel, there are many layers to be discovered as Nora's story unfolds.
Who knew that I could care about insects? Nora's passion for her work was infectious, and piqued my curiosity. It is a credit to the author that a book about bugs was so interesting!
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans, as well as lovers of butterflies and other insects.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Against the Grain!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Tickmenot - 5 years ago
Nora is the valedictorian of her college class, and wants to be a scientist, just the way her dad raised her. Unfortunately, it is 1885, and the world believes women should strive to be wives and mothers only. Her father has been replaced by a step-father who wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment and fights Nora every step of the way.
In an attempt to win a scholarship, she goes to India. Unfortunately, Frederic, the man in charge also thinks women are useless. He hardly lets her participate in what she came to do, and she inadvertently causes horrible trouble for Frederic multiple times.
But India also gives Nora the chance to see schoolmate Owen differently, revel in the beauty of a foreign land, and change a little girl’s life—at a great cost to her.
I sympathized with Nora about her stepfather’s dishonesty, but I never did like her study of bugs and it took me a while to warm up to her. Owen is a gem with his character and reliance on God. India and the story will charm and captivate you. I recommend this 4-star book to those who like tales in exotic or historical settings with a bit of romance.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, A Mosaic of Wings, for the purpose of review.
A Wonderful Debut Novel
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connie Saunders - 5 years ago
I admit that I love historical fiction and A Mosaic of Wings certainly didn't disappoint me! I know very little about entomology and author Kimberly Duffy's detailed research taught me so much about the study of insects. I also enjoyed the diverse characters that she created and developed. Nora Shipley is intelligent, outspoken, and determined to keep her father's legacy alive. Her loyalty to her late father's memory and her dislike for her step-father is understandable and they certainly influence her thoughts about romance and marriage. I really liked her classmate Owen Epps and I admired his kindness and the depth of his feelings for Nora. There were many times that I wanted to shake her for not seeing just how special he was! The young Indian girl Sita touched me with her dilemma of being forced to "serve men" after she has become a Christian and I would love to see Duffy devote a book to Sita's story. And then, there are Duffy's lyrical words that caused me to think and ponder.
"The more you're exposed to a thing, the more you accept it. And because of that, we sometimes miss the little details that could reveal something bigger than our expectations allow. But when you realize what you've found, you know everything has changed." (p. 341)
This is a beautiful debut novel, from the stunning cover to the wonderful story inside, and Duffy completely transported me to New York and India as they might have been in 1855. I certainly recommend A Mosaic of Wings to anyone who enjoys historical Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House with no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Wonderful and Deeply Touching Debut Novel!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Paty Hinojosa - 5 years ago
This was a truly amazing debut novel that I couldn't put down. I wasnt expecting such a magnificent novel from a debut author, so this book totally surpassed my expectations!
Nora, the main character, left me in awe. She was in no way a perfect character: she was strongminded, highly opinionated, persistent and determined to the bone, and prideful too. But along the story, she will prove many times shes a woman with a compassionate heart, and strong unwavering christian convictions. She and her college rival, Owen Epps, embark on this amazing adventure as entomologist researchers in India that will prove a wonderful lesson from God, not only about His Creation, but about things that matter most, and the need to sacrifice even personal dreams in order to do what is best before His eyes. Nora will be faced with so many tough decisions in this story, and I was really in awe at how difficult it was for women to express freely and participate as equals to men in the working field and many other things.
I totally felt transported to India! It left little work to the imagination with all the details in descriptions about the flora and fauna of the place where they researched. The romance between Nora and Owen was really sweet, and I loved that it wasn't the focus of the story. I loved Nora because of her determination in doing what her heart told her was best and the sacrifices she had to make, even knowing what she could lose in the consequences, but I loved Owen all the more because of his love of Nora. Even if it didn't seem so at first sight, Owens love for Nora was what I would call unconditional love: she loved her as she was, and didn't want to change her, in fact, he wanted her to pursue and do what he knew made her more plentiful, even if he risked her love in making her conscious of what would make her better and happier. Finally, the book is full of insights and uplifting messages: of pursuing higher things, even if you feel they overwhelm you, to be your best self, to accept others (and oneself) as they are, to forgive, and to sacrifice for anothers better good. All in all, an amazing book and heart touching book I will definitely recommend to anyone, and will also be rereading for sure! And Ms. Kimberly Duffy is definitely a new favorite author of mine!
Delicious!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Jessy - 5 years ago
Full of adventure, romance, humor, nature, Indian culture, and twists, Author, Kimberly Duffy made this novel impossible to put down!
I love the fiery spunk in Nora and the courage she had in helping a girl promised to temple prostitution. A moving story all the way around that made me cry several times. Although this is a must read for any historical romance lover, I believe this page turner can be enjoyed by anyone. With vivid descriptions and keen details that draw you in, I can’t say enough about this book. I love, LOVE it!!! I give it 5 stars!
A Stunning Entrance into Historical Fiction!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Rebecca Maney - 5 years ago
4.5 stars
"Bees are interesting creatures. . . . . Bumblebees will travel miles from their hives in order to do what they need to do. They don't stay close to home."
Her father's tender words trickle through her memory, meaning . . . . . what, exactly? Do they mean that entomologist Nora Shipley should be forced to marry a man whom she hardly knows and who would certainly never indulge her love of scientific discovery? Or do they mean pursuing a coveted scholarship, thus providing a way to further pursue her education, so that her now deceased father's beloved scientific journal can escape ruin? Perhaps those words mean that Nora must gather the necessary courage to travel half-way around the world to the land of India, accompanied by another student of entomology, whose future is also dependent on the coveted Cornell scholarship. Owen Epps; could there be more to her university nemesis than meets the eye?
Layers; so many layers wrap themselves around this enchanting story that it becomes nearly impossible to unravel one, without dismantling all the others. Like the beautiful sari that Nora indulgently experiences for a brief moment, once unbound, this story exposes an authentic core that everyone longs for . . .unconditional love. Nora had it, Nora lost it. Nora gave it, Nora gained it . . . . for after all, according to Owen, "I think you just need someone to keep you from falling out of trees".
What a courageous premiere into the world of historical fiction!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Terrific Story...Take a trip to India!
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
RachsRamblings - 5 years ago
I really enjoyed the debut novel by Kimberly Duffy. I will admit that it took me a bit to get hooked. I can’t really even explain why, but these kinds of gems are why I don’t give up on books! If you thought it a slow start...and quit...you will SO want to finish!! During these times...maybe it was just a mood thing, who knows.
The explanation and setting of India was incredibly well done! It was like taking a trip and enjoying the wonderful differences in beauty and culture. The heart of the author really cane through during this part of the book.
I was a tomboy growing up, and insects have always fascinated me...science not so much. This book does a great job bringing out the enjoyment of studying insects...and the beauty with which God has surrounded us.
The characters are very well done. I really liked Nora. Her difficulties in decisions that affected her future were so realistic. She followed her conscience and made some decisions that adversely affected her. She wasn’t sorry , though, for doing the right thing. It was interesting to read about the culture in India as well.
The book had a wonderful story and plot...and I really liked the characters. The writing was beautifully done. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own
Beautifully written
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Moonglotexas - 5 years ago
“Nora Shipley’s ears buzzed as though a thousand bees were trapped inside her head.”
Opening line of “Mosaic of Wings” by Kimberly Duffy
This is my first experience of Kimberly Duffy and wow, “Mosaic of Wings” is beautifully written and I look forward to reading more books from this author. Nora is a fascinating character, her combination of heart and scientific thinking make her a delight! Owen is all openness and kindness and is a perfect balance to Nora. The two entomologists set off on a wild adventure through India learning more about life and love than insects!
Fighting against prejudice, Nora graduates with her degree and sets her sights on a masters. An expedition to India is the ideal opportunity to convince the university to provide her with a much needed scholarship as well as get her out of an unhappy home.
Owen, too, wants the scholarship and so joins the trip to India escaping a family who don’t believe in his work. His belief in Nora’s capabilities allow her to stay in India and work. Soon, he finds, defending and supporting Nora is a full time commitment as she fights for the rights of the less privileged and runs into trouble with authority on a regular basis often. Many of the anecdotes are humourous and the dialogue amusing! The descriptions of India are gorgeous, reading this one is an escape to a far away land! Whilst I can’t stand stabbing insects, the bugs play a crucial role in illustrating elements of story in visually interesting ways!
Once begun, I couldn’t out this one down, I had to know how it would all work out and, is often the case in life, the resolution God provides isn’t the predicted one but is better! Kimberly pulls all the threads together in such a way as give satisfaction and hope. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.