There can be beauty in brokenness. When God is allowed to shine through the cracks and crevices that we can never fill by ourselves. That's what A Tapestry of Light revealed to me through Ottilie's journey. Her's was not an easy path, and the suffering was all the more intense when mixed with her doubt. The story is beautifully written and expertly weaves the threads of Ottilie's doubt, her fear, and the prejudice that surrounds her, into a novel that will break your heart while giving you hope. If you've ever felt as though you have no place, no sense of belonging, you'll quickly relate to Ottilie. Even if you've never experienced that feeling, you'll enjoy this novel and its complexity. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is special! From the vivid imagery and wonderful characters, the locations and the struggles of the characters, I loved every minute of this story.
The beauty that comes from being broken and then put back together. Ottilie had my heart from the start because I too have experienced her struggles, trying to fit in in an entirely different environment from what you are used to and yet still trying to remain true to yourself.
Her struggles with faith too, the understanding that sometimes we question what we seem to have always known and it's okay to keep searching till we find answers. The full surrender when she finally found answers understanding who Christ was to her.
This is one book to definitely add to your reading list ASAP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit tours. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

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, 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.

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 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.

Trapped between two cultures, Ottilie longed to find her place. To find home. As a very Indian-looking Eurasian, she was rejected by Indian and British alike. My heart was broken for her in her grief - she had experienced so much loss! Her heart was filled with love for her little brother and she toiled diligently to provide for him - sweet Thaddeus, the glowworm, casting light on everyone around him! Their sweet relationship was touching and uplifting.

Ottilie's search was not just to find her place. She also struggled with her faith, doubting His goodness when she surrounded by loss. Even once she chose to believe, she still wavered. Her decision to praise God in the morning was transformational! I loved watching her faith grow from the tiniest seed.

Ottilie's sweet Nānī (grandma) and the strong faith she exhibited even in times of grief endeared her to me. The beautiful spiritual lessons she shared were poignant. She also had endured much hardship and rejection in her life and yet was confident in her knowledge that she belonged to Jesus. Even the way she came to know Him when she was a girl was amazing!

Entrancing imagery filled my mind with the sights, sounds, and aromas of India! Some of which were lovely and others... Well, let's just say they were not. When the scene changed and moved to Victorian England, the lovely descriptions did not end. I loved the way I could so easily picture everything that was happening in the story.

The beetle-wing embroidery fascinated me! Hearing the descriptions though, only made me want to see pictures. Search for it online if you get the chance and you will be amazed by the beauty that comes from bugs. (Technically, as Ottilie pointed out in the story, the elytra are not the actual wings but their protective casings.)

Readers of historical fiction will not want to miss A Tapestry of Light!

This was a fascinating book. I learned a lot about the plight of eurasians, people born to a British man and an Indian woman. While Thaddeus inherited his father’s looks, his sister, Ottilie, has the dark coloring of her grandmother. Ottilie feels she doesn’t fit in anywhere and lives her life providing for and protecting her brother. When that is threatened, she is out of sorts.

Ottilie embroiders using elytra, beetle wing casings. I googled images to see some amazing examples of what was done in fashion with these casings. It’s remarkable. What was not were the conditions that women suffered in to provide a living for themselves as seamstresses and embroiderers. It made me thankful for my own work conditions and all that has come to pass to make things better for workers.

I enjoyed the story. It has a slower pace. I enjoyed the interactions between Ottilie and Everett, especially while they were in India. I’d recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Another beautiful read from from Kimberly.

She has a way of bringing things to life that I have never thought about before and she certainly did that with this book.

Ottilie is caught between two words and neither accepts her. I could only imagine what would happen when she moved to England and Everett tries to warn her but she refuses to be separated from her brother.

The slow romance between Ottilie and Everett had me wondering from the onset how could they ever make it work between them and I was anxious to see how the author would play that out. It was very satisfying but if you want to know all of the details you will have to read the book for yourself. This is a definitely an author to watch and follow.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Ottilie Russell has only ever known life in Calcutta. First as the adored child of an English scientist and Eurasian woman, then as the helper for her bereaved mother. Now her mother has died in a tragic accident and Ottilie must provide for her grandmother and younger brother. Each tragedy has cracked her faith in a God who cares, despite what her mother and her grandmother tell her.

She must rely on her skill as an embroiderer to put food on the table and keep Thaddeus in school. Her maternal grandfather, who abandoned her grandmother and mother years ago, offers to help, but Ottilie wants nothing to do with him. She lives between worlds—the vibrant, colorful world of Calcutta with its languages and traditions, and the stiff Victorian world that disparages those of mixed race.

A stranger arrives on their doorstep and informs her that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson. His paternal grandmother and aunt want him and his sister in England. A grandmother and aunt who have no idea Thaddeus inherited his father’s skin coloring and Ottile favors her grandmother’s people.

Everett Scott, her grandmother’s messenger, insists Thaddeus has a responsibility to the peerage and England. Ottilie finds herself drawn to the kind stranger, and soon calls him a friend. But she remains firm in her decision to stay in India—until tragedy strikes again.

This time, Ottilie agrees to allow Thaddeus to travel to England, on the condition that she accompany him. Family secrets further test her faith as Ottilie prepares for their journey to the land of her father. A land full of people who will most likely reject her for the color of her skin just as surely as the British in Indian have rejected her. But she will endure anything for the love of her brother.

Upon arriving in England, Ottilie suffers rejection, betrayal, and helplessness as she tries to navigate a new life in an unknown world. Will her mustard seed of faith flourish in spite of the hardships?

What I Loved About This Book

Duffy weaves a tapestry of colors, smells, sounds, and emotions that draws readers in from the first page. This isn’t just a book about a journey between two worlds, it’s a book about the journey between unbelief and faith. Ottilie knows how to be a Christian, but she doesn’t understand faith. She must go through the fires of adversity to understand the world without faith and the world with faith.

Replete with historical details from both India and England, the words shimmer like the beetle casings used in Ottilie’s embroidery. This is a book I’ll read over and over again.

This is a Christian Historical Romance read, that takes you back into the 1885's era. The story takes you to England and deals with the heritage of being British and Indian. Ottilie has a passion for beetle wing embroidery that she has learned from her family generations, she uses this skill to provide for her brother and grandmother. When she gets word that her brother is in trouble she heads to England to find out how she can help and save her brother from death. What she finds awaiting in England is more than she expected. Can she save her brother? Will she be able to overcome the diversity of family heritage? What will be the outcome of her decisions she makes?

If you want a story that deals with heavy issues and decisions, this is a read you won't want to miss. This is a book that is not a fluffy read and at times is very touching and heartfelt. It will take you back into the days when needlework was an art and skill. It is a read to make you think and wonder what decision you would make?.....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.

When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie's English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.

But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn't forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.

I read a lot of good books, but there is something special about a GREAT book. And this, my dear readers, is a great book! I may have closed the last page days ago but I am still thinking about this novel now. I absolutely love Ottilie in this story. I love her steely determination, her giant heart, her passionate beauty, her loyalty to her family; and yes, I love her spiritual struggles, her growth, and her failures because she became real to me on these pages. She became a friend with whom I wanted to sit down and try her delicious chai tea and listen to her deepest wishes and dreams. I felt like I got to know her in this story and that kind of writing takes true skill and talent. I loved every aspect of this book! The descriptive scenes made it so easy for me to picture the bright colors and rich scents of India and appreciate the seasonal changes and rolling hills of England. There is so much packed into this story—themes of family, loyalty, love, loss, and ultimately the sense of belonging as the relationships and friendships change and flow in the novel. But ultimately, my favorite aspect was the vulnerability in which the very real spiritual struggles were displayed in this fictional character as I went on a spiritual journey with Ottilie and experienced her trials and doubts and eventually celebrated her victories and her growth in her faith in God. The romance is perfectly written and clean but passionate. The social issues are interesting and eye opening. The art, style, and history of elytra and fashion were fascinating. And the writing made me eager for more as I read late into the night, never wanting this story to end. I have found a great book and it has found a permanent spot on my “reread and keep” shelf! I cannot wait to read more by Kimberly Duffy! I most highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

An epic tale that takes you from the hot, colorful streets of India to the cool, tempered manors and estates in England. A slow build that requires commitment because when the story picks up, and it will, you will not be able to put it down. Ottilie is Eurasian and is torn between two worlds. She wants to see her brother safe and secure in this new world, but not at the expense of remembering who he is and where he comes from. She struggles with her faith and all the tragedies she’s endured and now must discover how to stand firm right where she is. I treasured the women woven into her story to remind her of God’s love, in all things. I love that she loves boldly and unashamedly and is proud of her heritage. Everett has much to learn as well and is convinced he’s doing what is expected of him, no matter the cost. Together, Ottilie and Everett have to find their place in a society that does not freely accept those who are different and refuse to conform. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Its not often that I find myself struggling to finish a book. I had a hard time connecting with Ottilie with all the hardship and tragedy she faced. The author used a lot of Indian/Hindu words describing customs and food of India that the reader is not familiar throughout the story (it would have been helpful if a guide to the words was included in the book.) I find it hard to enjoy a book when I am having to look up unfamiliar words.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”

This is a book about loss and love and family and searching for faith. This is the second book that author Kimberly Duffy has partially set in colonial British India. Britain is the other location. The plot of the book focuses on how these cultures do not manage to mix well. Actually this title helped me to understand how deep prejudice that is based on appearances can be. Even though the two siblings featured in this book have the same parents, they are definitely treated differently.

Because of circumstances in her life, Ottilie, the main heroine, struggles with her faith. She doubts that God is with her. I found that to be acceptable because that theme does come to a resolution.

Celebrating Indian culture is another important part of this title. Ottilie has learned beetle-wing embroidery. (In the afterward, the author tells about all of the research that she did to better understand this type of handcraft art.) Indian clothing and food are also celebrated.

Family honor is also emphasized. Should love supersede all barriers? Can people from different backgrounds truly connect to the point that heritage no longer matters? The reader gets to ponder those mindsets as a part of the plot.

What Ottilie really wants is to maintain her heritage and to keep her close connection to her younger brother. Both of those goals prove to be challenging. While I would not call this a "happy" read, I do think the book is a meaningful one. This one does not let the reader "rest easy." Instead he or she is almost forced to reconcile with held beliefs that may not be fair overall.

My only small complaint - I wish there would have been one more chapter between the final one and the epilogue. I felt like the transition was a bit abrupt. (My guess is that the author might have pushed her word count and not been able to elaborate anymore.) This results in my final rating being a 4.8 because overall I did love the rest of the book.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for letting me read this book through NetGalley during the month it was released. I wanted to read the book. All opinions are my own.

A poignant tale:
This was another wonderful book by a truly masterful story teller. I loved the depth of description and how drawn in and invested I became. Whilst the overall tone of the book was quite sad, there was also a strong thread of hope and healing that ran throughout that helped balance it out a bit.
My heart really went out to poor Ottilie as she faced such loss and prejudice. I thought the author did a wonderful job of highlighting the social injustices that existed between India and England in the late 1800s. Many of the issues were still relevant for today.
There was a light romantic thread and I was so glad that Ottilie and Everett were able to finally find love. Ottilie's struggle with her faith felt real and authentic and I appreciated the honesty and rawness that was displayed.
Whilst I enjoyed this book, I could only read it for shorter periods of time as it was a bit depressing. I felt it was a little repetitive and dragged at times, which may partly be because I was ready for things to move to happier times.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Speaking of Vivid…

This is my first book by Kimberly Duffy and wow does she truly have a remarkable ability to transport you to the scene she sets. From the cultural richness of India to the backstreets of London, I felt like I was RIGHT THERE. I so enjoyed her attention to detail while writing this story, I felt like I could feel the thread and taste the tangy air. Again, truly one of the better books regarding the details given by the author that I have read in a while. However, the flipside to that is in the details. I think some people will probably think there are to many of them and just want the story to get to the point!

Ottilie was a fantastic character in terms of self-reflection and for the depth of her faith (the faith aspect of this book was beautifully done without being preachy but displayed in a walking out your faith type of way). I enjoyed her interactions with Everett, and I LOVED her devotion to her brother Thaddeus. The story is told in third person, but I would have loved to see some of Everett’s story included as well.

Overall, I give this story 4 out of 5 stars for the AMAZINGLY vivid descriptions that transported me, and for the deep faith aspects of the story. I truly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy takes readers to 1880s Calcutta, India. Ottilie Russell is a woman between worlds with the responsibility of caring for her family on her shoulders. Losses weigh heavy, but when a stranger arrives with shocking news, secrets she never expected come to light.

I’ve been looking forward to reading A Tapestry of Light. Partly because I loved Kimberly Duffy’s previous book A Mosaic of Wings and partly because the story mostly occurs in India—and the cover is gorgeous! Ottilie does not have an easy life and it shows in her struggle with her faith, which makes the spiritual journey she experiences throughout the book go deep.

The romantic in me wished to have seen more romance. That part of the story didn’t begin until much later in the book than usual and then felt rushed at the end, especially because we are never given Everett Scott’s perspective. But for readers who prefer the rich inner life of a single character, I suspect you will especially love A Tapestry of Light. It is richly woven, just like Ottilie’s gorgeous needlework.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Bethany House Publishers, and JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to learn about how people from India were treated by the English, especially those who had mixed blood. I thought it was interesting to see Ottilie struggle with her faith throughout the book and how she struggled feeling like she fit in anywhere. I liked how once she realized that the only person’s whose opinion matter was God’s, she was able to grow and help others to grow and learn to accept her. I also loved learning about the culture in India especially about the Beetle Wing embroidery. I thought this was a good book that helped me to learn and grow along with the characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Last summer, I had the chance to read the debut novel from Kimberly Duffy- A Mosaic of Wings. I very quickly fell in love with the author's style. It was a slower paced novel perhaps, but so rich in scenery and history that I found myself transported... and had me wanting to explore the sights in India for myself. With a debut like that, I found myself looking forward to what would come next from her. When I saw Tapestry of Light, I couldn't wait to experience it for myself... and what an experience it was.

In this book, we travel back to India in 1886, where we meet Ottilie who is mourning the loss of her mother and finding herself split between two cultures, unsure of where she really belongs. This story had everything that I so loved about the previous book--- the writing that allowed us to truly imagine India in beautiful vividness, an abundance of research made clear within it's pages and a fantastic heartfelt journey of faith. As it deals with the topic of grief, it's certainly an emotional story, but in the end really leaves you walking away with a sense of hope. I enjoyed getting to know and feel for these characters, and found that this one definitely solidified for me that Kimberly Duffy is one to read more from!

If you enjoy historical fiction and beautiful cultures, this is one worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

A Tapestry of Light
By Kimberly Duffy

Ottilie Russell is caught between two worlds accepted by neither and rejected by both. Her mixed heritage is held in contempt and viewed with suspicion - the British reject her due to her clearly Indian heritage and the Indians disdaining her British ties as a betrayal of who she could have been. She is clearly Indian but too British to be accepted by those she calls neighbors.

She has lost the joy and peace that life once offered. Losing her parents, brother, and sister has left her in fear and doubt. Fear that she will lose what little family she has left and in doubt that God is indeed loving and concerned for her.

Using her skills as a beetle-wing embroiderer she manages to eke out a living that provides for the barest needs of her little brother Thaddeus and her grandmother. But life is anything but easy as she pushes herself to fulfill the work in the attempt to gain more.

But she is adrift - when Everett Scott shows up claiming that he has been sent to bring Thaddeus back to England. But Ottilie cannot give up her brother her last reminder of her parents and their love. But Thaddeus has inherited a title and though he is only 6 he has a duty to fulfill. In the process of trying to convince Ottilie that Thaddeus's life will vastly improve if he is permitted to leave, Everett and Ottilie form a friendship of sorts. A friendship that has the potential becoming something more.

When yet another tragedy strikes Ottilie agrees to Thaddeus's removal from India on the condition that she goes with him. As Ottilie faces the prospect of a new world so different from the one she's always known she finds herself adrift. The family that she prayed would accept her is shocked at her foreign appearance and ways. She is expected to reject the ties that bind her to England so as to not upset societal expectations and ruin her brother's future. Worse she faces betrayal once again from a man in whom she has placed her truth. Can she ever find a place to belong and find the answers she so desperately seeks?

A Tapestry of Light is a journey of faith and discovery. Who is God? Throughout Ottilie and various other characters find themselves in doubt as to who God truly is and what role, if any, His plays in their life? Is He loving? A cruel tyrant? An indifferent deity who demands everything? These are the answers that drive the story as much as the prejudices that drive Ottilie to make choices that set her life on an altogether different path she never anticipated following. These are truths that all readers can take to heart as something to ponder. This book takes the reader on a journey through heartbreak, sorrow, desolation, and joy. It is also a look at the world under British rule and it is disheartening that the prejudices that were are still such a very real part of life today. Ethnic and class snobbery is not unique to any particular era or people and yet it is equally painful and destructive. Kimberly Duffy brings Ottilie Russell life with all her complexities, fears, hopes, and dreams. This is the first work of Kimberly Duffy that I have had the pleasure of reading and I can assure you that it will not be the last and I highly recommend her work if you are looking for something that entertains while providing a multifaceted depth.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.