Book Review: The Ashford Affair

Author: Lauren WIllig
Title: The Ashford Affair
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Mystery
Pages: 358
First Published: April 9th, 2013
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"As a lawyer in a large Manhattan firm, just shy of making partner, Clementine Evans has finally achieved almost everything she’s been working towards—but now she’s not sure it’s enough. Her long hours have led to a broken engagement and, suddenly single at thirty-four, she feels her messy life crumbling around her. But when the family gathers for her grandmother Addie’s ninety-ninth birthday, a relative lets slip hints about a long-buried family secret, leading Clemmie on a journey into the past that could change everything. . . .

What follows is a potent story that spans generations and continents, bringing an Out of Africa feel to a Downton Abbey cast of unforgettable characters. From the inner circles of WWI-era British society to the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the red-dirt hills of Kenya, the never-told secrets of a woman and a family unfurl."

Again....I adore Lauren Willig and all her books. I was a little scared, at first, that I only loved her because of her Pink series which I'm addicted to. I was scared I wouldn't like this one. So odd. However, I was dead wrong. I read this like a madwoman! I would have had this done like three days ago, but I left it at Boyfriends house *sighs*

I am actually really proud of myself...I read the prologue, so I had a small step on the big mystery and big twist in the plot. hahaha. However, Lauren Willig did still manage to stump me on the BIG mystery. I knew Bea wasn't THAT much of an idiot, but I didn't expect what happened and how. However, thinking back I realized that there was many a foreshadow that I missed. Kuddos Lauren Willig! You stumped me. hahaha...hard to do.

I did not like Addie or Bea. I know, I know...I'm a witch....I just thought they were both selfish in their own ways. They were young and naive as well, but thats how it is. They grew up privileged, so what did I expect?  I also didn't care for good ol' Freddy. I liked him a lot more when he got over his self-pity stage and moved to Kenya. The character I really adored was Clemmie...she stole the show (in my opinion). I felt I was more addicted to her story, which is surprising because I prefer HRs to contemps. However, I'm not a huge fan of the early 1900s, especially post WWI. Oh well. I also liked Jon, but I really adored Tony. Sighs. Poor Tony. 

Anyways, this was a great book. I think it is one of the best books of the year! ^.^ I can't wait for the next installment of the Pink series comes out in August. YAYY! 

I loved the drama and the mystery and the comedy in this. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I had a hard time putting this down. I wanted to gobble it down like cookies! If you have any love of HRs and contemp, you'll like this one. Also, if you have read the Pink series, you will enjoy this one. ^.^ I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Clemmie, Jon, Tony, and Val (he was a rouge and his time in the spotlight was limited, but I enjoyed his character. He was an ass and he didn't care)

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Bea (mmmm), Addie, & Freddy (at the beginning, I grew more fond of him as he went to Kenya)

*CaroleRae*