Review: The Forgotten Room

{on Goodreads}

If you're a frequent reader of the blog, you know that historical fiction has recently become my favorite genre. I've always been drawn to it, but I go through periods where I prefer fantasy. Lately, though, I can't get enough of historical fiction. I've been drawn to historical fiction of all kinds -- including my current favorite mystery series and many of the books on my top ten of 2015 list. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to receive and review an advanced copy of The Forgotten Room. Though I hadn't yet read anything by Karen White or Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig is the author of a series which I've been slowly working my way through in the past year.

The Forgotten Room is the story of three generations of women and their parallel experiences of love, longing, and heartbreak. The thread begins in 1945, with Dr. Kate Schyler receives a wounded soldier in the overcrowded mansion-turned-hospital where she works. Kate is instantly drawn to this man, and in coming to terms with her longing for him she unravels the story of two women before her and their connection to the very room in which her newest and most mysterious patient lies. I don't want to say too much more, because I loved the experience of slowly putting the pieces together as I read, but I did come out of it with a broken heart and a lot of thoughts about the concept of true love. I'd compare this story to those written by Kate Morton (another great historical fiction writer) and recommend it for those who enjoy WWII-era fiction. The book was just released on the 19th, so it may be popular at your local library but should be easy to come across in your local bookstore!

Bottom Line Rating: 5/5

Title: The Forgotten Room

Author(s): Karen White, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig

Publisher: NAL, January 2016

Price: $17.44 on Amazon

ISBN: 0451474627

Format: E-book

Source: Net Galley

Note: Top Shelf Text was provided with a copy of this text by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!