Historical Fiction Review: A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

Book Description:
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.

My Review:
This intriguing story unfolds like butterfly wings. As Nora fights to make a name for herself in the scientific community and struggles to find her footing in the male dominated world of entomology, she discovers what it means to make difficult choices. Duffy's mastery of words and in-depth research weaves the beautiful and the arduous together like a stunning tapestry, as Nora finds her way. The author uses technical names for the creatures Nora encounters, which adds to the picture of Nora's beautiful, intelligent character. I enjoyed the push and pull between Nora and Owen and the gorgeous settings of both Ithaca, NY and India. If you love adventure, romance, and women's fiction, you'll want to read A Mosaic of Wings. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It is Well

I share a love for this hymn with my dear college friends. 

Marcia sent this to our group-enjoy!

Sparkle

Philippians 2:1-4

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

More than 40 years after living life with the class of '79, we gathered together on the campus of Kentucky Christian University, and the years melted away. My dear friends, Helen and Terry, hosted a picnic. What a grand time of visiting and singing! Even though I had not seen some of these fine folks since 1977, we fell right into step with one another.

Among those who attended the Alumni weekend, our core group (who keep in touch almost daily) visited in person with joy and many hugs. When we arrived, our sweet Holly gifted each of us with a handmade package filled with tea and chocolate. I tucked the little treat in my suitcase. After I arrived home, I unpacked and pulled out the bundle of goodness. When I went to place it on my microwave beside some pretty cups, I noticed cards sticking out. I pulled them from the package and found words of encouragement. Holly not only gifted me with goodies, she gave me expressions of love. "You are inscribed on the palm of His hand." Isaiah 49:16. Plus other verses about being created in Christ and letting my light shine. At that moment I wanted to cry tears of joy.

Holly's bundle reminds me of the joy I find in Jesus. On what seems like an ordinary day, God surprises me with his encouragement. Somewhere tucked into the day, if I take the time to look, Jesus shows me that I'm his child, and He loves me. Maybe through nature or my husband or a friend, He lets me know I am his. God wants me to pass the same encouragement He pours over me to the individuals He places in my path. Whether family, friends, or strangers God calls me to value people. Philippians 2:15-16 reminds us to "shine like stars in the universe" as we hold on to the word of God.  

You were created to sparkle for Jesus.