Vivian Schuyler got two surprises that afternoon at the post office. First, an old suitcase had been sent to her by mistake. After some digging around, she discovers the valise actually belonged to an aunt Violet Schuyler Grant who had left her affluent New York family to pursue her study of science in England, but later murdered her husband and disappeared with her lover. The Schuylers have neither heard from her or talked about her since.
Vivian's second surprise was the handsome Doctor Paul who volunteered to carry the large package home from the post office. Charming and helpful, Vivian can't get the doctor or her newly discovered aunt off her mind.
Vivian will discover the truth regarding what happened between her aunt Violet and her professor husband on the eve of the first World War, while learning just how much heartache and love her own heart can handle.
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams is a definite page turner. It's another split narrative (so many of those lately) as the reader follows both Vivian's search for the truth and Violet's life with Professor Grant in alternating chapters. That formula works well in William's novel. I enjoyed both the intrigue of Violet's story and Vivian's melodramatic love life as well as the satisfying and bridging conclusion.
Vivian's spunky character is unforgettable. Her absolute open candor and her 1964 short skirts are daring and delightful. While she's open and frank, Vivian is more vulnerable than she lets on and she works her way right into the reader's heart. She's definitely my favorite part of the novel.
There are some disturbing sex scenes and vulgar language.
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams is published by Putnam on May 27, 2014.
**I received a complimentary copy of The Secret Life of Violet Grant in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. No additional compensation was received.**
I loved the book. Vivian was the very best part!!
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