Fallen Grace Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Sometimes I read YA novels, ok? "

" Fallen Grace was great! Mary Hooper can really write a captivating novel set in the Victorian Era! I loved how all of the little pieces of the story that didn't seem to make any sense at first fell together and created an awesome plot! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, or is just looking for an interesting and fast read.:) "

" This historical fiction was very Dickens-like. Which isn't a bad thing. I am sure that was a direct purpose of the author, the "good ol' boy" even makes a cameo appearance. I think I would use this as an intro to Dickens for the middle grade reader. Dickens can be very detailed and lengthy reading. This novel immerses you in the same Victorian period and poverty. The main character of course travels a journey of rags to riches and exhibits a valuable moral compass. I have several students I know I would recommend this to. "

" Grace and her older sister Lily (who is mentally disabled) live in a slum in Victorian England and desperately try to eke out a survival by selling watercress on the streets. The book opens with a grim scene - Grace is on a funeral train, about to sneak the body of her stillborn infant (the result of a rape) into the coffin of an unknown woman so that the baby may have a decent burial. Here Grace, who has a lovely, mournful face, is offered employment by a family in the funeral business as a mute, a girl hired to look tragic during a burial. Various silly subplots come together to allow Grace & Lily to be discovered at last as lost heiresses, but not before the funeral family tries to bilk them out of their fortune. To me the book reads like a study of interesting historical facts about the Victorian funeral trade dressed up with the outline of a story. Interesting, but not riveting. "

" Very "dickens." Everything ties up nicely. Quick read. "

" Brilliant. Perfect depiction of Victorian London. Creative and fully of twists and turns that keep the pages turning. "

" Fun book, part mystery, part history, set in Dicken's London. Young readers will enjoy this story that takes them into the funeral business and follows the fortunes of Grace as she tries to clear her name and protect her sister, Lily. "

" I liked this book, but there was just something about it that seemed not quite right. I liked the storyline, but there was something about the story that didn't quite seem good enough. I would have liked to see Grace and James' relationship growing a bit more, too. "

" This book is Dickens-lite. Unfortunately, Dickens has always been one of my least favorite authors. At least the lite version deletes the long, boring descriptions which remind me that the author was paid by the word.... "

" This is an engaging story told in Dickensian London, with a Dickensian plot, and even an appearance by Dickens himself. "

" While it moved along well I found this book more of a social commentary than a thrilling mystery. "

" Wonderful.. I didn't want it to end :) "

" Very different from most YA novels being written today. The author did a great job imitating Dicken's voice and writing style, and the historical details were extremely well researched and accurate. "

" I loved Grace. I admit a bias for Dickens, and a happy ending. This would be fine for sixth grade and up "

" Just what I needed...great historical fiction! "

" im about half way through it because i think its kinda weird. and it sooooooo depressing. "

" "Dickens-lite" novel for historical fiction fans. Grace and her developmentally delayed sister Lily have fallen on hard times. In Victorian London, there is little hope for orphaned girls who are not among the upper class. But Grace is plucky and determined. "

" Yea, finally a book to get into! "

" Very predictable, very Dickensian, kind of bland. The best character in the book was the Victorian mourning and funeral business whose details were grim, despicable and amusing at the same time. "

" Very satisfying historical fiction set in mid 1800's England. "

" I loved this one. Disappointed it did not go on. I would read this again. "

" An interesting historical fiction. Lots of social history included which was enlightening to read. I can't believe the major class differences and how corrupt some people can be. Loved the heroin Grace. Will have to check out more from this author. "