Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson - NO

Nickerson, Jane  Strands of Bronze and Gold, 339 pgs.  Alfred A. Knopf, 2013.  $16.99 Language: G; Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13. 

HS-NO  

Sophia’s father has passed away and she is sent to live with her godfather the mysterious, Monsieur Bernard de Cressac.  Sophia is overwhelmed by the beautiful abbey in which she now lives as well as the attentive and charismatic Monsieur who spoils her with dresses.  But Monsieur’s attentions become unwelcome as he begins to treat Sophia like he is courting her and Sophia uncovers his past, which includes four dead wives.  Sophia finds allies in unlikely places as she tries to uncover the mysteries of Monsieur Bernard and not become trapped in his world.  

This book is creepy and has a great setting with a courageous main character.  The story is spooky and the mystery is fun to unravel, but I could not get over the 40yo father figure making sexual advances towards his 16yo goddaughter.  Inappropriate on so many levels.  It’s sad because the book was well written and it made for a good ghost story.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson.