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The Wings of Poppy Pendleton
In this compelling new time-slip mystery, a little girl goes missing from her family's castle in the Thousand Islands of New York. Eighty-five years later, a journalist teams up with a woman living on Koster Isle to find out what happened to Poppy, once and for all.
1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York's gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.
1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy's castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe's doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe's store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she'd thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma's life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.
"[A] propulsive time-swapping tale. . . . Fans of WWII inspirationals will love this." Publishers Weekly on The Curator's Daughter
"Readers will delight in this story that illustrates how the past can change the present." Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Before We Were Yours, on Catching the Wind
Standalone dual-timeline historical mystery
Clean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner or Lisa Wingate
Book length: 95,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book groups
1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York's gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.
1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy's castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe's doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe's store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she'd thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma's life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.
"[A] propulsive time-swapping tale. . . . Fans of WWII inspirationals will love this." Publishers Weekly on The Curator's Daughter
"Readers will delight in this story that illustrates how the past can change the present." Lisa Wingate, national bestselling author of Before We Were Yours, on Catching the Wind
Standalone dual-timeline historical mystery
Clean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner or Lisa Wingate
Book length: 95,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book groups
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2023
90 people are currently reading
6011 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dobson
50 books1,743 followersWriting fiction is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
September 21, 2023
In a Nutshell: A complicated but interesting slow-burn dual-timeline mystery. Well researched, intriguing characters, some dark themes, Christian. Not a time-slip though, unlike what the blurb says. I am still confused about some plot points, but overall, I liked it enough.
Story Synopsis:
Bookish Yays:
😍 Realistic main characters. Some of them are likeable, some of them are relatable, some are just humans trying to stumble their way through life doing the best they can. And of course, a couple of them are detestable. The resultant medley of people offers a nice depth to the storyline.
😍 The setting of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence river is used wonderfully. The river is almost a character unto itself, making its strong presence felt in every key scene. The vividness of the writing ensures ease in visualising the location.
😍 The religious elements in this Christian mystery aren’t bombarded onto the readers. Rather, the faith-related content is woven within the natural flow of the plot, with a greater focus on Christian actions such as forgiveness and redemption than mere words or biblical quotes.
😍 The romantic track never overpowers the main mystery, and is developed only gradually towards the end rather than jumping into any kind of insta connection. Needless to add, the romance is clean, except for the minimal mention of kisses.
😍 Surprisingly to me, the novel contains several dark themes, which I didn’t expect from this genre. I won’t elaborate on them, as all of them are spoilers. Suffice to say that the themes are handled decently without going over the top. One of my major triggers is also a part of the storyline, but thankfully, most of the triggering content stays off the page, and is only mentioned in the background than detailed on page.
😍 Both the timelines get the same importance in the plot. Moreover, the mysteries in each are powerful enough to hold our attention equally regardless of the era.
😍 The author's descriptive writing is impeccable. She uses some picturesque analogies that are imaginative, unexpected and yet apt for the situation. Sample this: "She tried to set her fears adrift with mental scissors that had grown rusty from use."
😍 Chloe's two dogs, Sugar and Maple. As sweet as their names and yet ferocious rescuers of their owner. Loved them! Cat lovers, there's a cat named Fraidy as well, though in a relatively minor role.
😍 Some elements of the mystery are more like suspense, because we readers figure it out much before the other characters can. But this doesn’t spoil the fun of the story as the author incorporates enough of twists to keep us on our toes.
😍 There are several facts incorporated within the fictional plot, connected to myriad aspects of the story. There’s a treasure trove of trivia herein, though not necessarily facts that you’d be happy to learn about.
😍 The author’s note at the end highlights her research and offers details about the content and her writing choices. Don’t skip reading this!
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 The storyline is quite complicated! There were so many things happening in parallel that I found it tough to keep track of all the goings-on. I am still not sure if I grasped everything correctly! 😄 But one thing is for sure – the author knew where she wanted the story to go, and she led the plot and the characters very efficiently towards that goal. Her plotting is outstanding!
😐 There is a small track of magical realism through the voices that Chloe hears. I loved the way this was incorporated, but I wish there had been more of it in the plot.
😐 The pace of the book is quite leisurely, and there are plenty of clues about the mysteries sprinkled throughout the writing. As such, the book feels far lengthier than its 350 pages, and can’t even be speed-read. Then again, it offers plenty of content on every page for us to focus upon, and the plot is gripping enough to ignore the pacing problem.
Bookish Nays:
😒 Sometimes, the events jump ahead by many scenes, with the in-between happenings being clarified a few paras later. I didn’t like this writing choice as it added to my confusion.
😒 Mini complaint: I am not sure why the blurb advertises this as a timeslip novel. While there are two distinct timelines, there is no timeslip at all. Sadly for me, I read most of the story waiting for the timeslip, and I also jumped to the wrong conclusion about the mystery because of this mislabelling.
All in all, despite the slower pace and the slight trouble I had keeping the story straight in my head, I relished the setting, the characters, and the mystery. The book is intricately plotted, and the journey as well as the destination are worthwhile.
This is my first time reading Melanie Dobson, and I'd love to try more of her works.
4 stars.
My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Wings of Poppy Pendleton”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
1907. The Pendletons, owners of a castle on Koster Isle in the Thousand Islands archipelago, are entertaining the glitterati of NY, ostensibly to celebrate their child’s fifth birthday, but practically, as a way of being accepted into the old wealth elite despite their nouveau riche status. When Amelia Pendleton tucks five-year-old Poppy into bed on the eve of her birthday, little does she know that the child will be missing just a few hours later, and her husband, dead.
1992. Chloe Riddell lives alone on the same island as Poppy’s castle, now an abandoned ruin. She does her best to ignore local curiosity about the old mystery regarding the missing girl and instead, focus on preserving her grandparents’ old cottage on the island and their candy shop cross the river. When a girl named Emma suddenly arrives at her doorstep, Chloe is surprised to discover an old scrapbook connected to the Pendletons among her possessions. Around the same time, a reporter named Logan also begins hounding Chloe, investigating Poppy’s disappearance and asking questions about her grandfather.
What exactly happened on Koster Isle all those years ago? How is Emma connected to the Pendletons? Will Chloe be able to keep her home and her shop safe from the prying eyes?
The story comes to us in the limited third person perspective of multiple characters, with a major chunk of the narration coming from Chloe and Amelia.
Bookish Yays:
😍 Realistic main characters. Some of them are likeable, some of them are relatable, some are just humans trying to stumble their way through life doing the best they can. And of course, a couple of them are detestable. The resultant medley of people offers a nice depth to the storyline.
😍 The setting of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence river is used wonderfully. The river is almost a character unto itself, making its strong presence felt in every key scene. The vividness of the writing ensures ease in visualising the location.
😍 The religious elements in this Christian mystery aren’t bombarded onto the readers. Rather, the faith-related content is woven within the natural flow of the plot, with a greater focus on Christian actions such as forgiveness and redemption than mere words or biblical quotes.
😍 The romantic track never overpowers the main mystery, and is developed only gradually towards the end rather than jumping into any kind of insta connection. Needless to add, the romance is clean, except for the minimal mention of kisses.
😍 Surprisingly to me, the novel contains several dark themes, which I didn’t expect from this genre. I won’t elaborate on them, as all of them are spoilers. Suffice to say that the themes are handled decently without going over the top. One of my major triggers is also a part of the storyline, but thankfully, most of the triggering content stays off the page, and is only mentioned in the background than detailed on page.
😍 Both the timelines get the same importance in the plot. Moreover, the mysteries in each are powerful enough to hold our attention equally regardless of the era.
😍 The author's descriptive writing is impeccable. She uses some picturesque analogies that are imaginative, unexpected and yet apt for the situation. Sample this: "She tried to set her fears adrift with mental scissors that had grown rusty from use."
😍 Chloe's two dogs, Sugar and Maple. As sweet as their names and yet ferocious rescuers of their owner. Loved them! Cat lovers, there's a cat named Fraidy as well, though in a relatively minor role.
😍 Some elements of the mystery are more like suspense, because we readers figure it out much before the other characters can. But this doesn’t spoil the fun of the story as the author incorporates enough of twists to keep us on our toes.
😍 There are several facts incorporated within the fictional plot, connected to myriad aspects of the story. There’s a treasure trove of trivia herein, though not necessarily facts that you’d be happy to learn about.
😍 The author’s note at the end highlights her research and offers details about the content and her writing choices. Don’t skip reading this!
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 The storyline is quite complicated! There were so many things happening in parallel that I found it tough to keep track of all the goings-on. I am still not sure if I grasped everything correctly! 😄 But one thing is for sure – the author knew where she wanted the story to go, and she led the plot and the characters very efficiently towards that goal. Her plotting is outstanding!
😐 There is a small track of magical realism through the voices that Chloe hears. I loved the way this was incorporated, but I wish there had been more of it in the plot.
😐 The pace of the book is quite leisurely, and there are plenty of clues about the mysteries sprinkled throughout the writing. As such, the book feels far lengthier than its 350 pages, and can’t even be speed-read. Then again, it offers plenty of content on every page for us to focus upon, and the plot is gripping enough to ignore the pacing problem.
Bookish Nays:
😒 Sometimes, the events jump ahead by many scenes, with the in-between happenings being clarified a few paras later. I didn’t like this writing choice as it added to my confusion.
😒 Mini complaint: I am not sure why the blurb advertises this as a timeslip novel. While there are two distinct timelines, there is no timeslip at all. Sadly for me, I read most of the story waiting for the timeslip, and I also jumped to the wrong conclusion about the mystery because of this mislabelling.
All in all, despite the slower pace and the slight trouble I had keeping the story straight in my head, I relished the setting, the characters, and the mystery. The book is intricately plotted, and the journey as well as the destination are worthwhile.
This is my first time reading Melanie Dobson, and I'd love to try more of her works.
4 stars.
My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Wings of Poppy Pendleton”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
did-not-finish
December 12, 2023TW/Trigger Warning: child abductions/kidnappings, abuse from a spouse (mental and manipulative), parental abandonment, flashbacks to a parent trying to commit suicide with their child, affairs, pregnancy out of wedlock, loss and death of an infant child (mentioned), hinting to a child living in an abusive situation, and grief (for a daughter, a son, and grandparents that raised a character).
DNF @ pg 182 / 56% (at the start of chapter 24)
I did some thing I’ve never done before—I skipped to the end of the book in the middle of reading it. I read the epilogue and was confused at the twists and turns that must’ve happened in the half of the book I decided not to read so I skipped around to figure things out, but honestly I spent more time on this book than I would have prefer.
What parts I read when skipping around though, really highlighted the importance of a God-centered family and how the lack of that affects the generations to come. Because as more things happened and more secrets were revealed, the historical time characters that bled into the more modern setting were, quite frankly, a mess. It was disheartening to see, really. I assume the author led it back to God’s grace and forgiveness, but I can’t vouch for that because I didn’t read it.
I was actually enjoying the modern setting more than the historical one, which is very rare for me with dual time period books. I think that’s because the historical characters’ lives were just messy and just plain sad or even pitiful. Amelia’s husband was a piece of work and added content and the later she does something (marked with a big spoiler below) that caused more trouble.
That ending was not hopeful enough for me. I read fictional books for fun and to get away from current life thoughts. This book was a complete chance book as I’ve never read anything by this author and was unfortunately extreme miss for me. Even though I liked the writing style well enough, if the author’s author books have this kind of content, suggestions, and sadness, I won’t be trying another.
I knew that this book having the topic of missing children would very possibly be sad, but I wasn’t expecting this much sadness and lack of hope—and all the content issues. Apparently the faith content kicks up a notch in the later half of the book, but the 56% I read was pretty light.
If you like real life (ie. potentially very sad) books (and the content I listed below doesn’t bother you), well, then, we have incredibly different reading tastes and you may like this one. I personally feel like I wasted four hours of my life. To be fair, I honestly don’t think there could have ever been an ending I was happy ending. Especially if we can’t redo time and keep a mother from grieving the loss of her daughter. This was something I was getting more and more concerned each as I read each page and just hits too close to home. A definite miss for me.
Content info for what I read (+ a little from what I skipped around)>
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is mentioned; Prayers; Chloe’s grandmother firmly believed that God has a plan for every person to followed Him and while Chloe wants to follow, she doesn’t know what direction to go; Talks about God; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, Jesus, His plans for us, faiths, & miracles; Mentions of prayers, praying (and someone not feeling qualified to pray for others), & thanking God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible (including that despite Sarah’s doubt and deception, God redeemed her life); Mentions of a churches/chapels & church going; A few mentions of a nun; A couple mentions of saints; A couple mentions of young children thinking that another person is an angel because of her kindness; A mention of Heaven; A mention of going to Mass; A mention of a youth group; A mention of angels whisking away a person who has passed;
*Note: Amelia thinks that her family are ghosts that are haunting her; Amelia feels like her family is cursed; Chloe doesn’t believe in ghosts, but after getting flashbacks from her childhood, says she saw ghosts and now knew that a place was haunted; Mentions of ghosts (which are said to have been “kept alive” by tour boat companies to entertain their guests) & haunted/cursed places; A couple mentions of gods of the sea; A couple mentions of magic items in a book; A mention of a man showing others his “demonic state” (when he’s had too much alcohol); A mention of a mother saying she heard people talking where there was no one around her (said she had “lost touch with the realities around her”); A mention of Santa Claus.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘wuss’, four forms of ‘blast’, and four forms of ‘stupid’; Some eye rolling; The aftermath of a shipwreck (up to semi-detailed); A child is abducted, drugged, *Spoiler* (in her point of view; we also see the aftermath from a parent’s point of view and her grief plus a comment about wanting an opium syrup for the shock/grief, up to semi-detailed); Pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Grieving (for a daughter, a son, & grandparents); Nightmares (including one of drowning, up to semi-detailed); *Big Spoiler* ; Amelia thinks about running away from her husband, but knows that she wouldn’t do that and that her husband would divorce her quickly; Amelia plans to snub those who snubbed her; Chloe is grieving the deaths of her grandparents who raised her and possibly having to say goodbye to different places they owned; Chloe’s parents weren’t great (druggies); Side characters debate about opium & call it bringing “people an extra measure of joy” (Amelia’s husband is against it being banned and Amelia says at a party that they are fully confident “that the Congress and president will find a reasonable compromise between vital cures and a vice”); Side characters (including Amelia’s husband) drinks & get tipsy/drunk; *Spoiler*; After the death of their infant son, Logan and his wife divorced (said that she left him); Chloe is hurt to learn that her grandfather lied to her about family history; All about & many mentions of a young girl who either disappeared or was kidnapped & a young girl who was seemed to be abandoned (including mentions of her not having parents, being abused, being lost, or being a runaway *Spoiler* ); Many mentions of shipwrecks, missing people, drownings, bodies, deaths, & grief/grieving (for a daughter, a son, grandparents, & a marriage, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of opium, drugs, smugglers, a man making a lot of money from it (in the form of a “miracle tonic”, Amelia’s husband), & deaths from opium overdoses (including infants); Mentions of a car accident & deaths (DUI, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kidnappings, hostages, & ransom; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, getting tipsy, drunks, & social drinking at a party (including Amelia’s husband, which Amelia calls his “vice”); Mentions of cigars, cigarettes, & smoking (including smoking opium); Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of another child disappearing & the body of the baby being found; A few mentions of possible drownings; A few mentions of if a person’s death was a suicidal (it’s wondered if they overdosed on opium, either accidental or intentional); A few mentions of wars; A few mentions of prison & an arrest; A few mentions of potential threats; A few mentions of fires; A few mentions of pain & injuries; A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of possible terrible scenarios that could have happened to someone’s pet dogs (they are fine, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of an injured bird (that will be okay, barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of crimes; A couple mentions of gambling & poker; A mention of a husband leaving his wife; A mention of a president being shot (William McKinley); A mention of jealousy; A mention of hunting;
*Note: When reading about the Blue-Grey Flycatcher (bird) that often nurses or fosters the eggs of the Cow bunting, Chloe thinks “why would a mother leave her chick with another bird? The flycatcher was a hero to raise another bird’s hatchling as her own” (a bit later she thinks, “no matter how they arrived in the next, every chick needed a mother bird watching over them. And every child needed a safe place to call home.”); Chloe knows that sometimes people walk away from you and never return (her parents); Chloe recalls a kid in school telling her that she was abandoned; Amelia compares her mother to another mother and how both of their children turned out and thinks that “perhaps a little distance [between mother and children] was healthy for all of them” (based on her mother doting on her and how it turned out); Mentions of children being pushed into adulthood too early in life because of circumstances (and the trauma that may have);Mentions of birds being locked in a glass house (literally and also a metaphor for a Amelia and Penelope being trapped in their home/circumstances); Mentions of a mother losing “touch with the realities around her” and her husband committing her to a sanatorium (instead of divorcing her, but he still took a mistress); Mentions of brand names (Nerds, Tylenol, Band-Aids, Coca-Cola, Tang, & Nikon); Mentions of a fictional character (Strawberry Shortcake, Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, & Dracula); A couple mentions of celebrities/actresses (Shirley Temple & Walt Disney); A mention of Haunted Mansion (Disney); A mention of a Brownie troop; A mention of the state lotto; A mention of Chloe’s therapist; Quotes from John Bunyan & Victor Hugo are listed at the beginning of each part.
Sexual Content- Remembering touches, embraces, & kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (x2, barely-above-not-detailed); When Amelia catches her husband looking at her maid with interest, he blames her for his attention being elsewhere (she has removed most all of the young women on staff to remove the distractions and to remind him that “she—and their marriage—was indispensable”; Amelia believes he’s using a maid to taunt her; *Spoiler* ); Amelia wonders if her husband has another woman ready to replace her; Chloe can’t imagine herself getting married; Chloe’s parents were “immersed in a culture that glorified sex, drugs, and mind-altering rock ‘n’ roll” and that they “inadvertently birthed” her (they weren’t married); Logan tells a married man to appreciate his wife after seeing his interest in other women (the man moans that he’s doing his best to love his wife and that they’ve been married “ten very, very long years”); *Big Spoiler* ; There’s a hint to a maid being disheveled after meeting her married employer; Implications of an a woman sleeping with different men to be able to survive (prostitution, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of mistresses & affairs; Mentions of two different husbands’ wandering eyes; A few mentions of Amelia’s husband asking for the maid to meet him (privately); A few mentions of flirting (including married men flirting with other women); A few mentions of dating & dates; A mention of brothels; A mention of a blush; A mention of swooning; Love, falling in love, & the emotions (x2);
*Note: Leslie & her husband do not have the healthiest marriage (they keep secrets from each other, do not like each other much anymore, he looks at her maid with interest, he has a wandering eye, & he questions if their daughter is actually his); A couple mentions of women drooling when they see Logan; A mention of a married man looking at two women wearing snug dresses; A mention of a man swatting a woman’s backside.
DNF @ pg 182 / 56% (at the start of chapter 24)
I did some thing I’ve never done before—I skipped to the end of the book in the middle of reading it. I read the epilogue and was confused at the twists and turns that must’ve happened in the half of the book I decided not to read so I skipped around to figure things out, but honestly I spent more time on this book than I would have prefer.
What parts I read when skipping around though, really highlighted the importance of a God-centered family and how the lack of that affects the generations to come. Because as more things happened and more secrets were revealed, the historical time characters that bled into the more modern setting were, quite frankly, a mess. It was disheartening to see, really. I assume the author led it back to God’s grace and forgiveness, but I can’t vouch for that because I didn’t read it.
I was actually enjoying the modern setting more than the historical one, which is very rare for me with dual time period books. I think that’s because the historical characters’ lives were just messy and just plain sad or even pitiful. Amelia’s husband was a piece of work and added content and the later she does something (marked with a big spoiler below) that caused more trouble.
That ending was not hopeful enough for me. I read fictional books for fun and to get away from current life thoughts. This book was a complete chance book as I’ve never read anything by this author and was unfortunately extreme miss for me. Even though I liked the writing style well enough, if the author’s author books have this kind of content, suggestions, and sadness, I won’t be trying another.
I knew that this book having the topic of missing children would very possibly be sad, but I wasn’t expecting this much sadness and lack of hope—and all the content issues. Apparently the faith content kicks up a notch in the later half of the book, but the 56% I read was pretty light.
If you like real life (ie. potentially very sad) books (and the content I listed below doesn’t bother you), well, then, we have incredibly different reading tastes and you may like this one. I personally feel like I wasted four hours of my life. To be fair, I honestly don’t think there could have ever been an ending I was happy ending. Especially if we can’t redo time and keep a mother from grieving the loss of her daughter. This was something I was getting more and more concerned each as I read each page and just hits too close to home. A definite miss for me.
Content info for what I read (+ a little from what I skipped around)>
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is mentioned; Prayers; Chloe’s grandmother firmly believed that God has a plan for every person to followed Him and while Chloe wants to follow, she doesn’t know what direction to go; Talks about God; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, Jesus, His plans for us, faiths, & miracles; Mentions of prayers, praying (and someone not feeling qualified to pray for others), & thanking God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible (including that despite Sarah’s doubt and deception, God redeemed her life); Mentions of a churches/chapels & church going; A few mentions of a nun; A couple mentions of saints; A couple mentions of young children thinking that another person is an angel because of her kindness; A mention of Heaven; A mention of going to Mass; A mention of a youth group; A mention of angels whisking away a person who has passed;
*Note: Amelia thinks that her family are ghosts that are haunting her; Amelia feels like her family is cursed; Chloe doesn’t believe in ghosts, but after getting flashbacks from her childhood, says she saw ghosts and now knew that a place was haunted; Mentions of ghosts (which are said to have been “kept alive” by tour boat companies to entertain their guests) & haunted/cursed places; A couple mentions of gods of the sea; A couple mentions of magic items in a book; A mention of a man showing others his “demonic state” (when he’s had too much alcohol); A mention of a mother saying she heard people talking where there was no one around her (said she had “lost touch with the realities around her”); A mention of Santa Claus.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘wuss’, four forms of ‘blast’, and four forms of ‘stupid’; Some eye rolling; The aftermath of a shipwreck (up to semi-detailed); A child is abducted, drugged, *Spoiler* (in her point of view; we also see the aftermath from a parent’s point of view and her grief plus a comment about wanting an opium syrup for the shock/grief, up to semi-detailed); Pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Grieving (for a daughter, a son, & grandparents); Nightmares (including one of drowning, up to semi-detailed); *Big Spoiler* ; Amelia thinks about running away from her husband, but knows that she wouldn’t do that and that her husband would divorce her quickly; Amelia plans to snub those who snubbed her; Chloe is grieving the deaths of her grandparents who raised her and possibly having to say goodbye to different places they owned; Chloe’s parents weren’t great (druggies); Side characters debate about opium & call it bringing “people an extra measure of joy” (Amelia’s husband is against it being banned and Amelia says at a party that they are fully confident “that the Congress and president will find a reasonable compromise between vital cures and a vice”); Side characters (including Amelia’s husband) drinks & get tipsy/drunk; *Spoiler*; After the death of their infant son, Logan and his wife divorced (said that she left him); Chloe is hurt to learn that her grandfather lied to her about family history; All about & many mentions of a young girl who either disappeared or was kidnapped & a young girl who was seemed to be abandoned (including mentions of her not having parents, being abused, being lost, or being a runaway *Spoiler* ); Many mentions of shipwrecks, missing people, drownings, bodies, deaths, & grief/grieving (for a daughter, a son, grandparents, & a marriage, up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of opium, drugs, smugglers, a man making a lot of money from it (in the form of a “miracle tonic”, Amelia’s husband), & deaths from opium overdoses (including infants); Mentions of a car accident & deaths (DUI, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of kidnappings, hostages, & ransom; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, getting tipsy, drunks, & social drinking at a party (including Amelia’s husband, which Amelia calls his “vice”); Mentions of cigars, cigarettes, & smoking (including smoking opium); Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of another child disappearing & the body of the baby being found; A few mentions of possible drownings; A few mentions of if a person’s death was a suicidal (it’s wondered if they overdosed on opium, either accidental or intentional); A few mentions of wars; A few mentions of prison & an arrest; A few mentions of potential threats; A few mentions of fires; A few mentions of pain & injuries; A few mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of possible terrible scenarios that could have happened to someone’s pet dogs (they are fine, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of an injured bird (that will be okay, barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of crimes; A couple mentions of gambling & poker; A mention of a husband leaving his wife; A mention of a president being shot (William McKinley); A mention of jealousy; A mention of hunting;
*Note: When reading about the Blue-Grey Flycatcher (bird) that often nurses or fosters the eggs of the Cow bunting, Chloe thinks “why would a mother leave her chick with another bird? The flycatcher was a hero to raise another bird’s hatchling as her own” (a bit later she thinks, “no matter how they arrived in the next, every chick needed a mother bird watching over them. And every child needed a safe place to call home.”); Chloe knows that sometimes people walk away from you and never return (her parents); Chloe recalls a kid in school telling her that she was abandoned; Amelia compares her mother to another mother and how both of their children turned out and thinks that “perhaps a little distance [between mother and children] was healthy for all of them” (based on her mother doting on her and how it turned out); Mentions of children being pushed into adulthood too early in life because of circumstances (and the trauma that may have);Mentions of birds being locked in a glass house (literally and also a metaphor for a Amelia and Penelope being trapped in their home/circumstances); Mentions of a mother losing “touch with the realities around her” and her husband committing her to a sanatorium (instead of divorcing her, but he still took a mistress); Mentions of brand names (Nerds, Tylenol, Band-Aids, Coca-Cola, Tang, & Nikon); Mentions of a fictional character (Strawberry Shortcake, Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, & Dracula); A couple mentions of celebrities/actresses (Shirley Temple & Walt Disney); A mention of Haunted Mansion (Disney); A mention of a Brownie troop; A mention of the state lotto; A mention of Chloe’s therapist; Quotes from John Bunyan & Victor Hugo are listed at the beginning of each part.
Sexual Content- Remembering touches, embraces, & kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (x2, barely-above-not-detailed); When Amelia catches her husband looking at her maid with interest, he blames her for his attention being elsewhere (she has removed most all of the young women on staff to remove the distractions and to remind him that “she—and their marriage—was indispensable”; Amelia believes he’s using a maid to taunt her; *Spoiler* ); Amelia wonders if her husband has another woman ready to replace her; Chloe can’t imagine herself getting married; Chloe’s parents were “immersed in a culture that glorified sex, drugs, and mind-altering rock ‘n’ roll” and that they “inadvertently birthed” her (they weren’t married); Logan tells a married man to appreciate his wife after seeing his interest in other women (the man moans that he’s doing his best to love his wife and that they’ve been married “ten very, very long years”); *Big Spoiler* ; There’s a hint to a maid being disheveled after meeting her married employer; Implications of an a woman sleeping with different men to be able to survive (prostitution, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of mistresses & affairs; Mentions of two different husbands’ wandering eyes; A few mentions of Amelia’s husband asking for the maid to meet him (privately); A few mentions of flirting (including married men flirting with other women); A few mentions of dating & dates; A mention of brothels; A mention of a blush; A mention of swooning; Love, falling in love, & the emotions (x2);
*Note: Leslie & her husband do not have the healthiest marriage (they keep secrets from each other, do not like each other much anymore, he looks at her maid with interest, he has a wandering eye, & he questions if their daughter is actually his); A couple mentions of women drooling when they see Logan; A mention of a married man looking at two women wearing snug dresses; A mention of a man swatting a woman’s backside.
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October 5, 2023This captivating tale seamlessly weaves past and present for a layered tapestry you won't want to miss. From the first page, I was hooked on this story of identities lost and found, of hearts broken and made new. I fell in love with the haunting setting, complex characters, and the ultimate redemption in The Wings of Poppy Pendleton.
December 11, 2023
Review to come.
October 13, 2023
4.5 stars
Melanie Dobson was one of the first multi-timeline authors I ever read, and she remains one of my very faves. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton immediately captivated me with its air of mystery – a missing child cold case from the Gilded Age that’s garnering new attention from a dogged reporter… and a child found under mysterious circumstances 85 years later on the same castle-inhabited New York island.
The narrative switches effortlessly between 1907 (and years following) and 1992, keeping you held in thrall by a Gilded Age castle and its layers of secrets which the author reveals bit by bit as the story progresses. We are also treated to the perspectives of different characters from each timeline, Amelia Pendleton and Chloe Ridell as well as some closely-associated people in between. I enjoyed both the alternating time periods and the varying POVs; they allowed me to fully immerse myself into this mystery and the setting, both expertly developed by the author. In fact, the island (and its castle) really becomes its own character, larger than life. It not only unites both timelines and the main characters but also contributes to the overall mood of the story and beckons you to go exploring. And there’s lots of treasure here to find, even beyond the mysteries – cherished birds, cherished boats, smuggling, Gilded Age glamour, shipwrecks, family secrets, surprising twists, intriguing history, candy stores, loyal dogs, a Fraidy kitten, scrapbooks, newspaper articles, jelly beans, and so much more!
Bottom Line: A Gilded Age-era castle stands silent over the Thousand Islands in New York, holding more than one mystery close and the fate of two little girls – 85 years apart – in its hands. Hooked yet? Then get quickly to The Wings of Poppy Pendleton and let your imagination fly! Author Melanie Dobson masterfully provides readers with an atmospheric story rich in characters and possibilities, deeply layered and poignantly tender. A hint of romance and gentle notes of faith provide needed balance and levity to some of the book’s heavier themes (which are handled discreetly with lots of grace). And I have to give a special shout-out to Logan who has some of the best lines in the book and is just an all-around good guy. Another compelling story from a queen of multi-timeline fiction!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Melanie Dobson was one of the first multi-timeline authors I ever read, and she remains one of my very faves. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton immediately captivated me with its air of mystery – a missing child cold case from the Gilded Age that’s garnering new attention from a dogged reporter… and a child found under mysterious circumstances 85 years later on the same castle-inhabited New York island.
The narrative switches effortlessly between 1907 (and years following) and 1992, keeping you held in thrall by a Gilded Age castle and its layers of secrets which the author reveals bit by bit as the story progresses. We are also treated to the perspectives of different characters from each timeline, Amelia Pendleton and Chloe Ridell as well as some closely-associated people in between. I enjoyed both the alternating time periods and the varying POVs; they allowed me to fully immerse myself into this mystery and the setting, both expertly developed by the author. In fact, the island (and its castle) really becomes its own character, larger than life. It not only unites both timelines and the main characters but also contributes to the overall mood of the story and beckons you to go exploring. And there’s lots of treasure here to find, even beyond the mysteries – cherished birds, cherished boats, smuggling, Gilded Age glamour, shipwrecks, family secrets, surprising twists, intriguing history, candy stores, loyal dogs, a Fraidy kitten, scrapbooks, newspaper articles, jelly beans, and so much more!
Bottom Line: A Gilded Age-era castle stands silent over the Thousand Islands in New York, holding more than one mystery close and the fate of two little girls – 85 years apart – in its hands. Hooked yet? Then get quickly to The Wings of Poppy Pendleton and let your imagination fly! Author Melanie Dobson masterfully provides readers with an atmospheric story rich in characters and possibilities, deeply layered and poignantly tender. A hint of romance and gentle notes of faith provide needed balance and levity to some of the book’s heavier themes (which are handled discreetly with lots of grace). And I have to give a special shout-out to Logan who has some of the best lines in the book and is just an all-around good guy. Another compelling story from a queen of multi-timeline fiction!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 18, 2023
The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson took my breathe away. I love how she creates a pathway that readers might think be the solution to the missing Poppy, but then Dobson threw another twist into the story. I love how "Poppy" has a redemption plotline. The modern, Chloe, character took in a little girl with no question asked. Dobson does a wonderful job at bringing readers into the setting. I would have loved to visit this castle and roam the expansive setting. The hidden passages filled with jewels was never really explored. I would have loved to have seen Chloe stubble across a pathway with many of the jewels left by Amelia. The two timelines mixed and mingled nicely. I kept flipping through the pages of the story. I could not wait to see what happened to Poppy and what this has to do with Chloe. The historical mystery and the contemporary mystery wrapped nicely at the end of the story. I LOVED this story, and I can't wait to have a physical copy on my bookshelf.
I received a complimentary copy of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
September 21, 2023
I enjoy reading historical fiction and even better yet is one that has a mystery element, with a missing girl, and her murdered father in a dual timeline time slip story. What I found so brilliant about Melanie Dobson’s writing was how the stories were stitched together to create a gripping tale that spans a century that gave such amazing historical details about Thousand Island in New York, along with fun to read characters, and unexpected twists and turns of events. A really entertaining read!
October 23, 2023
Oh, this book was just phenomenal. Melanie Dobson weaves a dual timeline story full of mystery, history, tragedy, and hope. I learned so much through this book and it pulled at my empathy--always a good thing, in my book! With "shadows of danger, shimmers of courage," this story is one of my top fiction reads for the year. So well done!
August 1, 2023
Another beautifully written dual timeline novel by Melanie Dobson. Though this was a bit heavier than I prefer, the story was both heart-rending and beautiful. And did have a happy ending and satisfactory conclusion. When Poppy Pendleton disappears the day before her 5th birthday in 1907, the area turns on its head and the news stories can't write about anything else. By the time Chloe is the caretaker of Poppy's castle on Koster Isle in 1992, Poppy is all but forgotten. But locals still want to know what happened to Poppy Pendleton. When a journalist from Syracuse decides to research Poppy's story in preparation for her 90th birthday, more answers come forth than ever before. Filled with fun historical facts about the Thousand Islands, the FDA, Trafficking along the borders and a little known shipwreck that actually happened, this story both educates and entertains.
This book had ALL the feelings going for it. With brilliant writing, well developed characters, great character growth, a solid faith thread, some background romance and a lovely way to bring about a satisfactory ending that tied the story lines together, Ms. Dobson has masterfully woven this tale through both timelines. I had difficulties setting this one down and going to bed at night. If you enjoy dual timeline stories with depth and character driven themes, this is one I'd definitely recommend. Special thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
This book had ALL the feelings going for it. With brilliant writing, well developed characters, great character growth, a solid faith thread, some background romance and a lovely way to bring about a satisfactory ending that tied the story lines together, Ms. Dobson has masterfully woven this tale through both timelines. I had difficulties setting this one down and going to bed at night. If you enjoy dual timeline stories with depth and character driven themes, this is one I'd definitely recommend. Special thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
June 7, 2025
“Even a fragile wing can fly again.”
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
💭 MY THOUGHTS: Wow! This was my first Melanie Dobson novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. From the very beginning, I was hooked—I had to know what would happen next and found it incredibly hard to put down. Every spare moment I had to read, I took it.
Told through multiple points of view and weaving together past and present timelines, this story was rich with layers and depth. So many puzzle pieces were scattered throughout, and I truly didn’t know how they would all come together—but Dobson placed each one with care.
Though difficult to read at times (see content considerations below), this was such a powerful story of love and redemption. It thoughtfully touched on generational curses—and regardless of one’s theological view on the subject—it clearly illustrated how our decisions can leave a lasting impact on the lives around us. The courage to love boldly, to put another’s well-being above your own comfort or happiness, can become the beginning of a powerful story of healing and redemption.
And the setting—I loved it! I wasn’t familiar with the Thousand Islands, but through Dobson’s vivid storytelling and rich descriptions, I felt like I was right there on Kostler Island. Like I was perched on a branch, looking down into the lives of these characters whose stories were so intricately woven together. The historical elements were seamlessly woven in, and the author handled sensitive topics with great care and grace.
Beautifully written, The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is a tapestry of love, sacrifice, bravery, and redemption—and it will absolutely be one of my top reads of the quarter, if not the entire year.
✨ CONTENT TO CONSIDER: Includes mentions of infidelity, Roman and sea mythology, saints, sixth sense, infant loss, child kidnapping, implications of prostitution and human trafficking, drowning, shipwreck, drug smuggling, and on-page murder.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
💭 MY THOUGHTS: Wow! This was my first Melanie Dobson novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. From the very beginning, I was hooked—I had to know what would happen next and found it incredibly hard to put down. Every spare moment I had to read, I took it.
Told through multiple points of view and weaving together past and present timelines, this story was rich with layers and depth. So many puzzle pieces were scattered throughout, and I truly didn’t know how they would all come together—but Dobson placed each one with care.
Though difficult to read at times (see content considerations below), this was such a powerful story of love and redemption. It thoughtfully touched on generational curses—and regardless of one’s theological view on the subject—it clearly illustrated how our decisions can leave a lasting impact on the lives around us. The courage to love boldly, to put another’s well-being above your own comfort or happiness, can become the beginning of a powerful story of healing and redemption.
And the setting—I loved it! I wasn’t familiar with the Thousand Islands, but through Dobson’s vivid storytelling and rich descriptions, I felt like I was right there on Kostler Island. Like I was perched on a branch, looking down into the lives of these characters whose stories were so intricately woven together. The historical elements were seamlessly woven in, and the author handled sensitive topics with great care and grace.
Beautifully written, The Wings of Poppy Pendleton is a tapestry of love, sacrifice, bravery, and redemption—and it will absolutely be one of my top reads of the quarter, if not the entire year.
✨ CONTENT TO CONSIDER: Includes mentions of infidelity, Roman and sea mythology, saints, sixth sense, infant loss, child kidnapping, implications of prostitution and human trafficking, drowning, shipwreck, drug smuggling, and on-page murder.
July 28, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ spectacular
June 12, 2025
A slow-burn, historical mystery with lots to keep track of, but enjoyable and well worth the read! 👏
To be noted: this book is mislabeled. There is no “time slip.” So if you’re trying to solve anything with that in mind, you’re not gonna get anywhere. 🙈
To be noted: this book is mislabeled. There is no “time slip.” So if you’re trying to solve anything with that in mind, you’re not gonna get anywhere. 🙈
October 10, 2023
It’s been a week since I finished listening to this book and I’m still deep in a stupefied bibliophile state. Epically struck dumb and blown away and…well, gobsmacked! So, I beg forgiveness ahead of time for my incoherent ramblings.
Random thoughts:
Astonishing! Just when I thought I had something figured out, I didn’t and there are so many ‘aha’ moments!
Which brings me to pacing. The tension between the two timelines is expertly drawn out. We slip seamlessly back and forth from past to present and back again, almost gently at first but, as the story progresses, the pacing picks up and the pressure increases until I was so wired up I wanted to rush to the end. (Of course, I didn’t because I am not the kind of reader who reads the last page first…no offence meant to anyone who is, of course. You read you, and I’ll read me. lol)
And the way the mystery of Poppy’s disappearance is developed in both timelines — brilliantly executed. Kept me on edge all the way through. The author is very clever in the way she teases hints without full reveals until the exact perfect time. Made the read that much more excruciatingly wonderful.
The setting gave me all kinds of thrills. My family vacationed around the Thousand Island area when I was a kid. No private island mansions for me, though every year we toured the islands and visited Bolt Castle and I imagined what it would have been like to live in my own island castle. 🙂 It’s not often that I get to read about a place I’ve actually visited so that was loads of fun.
I could say a whole lot more, but I don’t want to fall into spoiler territory. There is some romance which always makes me happy. And found family themes. There’s heartbreak — some almost too much to bear. At one point I wasn’t sure if I could go on but reading some reviews soothed my jangled nerves and I persisted and am so glad I did! Ecstatic, actually.
I listened to the audible edition of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton and Nancy Peterson’s narration paired with Melanie Dobson’s storytelling kept me captivated right to the very end.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/10/10/t...
Random thoughts:
Astonishing! Just when I thought I had something figured out, I didn’t and there are so many ‘aha’ moments!
Which brings me to pacing. The tension between the two timelines is expertly drawn out. We slip seamlessly back and forth from past to present and back again, almost gently at first but, as the story progresses, the pacing picks up and the pressure increases until I was so wired up I wanted to rush to the end. (Of course, I didn’t because I am not the kind of reader who reads the last page first…no offence meant to anyone who is, of course. You read you, and I’ll read me. lol)
And the way the mystery of Poppy’s disappearance is developed in both timelines — brilliantly executed. Kept me on edge all the way through. The author is very clever in the way she teases hints without full reveals until the exact perfect time. Made the read that much more excruciatingly wonderful.
The setting gave me all kinds of thrills. My family vacationed around the Thousand Island area when I was a kid. No private island mansions for me, though every year we toured the islands and visited Bolt Castle and I imagined what it would have been like to live in my own island castle. 🙂 It’s not often that I get to read about a place I’ve actually visited so that was loads of fun.
I could say a whole lot more, but I don’t want to fall into spoiler territory. There is some romance which always makes me happy. And found family themes. There’s heartbreak — some almost too much to bear. At one point I wasn’t sure if I could go on but reading some reviews soothed my jangled nerves and I persisted and am so glad I did! Ecstatic, actually.
I listened to the audible edition of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton and Nancy Peterson’s narration paired with Melanie Dobson’s storytelling kept me captivated right to the very end.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/10/10/t...
October 17, 2024
This time-slip story sucked me in as soon as I realized it was a kidnapping story AND a “mysterious child shows up” story. What a genius idea of pairing up those two themes! Both were written well and beautifully, and I felt hooked and mesmerized throughout. I was surprised drugs played a role in both timelines, but this was done in a way that fit in with the plot rather than standing out as shock-and-awe value.
I was disappointed that a leading character had an affair and ended up pregnant and reasoned out why she couldn’t get married. She was in grief, but that is no excuse for poor choices and sin. The man she had the affair with said marriage to him would ruin her reputation—like having a baby out of wedlock in 1912 wouldn’t do the exact same thing. Again, no excuse for sin and not taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s sin. Good news was, consequences of the sin came, as is proper and biblical.
The complex plot of this novel was exquisitely woven. I wish I knew how to write such intricate time-slip stories!
The faith thread was lighter than I expected, but it was completely beautiful.
I love how birds played key roles in the story. I also loved reading the author’s note and seeing that historical facts were included in an accurate way.
Content: drugs, philandering husband, tobacco, alcohol, unwed pregnancy, prostitution, affairs
I was disappointed that a leading character had an affair and ended up pregnant and reasoned out why she couldn’t get married. She was in grief, but that is no excuse for poor choices and sin. The man she had the affair with said marriage to him would ruin her reputation—like having a baby out of wedlock in 1912 wouldn’t do the exact same thing. Again, no excuse for sin and not taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s sin. Good news was, consequences of the sin came, as is proper and biblical.
The complex plot of this novel was exquisitely woven. I wish I knew how to write such intricate time-slip stories!
The faith thread was lighter than I expected, but it was completely beautiful.
I love how birds played key roles in the story. I also loved reading the author’s note and seeing that historical facts were included in an accurate way.
Content: drugs, philandering husband, tobacco, alcohol, unwed pregnancy, prostitution, affairs
December 20, 2023
So incredibly good. Melanie Dobson is a gifted writer who knows how to enfold her readers into her story with her beautiful and lyrical storytelling voice. She is a master of split timeline stories with rich history and fascinating intrigue and mystery built into the plot.
I loved Amelia and Birdie’s voices from 1907 era. Amelia seemed somewhat typical of the titled and newly wealthy women from that generation but her self-realization and growth throughout the book impressed me. Birdie’s bright optimism, resilience, and faith made her the true heroine of the story. Chloe and Logan from 1992 era were deeply layered characters who were quite satisfying to get to know. There were plenty of surprises in the plot and an underlying current of suspense moved the story at a good pace. The two timelines melded seamlessly to create a mesmerizing tale that is unforgettable. It's an epic story of faith, hope, love, and justice.
I loved Amelia and Birdie’s voices from 1907 era. Amelia seemed somewhat typical of the titled and newly wealthy women from that generation but her self-realization and growth throughout the book impressed me. Birdie’s bright optimism, resilience, and faith made her the true heroine of the story. Chloe and Logan from 1992 era were deeply layered characters who were quite satisfying to get to know. There were plenty of surprises in the plot and an underlying current of suspense moved the story at a good pace. The two timelines melded seamlessly to create a mesmerizing tale that is unforgettable. It's an epic story of faith, hope, love, and justice.
January 17, 2025
It's a mystery, a romance...a feel good story that keeps you engaged all the way to the end. I grew up near the setting of the book so that alone intrigued me and brought back memories. Descriptions were detailed, characters believable, and while I am not a religious person, I found the messages peppered throughout...refreshing.
September 18, 2024
An incredible story - I could hardly put it down.
January 10, 2024
This was RIVETING and I just could not stop reading it! I was caught up in the events of the book, and almost couldn’t turn the page fast enough.
There were some heavier themes, spine-chilling encounters and tragedies that I think the author handled well (plus reminded the reader that these things do happen today). But there were also so many beautiful moments of redemption and finding one’s self and family again.
Another incredible book by this writer!
There were some heavier themes, spine-chilling encounters and tragedies that I think the author handled well (plus reminded the reader that these things do happen today). But there were also so many beautiful moments of redemption and finding one’s self and family again.
Another incredible book by this writer!
April 1, 2023
Another awesome read by Dobson that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I couldn't put Poppy's story down until I was finished, and what a story!
My favorite thing about this book was the many twists and turns that were scattered throughout.
My most favorite scene was the story of the shipwreck that was mentioned
Not many fictional stories are written about the Empress of Ireland.
Dobson has done a wonderful job in making this as realistic as possible because it is a true event. It is a terrible event, and it made me want to cry. Those poor passengers!
My last emotion and favorite is the offer of Hope. There's always hope at the end of a long dark tunnel if we rely on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Dobson will leave you guessing on who Poppy is until the very end even though I pretty much figured it out. But I won't say anything.
Chloe is talking to Logan when she uses this quote because it is used as a fond memory of the past.
“She used to say that only a seed of courage is needed to overcome fear. A strong trunk can grow from the roots of that seed, followed by sturdy branches and beautiful flowers to face off a storm.”
What a true and beautiful quote! I really can't think of anything more perfect to compare this to life.
I was sad when this beautiful story came to an end. I didn't want to say goodbye to Chloe, Logan, and Birdie.
Such awesome people you'd ever want to meet!
5 stars! Wish I could give more!
I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I couldn't put Poppy's story down until I was finished, and what a story!
My favorite thing about this book was the many twists and turns that were scattered throughout.
My most favorite scene was the story of the shipwreck that was mentioned
Not many fictional stories are written about the Empress of Ireland.
Dobson has done a wonderful job in making this as realistic as possible because it is a true event. It is a terrible event, and it made me want to cry. Those poor passengers!
My last emotion and favorite is the offer of Hope. There's always hope at the end of a long dark tunnel if we rely on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Dobson will leave you guessing on who Poppy is until the very end even though I pretty much figured it out. But I won't say anything.
Chloe is talking to Logan when she uses this quote because it is used as a fond memory of the past.
“She used to say that only a seed of courage is needed to overcome fear. A strong trunk can grow from the roots of that seed, followed by sturdy branches and beautiful flowers to face off a storm.”
What a true and beautiful quote! I really can't think of anything more perfect to compare this to life.
I was sad when this beautiful story came to an end. I didn't want to say goodbye to Chloe, Logan, and Birdie.
Such awesome people you'd ever want to meet!
5 stars! Wish I could give more!
I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 25, 2023
I thought this book was absolutely outstanding. The theme of birds and flight throughout the story appealed to the bird lover in me. I appreciated the setting of Thousand Islands, NY; I’d never read a fictional story placed there and I loved seeing a part of beautiful New York state highlighted outside of New York City. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, resulting in a story that I was unable to put down. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another plot twist proved me wrong, again. I could not stop reading until I knew what had REALLY happened to Poppy. This was the first book I read from Melanie Dobson, and it won’t be the last. Take good, clean Christian fiction based on well-researched historical events, mix with mystery, suspense, a bit of romance, and many wonderful little details, and you end up with a must-read. One of the best of 2023!
*I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 26, 2024
The Wings of Poppy Pendleton was a good read, but not a favorite. I struggled getting into the story in the beginning and found myself wondering what was going on. That got better as the story progressed, but I never got 100% invested in it. The characters were okay. I didn't particularly love any of them.
All in all, The Wings of Poppy Pendleton was a book I liked, but it wasn't very memorable.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
All in all, The Wings of Poppy Pendleton was a book I liked, but it wasn't very memorable.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
March 21, 2023
Wow—what am amazing book! I feel blessed to have read this time slip novel.
Many years ago, in 1907, a little girl named Poppy disappeared from a castle on an island. Eighty-five years later a reporter named Logan is determined to find out what really happened to her. This book follows his journey to discover the truth.
Many years ago, in 1907, a little girl named Poppy disappeared from a castle on an island. Eighty-five years later a reporter named Logan is determined to find out what really happened to her. This book follows his journey to discover the truth.
March 21, 2023
Wow—what am amazing book! I feel blessed to have read this time slip novel.
Many years ago, in 1907, a little girl named Poppy disappeared from a castle on an island. Eighty-five years later a reporter named Logan is determined to find out what really happened to her. This book follows his journey to discover the truth.
Many years ago, in 1907, a little girl named Poppy disappeared from a castle on an island. Eighty-five years later a reporter named Logan is determined to find out what really happened to her. This book follows his journey to discover the truth.
January 6, 2024
This was one of my top ten books of 2023. One of the best time dual time books I've ever read! It kept me guessing till the end. I was invested in both timelines which usually doesn't happen for me because I rarely enjoy contemporary. I highly recommend for Melanie Dobson or dual time line fans.
5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this novel and all opinions are my own.
5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this novel and all opinions are my own.
December 5, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this dual-timeline novel. The mystery hooked me and kept me reading all the way until the redemptive ending.
January 1, 2025
What an incredible way to conclude 2024, and welcome 2025… I seriously don’t think I could ever praise this book with the intensity that it deserves.
The Premise
In a time-slip stretching through the entirety of the twentieth century, the reader follows Chloe, Logan, and of course little Emma, in an enthralling quest to dive back into the era of Poppy Pendleton. Poppy and her family are also included as characters in the book; ever since Poppy’s disappearance, it seems as though there might be a few missing puzzle pieces in everyone’s story.
The Characters
If I listed out and unpacked each character in this book, you would practically be reading a scroll.
Instead, I will cut to the chase: every single character in this book is a masterpiece. There are no unnecessary characters, there are no weaknesses in characters (which I don’t think has EVER happened in a book), and I was able to form a connection with all of them.
I also feel that the characters were so well detailed… even things like hair color can point you in the direction of the plot twists if you keep your eyes peeled. (Spoiler alert: I in fact did not keep my eyes peeled.)
My (lengthy) Opinion
This book will not only get its own section of my infamous “favorite shelf”, but it will certainly join its collection of Melanie Dobson books.
When I first started reading this book, I was slightly worried that it would be too similar to Catching the Wind, which was also a really good book. While the two novels definitely show some similar underlying identities, they are much too contrasting to be categorized that way. 👏
This book also has Christian values peppered throughout the story… I found it refreshing, even as someone who doesn’t depict herself as a devout Christian.
As for the actual story of Poppy Pendleton, I could not be more impressed and excited! I love how the ending is not too drastic to be unbelievable, but not too believable to be underwhelming. I loved how everyone got their own happy ending, and how each character played their part in uncovering the haunted story of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Additionally, the book has a short and sweet romance plot which I LOVED.
Overall, 5/5✨✨ (I would do like 20/5… but that’s kind of impossible)
I recommend this book to anyone in middle school, high school and literally anything above that. I feel like really younger kids might struggle with comprehension, as it is well-written.
The Premise
In a time-slip stretching through the entirety of the twentieth century, the reader follows Chloe, Logan, and of course little Emma, in an enthralling quest to dive back into the era of Poppy Pendleton. Poppy and her family are also included as characters in the book; ever since Poppy’s disappearance, it seems as though there might be a few missing puzzle pieces in everyone’s story.
The Characters
If I listed out and unpacked each character in this book, you would practically be reading a scroll.
Instead, I will cut to the chase: every single character in this book is a masterpiece. There are no unnecessary characters, there are no weaknesses in characters (which I don’t think has EVER happened in a book), and I was able to form a connection with all of them.
I also feel that the characters were so well detailed… even things like hair color can point you in the direction of the plot twists if you keep your eyes peeled. (Spoiler alert: I in fact did not keep my eyes peeled.)
My (lengthy) Opinion
This book will not only get its own section of my infamous “favorite shelf”, but it will certainly join its collection of Melanie Dobson books.
When I first started reading this book, I was slightly worried that it would be too similar to Catching the Wind, which was also a really good book. While the two novels definitely show some similar underlying identities, they are much too contrasting to be categorized that way. 👏
This book also has Christian values peppered throughout the story… I found it refreshing, even as someone who doesn’t depict herself as a devout Christian.
As for the actual story of Poppy Pendleton, I could not be more impressed and excited! I love how the ending is not too drastic to be unbelievable, but not too believable to be underwhelming. I loved how everyone got their own happy ending, and how each character played their part in uncovering the haunted story of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Additionally, the book has a short and sweet romance plot which I LOVED.
Overall, 5/5✨✨ (I would do like 20/5… but that’s kind of impossible)
I recommend this book to anyone in middle school, high school and literally anything above that. I feel like really younger kids might struggle with comprehension, as it is well-written.
July 24, 2024
3.5🌟
I enjoyed this one, but it dealt with some heavier themes. The characters in the historical timeline were not as likable and easy to get connected to. I did like the themes of God's grace and beauty coming from hard and difficult things.
⚠️ Child abandonment, abuse, drug use, immorality. I felt like all of these themes were handled in a good way without going into too much detail but they were still there, and most of the book revolved around them.
I enjoyed this one, but it dealt with some heavier themes. The characters in the historical timeline were not as likable and easy to get connected to. I did like the themes of God's grace and beauty coming from hard and difficult things.
⚠️ Child abandonment, abuse, drug use, immorality. I felt like all of these themes were handled in a good way without going into too much detail but they were still there, and most of the book revolved around them.
June 19, 2024
Oh so many mysteries! It certainly kept the pages turning! The setting of The Thousand Islands was perfect. It added so much to the story.
March 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
June 5, 2023
--Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an advanced copy.--
I didn't know what to expect going in to this book, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how the author balanced an intricate plot, an immersive atmosphere, and a story of hope and redemption. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton expertly introduces a number of characters who are lost physically or emotionally, and gently guides them through the narrative, bringing the reader along for a pleasant ride.
Though the characters were lovable and I wanted to get to know them, what struck me most about the book was the loving construction of the setting. The book takes place up and down the St. Lawrence River, and the river is almost as much of a character as those who live on it. By the end of the book, I wished that I could visit not only the river, but the candy shop and the island that the characters are so attached to.
Having read many time slip novels that leave the reader with little hope for the future, it was certainly appreciated that in the end, Dobson could point to Jesus' love as a source of hope for these characters who had been through so much.
I didn't know what to expect going in to this book, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how the author balanced an intricate plot, an immersive atmosphere, and a story of hope and redemption. The Wings of Poppy Pendleton expertly introduces a number of characters who are lost physically or emotionally, and gently guides them through the narrative, bringing the reader along for a pleasant ride.
Though the characters were lovable and I wanted to get to know them, what struck me most about the book was the loving construction of the setting. The book takes place up and down the St. Lawrence River, and the river is almost as much of a character as those who live on it. By the end of the book, I wished that I could visit not only the river, but the candy shop and the island that the characters are so attached to.
Having read many time slip novels that leave the reader with little hope for the future, it was certainly appreciated that in the end, Dobson could point to Jesus' love as a source of hope for these characters who had been through so much.
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