Amy Snow: A Novel

Amy Snow, a novel published earlier this summer, makes for a great escape. One of this novel's blurbs reads: "An abandoned baby, a treasure hunt, a secret. As Amy sets forth on her quest, readers will be swept away ..." Pretty accurate, I'd say.

Wealthy heiress Aurelia Venneway finds a newborn baby naked in the snow. Without a thought to propriety, she bundles the little girl under her cloak and rushes into the parlor.amy snow Lady Venneway is cold and distant; she's just lost yet another pregnancy and the foundling is like a slap in the face. The orphan (named Amy Snow by Aurelia) is banished to the kitchen while the entire household staff tries to keep her out of Lady Venneway's sight. For a time, Amy is Aurelia's play thing--eight years younger, she adores the headstrong lady, and is game to join in any of Aurelia's escapades. And then the two young women grow to be best friends. It's harder now to stay invisible to Lady Venneway, but the consequences if Amy doesn't are humiliating. When Aurelia becomes deathly ill--and the prognosis is dire--she demands that her parents permit Amy Snow to be her companion.

The real story begins after Aurelia's death. Turned out of the house immediately after the funeral, Amy Snow is on her own. Or is she? A mysterious letter is secreted away in her skirt--and Amy soon begins the work of getting to know the real Aurelia Venneway. Before her death, Aurelia arranged a scavenger hunt, of sorts, for Amy, each clue giving her specific directions: find Enwhistle's bookshop; stay in Twickenham for three months; travel to Bath. At the end of her travels, Amy doesn't simply adore her friend blindly but rather with eyes open to Aurelia's charms ... and her faults.

What adds even more fun to the novel is that it was an unsolicited manuscript, submitted by writer Tracey Rees to the Richard and Judy 'Search for a Bestseller' Competition--which makes the author's story a bit of a fairy tale, just like Amy's. Amy Snow kept me turning page after page--like the post title says, the novel is lavish. If you want to get lost in a world of nineteenth century manners, velvet dresses, carriages, stately horses, dashing young men, and strong-willed women, Amy Snow is perfect for your blanket or beach chair reading.
[read more at thisismysymphony.net]

I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Simon & Schuster.

I had no idea what an emotional, poignant reading experience I was in for when I began this wonderful novel by Tracy Rees. The time period of Victorian England is captured by swirling skirts, sumptuous balls and strict rules regarding the conduct of women and their place in society. Using the example of the newly crowned Queen Victoria as a guide for how lives can be changed, some of the women in this novel are pulling against the strict rules of society. One has been ignoring all the rules for many years. This novel features two main characters, one living and one dead, but they both will have a profound impact on the reader. Ms. Rees has written one of the best "discovery by letter" novels I've ever read. Even though her illness has taken Miss Aurelia Vennaway of Hatville Court she is not truly and completely lost to Amy Snow, the infant Aurelia found in the cold January snow seventeen years previously. Amy has been given a legacy concealed from the Vennaway's with a puzzle to unravel to find the secret Aurelia wants her to uncover. No one must know, it must remain a complete secret from Aurelia's parents who would take the legacy from the foundling they have hated from the moment she entered their house. Had it not been for the force of character exhibited by Aurelia they would have immediately sent the infant to an orphanage. So Amy Snow grew up in a world where she had no place; not a servant, even though she often performed the duties of a servant and not on equal footing with Aurelia even though they were inseparable. Now Amy Snow must transform herself from a small, insignificant female clad in the cheapest of black mourning clothes into someone who can travel away from this small village community to uncover clues on this treasure hunt Aurelia has set for her. Nothing will come easily as Amy struggles to fulfill her obligation to the woman she loved like a sister. The source of her strength is knowing Aurelia loved her as much in return.

The writing in this novel is absolutely beautiful. It was nothing short of fascinating to watch a character who died in the first chapter be brought back to life through the letters she wrote, the plans she conceived and the impact she had on people she met. Amy Snow is the perfect counterfoil, at the beginning of the novel she is the exact opposite of Aurelia in every way. By the end of the novel the author has transformed her completely by using incremental maturing as Amy encounters the world outside of Hatville Court. If you have ever had a friend so close you almost read their thoughts and then lost that friend to death, this novel will be a moving experience. For me it was actually painful at times, but it helped me deal with feelings I have too long avoided.

There are two areas which kept me from giving this novel a five star rating. First, once Amy Snow convinces herself that she is truly in love but must be parted for a time from that man in order to carry out the final part of the mission Aurelia had set for her the back and forth discussions regarding her leaving went on much too long for me. Second, I do not understand the need for the Epilogue. If felt completely disconnected from the story because the novel could have ended quite easily without it.

I do highly recommend reading this novel if you enjoy historical fiction relating Victorian times in England and the roles women are forced to play. This is a book friends can have many a spirited discussion over.

"Winner of the UK’s Richard & Judy Search for a Bestseller Competition, this page-turning debut novel follows an orphan whose late, beloved best friend bequeaths her a treasure hunt that leads her all over Victorian England and finally to the one secret her friend never shared."

Based on the description, I was definitely intrigued. The characters were well-written and the plot was well-drawn. The story moved at a good pace, unfolding in such a manner, that I always needed to read "just one more chapter". Amy Snow was a strong and courageous character and it was a pleasure to watch her grow and develop throughout her journey. The treasure hunt was a fun twist, although I was slightly disappointed at how easy it was to figure out the big secret. But putting that aside, this was a really enjoyable story. It was also nice to see a book set in Victorian England, that actually reflected the time, without bringing too much "modern perspective". A fantastic debut novel that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an old-fashioned novel about the strength and power of friendship across class and circumstance.

I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Loved this book! From the language to the vivid characters and of course the journey and trail, this was a stunning debut from the author who Richard and Judy picked as their winner for the Pick a bestseller competition.

Amy is like your friend – quirky and downtrodden and you root for her every step of the way. I wanted to hit out at Mrs Vennaway and scream at Mrs Riverthrope and when she tried to find the bookshop in London and ran into problems, I wanted to get the first carriage out there and help her. A very friendly and determined girl – reminded me of a young Jane Eyre just finding her way in the world and I was right behind her.

The various stops on her journey lead to more characters and more insights into Victorian society at that time. Amy’s impression of the places she visits is fun to visualise and the modes of transportation seem so tricky to navigate! From the rustling of the skirts, the hats and canes of the men and the noise of the cobbled streets, this is a vivid and stunningly evoked journey.

And the secret and final reveal? Even though this is guessable early on, no way does it detract from the final part of the story. For Aurelia had a reason for it all and Amy had to meet and discover what she did along the way.

Loved the journey and loved the charming way it was told. That Amy Snow has grown into quite the young lady!

I enjoyed this book a lot! There were times there was a bit too much blah-blah, but overall it kept me turning pages. I wanted to solve Aurelia's mystery and I looked forward to each letter left behind for Amy. The story, in my opinion is unique and intriguing. A nicely done historical novel!

For a debut novel I think this story is fantastic and I will recommend it to friends for sure!

When the author's other books are available on Kindles I will get them. So far I haven't been able to find them...

I was drawn by the beautiful cover and interesting premise, and while I liked the story enough to read through to the end, Amy Snow didn't live up to its full potential. The book seemed overly long, with story mechanics that become too predictable and contrived for me to remain deeply engaged. Cutting the length by a third would have tightened the plot and removed a lot of tedious repetition. Also, the sudden change in point of view, (right at the conclusion), left things on a cold unsatisfying note.

I listened to Amy Snow on Audible during my commute and hung on every word. The richness of the writing made it easy to visualize the story. I loved how we got to know Aurelia as well as we got to know Amy even though Aurelia had passed on. Amy is so very lovable and you are thrilled with all of the goodness that Aurelia bestows upon her after Aurelia passes. Every character was completely fleshed out and no storyline was left unfinished. The story is so rich. In some ways, it is a series of short stories within a beautiful, grand story and adventure in that each of Amy's stops can almost stand on its own. I loved Amy Snow so much that I immediately downloaded Florence Grace upon finishing Amy Snow. I can't wait to listen to her 3rd novel.

Amy Snow by Tracey Rees is a free Goodreads FirstReads advance reader copy of a paperback book that I read in late June during my summer semester of school.

Sort of like the identifiable quirks of Moll Flanders and Immortal Beloved, the ward of a recently-deceased noblewoman is set on a journey to discover her own roots, as well as those of her guardian. Upper-crust classism, discrimination, and young love ensues, and the foundling ward uncovers a paper trail from the noblewoman that oozes with morale-boosting advice and maternal love.

I loved every moment of this book, from the plot, to the characters, to the beautiful writing. I downloaded the audio version for a long drive and didn't want my trip to end! I came home and immediately tried to download the Kindle version to keep the story going, but I guess there are international restrictions, so I lived with my headphones attached to my head for a few days. What a wonderful debut! I very much look forward to more from Ms. Rees. This has been added to the short list of my favorite historical fiction novels.

I really enjoyed this book. I was completely caught up in the treasure hunt. I loved Amy's character -- how she blossomed through this new life set out for her by her dearest friend. Usually when reading a book where there is some sort of mystery to be solved, as soon as I figure it out I start to loose interest in the story. But this was different. I guessed Aurelia's secret early on, but was so involved in the story that I had to finish it. At times it felt a little too wordy, but I loved the author's way of putting you into Amy's thoughts. Overall a great read that I'll come back to again and again.

If you like Charles Dickens or Jane Austin or the Bronte sisters and you have been disappointed in the hype surrounding recently published novels that claim to be of the same ilk, you will pleasantly surprised by this lovely book. I was hooked from the first few pages. The author writes in such a consistently frank, yet lyrical, style. I'm excited that Tracy Rees is young and full of ideas for more books. As soon as I completed "Amy Snow" I looked up the author and ordered her next book. Talent like this should be nurtured and supported. I'm looking forward to another good read.

A gem. Simple writing, telling a terrific story of such soulfulness. I get so tired of books that are "lyrical" or stories that have a zillion characters or flip back and forth between time and/or location. "Amy Snow" is wonderfully straightforward but just as "deep" and mindful as any of these so-called "lyrical" books.

What a fantastic book! I really enjoyed spending time with Amy Snow and learning about her life with Aurelia. The scavenger hunt that Amy was put on to find out what the secret could be and why she was being sent to the different places was interesting. I really liked the character of Henry and how much he and Amy got along. Her time in Bath was pretty funny. Tracy Rees does a great job of telling a story that captivates the reader and draws them into the story and into the characters' lives so that you care for them and hope they have happy lives.

January 1831

Aurelia Vennaway, age 8, the daughter of Sir Charles and Lady Celestine Vennaway, has crept outside to be in the fresh air and snow. She wants so much to leave her home of Hatville Court and never return. While outside, she finds an abandoned naked and crying baby laying in the snow. Aurelia’s mother is furious when she brings the baby inside and wants to send her to the orphanage. But Aurelia puts her foot down and insists that they keep her. Aurelia names her Amy Snow. Lady Vennaway insists that she be kept in the kitchen and never be seen by her. Mrs. Vennaway has had many miscarriages and has never been able to give birth to the heir she and her husband desire.

While Amy is little, she stays in the kitchen or the stables with whichever servant is able to watch after her. But each day, Aurelia spends time with her teaching her all kinds of things and they become great friends. As Amy grows, she realizes that she is a servant in the house even though she and Aurelia are so close.

Aurelia has been diagnosed with a bad heart and has an unknown amount of time left for her to live. Fighting her parents, she is finally able to leave and stay with friends of hers in different towns. What was only supposed to be a 3 month trip stretches into over a year. Left at Hatville Court, Amy misses Aurelia terribly. Shortly after she finally returns, her condition worsens but she is able to live for a few more years.

January 1848

Amy Snow is leaving Hatville Court after having buried Aurelia. Before she died, Aurelia had been an invalid. Amy had been lady’s maid, then companion, then private nurse to her during her illness. Aurelia’s parents are glad to see Amy go. Even though Aurelia was a very wealthy young woman, she only left Amy 10 pounds, a ring, and some sketches she had made. She knew that Amy would be able to start a new life with that amount of money. But she later is secretly given more money from Aurelia from another person so her parents would not find out. They truly hate and resent Amy. Lastly, Amy reads a letter from Aurelia telling her that she has left a treasure hunt for her. This is something that they used to do a lot during their time together. Aurelia wants her to find her wings and fly free. Aurelia had set out destinations for Amy visit which also helps Aurelia finish her own life. Thus begins a journey that allows Amy to blossom and to learn all about the true Aurelia.

What a delightful novel! I loved Aurelia and am awed by her strength and love for Amy. While this book is 550 pages long, do take the time to read it. It will be one to remain with the reader for a long time.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley

This review contains spoilers!

It started with the air of a true Victorian book. There was intrigue & mystery, there were manners, a little bit of snobbery, but it didn't matter 'cause we knew who the good characters are, there were the sumptuous and the poor, there was the language of the late 19th century. There were some good elements, but then all these seemed to leave the book at once and throw it in a 21st century melodramatic moment, with language that lost its Victorianism, and all I had left was my curiosity that compelled me to finish the book.

I love a good treasure hunt (in books, not in real life), and I love letters, therefore I was sold from the get go. The plot intrigued me, the reading went fast, the language reminded me of all those classics I read in my school years, and I fell for this book early on. The idea of a secret that is closely guarded was appealing, but what the secret is easily guessed. I was a bit disappointed, to tell the truth, but it was expected.

The first moment when I raised my eyebrow and shook my head in disapproval was Amy Snow's first attempt to defend herself. I can try to see what the author was trying to do: make Amy Snow get out of her oyster and let her become an independent person. However, it felt fake. The transition was too brutal. Here she is, just a few weeks on the road, claiming she's scared and pep-talking herself into being a person ungoverned by others trying to live her life whichever way she sees fit, but all the while still being shy and reserved in interactions, when bam! she yells at a lady and thus makes a scene at a ball. It was uncalled for; I wish there were a better way to prove Amy Snow could defend herself. What is more, after this moment she doesn't become the strong young woman one would expect; this was just an unnecessary outburst that left me surprised and thrown in the world of a contemporary soap opera.

Overlooking this (in my humble opinion) unfortunate moment, I carried on reading. Enter Henry Meade. Yes, I liked him in the beginning. Of course I guessed that he's "the one". Sure, he's a bit unstable in his decisions, but we'll not keep this against him. However, I didn't like how he developed. Amy Snow, of course, fell in love with him, and decided he's the one she wants to marry (with a little bit of help from coincidence, for were it not for that eavesdropping at the bridge, she wouldn't have heard about and seen Mr. Garland). Henry Meade decided (over night, mind you, literally overnight) that he shall be a teacher. A teacher he becomes, but still, it seemed a bit exaggerated. What popped the wonderful Victorian bubble I was in while reading this novel (on the bus and in waiting rooms), was the melodrama that was unnecessary between Amy Snow and Henry. Goodness. The last quarter of the book read nothing like the previous part. I understand all their feelings, and the opposite sides they were pulled in, but this, too, felt exaggerated. It seemed as if he wanted to tell Amy what to do, tried to make himself a part of every aspect of her life. Don't give me the "he loved her" idea; girl wanted to do things on her own. He didn't seem sincere in his declarations and his claims of equality between Amy and him.

I liked how there was an ending from Mrs. Vennaway's perspective. Although she was meant to be the bad character, she was well constructed, she seemed authentic in her role of a mean woman who rejects the illegitimate child found on the family's property. She is a true upper-class representative, welcoming life with a stiff upper lip attitude; a true Victorian woman, enduring the cards life gives her and sitting still in the boundaries her class imposes.

Mrs. Riverthorpe is quite a character, but the kind of character who wants to appear tough and unshakable, but has a heart of gold. Classic.

Despite all these, I did enjoy reading this novel. It's something that would appeal to those who like historical fiction. A nice read all in all.

3.5/5 stars

I received an advanced free ebook copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.

Other reviews have accurately noted that the story is quite predictable, but, oh, what a wonderful, sweeping romantic story it is ! Maybe a little over-long, the ending feels a little flat after all the build-up to the finale of the "treasure hunt". Still worthy of a (5) star rating. Romance fans will enjoy this !

I heard good things about Amy Snow and was pleased to get a copy. An abandoned newborn is found naked and blue in the snow on an English estate. The eight-year-old daughter of the house finds her and insisted on keeping her, to the disgust of her stuffy parents.
After Aurelia’s early death, Amy discovers Aurelia has left her a treasure hunt and enough money to live comfortably, a good thing since Aurelia’s parents cast her out.
The first part of the book begins with Aurelia’s funeral, but then bounces back and forth between past and present. I found it confusing at times and annoying at others. A chapter ended with a big question mark, but then I had to plow through more backstory.
As Amy journeys around England, following directions in each new letter “from the dead,” she meets an assortment of people: a kindly bookstore keeper, a big loving family, an eccentric old woman. She also meets the bookstore owner’s grandson and an impeccable society man who seems too perfect.
A lot of dialogue bogged down and I skimmed through it. Amy Snow is a good story that, for me, didn’t live up to its billing. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Charming historical fiction about a young woman finding her place in the world. Beautifully researched and perfectly executed, the story follows the path of orphaned Amy Snow, who follows a treasure hunt of clues and letters left behind by her best friend. Victorian England comes to life with a cast of cheerful and dedicated characters, all determined to make the best of themselves and the world around them.

Good writing, attention to the cultural details, wardrobe, and social norms brought a great read. My book group tried to figure out how the story might end....but decided about half way through it didn't make that much difference...it was the journey we were enjoying so very much. We assume someone will take this to Masterpiece Theater and we will enjoy it again then.

2.5 stars

Amy Snow is a mildly entertaining story about a young English girl named Aurelia Vennaway in the 1840’s who finds a baby (Amy Snow) and brings it home to her wealthy family to raise. Although eight years apart and from different classes, the two develop a close relationship. Aurelia’s parents abhor the relationship and are incredibly nasty to Amy. Aurelia becomes sick in her 20’s, dies and leaves a scavenger hunt for Amy to follow. While it is an interesting idea, I felt it was pretty slow moving. Moreover, several parts of the story seemed unrealistic and the ending a bit unsatisfactory.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline hooked me from the beginning. The characters were entertaining, well developed, and came to life in this story. The mystery, romance, and dialogue throughout the book were brilliantly written. The novel flowed nicely almost lyrical. I would highly recommend this book.

Minor spoilers ahead, beware!

Other reviews of this book have called it predictable and condemned it for being such. I disagree.
This tale of an infant found naked (gasp! Any would shudder) in the snow on a January day inside the gates of Hatville Court was gripping for me. I began this novel and soon found myself carried away to places I have never seen in a time that I was never alive. Aurelia is everything I've ever been and all that I have been chastised for being, yet she lived and died a full 150 years previous. I cannot imagine being the same as I am now and living under all the propriety and ladylike expectations of that time period she lived in but know somehow that she and I would have been kindred spirits.
Amy is an interesting character who has always been beaten down and made to believ the very worst of herself. It is nice to be a part of the unfolding of her self-worth and her realization that her worth and importance is labeled by non other than herself. She meets a great deal of interesting people and finds herself in the throes of a love triangle most interesting (I knew Garland was bad news from the start)! I began to guess at Aureliea's secret when Amy got to Twickenham but it doesn't come out to nearly the end.
I also loved the irony of the epilogue knowing that Aurelia's secret and Lady Vennaway's secret, though different, are so very similar and the fact that Lady Vennaway's last thought in the subject is "What is it, after all, but the story of one small life, obscured forever?" when the revealing of the secret would lead to everything the Vennaway's have ever dreamed of.

Buy it. Read the book.

I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and the development of the main character from a timid, downtrodden girl to a confident woman. There were two mysteries in the book: where Amy Snow came from and what Aurelia was trying to tell Amy, via a series of letters, after she (Aurelia) had died.There was great potential to make this plot interesting but I was very disappointed to find that the solution to the mystery of Amy Snow herself was brushed off in a few unsatisfactory sentences in the epilogue. The solution to the Aurelia mystery was dealt with in depth but was almost equally disappointing in that it was conventional and predicable. The tale degenerated into a soppy love story with a happy-ever-after ending.

So far absolutely fascinating!! If I could give this book a 10 I would!! Fabulous read, very interesting characters, great storyline, just basically Loved this book!! Looking fwd to more fun reads from this author!! Thanks,

This richly detailed adventure is set in Victorian England and follows the struggle of Amy Snow, abandoned at birth, as she unravels a trail of clues that will lead to a remarkable, life-changing discovery. I'm looking forward to more from this talented new author.

This novel is refeshing in its originality. We follow a character from birth through late teens with lots of twists and turns. Excellent historical reseach went into making this novel broader and colorful. Looking forward to more work from Tracy Rees.

This was a beautifully written story full of rich description and warm heart. I would, however, have liked to see things resolved a little more solidly and have a better resolution to Amy's familial origin. It seemed a little rushed to me.

I absolutely adored this book. It's a Victorian page-turner with a love story, a treasure hunt and a mystery to solve. Tracy Rees is an excellent writer. I look forward to reading more of her work! 5 stars.