The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster

I wish e author hadn't tried for a Victorian style the result was so stilted that I had to scan perhaps half of the book. The core idea was intriguing (that's why I bought it), but this reads like a very rough first draft. I wish the author had revised several more times. I really wanted to care about the characters, but they're all really flat.

Well I have to start by being honest here, books don't generally interest me. In todays digital age, online content is completely overwhelming, any thing you want to know about, anytime you want it, and so much fascinating information that taking the time to read a book is rather a luxury. However, this one was written by a friend of mine, Scott Wilbanks, so I thought I at least owed it to him to give it a try. Well I must say I was pleasantly surprised. After just a short time, I could not put the book down (figuratively speaking since I was reading it on my iPad). I was able to get engrossed in the characters very easily and really just wanted to know what was going to happen next. Scott has this crazy way of weaving a complicated web of connections that is mind boggling... but well if you ever met him in person it would make complete sense. I can't believe all of the hidden unexpected twists and turns this story has, OK maybe at some times I felt like I needed to reread a part just because there was soon much going on... but I finished the book... cover to cover, digital flip to digital flip, and I am not embarrassed to say that my kindle app is a testament to my good intentions of reading more, however at this point Lemoncholy is one of the few books on it that is actually finished. Thanks Scott for getting me to read a book!

This premise makes for a wonderful story line as the author takes the reader from one space to another, introducing multiple characters without giving too much away too soon. Details are provided which highlight the inner feelings and thoughts of the characters.Verisimilitude is difficult to maintain with the different locations involved yet the author is able to make it all quite acceptable to the reader who only wants to turn the next page and find out what comes next.

This premise makes for a wonderful story line as the author takes the reader from one space to another, introducing multiple characters without giving too much away too soon. Details are provided which highlight the inner feelings and thoughts of the characters.Verisimilitude is difficult to maintain with the different locations involved yet the author is able to make it all quite acceptable to the reader who only wants to turn the next page and find out what comes next.

Wilbanks, in his début novel, has deftly woven the past and the present, creating an imaginative plot and indelible characters who draw the reader in. The pages fly by in this heartfelt, funny, magical book.

It may be because I listened to this book via the added audible narration over a longer period of time than it would have taken me to read it, but I had a difficult time following some of the time travel between the past and present situations. But overall, the book was pretty light and charming. All the characters were likable (except the bad guys, of course), and it was all wrapped up in a bow by the end, which is what I like in my reading. As an aside, the audible narrator was excellent on this one.

Interesting story but a little slow. The premise and title was intriguing enough for me to download the book and in the end the pay off was satisfying. Getting there however was sometimes plodding and somewhat pedantic and the time travel aspect a trifle confusing. Character development was the trade off though as the heroine and her fellows were charming and likable while the villain was entertainingly despicable. All in all a pleasant read.

I wanted to love this book. It had everything I like in a good story -time travel, whimsical style, a bit of a dark side and interesting characters. While I did end up enjoying it, I can't say it was one of my favorites. There were some instances where the conversations and events seemed out of place, a bit confusing. I almost gave up halfway through, but I'm glad I didn't. The story redeemed itself, and it ended on a good note. If you like the story elements listed above, this will be worth your time. Just know there may be parts you can't easily follow.

It was an interesting story with a different twist than the usual time travel genre. I found some of the dialogue difficult to follow and had to backtrack to sort out which character was talking and about what at times. This was my book club's choice and while some of the ladies loved this book, I thought overall it was just okay.

The book goes back and forth to the past and future, and the story threads aren't very interesting. The end of the book goes on and on and keeps trying to wrap up the different characters issues, but I just wanted it to end already! If it wasn't a book club book, I may not have even finished it.

A tale of misfits who find each other across time. The characters are lovingly quirky and it's easy to imagine a happily-ever-after for each one. The story is often fun and is told with warmth, humor, and imagination.

Ir was enjoyable - lots going on. But there were too many coincidences and sometimes confusing. Time travel stories are always like that when jumping back and forth...Never did figure out if the magician died??

I used to read fantasy books all the time when I was a kid (hell, I read whatever new to me material I could get my hands on) but as I got older I started to push fantasy aside in favour of contemporary stories. Everyone once and awhile I'll read a book that reminds me how much I like novels that have some sort of fantastical element. Most recently that book was The The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster. Scott Wilbanks has written a page-turning novel that kept me up way past my bedtime so I could find out how it ended.

This debut novel isn't exactly a fantasy book in an obvious sense. It's very much a contemporary story that just happens to involve time travel. I enjoyed the way Wilbanks put his own spin on the time travel theme. It wasn't just the same old story but it was still very familiar. I don't think readers who aren't a fan of fantasy should be put off by the magical element.

I do have to say that I was just the teeniest bit confused at the end of this book. I don't know if it's because there actually were small loose ends that weren't tied up to my satisfaction (I have a couple of lingering questions about that door) or because I was finishing the book at 1:30 in the morning. I just couldn't go to bed until I discovered what happened in the end!

The cast of characters in this novel is so refreshingly eclectic. None of them are people you'd normally expect to read about in a book and I loved that. Every major character - Annie, Christian, Elsbeth, Edmund - is a loner and has appeared to come to terms with that. What I loved is that they all care so fiercely for each other and over the course of the novel they all seem to realize that life is a little better when you're surrounded by the best of friends. They all had hurdles to overcome and it was both uplifting and heartbreaking to read as they worked through their various issues.

Finally, there's a mystery in this novel that had so many twists and turns that it was almost hard to keep up. What I really loved was that I really couldn't anticipate many of the revelations. I don't think I've ever read a book that had my jaw dropping so often. It was awesome!

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is definitely a book for you if you enjoy time travel, mystery, and a damn good story. Scott Wilbanks has written an incredibly engaging first novel and I'm very much looking forward to what he writes next.

Time travel and Kansas and a dog and some kittens and mystery and magic and murder and romance. What more could you ask for? When Annie buys a door at an antique shop and has it installed as the back door of her house, she does not realize that it will now lead to another time and place. How could she have known? Or could she? There are mysteries in her life and in her friend Christian's life and as they navigate them together will they solve their mysteries? Will they find love? Will they even survive? I totally enjoyed the mysteries and plot twists and time travel in this fun book!

All five women in my book club were really disappointed with this one. We thought that the story line had lots of potential, but the author did a terrible job of taking us on this journey. We often felt ourselves rolling our eyes at the ridiculous characters and lack of thoughtfulness in story development. It was just too ridiculous for us. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. Some of our other books include: The Woman in White, Jane Eyre, Enders Game, Ishmael

Possibly the most poorly written book I have read in the last decade. The title is great, but nothing else. Don't know if the editing was lousy or nonexistent, but truly, this needed a great deal more work before it was published.
.

This is a charming debut. Wilbanks is able to introduce a cast of characters in different time periods in an organic way, giving the reader a chance to get grounded with them, to a little bit fall in love with them, and then brings another on stage who is charming and unique in his/her own way. And then the fun begins, with snarky letters across the time periods, characters with heart-wrenching imperfections, each longing for a loved one to have a better life while trying to discover what that better life is for themselves. The plot twists and winds together, picking up the pace in a steady rhythm that will make you forget about your bed and want to see how everything comes together. And just when you aren't sure you can love what happens anymore, Wilbanks elevates the plot again, bringing everything to a fantastic climax.

I loved this book much MUCH more than I expected to, and I came into it with high hopes. I am smitten with the uniqueness of characters - truly. I will read Wilbanks again.

I received an advanced copy courtesy of NetGalley for a free and honest review.

Borrowed from library via Overdrive on Kindle

I boohooed through the last few chapters. It's an interesting fantasy novel (not vampires or werewolves or magic covens), low key on magic. Rather it's more a very different plot, well written and I'm wildly jealous I can't write like this. It's probably the best book I've read all year. I don't just read; I consume books voraciously and will plow through even cringingly bad YA fantasies just to FIND OUT what is coming next. Of course those are the potato chips of prose, easy to eat, not particularly good for one and leaves me hungry for a good read. I borrowed this with no prior knowledge, just the cover blurb and have to say it's a healthy gourmet of a book. A wonderful and surprising find. I don't review many books because I'd rather read than review but Annie deserves my 0.5% review rate.

The characters are well developed and few enough to know and care about them, a great deal, hence the leaking tears at times. A vastly different plot line from novels of any genre that is character driven rather than just another magic action hero novel or bodice ripper with supernaturals. I am not going to natter on about the plot as I'm sure that's been covered. This is a gem of a book, from the plot to the characters to the writing (good god correct grammar!). I suppose it wouldn't appeal to anyone without a sense of whimsy or sentimentality but for anyone else, please, read this.

Just a small note, has nothing to do with the novel, but I positively hate the inane questions for reading groups at the end of what might be considered book club type books. Anyone who reads this book has more than enough to discuss without the preachy and condescending suggestions for discussion at the end. I really feel that most of these type suggestions are middle school level and offensive to my adult sensibilities. But absolutely not a fault of the book; I'm sure the book discussion section is entirely of the publisher.

I should have liked this book. Clever title, intriguing premise, quirky characters, a mystery to be solved, a dash of time travel... It has all the elements of a book I should love. And yet, I didn't. I ended up just skimming through most of it. I never did really warm to Annie and at some point, realized that I didn't really care much what happened to most of the characters. The story never grabbed me and pulled me in. I kept reading a little bit, then putting the book down to go read something else. I actually took a break from reading this book to read the first few chapters of a book on the history of algebra, if that tells you anything. (And I'm neither a mathematician nor an historian.)

I'm honestly surprised that The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster by Scott Wilbanks is not on the National Bestseller list already. The book is poetically-written primarily, in my opinion, because one of main characters, Annie, has a penchant for all things proper and Victorian. I absolutely LOVE that the "modern day" side of the coin takes place in the 1990's, as I could smile upon some nostalgia that Mr. Wilbanks drops. The book reminds me, because of the premise of being able to communicate past and present via a portal of some type, of The Lake House (movie), however there are no love letters, rather a witty and wonderful exchange of banter between 2 very strong-minded women. I think the characters are well-developed and engaging, and I found myself wanting to know more about them, about the door, and the mystery/crime that was about to/already happened with the turn of each page.
The plot dives around the portal and communication between Annie and Elsbeth, separated in time by a century, a murder and mystery surrounding the events leading up to that, and the well-being of characters being in jeopardy. I love how many twists and turns the author built, never losing momentum or meaning.
I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fantasy, books with smart and strong female leads, and mystery/suspense. One of the best books I've read in a while! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished a delightful book called The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster by Scott Wilbanks. Annie Aster lives in the home she grew up in in San Francisco, California. It is May of 1995. Annie is a unique individual (she loves wearing vintage clothing). She just had a new red door installed in the kitchen (that looks outside). It has unusual carvings around it (like runes). The next morning Annie has a wheat field and a log cabin in her backyard. When she tries to go visit, she ends up back in her own yard. There is also a little mailbox sitting between the two properties. Annie is delighted especially when she finds a letter in the mailbox from the lady in the cabin.

Elsbeth Grundy is sixty-five years old and living in Sage, Kansas in May of 1895. She is a loner, a widow, and not happy to find the colorful (aubergine and gold) Victorian in her wheat field. Elsbeth tries to get to the door of the Victorian house, but finds herself right back where she started. Elsbeth decides to write a letter to the home owner telling her how she feels. This is the beginning of correspondence between Elsbeth and Annie (entertaining letters). This gets Annie started on looking into the origins of the door. She purchased it an antique store that was originally in Kansas City, Kansas (what a coincidence). The door was owned by magician and illusionist, David Abbott. How does the door work though? Are Annie and Elsbeth connected in some way? A definite mystery that Annie cannot resist. Annie, Elsbeth, and some other wonderful characters are in for an adventure with the red door.

I found The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster to be an enjoyable book to read. I give The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster 5 out of 5 stars. It is an engaging and well written novel that will have you hooked from the first page. I loved the characters. They were fun, quirky, and relatable (I definitely relate to quirky). I loved how the author tied everything together in the end. This is a unique novel that is just a delight to read. I was sorry to see the book end. I am sorry that I did not read this book sooner, and I look forward to reading the next book by Scott Wilbanks.

I received a complimentary copy of The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

This. Book. Is. Excellent.

The writing is phenomenal - the sentences and their cadence are beautiful and delicious in the way eating truffles is beautiful and delicious - it's unlike any other writing style I've seen.

I loved, LOVED this book. The characters are quirky and endearing, and the plot has so many little twists and turns I was constantly turning pages to see what happened next. This book has an incredibly complicated structure - I applaud Mr. Wilbanks for his plotting!

I feel like these characters are my best friends and I rooted for them and celebrated their successes the whole way through.

The scene setting was likewise excellent - I can still see the various scenes in my head, clear as day.

Seriously buy and read this book - you won't regret it.

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is intriguing right from the start! The story follows Annie, who lives in San Francisco in the 90s, as she somehow begins correspondence with a stranger in the 1890s named Elsbeth, a widowed schoolmarm living alone in the wheat fields of Kansas. That alone is such a fascinating storyline with plenty of mysteries to unfold - how are they communicating through time AND location? - but as they write letters back and forth, even bigger events unfold. They discover that they didn't "meet" simply by chance, but because there is a shared connection between them. Furthermore, they have to untangle their histories and figure out how they each ended up in such opposite places.

Alongside these two characters are several others who help them piece together all of the information, like Annie's friend Christian and his new acquaintance, Edmond. All of these people are also somewhat interconnected and, as we delve further into the story, we find out why and how these characters came to be part of Annie and Elsbeth's worlds. They are also unique characters themselves and I found it enjoyable learning about their stories.

At times the story was hard to follow, as it would jump from one person to another or one thought to another abruptly. However, the plot was so attention-grabbing that it was a small speed bump to overcome. I honestly could not put this book down and enjoyed it from beginning to end - it didn't feel boring or tedious at any point. It was quirky and fun to read. I would recommend this to almost anyone, but specifically if you enjoy stories with time travel and/or mystery, as that was the focus of this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Imagine if you could write a letter to someone living in the past? The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How would all cross your mind. Because it is mind-blowing!

Such is the case for Annie Aster living in late 20th century San Francisco. All of a sudden, Annie is able to communicate with Elsbeth Grundy from 1890s Kansas. I found it such a pleasure to read the witty letters between Annie and Elsbeth. They are both a stickler for correct grammar and vocabulary.

One of my favorite characters, Christian, is usually closed off to people. But he has become best friends with Annie. Their loyalty and affection to one another is most endearing. Annie and Christian find themselves on the trail of several mysterious cases. Luckily, Christian has Edmond to support him on this adventure. And Annie befriends Cap’n, who is my other favorite character. Cap’n and her friends remind me of a combination between the little rascals and the outsiders. They are a tough group of wise-cracking kids that put most adults to shame!

I didn’t want this book to end. Understanding and forgiveness span across the generations. The two-faces of a cruel Mr. Culler show how some people lash out from their own illness by lashing out at others. However, acceptance through love and true empathy allow these characters to transcend time.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Not at all what I had anticipated! It was so much more! An orphaned girl taken in by her godmother finds a little more than she bargained for when she purchased a rare door. This door will reunite Annie with people form the past and take her on a journey that will soon not be forgotten. I was really quite intrigued by Annie in the beginning of the book, her being a loner and liking to dress as if she lived in a century previous. So many little oddities and nuances that the reader should pay attention to, but will not understand until the end of the book. I love a great book that wraps up nicely but also allows the readers to anticipate a possible sequel. If you are interested in family secrets, time travel, murder, and love then this is the book for you! Every family has its secrets, some are a little more elaborate than others. Thank you Mr. Wilbanks for keeping the aspect of family life real. Grudges, loyalty, falling out, are all things most people see within a typical family. The author does not leave these out at all, there are just a few twists to go along with it. Eventually Annie will find herself in the past, by means of time travel. You really won't want to miss out on this thrilling read. There are many twists and moments of surprise. I can't wait to read more by this author! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

***Contains Spoilers!***

This was a fantastic read. Sci-fi meets mystery meets thriller, I was hooked from the beginning. The characters were all so different from each other but meshed really well, and the story kept me guessing throughout.

I loved how each time the characters travel through the door, whether into the past, or back to the present, I could practically feel the impact of them arriving into that moment in time. And the portion of the book that takes place in the 1800s was so well thought out that I could vividly imagine what the sounds and smells were of that era.

The language was also beautiful. At first, I felt it was a bit over the top, but as the story progressed it made perfect sense because Annie IS a bit over the top and the language suited her and the story perfectly.

I wasn't sure how I felt about the character of Edmond, and his relationship with Christian. The development of their story wasn't as strong throughout the book, until the end when we learn who Edmond really is. I'm just not sure it was really a necessary plotline.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

*I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

"SPOILER ALERT" This story is an unusual and fun as the author wrote this as part mystery, murder and SCI-FY. I found this story interesting with a strange mystical red door that can take a person from the present to the past and back again. Anne Aster came across this unusual red door at an antique store in San Francisco, little did she know how is mystical red door was going to change her whole life and add suspense, plus meet people that will help change her life for the better. This all starts after she installs this mystical red door as her back door from her kitchen of the old Victorian house she lives in. After she walks outside, she found herself in a beautiful rose garden with a picket fence around it in the middle of a wheat field and attached to this fence is an ornate mailbox that looks VERY old like from another century. Anne tries to walk past the gate, but is thrown back into the rose garden and each and every time she tries it, she gets the same result, so she did what she Anne is known for; looking for a different way to approach a situation, she sat down and wrote a letter and posted it in the mailbox. This starts a correspondence with a peculiar old woman by the name of Elsbeth Gundy from 100 years ago! The correspondence starts a warm friendship between these two women, but they find they must first look for a reason why they are able to communicate this way, which helps them to solve the mystery that connects their two homes from what happened 100 years ago to this day. When Anne is able to decipher the marks on the red door, she is able to go back a hundred years. She first meets Cap'n who runs a gang of kids that are part San Francisco unsavory criminal life that helps Anne outsmart Mr. Culler, the business partner of a famous magician who is also the inventor of the mystical red door and is murdered by Mr. Culler, who is evil to the core. I liked this part of the book the best as Anne is in her best element outsmarting some of the worst people that are from the San Francisco elite. But the biggest bonus is she finds out who she really is and what truly makes a family.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I bought this book at an event in a local bookstore here in San Francisco. The author's charm, humor, and sense of adventure was absolutely captivating, and I am certain that this is the first in a long line of novels to be written by Mr. Wilbanks.

Like all great stories, this one starts fairly simply. Through the author's great mastery of both storytelling and language, he weaves a beautifully complex tapestry, one thread at a time, around the characters from that simple beginning, and I very quickly felt fully engaged and caring about all the characters, eagerly following them through the book. Like every great book I have read, the only disappointment came when the book ended and the story had to stop.

While the story would not be considered Science Fiction, there is a prominent time-travel element at the center of the story. If you are not a big Sci-Fi fan, don't let this dissuade you from reading this book. The time-travel element is introduced very early and soon fades into the backdrop, allowing the story and the characters to shine in the narrative. You may also want to skip the next paragraph of this review.

The hardcore Sci-Fi fans know that good time-travel stories are very hard to write well. There are a myriad of traps, paradoxes, and inconsistencies that lay like a vast minefield around a storyteller who strays from linear time. Mr. Wilbanks, however, manages to find his way through the chronology minefield with stepping on any of them. The story is very consistent and plausible (once you buy into the basic notion of time travel), and there are no lazy shortcuts or desperate resort to a deus ex machina to get out of a plot trap created by time travelling in a story. The story is constructed just as beautifully as it is written.

This book was a very enjoyable read. It held my attention throughout and I found myself re-reading some passages to really savor the language and imagery.

To understand how I found this book, I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed the book. The plot moved well, twists and turns and overall an enjoyable book about time-travel, murder mystery and problem solving. And finding happiness.
Characters spoke as characters should, and as person who grew up in the 1990s, but who highly enjoys pioneer stories, this was excellent.
There were a few things I didn’t care for:
Firstly, the plot is interesting and a good read for passing the time. But the introduction of so many characters, with little divulgement of characterization for each, felt a great deal like dealing a death knell for my attention span. I have always felt that the introduction of too many characters leaves them all underdeveloped. However, I think this may have been just that the plot and the writing of the plot had to get going for the author, and the reader had to deal with the beginning awkward stage. Once past the initial stage of introduction, the side characters become much more likable and come into their own.
Secondly, the relationship between Nathaniel and Annie felt somewhat rushed, and they spent not a great deal of time together. But happy endings usually have to have some romance.
However, I did fully enjoy the story of forgiveness and redemption and love that was Edmond and Christian’s. Indeed, it is good to see good friends Annie and Christian not thrown together in some hetero-relationship for the heck of it. Good change of pace.
If you enjoy Doctor Who or Torchwood, I think this might be up your alley. And if you enjoy good finally overcoming evil, this should definitely be considered a must read.

I was really attracted to the name and the cover image of this book. It looks like a contemporary bestseller book cover but it’s actually a historical fantasy set both in the Victoria era and in the “modern day” of the 1990s. (AOL called and wants their CD back!)

Annabelle Aster finds a red door in an antique shop and installs it into her house, and begins to be able to access an 1890s Kansas wheat field through her San Francisco garden. The other main character is Elsbeth, a Victorian school teacher who is now somehow able to send Annie letters through the brass mailbox perched on the picket fence that now divides their two worlds.

Both women are trying to understand how they are suddenly linked across space and time. That awareness comes with a dangerous mystery that they must solve, though, before one of them is convicted of a murder that has both yet to happen and already did. That crime leads Annie to meet a gang of criminal kids in San Francisco’s unsavory underbelly, a magician, and an evil man named Mr. Culler. Annie’s life is totally changed in the best way by these experiences and her attempts to outsmart the criminal elements she encounters along the way.

Wilbanks is able to bring the characters of Annie and Elspeth to life through vivid language that gives a real sense of place. The Victorian era is satisfyingly evoked, as well as the world of the 1990s. The women are snappy and real and the story is full of surprises. It is a fantasy novel involving time travel and magical realism, but if you can suspend your suspicions it is a delightful romp and surprisingly successful for a debut novel. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a refreshing change. It is a fantasy that allows the reader to travel through different time periods. The heroine installed a door that enables her to travel and meet different characters in different walks of life. All these characters are trying to figure something out about themselves while trying to help others do the same. I really liked how the author was so descriptive, with both the scenery and the characters, that I felt like I was there. The characters were described to a point that you could picture them down to the freckle. The scenes were described so well, whether it was a backyard or a whole time period. The author gave historical ideas with the time periods that made me feel as though he did a lot of research on each. I love when authors do that because to me it means that they love the book and really strive for readers to be there too.

The only thing that was maybe difficult about the book was keeping up with the time travel but that is the trick isn’t it. If you are able to keep up with it you will get to see how everything and everyone is connected in one way or another. If you can keep up with everything happening then I thoroughly believe that you will enjoy this book! I also love the idea of lemoncholy…“[making] the best of a bad situation” and enjoyed that this was defined before reading the book. I would recommend this book, especially to those who are interested in books that include subjects like time travel and like something that keeps them on their toes.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster written by Scott Wilbanks is a delightful read introducing readers to the concepts of time travel, murder, friendship and much more.

Annie is a drawn back, kind of secluded girl whom loves old fashion items, dress, mostly everything. One would say she was born a century or two too late. Or was she? Int his fantastically, exciting, well developed, and intriguing plot, where Annie discovers a wheat field outside of her San Francisco door. Awesome, right? Well, it would be if it wasn't a wheat field, from Kansas in the year of 1890 belonging to an Elsbeth, who connects with Annie through a mysterious mail box in which she puts a letter for Annie to read in her time.

How in the world did this happen? What is it that is bringing these two people, worlds apart, together? Come find out!

Scott Wilbanks hits it out of the park with this one. The lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster has to be one of my top ten favorite time traveling books. I absolutely adored the intricate detail put into each character. Their dress, their mental status, their emotions, their dialog, everything was perfect with each character and their parts within the plot. Needless to say I read this book very quickly, and could hardly put it down, because of its exciting events, twists in the plot, and of course the descriptive scenes themselves. It is a book that a reader will want to rush to finish to know the end, but then be sadden when they turn the last page, because it is the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes time travel, mysteries, historical fiction, and a bit of romance.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. There were so many times that I didn’t want to put it down and just wanted to continue reading it. I wanted to know what happened to Annie and her friends. I won’t spoil it for anyone who wants to read it because that wouldn’t be polite. However, it must be said that Scott Wilbanks has a way with words. The story is absolutely fabulous. I was super interested to read it based on the description. I was a little hesitant when I started to read it because I thought it would be similar to other books and movies that are already available. I was pleasantly surprised by the story that he developed.
I was impressed by the author’s development of the word lemoncholy, and have actually used it in conversations with other people, who also find it a delightful new word. Maybe it will catch on and more people will use it- the word describes so many different aspects in life. It is wonderful!
Annie finds herself in a world that doesn’t feel right. It takes a little while and some adventures with new and old friends for her to realize why she doesn’t feel like she is where and when she is supposed to be. Wilbanks does a marvelous job throughout the book to put right what can be put right and explain to the characters and readers how things end up the way they do.
I would highly recommend this book for any reader who is interested in living in another time and place. This beautifully written novel helps transport you to another time and place and reality.

4 1/2 STARS
I finished this magical book last week and my mind keeps going back to the characters and story line.

The characters were so endearing to me. They are quirky, flawed, and carrying their baggage in their own way. Like a slowly opening flower, their story and depth of character come out petal by petal. I could tell early on that their stories would come to be interconnected in special ways.

One day Annabelle Aster looks out her back door in modern San Francisco and sees what turns out to be 1890's Kansas in her backyard. Elsbeth looks from her 1890's Kansas and sees Annabelle's house on her beloved acreage. Neither can enter each other's world or encounter each other, but they start to share letters through a mailbox between their worlds.

Thus begins a murder mystery that spans the century and brings together several characters. Fate and time are almost characters as well and are integral to the story and themes.

Annabelle with her determined and quirky personality has always felt more at home in her 1800's vintage clothing and simple life. She has health issues she is dealing with secretly and on her own.

I loved her best friend Christian. He is wounded inside and so tentative to live his life and befriend others. Annie coaxed him into a friendship that he clings to, but still holds back his true self. He stutters and is painfully shy, always worried that he is unlovable.

The writing was captivating and descriptive without being purple prose. Rather than bogging down the story, the writing made me feel, smell, taste, hear, and see what was happening. When Annie travels back in time there are villains and friends to meet. However, the story isn't just about the time travel or murder mystery. It's about the strength that comes from good family and friendship - about how they can help us as we journey with our baggage. How they can make the burden lighter or even help us finally lay it down and let it go. It's about the dark in us as well as the the good.

It took a bit of time to get used to the way the story was told. I had to go back a couple of times to clear up something I didn't catch the first time around. This didn't matter to me because the plot was just intricate and well done.

The author's note at the end of the book made me want to get to know him. He tells you how the characters came to be, and who or what inspired him to write each character. I'm very much looking forward to more from Scott Wilbanks.

Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Follow my reviews at:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1463934-aimee-just-one-more-page
my Blog: https://aimeejustonemorepage.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aimee1MorePage

A fun story with plenty of quirk! Contains more plot twists than a double-looping roller coaster, and all of them both surprising and somehow inevitable. Fans of magical realism will surely delight in this one.
The characters are as adorably loopy as the plot, particularly Annie and her friend Christian, and Elsbeth is a cranky, feisty old lady that I took a shine to right away. I admit to wanting a bit more from the characterization than I got, however - people do things on a whim far too often to suit me (yeah, yeah, I GET it, they're eclectic and whimsical, but still), and Annie pulls out a MacGyver-like resourcefulness toward the end of the book that took me aback since we haven't seen her do or plan anything nearly this complex throughout the story, nothing that would indicate she was capable of it. I was also a little sad to notice that at some point, we stop seeing events unfold through Elsbeth's eyes, and I missed her viewpoint. There are a couple of instances of head-hopping that bothered me (that is, we're looking through one character's eyes and then suddenly get shifted to another character's head for two paragraphs). There are at least a couple of romantic developments, both of which I saw coming miles away, and one of them made intuitive sense to me while the other seemed a little "too much too soon."
That said, I found "Lemoncholy" inventive and enjoyable, and reading it was a terrific way to spend a day. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

What a good book! Wilbanks writes a story about modern San Francisco and 1800s Kansas City so eloquently! His style and ideas are like none I've ever read before! Time travel, magical doors, family relationships, romantic relationships, good, evil, present, past....what more could you ask for! Following the five main characters Annie, Elsbeth, Cap'n, Christian and Edmond I found myself not wanting to put this book down! I asked myself while I was reading..... What medical condition does Annie have? Will Elsbeth get to come to the future? Who is Cap'n? Are Christian and Edmond gay? What's Edmond hiding?

I enjoyed this writing so much I read the book from cover to cover! I was so fascinated with Wilbanks style! I even read the Guided Reading Group Questions! If I could give the author one piece of corrective criticism it would be with the ending. I felt like it dragged on a bit...to me it could have wrapped up faster than it did. Other than that I loved this book!

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

Yes, now this is the kind of time travel fiction that I like to see! The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster was so beautifully written; I loved the language and how it just seemed to flow with a certain rhythm that was almost poetic. The tone was one of the things that kept me hooked; the imagery in particular. I highlight parts of the book as I read them on Kindle, and one of the parts I selected was in Chapter 19 when Edmond was explaining how Christian would move his hands fluently when he talked. He said he writes in the air, and I just had this gorgeous image of someone with a quill pen crafting words with this fancy handwriting in front of them. And that really is a nice way to think of hand gestures; I use them quite frequently and to say someone would write in the air makes so much sense, I’m surprised I’d never heard that phrase before!

My favorite part of the book had to be the characters, how they were first introduced, and how they developed throughout the story. Not to mention how they were connected! That letter from Elsbeth explaining how they were connected starts to show a soft side and then that P.S. reminds the reader of what a firecracker she is. The letters were a really nice touch to the story as well; I really enjoy stories with letters in them.
Also, Annnie’s love for Austen and then her own “universal truth” (or in this case, condition) about the male species was cute.

Definitely recommending this book to friends. And if I ever get involved with a book club again I am going to suggest this one. Great that it comes with a questions section in the back as well; wonderful for discussion purposes.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great read. It has everything I want from a book: interesting ideas, characters I can identify with, and smooth writing.

The premise of this book lies in a "magical" door that allows those who know how to use it to travel instantly through time and place. This door is a much of a character as Elsbeth and Annie (the 2 heroines) as are the 2 main places we travel between (1990's San Francisco and 1890's Kansas).

Annie is a whimsical and self possessed woman with a secret. She has an endearing and loyal side kick who is drawn into adventure with her when a brass mailbox and rural wheat field suddenly appear outside of her back garden. She does the logical thing and attempts to mail something in the odd mailbox since she is physically unable to pass into the field. Elsbeth handles the sudden appearance of the flower garden and mailbox in her yard with less excitement but equal curiosity and practicality. Thus two women half a country and a century apart become pen pals and are presented a mystery to solve. I don't want to spoil the story as it unfolds but it hits on all the classic points: romance, mysticism, mystery, violence, family, friendship, money, greed and magic. There is an added bonus of some sound sci-fi concepts woven deftly into this lovely novel.

I highly recommend this book, I did receive a free copy of this book to review it, my opinions are my own and are not biased in any way.

Absolutely artful characters possessing an honesty and depth the likes of which can be hard to find, compelled me through a mesmerizing and magical plot. The writing is exquisite, reminiscent of how beautiful writing used to be before it was stripped bare by the modern novel, forming scenes that you fall right into and feel as though you are experiencing. With all the twists and threads it is one to take your time with and savor like a fine cup of complex coffee. Each character is developed to the fullest with a skill that likens to Stephen King while the imagination and richness of the story brings to mind The Time Traveler's Wife (and in my opinion blows it away at the same time). Every decade there are a few rare literary artists that blow you away. Scott Wilbanks is one of those artists.

For most of the story, I thought it was clever and well written. Annie and Elsbeth are memorable and charming characters. There are some Fantasy elements involved, including a magic door that allows anyone who knows how to use it to time travel. There are also some Classic Literature elements such as Annie's obsession with the Victorian Era. To top it off, the "present" time of Annie's life is during the 1990s. I had a few moments of nostalgia with little details like the sound of the dial-up modem Annie used to connect to her AOL account.

However, sometimes the dialogue was difficult to understand and made me feel as if I had somehow missed important information. Have you ever been thinking something and tell someone when you're in the middle of your thoughts and they give you a confused look because they weren't privy to what was going on in your head? That's how some of the characters' conversations felt to me. It was as if the author already knew the characters inside and out but forgot to fill the reader in on some of the background. The same thing happened with some of the later plot points. I got the impression that the explanation for why some things occurred was obvious to the author, but he forgot that the reader wouldn't know.​

Despite the missing information, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster was an enjoyable light Summer read. If you're a fan of Victorian times or non-Science Fiction style time travel, and you want a book that doesn't require a lot of mental energy, this book might be for you.

A heartwarming tale of misfits coming together to find a place where they belong. Separated by decades, two woman who impose isolation on themselves find comfort in each other's company. A single mysterious item, connects the two lonely hearts in more than one ways. With each letter, the pair begin to bond when an article alerts Annie to a murder. She concocts a plan to prevent the murder with the help of her kindred friend along with a cast of misfits.

Little did she know, her plan is not only destined by faith but unleashes a whole new mystery. With each of the endearing and complex characters being drawn to each other and connected. A sweet endearing story with a lot of twists and turns, that will keep you in suspense page after page. The story kept me stuck to the edge of my seat compelling me to read faster than I could to find out how the story will end.

I read the synopsis on the back and thought, "This sounds like an interesting read." I was in for such a wonderful read and did not even know it! This book had such a great cast of engaging characters, each with little quirks that made them even more human and real. I enjoyed the mystery along with the friendship that developed. I was so pleasantly surprised at how well the story flowed. I couldn't put the book down for long and had to pick it back up and find out what was going on. I read this one in less than a day because of that. I look forward to reading more from Scott Wilbanks if the rest of his work is anything like this one.

The way that everything entwined throughout the story was fun, and a few of the storylines really surprised me. It was interesting to make a guess and see if things played out like I thought. Mostly they did not, which made it even more enjoyable to see where the author would lead the story. So would recommend this story to anyone looking for something different to read. It does have mystery, time travel, murder, and a bit of romance thrown in. Some books I enjoy rereading on occasion. The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster will be one of those.

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun book to read. I was quickly drawn in by the main characters Annie and Elsbeth trying to figure out why one saw a Victorian home across her back forty she has never seen before and the other lady wondering how a wheat field appeared in her back yard. Wilbanks has done a splendid job of telling this time travel story in such a way that I for one found it very hard to quit reading. I was amazed at all the turns and twists this book had in store that kept you on edge and wanting to read more. All of the characters in this book have a story to tell of a hard life in the past. You have romance, murder, family and friendship wrapped into this novel. This is Wilbanks' debut novel, and I can hardly wait to read others in the future (no pun intended).

I enjoyed reading The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster so much! I was surprised at every turn the story made and was just drawn right into the adventures. I don't want to give too much away about the book, it would ruin the surprise, but the author really kept me guessing! I was touched as I was reading by the thought out characters and their interactions with each other. The main character Annie really cared about the people in her life and was my favorite. She is such a strong-willed person and enhances the lives of everyone around her with her friendship. Scott Wilbanks did a wonderful job with this book and I am so glad to have it in my collection. I want my own magical door!!

I think this would be a good read for anyone who likes fiction and fantasy. It has a great storyline and really made me think. I would recommend this to my middle-school age daughter and up.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is described as "The physics-bending charm of The Time Traveler's Wife meets the curious mischief of The Eyre Affair and the unconventional and utterly enchanting debut novel . . ."
Annie Lester is the main character of this book. She's a bit peculiar. Has a few secrets. But she's actually very charming and unique. Her best friend, Christian, is a bit of a mystery too. And then Edmund joins in with the two, and another mystery pops up, but that's not as big of a mystery as why in 1995 San Francisco Annie can walk through her back door into 1885 Kansas. There's a mailbox where she exchanges letters with her neighbor from the past, an antique door, and an illusionist. Separated by time and distance, together they uncover a mystery that could save a life. Plot-wise I really don't want to say more than that; you'll have to find out the rest on your own. And trust me you'll want to.

This is Scott Wilbanks debut novel and it's pretty good. Once I started reading I didn't want to put the book down. And if he wanted to write a sequel to this book, I would surely read it. The plot was so interesting and it kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I also liked the characters and the mysteries they brought to the story as well. However the ending still left me with a few questions. I read an advanced copy, so maybe the details are resolved in the finished product. But overall, this is a great read you should add to your to-read pile.

Annabelle “Annie” Aster is, by choice, a most singular young lady. Or, “a sincere woman in every particular” as she wrote of her hopeful self when she was 12 years old, in an attempt to mimic her favorite author, Jane Austen. By the time Annie was “twentysomething”- specifically, by May 17, 1995 – she is “undeniably lovely, a fragile beauty, possessing a face that looked as though it had been lifted from a cameo.” Still, it has to be mentioned that Annie is, well, a bit strange – but in a totally charming and often disarming way.

Annie lives on her own in her childhood home at the western edge of the Mission District in urban San Francisco. Her adoptive parents had died two years earlier, and a somewhat eccentric godmother, who had been a huge influence on Annie as a child, was a distant but still beloved memory. Annie loves all things Victorian, often affecting that era in her personal style, bearing and speech. And she adores Victorian clothing. Oh, she has plenty of conventional clothes; it’s not like she is completely off her nut, but a visit to a café or a walk in the park might have her “looking like a ghost from anther age.”

However, Annie is not a shrinking violet by any means. She is vivacious, direct, self-sufficient and completely fine with the fact that some might find her eccentric. Although life has not been particularly kind to her (besides not knowing either of her parents and losing her adoptive loved ones, she also suffers from a chronic health condition that she hides from others and which keeps her somewhat reclusive), she refuses to give in to despair, or sink into melancholy. In fact, her life instead is brim full of lemoncholy, which means unassailable, or, as author Scott Wilbanks defines it: “The habitual state in which one makes the best of a bad situation.”

So when Annie awakens one day to find a beautiful rose garden in her normally normal back yard, full of blossoms of every conceivable hue and form, she is delighted. When she wades through the frothy flowers to the fence around her property, and sees in the distance a solitary cabin beyond a dusty wheat field, she barely is thrown by the fact that there are no cabins nor any dusty wheat fields in urban San Francisco. Nor is she overly concerned by the sign a ways down the road that says, “Pawnee County, Kansas. Pop. 673," or that when she tries to access the cabin, she is magically redeposited somewhat unceremoniously (if not terribly violently) back into her newly established rose garden backyard.
But while the Kansas cabin seems unavailable to her for whatever reason, what Annie can access is the antique brass letter box perched on the gatepost of her garden fence, which seems to be a line of demarcation between the two properties. Within the brass box she finds a parched-looking envelope containing a somewhat terse handwritten letter from someone who identifies herself as Elsbeth Grundy, demanding an explanation for why a fancy house with an abundant rose garden has appeared in her wheat field, when there never was one there before. The letter is dated May 17, 1895.

A hundred years in the past. To the day.

So what does Annie do? Scream? Faint? Throw a fit or decide to ignore all that has been happening? Not Annie! Instead, she pens a delightful and somewhat saucy reply to her new neighbor. And thus begins a rollicking tale full of bending time, multiple mysteries, magic shows, lots of pick-pocketing, and a curious antique door that seems to hold the key to the overlapping of the two worlds.

"The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster" is also full of captivating, unforgettable characters. Besides exuberant Annie and cantankerous Elsbeth, we find the likes of a wise-beyond-her-years street urchin in pigtails, known only by the nickname Cap’n; steadfast Christian, Annie’s sweet and incredibly shy true blue best friend who just happens to see angels; Edmond, the personable young man possessing all the confidence that Christian seems to lack, yet who harbors a secret that has kept him a loner for many years; and the sinister, up-to-no-good, fearsome businessman, Mr. Culler, and his vicious hatchet man, Danyer.

To even try to truncate the action of "The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster" into a succinct, sound byte-ish few sentences would be incredibly foolish, were it even possible (spoilers or no spoilers). Let me just say that author Scott Wilbanks lets no moss grow under the feet of the characters in this, his debut novel – how could he, with two time periods to contend with, multiple mysteries (not all of which are contingent on the space/time bubble thingy), and – oh yes – murder? I forgot to mention murder before, didn’t I? Well, there is murder involved, too, or at least an attempt at stopping a murder.

And as the action unfolds, so do the burgeoning relationships within and across the time/space anomaly. We start to realize that what at first seemed arbitrary instead may have had some kind of binding purpose – but what purpose, and to what end? Trying to keep up with the whys and wherefores of the story as it unfolds is not advised: this is a book where the reader should just sit back and enjoy the ride; and Mr. Wilbanks is a very entertaining driver. (Just make sure you have your seatbelts securing fastened and that you’re holding on to your hat with both hands, especially during the final chapters!)

And even though I admittedly haven’t said much about what transpires in "The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster", two things are certain. That you will not have read anything quite like it ever before. And when you do read it, that you are going to have a heckuva lot of fun along the way.

Scott Wilbanks has written an amazing debut novel! This book has so much going on: strong relationships, unique characters, time travel, adventure, mystery, and love. I LOVED it!

The book is well written and engaging. I didn't want to put it down. I couldn't help thinking, "what's going to happen next." The plot has a few twists and surprises that I liked.

The characters are developed and complex. I felt like I understood who they were and from where they were coming.

The book is not about time travel; time travel just happens to be something that occurs in the story. If you're not super interested in fantasy or sci-fi books, don't let the time travel deter you. You'll like it!

I loved this novel and cannot wait to see what Mr. Wilbanks writes next. Great read! Do yourself a favor and buy it.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. I'm glad I did!!

Annabelle Aster is kind of a woman-out-of-her-time. She may live in San Francisco in 1995 but she dresses in vintage clothes, takes tea and not just the drink but the whole British tea-time ritual, and she lives in a big aubergine (don't call it purple) Victorian house. Then she installs a particularly ugly red door with interesting carvings on the back of her house and her whole life is transformed. When she walks through the door, instead of her garden, she discovers a small farmhouse amid a Kansas wheat field. There is also a mailbox. When she receives a letter from her new neighbour, it begins an adventure that will take her half way across the country and one hundred years back in time.

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is the debut novel by Scott Wilbanks and what a fun tale it is. It is chock full of misfit characters who, although perhaps somewhat idealized, are extremely likeable. There is also time travel, an interesting mystery, a metaphorically moustache-twirling villain and his equally evil although less loquacious sidekick, and the kind of story that sucks you in right from the first page and keeps you curled up reading late into the night - the perfect anytime read when you want something light but satisfying.

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster

I had a difficult time following along in the beginning of the story, which may be less the fault of the book and more my own. Once I got into the swing of things, however, I fell in love with this book. I read about 5 books a month and few have caught my attention as much as this book has. I fell in love with Annie and her beautiful world in California. I loved the idea of a time traveling door. What I would give to see some of my loved ones again! I couldn't imagine time traveling back a decade or so. But what an adventure she had! I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. The imagery and character development were excellent. I look forward to reading more from Scott Wilbanks.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Imagine stepping outside your house and seeing...another place and time. This happened to Annie Aster after purchasing a "magical" door from an antique store. This door allows Annie to travel back in time where she sees history...her history..unfolding. Mr. Wilbanks writes so well that for the most part, the characters are well developed (it took awhile for my to full understand the character of Edmond). Through the many plot twists and turns, and the time travel back and forth from, Mr. Wilbanks kept me turning page after page to find out what would happen next...and where! To tell much more of the story would be giving it away. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is that there were a few parts that seemed to drag a little. But that still didn't keep me from wanting to turn the pages. Is there a sequel in the works? I sure hope so! Looking forward to reading more by this author!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fabulous! This was a cleverly and eloquently written mix of time travel, mystery, murder & friendship. Whoa! That's a lot to work in, though the author made it work and will draw you into this magical world.
Two women, with distance and a hundred years between them, must communicate through time to solve a mystery, yet this is just the start of the book.
The writing is descriptive & captivating, the characters are well developed and this book moves fast with lots of twists and turns you won't see coming. You might even need a box of tissues.
If you're put off by the notion of time travel, set that aside for just a bit and give this book a try. This book leaves you with a different outlook on life and the world.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book captured my heart from beginning to end, a creative tour de force. The plot is richly imagined, full of twists and turns in both time and circumstance. I loved the main characters—Annie, Elsbeth, Christian, and Edmond—with their eccentricities and good heartedness, and all have secrets they prefer to hide. There’s nothing predictable or commonplace about this story, which is one of the many reasons I’d highly recommend it.

I don’t know of many authors who could pull off a story that includes elements of history, time travel, suspense, and fantasy. And Wilbanks accomplishes all this with writing that is both elegant and entertaining. I’m also a fan of books that incorporate letter-writing in some way, (maybe in the hope that the art of letters won’t disappear,) and wished for the letter box in Annie and Elsbeth’s backyards to suddenly appear in my own. That, and a specific red door from an antique shop in San Francisco.

This memorable story has accomplished everything I want from a novel with characters I missed as soon as I closed the book. I can’t wait for the next one by Wilbanks.

An odd cast of characters that charm and a off kilter look at time travel that engages nicely makes this a strong and enjoyable read.

Wilbanks takes the time travel element and roots it deeply as he builds a rather unique tale around it. Yet the premise remains almost light to the point of negligible. It always is the main part in many ways and still manages to take a back seat. Meaning this is hardly a 'fantasy' novel or even really a 'time travel' novel to me in that it simply does not matter in many ways. The separation does. And the separation could work if it was messages in a bottle. Wilbanks does that good of a job in crafting great vivid (yet not overwhelming or overly quirky for cute characters for me) characters that managed to intrigue as much as they entertained.

Perfectly paced for the most part, I did find some overly deliberately muddling towards the end. I felt the author didn't want to be as definitive (sequelitis perhaps) in the ending as I think the story demanded. Still an incredibly enjoyable read.

I really wasn't expecting The Lemoncholy of Annie Aster to be as good as it was. I'd initially requested a review copy based on the gorgeous looking front cover, and intriguing title, but put it on the back burner to read later. However the publisher asked me if I'd like to take part in a 'book tour' for the title and I said that I would. I'm so glad the book leaped to the top of the list as I simply loved its charm and innocence from the outset.

The characterisation in The Lemoncholy of Annie Aster is fabulous. The characters are fabulously-drawn, and so vivid they are easy to picture as real people. I found them and the story totally charming and compelling.

The Lemoncholy of Annie Aster is set in two time frames, the present and the early 1900's. It is a delightful tale about true friendships and finding your place in the world, with magic, time travel, a murder mystery, oh and a romance, or two along the way. The Lemoncholy of Annie Aster had me reading well into the early hours and I just hated to put it down.

The characters are a mixed band of misfits, from Annie, a throw back to the Victorian era with a dress style and lifestyle to match; her best friend Christian an amnesiac with a severe stutter; Elsbeth the widower in Kansas to whom Annie corresponds via time-travel mailboxes; Cap'n, a street-wise urchin, and the dastardly Mr Culler with his psychotic sidekick Mr Danyer.

Annie, gets more excitement and adventure than she ever dreamed imaginable with her impulse purchase of an antique door she installs as her back door. A door with magical properties ... a time travel portal passing through Annie's San Franciscan back yard to a wheat field in Kansas from a century before.

With help from her best friend Christian and some lively compatriots they meet along the way, they endeavour to solve the problematic mysteries which present themselves at practically every turn.

As for my favourite character I would find it difficult to choose between Annie, Elsbeth and Christian as they were all equally endearing and compelling in their own right. I loved them all for their unique and peculiar traits: Annie for her vulnerability but no messing strength of character and drive, Elsbeth for her initial feistiness who then transforms into a caring motherly figure, and Christian for his sensitivity. He is perhaps the most complex character. Fiercely loyal to his friends he also a loner and lacks confidence in himself and is torn about what he should do regarding his personal relationships. Christian is definitely a character I'd like to know more about.

There are a number of supporting characters and so much going on that I had to, at times, give it my full attention or lose track of the relationships and events occurring due to the complexity of the story line.

The Lemonscholy Life of Annie Aster is a delightful, feel-good, heart-warming tale. Thoroughly entertaining, and enchanting, it is the perfect Summer read.

I look forward to seeing what Scott Wilbanks comes up with next. Another instalment of Annie Aster perhaps, but whatever it is I'm sure it'll be another gem I'll not want to miss.

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of The Lemoncholy of Annie Aster was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review.

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is so wonderfully crafted that I didn't want it to end. Each character, even minor ones, are incredibly fleshed out, but one character really came to life for me over all others. Elspeth Grundy is perhaps the best written and most entertaining character I have encountered since I first met Augustus 'Gus' McCrae in Lonesome Dove.

There is nothing worse for a listener than finding such a well written book that has been voiced by a mediocre narrator. Luckily, that is not the case here. Tavia Gilbert had never failed to draw me into a book. This time her performance dragged me so deeply into the story that it was dangerous to listen while I was driving.

The title, though frankly I would change it, is synecdochal for the book. (I might have made up that word, but he started it with "lemoncholy"!). "The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster" is quirky, intriguing, and at first glance, pretty smartly thought out--but ultimately, it's just a little TOO cute, and gets in its own way a bit. All of that is as equally true of the book as of the title itself.

Probably all you need to know to decide of this book is for you is that Annie Aster, who lives in modern-day San Francisco, enjoys wearing Victorian-style sateen dresses--excuse me, gowns. Turns out, it's NOT just because she's out-hipstered the hipsters!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a wonderfully written, multilayered story. The characters are well developed and interesting. I enjoyed Mr. Wilbanks's writing style. The pace and construction kept me hooked so I didn't worry about when or how other aspects would come together. I did find myself flipping back at times to double check details because I got a little lost, but that didn't detract terribly from the overall story. I recommend this for some good fall reading; I think it's a fantastic read to curl up with on a rainy day. Make yourself some tea and dive in.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was super excited to read this book because I was really interested in how this was going to work. By that I mean, how this crossing of time periods was going to work out. That's what pushed me forward in this. And then, along the way I met some pretty awesome characters from, what it seems like, all walks of life. You become attached to these people and are eager to learn more about their stories, but all the while there is an exciting and suspenseful plot playing along. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, so I think I will leave it at that. I'd recommend for literally anyone and everyone. It was fun and also was easy to follow along with. 5 stars from me.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very intriguing book. I enjoyed the characters and the premise of the story. If you enjoy stories dealing with fantasy and time travel, you will enjoy this well written book. The characters are rich and well developed. The story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Within the story is a mystery that must be solved in one time to protect those in the other. Though a bit confusing at first, the stories of the main characters begin to weave in and out of the storyline and eventually come together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there is another from this talented writer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful work of writing! Scott Wilbanks has broken the mold with his debut novel, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster. Set in both San Francisco and rural Kansas, the leading characters are enmeshed in a satisfyingly surprising story with twists and turns that the reader won't soon forget. Not to mention that they are worlds (and 100 years!) apart. Wilbanks has done an amazing job of of bringing these worlds and characters to life. The riveting story, coupled with the author's lovely and almost classical use of language, will captivate you at once. Wilbanks has truly honored his calling as a writer, and I look forward to more from him! I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very intriguing book. I enjoyed the characters and the premise of the story. If you enjoy stories dealing with fantasy and time travel, you will enjoy this well written book. The characters are rich and well developed. The story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Within the story is a mystery that must be solved in one time to protect those in the other. Though a bit confusing at first, the stories of the main characters begin to weave in and out of the storyline and eventually come together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope there is another from this talented writer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful work of writing! Scott Wilbanks has broken the mold with his debut novel, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster. Set in both San Francisco and rural Kansas, the leading characters are enmeshed in a satisfyingly surprising story with twists and turns that the reader won't soon forget. Not to mention that they are worlds (and 100 years!) apart. Wilbanks has done an amazing job of of bringing these worlds and characters to life. The riveting story, coupled with the author's lovely and almost classical use of language, will captivate you at once. Wilbanks has truly honored his calling as a writer, and I look forward to more from him! I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is one of the strangest, most thrilling books I have read in a long time. It is amazing to experience a story that captures and thrives for attention in its first few pages. I could not put this book down because the language of the work was pleasing to read and imagine. The characters in this story are remarkable individuals as well, each with their own unique personality. Annie Aster is a young woman living in San Francisco circa 1995 who experiences the peculiar issue of time travel in her backyard. The other side of her backyard leads readers to Elsbeth Grundy and her farmhouse in Kansas during the 1890s.

Scott Wilbanks, the author, is able to apply a new twist to time travel and the idea of friendship across seventy years. Annie and Elsbeth at first, do not seem like a great pair until they start to work towards a common goal. They both want to understand why their homes are connected. I really liked this novel because it contains fantasy, mystery, and a journey towards discovering the truth. I would rate this book a four because it grasped my attention easily. I would suggest this novel to fantasy readers who want to discover a story that always has you hoping and laughing. In all, I would highly recommend The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster to anyone who wants to read about an unlikely pair that experiences time travel with a twist of mystery.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a beautifully written piece of fiction. I have to say that at first the title and cover intrigued me, however, when I discovered that it was a time travel book, I was less interested. I generally don't like sci-fi, time travel, etc. This book is my new exception. The characters are wonderful. I love that they are all misfits and work together so beautifully. I love the narration of the book. It is witty, funny, intelligent, and a joy to read. This is one of those books that you start reading, can't put down, and when you're finished, your perception of the book and the world is different. I highly recommend this book.

Fantasy fiction at its best! I loved the book The characters were wonderfully portrayed with humanness, that I understood well, to the spot where I wanted to learn more about them. The main center of the novel was Anne Aster and her charm and love for everyone was one I wanted to root for, even though she wasn't always right in her decisions. She dared to go and trusted everyone in her path, sometimes foolishly. Sometimes I got a little lost in the characters, but following the story closely, I caught on quickly. Another one by this author would please me! I would recommend this for teenagers and up as good, clean reading with lots of twists and turns to keep pages going.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. I found the plot to be pretty predictable and while most of the characters were interesting enough to keep me reading to the end, some of the characters just fell completely flat. The title character, Annie Aster, was fairly well written, but I almost feel like she was overshadowed by all the other characters in the story. The book was also pretty long and slow in parts. I think because I found it so predictable, I was just waiting for the (predictable) resolution to finally arrive. That being said, there were a few characters who were very endearing, engaging and/or entertaining and the premise was interesting as well. This book really just needed a much more critical editor.

This book had me from start to finish. The characters were all so complex, and the setting so well developed -- I could see and feel what was happening as I turned every page. Everything also fit together perfectly by the end that I was completely satisfied.

I loved the relationship between Annie and her friends and family. I loved how she could see the big picture, while others seemed so focused on the here and now.

I will read whatever else Scott Wilbanks writes from here on out!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for an airplane or summer read-- it was perfect for my cross country flight in December!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's been a while since I've been this taken with a novel. Wilbanks whisked me right into the topsy-turvy world of Annie Aster, and I couldn't have been more delighted. The novel's plot is built on a very unusual penpal relationship, which opens the door for the fantasy aspects of the novel. While the tale Wilbanks weaves is intriguing in and of itself, it is the beauty of the prose that really captured my imagination. He describes wheat fields with the same poetic nuances that he uses to unveil the essence of his characters. The result is simply beautiful writing.

Mixed in with fantasy and whimsy are the real-life aspects of isolation, friendship, forgiveness and healing. All the characters carry with them a certain amount of pain, which makes them believable and endearing. The book lends itself to cheering on the underdog and the hopeful feeling that good (and love) might actually win.

As I've found with so many stories I've loved, I wasn't quite ready for it to end. In fact, the ending felt abrupt and somehow incomplete, although I'm not sure I would have found any ending to this novel fully satisfying (which, I suppose, might be praise in its own right).

What a delight this novel turned out to be. I am already looking forward to Wilbanks' next one.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

What a great read. From special friendships to a bit of romance. From misfits trying their best to fit in to a magic door that changes everything. It is all wrapped up in this excellent novel. Annie is a loner with only one close friend, Christian. Christian has a speech impediment that makes it hard to communicate with just about everybody, except Annie. But into their lives come Edmond, Cap'n, and Elsbeth, each with their own private issues, yet lives that in one way or another intertwine with Annie's. I very much enjoyed this novel, which was unlike any story I have ever read. If you are looking for a good read as an escape, or a book that makes you think this is it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I could remember who told me to read this book. I will be forever in gratitude for having discovered a writer who really knows how to put words together is such a sparkling, smashing way.

At once it is intelligent, funny and heart-warming. Throw in a little physics, a lot of time travel and a fantastic cast of characters. They are all devoted to each other and will stop at no brave deed to protect each other.

It was a page-turner, too. Literally. I could not put the book down once I was half-way through. It had a certain Penelope Pitstop ring to it...a crisis a minute with a creative mind-blowing solution for each crisis.

Warning: There might be spoilers. I did not want this to end! I was not expecting the story line at all. It's a great story idea with good twists and turns and makes you get involved with the characters. I like how you immediately know that there's something different about Annie, but you're just not quite sure what. Then there are all the "broken wings" she gathers around her, the web of all their lives entangling in a beautiful pattern. I liked how Mr. Wilbanks touched on the moral and physical complications of using such a doorway and yet realizes that human nature being what it is that people would still use it. They might not be able to change history, but they would still try. But the idea that Annie and her grandmother would use it to share a life they were originally denied is heartwarming and beautiful and extremely funny. I love that even with great responsibility and the power of the cosmos around them helping them discover the secrets of the door they did not stop using it or feel guilty or morally compromised. And because after their first attempt to change history didn't work I think they realized that they shouldn't keep trying, although in their own way they fixed the wrongs done. I liked that Mr. Wilbanks wove threads through all the different eras tangling Annie up and giving her a reason to be "selfish" and get the help she needed to live and experience all the things she missed. The subplots were good, stand alone stories that only made the main story more rich and I liked that even though Annie was engulfed in this weird situation it didn't stop her from caring about her little family. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

Scott Wilbanks has written a unique, one of a kind story that captured my heart. It is a tale of two women who find themselves locked together in a specific time described as a "hiccup" in the universe. They soon stumble upon a murder and a mystery that binds them together. I liked the numerous little plot twists and the way the mystery was carefully revealed. The author writes in an easy to read format, while describing breath-taking vibrancy. A brilliant, creative little book that will ultimately entertain! Highly recommended. Thank you to the author and publisher. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What drew me to this book was its title. I was immediately drawn to wanting to know more. With its contemporary look, it is a pleasant surprise to be a historical fantasy with an element of both present day and Victorian era. As a debut novel, Wilbanks did a fantastic job out of the starting gate, His writing style lent itself greatly to this plot and he does a great job keeping the reader entertained throughout with his vivid imagery. I also enjoyed that the characters and the extra mystery/suspense that was thrown in.

If you are a fan of historical fantasy, this book is right up your alley.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

What a great cast of characters from misplaced heros to cunning, captivating villains. I love the camaraderie of Annie and her friends, both new and old, as they travel back and forth through time in often failed attempts to right wrongs. Annie tries to trick time, but it has a few surprises for her waiting on both sides of its mysterious door.

Welcome to the world of Annie Aster where not everything is as it seems. Annie isn't as she seems either. A house appears in her fields and she's getting letters from a woman a century ago. Go back in time to figure out the mystery of the magic door, how Annie and Elsbeth are intertwined and meet some other great characters a long the way.

I was very fortunate to FaceTime with this author and also hear the story about how the book came to be, who he modeled the characters after and what drives him as an author. Great fantasy read!

In The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster, author Scott Wilbanks takes us on an exciting romp with a group of unconventional time travelers. This is a delightful tale, but to fully enjoy the story, you have to resist the urge to question the naive characters' acceptance of anything they are told with very little evidence. Miracles and coincidences abound within the pages of this book.

Reading this magical story is like watching the flowers in Annie rose garden bloom. Each petal opens to reveal new and exciting possibilities. I highly recommend this book.

The book jacket can't even begin to express how interesting and well written this book is. From it, I expected a good read, but by the third chapter, I knew it was going to surprise and delight me. I've been reading it in every spare moment and loving the dickens out of it, and now that it's over I don't want to say goodbye to the wonderful characters inside. A little hero worship to the author, wow you know how to write 'em! Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars: read the Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster, NOW! You will be glad you made her acquaintance! I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

I fell in love with this book the moment I saw the title. Thankfully, it held up to its promise.

Wilbanks is a deft and beautiful writer and storyteller. He packs his sentences with gorgeous imagery, but also knows when less is more. He also masterfully switched between several different voices and characters. Each felt distinct and authentic and I never felt that one was given short shrift.

As for the story, it surprised me more times than I count. I tend to be one of those annoying, know-it-all types that thinks they can see it coming, whatever it is. And while I was able to predict some turns, there were many times I did not see a twist or a turn coming. This was even after attending a reading by Wilbanks wherein he shared a lot of information about the book. I don't want to give anything away, so I will remain quiet about those. For those I could see coming (i.e., Annie's true nature), it never felt like Wilbanks wasn't able to carry the suspense or to pull off a surprise. Rather, it felt like, as a reader, I was being adequately prepared for it and it was a sight on the horizon that drew closer as I moved on.

Wilbanks also has a strong sense of place. The story moves back and forth not only in time, but between San Francisco and Kansas. He describes each place with visceral and evocative description.

My only issue with the book is that I am a sensitive sort and his gift at detailed description included some things I would rather not have described (such as items in Culler's office) and not in such detail. There was also a scene at the end of the book that had me initiate a conversation with my husband about whether or not it was a realistic murder attempt. Those, though, are two very minor issues with what is an excellent, readable (I could hardly put it down), and beautiful book. If I had not Wilbanks say that it took him nine years to write this, I would not have believed it was a debut. It is expertly crafted and I highly recommend it.

What should we expect from a debut novel when we pick it up for the first time? An overwhelming rush of new talent that spills from the pages, dazzles our senses and overwhelms our intellect? A roller coaster ride that grips us from paragraph one and never lets go like the latest Hollywood action blockbuster that’s all special effects? If that’s your favourite sort of read, then don’t pick up the Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster.

Rather, if you prefer a meticulously crafted, layer on layer of subtle theme and a thought-provoking yet still entertaining and intriguing read, that builds to a well supported crescendo and denouement, but still leaves you wanting more, then this is your must-read of the year.
The language, the phrasing, the characters, the plot come from a charmingly eccentric world that spans two vastly different eras and yet flows with an ease that belies the fact that this is Scott Wilbank’s first novel. A second and third or more reading will surely uncover details and delights that might have not been so obvious on the first read.

The cast of richly portrayed characters begs for not only a sequel, but translation to the screen which would do full justice to this fascinating murder-mystery thriller that just happens to involve time travel through a magical portal that bends space and time in an intriguing way.

Just remember though, don’t approach this in too much haste – slow your reading pace and enjoy the richness of all on offer.

Annie Aster is a unique girl with unique friends and now, a unique wheat pasture in her modern-day San Francisco garden. Even more unique are the letters Annie receives from the widowed school teacher living on the other side of the wheat pasture in the 1890s! Thus opens Scott Wilbanks’ highly unique story of time travel, crime fighting, family bonds and romantic love. Annie’s indomitable spirit really carries this book, introducing whimsy and humor when the story bogs and originality when triteness creeps. I recommend this book for light reading.

I loved this book! I really wasn't sure what to expect, I really enjoy historical fiction and suspense which is why I thought I would enjoy this book and I was right. I will be honest that it took me a little while to get into the story line and I found myself not really excited about the book until maybe 100 pages in but once I was hooked I couldn't put the book down. The author does a wonderful job of developing the characters, so much so that after the book ended I was still thinking about Annabell. The book opens in San Franscisco with Annie going about her usual business and suddenly finding a corn field, I kept thinking about what I would do in this case and I think I would have called a friend to make sure I wasn't crazy. The pen pal relationship that begins between Annie and her new pen pal from the 1890s is quite entertaining. I think this book will appeal to a wide variety of readers as it has history, suspense and well developed characters. I would definitely recommend this book for a book club as well. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Just finished reading this amazing book! So many things I loved about it! A brilliant time travel plot, magic, enchanting yet very real characters, mystery, redemption, love, and I could go on and on but I'll stop here. Scott Wilbanks' characters will stay with you long after you close the book. The villain is as evil a character as you could want, with a twist! The main characters are complex, flawed, vulnerable, and endearing. They are so relatable that I found myself caught up in their story. I can't wait for Scott's next novel!

If you've stumbled across this wonderful book - you're in luck. I read constantly - and nothing but fiction -- but I've never written a review on the store. I liked this book so much - that here I am. What makes it such a good read? The book is a delight from start to finish. The characters are so deeply and perfectly drawn that it was a joy to "hang out" with them. The book is funny, touching - and exciting! (There are a few nasty characters, too.) I was reminded of the Flavia de Luce books - but with more substance and bite.

Wilbanks is a skilled writer. A description of a neighborhood yard full of boys & girls: "In one yard, an explosion of freckles, pigtails, and high-octane squeals played freeze tag in a brazen choreography of youth."

His story weaves back and forth between two times and places, but he draws them together cohesively - with several unanticipated surprises along the way.

So take out that credit card and do yourself a favor Click BUY. You won't regret it. "Yo, Mr. Wilbanks! When can we expect book #2? I can't wait."

David Fenster, author of Mehera-Meher: A Divine Romance

Weeks after reading this book I’m still thinking about the story. It’s a loving celebration of an immutable truth, that family is defined by who shows up in your life year after year, even if you’re separated by half a continent and a century in time.

There is an ensemble cast of characters who the author breathes life into in the same way that Armisted Maupin turned "Tales of the City’s" transplanted eccentrics into a cohesive family.

Every character has style and wit, few plot twists can be predicted no matter how clear the foreshadowing. The book is beautifully written, the protagonists endearing. their antagonists interesting and everyone is colorful.

I really enjoyed The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster - I honestly had the hardest time putting it down. With endearing characters and a continuously surprising plot, the reader is constantly entertained by the fantastic story and thoroughly enthralled in each suspenseful encounter. The relationships between Annie, Christian and Edmond and the developments that bring them closer and closer together really build on each other, and the authenticity of the characters is refreshing. This book was a true pleasure to read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This Book was very interesting. It was one that I could not tell what was going to happen. This is one of the first books that I have read where I was truly surprised by how the story played out. I enjoyed the characters in the book as they were well thought out and described well in the book. The story line was well thought out and I was pleased at how it ended. I enjoy when a book ties up all the lose ends and this book did that well. The book was well written and overall just a good book to sit down to read. I found it hard to put it down.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a delightful book! Scott Wilbanks does a spectacular job of world building and the reader becomes immersed. The characters leap into your imagination and take hold. His descriptions anchor you to the page making you want to read "just a little bit longer." (past your your bedtime, past the time you need to leave to get them from school, wait... do they actually NEED dinner.) Nicely done, I completely enjoyed it.

What a surprise to read this charming adventure. At first the characters seem quirky, even odd: Annie who dresses in Victorian clothes, Christian who finds it hard to speak without stuttering, and Elsbeth, a lonely old widow from a century ago.
But along with a group of other delightful characters, who travel through a mysterious door and try to solve a murder that may not yet have happened in the past, they come together and support each other against the calculating evil of Mr Culler and his bloodthirsty offsider.
I found the premise of the novel highly original and the characters most engaging. The affirming idea that family is not just limited to those with blood ties and that no matter a persons past, these things can be overcome and what matters is actions in the present and the future.
Also the writing is fresh and at times seems to bounce off the page with the author's obvious joy at putting words together on the page.
There is a lot of life left in these characters, and I look forward to reading where this door may take them in the future (or the past!)

I enjoy time travel stories so I thought I would enjoy this. Sure enough, I did! The characters were great and made you want to stand on the sidelines and cheer for them. I loved the role each one played. I'll definitely read more writings of Scott Wilbanks. Marilyn Grable

Scott Wilbanks' debut novel is a delightful and refreshing exploration of some familair concepts such as loyalty, friendship and ... time travel! Centred around a group of quirky self-described misfits as they try to solve the mystery of a murder that somehow connects them through time, this beautifully written piece is testament to the power of strong characters, and the bonds they form as they share this wild adventure across space and time. Highly exhilarating, warmly humorous and occasionally deeply moving, Mr. Wilbanks has created a one-of-a-kind original that leaves the reader completely charmed by the players, wanting to explore more and hoping the adventure never ends.

Wow...what a unique and different book. There's most likely at least one character you will be able to relate to, at least a little bit. Scott's writing and language is so lyrical making this such an enjoyable read. If you are looking for an entertaining story that stands out from the crowd, this is it! And reading about Scott himself is as intriguing as his book!!!

I was loaned this book by a friend and I fell in love with it.. time travel. Mystery. literature. Friendship. I don't know how he wove this all together, but I am so grateful he did, I want to read more of his work. Highly recommend.

This book was a lot of fun to read and wow, there is a LOT of plot and quite a few memorable characters expertly packed into it. I am partial to quirky characters and the time-travel aspect was a definite plus. Annie, Elsbeth, Christian, Cap'n, and Edmond are people I'd like to know in real life and I think I'd fit right in with them. I loved the writing style and language used and will be recommending this book to my friends.

A wonderful story filled with characters that felt more like people I'd be friends with than characters on a page. There was a great plot with lots of unexpected twists and turns, surprises galore, descriptions that were positively lyrical and a magical door---seriously, what more can anyone want! Honestly, I loved the book and am looking very forward to more!

A completely unique novel filled with engaging characters and beautifully descriptive language. I'm a sucker for interesting words, and this book is loaded with them (I knew it was going to be good the minute I saw 'lemoncholy' right on the front cover). The plot gets you hooked early, and there are some good twists that keep things interesting towards the end. Well worth the read, and the reread as soon as I get around to it. Can't wait for the next one!

Chock full of unforgettable characters, twists and turns. I am in awe of the creative way he folds time and plot lines back upon each other and connects them all together so smoothly. I could always see that something was coming, but not once did I see what it was. Well done!

I’m not normally a fan of time-travel novels, mainly because I don’t like getting bogged down in the science, but this book is different. It’s, first and foremost, a character driven story about misfits, societal outcasts who find a family in one another across time. Frankly, it’s one of the most delightfully, imaginative novels I’ve read in recent memory. The story is unlike anything else I’ve come across, the author’s narrative voice is unlike anyone’s, and his writing is sublime. As to the characters? Each is perfectly flawed, and perfectly lovable.

Seriously, if you are tired of the same old, same old, and you are prepared to find yourself laughing one minute, and crying the next, look no further.

f you enjoy time travel, quirky, yet delightful characters, as well as a book that creates thoughtful discussions throughout, then The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is right up your alley. Annie Aster offers us a look at her non-conformist life in 1995, where Elsbeth Grundy offers her vision of life in 1895. How these two "meet up" and explore what it is that links them together is amazing and delightful. Though the book starts off rather slowly, stick with it to find what extraordinary things happen when two worlds collide. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Authors: Those fascinating individuals who create whole worlds with their words. People who conjure up characters and relationships from thin air, put them in fascinating situations, develop multiple plot lines,and somehow connect it all.

In The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster, Scott Wilbanks has developed characters we care about. He tells his story in rich, picture-painting prose. Characters range from timid and gentle to crafty and demented. This is only his first novel, but I already know that I will add Wilbanks to my list of
"to read" authors: McCall Smith, Picoult, Rowling, Stein.

I loved the story of Annie Aster and Elsbeth! I could not put the book down! The heartwarming story of time travel, friendship and a mystery to solve. Mr. Wilbanks created all these characters to shine! Annie had no idea she owned a letterbox or she had a new neighbor! This was an enchanting story I enjoyed reading because these two had a mystery to solve which connects them both before one of them is convicted of a crime that has yet to happen! A magical adventure for me!

A completely unique novel filled with engaging characters and beautifully descriptive language. I'm a sucker for interesting words, and this book is loaded with them (I knew it was going to be good the minute I saw 'lemoncholy' right on the front cover). The plot gets you hooked early, and there are some good twists that keep things interesting towards the end. Well worth the read, and the reread as soon as I get around to it. Can't wait for the next one!

Chock full of unforgettable characters, twists and turns. I am in awe of the creative way he folds time and plot lines back upon each other and connects them all together so smoothly. I could always see that something was coming, but not once did I see what it was. Well done!

I’m not normally a fan of time-travel novels, mainly because I don’t like getting bogged down in the science, but this book is different. It’s, first and foremost, a character driven story about misfits, societal outcasts who find a family in one another across time. Frankly, it’s one of the most delightfully, imaginative novels I’ve read in recent memory. The story is unlike anything else I’ve come across, the author’s narrative voice is unlike anyone’s, and his writing is sublime. As to the characters? Each is perfectly flawed, and perfectly lovable.

Seriously, if you are tired of the same old, same old, and you are prepared to find yourself laughing one minute, and crying the next, look no further.

f you enjoy time travel, quirky, yet delightful characters, as well as a book that creates thoughtful discussions throughout, then The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is right up your alley. Annie Aster offers us a look at her non-conformist life in 1995, where Elsbeth Grundy offers her vision of life in 1895. How these two "meet up" and explore what it is that links them together is amazing and delightful. Though the book starts off rather slowly, stick with it to find what extraordinary things happen when two worlds collide. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Authors: Those fascinating individuals who create whole worlds with their words. People who conjure up characters and relationships from thin air, put them in fascinating situations, develop multiple plot lines,and somehow connect it all.

In The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster, Scott Wilbanks has developed characters we care about. He tells his story in rich, picture-painting prose. Characters range from timid and gentle to crafty and demented. This is only his first novel, but I already know that I will add Wilbanks to my list of
"to read" authors: McCall Smith, Picoult, Rowling, Stein.

I loved the story of Annie Aster and Elsbeth! I could not put the book down! The heartwarming story of time travel, friendship and a mystery to solve. Mr. Wilbanks created all these characters to shine! Annie had no idea she owned a letterbox or she had a new neighbor! This was an enchanting story I enjoyed reading because these two had a mystery to solve which connects them both before one of them is convicted of a crime that has yet to happen! A magical adventure for me!

Absolutely everything you could ever want in a novel--an advanced plot line with mystery, suspense, twists and turns, time travel, romance, beautiful imagery, and unconditional family love. This book was exciting and captivating and outright amazing. I just couldn't put it down! Definitely a story I'd read again!!

What a fantastic book!!! The characters of Annie and Christian are written so beautifully that it's hard not to feel like you really know them. Such wonderful twists all throughout the book kept me wanting more and more. I devoured this book in just a few hours because I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to see what he writes next.

This was a brilliant debut novel. I fell in love with Annie and all the dynamic characters and cannot wait for the next installment into Wilbanks' wonderfully colorful world. I highly recommend this amazing multi-genre novel.

A heart-warming novel about love, loss and second chances. I loved how author Scott Wilbanks paid homage to Albert Einstein & entwined his phenomenal quote: "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."

I loved this book and was thoroughly engaged and entertained. Wilbanks has a lovely way of pulling the reader in with interesting characters, details, and plot lines, and crosses genres effortlessly. The strong female protagonists and supporting characters have flaws and human failings which give them dimension and -- well -- humanity. I know summer is over (this is a good beach read), but this is a great book to escape into any time of year. Looking forward to seeing what else Wilbanks has up his sleeve for future books!

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is a magically inventive delight. In his debut novel, Scott Wilbanks transports us through an enchanting realm of time travel. Through his ingenious plot and cast of characters, he adroitly makes the impossible…completely believable!
– Gail Marten

I ended up getting this book after meeting the author at a book signing through a friend of a friend...both he and the book are fantastic! I am an avid reader, and read all genres. I don't do many reviews, but had to share about this one. I read it in two nights, would have been quicker but my eyes gave up before my brain...
If you are looking for a well developed fun read with some unexpected fun, please pick up this book. You won't be disappointed...I promise.

I loved this book. It has great characters, and a lively plot that takes the reader back and forth between 1895 and 1995. Fun twists and turns in the story, with some nice surprises. A good read that I recommend to anyone who loves what I term "realistic fantasy".

I couldn't put this book down! It was well written and thought provoking. The characters were interesting as they represented a cross section of society that people could relate to on a personal level. I loved the way the story took the reader from one time zone to another and how the relationships between people were developed. As the reader, I was involved in the lives of all the characters from the first page.

It's not often that I don't finish a book, but I could not finish this one. I made it exactly half way through before I threw in the towel. When I saw the book in the bookstore, the title just drew me in. I am a fan of Alice Hoffman and I enjoy a little magical realism now and then. One other reviewer referenced the book as being in the same genre as the The Night Circus. I didn't find that to be true. I loved The Night Circus and it was much darker than The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster. I never bonded with any of the characters in this book and I think that's because there weren't any in-depth connections with any of them. Who was Annie? What was her illness? Is Christian her boyfriend? Is he gay? Where did Edmond come from? It was all too vague and confusing for me to ever be interested in any of them. I particularly didn't like the time travel aspect with the character 'Cap'n.' Those scenes just seemed like episodes from The Little Rascals. The bottom line is that I could never sink my teeth into this story. It felt like there were too many different storylines going on and I just couldn't make their connections fit.

One of the many, many joys of this novel is that is has something for everyone: time travel, sci-fi, fantasy, history, mystery and humor. Not inly does it hit its mark, it nails the landing. Can I say I couldn't put it down? "Lemoncholy" compels you to turn the next page. And the next. And the next...

Amazing first Novel. I dont tend to make time for reading but I couldn't put this down. My partner was a little annoyed as we were at the beach. Such great characters and plot twists. Once you get into it your are hooked through to the end. Congratulations Scott on your first book. Cant wait to get the next one.

Scott Wilbanks first book is great!! Love the letters back and forth between 2 woman in different times. Love the band of misfits that all fit together. Can't wait to see where the loose ends come together in a 2nd book.... please!!!!!

I liked a whole lot of this book, but I must admit that it was confusing for me as well. It reminded me of that movie the Lake House they kept leaving letters for each other, even though they actually lived during different times. This author took it a little further and made it not a romance, but a murder by a greedy serial killer. While I enjoyed it, I was also glad to be done with it. I guess it was just a little far fetched for me.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Warning: There might be spoilers. I did not want this to end! I was not expecting the story line at all. It's a great story idea with good twists and turns and makes you get involved with the characters. I like how you immediately know that there's something different about Annie, but you're just not quite sure what. Then there are all the "broken wings" she gathers around her, the web of all their lives entangling in a beautiful pattern. I liked how Mr. Wilbanks touched on the moral and physical complications of using such a doorway and yet realizes that human nature being what it is that people would still use it. They might not be able to change history, but they would still try. But the idea that Annie and her grandmother would use it to share a life they were originally denied is heartwarming and beautiful and extremely funny. I love that even with great responsibility and the power of the cosmos around them helping them discover the secrets of the door they did not stop using it or feel guilty or morally compromised. And because after their first attempt to change history didn't work I think they realized that they shouldn't keep trying, although in their own way they fixed the wrongs done. I liked that Mr. Wilbanks wove threads through all the different eras tangling Annie up and giving her a reason to be "selfish" and get the help she needed to live and experience all the things she missed. The subplots were good, stand alone stories that only made the main story more rich and I liked that even though Annie was engulfed in this weird situation it didn't stop her from caring about her little family. I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

I loved The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster. The intriguing title, wonderful cover, and all the good things I'd heard about the author made me excited to read this novel, but it was even better than I expected. This story had everything you want in a novel, including magic, mystery, love, and friendship. Annie and Christian were altogether adorable, quirky, and refreshingly honest. The rest of the characters were just as intriguing. I most liked the twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen that kept me turning the pages. This would be a great novel for your bookclub.

If you like quirky characters and fantasy time travel books, you will find this book entertaining. I must admit that it took me awhile to get invested enough in the characters to want to finish it. Midway through, I found that I did want to know what happened and was glad I had not given up. In the beginning I found the author's complex sentence structure hard to follow and had the impression that he had a thesaurus open while writing to find unusual descriptions for simple scenes. By the middle of the story I was either used to the author's style, or he stopped trying to impress the reader with his use of vocabulary. The feeling of drudgery was replaced by interest in the story and I found myself wanting to finish the book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading all the five ?reviews, I was looking forward to reading the book. While the story and characters were interesting, I felt they could have been developed more. I almost felt as if the author was rushing through the story.

I liked most of the characters and wanted to know them better, but I felt as if I were given a sketch rather than a colored drawing

What do you get when you have a magical, time traveling door, a cast of eccentric characters, and unexpected twisting plots (that's right, plural)? You get an amazing debut novel, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster.

What would you do if you awoke one morning to find a Kansa farm house from the 1860s outside your 1990s San Francisco home? Call a doctor? Have a nervous break down? Or would you start to write to your strange new neighbor by placing letters in an old-fashioned mail box? Would you be compelled to cross over to another time?

Scott Wilbanks does an extraordinary job combining elements from several fictional genres (science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary fiction) with a cast of characters, each wounded in their own way. You'll meet Annie, Elspeth, Christian, Edmond, and Cap'n. All have challenges to overcome, some are physical, some are emotional, and some challenges are both. And not all even come from the same time period, although some cross over into two different eras. Very creative.

Wilbanks' writing was incredibly descriptive, and he incorporated a great deal of symbolism throughout the book. The story also brings to light several social issues, allowing readers to understand these issues from another person's point of view and open the "doors" of discussion. The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster is an excellent choice for book clubs and reading groups.

This is an amazing debut novel, and I look forward to more books by the author. He truly has a great career ahead of him. I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's been a while since I've been this taken with a novel. Wilbanks whisked me right into the topsy-turvy world of Annie Aster, and I couldn't have been more delighted. The novel's plot is built on a very unusual penpal relationship, which opens the door for the fantasy aspects of the novel. While the tale Wilbanks weaves is intriguing in and of itself, it is the beauty of the prose that really captured my imagination. He describes wheat fields with the same poetic nuances that he uses to unveil the essence of his characters. The result is simply beautiful writing.

Mixed in with fantasy and whimsy are the real-life aspects of isolation, friendship, forgiveness and healing. All the characters carry with them a certain amount of pain, which makes them believable and endearing. The book lends itself to cheering on the underdog and the hopeful feeling that good (and love) might actually win.

As I've found with so many stories I've loved, I wasn't quite ready for it to end. In fact, the ending felt abrupt and somehow incomplete, although I'm not sure I would have found any ending to this novel fully satisfying (which, I suppose, might be praise in its own right).

What a delight this novel turned out to be. I am already looking forward to Wilbanks' next one.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

​The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster has an interesting take on time travel. Scott Wilbanks has woven a fascinating tale around a magic door. To me the beginning of this story is a little confusing and slow. Once the reader is into Annie's life the pages fly by. Some edge of your seat, some tears, and some laughter make this book totally delightful. I was sad to see the story end.

A heart-warming novel about love, loss and second chances. I loved how author Scott Wilbanks paid homage to Albert Einstein & entwined his phenomenal quote: "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."