Review of Like a Lily Among the Thorns

[SarahAnnHaywood]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Like a Lily Among the Thorns" by Karen S. Bell.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Like a Lily Among the Thorns by Karen S. Bell is a fantasy novel full of magic, positivity, perseverance, love and adventure. Our protagonist Gabby is a young woman for whom life hasn’t been easy. After her father leaves her and her mother for another woman, Gabby’s mom falls into a deep depression and eventually passes away. While Gabby has help from a friend’s family in her teen years, she moves into her twenties on her own, finding work as a librarian and securing a studio apartment for herself and her little dog. Even when she learns she needs to leave her apartment, Gabby’s outlook is cheery, and she knows she’ll be okay.

Gabby soon discovers her father has died and that she has inherited from him a B&B in Vermont. At first reluctant to take on the job of running the inn, Gabby finds support from acquaintances who become staunch friends, and these friends help her get the inn up and running. Throughout the novel we come to understand the very real issues surrounding climate change that are affecting the world. Gabby and her friends encounter signs, symbols, and the appearance of goddesses that make it clear this newly-formed group is destined to come together to combat climate change.

On her life’s journey Gabby discovers new love as well as a confidence in herself she’s not had in the past. A series of difficulties besets Gabby and her group, and they work through each one with caring and an optimistic view.

This novel reads quite easily, but the flowery language can be over-descriptive, and the formality of the characters’ dialogue seems stiff and old-fashioned. I also had trouble with the use of entire chapters to describe secondary characters. These seemed unnecessary and the characters could have been developed within the general storyline. In addition, the specific commission of the group to combat climate change was unclear. The only thing we know for sure is that they are to create a safe haven as the environment becomes less tolerable, but the final paragraphs of the book seem rushed and I didn’t understand the point of the conclusion.

For reasons stated above I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars. The book contains light references to sex but is otherwise suitable for most audiences looking for a fantasy novel that has it all. Enjoy!

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Like a Lily Among the Thorns
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