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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Leopard at the Door by Jennifer McVeigh


Can you really ​come back home?  Is it always the same or always changed?

Rachel was returning to her childhood home after being in England for six years and living with her maternal grandparents for schooling after her mother had passed away.

Rachel always loved her home in Africa, but coming back didn't seem like the right choice after she met her father's live-in companion, Sara, and with all the upheaval ​and Mau Mau Rebellion.  Sara was not like her sweet, caring mother, and Rachel didn't agree with her father's plan to move all the people who lived and worked on their land to reserves.

We follow Rachel as she fights with her own thoughts about what is right and what is wrong since she returned.

Ms. McVeigh's ​exquisite, vivid​ descriptions of the land and its people of Africa draw you into the book ​as you are mesmerized ​by the lifestyle and landscape.  Her research is marvelous.​ 

The historical aspect was frightening and quite tense as the book neared its ending.  The personal life of Rachel took a turn at the end making me think about how life really does change and wondering if life is ever the same after circumstances fill one's life.
 
​LEOPARD AT THE DOOR is a story of love, secrets, and believing in your decisions and standing by them.  Rachel has a secret that she has kept since her childhood and worries what will happen to her and the person the secret is about if the secret is found out.

LEOPARD AT THE DOOR is a powerful, beautifully crafted book ​that will stay with you and have you looking up facts about the Mau Mau Rebellion.  

LEOPARD AT THE DOOR is recommended for anyone who enjoys a book that pulls at your heart strings, teaches you history, has extraordinary detail, and loves a writing style that is thoroughly absorbing and impeccable.  5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.

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16 comments:

  1. KayJanuary 17, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    I've seen this book around, but think this is first review I've read of it. Sounds really intense and interesting. I'll look for it at my library. Nice review, Elizabeth!

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 17, 2017 at 8:44 AM

      Thanks, Kay.

      It was very good.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete
  2. bermudaonionJanuary 17, 2017 at 7:36 AM

    Oooh, I love books that make me want to learn more!

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 17, 2017 at 8:47 AM

      I never knew of the Mau Mau Rebellion.

      Thanks for stopping, Kathy.

      Delete
  3. Laura at Library of Clean ReadsJanuary 17, 2017 at 8:24 AM

    Your glowing review has convinced me to read this one! I like that the setting is in Africa and that I will learn historical details.

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 17, 2017 at 8:51 AM

      As Ms. McVeigh describes it, the African landscape is beautiful. She makes you feel as if you are there.

      The historical aspect is very interesting.

      Thanks for stopping, Laura.

      Delete
  4. Yvonne @ Fiction Books ReviewsJanuary 17, 2017 at 2:49 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,

    This is a new to me author and whilst the book may not be one of my favourite reading genres, I really like the cover art and enjoy reading about different parts of the World.

    I am definitely going to bear this one in mind for my African collection, so thanks for sharing and for the introduction to the author :)

    Yvonne

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 17, 2017 at 2:55 PM

      That is pretty neat you have collections.

      Her first book, The Fever Tree, is also set in Africa

      It was an interesting book. I learned about the Mau Mau Rebellion which I had never heard of.

      Thanks for stopping, Yvonne.

      Delete
  5. SukoJanuary 17, 2017 at 3:37 PM

    Wonderful review! Rachel sounds like a terrific main character. I'm so glad you enjoyed this book, Elizabeth, as I have it as well (and hope to read it soon).

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  6. ElizabethJanuary 17, 2017 at 3:44 PM

    Thank you, Suko.

    It was good, and I think you will like it too.

    Thanks for stopping, Suko.

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  7. pilch92January 17, 2017 at 8:13 PM

    That sounds like a great book.

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 18, 2017 at 9:05 AM

      It was very interesting.

      Thanks for stopping, Ellen.

      Delete
  8. Mary (Bookfan)January 18, 2017 at 6:50 AM

    You've made me want to read it, Elizabeth. I want to know her secret! I think I'd love being immersed in the setting as well.

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 18, 2017 at 9:05 AM

      :)

      It is a good secret.

      I hope you get to read it.

      Thanks for stopping, Mary.

      Delete
  9. HarveeJanuary 19, 2017 at 6:36 AM

    Have you read any of Tamar Meyers' mysteries set in Africa? Quite good.

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    1. ElizabethJanuary 19, 2017 at 3:29 PM

      I have not, Harvee.

      Thanks for the info. Will take a look at the mysteries.

      Thanks for stopping.

      Delete