vanquishingvolumes's review against another edition
3.0
TBR CHALLENGE BOOK 4
Imagine if the precocious oldest sibling miss Violet Beauregard of Series of Unfortunate Events had an identical twin who, instead of being science minded, just wanted to find a home and love much like Meg March of Little Women. Now imagine these sisters have a chance at their dreams, but only one of them is supposed to take it. What’s an identical twin to do but play act as each other to achieve both their dreams? What could go wrong…
Imagine if the precocious oldest sibling miss Violet Beauregard of Series of Unfortunate Events had an identical twin who, instead of being science minded, just wanted to find a home and love much like Meg March of Little Women. Now imagine these sisters have a chance at their dreams, but only one of them is supposed to take it. What’s an identical twin to do but play act as each other to achieve both their dreams? What could go wrong…
mercipourleslivres's review against another edition
4.0
Delightful. This might be the nicest YA period novel I’ve read in ages.
martw4e's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing! It came out just as I was about to give up on finding a new historical fiction book to read, and it was like a drink of water in the desert! The story follows twins Mariah and Sophie, who, kicked out by their foster mom, have to trick their disapproving and emotionally distant aunt into believing they are the same person so that they don't go homeless. Sophie, a budding engineer, wants nothing more than to attend the Great Exhibition while Mariah, easily the calmer twin, wants to pursue her dreams of painting. In between posing for paintings and narrowly avoiding having their cover blown, the sisters meet two separate charming young men who both believe they're interacting with the "real" Sophie Carter.
I adored the characters in this book. The girls have such interesting passions that they work to pursue and meet such interesting characters in their adventures. This book had everything I could want in a YA historical fiction book: a strong female lead (this book had two!), a charming young man (there were also two of these!!), and side characters so interesting you wish they were real. I genuinely adored this book and basically recommend it to anybody I know who likes historical fiction. You should definitely read it!
I adored the characters in this book. The girls have such interesting passions that they work to pursue and meet such interesting characters in their adventures. This book had everything I could want in a YA historical fiction book: a strong female lead (this book had two!), a charming young man (there were also two of these!!), and side characters so interesting you wish they were real. I genuinely adored this book and basically recommend it to anybody I know who likes historical fiction. You should definitely read it!
leslie_books_and_socks_rock's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the book “The Invention of Sophie Carter”. It was described as a Victorian “Parent Trap” with identical twins switching places.
anneenichole's review
1.0
If I had read this at age 10...I might have liked it more. This is a very simple, predictable story consisting of a lot of telling not showing. It's one I might recommend to young girls, but only if they are looking for a (too) fast paced book that reads more like a movie. The lack of descriptions and prose really speak to the "see Jane run" nature of the writing. "Big" words are thrown in to make it seem like it should appeal to an older audience. It doesn't. I was expecting a female "The Importance of Being Ernest" and instead got an elementary Hallmark episode.
missprint_'s review against another edition
5.0
"None of us are the same, and we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. Our comparisons are invariably false when we compare their strengths to our weaknesses."
England, 1851: Orphaned and grudgingly cared for by their reluctant guardian, identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter don't think they need anyone else when they have each other.
What the sisters need, desperately, is a chance at lives filled with more than the drudgery they've known for the last ten years. Sophie dreams of using her clockmaking skills to become a renowned inventor while, with the right instruction, Mariah's artistic talents could make her a leading painter.
Sophie's plan to get them both to London for the summer to see the Queen's Great Exhibition (for Sophie) and London's finest art (for Mariah) almost works. The problem? Their aunt will only accommodate one sister. To avoid separation the girls travel to London together agreeing to take turns being "Sophie."
At first, the plan is simple enough since no one can tell the twins apart. But as Sophie forges an unlikely friendship with businessman Ethan and Mariah warms to their aunt's prickly ward Charles both girls will have to contend with their own feelings and ambitions as well as the two young men who each think they're falling in love with the real Sophie in The Invention of Sophie Carter (2020) by Samantha Hastings.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is Hastings' second novel. Chapters alternate between close third person following each sister during their adventures around London and in their aunt's house.
Breezy narration, a pitch perfect historical setting, and just the right amount of romance make this story a delight. Themes of sisterhood and individuality elevate this romance adding dimension to both sisters as their horizons expand with the opportunities they are able to seize in London. Ethan and Charles are also excellent foils to both sisters.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is a delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended.
You can also check out my interview with Samantha about the book here on the blog!
Possible Pairings: Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Antsey, Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger, Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen, Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevemer, A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
England, 1851: Orphaned and grudgingly cared for by their reluctant guardian, identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter don't think they need anyone else when they have each other.
What the sisters need, desperately, is a chance at lives filled with more than the drudgery they've known for the last ten years. Sophie dreams of using her clockmaking skills to become a renowned inventor while, with the right instruction, Mariah's artistic talents could make her a leading painter.
Sophie's plan to get them both to London for the summer to see the Queen's Great Exhibition (for Sophie) and London's finest art (for Mariah) almost works. The problem? Their aunt will only accommodate one sister. To avoid separation the girls travel to London together agreeing to take turns being "Sophie."
At first, the plan is simple enough since no one can tell the twins apart. But as Sophie forges an unlikely friendship with businessman Ethan and Mariah warms to their aunt's prickly ward Charles both girls will have to contend with their own feelings and ambitions as well as the two young men who each think they're falling in love with the real Sophie in The Invention of Sophie Carter (2020) by Samantha Hastings.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is Hastings' second novel. Chapters alternate between close third person following each sister during their adventures around London and in their aunt's house.
Breezy narration, a pitch perfect historical setting, and just the right amount of romance make this story a delight. Themes of sisterhood and individuality elevate this romance adding dimension to both sisters as their horizons expand with the opportunities they are able to seize in London. Ethan and Charles are also excellent foils to both sisters.
The Invention of Sophie Carter is a delightful read and just what I needed right now. Readers are sure to be as smitten with the Carter sisters as their suitors by the end of this utterly charming novel. Highly recommended.
You can also check out my interview with Samantha about the book here on the blog!
Possible Pairings: Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Antsey, Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger, Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen, Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevemer, A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
thepastelnerd's review against another edition
4.0
This is the perfect feel-good romance, especially for fans of the Victorian era. I recommend reading it wrapped up in a blanket when it's raining outside. :)
The author clearly understands close sister relationships. Sophie and Mariah are so devoted to each other but both have their different personalities shine through. They both have traits that are so relatable, at least for me. Their dreams are different but their support of each other really makes this book shine, and it's easy to get invested in their dreams as much as they are.
I especially loved Sophie's and Ethan's romance. They're adorable and it was so much fun following them as they explored London together. I didn't care as much for Mariah's romance, but I did like how it was another example of how different Mariah and Sophie are despite their identical appearances.
This book is a pretty light and easy read, so I don't have too much else to say about it. But for romance lovers I would definitely recommend this one. :)
The author clearly understands close sister relationships. Sophie and Mariah are so devoted to each other but both have their different personalities shine through. They both have traits that are so relatable, at least for me. Their dreams are different but their support of each other really makes this book shine, and it's easy to get invested in their dreams as much as they are.
I especially loved Sophie's and Ethan's romance. They're adorable and it was so much fun following them as they explored London together. I didn't care as much for Mariah's romance, but I did like how it was another example of how different Mariah and Sophie are despite their identical appearances.
This book is a pretty light and easy read, so I don't have too much else to say about it. But for romance lovers I would definitely recommend this one. :)