Title: Divine By Mistake
Author: P.C. Cast
First published August 28, 2001
701 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780373802470 (ISBN10: 0373802471)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland is an unforgettable debut novel that will take you on a journey of self-discovery, courage, and healing. Alice Hart, a young girl who grew up in the shadow of her abusive father, must learn to break free from the patterns of the past and find her own strength.
When tragedy strikes her family, Alice is taken in by her estranged grandmother, June, a flower farmer who teaches her the language of Australian native flowers as a means of communication. But as Alice grows up under the watchful eye of June and the women who run the farm, she discovers that there are secrets within secrets about her past.
When an unexpected betrayal sends her fleeing to the Australian desert, Alice thinks she has found solace, until she falls for Dylan, a charismatic and ultimately dangerous man. As Alice navigates through her journey of self-discovery, she learns that the most powerful story she will ever possess is her own.
Spanning two decades and set in the lush sugar cane fields by the sea, a native Australian flower farm, and a celestial crater in the central desert, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is a tale about the stories we inherit, the stories we select to define us, and the stories we decide to hide. This novel is a poignant reminder that the secrets we keep can haunt us, and the stories we tell ourselves are the ones we need to survive.
About the Author
PC was raised in the Midwest, spending her formative years bouncing between Illinois and Oklahoma. It was during this time that she developed a passion for both Quarter Horses and mythology.
Following high school, she joined the United States Air Force where she honed her skills in public speaking and writing. After her service, she transitioned to a career as a high school teacher, a profession which she held for 15 years before retiring to focus on writing full-time.
PC’s work has achieved widespread acclaim, with numerous awards under her belt including the coveted Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. Beyond her literary achievements, PC is also an accomplished speaker and teacher.
She currently resides in Oregon with her beloved daughter, a pack of adorable dogs, a crazy Maine Coon, and a family of horses. Fans can look forward to the release of House of Night Other World, book 4, FOUND, on July 7th, 2020, as well as an upcoming HoN TV series.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Editoral Review
Divine By Mistake by P.C. Cast is an enchanting tale that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. P.C. Cast is a New York Times bestselling author, who is known for her captivating works of fiction that portray strong female characters and their mystical worlds.
Divine By Mistake, first published on August 28, 2001, is one of her most popular works that has amassed a dedicated following over the years. The novel falls within the genre of fantasy fiction and follows the story of Shannon Parker, a high school English teacher, who is transported to an unknown parallel world.
Here, she finds herself in the body of Rhiannon, a powerful sorceress, who has been mistakenly summoned by the people of Partholon to save them from a dark force that threatens to destroy their land. Shannon, now Rhiannon, must navigate through this new and strange world, learning to adapt to its culture and its people, all the while trying to find her way back home.
Cast has crafted a richly detailed world that is both magical and dangerous. The setting of Partholon is rich in historical and cultural significance, with its enigmatic temples, mythical creatures, and charming landscapes.
The story is fast-paced and full of intrigue, with a solid plot that weaves in romance, adventure and mystery, keeping readers eagerly turning their pages. The characters are well-developed, particularly Shannon/Rhiannon, who undergoes a significant transformation, growing from a timid school teacher to a fearless leader who is willing to risk everything for the people she has come to love.
Cast also explores the themes of trust, loyalty, and sacrifice, as her characters grapple with their identities, and the consequences of their actions. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
At times, the plot may feel predictable or clich, particularly for readers who are well-versed in the fantasy genre. Additionally, some of the dialogues can feel stilted or forced, particularly in the early passages of the novel.
Despite these minor setbacks, Divine By Mistake is an enchanting read that will delight fans of fantasy fiction. Cast’s masterful writing style and attention to detail make for a compelling and immersive experience.
The novel is an excellent representation of its genre and offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale of self-discovery. Therefore, I would highly recommend Divine By Mistake to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction, adventure, and romance, and who is looking for an escape from reality.
It is a story that will transport readers to another world, leaving them breathless until the very end. I would give this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5, based on its exceptional writing, well-developed characters, and engaging plot.
