Review of Shelby Morrow Series

[Kristine Mariel Diaz]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shelby Morrow Series" by A. C. Holmes.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Shelby Morrow - Journals, 1929-1935" by A. C. Holmes is a historical fiction that follows the life of Shelby Morrow, a young woman who is so beautiful that she captivates those around her but who is so shy and cautious of interacting to others that she creates an air of mystery. Through Dr. Fred Bergendorfer's investigation, readers get to know Shelby's journals, in which she opens her heart and describes all the struggles she has faced since childhood.

Shelby was born into a wealthy Newport, Rhode Island family as the second child. But having wealth did not save her from a tragic background at the hands of her violent brother and mentally ill mother. Shelby detailed the mistreatment she endured at the hands of her family at the start of her journal. After being assaulted by her brother one day, she spent several months in the hospital and in a coma. After the incident, Shelby moved in with her aunt, where she found a loving environment and a good school. There, she met Cecile and became her good friend. However, this changed when another person hurt Shelby again, causing her deep shame and sorrow. And, when another boy she thought was her friend humiliated her again, she couldn't take it anymore and hid in her aunt's house.

After seeing her suffer such humiliation, Cecile's father decided to take her to Paris for a fresh start and a chance to recover. However, once they arrived in Paris, she discovered that challenges were everywhere, and that the life she had hoped for could actually be another form of oppression.

The author gives readers a glimpse into the difficulties women faced in the early twentieth century, even those born into wealthy families like Shelby. Written as a journal, the story reveals Shelby’s thoughts and emotions as she recounts the hardships she endured in a society where a man's words could humiliate and ruin a woman's life in an instant.

Shelby’s character drew me in from the beginning. The description of Fred as a beautiful, weird girl who doesn’t connect with anyone was intriguing. Reading from her perspective made me admire her for surviving all the terrible difficulties life threw at her.

This book receives a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The author's descriptions of society and the differences in relations between men and women were admirable. The description of the environment of fear and threat faced at the beginning of fascism in Europe was also amazing and engaging. The book was well-edited; I could not find any errors. I dislike nothing about the book.

I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and mystery. However, due to its sexual content, it is more suitable for a young adult audience.

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Shelby Morrow Series
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Ankush Thakur 2]

If you’re searching for a series that’s deeply human, heartbreakingly honest, and historically rich — The Shelby Morrow Journals is it.
Shelby doesn’t just survive history. She writes herself into it.

Unforgettable. Unfiltered. Unmissable.

[Kibet Hillary]

Writing the book as a journal and enabling readers to have a taste of such an era is simply incredible. I am wondering how things turned out for Shelby, as it appears life is packed with several ups and downs for her. Many thanks for the amazing review, @Kristine Mariel Diaz.