Sequins and Secrets (The House of Serendipity): Book 1

BUT I found only two, and the descriptions indicated they were not exactly my style, and possibly not as clean...so I didn't bother. It's a shame because I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although there were some glaring holes, such as, how is it Lady Delphine's stepmother didn't ask who tailored the new replacement dress?

I absolutely adored Sequins and Secrets. Myrtle and Sylvia are such complex characters originating from such spectacularly different backgrounds. This book is a time traveller back to the 1920s. Lucy Ivison creates such a powerful bond between the reader and her characters. I cant wait for book 2!

Loved this book about a girl with big dreams who goes against society to change her stars. Friendship is also a big theme. Highly recommend, read in one sitting, simply got lost in this book. Just read it already.

We read this book together me and my daughter. It was a beautiful story with a few great questions to discuss and something to think between the two of us. Loved the cover and the overall story

She found the setting was a "bit strange" for herI explained about the Roaring Twenties, fashion and stuffI read some with herAs happens with some books, this one didn't click with her and we gave up on it.Some books don't work at some timesMaybe if she returns to it when she is a bit older, she will enjoy it more.Maybe eight is a little youngI found it enjoyable to read and think that it is well written and interesting

I got this for my 8 year old daughter who is an avid fan of shows such as the Sewing Bee as well as an avid reader. This sounded ideal.Though the book is targeted at 9 to 12 year olds, I tend to feel that it's probably more suited to the older child in that range. It is still accessible for those slightly younger but confident readers, albeit with some more help from parents (explaining or reading with) but my daughter did need some help with it. However she still enjoyed it (and giving it a good go) and I really liked that the chapters were all a good length (approx 4 to 6 pages) so as to provide ample stopping points.Sadly for me, as I got early access to this book all but one of the main illustrations were pending completion. This is a shame but the illustration that had been completed was fantastic so I have no concerns the others will be as well, and my Amazon rating does not reflect the current illustration status of the book I recieved. These illustrations will help the young reader visualise the wonderful fashion, particularly if you think the 20's are actually now!As for someone raised in the 80's, I did a little double take when I read one of the characters name as "Smurfette" as that has a very different (small and blue) cultural reference to me. My subtle sniggers went unnoticed by my daughter.This is book one in a potential series and I'm sure when the sequel is released, we will want to check it out, especially as she will be a bit older by then so comprehension should have improved as well.

I liked how it is written, easy to read even for those who are not native to the English language ... I had the feeling as if I read many pages quickly. It is not uncompromising and is modern in style but with a vintage English setting.It's written in the first person and i like it so: books with first person writing are engaging, immediate and exciting.I much appreciate the drawings added in the book....But the story is light ( few things happen in the story and few emotions are transmitted to the reader...) a book that I will forget quickly ...

Reviewed by a 10-year old:The book is about a girl called Myrtle travelling to a big house to become a maid and meeting a girl there her age called Silvia. Myrtle is supposed to serve her but they become good friends and Myrtle makes a disguise for Silvia’s cousin because her cousin wants to run away to be an explorer.......This is a good book but I thought it was a little confusing because the book would jump from one character’s view to another character’s. The illustrations are beautiful and the storyline interesting because it is set in 1920. The story tells you to be brave and not only listen to what other people say. My first book written by Lucy Ivison. It is easy to read and I recommend it.