Book: House of Oak
Author: Nichole Van
My Rating: 5 Glorious, Time-traveling Stars
How many reviews am I allowed to write about Nichole Van before I become president of her fan club? That’s rhetorical, because there is no limit to my love for her books. I’ll write allllll the reviews. I just re-read this series last week because it was a rough week, and I needed to read something funny and cute. This series hit the spot, like I knew it would.
There are five books, and the story starts with Emry Wilde. It’s a little weird, ok? You’re gonna have to give it the benefit of the doubt at first, because Emme finds a 200 year old locket at an estate sale and instantly becomes obsessed with the man in the locket. When I say obsessed, I mean, can’t have any serious relationships, can’t stop thinking about him, conducts research to find out who the man was 200 years ago. Her research leads her to a cottage in the English countryside, where she accidentally discovers a portal through time in the basement and meets James (the guy in the 200 year old locket). Because…of course she does. This sets of an entirely entertaining chain of events that carries us through four more books. Emme has a brother, James has a sister, Emme has a best friend, James has a…frenemy. We get to see the story play out for all of our favorite characters. Happy endings abound. What’s not to love?
One of my favorite things about these books is the “time travel language barrier.” When sophisticated English lords refer to ladies getting “knocked up” they are NOT talking about what you think they’re talking about. Any scene where someone from the 21st century has to explain cell phones or the internet to someone from the 19th century – that is my jam. Wealthy British gentleman getting addicted to Angry Birds? Who cares about the space time continuum, that’s hilarious! Also, Nichole always knocks it out of the park with her meet cutes. You might think, “How many different ways can someone fall through a time portal?” A lot of different ways actually, and all of them are *chef’s kiss* perfect.
If you want a clean, light-hearted, funny series, this is one of my top recommendations. Like all of her other work, Nichole will not disappoint!
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.