Review: A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

Published by: Scholastic UK

Released: 5th July 2018

Page Count: 356

Edition: Paperback

Goodreads / Amazon

Thank you to Scholastic UK for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Growing up in her sleepy Cornish village dreaming of being a writer, sixteen-year-old Lou has always wondered about the grand Cardew house which has stood empty for years. And when the owners arrive for the summer – a handsome, dashing brother and sister – Lou is quite swept off her feet and into a world of moonlit cocktail parties and glamour beyond her wildest dreams.

But, as she grows closer to the Cardews, is she abandoning her own ambitions… And is there something darker lurking at the heart of the Cardew family?

A gorgeously dreamy coming-of-age romance set against a stunning Gatsby-esque backdrop, this is perfect for fans of I Capture the Castle and Eva Ibbotson.

Thoughts

Historical YA is something that I haven’t read enough of and as I’m going through a phase of reading different styles I was delighted when I got offered the chance to read A Sky Painted Gold. Not wanting to know too much about this gorgeous book I went into it with a clear mind and couldn’t wait to discover what it was all about.

Growing up in her quiet village in Cornwall, dreaming of being a writer, sixteen year old Lou has always wondered about the magnificent Cardew house, which has stood empty for years. One summer the owners – a beautiful brother and sister arrive and Lou is quite literally swept off her feet into a world of cocktail parties and glamour beyond anything she would imagine. As she starts to grow closer to the Cardews she starts to wonder if she is abandoning her own ambitions and if this glamorous family are really what they appear to be?

This book was such a magical read that drops you right into the glitz and glamour of 1920’s, of which you don’t want to get away from. It was dreamy, extravagant and oh so sophisticated. I loved the atmosphere throughout the book and the descriptions of the setting, the parties and the characters were so eloquent, at times I felt like I was actually there, joining in on the fun. 

The story of a teenage middle class girl meeting people of upper class and going to parties with them sounds boring right? Wrong! Yes, this was part of the plot of A Sky Painted Gold but it was so entertaining. I don’t know how it was done but Laura managed to create a story out of that but she did and it was amazing! It was so addictive and I found myself not wanting to stop reading.

I found myself drawn to each and every character I met throughout the story and each one I adored! Lou was such an incredible protagonist and one I felt like you could relate to in regards to her not wanting to fly the nest but also wanting to leave her village and explore. I also understood how she could get addicted to the Cardew’s way of life. She was a joy to read. Robert..oh Robert! He’s my new book crush. At first I thought he was going to be your typical rich boy but as the story progressed I discovered different layers to him and I just fell for him. If only he was real.

Yes, there is romance in A Sky Painted Gold but its a slow burner which I love! You get too much insta love in YA and it was refreshing to read a slow burning romance. It felt realistic and the anticipation of ‘will they won’t they?’ just added to my excitement when it finally happened.

If I was going to say one negative thing it would be that I wanted to know more about the Cardew’s before they came to the house. I just found them to be so fascinating and I would love to read more just about them. A prequel maybe?

A Sky Painted Gold was a stunning read that had me aching to go back in time to 1920’s. The glamour and the magic had me hooked and I for one cannot wait to read what Laura Wood writes next.