Oranges and Lemons

I bought this book from an author event and not through Troubador. Nevertheless, I felt I had to write a review because I loved the book so much. Although it is mainly targeting young adults, in my 60's, I found it really gripping and enjoyable and did not want to put it down. The author gets you hooked immediately with Jessifer, the main character and all the ghostly going ons in York. Paula's use of language and descriptions really brings the book to life. It is full of accurate facts and Jess and her friends go through real life situations that most people will relate to. I found myself on tenterhooks, desperate to find out what would happen to Jess and young Adeline (her ghost friend). I would definitely recommend it to young and old alike.

As a 29 year old reader, I really got into this book and found it hard to put down. It would be even more perfect for an audience aged 10-15 though! The story is well written with loveable (and some not so loveable) characters, and an exciting, pacy storyline. It is a modern ghost story that will have even reluctant readers hooked!!

As a 29 year old reader, I really got into this book and found it hard to put down. It would be even more perfect for an audience aged 10-15 though! The story is well written with loveable (and some not so loveable) characters, and an exciting, pacy storyline. It is a modern ghost story that will have even reluctant readers hooked!!

I bought this lovely book as a treat from my Granddaughter. When she had finished it, in double quick time, she told me I would enjoy it. She was right. The characters draw you in from the start. The story is pacey, the tension is well played, and I love a timeslip tale.

Well-plotted, original, and reasonably researched without letting history overshadow story or feel pedantic, Oranges and Lemons is a massively enjoyable novel. The manner in which Jessifer and Adeline are brought back and forth in the story is very effective. There is a strong and clear sense of place, and the minor characters are tangible and interesting: because of this, I wanted more of them, particularly Jessifer's friends - they were all such realized characters that they deserved more in the story. The way contemporary technology comes up is natural and expected; this is something that many recent timeslip stories fail at, but Andrews handles it adeptly. This is also true of the way she sets out the Victorian bits of the story - they're credible, and Andrews gives just enough detail that a curious reader has someplace to start if she wishes to read more about the period. My only real complaint is that I didn't find Jessifer's backstory necessary - it didn't ring true for me, and the orphan trope is a tired one in children's and YA fiction. Instead of bumping off her entire family but not conveying the impact adroitly, Andrews would have done better, if tragedy was integral - I don't think it was, Jessifer would've been just as compelling and solid without earthshattering loss - then something that would've been less visible in the weave of the book as a whole would suit better. All in all, this was a terrific read, and I look forward to more from Paula Andrews.