FIVE STAR REVIEWS BY READERS' FAVORITE!
#1. Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite:
The Tinfoil Rose by Kathryn Huston-Smith is a gripping literary
novel that immerses readers in a poignant and suspenseful journey.
The story begins with Abigail Bennett, a dedicated educator from
small-town West Michigan, who starts the new year with hopes for a
fresh beginning. However, Abby's life takes a drastic turn when she
is unjustly fired from her beloved job and finds herself entangled in
a dangerous web of intrigue courtesy of a duplicitous coworker.
Abby's optimistic outlook is severely tested as she navigates a
treacherous new world. She becomes an unlikely crusader for
justice, fighting for herself and the voiceless victims cast aside by
society. Through her perseverance and resilience, Abby embarks on
a quest to uncover hidden truths that could exonerate the innocent
and expose the guilty.
Kathryn Huston-Smith's narrative is compelling and thought-provoking. It blends suspense, intrigue, and social justice elements
into The Tinfoil Rose. The characters are well-developed, and
despite there being many, it is easy to follow who’s who. Although
fiction, readers will relate to the social injustices that continue to
exist in the modern day. You’ll meet wrongly convicted James
Lubben and many other characters who will remind you of someone
you know or read about in the news. Not only is The Tinfoil Rose an
emotional read, but it’s also powerful. It's a must-read for fans of
literary fiction who appreciate a story that challenges and uplifts in
equal measure. I highly recommend The Tinfoil Rose. It’s
inspirational and thought-provoking. I’d give it more than five stars
if I could.
#2. Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite:
The Tinfoil Rose by Kathryn Huston-Smith is a gripping and thought-provoking literary novel that delves into trauma, injustice, and
resilience. The story follows Abigail Bennett, a dedicated educator
at the center of a complex web of deceit and intrigue after being
unfairly fired from her job. She has experienced personal trauma; a
broken woman manipulated into playing a role in an intriguing
game by a co-worker, putting her in danger. As Abigail faces the
treacherous landscape of her struggles and the dark secrets of
those around her, she is forced to confront her biases and
assumptions. When she decides to fight back, it is more than
fighting for herself but finding justice that reverberates beyond
personal desires.
The Tinfoil Rose is a skillfully plotted tale that is suspenseful and
introspective. Abigail “Abby” Bennett is a genuinely flawed
character who wins readers' sympathy when they meet her. She is
presented as intelligent yet naïve, likable and trusting, yet her lack
of self-awareness limits her ability to see through those who want
to use and dump her. Her journey toward seeking justice is
captivating. Her growth and transformation throughout the story
are heartbreaking and uplifting, making her a resonant character to
follow. The themes of trauma, injustice, and grit are cleverly
explored throughout the novel, and the author excels at examining
cause versus effect, exploring the characters' actions and the
consequences they suffer. Kathryn Huston-Smith’s novel is crafted
in gorgeous prose, with captivating descriptions and intriguing
details. This emotionally rich, character-driven narrative contains a
powerful message of hope for readers.
#3. Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite:
The Tinfoil Rose is a work of fiction in the literary legal thriller and
interpersonal drama genres. Penned by author Kathryn Huston-Smith, the novel follows Abigail Bennett, a West Michigan educator
who, after being unjustly fired, becomes entangled in a dangerous
game of intrigue orchestrated by a duplicitous coworker. As Abby
grapples with personal trauma and a world of corruption she never
knew existed, her optimistic outlook is severely tested. Forced to
become an instrument of reform, she embarks on a journey to seek
justice not only for herself but for others who have been
marginalized and forgotten, uncovering hidden truths that could
change their lives. Huston-Smith weaves a compelling narrative of
personal struggle and systemic injustice.
Author Kathryn Huston-Smith has crafted an emotionally charged
and thought-provoking novel that is sure to resonate deeply with
readers thanks to the dedicated character work at its core. The
portrayal of Abigail Bennett's journey from a hopeful educator to a
reluctant crusader for justice is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The prose is emotive and engaging, effectively conveying the
complexity of Abby's struggle against systemic corruption and
personal betrayal. The exploration of themes like perseverance,
justice, and the fight for the marginalized is nuanced and impactful,
challenging readers to reflect on the complexities of fighting for
what's right in an imperfect world. The twists and turns are skillfully
executed, keeping readers engaged throughout the story. The
character development is particularly noteworthy, with Abby's
emotional depth and evolving perspective making her a compelling
and relatable protagonist. The author's ability to balance the
personal and the political aspects of the story demonstrates a keen
understanding of the genre. Overall, The Tinfoil Rose is a powerful
and timely work that serves as a poignant reminder of the strength
found in resilience and the importance of seeking truth, no matter
how difficult the journey may be.
#4. Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite:
The Tinfoil Rose by Kathryn Huston-Smith follows the journey of
Abigail Bennett, an educator from a small town in West Michigan.
Her life begins to unravel when she is unjustly fired from her job,
one she loved and was dedicated to. A colleague tricks her and
makes her a pawn in a dangerous game. Abigail is in a world of
injustice where the innocents suffer and the wicked go free. She is
determined to not only seek revenge but justice. She fights for
herself and many like her in her quest for justice. But how much
fight can she put up against enemies in a corrupt society that she
knows very little about?
Kathryn Huston-Smith’s The Tinfoil Rose is a character-driven story
that explores personal trauma, the quest for justice, and one
woman’s relentless struggle to connect deeply to herself and find
justice. The narrative is filled with drama, and the enticing prose is
imbued with exciting dialogues. Huston-Smith is a great storyteller
with the unique ability to capture details when it comes to exploring
the emotional depth of the characters. The narrative has compelling
psychological underpinnings. Abigail is presented as a broken
heroine. Her transformation from a docile individual to a fighter
determined to achieve justice is inspiring, and readers can’t help
but root for her. I enjoyed the exquisite prose and the author’s gift
for cleverly exploring the characters' psyches. The author brilliantly
combines suspense with pathos to create an assured, confidently-paced, and intriguing plot. You’ll love Abigail and will want to see her succeed in her purpose.
#5. Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers’ Favorite:
The Tinfoil Rose by Kathryn Huston-Smith is about a small-town teacher named Abigail Bennet, who unexpectedly got fired due to an expired teaching license, and whose circumstances were maliciously manipulated behind her back, especially when she started to question things she must not know about. Meanwhile, she has found a new job as a foster care worker where, ironically, she stumbles upon information that makes her more deeply involved with the issue that cost her teaching job. Each piece of information is like opening a trap door that leads to another hidden room with more information that ultimately leads to the truth. Will Abby redeem herself and successfully get her teaching job back with her findings that show how she became the sacrificial lamb for something she was unaware of?
The Tinfoil Rose is a skillfully written piece of literary fiction that tackles issues and themes relevant to current social, political, and personal issues. But it strikingly develops into a provocative whodunnit woven within the protagonist’s perilous world as a caseworker in a faulty system rife with disillusionment, unfair presumptions, manipulations, and injustice. Author Kathryn Huston-Smith has a particularly gripping writing style that’s informative, detailed, and full of intrigue to appeal to both the reader's emotions and intellect. This is an irresistible and absorbing novel where the reader empathizes with grief, heartache, and misery and walks through the plot’s convoluted path of risk, deviousness, abuse, and unexpected twists. Her well-drawn-out characters have voices that are realistic and credible, using dialogues and behavior that effectively convey their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. It contributes much to help skillfully paint a moderately paced narrative that hosts dramatic and engaging moments and suspenseful events. The novel also highlights important morals of patience, resilience, courage, and faith. Highly recommended for those who like triumphant underdog stories of going against impossible odds that seek to silence and malign what is good and just.