Book of the Month is a monthly book subscription box. Each month, five curators pick out their favorite new hardcover books, and you can choose which one you want to receive on the first of the month for $14.99/month. You can also add up to two additional books for only $9.99 each. (This box was named one of the best subscriptions for avid readers in the 2023 Subscription Box Awards.)
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My BOTM Pick for April: Ana María and the Fox by Liana De La Rosa — Paperback Retail Value $17.00
Book Summary:
A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season. Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna family. So when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge from the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox. Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now, as a member of Parliament, Gideon is on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all—a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore. But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection . . . but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?
My Summary
Ana María and the Fox is not the style of book I usually pick, but I'm happy I did this month. Romance novels rarely intrigue me to the point where I keep them in my favorite's books stash (although a few have made it), so choosing this one was a big departure from my normal routine. Although when it comes to books I also think it's important to branch out and try new genres, so I decided to give this one a go. My family and I were also headed out on vacation to Hawaii and I was looking for a lighter read that would be easy to get through while sitting at the beach and pool. What I found with Ana María and the Fox is that while yes, it was an easy read, it also had some serious and deeper historical roots tied to it. I was pleasantly surprised with the historical nature that was in the constant background and the way the author, Liana De La Rosa, was able to build the characters through this history.
The story takes place in 1863 after the Luna sisters fled Mexico during the overthrow of their government. Their father was the senior advisor to the president of the country and their mother felt they would be safer with her brother in London. The story starts when they dock in London and almost immediately you can tell the sister's personalities after their first altercation. As the novel progresses, we see all three sisters change and grow in a very short period of time. Once out from under their oppressive father's eyes, they are truly able to grow and become the women each of them have always desired to be. It's inspiring reading about how they fight against societal norms of the time and choose their own paths. I think even today, we could all take a lesson from the Luna Sisters.
The story is centered around Ana María who finds love in the least likely of places. Gideon Fox is a politician in the British Parliament and is determined to help abolish the Atlantic slave trade. He is a workaholic who rarely sets time aside to socialize and despises it when he has to. However, there is a much sweeter and softer side to Gideon and as the story progresses we see how Ana María and Gideon seem made for each other. And despite his very obvious desires for the eldest Luna sister, it takes an unfortunate event to make him step up and acknowledge them to both himself and Ana María.
The Verdict
Has it been my favorite book I've read from Book of the Month? No. But it was an easy read that I never once had any trouble picking back up. The story flowed nicely and the characters were both intriguing and personable. I found myself rooting for Ana María and Mr. Fox the entire time and was pleased with the ending. Although I won't ruin it and tell you what happened, I would recommend this for anyone who is looking for a quick read and wants to be whisked back in time to the big ballrooms and fancy affairs of the 1800s. I would have loved a bit more historical information within the book and perhaps a bit more of a buildup to the ending, but overall, I think this was a fun read and wouldn't shy away from recommending it.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
Yes. And honestly, I haven't received a book yet that I have said no to this question. The books are hand-picked by BOTM club editors and each one has been a great read that I have been happy with. You really can't beat the price for a brand new book each month and I love seeing the options at the beginning of the month. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed in a bookstore with all of the choices, but being able to lay in bed and read up on the summaries and reviews of each of the new books makes picking one that much more enjoyable.
BOTM Club books range from $12.50-$16.99 depending on your chosen subscription.
The Cost: $9.99 + free shipping
Value Breakdown: This box costs $9.99, but the book I chose retails for $29, which was a discount of about $19 for me. (Remember...this is first month only).
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To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this book if you sign up today? Yes! But you will need to order it as an add-on. This book came late due to a large amount of BOTM subscribers requesting it, so it won't be available for your pick by the time this review comes out.
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