MPOV: To Capture What We Cannot Keep (e-ARC)

Set against the construction of the Eiffel Tower, this novel charts the relationship between a young Scottish widow and a French engineer who, despite constraints of class and wealth, fall in love.

In February 1887, Caitriona Wallace and Émile Nouguier meet in a hot air balloon, floating high above Paris, France--a moment of pure possibility. But back on firm ground, their vastly different social strata become clear. Cait is a widow who because of her precarious financial situation is forced to chaperone two wealthy Scottish charges. Émile is expected to take on the bourgeois stability of his family's business and choose a suitable wife. As the Eiffel Tower rises, a marvel of steel and air and light, the subject of extreme controversy and a symbol of the future, Cait and Émile must decide what their love is worth.

Seamlessly weaving historical detail and vivid invention, Beatrice Colin evokes the revolutionary time in which Cait and Émile live--one of corsets and secret trysts, duels and Bohemian independence, strict tradition and Impressionist experimentation. To Capture What We Cannot Keep, stylish, provocative, and shimmering, raises probing questions about a woman's place in that world, the overarching reach of class distinctions, and the sacrifices love requires of us all.

The above taken from Goodreads.

Note: I have received this e-ARC from Netgalley in return for my honest review.

This book revolves around:
1. Eiffel Tower - a romantic landmark
2. France - a romantic country
3. French engineer - Emile and Scottish widow - Cait - the couple

Overall, this book has an interesting storyline with characters like the Arrols adding in the zests and Gabrielle the scandal. However, at times I find it to be extra slow... dragging on a little which was unnecessary like, of my head, the duel between Emile and the count. Also the romance plot between Emile and Cait was going on and on and on which was frustrating at times. Wait... perhaps that's the intention :-p

Beatrice is a good writer, with a straightforward prose and undeniable talent. It's a historical romance with a modern take for women like Cait, Alice and Gabrielle. I do enjoy the historical setting especially in Paris... such a romantic setting yet with a tragically lengthy pursuit. Also the explanatory of the rise of the tower added the reality to the story.

Emile and Cait's romance was expected and I did anticipate the ending after a few altercations. All in all, after having not read historical romance in a while, this comes as a mild delight with a nice cover to boot.

My favourite quote from the e-book

PS: If you are from Australia or New Zealand with a Goodreads account, you can win a copy of this book!

My rating: 3/5
Goodreads rating: 3.44/5

Author: Beatrice Colin
Genre: historical romance, fiction, literature
Publication: November 29, 2016 by Flatiron Books