Review: Pilgrims Don’t Wear Pink by Stephanie K Strohm

Title:  Pilgrims Don’t Wear Pink
Author:  Stephanie Kate Strohm
Genre:  YA, Contemporary
Pages:  204
Published:  May 2012
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Source:  Thomas Allen
Where to buy:  Amazon

Synopsis:

A story of crushes, corsets, and conspiracy.

Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset.

Her cat-loving co-worker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem.

I have to say I really related to Libby – she’s always felt out of place and time.  An avid historical romance reader myself, the synopsis of this book struck home with me and I knew right from the moment the book arrived in my hands, I HAD to read it!  What historical romance junkie wouldn’t jump at the chance to wear wonderful historical clothes, to live and work in the environment of the books we love?  I know I would be all over it!

Now, there are downsides to this – there are those out there that take the history and re-enactments just a wee bit too far!  Not unlike Libby’s co-worker.  I love some of the cooky comments and those moments the story had me laughing out loud.  I’m always impressed with how much story an author can pack into 200 pages – and this one didn’t disappoint.  Libby is fun, she loves history and enjoys teaching the kids who come to the museum.

Will I recommend this book?  Yes, it’s a fun, enjoyable quick read.  This story packs in history, a ghost, boys, some romance, and so much more.  How could I not love it?  Will I read more by this author?  Most definitely!  This was a first by this author for me and I will definitely be looking for more as they become available.