Identical twins, hiding true identity, romance, a desire to become more than what society deems—delightful doesn't even begin to describe this fun tale about two very adventurous girls.

Sophie and Mariah are identical twins, who have had a rough start in life. Their parents died when they were very young, and the foster parents they were given to sent them away when a son was born. The two girls then spent many years working for a unkind couple. So, when their only existing relative, an aunt who hated their mother, invites Sophie to London with the hopes of bringing at least her into a solid marriage, Sophie can't leave Mariah behind. Secretly, they live in their aunt's bedroom, acting as Sophie as they switch places, and Sophie heads out into London to follow her true dream—to become an apprentice and later an inventor. She's sure that with income, she can support both her and Mariah, but society isn't nearly as progressive as she wishes. Unfortunately, many other things keep popping up, which even makes it questionable how long the two can even keep up the scherade.

The minute I read the first page, I knew I was going to like this one. The writing style is easy to read and yet holds a nice, historic flare. But then, the author has not only placed this tale in an historical time period, she's also added true historical figures and tried to build in a few facts, while weaving these into the story. It creates a world, which comes to life and invites to get lost in. These girls are easy to get swept away with, anyway.

Sophie is risk friendly, shares her opinions fairly openly, and works to achieve her dreams. Mariah, on the other hand, is quieter, polite, and not nearly as out-spoken. The two stick together no matter what, and even when they do disagree, find ways to iron things out again. It's a wonderful sibling relationship, but one with enough pricks and pokes to make it fun.

The pacing is smooth and fast enough to keep me from laying the book down. Not only do Sophie and Mariah have to go up against a very unpleasant aunt, but they thread interesting relationships with those around them. The side characters are packed with personality, and add quite a bit of tension as well as humor. Of course, all of this is made more difficult as the two girls try to keep their secret from being discovered. It's simply fun to watch how things slip and twist, and emotions flip in all directions along the way...especially on the romance end.

It's simply a sweet, historical tale, which not only demonstrates how women were scene at that time, but inspires with sisterly love. ( )

Identical twins Sophie and Mariah Carter were orphaned directly after their birth and taken in by the Captain and wife of their father's navy ship, the Trenton's. Soon after they were taken in, Mrs. Trenton has a child of her own and Sophie and Mariah are sent away once again to the Ellis' who own a clock shop. Sophie and Mariah must work tirelessly for their keep; however, Sophie learns about clock repair from Mr. Ellis and dreams of being an inventor while Mariah takes care of the Ellis' children. Approaching adulthood, the sister's know they must find a place outside of the Ellis' home. Sophie writes to their one remaining relative, Aunt Sophrinoa Bentley in London hoping that she will take them in. Their Aunt agrees to take in only Sophie and only for one season in order to find Sophie a husband. Sophie and Mariah can't imagine splitting up, so they simply set off to London together planning on both acting the part of Sophie with only one of them appearing at a time. Their plan works and Sophie is able to see the 1851 Queen's Great Exhibition along with Ethan Miller whose watch Sophie fixed up in the park. Meanwhile, Mariah spends most of her day in the house with Aunt Bentley and her ward Charles where she discovers her passion for female authors and painting. Each man believes they are dating the real Sophie Carter as the twins learn they are not as similar as they thought.

The Invention of Sophie Carter is a sweet Victorian Romance for Young Adult and New Adult readers. I fell immediately for both Sophie and Mariah's characters as they were unwanted by one family and then another but still found hope, strength and fortitude in one another. I did find their scheme at their Aunt's house far fetched and was amazed that they were able to sustain the charade; it did make for a very fun and suspenseful plot. Sophie and Mariah were very opposite in personality and I loved Sophie's need for knowledge and adventure as well as Mariah's quiet discipline although Sophie's pluck seemed a little out of place for the time period at points. The romances were equally as swoon worthy with both Ethan and Charles being perfect matches for Sophie and Mariah's personalities. I also enjoyed reading about the Great Exhibition and seeing it through Sophie's eyes as well as some Pre-Raphaelite artists through Mariah's training. Most of all, it was interesting to see the twins begin to realize just who they are as people and that they are very different, but can still support each other's passions. Overall, an endearing and engaging Victorian Romance.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )