Tiny Little Thing (The Schuyler Sisters Novels Book 2)

I first discovered Beatriz Williams through this trilogy of Schuler Sisters novels, and I was blown away with everything about it. The historical research, the gorgeous writing, the bigger-than-life (even though Tiny is small) characters, the settings that become characters in their own right -- all magnificently done. I've recommended Williams to many friends who read and suggested they start with this trio of interconnected stories. Just wow.

This book snuck up on me. The first chapter lulled me into believing that this would be good, but it wasn't until a couple of chapters in that I found myself absolutely engrossed in this story and could not put it down. Well played, Tiny Little Thing. This book was far beyond anything I was anticipating.The story alternates between two points of view, Tiny's in the first person, and Caspian's in the third person. This story device added to the intrigue and was absolute perfection. The story itself is excellent, and the way the point of view is delivered through two separate characters two years apart adds to the intensity and build-up of the story. It allows for a better unfolding of the story and better understanding of the characters.I read this because of my newfound love for author Beatriz Williams. The 60's era doesn't typically appeal to me, nor do stories about 20th century political families, yet this was not a typical book. This book absolutely grabbed me. I feel that any discussion of the storyline beyond what is provided in the book description would be a disservice. There were some twists I did not see coming and suspenseful elements.The characters, Tiny and Caspian, were relatable, heroic, and easy to cheer for. Pepper, Tiny's sister, was a particularly interesting secondary character, and featured in a separate book. Speaking of separate books, this book stands on its own, although there are other related Shuyler sister books.Do yourself a favor and read this book. I highly recommend it. It is one of my favorite books that I have read this year.

Perhaps just not my cup of tea. If you' ve ever read "Captains and Kings" by Taylor Caldwell or if you lived during the era inhabited by these characters you know the story...the plots a bit tired and the whole thing moves too slow for me, especially when you already know where everything is headed...so glad I bought a very USED book for just 5.00.

Author Williams does an excellent job of place and time as she depicts a summer on the East Coast in the 1960s. Tiny Little Thing is a story of power and family, broken trust and secrets. The Hardcastle family is Kennedy-esque, mounting a candidate that they hope ends up in the White House. The Schuylers are a female battalion looking to create a doyenne. The families unite when Tiny and Frank marry.What I like: Author Williams pegs the conversations between Tiny and Penny, which intimately and humorously represent a healthy relationship between adult sisters. The distant Schuyler matriarch eventually thwarts the Hardcastle patriarch in the best tradition of the steel magnolia stereotype, and her brief appearance is memorable. Frank Hardcastle’s patronizing attitude toward Tiny is difficult to read about early in the book, but Williams makes him sympathetically pitiable when he finally gets what he wants.What I did not like: A few details pushed this book a little beyond my comfortable PG-13 range. That's not a deal-breaker if it advances the story, but I don't believe that these did.Williams introduced the Schuylers in The Secret Life of Violet Grant (Putnam, 2014). Both books contain vigorous dialogue, but the variety of well-drawn female characters in Tiny Little Thing is especially enjoyable.Tiny Little Thing isn’t a literary feast, but rather a summertime snack. Put on a strand of proper pearls, and shake your martini. You can almost smell the breezes coming in off the Atlantic with Tiny Little Thing in hand.Recommended for a diversion—and that's not a bad thing.

Enjoyed this book very much. Found it odd, however, that sister Vivian ( who did not have a role in this book) was mentioned many times but sister Violet NEVER mentioned!!! Hmmm.. Good plot . Was a bit disappointed that the discovery of Cap being Franks cousin wasnt given enough attention as it was a main part of the story. But good reading, moves quickly, a good balance of many things. Go for it! But if you haven’t yet read Violet Grant, go for that first!!!

This is my first book by this author and while I enjoyed it, I did not find it particularly moving or compelling. I enjoyed the "historical" perspective having lived through the times myself, but thought it was a bit cliched and over the top. I would have liked more depth of character, more nuance and complexity. The story is at it's core a romance - young woman with boyfriend/husband who meets another guy we as readers know is far more exciting and attractive - this is the basic plot of most romance novels whether they be comedy or drama. I'm okay with that but I'm annoyed when they each fall for the other, deeply, before they even meet or get to know each other. We're told "he's strong and sexy" and, from the male point of view, "she's unlike any other woman," but we don't exactly see that for ourselves. I was also annoyed by Tiny who for all her supposed spunk does nothing for most of the book but feel trapped. Why the heck doesn't she speak up and assert herself? Nonetheless, it's an easy read and will keep you going through a long plane ride or a stay at the beach.

Well, I love Beatriz Williams. I loved the other 2 Schuyler sister books so I had to read this one. It wasn't my favorite although I loved the writing and story.. but Tiny just seemed so miserable and weak in the present day part of the story. I liked reading about her younger self when she was strong and knew what she wanted. I kept feeling like I just wanted to shake her and tell her to stand up for herself. The one thing that kept me hanging in there was the presence of Pepper's humor, wit and screw-you-all personality. I'm still glad I read it and got the story of the third sister.

Incredible read. Gorgeous language, the word pictures make you want to go back and read them again… could hardly put any of these Schuyler sisters down!

Love Beatriz Williams' wordsmith.

great book … I am now totally hooked on this author …have loved all the books she has written so far…simple easy reading for sure …. nothing too heady !!

Good. Well worth reading. Interesting twist.

I discovered Beatriz Williams when I was in a bookshop in Canada and absolutely love her books. I’m surprised she’s not well known here in the UK - maybe her time will come! This is the first of the Schuyler Sisters books i’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it - although some aspects of the novel are predictable, others come as a shock. I also like Williams’ wit in the dialogue - her prose is readable but also well-written - not always an easy task. I was a teenager in the 60s so knew a little about some of the American political issues and personalities from the 40s onwards, and although this was a novel of fiction, one imagines there was (is?!) much truth in the machinations of the affluent families, in which poor Tiny (Christina) became something of a victim. A very good read.