The Last Camellia
By: Sarah Jio
4/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
A romantic and suspenseful tale about two women whose destiny is bound across the years
On the eve of World War II, the last surviving specimen of a camellia plant known as the Middlebury Pink lies secreted away on an English country estate. Flora, an amateur American botanist, is contracted by an international ring of flower thieves to infiltrate the household and acquire the coveted bloom. Her search is at once brightened by new love and threatened by her discovery of a series of ghastly crimes.
More than half a century later, garden designer Addison takes up residence at the manor, now owned by the family of her husband, Rex. The couple’s shared passion for mysteries is fueled by the enchanting camellia orchard and an old gardener’s notebook. Yet its pages hint at dark acts ingeniously concealed. If the danger that Flora once faced remains very much alive, will Addison share her fate?
My Thoughts:
I have read all of Sarah Jio's previous books and loved them. She has quickly become one of the few authors on my must buy immediately list. I love Jio's writing style and how she draws the reader in. As with her other novels, this one switches back and forth between the past and present and incorporates a sense of mystery and suspense. I am not a big fan of flowers and gardening so when I read the synopsis I was a little wary of whether or not it would interest me. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that although flowers are an important part of the setting and plot, the attention to the characters and their mysterious ways are what really drives the novel. While this wasn't my favorite Sarah Jio novel, it was definitely interesting and enjoyable.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Mariana
Mariana
By: Susanna Kearsley
4.5/5 Star
From Goodreads:
The first time Julia Beckett saw Greywethers she was only five, but she knew that it was her house. And now that she’s at last become its owner, she suspects that she was drawn there for a reason.
As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, she finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming Mariana, a young woman struggling against danger and treachery, and battling a forbidden love.
Each time Julia travels back, she becomes more enthralled with the past...until she realizes Mariana’s life is threatening to eclipse her own, and she must find a way to lay the past to rest or lose the chance for happiness in her own time.
As if Greywethers were a portal between worlds, she finds herself transported into seventeenth-century England, becoming Mariana, a young woman struggling against danger and treachery, and battling a forbidden love.
Each time Julia travels back, she becomes more enthralled with the past...until she realizes Mariana’s life is threatening to eclipse her own, and she must find a way to lay the past to rest or lose the chance for happiness in her own time.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely love Susanna Kearsley's writing. Her narrative and description are beautiful and captivating. The progression of the story is realistically written and the switches between the two time periods are natural and charming. Each has believable dialogue and setting.
I LOVED Richard and Mariana. I wish there had been even more flashes from their time together. Their interactions were some of the best I've read, romantic without being cheesy or silly.
I LOVED Richard and Mariana. I wish there had been even more flashes from their time together. Their interactions were some of the best I've read, romantic without being cheesy or silly.
In general, I am not crazy about stories involving reincarnation, but this one was sweet, heartbreaking, and almost seemingly possible. The delivery of the topic was spot on, the characters were all lovable, and the plot was incredibly engaging. It was a very difficult book to put down and almost impossible to stop thinking about even after finishing it. I liked the ending, but my only complaint is not having enough resolution with the characters and their present story.
Every Secret Thing
Every Secret Thing
By: Emma Cole AKA: Susanna Kearsley
4/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
When an old man strikes up a conversation with her on the steps of St. Paul's and makes a mystifying mention of murder and an oddly familiar comment about her grandmother, Kate Murray is intrigued. But she never gets to hear the rest of Andrew Deacon's tale. Shocked by his unexpected death, she wonders whom this strange, old man is, and what the odd reference to her grandmother could mean. Interest piqued by the story never told, Kate becomes drawn into an investigation, uncovering secrets about the grandmother she thought she knew and a man she never did. Soon she is caught up in a dangerous whirlwind of events that takes her back into her grandmother's mysterious wartime past and across the Atlantic as she tries to retrace Deacon's footsteps. Finding out the truth is not so simple, however, as only a few people are still alive who know the story and Kate soon realizes that her questions are putting their lives in danger. Stalked by an unknown and sinister enemy, and facing death every step of the way, Kate must use her tough journalistic instinct to find the answers from the past in order to have a future.
My Thoughts:
Every Secret Thing is a very intriguing and mysterious read filled with likable characters and a fast paced plot. I liked the main character, Kate, and admired her independence and courage as she faced each situation head on. These attributes were also possessed by her grandmother who had raised Kate after her mother's death.
The look inside the secret service, especially during the time of war was very interesting and believable. The book was well written with great dialogue. The plot was realistic, mysterious, and exciting, although I was able to guess what had happened and who had done it.
I loved the story of Andrew and Amelia and the romance between them. The unresolved romance between Kate and Matt was disappointing, but I understand there will be a sequel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as it comes out. This was my first novel by Susanna Kearsley and it will definitely not be my last.
By: Emma Cole AKA: Susanna Kearsley
4/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
When an old man strikes up a conversation with her on the steps of St. Paul's and makes a mystifying mention of murder and an oddly familiar comment about her grandmother, Kate Murray is intrigued. But she never gets to hear the rest of Andrew Deacon's tale. Shocked by his unexpected death, she wonders whom this strange, old man is, and what the odd reference to her grandmother could mean. Interest piqued by the story never told, Kate becomes drawn into an investigation, uncovering secrets about the grandmother she thought she knew and a man she never did. Soon she is caught up in a dangerous whirlwind of events that takes her back into her grandmother's mysterious wartime past and across the Atlantic as she tries to retrace Deacon's footsteps. Finding out the truth is not so simple, however, as only a few people are still alive who know the story and Kate soon realizes that her questions are putting their lives in danger. Stalked by an unknown and sinister enemy, and facing death every step of the way, Kate must use her tough journalistic instinct to find the answers from the past in order to have a future.
My Thoughts:
Every Secret Thing is a very intriguing and mysterious read filled with likable characters and a fast paced plot. I liked the main character, Kate, and admired her independence and courage as she faced each situation head on. These attributes were also possessed by her grandmother who had raised Kate after her mother's death.
The look inside the secret service, especially during the time of war was very interesting and believable. The book was well written with great dialogue. The plot was realistic, mysterious, and exciting, although I was able to guess what had happened and who had done it.
I loved the story of Andrew and Amelia and the romance between them. The unresolved romance between Kate and Matt was disappointing, but I understand there will be a sequel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as it comes out. This was my first novel by Susanna Kearsley and it will definitely not be my last.
The Girl You Left Behind
The Girl You Left Behind
By: Jojo Moyes
5/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
In 1916 French artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his wife Sophie to fight at the Front. When her town falls into German hands, his portrait of Sophie stirs the heart of the local Kommandant and causes her to risk everything - her family, reputation and life - in the hope of seeing her true love one last time.
Nearly a century later and Sophie's portrait is given to Liv by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. Its beauty speaks of their short life together, but when the painting's dark and passion-torn history is revealed, Liv discovers that the first spark of love she has felt since she lost him is threatened...
In The Girl You Left Behind two young women, separated by a century, are united in their determination to fight for the thing they love most - whatever the cost.
My Thoughts:
The Girl You Left Behind captured my attention from the very beginning. The first part of the novel is set in France during the First World War. Moyes does a great job of drawing you in and making you care about the characters and their lives of trial during desperate times. The story of Sophie and her family is powerful and moving. She has amazing strength and unbelievable courage. Her love for Edouard drives her and inspires her to be bold. Eduoard sees the beauty and boldness in her that is shown through his portrait of her. This portrait becomes a symbol of these characteristics and encourages her to keep on living with pride and strength.
In the next part of the novel we are introduced to Liv who is still mourning the death of her husband, David. When Liv meets Paul she begins to feel alive again after all these years. Her new found bliss is cut short, however, when she learns that he works for a company who wants to take away her beloved painting, bought during her honeymoon with David, only to return it to the family of the artist. She decides to fight this and Paul in court despite what it might cost her in the end. Through Liv's research of the painting and the life of Sophie, we learn what became of these characters of the past.
Moyes tells each story with descriptive detail allowing you to feel a part of the stories and settings. You begin to care for each set of characters and wish a happy ending for all. This is an inspiring, emotional, and romantic read that will keep the reader thinking long after it is finished.
By: Jojo Moyes
5/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
In 1916 French artist Edouard Lefevre leaves his wife Sophie to fight at the Front. When her town falls into German hands, his portrait of Sophie stirs the heart of the local Kommandant and causes her to risk everything - her family, reputation and life - in the hope of seeing her true love one last time.
Nearly a century later and Sophie's portrait is given to Liv by her young husband shortly before his sudden death. Its beauty speaks of their short life together, but when the painting's dark and passion-torn history is revealed, Liv discovers that the first spark of love she has felt since she lost him is threatened...
In The Girl You Left Behind two young women, separated by a century, are united in their determination to fight for the thing they love most - whatever the cost.
My Thoughts:
The Girl You Left Behind captured my attention from the very beginning. The first part of the novel is set in France during the First World War. Moyes does a great job of drawing you in and making you care about the characters and their lives of trial during desperate times. The story of Sophie and her family is powerful and moving. She has amazing strength and unbelievable courage. Her love for Edouard drives her and inspires her to be bold. Eduoard sees the beauty and boldness in her that is shown through his portrait of her. This portrait becomes a symbol of these characteristics and encourages her to keep on living with pride and strength.
In the next part of the novel we are introduced to Liv who is still mourning the death of her husband, David. When Liv meets Paul she begins to feel alive again after all these years. Her new found bliss is cut short, however, when she learns that he works for a company who wants to take away her beloved painting, bought during her honeymoon with David, only to return it to the family of the artist. She decides to fight this and Paul in court despite what it might cost her in the end. Through Liv's research of the painting and the life of Sophie, we learn what became of these characters of the past.
Moyes tells each story with descriptive detail allowing you to feel a part of the stories and settings. You begin to care for each set of characters and wish a happy ending for all. This is an inspiring, emotional, and romantic read that will keep the reader thinking long after it is finished.
London Falling
London Falling
By: Emma Carr
4/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
American Aimee Kennedy doesn’t think she needs anyone … until she’s stuck with sexy banker, Simon Ruleford, in his London home.
Stranded in London with no money and no airline ticket, Aimee applies to be Simon’s housekeeper. Without the job, she’ll end up homeless in a foreign country. But Simon can’t hire the adorable American without a work permit, because he would risk losing the royal family’s business, costing years of planning and hard work. Unfortunately for Simon, fate conspires to trap Aimee in his home, while mutual blackmail and a lovable Scottie puppy keep them together. As they fight their growing attraction, Aimee’s money-making plans soon force Simon into one compromising position after another.
Ultimately, they realize they belong together. But will Simon be willing to risk his career and the family business for her? And if he does, will Aimee finally be ready to open her heart to love?
Emma Carr writes modern romance with a little bit of fun mixed in.
My Thoughts:
London Falling was a very entertaining light romantic read. The main character, Aimee works hard for what she wants and her independence is something to be admired. Her refusal to ask for and accept help is understandable considering her past. She was forced to grow up quickly and care for her grandmother after her mother passed away. She had to take on the role of responsible adult at an early age and didn't have opportunities to be a carefree child or teenager. She has difficulty trusting people as a result and has learned to rely on no one but herself. Still, her obsessiveness is a little annoying and frustrating at times.
Aimee and Simon seem to be a good match for one another. Both are intelligent, hard working, and compassionate. They meet under peculiar circumstances and soon their feelings for each other grow. The situation that they find themselves in gets repeated way too often through their thoughts and discussion, especially in the first half of the book. I found myself skimming these parts after awhile, but the pace soon picks up again.
I also loved the cute little side story of Dottie and William. I wished there was a little more information about them.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable quick read.
By: Emma Carr
4/5 Stars
From Goodreads:
American Aimee Kennedy doesn’t think she needs anyone … until she’s stuck with sexy banker, Simon Ruleford, in his London home.
Stranded in London with no money and no airline ticket, Aimee applies to be Simon’s housekeeper. Without the job, she’ll end up homeless in a foreign country. But Simon can’t hire the adorable American without a work permit, because he would risk losing the royal family’s business, costing years of planning and hard work. Unfortunately for Simon, fate conspires to trap Aimee in his home, while mutual blackmail and a lovable Scottie puppy keep them together. As they fight their growing attraction, Aimee’s money-making plans soon force Simon into one compromising position after another.
Ultimately, they realize they belong together. But will Simon be willing to risk his career and the family business for her? And if he does, will Aimee finally be ready to open her heart to love?
Emma Carr writes modern romance with a little bit of fun mixed in.
My Thoughts:
London Falling was a very entertaining light romantic read. The main character, Aimee works hard for what she wants and her independence is something to be admired. Her refusal to ask for and accept help is understandable considering her past. She was forced to grow up quickly and care for her grandmother after her mother passed away. She had to take on the role of responsible adult at an early age and didn't have opportunities to be a carefree child or teenager. She has difficulty trusting people as a result and has learned to rely on no one but herself. Still, her obsessiveness is a little annoying and frustrating at times.
Aimee and Simon seem to be a good match for one another. Both are intelligent, hard working, and compassionate. They meet under peculiar circumstances and soon their feelings for each other grow. The situation that they find themselves in gets repeated way too often through their thoughts and discussion, especially in the first half of the book. I found myself skimming these parts after awhile, but the pace soon picks up again.
I also loved the cute little side story of Dottie and William. I wished there was a little more information about them.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable quick read.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Monday to Friday Man
Monday to Friday Man
By: Alice Peterson
From Goodreads:
He proposed. She accepted. He changed his mind.
She was heartbroken.
What do you do if you’re 34 and recovering from being jilted two weeks before your wedding day?
While friends are marrying, having children and moving to the depths of the countryside, Gilly Brown finds herself alone in London with just her little dog Ruskin for company. It’s time to move on, so, on a friend’s advice she looks for a lodger, a Monday to Friday one, and finds handsome television producer Jack Baker. Gilly falls for Jack’s charm and is transported into an exciting social whirlwind of parties, dining out and glamour.
When Jack is introduced to Gilly’s family and friends, it’s only the attractive and eccentric Guy, the newest recruit in the dog walking group, who isn’t quite so convinced about Jack’s intentions. As Guy watches them grow closer, his suspicions of Jack and his feelings for Gilly deepen. Is Jack so perfect after all… and what exactly does he get up to at the weekends?
What do you do if you’re 34 and recovering from being jilted two weeks before your wedding day?
While friends are marrying, having children and moving to the depths of the countryside, Gilly Brown finds herself alone in London with just her little dog Ruskin for company. It’s time to move on, so, on a friend’s advice she looks for a lodger, a Monday to Friday one, and finds handsome television producer Jack Baker. Gilly falls for Jack’s charm and is transported into an exciting social whirlwind of parties, dining out and glamour.
When Jack is introduced to Gilly’s family and friends, it’s only the attractive and eccentric Guy, the newest recruit in the dog walking group, who isn’t quite so convinced about Jack’s intentions. As Guy watches them grow closer, his suspicions of Jack and his feelings for Gilly deepen. Is Jack so perfect after all… and what exactly does he get up to at the weekends?
My thoughts:
This is a very cute story
about a woman discovering what she wants out of life. Gilly with a G is at a
point in her life where she needs to make some changes and deal with some
issues in her past. These changes lead to a strong friendship and a little
romance with two completely different men.
In the beginning, I struggled
to keep up with all the characters and names. Gilly has several friendships in
the book and it is a bit difficult to remember who is who and how she knows
them. Of course this gets easier throughout the book, but some of the characters
I felt were a little unnecessary.
Also , the timeline and some
of the switching back and forth between the past and present was a little confusing but became easier to
follow as the story progressed.
The romance in this story is
subtle but sweet. I love Gilly's and Guy's time together in the park and the
glimpses of their developing friendship. I wish we could read even more about
them. I love when Guy lights the candle in the church for Megan and how he
speaks to her. Both Guy and Gilly are very likable and relatable characters.
I liked the subplots with her
sister Megan and how her family were all affected by what happened to her, and
also with her twin brother Nick and his current relationships with his wife and
children. Jack of course was a jerk, but she needed that experience with him.
Overall, the book has good
flow. It is an enjoyable read that is neither rushed nor boring.
Quotes I liked:
"When you feel stuck in
a rut, you need to do something different. Life can be like a padlock refusing
to open. One small change in the combination can finally open the door."
p.25
"Her memory is like a
pebble in my shoe. There are some days when I know it's there but I can live
with it. Other times it's so sharp that it digs and cuts into my skin, my foot
bleeds and I can't walk on" p. 89
Rating:
3 Stars
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