The Storm Sister

 

As you know by now I am a big fan of Lucinda Riley. I just finished the second book in the Seven Sister Series, The Storm Sister (B+).

Each book in the series begins in the same way with the death of Pa Salt. At his memorial service each of the adopted sisters is given information regarding where they were born. The Storm Sister is about Ally. Once a promising musician, now a seasoned sailor, Ally’s journey leads her to Norway and the home of Edvard Grieg.

Ally arrives at Atlantis having witnessed Pa’s burial at sea. Left with more questions than answers, she initially decides to postpone any investigation into her birth and continue with her plans to compete in a sailing tournament with her newly found love, Theo. As fate would have it, Theo is killed in a racing accident. Ally is again grieving and without direction. She returns to Atlantis to mourn and there decides to research her clues. Her map coordinates lead her to Norway where she hopes to discover her past.

While all the books in the series will be based on the same premise, each sister will have her own story. Riley’s characters are rich and well developed. It’s easy to become engaged with the women as they search for answers regarding their birth.

I usually don’t follow a series. I have always found they burn themselves out quickly and become less and less interesting. If all of the novels are done as well as these first two, then the Seven Sister Series will be a complete success. The third book is due out in November. They will come quickly, which is great. I recommend you get started on the first two, catch up and become part of the journey of the Seven Sisters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Seven Sisters

I believe I have found a new author to add to my favorites, Lucinda Riley. What I particularly enjoy is that every book she pens is different than the one before. She definitely doesn’t get stuck writing about the same era, event or theme. The Seven Sisters (A) is my favorite thus far.

Maia is one of six girls who were adopted by a single Dad. As the book opens, the wealthy, loving father who raised them has died. He is buried at sea even before his daughters are notified of his death. As each one learns of his passing, they gather at their family home Atlantis in Geneva. Every daughter was named for a star in the Seven Sister Constellation. The seventh child was never adopted.

When Pa Salt’s will is read, the women learn that they will be well cared for but will be required to complete their own destinies while pursuing their own dreams and careers. A sculpture is revealed that bears the name of each of the girls along with a set of map coordinates that indicate their place of birth.

The author tells the story of Maia as her coordinates lead her to Rio where she discovers the mysteries and history of her birth family. What unfolds is an incredible story that is complicated and well thought out. It brings the reader right into Maia’s world allowing us to feel her confusion, distress and emotions. The story becomes two as the details of the lives of Maia and Izabella are told.

Not everything is spelled out and the reader is left to wonder about certain events and characters. I loved the way the clues are there in plain sight for the reader to detect. The fact that your suspicions are never confirmed only adds to the drama and intrigue. I definitely encourage you to read The Seven Sisters along with Riley’s other novels as each one is a treasure to be enjoyed.

The Lavender Garden

I have just finished reading The Lavender Garden (A) by Lucinda Riley. It is one of those books that you just hate to see end.

Two time periods, 1944 and 1999, are linked through the de la Martinières family. In 1944 the French aristocrat Edouard de la Martinières entertained many high ranking Nazi officials at his chateau, he became privy to many of their plans. Secretly working with the French Resistance he passed along all he learned allowing them to disrupt the German efforts and thus saved many lives.

Now it’s 1999, Edouard’s wife has died leaving their daughter Emilie heir to his great fortune. This is the first time that Emilie has been in a position that requires her to make financial decisions. While struggling with how to manage all of her new responsibilities, she meets Sebastian. His grandmother is connected to Emilie’s family through the role she played during the War. Sebastian appears to be a kind and loving gentleman who is concerned with Emilie’s well being. Only after they are married are his intentions questioned.

Alternating from the past to the present, the author weaves a seamless tale. The characters are effective and deliver a spellbinding story revealing secrets along the way. The reader’s attention is captured and held till the very end.

I found this novel to be one of the better-written World War II stories. It incorporates good historical facts with drama and suspense. For these reasons, I recommend The Lavender Garden as a must read. I am confident you will feel that it is very much worth your time.

The Midnight Rose

I am happy to say I spent the weekend with The Midnight Rose (A) by Lucinda Riley.

This delightful, heartfelt book spans four decades and several continents and delivers characters that are authentic and dynamic. Set both in India and England, we meet Princess Indira daughter of a noble Indian family and her best friend and constant companion Anahita. Indira is extremely willful and spoiled while Anahita has lived an impoverished though noble life. In 1920, Anahita travels with Indira to England where she meets Donald Astbury from the Astbury estate. Despite their differences of culture and position they fall in love. Princess Indira, though arranged to marry another, becomes desperately in love with Prince Varun. Neither woman has chosen an easy path but his is only half the story.

Present day events at Astbury Estates bring the novel to current misguided love affairs while entangling the lives of the lovers of 1920. Now, in 2011 a film crew has descended on Astbury Estate. Rebecca an American actress so closely resembles Violet Astbury that Anthony the present lord of the estate believes it is she reincarnated.

Riley expertly weaves the past and the present delivering an amazing story of love, deceit and betrayal. Though set in different time periods it flows seamlessly. The characters are powerful and the reader becomes deeply invested in their lives. Once started, The Midnight Rose is unstoppable. You will not be able to rest until you have read the story to its conclusion. It has been sometime since I have read a book of this caliber. To this end, I more than recommend you read it. I want you to read it. You will not be disappointed. You will thank me for this suggestion 🙂