Possession. Power. Passion. International bestselling novelist M.J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this erotic, gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.
Sandrine Salome runs away to her grandmother’s Parisian mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.
Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten – her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.
This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love and witchery.
Publication Date: March 17, 2015
Atria Books
Formats: Hardcover, Ebook
Pages: 384
Atria Books
Formats: Hardcover, Ebook
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Mystery
MJ Rose is a relatively new author to me, I loved her books Seduction and The Collector of Dying Breaths which were part of her Reincarnationist Series. The Witch of Painted Sorrow is the first in a planned trilogy.
There are so many things that I love about her books, the first being her covers. This one is gorgeous and reflects the story so well.
The synopsis does a great job of outlining the story and I really wasn't paying too much attention to it before I started reading this book, just knowing who the author was made me want to read this. MJ Rose has a way of drawing the reader right in and not letting go. Sandrine is a very likable character, running from a marriage and trouble back in New York one can't help empathizing with her. She arrives insecure and unsure of herself bu slowly as the story unfolds one is already bonded to her as the supernatural part starts to take place.
I found the storyline very interesting, the characters evolved in a smooth and rather spell binding manner, that it was hard to put this book down, I was drawn to it. The descriptive writing had me visualizing Paris in the late 1890's with the art, night life and general life style.
Though there is a lot going on in this book (as there usually is with Rose's books) from the art, suspense, danger, mystery, spirits, romance and more to keep one on their toes and wanting to read 'just one more chapter'. It isn't overwhelming at all, a great start to a new series which ended with a cliffhanger that has me waiting for the next book.
READ AN EXCERPT.
Praise for the novels of M.J. Rose
The Witch of Painted Sorrows
“Rose’s new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle epoque Paris—a perfect match for the author’s lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. A cliffhanger ending will leave readers hungry for the next volume. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting.” (Kirkus Reviews)“A haunting tale of possession.” (Publishers Weekly)
The Collector of Dying Breaths
“Breathtaking…combines fascinating history, torrid romance and a compelling mystery into a marvelous package that will entice fans of Anne Rice and Diana Gabaldon.” (Associated Press)
“A page-turning, alluring concoction of fiction infused with fantastical yet actual history. Readers will be charmed by her well-drawn and memorable characters, and they will be mesmerized by her enchanting narrative, which takes them on a mystical and magical journey.” (Library Journal (starred))
“A terrific piece of entertainment.” (CT Post)
“Wondrously original… elegantly written. Rose manages to utterly suspend our disbelief in a book that leaves us, appropriately enough, breathless.” (Providence Journal)
“Mysterious, magical, and mythical…what a joy to read!” (Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants)
Seduction
“Atmospherically romantic and perfectly toned. Classy and elegant literary seduction of the highest measure. As wondrously crafted as it is original.” (Providence Journal)
“Readers will be enchanted by M.J. Rose’s supernaturally charged novel Seduction, inspired by Victor Hugo’s self-imposed exile on the British island of Jersey in the 1850s.” (USA Today)
“Has just about everything a thriller fan could wish for.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
“Full of well-researched history, the paranormal, and modern intrigue, this atmospheric tale of suspense is fully engrossing to those willing to suspend their disbelief.” (Library Journal (starred review))
The Book of Lost Fragrances
“A compelling page turner…Once you catch a whiff, you will be enchanted.” (Associated Press)
“M.J. Rose is a bold, unflinching writer and her resolute honesty puts her in a class by herself.” (Laura Lippman)
“The Book of Lost Fragrances resonates with spirit, blending myth with reality, tragedy with triumph, pain with joy. You’ll find yourself questioning everything you believe–and wanting more.” (Steve Berry)
“Provocative…a sweeping sense of romance [and] history.” (Cleveland Plain-Dealer)
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M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine
galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens
of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was
allowed.She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the co-president and founding board member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut. Visit her online at MJRose.com.
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Monday, March 2
Review at A Dream Within a Dream
Interview at Reading Lark
Spotlight at Literary Chanteuse
Review at A Dream Within a Dream
Interview at Reading Lark
Spotlight at Literary Chanteuse
Monday, March 23
Review at Book Drunkard
Review at Boom Baby Reviews
Review & Guest Post at Drey’s Library
Review at Book Drunkard
Review at Boom Baby Reviews
Review & Guest Post at Drey’s Library
I've enjoyed all of the M.J. Rose books I've read and am looking forward to this new trilogy. Glad you enjoyed the book.
ReplyDeleteLoved it. It's on my TRL. Can't wait to read it. Thank you for the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
What a beautiful cover! Looks like a good book, too!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty cover! Sounds as good as it looks!
ReplyDelete