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There are currently 21 member reviews
for The Secret Language of Stones
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Kay D. (Strongsville, OH)
Mystical Meets Historical Fiction
An enjoyable mix of historical fiction, mysticism, art, jewelry making and relationships. The main character, Opaline, was believable and tied together these elements as she interacted with family, friends, clients and the men in her life. I was able to imagine her and the rest of the characters quite well. I also was able to feel myself in the locations through the author's descriptions.
The glimpse into life in Paris during the war in the early 1900 hundreds was well done. The author showed that everyday life still continued in spite of the impacts from the war. Although everything was changed, everything remained the same with day to day routines. I felt I was there. I could see and feel the city and the people. Well crafted descriptions.
The added twist of the mystical element was well done and believable. It added another layer to the story, making this more than just historical fiction. And given the Paris location with the added influence from Imperial Russia, it was just right. Stones and crystals do provide unique energies to the world. The use of them as jewels and as mystical talismans was fascinating. Using them as a linking element in the book worked well to support the storyline.
Overall, an enjoyable book. Not literary fiction, but solid fiction with a touch of history and romance.
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Samantha H. (Golden, CO)
Light summer read
"The Secret Language of Stones" is a engaging light read. Opaline is a compelling character, as she struggles to find herself, and accept her gift of lithomancy. Part love story, part thriller, this novel is a fun read.
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Sharalynne P. (Valparaiso, IN)
The Secret Language of Stone
Not really my kind of book.. a supernatural romance novel with a predictable ending . The only part I enjoyed were the historical aspects which kept me from giving this book a 2.
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Linda W. (Arlington, TX)
I Wanted to Like It Better
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The plot elements are fascinating to me--Russian emigres in Paris in the last year of World War I, a young woman learning to be a fine jeweler. But the supernatural and witchcraft elements turned me off. Opaline is the daughter of an artist/witch, and the precious jewels she works "speak" to her. I could have done without the talk of witchcraft, books of spells and potions, and semi-immortal great-grandmothers. And the sentence fragments! One or two incomplete sentences, for emphasis, per page is okay, but dozens on every page really were annoying. I believe young women who've aged out of Harry Potter, etc,, would like this more than I did.
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Marcie M. (Chantilly, VA)
Not my usual book
I chose this book thinking it would be a new and different genre for me. I thought the book started out slowly, and I almost put it down. Around page 110 it sparked my interest to continue reading. The paranormal aspect of the book was very intriguing. This book haunted me long after I finished reading it. I will definitely read other books by this author.
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Marge V. (Merriam, KS)
Love Lost When It Was Right There
This book had a lot of ingredients to make me happy to read it--the era, romance, jewelry, travel, royalty, castles, the supernatural, and magick. Too much plot without more details that could have enhanced the story. Too bad. I could have loved this book.
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Rebecca G. (Havertown, PA)
Frustrating
I really wanted to like this book. I was intrigued by the premise; a jeweler has the unique ability to create talismans to ease the suffering of mothers who have lost sons during a difficult war. At times the book stayed true to this premise and I enjoyed reading the story. But too many times the author strayed and the story read more like a romance novel. I grew frustrated with Opaline's indecisiveness and, for me, it was a distraction. The ending was contrived and predictable and the suspense that the author tried to achieve was not there; by the end I had lost interest. This book might be more enjoyable for those interested in the occult but, for me, it just didn't work.
