The Things We Keep
by Sally Hepworth
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth (10/8/2015)
This wonderful book has two story lines running side by side. The first is a love story between two adults in their 30's whose memories are being slowly undermined by dementia. Anna and Luke meet in an assisted living facility. They fall in love and, against all odds, work to hold onto their love and identity for as long as possible.
The second is the story of Eve a young single mom who is working to rebuild her life and that of her young daughter after her husband's bad business decisions destroy everything they had. The two stories come together in a way that is heartbreaking, strong, inspiring and touchingly human.
This might be a good book for anyone who read Still Alice. I would definitely recommend it for book groups. I did have one problem with the book and that was with the time shifts. I found myself looking back to make sure I was in the right time frame. However, that never interfered with my enjoyment of the story.
The Witch of Painted Sorrows: A Daughters of La Lune Novel
by M. J. Rose
Passion and Possession in Paris (4/16/2015)
Paris in the late 1800's, with all of its mysteries, darkness, cults and adventures becomes the backdrop for this tale of seductive love. Sandrine Salome, a New York Socialite, flees her abusive husband after the untimely death of her father. She feels pulled to return to her grandmother's mansion in Paris. However, her grandmother warns her that this home is much too dangerous a place for her.
Sandrine embraces Paris totally and completely. She discovers new depths in herself--a passion for painting and an obsession for her lover. She also comes to know the untold story of certain women in her ancestry and then comes to experience that same story for herself.
I've read all of M. J. Rose's novels and was looking forward to this one. I wasn't disappointed. This novel gripped me from its opening pages and didn't let up until the end. The author weaves an atmosphere that brings this time period in Paris to life with its colorful characters and city landmarks. Read the Witch of Painted Sorrows and be transported to another world--one of love, possession, passion and the occult. It's a great journey!
