Hullo, lovelies!
If you are still keeping up with this poor, neglected blog, I applaud you!! I am doing my best to finally get back to posting the long-neglected book reviews I have read over the past year & current year, and in doing so, to keep up with the publishers from where they hail.
That said, I am considering sharing new Name posts on occasion... We shall see. I say that, because as a mama to three halflings, trying to also be a loving & respectful wife to my amazing husband, whilst attempting to re-open an Etsy shop on the side, and keep a house & home running---Life can be a challenge. But it is the one I've been given, and it is up to me to make the most of it!
And there's my rant for the day. I hope your week is a fantabulous one, dearies! Until next time. <3
> > > > > < < < < <
Amanda Dykes
Bethany House Publishers | December 13, 2022
Christian Fiction, Drama, Romance, Historical, Italy
When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . .
1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.
1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.
1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.
1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.
> > > > > > > > > > < < < < < < < < < <
I was provided with a complimentary copy for my honest review.
WARNING: Possible Spoilers!
THE BASICS
This book caught my eye due to the setting. I have a small weakness for stories set in Europe, specifically Italy or Spain, for some reason. Anyone else?? *raises hand*
The mystery was interesting, and slowly unfolds as you go. I enjoyed the character of Vittoria---she's a bookshop keeper! and with a lovely name. But I found I could not really connect well with Daniel. Having read this book sometime last year, I am not certain why at this time. (I am so behind in my reviews!!)
Anywho, I was slightly disappointed in this one. Though the setting was certainly fascinating, and I greatly enjoyed the historical side of it, I found it to be an extremely slow read for basically the whole first half, and possibly even three-quarters of the way through. By then I was simply plowing through, wishing to have done with it and ready to move on. While the mystery & plot was rather confusing at times---most likely due to the particular way of the writing---I was pleased enough with the ending, and happy to have been able to finish it.
VIOLENCE
A woman washes up on an island during a horrific storm. Unconscious, but nursed back to health. No blood or injuries worth mentioning.
SPIRITUAL CONTENT
Christian fiction! and all that usually entail. ;D
Much like Moses, a baby was set afloat in a basket & comes into the hands of a discreet band of guild members who raise him as their own. He grows up constantly wondering who he is, but is always contented & grateful to have been found & loved.
LANGUAGE // ALCOHOL & DRUGS
None.
ROMANTIC CONTENT
A teeny bit of romance. Quite squeaky clean.
CONCLUSION
As mentioned above, the setting & detailed descriptions of the places were quite fascinating, and well written to believe the beauty of them. But it is not necessarily a story I would eagerly pick up again.
All that said, I am a total Mood Reader, so perhaps my mood simply didn't fit at the time. Do not merely take my word for it! If this novel intrigues you, please pick it up for yourself!
> > > > > > > > > > < < < < < < < < < <
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Ages: 16+
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
SARAH. It's so lovely to see you posting again! Although boy do I understand needing to pull back. My own blog is pretty quiet these days. One does have to prioritize! But it's a TREAT seeing posts from you. I hope you're doing well! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine! I still read your newsletter through my email as often as I can. *^ - ^* <3 You are so right in that we must prioritize. And how kind of you to use such words! Your comments always brighten my day! I hope you are doing better these days as well!! <333
Delete