Helpful Score: 2
This is my favorite romance book of ALL TIME.
The blossoming of a shy, introverted artist and the man who captures her heart are the engaging protagonists in Joyce's seventh historical romance after Promise of the Rose. Lame from a childhood injury-which seems to disappear midway through the book-Sofie O'Neil is certain she is destined to live out her life as an eccentric spinster devoted to her canvases. Edward Delanza, a self-serving rake with a reputation to match, takes Sofie's dilemma to heart and decides to boost her ego. It is time, he figures, "to do something noble and worthy for a change." Edward's scheme backfires as Sofie ends up head-over-heels in love with him and pregnant besides. Her solitude turns chaotic as her mother badgers her to give the child up for adoption while Edward, riddled with guilt, insists on a marriage of convenience. To Sofie, social ostracism as an unwed mother is preferable to a marriage of unrequited love. The ensuing events send her fleeing to Paris, where she becomes an extraordinary woman in her own right. The author tells the story in several voices, which are often difficult to distinguish one from the other. But her characters are fresh and wickedly sympathetic-especially Sofie's mother, Suzanne, who keeps the reader on an emotional seesaw. Joyce's highly visual prose breathes life into the art world of bohemian Paris and turn-of-the-century New York.
The blossoming of a shy, introverted artist and the man who captures her heart are the engaging protagonists in Joyce's seventh historical romance after Promise of the Rose. Lame from a childhood injury-which seems to disappear midway through the book-Sofie O'Neil is certain she is destined to live out her life as an eccentric spinster devoted to her canvases. Edward Delanza, a self-serving rake with a reputation to match, takes Sofie's dilemma to heart and decides to boost her ego. It is time, he figures, "to do something noble and worthy for a change." Edward's scheme backfires as Sofie ends up head-over-heels in love with him and pregnant besides. Her solitude turns chaotic as her mother badgers her to give the child up for adoption while Edward, riddled with guilt, insists on a marriage of convenience. To Sofie, social ostracism as an unwed mother is preferable to a marriage of unrequited love. The ensuing events send her fleeing to Paris, where she becomes an extraordinary woman in her own right. The author tells the story in several voices, which are often difficult to distinguish one from the other. But her characters are fresh and wickedly sympathetic-especially Sofie's mother, Suzanne, who keeps the reader on an emotional seesaw. Joyce's highly visual prose breathes life into the art world of bohemian Paris and turn-of-the-century New York.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorites. Very romantic.
Helpful Score: 1
What an absolutely fabulous love story. This book draws you in and doesn't let go. Definitely one to be read again.
Good Read
Autographed copy
Edward and Sofie's love for each other is so obvious to the reader, but misunderstandings, anger and family interference nearly allow their love to slip away. I loved the book. Sofie goes from being an eccentric recluse who never wants to marry, to an unwed mother who moves to Paris to study her art. The story will keep you turning the pages until you get what you've been waiting for the whole time. The writing is excellent.
1890's New York
