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There are currently 19 member reviews
for The Witch of Painted Sorrows
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Marcia C. (Jeffersonville, PA)
Passion and Possession in Paris
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!
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Gary R. (Bolingbrook, IL)
protect her from love!
Alright, I admit it, it's my first time reading M.J. Rose. Where have I been?
It's Paris in the late 1800's,and this is the story of Sandrine,who has run away from her husband in the States after some shady banking deals and the suicide of her father caused by said deals. She has gone to Paris to seek the comfort of her grandmother and the house that she hasn't been to since she was fifteen. Now you are going to have to get a copy and read it yourself. This book has everything: A great setting (you can hear the winter rain on the sidewalks), romance, the occult, art, and characters that you care about. I really liked this book and you will too. Now to find her other books!
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Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
A novel of Belle Époque Paris
This story has everything: the occult, Kabalists, demonic possession and famous painters of the Ecole salon, all seamlessly weaved inside a family curse involving a 16th century courtesan. I enjoyed escaping reality as I became immersed in this page turner. I look forward to her next novel, having previously read this author.
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Patricia S. (Chicago, IL)
The Witch of Painted Sorrows
I was very excited to receive my copy of M.J. Rose's newest book, The Witch of Painted Sorrows. Rose is one of my newest favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint. In an atmosphere of old mansions, family sorrows and secrets, played out against a background of 1890s Paris, Sandrine arrives in Paris, fleeing a tragedy in New York. She plans to stay at her grandmother's ancient mansion, which she remembers as full of art and elaborate salons, while she decides the direction of her life. But the house is locked and her grandmother won't allow anyone in it.
Sandrine begins a new life, studying as the first woman to attend the Ecole des Beaux Arts with Gustave Moreau and develops her painting skills surprisingly quickly. But her grandmother forbids her to continue with her art and orders her to leave Paris, warning of danger if she stays. I found this book a perfect addition to my gothic collection, with its background of witchcraft and possession, and Rose vividly recreates the underground occult world of Paris, and the lively art world Sandrine joins.
The characters are believably developed, including Sandrine's awakening as a sensual creature instead of a frozen wife. And I must say a bit about the absolutely gorgeous cover—moonlit Paris superimposed on the gauzy dress of a mysterious woman. Perfect. This is the first in the series "La Lune" and I look forward to more.
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Vicky R. (Cumming, GA)
Haunting tale....
Indeed a haunting tale of possession...I loved this book. I'm a fan of historical novels but I also loved the bewitching side of this story. I'm a huge fan of all art and the inclusion of that just made this a satisfying novel for me. I will now pick up more of this author's books.
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Paula Jacunski, Bath Maine
A world between reality and the supernatural
I read this book quickly, even while trying to slow down to make it last. Very captivating. I enjoy historical fiction, and the setting of Paris and the art world of circa-1900 was well done. I felt completely immersed with the main character as she changed over the course of the book. The author very smoothly transitions from the character's past life into a middle place, somewhere between what was real for her and what she attributes to supernatural causes. There are many book out there now about magic and the supernatural; this is well done. I'll be looking for more of M.J. Rose's books.
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Christine P. (Gig Harbor, WA)
The Witch of Painted Sorrows
I am a first time reader of MJ Rose's novels and I was surprised by how well I liked the book. I was expecting just another pararomance novel. Reading The Witch of Painted Sorrows is a sensory experience. Art, history and books are my passions and I was thrilled by how Rose used these to create such a vivid novel from the Belle Epoque period in Paris. The interest in the occult was very big during that period and the use of that interest definitely spiced up the pages of this novel. It has made me curious about other novels by MJ Rose.
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