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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.
Kathrin C. (Corona, CA)
Enjoyable Feast
I've always had a soft spot for the Gothic novel and M. J. Rose has certainly spun a well-written tale interwoven with bright threads of history, romance, the occult and erotica. The first half was more engrossing for me following Sandrine Salome's rush for independence and the meld of her sexual awakening and passion for painting. I especially enjoyed the occult history in France and the La Belle Époque art scene. I was less enamored with the Sandrine – Julien entanglement. Throughout the novel Julien appeared to function more as a device to keep the plot moving forward than a fully developed character. But
…more that said, the suspense will keep you reading. Overall, it is an enjoyable feast of history, art, passion, creation and loss – along with a witch thrown in. (less)Truly a spellbinder to whisk you away to the flourishing artsy era of Paris. This novel held your imagination and led you into the underworld of the arts, witchcraft, ancient religions, seduction, and courtesans. Sandrine will grab your sympathies for only a few chapters. The sympathies turn to anger as she allows La Lune to overtake her. La Lune is stronger than Sandrine realizes, but Sandrine cannot seem to put aside her quest for recognition in the artist world of Paris to see what evil is painting her heart black. The grandmother plays such a huge but small part at the same time in this story. The story of
…more the grandmother ends to abruptly, she should of been giving more voice and fight toward the end against the evil that was overtaking their lives. (less)I don't usually read Gothic novels,so wasn't too sure what to expect but found that M.J. Rose wrote a captivating story that I couldn't put down. Witches, seances, magic necklaces, artists and the background of Belle Epoch Paris all made for a wonderful time buried in a book. I don't think that my book club ladies would enjoy this book but it is their loss!
Elizabeth (Oregon)
New Genre to Me
This is my first what I call "erotic horror" book. I do read a lot of fantasy and historical fiction, though. In that vein, I have read a number of books with alchemical motifs and found this book pretty standard in that regard. I particularly enjoyed the references to Art Nouveau architecture as that is one of my interests.
I found the character and actions of Sandrine a bit confusing but that may be because I rarely read horror/demonic possession books and don't know the conventions of that genre. II did enjoy the ending! The sex was pretty hot for a non-bodice ripper, too.
Tracy D. (Indianapolis, IN)
Good story but too much
A historical novel about Sandrine, a young woman who flees her abusive husband, and follows her to France, where she moves in with her grandmother. Sandrine has been warned since she was young about feeling passionate love by her grandmother and here is where we find out why: a 300 year-old spirit invades Sandrine as a result and the consequences change everyone involved. It is a great story but I felt like there was just too much at many parts of the novel. It was overwrought. I thought sometimes it could have taken down a notch and been a better story.
Lisa B. (Denton, TX)
Great atmosphere!
There was much I really liked about the Witch of Painted Sorrows: the excellent research and the feeling that I was actually there, in 1890s Paris. I also enjoyed all the details about painting and artists during the time period. However, parts of the book just seemed incomplete. There would be a big event, such as at the Paris Opera, that would just suddenly end and it would be the next day. What happened in between? How did she get out of the situation? Also, the main character, Sandrine, seemed far too modern in the ways that she acted and had an unrealistic amount of freedom that I just found unbelievable.
Stephanie W. (Berea, OH)
The Witch of Painted Sorrows
I picked The Witch of Painted Sorrows because it sounded exciting and different from what I usually read. I did find it interesting enough to keep me turning the pages, but not as exciting as I had hoped. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters and while I bought in to the supernatural aspects of the book, I found parts of the story unbelievable, even within that context. I was also disappointed with the ending. It seemed abrupt and unfulfilled. That said, if you like erotic, Gothic novels, you may find this a fun read.
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