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idratherbereading's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a great escape read especially for someone who wants to be transported back to Venice. A good mix of history, mystery, romance, and a little chick lit. This book may not be an amazing work of literature but it is definitely a great book to get swept up in.
The switches between present day and the period pieces were pretty seamless. Shorter chapters kept me page turning.
The switches between present day and the period pieces were pretty seamless. Shorter chapters kept me page turning.
gingerbutterfly's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book. Would of been more enjoyable if it didn't jump from era to era. But if you like intrigue, mystery and courtesan soft porn. This is the book for you. An easy read.
rita_reads_cda's review
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
booknrrd's review against another edition
2.0
The history was interesting, but the storyline was tired and ridiculous, and the modern day story was just awful.
leialocks's review against another edition
4.0
This turned out to be a fun surprise. It took me a while to get started, but then I couldn't stop reading. The downer is that it's a series and it looks like the author isn't finishing it. Online research shows that there's only one more of the sequel books and a lot of questions of when the next one should come out. Bummer, I really like Claire Donovan. She is the prototype grad school/Ph.D. student doing some research that stumbles on a mystery. However, I found her more charming than others. This book takes the familiar structure of a modern storyline uncovering the mystery of a historical one with chapters switching from time period to time period. I fall for these books every time and I mostly enjoy them. A lot of times in that structure, I'll prefer only the historical storylines and detest the chapters of the modern. In this book, I think the modern story is a fun one. The addition of a teenager to the mix adds a new touch. It's a mix of the Pink Carnation books but with the mystery of the Peter Fallon books.
leonoralvatron4_5's review against another edition
3.0
This was definitely an entertaining read...but there is nothing new in this book. Some parts I felt were a little TOO similar to Pride & Prejudice / Bridget Jones' Diary (especially some of the character dialogue...) and the plot is predictable (classic historic/romantic mystery). However, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to any lover of the genre wanting to be entertained but not necessarily surprised.
krisrid's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second of Christi Phillips' books I've read and I love her writing style! This was a wonderful read and I enjoyed it a great deal!
First off, I love dual timeline stories when they are done well, and they are definitely done well in this book! I was completed engrossed in both the past and the present-day plots of this book. Both of the women leading the two stories were likable, interesting, brave and determined and I liked them both so much.
I must admit that Venice is not a locale I especially gravitate to in books, but the author makes the city, both in the past and the present-day, so magical and engaging that I was totally drawn in to the sense of place Phillips creates in her writing.
All the supporting characters were also so charming. The minor storyline between Clair and Gwen was just delightful and really added to making Clair more likable and bringing out her strong side rather than just pining away over someone who doesn't deserve it.
There's so much I could say about what a great read this was, but that would just be overkill. If you enjoy dual timeline stories, if Venice is a location you enjoy reading about, if the 1600s is your era, then I highly recommend this book. Great writing, engaging characters, and gorgeous city brought to life by solid research and interesting delivery. I just loved this!!
First off, I love dual timeline stories when they are done well, and they are definitely done well in this book! I was completed engrossed in both the past and the present-day plots of this book. Both of the women leading the two stories were likable, interesting, brave and determined and I liked them both so much.
I must admit that Venice is not a locale I especially gravitate to in books, but the author makes the city, both in the past and the present-day, so magical and engaging that I was totally drawn in to the sense of place Phillips creates in her writing.
All the supporting characters were also so charming. The minor storyline between Clair and Gwen was just delightful and really added to making Clair more likable and bringing out her strong side rather than just pining away over someone who doesn't deserve it.
There's so much I could say about what a great read this was, but that would just be overkill. If you enjoy dual timeline stories, if Venice is a location you enjoy reading about, if the 1600s is your era, then I highly recommend this book. Great writing, engaging characters, and gorgeous city brought to life by solid research and interesting delivery. I just loved this!!
spzawada's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun historical thriller. I am pleased that the main female character will be given a second book as well. Quick and easy, fun for if you are on a vacation.
kathrynreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
Reminded me of why I love history - the story and the search for it through documents of the past.
kpasteka's review against another edition
3.0
This was an enjoyable read that flowed well between period Venice and the modern day. I liked that it had a happy ending even though it's not the one you'd expect.
*I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.*
*I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.*