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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
I picked up this book because… I won a copy from Good Reading Magazine and I was very keen on reading this book as it is right up my alley with Australian Historical Fiction.
I loved… the setting and the premise for the book, I have never read anything around Queensland during World War II. It was very well written with an interesting plot. I loved the generational stories that were involved in telling this story.
I disliked… nothing much. There was nothing that stood out that I don't like but it was missing the wow factor that makes me give it five stars.
This book reminded me of… Colleen McCollough's Thorn Birds.
I would recommend this book to… everyone who loves Australian books and Australian authors!
I loved… the setting and the premise for the book, I have never read anything around Queensland during World War II. It was very well written with an interesting plot. I loved the generational stories that were involved in telling this story.
I disliked… nothing much. There was nothing that stood out that I don't like but it was missing the wow factor that makes me give it five stars.
This book reminded me of… Colleen McCollough's Thorn Birds.
I would recommend this book to… everyone who loves Australian books and Australian authors!
I received this book as an advanced reading copy and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of the story is set in the North Queensland rainforest, I know the castle is real and can picture the settings so clearly. The women in this book are real and alive and totally engaging. I could not wait to see how the story unfolded through three generations of twists and turns. In the end love was all that really mattered and how it affected the next generation. Some of the twists I could see coming but not all of them. It is a really good read.
**I won this book through Goodreads First Reads.**
Full review at https://cexleybooks.blogspot.co.nz/2016/06/book-review-castle-of-dreams.html
I just want to start by saying I don't like books that are told by multiple characters points of view, But I absolutely loved this book.
Its a story of secrets held by two sisters and their families set in two different timezones.
I enjoyed reading about sisters Vivien and Rose and how they were brought up in a mysterious castle in Northern Queensland during the war and also Stella.
Full review at https://cexleybooks.blogspot.co.nz/2016/06/book-review-castle-of-dreams.html
I just want to start by saying I don't like books that are told by multiple characters points of view, But I absolutely loved this book.
Its a story of secrets held by two sisters and their families set in two different timezones.
I enjoyed reading about sisters Vivien and Rose and how they were brought up in a mysterious castle in Northern Queensland during the war and also Stella.
Firstly I would like to thank the publishers for gifting me a promotional copy of this book.
Castle of Dreams is a multilayered story about family, love, secrets and lies spanning generations of a single family. I love the genealogy aspect – I have found myself enthralled by the past and eagerly seeking out to uncover the mysteries of my elusive grandmother (a quest I have never had any success with). I understand Stella’s compulsion to find the threads that lead to that past and unravel the truth of the story. The fact that her mother knew some of it for so long and never shared was a surprise.
I love the castle in the rainforest. The description of the castle and its surrounds is so visceral that I can clearly picture it and its inhabitants. The fact that it was inspired by a real castle in the forest (paranella park) makes it all the more believable. I can just picture the glamorous New Year’s ball there.
The backdrop of the War was an interesting dynamic. I was disappointed that William turned out to be not so nice. But I suppose with his history you have to forgive some of it a little.
Vivien was an enigmatic character but I must say I vacillated between liking her and hating her a little. The big twist with Rose and Linda was something I did not see coming. I really thought Rose and Robert were temporary lovers and it made me dislike him just a little for being one of those men that takes advantage for his own gratification – but thankfully that turned out to be false.
I had a suspicion that Tom might have been more than meets the eye as some of the story he told didn’t quite mesh. When did Robert get time to send him that package before the flight etc…? I was surprised that Robert and Viv reconnected and ended up where they did. Her ending was sad and touching, although I think it is even sadder that he was so young and never moved on with another and had the joys of love and family. Poor Robert.
This book is an enthralling tale that highlights just how convoluted some secrets can be within families. A fascinating read that had plenty of interesting twists and intrigue to keep the reader guessing.
Castle of Dreams is a multilayered story about family, love, secrets and lies spanning generations of a single family. I love the genealogy aspect – I have found myself enthralled by the past and eagerly seeking out to uncover the mysteries of my elusive grandmother (a quest I have never had any success with). I understand Stella’s compulsion to find the threads that lead to that past and unravel the truth of the story. The fact that her mother knew some of it for so long and never shared was a surprise.
I love the castle in the rainforest. The description of the castle and its surrounds is so visceral that I can clearly picture it and its inhabitants. The fact that it was inspired by a real castle in the forest (paranella park) makes it all the more believable. I can just picture the glamorous New Year’s ball there.
The backdrop of the War was an interesting dynamic. I was disappointed that William turned out to be not so nice. But I suppose with his history you have to forgive some of it a little.
Vivien was an enigmatic character but I must say I vacillated between liking her and hating her a little. The big twist with Rose and Linda was something I did not see coming. I really thought Rose and Robert were temporary lovers and it made me dislike him just a little for being one of those men that takes advantage for his own gratification – but thankfully that turned out to be false.
I had a suspicion that Tom might have been more than meets the eye as some of the story he told didn’t quite mesh. When did Robert get time to send him that package before the flight etc…? I was surprised that Robert and Viv reconnected and ended up where they did. Her ending was sad and touching, although I think it is even sadder that he was so young and never moved on with another and had the joys of love and family. Poor Robert.
This book is an enthralling tale that highlights just how convoluted some secrets can be within families. A fascinating read that had plenty of interesting twists and intrigue to keep the reader guessing.
A lovely book about two sisters and a love that bonds and separates them. McCune has managed to include enough red herrings to keep this a page turner to the end, while still crafting a beautifully satisfying romance.