A review by jennfgarcia
Bellagrand by Paullina Simons

5.0

When I agreed to review this book I had no idea it was a companion to a book (The Bronze Horseman) I had wanted to read. Bellagrand can be read without reading the others, but I imagine it would be so much better with more of the story.

This story was incredibly sad, heart wrenchingly sad. The words, the realities, the people and their stupid beliefs and decisions, and the pain... Paullina has a way with words and she pulled feelings from me that I didn't know what to do with. She made me hate the characters in the book with such passion that it stayed with me for days. One of the characters could not have been redeemed at all, I hated him the whole time. The heroine was just weak but I did feel bad for her sometimes. I mean, what do you do when you love someone so much that you'd be willing to jeopardize the life of your child to be with your man?

It takes a great author to make a reader feel so much. She brings you into the story so you feel as if you are the characters and their pain, happiness, and downfalls are yours. It's amazing. This author is one I'll continue to read, and when I have time, I want to read all of her books.

I recommend this book to anyone that love historicals, love, hate, strong feelings, politics, and stupid heroes.