A different topic sidetracked me. One of the best books I've read in a long time.
Back in 2000-2002 I went through a tremendous reading drought. I had no interest in reading at all. My whole point in life was to get pregnant and once this happened I was completely enthralled by my pregnancy, nesting, impending motherhood. Once he arrived I happily took on the roll of mother, not really caring about what I was missing from the romance reading world.
I'm only now realizing just how many wonderful books I missed during this time. Adele Ashworth's Winter Garden is one of those books.
While cruising the UBS at a dizzying pace on Saturday, I found a buried treasure. After the roller coaster ride of Lover Eternal this book was calm and peaceful, a perfect foil to LE.
This was one of the most sensual books I have ever read. There is a calmness to writing and storytelling that completely belies the sexual tension and chemistry of this book. It's an incredibly erotic story, even though it wouldn't be considered romantica or erotica.
Since it's a historical it qualifies for this months TBR Challenge...
Title: Winter GardenAuthor: Adele Ashworth
Year published: 2000
Why did you get this book? I saw Rosario comment about it somewhere and I'm also a fan of Adele Ashworth
Do you like the cover? It's okay
Did you enjoy the book? Immensely
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? Not at all, she is an autobuy for me
Are you keeping it or passing it on? This book is finding a permanent home on my keeper shelf.
Anything else? Adele Ashworth writes wonderful adult books. The hero is 39, the heroine 29. Both are spys for the British Government. He is crippled from an accident during the Opium Wars and she is the daughter of a French actress and a British sea captain. Their physical and emotional attraction to one another is palpable on every page. I am completely in awe of Ms. Ashworth's writing, this book was just amazing.
8 comments:
Er.. hm. A good thing the UBS is on the way to Daughter's school! I may just have to drop in..
I'm so glad you liked this one, Tara! And you're right, it's erotic, sensuous and grown-up... more and more of a rarity every day, that is!
PS - I'm reading Lady of Sin, by Madeline Hunter right now, and you were right about that one, too.
Amanda--Don't you love those local UBS. If you find it, I hope you like it. It's very much a character driven story. The spy plot is completely secondary to the h/h's relationship.
Rosario--you are right, these type of books are few and far between. Lady of Sin has a very similar quality to this one, character driven storytelling, that allows the plots to meander sometimes, but doesn't take away from the story.
This is my favourite Ashworth. I thought it was wonderful!!!
What a great review - it really made me want to read this book (I'll have to get a copy in NY when I go)
It makes me think of another book I read and I can't remember the author's name - she wrote really top-rate romantic suspense set in this time period, with terrific characters. (will remember - will let you know. Tracy - someone?)
Kristie--It's nice to be in such good company--LOL.
Sam--I'm thinking this is one hard to find book. This was the only time I'd ever seen it at the UBS and when I checked half.com there cheapest copy was $15--ouch.
Sam, would the book you're thinking of be Daughter of the Game, by Tracy Grant? If so, I agree! It does have this quality to it.
Wasn't it wonderful! I took my copy to the UBS then started kicking myself. So I had to go back and buy another copy. It's definitely a keeper.
Post a Comment