book club

Thanks,Heather and Katie!

Lucinda Riley's The Orchid House

Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, from the Wharton Park estate in England to Thailand, this sweeping novel tells the tale of a concert pianist and the aristocratic Crawford family, whose shocking secrets are revealed, leading to devastating consequences.
As a child, concert pianist Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the grand estate where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to this tranquil place. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.
When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed the estate. Their search takes them back to the 1940s when Harry, a former heir to Wharton Park, married his young society bride, Olivia, on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt for generations to come.
This atmospheric story alternates between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant novel.
(thanks amazon)

I was so excited about this book,it sounded like a Kate Morton style novel and although it was a decent read I was more annoyed with it than in love. I really thought the beginning and middle were much better than the ending;it sort of dragged on for too long and there were wacky secrets shared that really had no place. Also I didn't see the point of the Venetia girl...This book did keep me on my toes because even though I saw some things coming some things were too far fetched and unbelievable. Also, I just couldn't get over the third/fourth cousin aspect with the main character. I was more sad to read this whole book than happy;I give it a C.

Visions in White by Nora Roberts

The first book in the Bride Quartet—following the lives and loves of four friends who run Vows, a wedding-planning company. Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.

(thanks to her website)

Another fun (this makes my third NR book) and light read. I am a sucker for a romance and a wedding! Simple characters that are all enjoyable,funny and showcase a wonderful friendship. Had me laughing and smiling through out. What a cute plot;I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I give it an A.


******
Have a lovely weekend!