Charity Rau

If you enjoy regency-era romances with a bit of intrigue and tension, that are inspired by fairytales, you’re going to enjoy this. I remember reading the tale of Bluebeard when I was younger, and while it’s not one you typically think of when you think “fairy tale retelling”, Rau did an amazing job of giving it a new, unique twist. I was immediately immersed in the story, with the descriptions being so vivid, and the characters being so real. Also, I loved Marianna, but my heart absolutely broke for her, having lost her beloved at sea, and her father being so ill. While I could understand her complicated feelings, and admired her determination to set aside her fears and desire for happiness to do what she had to in order to help her family. I won’t give any spoilers, but the story moves along at a good pace, and there’s just enough twists and surprises that you can never be totally sure you know what’s going to happen next!… (mehr)

What a great read to introduce you into the fantasy genre. This book will have you on the edge of your seat flipping pages as fast as you possibly can. I appreciated that the author did not rush the beginning, we got a good foundation before we were thrown into the exiting thrill ride of a story where once we started we could not stop, we were full steam ahead for the back 75%. With every page, you never knew who we should trust and who we shouldn't which made it so much more mesmerizing. I am not familiar with the tale of bluebeard so this was a brand new adventure to me. This is one of those books I wish I could read again and again for the first time, and feel this excitement over and over.… (mehr)