The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

I just finished this book last night.  The book was really interesting, it captivated me right from the start.  I loved the beginning, the story was told from so many perspectives it was like the end of each chapter was a cliff hanger.  You couldn't wait to get back to that character's perspective when it ended. 

The middle of the book was great too, so many secrets uncovered and clues to ponder.  I thought it was going to be confusing trying to keep each character's story straight but it proved to be an exciting task. I loved the characters Eliza and Rose.  They were my favorite.  So interesting, so much depth.  To write such complete people from your mind i feel is such an admirable skill. And Eliza being so different.  It was really excellent reading.  

Then the end came and I was disappointed.  

The stories became so convoluted and a little too extreme.  Characters were jumping to silly conclusions and drama was added to the story that I felt was unnecessary and distracting to the plot.  It would have been a great story without the connection back from Mary's family to Australia. That was just plain silly.  I also didn't think she finished telling the story of Uncle Linus.  What did he do to Georgiana with the pen knife? Why was he obsessing over the photos of Eliza and 'the game' of capturing her image? Instead the book just ended.  The plot never culminated in that area.  I was scared of him.  He had this sinister presence to me that was built throughout the novel for no reason.  Confusing!  Also, the part about Nathaniel and Eliza and what he almost says to her.  I felt that was unnecessary too.   

I really did like the book though.  It was just the end that could have been better done better. I think I had my hopes up so high for the end of this book because her previous novel, 'House at Riverton', really had the WOW factor that this ending lacked.  It was a great book though and I loved most of the characters.  Even Aunt Adelaide was written so well, with such torment.

I would definitely recommend this book, but I would recommend her other novel ahead of it.  I would give this book a 4/5 stars. 

What did you think?!

The Sorceress by Michael Scott

I liked this one.  Not sure why. I think I like Perenelle.  She seems less irritating, although still always successful. And, I liked the twist with Joan of Arc and Scatty too.  She is probably my favorite character, Scatty. I am glad she reappears in this book. 

This book went really quickly for me too. Actually, as soon as I finished it I headed right to Barnes & Noble to pick up the fourth book.  Much to my dismay though, it was out of stock.  Fear not. I ordered it and thanks to my Barnes & Noble membership had it express shipped to my house for free!  Should be here tomorrow :).   Disappointing though because I wanted it to be my Book Seven review but if I wait until it comes tomorrow that means I'll have nothing to read tonight! And then what would I do with myself?! Home alone on a quite cold winter night and no book?! I'll probably start another book tonight and make The Necromancer my book 8. Problem solved!

Anyway! I liked this one.  Still silly and full of victories for the good guys but a lot less cheesy. Or maybe I am used to it and therefore am unaffected by the cheesiness now? Either way, I did like this book.  Its a fun story and the characters continue to grow on me.  Not gonna lie, kinda excited to get the next book in the series in the mail tomorrow.  Hopefully it's not a disappointment!

I would recommend this book but very cautiously and to a younger, less skeptical audience.  3/5 stars for The Sorceress!