For readers who like Southern Gothic and historical fiction with a little romance.
It is a life built on secrets, lust, and lies, and Sydnee Sauveterre is at the center of the charade. Used as a source of income at a stand on the Natchez Trace, she escapes at a young age to start a new life in Louisiana. Gifted with visions and a knowledge of Hoodoo, Sydnee must find her way through the quagmire … quagmire of danger and deceit that is 19th Century New Orleans. She bans together with four friends to create an illusion within the elegant, high society of the Louisiana Creole. It is a risky charade meant to fulfill all of their secret desires, and Sydnee gambles everything, including love, to lead this double life. Will she survive the grand masquerade?
“Once again Amanda Hughes splashes the pages with gritty adventure and love stories about audacious women in the 18th and 19th Century. Her page-turning tales will keep you on the edge of your seat as you take wild rides through dramatic and dazzling periods of history.”
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This book is a must read. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more of this authors work. Very well done!
I’ve read several of Amanda Hughes’ novels and they all of have one striking characteristic–realism. In this book and the others, you feel transported back in time and to an entirely new and strange place. As you follow the lives of the main characters, you also feel that you are truly experiencing their challenges, setbacks, and triumphs. …
This story pulls you in and the characters are very believable!
Loved the different twists in the story – Enjoyed this book by Amanda Hughes
Sydnee leaves the Natchez Trace shortly after her dogs kill Sidney’s abusive father. Sydney lands on her feet, though, and is saved from prostitution by Maxime who has been sent to find a girl who will “cure” Tristan’s homosexuality. This in the early 1840s, and the South. So we meet the wonderful characters. Sydney is fifteen, loves animals and …
What a grand book. Well researched & well written. Tense but loving. Grand love affairs with a twist. Of all Ms. Hugh’s books this was by far my favorite.
Not like other romances in that the story weaves together several stories and gives insight into perceptions of sexual deviencies at a time when things, like abusing a child, were more ignored or tolerated rather than faced and righted. Compelling story about the life of a compelling young woman.
Great story that I looked forward to reading whenever I could. Appreciated that it wasn’t a predictable soppy love story. I look forward to reading more of this author.
Really enjoyed reading about how Sydnee was able to become a strong woman in spite of her beginnings. I knew the secrets had to come out and it was interesting how they resolved the problem s
The beginning was hard to read, but it sets the foundation for a strong main character that develops through the book. I enjoyed the writing and historical perspective.
An original setting for romance. Turning tragedy into blessings. Action packed keeping me on the edge for the next turn of events. Inspiring characters who triumph over evil for their “happily ever after.”
Couldn’t put book down. Interesting turns.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a story with some of everything in it. I love this author and her style of writing. I didn’t want to put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves something other than just another love story. There’s murder, mystery, love, magic and the list goes on. Do yourself a favor and give this a read.
It’s so very hard for me to write reviews. I would much rather spend my time reading them. But, sometimes there is a book that you just need to say something about and this is one of those. I found this book to be exceptional. The author brings her characters to you on such a way that you feel you are standing next to them and from all the books …
I loved the first part of the book. But the last third didn’t seem to fit with the rest. Felt the author didn’t really know where she was going with it and wanted to hurry and get it finished. And so did I.
This book had an intriguing storyline that made me want to find out what would happen in the end.
Wasn’t sure where it was going and I was pleasantly surprised.
Good characters and some realistic attitudes for the time period. I think it’s a little too busy with so many things happening in a young woman’s life.
lame
Fabulous read. Interesting historical details along with rich character development. Not what I was expecting. Much better!