Review: Wow!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 26, 2014
Wow. I almost wish I had read this last winter, when I was desperate for an escape from the cold, dark days and the doldrums that came with. Because the description of the gold coast alone is reason enough to read this book, but Susan Russo Anderson's mystery is also gripping, hard-to-put-down, and filled with characters I could relate to.Sister Genoveffa's mother has been killed, and Sarafina is on the trail. She has her suspicions, but she needs proof, so she travels to find the journals which she believes will be the key in finding the truth. But her kids want her home, and rightly so, because as Serafina gets closer to the truth, the danger builds both for herself and for those around her. Add some romance to the plot, and more twists and intrigue than you'll find in an episode of Downton Abby, and you're left with one awesome story.Mystery fans and historical fiction fans alike will love this book, but personally I love it for the character development and the setting description. Serafina is just such a great character - so empowered and likable - and I loved reading about her in an all new, exotic locale.  She has her flaws, which is refreshing, but she also doesn't give up on her work or on love. She is a modern day character set in the 1800s, and I applaud Russo-Anderson's writing ability on developing and these mysteries.