The Ruins of Lace
"An exquisite book, as intricate and enticing as the lace from which it draws its inspiration. I read far too late into the night and finished it the next day only to regret reading it so quickly. This is definitely a keeper to be savored. Whoever Iris Anthony is, she's a gifted writer with what is to be hoped is only the first of many wonderful stories to tell." -Sara Poole, author of Poison and The Borgia Mistress"TheRuins of Laceis a period tale as artfully and skillfully woven as the exquisite length of lace at its center. With tears and laughter, I followed distinctively drawn characters from cloister house to chateau to a smuggler's hut deep in the forest--even to a wooden crate inhabited by an abused dog--all the while fascinated with each twist and turn of the story. This book was a pleasure to read." -Brenda Rickman Vantrease, author of The Heretic's Wife"Iris Anthony's TheRuins of Laceis a fascinating tale, as intricately woven as her subject matter, about the contraband lace trade in France during the 17th century, when fortunes were won and lost over a bit of trim. In this exploration of greed, exploitation, and the meaning of honor, Anthony's characters leap to vivid life, drawing the reader into their destinies, reminding us that we are all complex beings capable of cruelty -- and that we have, also, the power to resist the dark impulses within." -Sherry Jones, author of Four Sisters, All Queens"I loved it...lovely historical fiction about a topic that is not commonly written about." -Suzy Takacs, The Book Cellar, Chicago IL"Spun of intricate, multiple threads, TheRuins of Lacereflects the very fabric whose story it tells: a gorgeously wrought tale of two women bound to the cruelty and beauty of a forbidden perfection, and the dangerous intrigues of the lace prohibition in 17th century France. Iris Anthony has delivered a stunning achievement!" -C.W. Gortner, author of The Queen's Vow"TheRuins of Laceis an intriguing tale about a time and place full of great beauty and fraught with great danger. Iris Anthony intertwines the delicate threads of character and plot to form a story as complex and lovely as the lace at the heart of this ingenious book." -Gillian Bagwell, author of The Darling Strumpet and The September Queen"Compelling...I couldn't stop reading." -Karleen Koen, New York Times bestselling author of Through a Glass Darkly and Before Versailles"The many facets of the story of lace are intriguing...Sweeping" -Kirkus"As beautifully fashioned as the sought-after lace, this story is sure to impress. " -Publishers Weekly"Anthony has written a fascinating story not only about lace, but about obsession, corruption, and self-worth. The ending is tantalizingly ambiguous" -The Historical Novels Review"A complex novel whose plot threads form a pattern as elegant and intricate as the lace at its center." -Shelf Awareness"I really liked this story and I think it will appeal to a large audience.  I'll definitely be recommending this book to the historical fiction fans and the needleworkers in my life." -From the TBR Pile"I recommend this one for anyone who loves fully researched historical fiction." -Reading with Monie"Of course, everybody's story eventually ties together, and the ending is worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy. Definitely worth a read." -Drey's Library"The threads are expertly woven together, much like the lace for which so much is lost." -Proud Book Nerd" This fast-paced narrative tells the story of the popular contraband through seven different narrators. Iris Anthony intertwines us in the lives of many for whom lace can buy almost anything, or anyone." -Anokhi Magazine"I devoured this book, finishing it with satisfaction. A book is a true gift when it entertains and prompts the reader to learn more about the subject matter. TheRuins of Lacewas definitely that kind of gift, making me so very happy to be a lover of historical fiction." -Literate Housewife"This novel was a very refreshing piece of historical fiction. The topic, the black market for lace in 17th century France, is one that I have not seen around before and was eager to read about. Anthony did not let me down and I was treated to quite the entertaining read." -The Maidens Court Book Review"The story ofRuins of Laceis a compelling story that shows how a simple weaving can value so much to people and the complex story of 6 people whose lives are all intertwined." -Crazy Red Pen"TheRuins of Lacehas opened up a whole new world of questions regarding this subject in itself. 17th c. Lace: forbidden, unattainable, priceless, beautiful and historical." -examiner.com"The writing is beautiful." -Carabosse's Library"A good read about an unusual subject, and interesting time period." -Readin and Dreamin"The story itself was interesting and a lesson in history as well" -Book Sake"That such frippery could produce such consequences is tragic and mesmerizing." -Cheryl's Book Nook"I enjoyed it immensely" -Jenny Loves to Read"Trust me; you will not look at lace the same ever again! Such a powerful novel that is highly complementary to its time." -Charming Chelsey's"Overall, TheRuins of Laceis an intriguing historical novel with a toughness that might surprise, given its subject." -Portland Book Review