G294 E-Reading Book Review of The Frost of Springtime by Rachel L Demeter
Author: Rachel L Demeter
ISBN/ASIN: B00ICXN9N2
Publisher: Black Lyon
Type of book: Paris, Paris Commune, 1800s, forbidden love, matched marriage, friendship, tortured soul, romance, ballet
Year it was published: 2014
Summary:
To rescue her was to rescue his own soul.
On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first bit of solace in sheltering little Sofia Rose.
But when Aleksender is drawn away by the Franco-Prussian war, the seasons pass. And in that long year, Sofia matures into a stunning young woman—a dancer with an understanding of devotion and redemption far surpassing her age.
Alongside his closest friend, Aleksender returns home to find that “home” is gone, replaced by revolution, bloodshed, betrayal—and a love always out of reach. Scarred inside and out, he’s thrust into a world of sensuality and violence—a world in which all his hours have now grown dark, and where only Sofia might bring an end to the winter in his heart.
Inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, The Frost of Springtime is a poignant tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love.
Characters:
The main characters are Sophia and Aleks. Aleks is best described as dark, thrust into a position he detests and distracted both by memories and his unrequited love for Sophia. He is a tortured soul. There is also Sophia, a beautiful and talented ballet dancer who is considerably younger than Aleks. (Less than twenty year difference I believe,) she is a gentle soul who goes after what she wants. Then there's Aleks's wife, the one that Aleks fails to love. The wife isn't an evil character, but instead she is also sweet, but its just that its an ill-timed match. The other characters include Aleks's friend named Christophe as well as the nun that helps them out, but I feel that they play small roles, well aside from Christophe.
Theme:
Love takes all shapes
Plot:
The book is written in third person point of view from what seems to be Sophia's and Aleksender's points of views, although other characters, once in a while, also take center stage. The story itself is best described as dark and atypical romance. I feel that the summary is slightly misleading because first it begins when Sophia becomes Aleks's ward, and then it jumps straight into 1871, when Aleksender returns from the Franco-Prussian war with his friend Christophe into Paris. Also, there was a great deal focus on physical appearance.
(For more information, click here)
Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California
with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of ten
years. She enjoys writing dark, edgy romances that challenge the reader’s
emotions and examine the redeeming power of love.
Imagining stories and
characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before
learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mom would
jot them down for her. She has a special affinity for the tortured hero and
unconventional romances. Whether sculpting the protagonist or antagonist, she
always ensures that every character is given a soul.
Rachel strives to
intricately blend elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some common themes
her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power
of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness. Her dream
is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.
Links
Watch the trailer for the book: THE
FROST OF SPRINGTIME by Rachel L. Demeter - Book Trailer
Official Site: http://racheldemeter.net
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelLDemeter
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rldemeter
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/racheldemeter1/
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/24737695-rachel-l-demeter
Amazon Author Page: http://racheldemeter.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/amazonbutton.png
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RachelLDemeter
Buy a copy of the book:
Amazon (eBook) *Prime
Members can read the kindle edition for free!: http://www.amazon.com/Frost-Springtime-Rachel-L-Demeter-ebook/dp/B00ICXN9N2/ref=la_B00IBKLO06
Amazon (Paperback): http://www.amazon.com/The-Frost-Springtime-Rachel-Demeter/dp/1934912611
Barnes & Noble
(Paperback): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-frost-of-springtime-rachel-l-demeter/1118596184
Giveaway
A $25
Amazon Gift Card.
The book itself is written exquisitely, similar to crocuses blooming in the snow. The author is talented in setting up a Gothic atmosphere of sorts of a tortured man within the city of Paris and the forbidden romance between him and his ward. I think I've really liked that angle a lot. What's odd is that last year I have had a chance of getting somewhat familiar with Paris Commune due to a non-fiction book I read by Elihu Washburne. Although there were parts I understood, I think Christophe's role confused me a little. Something minor, but I felt that the author focuses a little too much on Sophia's and Aleksender's physical appearance. However, if you are seeking something dark then this is the right book.
Quick Notes: I would like to thank the author for the chance to read and review this book.
4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
Thank you so much for reviewing my book and having me on your wonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteOh, btw the giveaway has been changed to only a $25 Amazon Gift Card. :)
ReplyDelete