Search - ADORA

Quite heavy on the historical detail in this fictionalization of a wife of real-life sultan. There's plenty of trashy bodice ripper moments that are Bertrice Small's specialty. I've read this one several times since 8th grade and it never gets stale. :)

I'm not much into romances but this book came to me in a free box of books and was on someone's wish list when I entered it on my TBR pile so I decided to read it.

This is a historical romance and therefore, in my mind, raises it slightly above a simple modern romance. The history lessons were, for the most part interesting, although tedious at times. I get the impression that the title character is a real person from history who's life the author took artistic license in embellishing and fleshing out. You must understand the context of the life and era in which Adora resided in order to accept what she does in order to survive or thrive. Adora's life is chronicled from beginning to end and it isn't wrapped up in a neat little package with a tidy pink bow. Her loves, romances, and marriages are simplistic even though the author tries to give them dimension with their complications. I wasn't happy with the supposed happy ending (in the sections of the book or the true end) but I could appreciate that the author didn't want the life to be perfect. I think the author's attempt at making the story feel more real by making life imperfect was a valid attempt.

If you don't care for romances, skip it. If you like them, especially historical romances, you won't feel this book is a waste of time.

This is the first book of Bertrice Small's that I ever read over 20 years ago and once I did I was HOOKED! I've been her biggest fan ever since and have read (and saved) every book Bertrice Small has ever written. She's definitely the BEST romance writer EVER! You will LOVE her books no doubt! A MUST READ!