The Midnight Rose pulled me in right away! I loved the multi-generational family saga plot and the dual narrative from past to present-day.
I was disappointed in the way things played out, however, especially with both sets of romances; and I found it a bit overlong, even over-the-top in the end, which I hadn't expected.
I also wish I had felt a lot more chemistry between the focal couples, and while that aspect was lacking to me, I really did appreciate the settings of India and England in the past and present. They felt very well researched and quite vivid.
So if you're already a fan of Lucinda Riley's you'll definitely want to cuddle up with The Midnight Rose. But I wouldn't recommend it as a first introduction to the author. Definitely pick up The Lavender Garden instead!
B-.
I was disappointed in the way things played out, however, especially with both sets of romances; and I found it a bit overlong, even over-the-top in the end, which I hadn't expected.
I also wish I had felt a lot more chemistry between the focal couples, and while that aspect was lacking to me, I really did appreciate the settings of India and England in the past and present. They felt very well researched and quite vivid.
So if you're already a fan of Lucinda Riley's you'll definitely want to cuddle up with The Midnight Rose. But I wouldn't recommend it as a first introduction to the author. Definitely pick up The Lavender Garden instead!
B-.
