The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose/ Plus Give Away

Author M. J. Rose

on Tour

March 15-April 3, 2015

with

The Witch of Painted Sorrows

(historical suspense / paranormal)

Release date: March 17, 2015
by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 978-1476778068
Hardcover, 384 pages
also available as ebook

Author’s page | Goodreads

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SYNOPSIS

Possession. Power. Passion. New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.

Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.

My Review:

Four Stars

Copy Received for an honest review from France Book Tours

I read M.J. Rose before so I should have anticipated a great story, with a great heroine and magic.  "The Witch of Pained Sorrows" had all these qualities and more.  I loved Sandrine. I thought she was a great heroine and I cheered for her from when she showed up at her grandma's abandoned Paris residence all the way through the secrets she uncovered. I also loved that the author eased through the different secrets of this family throughout the story instead of having one big scene.  I personally loved the first person narrative because it feels so personal and intimate. It was like hearing a good friends story unfold.  I also have found that when authors don't introduce magical qualities into a story correctly the story can seem unbelievable and at times corny, but M.J. Rose weaves in the magical occurrences so elegantly that they make sense and make it seem a part of everyday life. 

Sandrine is not only running away from an abusive husband she is embarking on a journey of self-discovery and that means discovering secrets and talents that have been hidden in her family for years. Some of the secrets are not good ones and the truth is not always easy or kind. I'm a huge fan of Isabel Allendale and Toni Morrison both authors who have had spirits become intriguing parts of their stories, la Lune is that spirit in "The Witch of Painted Sorrows."  Even though Sandrine is relieved to have this ghostly spirit can she trust it? and what does it mean for her life?  Thoroughly enjoyable and magical story. My only regret after reading  this story is that I have not read more by Rose.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City
mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum,
the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park
and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed.
She believes mystery and magic are all around us
but we are too often too busy to notice…
books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Please visit her website, her blog: Museum of Mysteries
Subscribe to her mailing list

Follow her on Facebook and Twitter

Buy the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

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You can enter the giveaway here or on the book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook,
they are listed in the entry form below.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour:
tweeting about the giveaway everyday
of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

5 winners
Open internationally
$20 gift card

CLICK ON THE BANNER
TO READ OTHER REVIEWS AND AN INTERVIEW