I remember growing up Phyllis Whitney was one of my mom's favorite authors and I also read some of her young adult books when I was a teenager, so I was greatly looking forward to revisiting her work. Unfortunately, I did not find this novel to be what I was hoping for. It felt like a winding journey to get to the end and there were many digressions from the main storyline. It seemed that just as Sharon would discover some plot twist and I would think the story would take off, it felt flat. I struggled to finish it and did not find myself wanting to come back to the book. The end actually was surprising, but I just wish the pacing could have been better.

​I received this book courtesy of Open Road Integrated Media through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am voluntarily reviewing Poinciana through Open Integrated Media and Netgalley:

Poinciana is the fabulous mansion of the Logan’s Family standing on the Florida Coastline. Sharon is Ross Logan’s new bride. Ross’s first wife died and his second divorced him.

Soon after she arrives Sharon realizes it is not at all what she hoped it would be. She can’t ignore the strange undercurrents of hostility coming from everyone residing their. When Sharon asks questions everyone including Ross turns dark and menacing.

It begins to seem as if everyone in the house is plotting against each other, but are they?

I give Poinciana five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!

The QUEEN of historical romantic suspense!! Finally available as an ebook!!! I have been an avid reader of Phyllis Whitney since I was first able to read grown up books. Poinciana, first released in 1980, was one of Ms. Whitney's later works, and doesn't disappoint. Perfect for young adults and adults, her works are clean, intriguing and pull you to the end. I constantly recommend her books to our patrons at the library and they never fail to want to read more of her work. Her books have a permanent home on our shelves. Each book can be read as a stand-alone book and are timeless, which is perfect!! Thank you to the publisher and author for a free copy of the e-book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Review posted on Amazon

3.5 stars
I enjoyed this American Gothic set on a Palm Beach Florida estate named Poinciana. It's a women's mystery-suspense of the slower moving type, a gentler one, if you will. To set the stage, we have newlyweds Sharon & Ross coming to live in his family mansion. He's famous, wealthy, and older than her, and she's a bit insecure and needy for love, and is recently orphaned by an accident. Her mother was a famous singer/actress, and gave her only daughter very little attention and real love. Sharon is hoping for a new start with a new family where she will be safe, loved, and happy. Unfortunately, there are many things at play to interfere with her hopes and dreams. Secrets are lurking around every corner and no one is willing to be truthful with her. She has to share the estate with people who don't respect or even like her. Will she have the courage to face the hostility all around her? Can she unravel the mysteries and remain safe? Great descriptions and plenty of characters to keep you interested and guessing!

Poinciana is an e-book re-release, originally published in 1980. It's my second Phyllis Whitney book in a few weeks time, and I have enjoyed them both! This one in particular I had a bit of a hard time connecting emotionally with the relationships, but otherwise a good, solid read. I wouldn't term it romantic though, but more women's fiction, because to me there was very little actual romance.

**Many thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Media Publishers for an e-copy to read and honestly review!**

You can't go wrong with a book by this author. In this book you have information about Japan and Florida and of course romance and mystery. The characters are always interesting and complex.