(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

In New Orleans - the city of genteel old houses covered in Spanish moss, of seductive night life, of Creole culture, voodoo and jazz - two women separated by time and tragedy will find each other at last.
Amanda, orphaned as a child and suffering the loss of her beloved grandmother, has left Sydney in search of a family she never knew.
Ruby, constrained by the expectations of society and class, is carrying a lifetime of secrets. Amanda's arrival sparks revelations long buried: a double life, a forbidden love, and a loss that cannot be forgotten.

*3.5 stars*

There are two aspects to this novel that I want to review: the setting and the plot itself.

Firstly, let's talk about the setting: New Orleans - that heady combination of culture, food, music and voodoo. The city that speaks to me so clearly, so wonderfully, that I am a sucker for any books set there (and done well!) And this one is done so perfectly. I was definitely drawn into Ruby's tale of 1950's New Orleans. The story of her life, mixed in with the culture and history of the area, was a real winner for me.

Secondly, the story itself: As I have said, I was sucked into Ruby's story so fully that I just loved it. However, the contemporary story of Amanda was just disappointing for me. I was so dialed into the story of Ruby, that Amanda's story of searching for family was lost on me.

Honestly, I think the author should have just taken the time to write the novel about Ruby, filed it under Historical Fiction, and it would have been a 5-star review from me. Everything else, in my opinion, was unnecessary.


Paul
ARH