NOTICE: (Updated March 5, 2010)

Beginning December 19, 2009, Books 'N Border Collies will be posting but only intermittently while I pursue personal goals. I plan to share some reading I'm doing, but there will be no reviews. I will, however, be sharing my exploration of vegetarian cooking and the cookbooks and websites I use to educate myself. I hope you enjoy it!

Lezlie



Tuesday, June 24, 2008

THE ROSSETTI LETTER

by Christi Phillips



While researching her dissertation, Ph.D. candidate Claire Donovan uncovers previously unknown facts about the Spanish Conspiracy in early 17th century Venice and secrets about the life a courtesan who brought down the conspirators.

That's the very simplified summary. Part historical, part mystery, part contemporary romance and completely captivating, The Rossetti Letter is an excellent companion for the beach, patio, or favorite chair. I particularly enjoyed the sections set in historical Venice, but it was very interesting to see the competition of modern academic life as Clare races to finish her research before a famous and snooty scholar can refute her years of work. All this while she plays chaperone for a troubled teenager whose newly-married dad is on his honeymoon. While pieces of the story are somewhat predicable, there were plenty of surprises to keep you guessing. It's a fast read with a lot to offer, and it made me quite anxious to get my hands on Christi Phillips' second novel, The Devlin Diary, coming in January 2009!

8 comments:

Marg said...

I have had this book on my TBR list for a while now. It definitely sounds like an interesting read!

Linda/CT said...

Hey Lezlie...I think this is on my TBR; must check it out soon. Sounds like a winner.

Lezlie said...

Marg & Linda ~ I'd been meaning to read this for months. When I finally sat down to do it, I raced through it in just two afternoon sessions! It's a great book to give yourself a break between more time-consuming reads.

Lezlie

Anonymous said...

"Part historical, part mystery, part contemporary romance..."

That is a perfect combo!

Lezlie said...

J. Kaye ~ I agree! And this book mixes them beautifully.

L.

Teddy Rose said...

Lezlie, you really have to quit adding to my TBR like this!

Lezlie said...

Teddy Rose ~ I'm trying to keep your mind busy and your spirits up. ;-)

Lezlie

Teddy Rose said...

I appreciate that. I started reading again last night. I also had a lot of groups and blogs to catch up on, which I'm sure you could tell from all of my comments. LOL!