Amanda Hughes

Fourteen-year-old Sydnee Sauveterre lived with her father Victor and his slave Margarite in a broken down cabin on the Natchez Trace. Customers stopped by his tavern for a drink, fortunetelling, and Sydnee, who her father forced to comply. She had a gift when it came to animals, and had been taught Hoodoo from Margarite. Valued only for the money they earned Victor, they scraped out their existence on the lonely Trace.

After their deaths Sydnee walked for weeks searching for a new beginning, and was hired to work in New Orleans for a wealthy man’s 16-year-old son. Instead, she and Tristan became the best of friends. He introduced her to his neighbor Isabel, who became her first female friend, and a stable worker Mortimer. Soon the four were inseparable.

As the years passed Madame Sauveterre matured into a lovely young woman, and Tristan made sure she had a place in high society. The four friends continued their deep bond of friendship, made ever closer due to secrets they all shared. In time this deception will lead to them making decisions that will change the courses of their lives.

I enjoyed reading about the friends and their grand masquerade, even though Sydnee’s rise from poverty, and Isabel’s deep secret seemed a bit far-fetched to me. Though labeled as #1 in Hughes’ new series, “Grand Masquerade” is a standalone book.

Recommended for Adult readers who like a bit of history and romance in their stories.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/the-grand-masquerade-bold-wo...… (meer)

Ireland in the 18C was a tough place even after the famine ended. Darcy and her brother are the only ones to survive from her family and to get by along with others smuggle goods form France in return for the wool of the sheep. Years ago her only love Bran was transported and she longs for him to return so they can marry and start a life together.

When they smuggle in a Catholic priest he realises that Darcy has a thirst for learning and teaches her to read which angers her brother. Then Bran returns and starts a chain of events which will change the lives of people in Kerry for ever.

I really enjoyed this book which features a strong female at its centre and tells how despite dreadful circumstances she manages to overcome what life throws at her. Sometimes though the sex scenes were overdone and added little to the story.… (meer)