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Lavender Blue
The New York Times bestselling author of Blue Bayou crafts a romantic Civil War adventure on the high seas. Each time Jeannette thought of the Frenchman, she tingled with reluctant delight. He was a mercenary with no morals, no ethics a man of reckless daring. He was the captain of one of the fastest ships on the ocean, and so she made a deal with him. A deal to transport her cotton and turn it into ammunition and medical supplies for her beloved Confederacy. The Yankees had murdered her husband. Now she wanted to get even. There was one unusual aspect of their arrangement. The Frenchman insisted on making love to her every time he delivered a shipment. And Jeanette could not get him out of her mind or keep her body from remembering."
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
199 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Parris Afton Bonds
82 books52 followersI am dancing on sunshine that you are visiting my little part of Parris's paradise here on Goodreads.
I write for the reckless at heart Not surprisingly, I identify with my novels' characters, both the protagonists AND antagonists. I suffer with their angsts and bewilderments and rejoice in their joys and triumphs.
And I believe that if we heroically hold fast to our own vision for ourselves in our journey’s confrontations and challenges, Life WILL surely manifest our dreams and goals and visions, as it does for my characters in my novels.
***
Parris Afton Bonds is mother of five sons and author of nearly fifty published novels. She is co-founder and first vice president of Romance Writers of America, as well as, co-founder of Southwest Writers Workshop,
The Parris Award was established in her name by the Southwest Writers Workshop to honor a published writer who has given outstandingly of time and talent to other writers. Prestigious recipients of the Parris Award include Tony Hillerman and the Pulitzer nominee Norman Zollinger.
Declared by ABC's Nightline as one of the three-best-selling authors of romantic fiction, the award winning Parris Afton Bonds has been featured in major newspapers and magazines as well as published in more than a dozen languages. A New York Times best seller, she donates her time to teaching creative writing to both grade school children and female inmates ~ both of which are captive audiences.
I write for the reckless at heart Not surprisingly, I identify with my novels' characters, both the protagonists AND antagonists. I suffer with their angsts and bewilderments and rejoice in their joys and triumphs.
And I believe that if we heroically hold fast to our own vision for ourselves in our journey’s confrontations and challenges, Life WILL surely manifest our dreams and goals and visions, as it does for my characters in my novels.
***
Parris Afton Bonds is mother of five sons and author of nearly fifty published novels. She is co-founder and first vice president of Romance Writers of America, as well as, co-founder of Southwest Writers Workshop,
The Parris Award was established in her name by the Southwest Writers Workshop to honor a published writer who has given outstandingly of time and talent to other writers. Prestigious recipients of the Parris Award include Tony Hillerman and the Pulitzer nominee Norman Zollinger.
Declared by ABC's Nightline as one of the three-best-selling authors of romantic fiction, the award winning Parris Afton Bonds has been featured in major newspapers and magazines as well as published in more than a dozen languages. A New York Times best seller, she donates her time to teaching creative writing to both grade school children and female inmates ~ both of which are captive audiences.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 14, 2018
2018 Romance Challenge
Category: Civil War Romance
3.5 Frenchman's Kiss Stars
ANOTHER Buddy-read with the Queens of Trash & Awkwardness!
After the tragic death of her husband, Jeanette is left reeling. Theirs was a marriage of love and tenderness and she feels cheated by the young death that deprived them of a long life together. As was the practice at the time, Jeanette has spent a year in mourning before being re-introduced into society as a widow. With the few friends she has she values that of one of her oldest companions, newly returned, Cristobal above most others. Despite the fact that they can agree on nothing save that they love to banter with one and other, the young dandy and Jeanette have quite a charming rapport.
At this first public outing, after a disastrous punch incident, Cristobal and Jeanette are discovered in a rather awkward situation - what with his hand unceremoniously shoved down the front of her dress and all – and her dotting aunt tries to convince the two to marry to save the widow’s reputation.
Not such a bad husband to have, I would think… but Jeanette is still in grieving for Armand and cannot imagine marrying another. Whilst Cristobal reveals that his sensibilities and desires might not lend themselves to marrying a lady at all.
It is during this social gathering that an idea begins to germinate in Jeanette’s head (I’m just going to start calling her “Jen” – like Cristobal does – to save typing her proper name this whole review, if you don’t mind. And if you do, you can as they say toddle off now.) You see, she seeks revenge on the army which caused her late husband’s demise. And with the rebels needing firepower, and her having all this access to unsold cotton, she begins plotting a way to obtain and provide those necessities using her cunning and skill.
After some digging, and an awful lot of trouser wearing and pretending to be a young man, Jen finds herself on the ship of the infamous, or famous (depending on which side of the fence you sit), Frenchman, Kitt. Her masquerade as a young man is quickly torn to shreds by the Frenchman, who insults her by proposing that yes, he will help her offload the cotton in exchange for munitions but not for anything so monetary as goods or gold. No, he will do this thing only on his terms: her, in his bed. Jen is, quite naturally, extremely offended and slaps him in his elegant mouth. After which, he catches her up in his arms for a searing kiss unlike any she’s received before.
At this point in the story, I was done for. Falling hopelessly in love with the feckless Cristobal of Jen’s days. And then, once Jen reconsiders and ultimately agrees to Kitt’s cost, sighing after the Frenchman’s passionate embraces and utterances in the dark night. There is a lot to recommend the first 70% of this novel. I honestly believed this would be my first 5 Star romance read since joining goodreads so many years ago.
The sex scenes between Kitt and Jen were exquisite torture. Bondage and blindfolds paired with sweet French utterings and kisses to set a house on fire.
Alas, it was not to be.
The final 30% of this book brought about a character arc of disastrous proportions, for me. While there is an argument, and certainly Jen makes it, that the Frenchman is using her body in a most discourteous way. It is not, in my opinion, rape. She did agree to it, in a situation wherein she could easily refuse if only she would let her revenge plot go, after all. Is the Frenchman a scoundrel for asking this price? Oh absolutely, there isn’t a doubt in my mind and I (not-so-secretly) love him for it. Is it unseemly of him? Again, of course it is. Is it hot as hell? Also, yes.
However, after an early on reveal of identity and an explanation of his reasons and intentions; I started to see him as so much more than a scoundrel. The Frenchman grew on me in leaps and bounds. A fact which, ultimately led me to heartbreak when his character changed so drastically for the worse.
In Nenia’s review she goes into the problems and issues I had quite elegantly, so I will simply lead you there for explanation on the whys of the latter part of this book’s flaws.
Thank you, lovelies, for buddy-reading this with me! And know, that I will saving a few of the more “scientific scenes” of this book for future perusal.
Category: Civil War Romance
3.5 Frenchman's Kiss Stars
ANOTHER Buddy-read with the Queens of Trash & Awkwardness!
After the tragic death of her husband, Jeanette is left reeling. Theirs was a marriage of love and tenderness and she feels cheated by the young death that deprived them of a long life together. As was the practice at the time, Jeanette has spent a year in mourning before being re-introduced into society as a widow. With the few friends she has she values that of one of her oldest companions, newly returned, Cristobal above most others. Despite the fact that they can agree on nothing save that they love to banter with one and other, the young dandy and Jeanette have quite a charming rapport.
At this first public outing, after a disastrous punch incident, Cristobal and Jeanette are discovered in a rather awkward situation - what with his hand unceremoniously shoved down the front of her dress and all – and her dotting aunt tries to convince the two to marry to save the widow’s reputation.
Not such a bad husband to have, I would think… but Jeanette is still in grieving for Armand and cannot imagine marrying another. Whilst Cristobal reveals that his sensibilities and desires might not lend themselves to marrying a lady at all.
It is during this social gathering that an idea begins to germinate in Jeanette’s head (I’m just going to start calling her “Jen” – like Cristobal does – to save typing her proper name this whole review, if you don’t mind. And if you do, you can as they say toddle off now.) You see, she seeks revenge on the army which caused her late husband’s demise. And with the rebels needing firepower, and her having all this access to unsold cotton, she begins plotting a way to obtain and provide those necessities using her cunning and skill.
After some digging, and an awful lot of trouser wearing and pretending to be a young man, Jen finds herself on the ship of the infamous, or famous (depending on which side of the fence you sit), Frenchman, Kitt. Her masquerade as a young man is quickly torn to shreds by the Frenchman, who insults her by proposing that yes, he will help her offload the cotton in exchange for munitions but not for anything so monetary as goods or gold. No, he will do this thing only on his terms: her, in his bed. Jen is, quite naturally, extremely offended and slaps him in his elegant mouth. After which, he catches her up in his arms for a searing kiss unlike any she’s received before.
At this point in the story, I was done for. Falling hopelessly in love with the feckless Cristobal of Jen’s days. And then, once Jen reconsiders and ultimately agrees to Kitt’s cost, sighing after the Frenchman’s passionate embraces and utterances in the dark night. There is a lot to recommend the first 70% of this novel. I honestly believed this would be my first 5 Star romance read since joining goodreads so many years ago.
The sex scenes between Kitt and Jen were exquisite torture. Bondage and blindfolds paired with sweet French utterings and kisses to set a house on fire.
Alas, it was not to be.
The final 30% of this book brought about a character arc of disastrous proportions, for me. While there is an argument, and certainly Jen makes it, that the Frenchman is using her body in a most discourteous way. It is not, in my opinion, rape. She did agree to it, in a situation wherein she could easily refuse if only she would let her revenge plot go, after all. Is the Frenchman a scoundrel for asking this price? Oh absolutely, there isn’t a doubt in my mind and I (not-so-secretly) love him for it. Is it unseemly of him? Again, of course it is. Is it hot as hell? Also, yes.
However, after an early on reveal of identity and an explanation of his reasons and intentions; I started to see him as so much more than a scoundrel. The Frenchman grew on me in leaps and bounds. A fact which, ultimately led me to heartbreak when his character changed so drastically for the worse.
In Nenia’s review she goes into the problems and issues I had quite elegantly, so I will simply lead you there for explanation on the whys of the latter part of this book’s flaws.
Thank you, lovelies, for buddy-reading this with me! And know, that I will saving a few of the more “scientific scenes” of this book for future perusal.
March 15, 2018
Buddy-read with my fellow romantic pirate lovers, Karly and Nenia!
This book gets an award for the hottest bodice ripper sex scenes. A bit more graphic and slightly kinkier than your average bodice ripper, these scenes were really, um, fun to read. *clears throat*
In fact, a lot of this book was really fun. The foppish Christobal, the French-talking Kitt, the completely un-frustratingly spirited Jeanette. The Civil War isn't my choice of setting for a romance, or any book, but the characters really made up for any perceived shortcomings. The whole book was just unlike other bodice rippers I've read, free of non-stop rape, a cruel hero, and woman-on-woman hate.
GUYS. THERE WAS NO WOMAN-ON-WOMAN HATE. Oh, there was ample opportunity for it, but instead, Jen examined and handled her conflicting feelings like a god damn PRO. And this was first published in 1983? Psssh. Ahead of its time.
So everything was fine and dandy until. UNTIL.
And, in light of everything in that spoiler, the last line of the book was a bit distasteful.
I really enjoyed the bulk of the novel, but the last 20% or so wasn't very pleasant because of one single thing.
This book gets an award for the hottest bodice ripper sex scenes. A bit more graphic and slightly kinkier than your average bodice ripper, these scenes were really, um, fun to read. *clears throat*
In fact, a lot of this book was really fun. The foppish Christobal, the French-talking Kitt, the completely un-frustratingly spirited Jeanette. The Civil War isn't my choice of setting for a romance, or any book, but the characters really made up for any perceived shortcomings. The whole book was just unlike other bodice rippers I've read, free of non-stop rape, a cruel hero, and woman-on-woman hate.
GUYS. THERE WAS NO WOMAN-ON-WOMAN HATE. Oh, there was ample opportunity for it, but instead, Jen examined and handled her conflicting feelings like a god damn PRO. And this was first published in 1983? Psssh. Ahead of its time.
So everything was fine and dandy until. UNTIL.
And, in light of everything in that spoiler, the last line of the book was a bit distasteful.
I really enjoyed the bulk of the novel, but the last 20% or so wasn't very pleasant because of one single thing.
Currently reading
May 10, 2023Self note
H’s been secretly in love with her for years. He’s been pining since they were children, so he hides who he is, and blackmails her to be with him (in disguise).
Bodice ripper with rape.
H rapes the h.
H’s been secretly in love with her for years. He’s been pining since they were children, so he hides who he is, and blackmails her to be with him (in disguise).
Bodice ripper with rape.
H rapes the h.
July 2, 2015
Love, Civil War and Spies in Texas!
The heroine, Jeanette St. John, is a Civil War widow living in Texas in 1862 looking to aid the Confederacy by trading her cotton for weapons she can supply the South. But the only ship’s captain able to run the North’s blockade is a Frenchman named “Kitt, the Frenchman,” operating out of Mexico. And so she goes to see him and agrees to a strange bargain: her virtue for his successful runs of cotton for arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile Jen has a childhood friend, now grown into a handsome man and returned from years in France, one Cristobal Cavazos, who would have her think he is a gay fop when he is anything but.
When the war draws near Jen’s home in Brownsville, Jen’s sea captain father orders her to the North where he lives, but she has no intention of going. She thrives on the excitement and danger around her. So she talks Cristobal into marrying her—a marriage of convenience where they will live their separate lives. And then the Frenchman, Kitt insists she keeps the terms of their bargain.
Of course I knew that Cristobal was Kitt, but even knowing that, I loved watching Jen stumble around doubting the virility of her husband. Cristobal was a great hero and put up with Jen’s snippy overreactions to learning of his assumed identity. The story is intriguing as both Cristobal and Jen take on the role of spy, her for the Confederacy and he for the Juaristas in Mexico.
The story reflects Bonds’ considerable research and events of the Civil War in Texas. It’s a story of second chances and love in the middle of tumultuous times and in a tumultuous relationship. And there are some well-written exciting scenes as Cristobal tries to outrun the Union troops. Very enjoyable!
The heroine, Jeanette St. John, is a Civil War widow living in Texas in 1862 looking to aid the Confederacy by trading her cotton for weapons she can supply the South. But the only ship’s captain able to run the North’s blockade is a Frenchman named “Kitt, the Frenchman,” operating out of Mexico. And so she goes to see him and agrees to a strange bargain: her virtue for his successful runs of cotton for arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile Jen has a childhood friend, now grown into a handsome man and returned from years in France, one Cristobal Cavazos, who would have her think he is a gay fop when he is anything but.
When the war draws near Jen’s home in Brownsville, Jen’s sea captain father orders her to the North where he lives, but she has no intention of going. She thrives on the excitement and danger around her. So she talks Cristobal into marrying her—a marriage of convenience where they will live their separate lives. And then the Frenchman, Kitt insists she keeps the terms of their bargain.
Of course I knew that Cristobal was Kitt, but even knowing that, I loved watching Jen stumble around doubting the virility of her husband. Cristobal was a great hero and put up with Jen’s snippy overreactions to learning of his assumed identity. The story is intriguing as both Cristobal and Jen take on the role of spy, her for the Confederacy and he for the Juaristas in Mexico.
The story reflects Bonds’ considerable research and events of the Civil War in Texas. It’s a story of second chances and love in the middle of tumultuous times and in a tumultuous relationship. And there are some well-written exciting scenes as Cristobal tries to outrun the Union troops. Very enjoyable!
July 6, 2014
The heroine, Jeanette St. John, is a strong character with a lot of confidence and determination. She wants to help the Confederacy and honor the memory of her late husband by selling cotton in order to obtain guns and ammunition for the war efforts. She tries portraying a boy, hoping that will help her convince the dreaded French man to help her market her goods, but the French man sees through her disguise and wants more than money for the effort ... he wants her in his bed.
To Jeanette's chagrin, she finds that she enjoys his touch and can't get him out of her mind after their initial encounter. She both hates and longs for his company. While she's leading this double life, she relies closely on her childhood friend who is leading a double life of his own...
While the story was interesting, I found the actions of some of the characters difficult to digest. The romance between the leading characters wasn't palpable for a good part of the story and some of the scenes were awkward.
My biggest challenge with this story was the narration (I listened to the audio version). The flow was difficult to listen to and it felt like someone was sitting there just reading the book out loud (as opposed to taking on the characters and making the story seamless and smooth). Some of the emotions while reading the story were off and made Jeanette seem very dramatic and excitable. The parts where the bird was talking were especially difficult to listen to and the voices the narrator gave when speaking as the characters were not flattering to them.
I take no pleasure in proving a less than stellar review for a novel, and I wish very much that I could have given it a better rating, but I my honest review is 2 stars
To Jeanette's chagrin, she finds that she enjoys his touch and can't get him out of her mind after their initial encounter. She both hates and longs for his company. While she's leading this double life, she relies closely on her childhood friend who is leading a double life of his own...
While the story was interesting, I found the actions of some of the characters difficult to digest. The romance between the leading characters wasn't palpable for a good part of the story and some of the scenes were awkward.
My biggest challenge with this story was the narration (I listened to the audio version). The flow was difficult to listen to and it felt like someone was sitting there just reading the book out loud (as opposed to taking on the characters and making the story seamless and smooth). Some of the emotions while reading the story were off and made Jeanette seem very dramatic and excitable. The parts where the bird was talking were especially difficult to listen to and the voices the narrator gave when speaking as the characters were not flattering to them.
I take no pleasure in proving a less than stellar review for a novel, and I wish very much that I could have given it a better rating, but I my honest review is 2 stars
December 28, 2024
I really did not like this one. It was an homage to The Scarlet Pimpernel which I loved when I read it earlier this year. I guess I never understood the motivations of the heroine.
December 30, 2013
In Lavender Blue Parris Afton Bonds creates a captivating story set in the lush Rio Grande Valley of Texas during the Civil War. She provides intriguing insight into a period of history that's rarely discussed–the importance of Texas in blockade running for the Confederacy and intersects that aspect with the war in Mexico that was running concurrently. Her heroine in this sensual adventure has grit and sass well beyond her time. The hero is a tough but tender blockade runner who has loved our heroine since childhood. As a fifth generation Texan and history buff I couldn't put the book down. As a reader of love stories I highly recommend it!
March 10, 2017
I had to quit this book not too far into it. There were many repetitions that were irritating. "He should have been a lawyer, a politician, a minister. Anything but a planter." Repeated five paragraphs later. In addition the heroine is still in mourning for her husband (the author takes care to state she is in full black), he's been gone less than a year. Yet, she dances all the dances at the ball. Then she decides she wants something from her friend Cristobal, and becomes all flirtatious with him. Ugh!
March 12, 2017
Reasonably well-written, with interesting characters, but a bit too steamy for my taste, and it deals with some fairly intense issues (rape; miscarriage) on a superficial level. I prefer my literature to either deal with these things with the depth and gravitas they deserve--or to stay clear of them.
May 17, 2017
Very boring
I tried my best. I even got to chapter 12. But I just couldn't read this book. Even up to that point I had skipped through the majority of the story. It just didn't hold my attention. I didn't care what happened to the main character. I always finish books even if I find them poor reading. For this one I could not force myself.
I tried my best. I even got to chapter 12. But I just couldn't read this book. Even up to that point I had skipped through the majority of the story. It just didn't hold my attention. I didn't care what happened to the main character. I always finish books even if I find them poor reading. For this one I could not force myself.
August 3, 2017
I enjoyed this story of young widow, Jeanette, whose husband, a Confederate soldier, had died after being captured by a Union general. She wants to get even by undermining the Union efforts and smuggling supplies to the Confederates. (to be continued)
Problems with continuity - confusion made me flip back to re-read many times.
Problems with continuity - confusion made me flip back to re-read many times.
June 30, 2018
Lavender Blue
I was caught in the tumultuous actions of men fighting the Civil War in southern Texas. The courage of those individuals captivated my imagination as much as the love story surrounding it did.
I was caught in the tumultuous actions of men fighting the Civil War in southern Texas. The courage of those individuals captivated my imagination as much as the love story surrounding it did.
March 14, 2017
First time reading this author, didn't think I was going to like it but I ended up really enjoying it.
March 28, 2023
a very good book. a real page turner. Parris Bonds paints pictures with her words.
I recommend this book to those who want to escape from daily stress into a exciting ride through a road less traveled. Strong characters and a taste of how it really was.
I recommend this book to those who want to escape from daily stress into a exciting ride through a road less traveled. Strong characters and a taste of how it really was.
March 14, 2017
Disappointing read
While initially the story read well the development of blackmail by physical submission while tied and blindfolded is not an acceptable norm even when the rapist turns out eventually to be the husband. This is an aspect that is as unnecessary in a work of fiction maybe I find it unacceptable as I have worked hard to support such victims of such cruelty.
While initially the story read well the development of blackmail by physical submission while tied and blindfolded is not an acceptable norm even when the rapist turns out eventually to be the husband. This is an aspect that is as unnecessary in a work of fiction maybe I find it unacceptable as I have worked hard to support such victims of such cruelty.
March 13, 2017
Pretty rape-y. Like almost all of the "love" scenes are rape and it never really addresses it beyond a talking bird that shouts "Rape" periodically. Save yourself.
May 28, 2023
Halfway through and it’s been an uphill climb. This is a poorly rewritten Scarlet Pimpernel (which the author openly states she modeled it after). It’s very hard to imagine a Southern Spaniard (?) saying “la” all the time and waving a lace bedecked arm in the Texas heat. He isn’t as witty as Sir Percy or as interesting. Half the time I had no idea WHAT his aim actually was. The writer throws in the Mexicans, French, Confederate Army and the Yankees and does very little explaining about any of them.
Christobal is supposedly in love with Jeanette from when he last saw her. Romantic… except he last saw her when she was seven and he was twelve. Hardly believable. Fine, let’s say he fell in love in the month since he’s back, Why doesn’t her try to court her properly to see if she’s receptive? Why doesn’t he take advantage of the wine-spilling scene (what was the point of that again)?
As one reader pointed out, the continuity makes for confusing reading. The author is fond of tossing in scenes for absolutely no purpose: Jen shoots the Frenchman and the in the next page he’s healed. What about the dire consequences awaiting her from his men? What about HIM? How did he get help? What was HIS reaction to being shot?
Another time she’s caught in a human stampede, has a burning building fall on top of her and loses most of her hair. Two pages later her hair has grown back and no mention is made of this. WHY put it in?
Her mourning over her husband is inserted randomly in between her desire to smuggle goods to the south but neither of those points are well developed. And at the end we learn that it was never about loyalty to a cause that gave her the desire to put her life in danger, it was because… she was an adrenaline junkie. What a letdown.
Even the sex scenes were frustrating. We’re told he spent ages getting to “know” her in one scene but all the description we get is three sentences. Boring.
The writer seems to suffer from tell, don’t show. The story jumps around with little transition. She wants to smuggle her cotton… next page it’s six weeks later and the cotton has been smuggled. How often did she do this? How many times did she sleep with the Frenchman? And Why doesn’t she EVER worry about pregnancy?
Props to the authors for proper research even if she goes for obvious tropes (Dixie, fried chicken). At least the heroine wears a corset (when she isn’t dressing as a boy).
I also appreciated that Jen wasn’t entirely comfortable with her own sexuality since her husband never explored that side of their marriage, that Christobal went after her in a hot way, that we get to see Texas at a point most writers don’t touch.
I guess I’m frustrated because I felt the book had so much potential. I finished the book but I don’t think I’m touching this author again.
Christobal is supposedly in love with Jeanette from when he last saw her. Romantic… except he last saw her when she was seven and he was twelve. Hardly believable. Fine, let’s say he fell in love in the month since he’s back, Why doesn’t her try to court her properly to see if she’s receptive? Why doesn’t he take advantage of the wine-spilling scene (what was the point of that again)?
As one reader pointed out, the continuity makes for confusing reading. The author is fond of tossing in scenes for absolutely no purpose: Jen shoots the Frenchman and the in the next page he’s healed. What about the dire consequences awaiting her from his men? What about HIM? How did he get help? What was HIS reaction to being shot?
Another time she’s caught in a human stampede, has a burning building fall on top of her and loses most of her hair. Two pages later her hair has grown back and no mention is made of this. WHY put it in?
Her mourning over her husband is inserted randomly in between her desire to smuggle goods to the south but neither of those points are well developed. And at the end we learn that it was never about loyalty to a cause that gave her the desire to put her life in danger, it was because… she was an adrenaline junkie. What a letdown.
Even the sex scenes were frustrating. We’re told he spent ages getting to “know” her in one scene but all the description we get is three sentences. Boring.
The writer seems to suffer from tell, don’t show. The story jumps around with little transition. She wants to smuggle her cotton… next page it’s six weeks later and the cotton has been smuggled. How often did she do this? How many times did she sleep with the Frenchman? And Why doesn’t she EVER worry about pregnancy?
Props to the authors for proper research even if she goes for obvious tropes (Dixie, fried chicken). At least the heroine wears a corset (when she isn’t dressing as a boy).
I also appreciated that Jen wasn’t entirely comfortable with her own sexuality since her husband never explored that side of their marriage, that Christobal went after her in a hot way, that we get to see Texas at a point most writers don’t touch.
I guess I’m frustrated because I felt the book had so much potential. I finished the book but I don’t think I’m touching this author again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2015
Lavender Blue by Parris Afton Bonds is a historical romance set during the Civil War in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. This is the first time I've ever listened to a civil war novel set in Texas, which included many references to the war in Mexico. It's very evident that the author knows her history!
I really liked the premise of this book, with a strong heroine saving her plantation by transporting cotton and trading it in exchange for medical supplies and ammunition. I also loved the hero who was a French pirate and blockade runner who secretly loved the heroine since her childhood. While I enjoyed many parts of the story, other parts seemed disjointed and didn't flow as naturally. Plus there was this very annoying parrot that would say the strangest things - his comments continuously broke the flow of the story.
I listened to the Audible version of this book narrated by Julie S. Halpern who did an admirable job. She had different voices for each character, both male and female, including a way of portraying Kit the pirate in such a way that he sounded very tall, mysterious and handsome. I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the premise of this book, with a strong heroine saving her plantation by transporting cotton and trading it in exchange for medical supplies and ammunition. I also loved the hero who was a French pirate and blockade runner who secretly loved the heroine since her childhood. While I enjoyed many parts of the story, other parts seemed disjointed and didn't flow as naturally. Plus there was this very annoying parrot that would say the strangest things - his comments continuously broke the flow of the story.
I listened to the Audible version of this book narrated by Julie S. Halpern who did an admirable job. She had different voices for each character, both male and female, including a way of portraying Kit the pirate in such a way that he sounded very tall, mysterious and handsome. I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2015
This setting gave me reason to study the maps to get perspective. The tensions were many, as love deepened in the heart. Stubbornness eventually melts.
August 3, 2016
I have the paperback. Read a long time ago. Don't remember much about it w/out re-reading it.
January 8, 2017
As in most of the books I've read by Bonds, the history appears well researched. Hence, reading her work is a learning experience. I enjoyed this book and would recommend!
April 1, 2017
Not My Favorite
I had a hard time getting into this book. I pushed through and loved the last third except for the ending being too short. It seemed like a clean sweep to pull the ends together. A Civil War story with spies, double agents and a woman doing what no other southern belle would do for the war effort.
I had a hard time getting into this book. I pushed through and loved the last third except for the ending being too short. It seemed like a clean sweep to pull the ends together. A Civil War story with spies, double agents and a woman doing what no other southern belle would do for the war effort.
April 12, 2017
I'll admit that I enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book more than The Scarlett Pimpernel, which influenced this story. The conflict and romance, set in Texas and Mexico during the American Civil War was unique and very interesting. I also liked Cristobal as the hero, despite some unsavory things he does. But the last 1/4 of the book felt awkward and rather slap-dash. So, while worth a read, it ends up losing a star.
April 17, 2017
A take on the Scarlet Pimpernel, I loved the book it had enough historical references in it without being too overwhelming. Exiting adventures with antagonistic romantic.
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