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Glasbläser-Saga #3
Das Gläserne Paradies
Das erlebt die junge Wanda am eigenen Leib, als sie 1911 zu ihrer Glasbläserfamilie in den Thüringer Wald zurückkehrt: Das gläserne Paradies ist in Gefahr, denn eine der wichtigsten Glashütten soll verkauft werden. Wanda versucht, mit allen Mitteln zu helfen. Doch was als vielversprechende Rettungsaktion gedacht war, endet fast in einer Katastrophe ...
416 pages, Taschenbuch
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
October 4, 2015
Very disappointed in this last book of the series especially after such a long wait.
I found the story line very wordy and the characters bland. The main character that I had such hopes for from the last book, was winey and unimaginative. The story tedious. I really enjoyed the first two books and was so disappointed in the death of one of the main characters that could have given the final part of the story so much more depth and sparkle. I waited a long time for this book and cannot recall when my anticipation has been so unworthy of the wait.
There was great promise in this storyline and while I was pleased to see a past wrong righted it was so far fetched it made this ending of the series disappointing beyond words.
I found the story line very wordy and the characters bland. The main character that I had such hopes for from the last book, was winey and unimaginative. The story tedious. I really enjoyed the first two books and was so disappointed in the death of one of the main characters that could have given the final part of the story so much more depth and sparkle. I waited a long time for this book and cannot recall when my anticipation has been so unworthy of the wait.
There was great promise in this storyline and while I was pleased to see a past wrong righted it was so far fetched it made this ending of the series disappointing beyond words.
June 30, 2016
Disappointing conclusion
Loved book one. Liked book two, which took a long time to go anywhere. Book 3 drug on and on, yet left more loose ends than closure in the end. Not another word about Franco or his family. (I never liked where that went anyway. We got so much internal dialogue about Franco's heart and good intentions and in the end he was simply a 'murderer' because he went along with his father's plans one last time?) Nothing really got resolved other than the resurfaced villain from book one. The characters were so inconsistent! Richard breaks it off with Wanda after doing a complete about face from modern man to cave man?Anna goes from grumpy b*tch to happy supporter? Too much of that. In the end book three was a total waste of time.
Loved book one. Liked book two, which took a long time to go anywhere. Book 3 drug on and on, yet left more loose ends than closure in the end. Not another word about Franco or his family. (I never liked where that went anyway. We got so much internal dialogue about Franco's heart and good intentions and in the end he was simply a 'murderer' because he went along with his father's plans one last time?) Nothing really got resolved other than the resurfaced villain from book one. The characters were so inconsistent! Richard breaks it off with Wanda after doing a complete about face from modern man to cave man?Anna goes from grumpy b*tch to happy supporter? Too much of that. In the end book three was a total waste of time.
February 10, 2020
A great third book and ending to The Glassblower Trilogy. The writing is wonderful throughout the whole series. The author taking the reader on a journey with the Steinmann sisters and their family throughout their many adventures and ups and downs of life. With family and love being at the heart of it all.
This book sees the family and their glassblowing business and the future of the whole village of Lauscha brought into danger. It is a hard, risky and dangerous road they must travel to try and save them all.
Another wonderful moving read.
This book sees the family and their glassblowing business and the future of the whole village of Lauscha brought into danger. It is a hard, risky and dangerous road they must travel to try and save them all.
Another wonderful moving read.
September 25, 2015
The Saga Continues
The Steinmann sisters' story continues where it ended in the second book, with Wanda, Ruth's daughter just coming back from Marie's bedside with Marie's daughter.
The story finds a villain from the first book in Strobel, who was the shopkeeper whom caused Johanna so much grief. This time around he has his sights set on Wanda and the whole village.
The local foundry it seems is soon to be sold, Wanda upon hearing all of the Glassblowers fretting over who will take over, comes up with a wild idea that the Glassblowers could rally together and raise the funds and purchase it themselves and therefore actually make a profit themselves and be in full control.
Not everyone is pleased with Wandas plan tho, least of all Richard, Wandas fiancé. He is consumed by his "art" and finds this talk disturbing and doesn't understand why Wanda wants to disturb the status quo.
Yet, the townspeople decide amongst themselves that they want to go ahead with this wild scheme of Wandas. Thus begins a journey that will change the little town forever.
Yet, all isn't as smooth sailing as Wanda would hope.
I detest both historical fiction and series books, yet each of the books in this series I've read nonstop, without being able to take even a moments break. The writing is superb and the storyline fast paced. The writer pulls you in and you fall in love with the characters and the village.
It's a story that you don't want to end. I hope that there will be a forth book in this series.
The Steinmann sisters' story continues where it ended in the second book, with Wanda, Ruth's daughter just coming back from Marie's bedside with Marie's daughter.
The story finds a villain from the first book in Strobel, who was the shopkeeper whom caused Johanna so much grief. This time around he has his sights set on Wanda and the whole village.
The local foundry it seems is soon to be sold, Wanda upon hearing all of the Glassblowers fretting over who will take over, comes up with a wild idea that the Glassblowers could rally together and raise the funds and purchase it themselves and therefore actually make a profit themselves and be in full control.
Not everyone is pleased with Wandas plan tho, least of all Richard, Wandas fiancé. He is consumed by his "art" and finds this talk disturbing and doesn't understand why Wanda wants to disturb the status quo.
Yet, the townspeople decide amongst themselves that they want to go ahead with this wild scheme of Wandas. Thus begins a journey that will change the little town forever.
Yet, all isn't as smooth sailing as Wanda would hope.
I detest both historical fiction and series books, yet each of the books in this series I've read nonstop, without being able to take even a moments break. The writing is superb and the storyline fast paced. The writer pulls you in and you fall in love with the characters and the village.
It's a story that you don't want to end. I hope that there will be a forth book in this series.
October 26, 2015
And they lived happily ever after!
It seems I must have enjoyed the first two books in the Glassblower trilogy enough to continue the final book of the series, The American Lady. It has been a few months since I read the first two and I found myself thinking, were they as bad as this one? What made me even want to read the second book if that was the case? As this one was so bad, I've concluded there is no way I would have continued with the series if this was the first book; the others were enjoyable and held my interest. I did love reading about the art of glassblowing and the history of Christmas ornaments. I especially liked that the story revolved around one of my favorite themes; strong female characters overcoming adversity. However everything in The American Lady is so contrived, so predictable. I am generally forgiving when fiction has a couple of manipulated scenes to assist with the flow of the narrative; it's fiction. However, the author seems to exert far too many artificial events in The American Lady. The ending especially suffered because of this. I like a happy ending as much as anybody, but this one was too much of a fairytale for me! And they all lived happily ever after! This one was just a little too sappy for me!
It seems I must have enjoyed the first two books in the Glassblower trilogy enough to continue the final book of the series, The American Lady. It has been a few months since I read the first two and I found myself thinking, were they as bad as this one? What made me even want to read the second book if that was the case? As this one was so bad, I've concluded there is no way I would have continued with the series if this was the first book; the others were enjoyable and held my interest. I did love reading about the art of glassblowing and the history of Christmas ornaments. I especially liked that the story revolved around one of my favorite themes; strong female characters overcoming adversity. However everything in The American Lady is so contrived, so predictable. I am generally forgiving when fiction has a couple of manipulated scenes to assist with the flow of the narrative; it's fiction. However, the author seems to exert far too many artificial events in The American Lady. The ending especially suffered because of this. I like a happy ending as much as anybody, but this one was too much of a fairytale for me! And they all lived happily ever after! This one was just a little too sappy for me!
April 19, 2017
--Goodreads Giveaway Book--
I didn't realize at first that this was the completion to a trilogy. Once I did realize that, I requested the first two books from my library. That process took awhile so after reading the first installment, The Glassblower, I skipped The American Lady, and went straight to The Paradise of Glass. I said all that to say that this book sums up the first two wonderfully. I didn't feel like I missed any important details from the second book I didn't read.
I didn't realize at first that this was the completion to a trilogy. Once I did realize that, I requested the first two books from my library. That process took awhile so after reading the first installment, The Glassblower, I skipped The American Lady, and went straight to The Paradise of Glass. I said all that to say that this book sums up the first two wonderfully. I didn't feel like I missed any important details from the second book I didn't read.
February 27, 2018
Petra Durst-Benning writes the most historical fiction novels I have read. This entire series, The Glassblower, is amazing. I highly recommend this author.
September 24, 2015
This is a Book Review of the book: THE PARADISE OF GLASS by Petra Durst-Benning, and is in THE GLASS BLOWER TRILOGY; the Glass Blower, The American Lady. The book is 383 pages. Publisher is Amazon Publishing, Amazon Crossing. This is in genre’s including Women’s Fiction’ Literature and Fiction (Adult).
This book is translated by Samuel Willcocks and is published by Amazon Crossing.
This book is Book Three of this Trilogy. Publication date is September 22, 2015.
This Book Review is posted by Anna Patterson. Writer, Journalist, Book Reviewer, date to be set, 2015
I am a blogger and reviewer. I was privileged to read this book as a professional reviewer on Net Galley. I received a copy to read through the Net galley program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review which I am happy to share now.
I would give this book Five Stars. When I started reading it, I found it was one of those books I couldn’t put down.
. I wanted to share my interest in this book with my friends; I am posting a review on several of my blog site.
This book begins in the year of 1911. A girl named, Wanda, is considering serious issues while she waits at a train station she knows well, since she knows many travel from a small town, Lauscha, to a place where glassblowers like those of her family, travel to deliver their artistic pieces to a wholeseller, in nearby Sonneberg.
At one point, the family’s life which is very much tied into their talents in the glassblowers Paradise of Glass, is further explained in this way, “Johanna snorted, “Well that’s another thing! You know that I think the world of Richard; he’s an excellent glass blower. But will he be such an excellent husband? I don’t know.”
There are so many beautiful moments in this book as a close artistic and hard-working family’s dynasty is shared with readers. Such as this one, “If anything goes wrong then you must simply pack your bags and come home.” Ruth sobbed, and then she hugged her daughter so tightly that Wanda could hardly breathe.”
Just a note of description furnished about the book: Johanna is the oldest of three sisters of the Steinmann family. They have successfully managed the family’s glassblowing business since their father’s death and her sister Marie’s artistic gifts made their wares famous. The problem is that the entire livelihood of Lauscha, a town in Germany, known throughout the world as the “Paradise of Glass” is threatened. The local glassworks is to be sold and there is a rumor the buyer intends changes which will come against the glassblowing tradition.
Wanda, daughter of the middle sister, arrives from America and is engaged to an ambitious local glassblower. It is she who will take a daring risk with the villagers’ hard-earned money. Her heroic efforts are described in this way, “Just like glass, though, love and commerce are fragile, and what begins as their last hope may just end in shattered dreams.”
About the author this note from the publisher: Bestselling author Petra Durst-Benning has written seventeen novels. As a child and young woman, Durst-Benning frequently visited the United States, where she developed a passion for American fiction that has since inspired her own writing careers. She now lives in her native Germany with her husband.
This book is translated by Samuel Willcocks and is published by Amazon Crossing.
This book is Book Three of this Trilogy. Publication date is September 22, 2015.
This Book Review is posted by Anna Patterson. Writer, Journalist, Book Reviewer, date to be set, 2015
I am a blogger and reviewer. I was privileged to read this book as a professional reviewer on Net Galley. I received a copy to read through the Net galley program in exchange for an honest and unbiased review which I am happy to share now.
I would give this book Five Stars. When I started reading it, I found it was one of those books I couldn’t put down.
. I wanted to share my interest in this book with my friends; I am posting a review on several of my blog site.
This book begins in the year of 1911. A girl named, Wanda, is considering serious issues while she waits at a train station she knows well, since she knows many travel from a small town, Lauscha, to a place where glassblowers like those of her family, travel to deliver their artistic pieces to a wholeseller, in nearby Sonneberg.
At one point, the family’s life which is very much tied into their talents in the glassblowers Paradise of Glass, is further explained in this way, “Johanna snorted, “Well that’s another thing! You know that I think the world of Richard; he’s an excellent glass blower. But will he be such an excellent husband? I don’t know.”
There are so many beautiful moments in this book as a close artistic and hard-working family’s dynasty is shared with readers. Such as this one, “If anything goes wrong then you must simply pack your bags and come home.” Ruth sobbed, and then she hugged her daughter so tightly that Wanda could hardly breathe.”
Just a note of description furnished about the book: Johanna is the oldest of three sisters of the Steinmann family. They have successfully managed the family’s glassblowing business since their father’s death and her sister Marie’s artistic gifts made their wares famous. The problem is that the entire livelihood of Lauscha, a town in Germany, known throughout the world as the “Paradise of Glass” is threatened. The local glassworks is to be sold and there is a rumor the buyer intends changes which will come against the glassblowing tradition.
Wanda, daughter of the middle sister, arrives from America and is engaged to an ambitious local glassblower. It is she who will take a daring risk with the villagers’ hard-earned money. Her heroic efforts are described in this way, “Just like glass, though, love and commerce are fragile, and what begins as their last hope may just end in shattered dreams.”
About the author this note from the publisher: Bestselling author Petra Durst-Benning has written seventeen novels. As a child and young woman, Durst-Benning frequently visited the United States, where she developed a passion for American fiction that has since inspired her own writing careers. She now lives in her native Germany with her husband.
October 12, 2015
I really think this book was mis-named -it should have been called The American Lady -or the American Girl. The title is so misplaced that ut makes the middle book a little confusing -What Anerican Lady??? And then you get here and you say Ohhh That American Lady...
Regardless -i think the book was a good story -the reader's voice was way too feminine for all but the main character though -it was distracting to hear some whiney voice talking about doing something violent and then discover that its actually a man who is talking. The most masculine voice in the book ironically was Eva (a woman). Obviously that wouldnt be part of the experience of you were simply reading the book though. Overall it was a good book. I enjoyed the first and third more than the second
Regardless -i think the book was a good story -the reader's voice was way too feminine for all but the main character though -it was distracting to hear some whiney voice talking about doing something violent and then discover that its actually a man who is talking. The most masculine voice in the book ironically was Eva (a woman). Obviously that wouldnt be part of the experience of you were simply reading the book though. Overall it was a good book. I enjoyed the first and third more than the second
November 17, 2015
Overall a really solid book. I loved Wanda in the previous book, and I really enjoyed reading about her struggles to find her way in Lauscha during this book. I also appreciated that a lot of the dirty laundry in the family finally comes to light and is righted, and I loved that she ditched her fiance in favour of a man who actually appreciates her as more than a pretty sidepiece. Oh, that was a breath of fresh air, breaking the true love rules all pattern of this series.
Considering that series are quite difficult to write and write successfully, this was one I unexpectedly enjoyed for all that I knew when I first opened The Glassblower. Maybe sometime next year, I will obtain these books in their original German and enjoy them again in a new light.
Considering that series are quite difficult to write and write successfully, this was one I unexpectedly enjoyed for all that I knew when I first opened The Glassblower. Maybe sometime next year, I will obtain these books in their original German and enjoy them again in a new light.
November 27, 2016
The Paradise of Glass is the conclusion to the glassblower trilogy. Each has its own tone and unique challenges that the characters overcome, but all with the same family. Wanda is the main character of this one, and the focus is on her helping the village overcome an upcoming problem with a disgusting wholesaler purchasing the glass foundery and monopolizing the area.
This one started as my least favorite, but slowly started to grow on me. As I continued to read, the story became more and more interesting. It takes time before it builds into the exciting story of the other two, but once you are hooked, it's hard to put down.
This one started as my least favorite, but slowly started to grow on me. As I continued to read, the story became more and more interesting. It takes time before it builds into the exciting story of the other two, but once you are hooked, it's hard to put down.
November 2, 2019
In this third release in the series, the Steinmann sisters get a visit from their American niece, Wanda. The glassblowing business is in trouble because the local glasswork is about to be sold and there is disturbing rumors about changes the new owner will make.
Wanda is a bold young woman who steps on to the scene to help her aunts. Together with a handsome bank clerk, she comes up with a risky financial plan to help save the glasswork from being taken over.
I highly recommend this work for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction and to readers of Petra Durst-Benning’s other books in the Glassblower Series.
(All opinions in this review are my own)
Wanda is a bold young woman who steps on to the scene to help her aunts. Together with a handsome bank clerk, she comes up with a risky financial plan to help save the glasswork from being taken over.
I highly recommend this work for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction and to readers of Petra Durst-Benning’s other books in the Glassblower Series.
(All opinions in this review are my own)
April 28, 2016
Disappointed
Was hopeful to learn more about glass art. I had hoped the strengths of the women characters would have been more developed in this last episode of the trilogy. I recommend the trilogy however. The covers are as wonderful as the reading.
Was hopeful to learn more about glass art. I had hoped the strengths of the women characters would have been more developed in this last episode of the trilogy. I recommend the trilogy however. The covers are as wonderful as the reading.
February 22, 2017
It's an OK book. Author should do a bit more research though, has kiwifruit being called that in New Zealand in 1910, when they were Chinese gooseberries until the 1960s. If you can't get your bits of "colour" right, you're better to omit them.
January 9, 2016
Least favorite
The characters is this final book of the trilogy are not coherent. They jump from acting one way to being so out of their usual traits that the book is clumsy.
The characters is this final book of the trilogy are not coherent. They jump from acting one way to being so out of their usual traits that the book is clumsy.
July 10, 2017
This final episode of the trilogy was much better than the second. It held my interest right to the end with several mysteries that were somewhat predictable. But I am disappointed in the ending; it fell flat. Overall, I enjoyed the series and recommend it.
July 3, 2017
A good read
I really enjoyed the entire trilogy. I learned a lot about glass blowing and glass making. I enjoyed learning about the German town and the residents. Good story line in all three of the books. Good character development. Read all the books!
I really enjoyed the entire trilogy. I learned a lot about glass blowing and glass making. I enjoyed learning about the German town and the residents. Good story line in all three of the books. Good character development. Read all the books!
July 5, 2017
Good books
These three books were enjoyable reads. From the very first you were drawn in to the lives of the glassblowers. The characters were all so very important to the story line and the plot was so well thought out. This was a thumbs up series.
These three books were enjoyable reads. From the very first you were drawn in to the lives of the glassblowers. The characters were all so very important to the story line and the plot was so well thought out. This was a thumbs up series.
August 31, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for providing me an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
What differentiates an okay story from a great novel? To me, the answer is simple. An okay story is just that - okay.... I can live with it or without it. But.... a great novel is a story that makes me feel - it makes me believe - it pulls me in without any effort and I experience the story. I'm no longer just a reader, I am a participant and an integral part of the plot - the shadow of the main character. That is how Petra Durst-Benning's The Glassblower Trilogy has made me feel. I have adored every word and experienced every feeling. I am a huge fan of her work and the stories she weaves.
With the third and final novel to this trilogy, The Paradise of Glass, we are back in the small village of Lauscha, Germany where more drama unfolds with the Glassblower community. Our heroine, Wanda Miles, is young, ambitious, and anxious to find a niche where she belongs in the world. As her story unfolded, I was continuously gripped with uncontrollable and extreme emotions for her and the situations she found herself in. One moment I was virtually cussing about the inequality of women's roles back in 1911 and the next minute I was happy that romance was brewing. Throughout the entire book, I felt part of the storyline and experienced it as if I were actually there among the people of Lauscha. The story came alive for me and I was extremely excited to follow Wanda on her adventures.
This novel has thrown a few curve balls at me. First, I went into this novel virtually hating Thomas Heimer, Wanda's father, because of the previous two books and the role his character played within the storyline; however, within the first few chapters I found myself warming up to him and by the time I was half way through the book, I really liked the guy. He has grown older, wiser, and more mature. He has become supportive and almost "loving". He actually stepped up to the role of "father" and that made me really proud of him. Second, I went into this novel virtually falling over my own feet in love with Richard; however, by the time I was half way through with the book, I did not like him very much any more. He had proven to be less mature than I had hoped. He turned out to be self-centered and egotistical. He cared about his work way too much and definitely more than he cared about Wanda and that made me really angry at him and his inability to care about those who cared for him. Finally, Friedhelm Strobel - what can I say? I absolutely despised him in the earlier books and I hate him even more now. He is a true villain whose evil actions and thoughts cast a shadow over the entire book. I just wanted to conjure up some magic, dive into the pages of the book, and knock his silly, nasty butt right to the devil himself.
The one absolute truth is that the ending was extremely satisfying. I was really pleased with the way the story folded up and concluded. I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a great historical fiction with a twist of small village drama. I loved reading about life in the early 1900s and enjoyed the development and growth of each of the characters. I think this book is well suited for Upper High School grades and beyond with minimal adult situations and language.
What differentiates an okay story from a great novel? To me, the answer is simple. An okay story is just that - okay.... I can live with it or without it. But.... a great novel is a story that makes me feel - it makes me believe - it pulls me in without any effort and I experience the story. I'm no longer just a reader, I am a participant and an integral part of the plot - the shadow of the main character. That is how Petra Durst-Benning's The Glassblower Trilogy has made me feel. I have adored every word and experienced every feeling. I am a huge fan of her work and the stories she weaves.
With the third and final novel to this trilogy, The Paradise of Glass, we are back in the small village of Lauscha, Germany where more drama unfolds with the Glassblower community. Our heroine, Wanda Miles, is young, ambitious, and anxious to find a niche where she belongs in the world. As her story unfolded, I was continuously gripped with uncontrollable and extreme emotions for her and the situations she found herself in. One moment I was virtually cussing about the inequality of women's roles back in 1911 and the next minute I was happy that romance was brewing. Throughout the entire book, I felt part of the storyline and experienced it as if I were actually there among the people of Lauscha. The story came alive for me and I was extremely excited to follow Wanda on her adventures.
This novel has thrown a few curve balls at me. First, I went into this novel virtually hating Thomas Heimer, Wanda's father, because of the previous two books and the role his character played within the storyline; however, within the first few chapters I found myself warming up to him and by the time I was half way through the book, I really liked the guy. He has grown older, wiser, and more mature. He has become supportive and almost "loving". He actually stepped up to the role of "father" and that made me really proud of him. Second, I went into this novel virtually falling over my own feet in love with Richard; however, by the time I was half way through with the book, I did not like him very much any more. He had proven to be less mature than I had hoped. He turned out to be self-centered and egotistical. He cared about his work way too much and definitely more than he cared about Wanda and that made me really angry at him and his inability to care about those who cared for him. Finally, Friedhelm Strobel - what can I say? I absolutely despised him in the earlier books and I hate him even more now. He is a true villain whose evil actions and thoughts cast a shadow over the entire book. I just wanted to conjure up some magic, dive into the pages of the book, and knock his silly, nasty butt right to the devil himself.
The one absolute truth is that the ending was extremely satisfying. I was really pleased with the way the story folded up and concluded. I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys a great historical fiction with a twist of small village drama. I loved reading about life in the early 1900s and enjoyed the development and growth of each of the characters. I think this book is well suited for Upper High School grades and beyond with minimal adult situations and language.
June 22, 2017
Another solid book in the series.
July 18, 2017
Third in the series.
I'm glad I read this one to finish the trilogy. It was not as good as the rest. I loved one and two. Had parts were really dragged.
I'm glad I read this one to finish the trilogy. It was not as good as the rest. I loved one and two. Had parts were really dragged.
September 23, 2015
The Paradise of Glass by Petra Durst-Benning is the third (and final) book in the Glassblower Trilogy. Wanda has returned to Lauscha from Italy with little Sylvie (her Aunt Marie’s daughter). Wanda is looking forward to being home and preparing for her marriage to Richard Stamme. Richard, though, is preoccupied with a showing he will be having in the fall. It has taken his total attention (he ignores Wanda). The rest of the town is upset of the sale of the Grundler Foundry. It is being sold to an outsider and it has all the glassblowers and workers in an uproar. Wanda finally asks why they don’t buy the foundry themselves.
After some thinking, some of the men decide it is a good idea. They put Wanda in charge of the finances (much to Richard’s dismay). They come up with 11,000 marks towards the purchase of the foundry. The owner gives them time to come up with the money to purchase it. If the glassblowers can raise the money in time, the owner will sell the foundry to them. They try Grosse and Sons to get a loan for the remainder of the funds they need. David Wagner is the loan officer at the bank. He knows that the loan will not get approved since the bank handles the finances of the person wishing to person the foundry. Wanda convinces the group to raise the money via the stock market. With the right stocks, they can might be able to raise the money in time. Unfortunately, things do not go as smoothly as Wanda anticipates. Someone is working behind the scenes to make sure they do not raise the money in time.
What is going to happen to the foundry? Will Richard and Wanda get married? Who is the other buyer for the foundry? You do have to read the first two books in the series in order to understand what is happening in The Paradise of Glass. I loved the first book in the series, the second one was okay, and this one was just fine (so-so). The book is very slow throughout the middle of the book (like the author ran out of things to put into the book). Wanda comes across as a very selfish, spoiled, self-centered girl who has no business raising a child nor getting married (I would never trust her with money). Wanda is always coming up with ideas, but she rarely follows through with them (or wants someone else to). I give The Paradise of Glass 3 out of 5 stars. The writing is good, but the content (story) was deficient. I was very disappointed with this final book in The Glassblower Trilogy.
I received a complimentary copy of The Paradise of Glass from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
After some thinking, some of the men decide it is a good idea. They put Wanda in charge of the finances (much to Richard’s dismay). They come up with 11,000 marks towards the purchase of the foundry. The owner gives them time to come up with the money to purchase it. If the glassblowers can raise the money in time, the owner will sell the foundry to them. They try Grosse and Sons to get a loan for the remainder of the funds they need. David Wagner is the loan officer at the bank. He knows that the loan will not get approved since the bank handles the finances of the person wishing to person the foundry. Wanda convinces the group to raise the money via the stock market. With the right stocks, they can might be able to raise the money in time. Unfortunately, things do not go as smoothly as Wanda anticipates. Someone is working behind the scenes to make sure they do not raise the money in time.
What is going to happen to the foundry? Will Richard and Wanda get married? Who is the other buyer for the foundry? You do have to read the first two books in the series in order to understand what is happening in The Paradise of Glass. I loved the first book in the series, the second one was okay, and this one was just fine (so-so). The book is very slow throughout the middle of the book (like the author ran out of things to put into the book). Wanda comes across as a very selfish, spoiled, self-centered girl who has no business raising a child nor getting married (I would never trust her with money). Wanda is always coming up with ideas, but she rarely follows through with them (or wants someone else to). I give The Paradise of Glass 3 out of 5 stars. The writing is good, but the content (story) was deficient. I was very disappointed with this final book in The Glassblower Trilogy.
I received a complimentary copy of The Paradise of Glass from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 31, 2016
Johanna, the oldest of the three Steinmann sisters, has successfully managed the family glassblowing business since her father’s death, and her sister Marie’s artistic gifts have made their wares unexpectedly famous. But now the livelihood of the town of Lauscha, Germany—known around the world as the “paradise of glass”—is in danger. The local glassworks is about to be sold, and rumor has it the buyer wants to make changes that will challenge glassblowing tradition.
Wanda, the daughter of the middle Steinmann sister, is freshly arrived from America and engaged to an ambitious local glassblower. Yet as soon as the bold young woman learns of the impending sale, she decides to do as her mother and aunts did—cast aside her expected role in order to save the day. With the help of a handsome bank clerk, she will take a daring risk with the villagers’ hard-earned money. Just like glass, though, love and commerce are fragile, and what begins as their last hope may just end in shattered dreams.
This is book 3 of a trilogy. Book 1 really impressed me; it seemed so well written - everything and everyone seemed so well developed. Book 2 still struck me as very well written, though so well developed, it was beginning to bore me. Now with book 3 I realize that actually everything and everyone is actually over developed. This was especially apparent in book 2 where I found myself not really sure about who was the main character or of the main story line.
In this book, book 3, the main 'character' is really the entire town and it's foundry. Although the story line isn't bad, I was already bored with the characters and over the trilogy I never really found myself feeling a connection with any specific character(s). This was actually true throughout the trilogy. I found certain events to be tragic or even repulsive, but didn't really feel the connection with the character involved. I'm not sure why. Perhaps the focus was too diverse. And in book 3, I actually found myself skimming rather than reading word for word when it was obvious that the lengthy tidbits of information didn't really add to the story.
Wanda, the daughter of the middle Steinmann sister, is freshly arrived from America and engaged to an ambitious local glassblower. Yet as soon as the bold young woman learns of the impending sale, she decides to do as her mother and aunts did—cast aside her expected role in order to save the day. With the help of a handsome bank clerk, she will take a daring risk with the villagers’ hard-earned money. Just like glass, though, love and commerce are fragile, and what begins as their last hope may just end in shattered dreams.
This is book 3 of a trilogy. Book 1 really impressed me; it seemed so well written - everything and everyone seemed so well developed. Book 2 still struck me as very well written, though so well developed, it was beginning to bore me. Now with book 3 I realize that actually everything and everyone is actually over developed. This was especially apparent in book 2 where I found myself not really sure about who was the main character or of the main story line.
In this book, book 3, the main 'character' is really the entire town and it's foundry. Although the story line isn't bad, I was already bored with the characters and over the trilogy I never really found myself feeling a connection with any specific character(s). This was actually true throughout the trilogy. I found certain events to be tragic or even repulsive, but didn't really feel the connection with the character involved. I'm not sure why. Perhaps the focus was too diverse. And in book 3, I actually found myself skimming rather than reading word for word when it was obvious that the lengthy tidbits of information didn't really add to the story.
January 29, 2016
This book ended the trilogy off on a slightly flat note for me. Overall, I liked it and enjoyed the characters, setting, and circumstances, but it felt very lackluster, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I like happy endings and wouldn't have wanted that part to change.
Wanda, now the main character (though we do read through other POVs, of course), I found to be more likable and easier to read than in the last book, The American Lady, though her limited time for Marie's daughter, Sylvie, was beyond irritating - I don't care how it endeared her to Eva.
As far as the style, similar to the other two books, I find unfair to comment on as with any book that has undergone a translation. I'm sure, on top of whatever happens with any translated book, German-to-English must be one of the more difficult translations; not because of the language translations themselves, but because the translator would be trying to maintain the poetic prose or inherent style as the author would've intended, and I see that as being the more difficult piece. With that understanding, I find the style enjoyable, if not a little simplistic with sentence structure, but only at times when the character is having an internal Man vs. Self debate - which there can be a lot of.
Again, overall I enjoyed this series and found this to be a fine ending for the complete story-arc.
Wanda, now the main character (though we do read through other POVs, of course), I found to be more likable and easier to read than in the last book, The American Lady, though her limited time for Marie's daughter, Sylvie, was beyond irritating - I don't care how it endeared her to Eva.
As far as the style, similar to the other two books, I find unfair to comment on as with any book that has undergone a translation. I'm sure, on top of whatever happens with any translated book, German-to-English must be one of the more difficult translations; not because of the language translations themselves, but because the translator would be trying to maintain the poetic prose or inherent style as the author would've intended, and I see that as being the more difficult piece. With that understanding, I find the style enjoyable, if not a little simplistic with sentence structure, but only at times when the character is having an internal Man vs. Self debate - which there can be a lot of.
Again, overall I enjoyed this series and found this to be a fine ending for the complete story-arc.
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February 8, 2016The final book in the Glassblower trilogy.
I can't say I was as excited about this third book as much as the other two. I don't know if it was because Wanda was really starting to get on my nerves or what. She did come across as a spoiled little rich American girl and could never get anything right.
Or maybe it just seemed like there were too many things going at the same time that it didn't have the same flow as the other two books.
It seemed to bog down towards the middle but then picked up towards the end that made me want to finish. The author did a very nice job of tying initial characters from the first book, the beginning of the three sisters lives, into the last book and sweet revenge is accomplished, with a little price.
I was glad I started the first and finished the trilogy, it's an enjoyable series to read.
I can't say I was as excited about this third book as much as the other two. I don't know if it was because Wanda was really starting to get on my nerves or what. She did come across as a spoiled little rich American girl and could never get anything right.
Or maybe it just seemed like there were too many things going at the same time that it didn't have the same flow as the other two books.
It seemed to bog down towards the middle but then picked up towards the end that made me want to finish. The author did a very nice job of tying initial characters from the first book, the beginning of the three sisters lives, into the last book and sweet revenge is accomplished, with a little price.
I was glad I started the first and finished the trilogy, it's an enjoyable series to read.
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May 19, 2016Sadly this trilogy hasn't really lived up to its early promise. The first book was really good, and drew you into the world of the Glassblower, and the struggles the Steinmann sisters faced as women in a man's world. The second book, the American Lady, was OK, though not as good, and populated with weird, fringe characters. This final book wraps up all the loose ends neatly, but it feels contrived. Characters are turned on their heads, villains become nice guys, swoon worthy (allegedly) guys become self obsessed mysoginists, and some suspension of disbelief is definitely needed to allow the neat ending to be tied up satisfactorily. Wanda, the main character in this final Novel, isn't really that likeable, nor is Richard, and poor little Sylvie is roundly neglected by her adoptive mother for much of the book. It's all just a bit meh I'm afraid. Pity.
January 19, 2016
This is the third installment of the Glassblowers trilogy by this author. It brings together all the loose ends and has a happy ending. I learned a lot about glassblowers and the Sonneberg region of Germany. I went so far as to look up the town to see if it was real, and it is. The descriptions of the countryside and the glassblowers' lives was interesting. I had no idea how much went into those little glass ornaments on the Christmas tree. I have a greater appreciation of all glassware now.
If you're looking for something very cerebral, then this is probably not the series for you, but if you're looking for some light reading with some historical facts mixed in, then you will enjoy this book. It was a nice break from most of the reading I do for work and school.
If you're looking for something very cerebral, then this is probably not the series for you, but if you're looking for some light reading with some historical facts mixed in, then you will enjoy this book. It was a nice break from most of the reading I do for work and school.
August 14, 2017
Fine trilogy
Well, I just finished book three of this trilogy of a family and town of glass blowers. I do recommend these books as the light but fun read they did offer. Great characters in a circled plot that weaved through the books to a grand final that was most appreciated. The writer doesn't get into as much detail as I like in painting her pictures, but well enough to keep the flow going, and I have stopped reading many a book when I felt the writer was just phoning it in. Where in this case I gladly downloaded the next book as soon as I finished the one I had just read. I am even now going to move to her next series of books, so that alone is high praise from me because I am indeed pretty picky.
Well, I just finished book three of this trilogy of a family and town of glass blowers. I do recommend these books as the light but fun read they did offer. Great characters in a circled plot that weaved through the books to a grand final that was most appreciated. The writer doesn't get into as much detail as I like in painting her pictures, but well enough to keep the flow going, and I have stopped reading many a book when I felt the writer was just phoning it in. Where in this case I gladly downloaded the next book as soon as I finished the one I had just read. I am even now going to move to her next series of books, so that alone is high praise from me because I am indeed pretty picky.
January 25, 2016
The only thing that stopped me from giving this book a 2 star rating is the fact that I enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy so much. I feel like the author lost her way with this trilogy. Perhaps The Glassblower would've been better as a stand alone novel. I was completely enchanted with the first book, and had high hopes for the trilogy. The second book didn't hold the same magic that the first did, but the storyline did keep me intrigued. The Paradise of Glass was lacking in both magic and interesting storyline. While it was nice to re-visit this world of glass, I've left it feeling quite disappointed.
May 14, 2016
The Third Novel in a Trilogy That Examines the Lives of Glassblowing Family in Lauscha, Germany
After learning in Book 1 about Wanda Miles aging from teenager to young womanhood in New York City in the early 1900s, secrets about her birth and her mother's history as she was growing up in a glassblowing family in Lauscha, Germany are revealed. As Book 2 continues, a mystery unfolds that involves many characters and locations in New York City, Germany and Italy. Finally, in Book 3, although the story drags a bit at times, the reader's interest is held as one tries to solve the question of how Wanda and several other characters will fare in love and fortune.
After learning in Book 1 about Wanda Miles aging from teenager to young womanhood in New York City in the early 1900s, secrets about her birth and her mother's history as she was growing up in a glassblowing family in Lauscha, Germany are revealed. As Book 2 continues, a mystery unfolds that involves many characters and locations in New York City, Germany and Italy. Finally, in Book 3, although the story drags a bit at times, the reader's interest is held as one tries to solve the question of how Wanda and several other characters will fare in love and fortune.
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