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The Lost Carousel of Provence
An artist lost to history, a family abandoned to its secrets, and the woman whose search for meaning unearths it all in a sweeping and expressive story from the
New York Times
bestselling author of
Letters from Paris
.
Present day, San Francisco. During her free time, professional photographer Cady Drake shoots local carousels, a hobby inspired by a gift that transformed her childhood: a wooden rabbit supposedly created by master French carver Gustave Bayol a century ago. And when she's offered a freelance assignment for a book on the antique merry-go-rounds of Paris, Cady can't refuse the opportunity to visit the famous carousels for the first time....
1900s, France. In a small town outside of Avignon, a husband and young wife struggle to keep up their ancestral chateau--and start the family they so desperately desire. For the children they hope to have, the Clements hire the famous Bayol to build a carousel, but as the carver and his apprentice work on the beautiful and whimsical creation, fate will entwine them all in unseen ways--for generations to come...
Present day, Provence. As Cady's research leads her to the dilapidated Chateau Clement and its fabled carousel that was lost to the ravages of World War II, she will uncover a shocking truth in a set of one-hundred-year-old photographs that could guide her in reuniting a family torn apart by petty jealousies over several generations.
Present day, San Francisco. During her free time, professional photographer Cady Drake shoots local carousels, a hobby inspired by a gift that transformed her childhood: a wooden rabbit supposedly created by master French carver Gustave Bayol a century ago. And when she's offered a freelance assignment for a book on the antique merry-go-rounds of Paris, Cady can't refuse the opportunity to visit the famous carousels for the first time....
1900s, France. In a small town outside of Avignon, a husband and young wife struggle to keep up their ancestral chateau--and start the family they so desperately desire. For the children they hope to have, the Clements hire the famous Bayol to build a carousel, but as the carver and his apprentice work on the beautiful and whimsical creation, fate will entwine them all in unseen ways--for generations to come...
Present day, Provence. As Cady's research leads her to the dilapidated Chateau Clement and its fabled carousel that was lost to the ravages of World War II, she will uncover a shocking truth in a set of one-hundred-year-old photographs that could guide her in reuniting a family torn apart by petty jealousies over several generations.
367 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2018
476 people are currently reading
4715 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
41 books2,911 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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October 28, 2025
4.5 stars
Orphaned nearly at birth, she bounced from foster home to foster home throughout her childhood - each time growing more and more jaded.
Cady was a bad seed, through and through. ..that is until she met Maxine, a wonderfully grumpy old women determined to turn that bad seed into something new.
It was then, in the junk shop, during reading lessons and antique restoration, that teenage Cady really began to live.
And then, the unthinkable happens and Maxine is gone. Once again, Cady feels completely adrift.
She's swept away by the people, the art and most of all, the carousals. And soon, she stumbles upon the Chateau Clement - the possible original home of her Gus.
The Chateau contains secrets - the kind that have been locked away for decades.
And despite the ornery old man, the gossiping villagers, the hauntingly broken, Cady soon finds herself almost.... belonging in that odd, old place.
I've never given much thought to carousals and history - this book has definitely given me a whole new perspective on the matter.
In addition, Cady was a fresh and fabulous main character. Juliet Blackwell made Cady wondrously flawed and hilariously human. I wish I could just sweep her up into a hug.
I loved the way the flashbacks and current-day timelines blended seamlessly into a wonderfully tight-knit story.
Many times when I read stories with multiple timelines, I tend to get caught up in one timeline and end up ignoring the others in my rush to find out what happens. I'm happy to report that this was definitely not the case! Each timeline was masterfully done.
And (of course) my absolute favorite part was any scene with the grumpy old man in it - there's just something about a gruff old guy with a heart of gold that wins me over every time.
Definitely one to check out - asap!
Audiobook Comments
While I did not listen to the audiobook version, I do want to mention Cady's absolute love of them.
With thanks to Berkly Publishing and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Life dealt Cady Drake a rough hand.
One thing was sure: This was not the fairy tale she had been looking for.
Orphaned nearly at birth, she bounced from foster home to foster home throughout her childhood - each time growing more and more jaded.
Cady was a bad seed, through and through. ..that is until she met Maxine, a wonderfully grumpy old women determined to turn that bad seed into something new.
It was then, in the junk shop, during reading lessons and antique restoration, that teenage Cady really began to live.
And after all, who said a bad seed couldn't sometimes grow into a decent tree?In present day, Cady is a photographer, manages to have a couple of close friends and is the proud owner of Gus, a carousal rabbit from France.
And then, the unthinkable happens and Maxine is gone. Once again, Cady feels completely adrift.
Cady was on a merry-go-round, and no matter how fast she galloped, she kept winding up at the same place.Olivia, one of Cady's few friends, realizes just how close Cady is to snapping. She has a proposal for her talented photographer friend.
"Because you're bound to remain anonymous if you don't get your art out there for people to see. Taking student portraits might pay the bills, but you're an artist, And I can be your patron! Sort of. At least I can manage a plane ticket.And after a few disgruntled and half-hearted arguments, Cady is off to France, with faithful Gus in tow, for a carousal photography assignment.
She's swept away by the people, the art and most of all, the carousals. And soon, she stumbles upon the Chateau Clement - the possible original home of her Gus.
The Chateau contains secrets - the kind that have been locked away for decades.
And despite the ornery old man, the gossiping villagers, the hauntingly broken, Cady soon finds herself almost.... belonging in that odd, old place.
But even as she watched the carousel whirl round and round, each one more charming than the last, Cady felt something shifting within her.I adored this one.
I've never given much thought to carousals and history - this book has definitely given me a whole new perspective on the matter.
In addition, Cady was a fresh and fabulous main character. Juliet Blackwell made Cady wondrously flawed and hilariously human. I wish I could just sweep her up into a hug.
I loved the way the flashbacks and current-day timelines blended seamlessly into a wonderfully tight-knit story.
Many times when I read stories with multiple timelines, I tend to get caught up in one timeline and end up ignoring the others in my rush to find out what happens. I'm happy to report that this was definitely not the case! Each timeline was masterfully done.
And (of course) my absolute favorite part was any scene with the grumpy old man in it - there's just something about a gruff old guy with a heart of gold that wins me over every time.
Definitely one to check out - asap!
Audiobook Comments
While I did not listen to the audiobook version, I do want to mention Cady's absolute love of them.
When Cady discovered audiobooks, she thought she had gone to heaven, and eagerly devoured one after another.I feel like she and I just connected on a soul-to-soul level!
With thanks to Berkly Publishing and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
September 18, 2018
!! NOW AVAILABLE !!
”But no one else pays attention to the quiet carver who fills the halls of the château with the scent of freshly sawn wood and the scrip-scrape tink-tink of her work, her passion, her joy.”
Cady Drake has never really known how a family operates; she’s never really had one. Having been raised in a long string of foster homes, she never knew the feeling of belonging. She is socially awkward, but she does has a friend, Olive, who is always trying to get her to step outside herself, be more a part of the world, and less hidden. The only other person that has given her a reason to trust is Maxine, an older woman who had taken Cady under her wing as a younger girl. And then Maxine is gone.
Getting by in life has always been hard for Cady, a local photographer, taking on school portraits, weddings, events, and other similar jobs even though her aspirations are higher, more creative. But when Maxine passed away, it felt as though a part of herself was missing. One night, she stubs her toe, and in a fit of frustration, she takes it out on Gus, and kicks him.
Gus has been a part of her life for a while, so when he falls over, slamming against an edge of granite, and now he lies on the floor broken, disfigured. Gus is her antique carousel figure whom she named Gus the Rabbit; it is Cady’s belief that Gus was carved by Gustave Bayol, a master carver of the 20th Century. But in breaking this figure that has been used for her photography business, and has been the object of so many of her photographs, her heart breaks a little. And even though antique dealers have assured her that Gus was almost assuredly not carved by Bayol, she’s always held on to the belief that perhaps they are wrong.
And then she notices that there appears to be something hidden inside Gus, a piece of pink fabric is showing through the hollow she has created. What she finds is a photograph that is a mystery, along with a note.
This story travels back and forth in time, told through different characters, different points of view, with relatively short chapters separating the varying eras and voices. In order of appearance, this story begins in 1901 at Château Clement, in Provence, France, through Josephine, who begins by sharing the sights of the” gardeners and servants, grape pickers and kitchen staff, have been joined by Monsieur Bayol’s crew of men hammering, sawing, sanding and painting the newly arrived carousel.” Returning to present day, Oakland, California with Cady Anne Drake, only to be returned to Château Clement – in 1915, with Yves Clement, and then to 1900, Angers, France at the Carousel Factory of Gustave Bayol. Back to 2001 Oakland, only to return to 1900 Angers at the Carousel Factory with Maëlle, then to 1993 Berkeley, California with a five year old Cady, to 1944 Paris…. And so on.
If you think this would make you feel like after watching a ping-pong match, it didn’t for me. The story builds slowly in each timeframe, adding layer upon layer, and little by little we know more about the mystery behind Gus the Rabbit.
A girl has to hold onto her dreams, and so with the offer of an assignment to take photographs of the carousels in France that her friend Olive finagled through her publisher connections at Sunset Magazine, she doesn’t hesitate, and heads to Paris. In Paris, the City of Love, one can assume there is a love story, and while there is a bit of romance, it doesn’t really drive the story, but it also doesn’t take away from the charms of seeing Paris, Provence and the older, handcrafted carousel animals. Still there is more than just romance in this, there are family secrets to unravel, and a mystery to solve, and some rather unfriendly characters that might need some persuading.
Pub Date: 18 SEP 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group
”But no one else pays attention to the quiet carver who fills the halls of the château with the scent of freshly sawn wood and the scrip-scrape tink-tink of her work, her passion, her joy.”
Cady Drake has never really known how a family operates; she’s never really had one. Having been raised in a long string of foster homes, she never knew the feeling of belonging. She is socially awkward, but she does has a friend, Olive, who is always trying to get her to step outside herself, be more a part of the world, and less hidden. The only other person that has given her a reason to trust is Maxine, an older woman who had taken Cady under her wing as a younger girl. And then Maxine is gone.
Getting by in life has always been hard for Cady, a local photographer, taking on school portraits, weddings, events, and other similar jobs even though her aspirations are higher, more creative. But when Maxine passed away, it felt as though a part of herself was missing. One night, she stubs her toe, and in a fit of frustration, she takes it out on Gus, and kicks him.
Gus has been a part of her life for a while, so when he falls over, slamming against an edge of granite, and now he lies on the floor broken, disfigured. Gus is her antique carousel figure whom she named Gus the Rabbit; it is Cady’s belief that Gus was carved by Gustave Bayol, a master carver of the 20th Century. But in breaking this figure that has been used for her photography business, and has been the object of so many of her photographs, her heart breaks a little. And even though antique dealers have assured her that Gus was almost assuredly not carved by Bayol, she’s always held on to the belief that perhaps they are wrong.
And then she notices that there appears to be something hidden inside Gus, a piece of pink fabric is showing through the hollow she has created. What she finds is a photograph that is a mystery, along with a note.
This story travels back and forth in time, told through different characters, different points of view, with relatively short chapters separating the varying eras and voices. In order of appearance, this story begins in 1901 at Château Clement, in Provence, France, through Josephine, who begins by sharing the sights of the” gardeners and servants, grape pickers and kitchen staff, have been joined by Monsieur Bayol’s crew of men hammering, sawing, sanding and painting the newly arrived carousel.” Returning to present day, Oakland, California with Cady Anne Drake, only to be returned to Château Clement – in 1915, with Yves Clement, and then to 1900, Angers, France at the Carousel Factory of Gustave Bayol. Back to 2001 Oakland, only to return to 1900 Angers at the Carousel Factory with Maëlle, then to 1993 Berkeley, California with a five year old Cady, to 1944 Paris…. And so on.
If you think this would make you feel like after watching a ping-pong match, it didn’t for me. The story builds slowly in each timeframe, adding layer upon layer, and little by little we know more about the mystery behind Gus the Rabbit.
A girl has to hold onto her dreams, and so with the offer of an assignment to take photographs of the carousels in France that her friend Olive finagled through her publisher connections at Sunset Magazine, she doesn’t hesitate, and heads to Paris. In Paris, the City of Love, one can assume there is a love story, and while there is a bit of romance, it doesn’t really drive the story, but it also doesn’t take away from the charms of seeing Paris, Provence and the older, handcrafted carousel animals. Still there is more than just romance in this, there are family secrets to unravel, and a mystery to solve, and some rather unfriendly characters that might need some persuading.
Pub Date: 18 SEP 2018
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Berkley Publishing Group
December 24, 2018
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher (Berkley Books) in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a charming and quaint story!
The book started off a bit slow. It took a while for the story to actually take shape and for the historical parts to start making sense (the book has dual storylines, one historical and the other contemporary). But once the main character, Cady, went to France, the story really took off and from there it was magnifique!
I loved the way the author described France, particularly the small village Cady visited and the chateau she stayed at. From the scenery to the food to the carousel, she made it sound so enchanting and beautiful. I wish I was actually there!
I also loved the little nods to the Bay Area. The author is from the San Francisco Bay Area (like me) and the main character is from Oakland. Anytime Cady would mention something about Oakland, I’d always think to myself, yup that’s so true.
As for the characters, I loved them all, especially Fabrice, the owner of the chateau. He was such a mystery and I enjoyed unraveling his past.
Overall, this is the perfect historical fiction and contemporary read for anyone who wants to spend time in a chateau in the French countryside.
This was such a charming and quaint story!
The book started off a bit slow. It took a while for the story to actually take shape and for the historical parts to start making sense (the book has dual storylines, one historical and the other contemporary). But once the main character, Cady, went to France, the story really took off and from there it was magnifique!
I loved the way the author described France, particularly the small village Cady visited and the chateau she stayed at. From the scenery to the food to the carousel, she made it sound so enchanting and beautiful. I wish I was actually there!
I also loved the little nods to the Bay Area. The author is from the San Francisco Bay Area (like me) and the main character is from Oakland. Anytime Cady would mention something about Oakland, I’d always think to myself, yup that’s so true.
As for the characters, I loved them all, especially Fabrice, the owner of the chateau. He was such a mystery and I enjoyed unraveling his past.
Overall, this is the perfect historical fiction and contemporary read for anyone who wants to spend time in a chateau in the French countryside.
June 28, 2018
When I finished this book I was left feeling underwhelmed. I guess I was hoping for something more given it had elements that I normally love in stories such as a socially awkward main character and a decades old mystery taking place in Europe. Maybe I have been reading too many of these type of books lately and that's why I didn't really find anything special about this novel.
Cady Drake grew up in the foster care system and is now a photographer in Oakland. She is sent on assignment to France to take photos of carousels for a book. She is intrigued when she hears about a chateau in Provence with a carousel but in order to take photos for her book she's going to have to get the permission of the crusty, old owner who might be keeping a family secret or two.
So the setting and food descriptions were perfect and I did like how the book explored Cady growing up in the foster care system. I even enjoyed the parts of the story in the early 1900s and the female who works for Monsieur Bayol, a carousel carver who actually existed in real life and served as a little bit of inspiration to the author to write this work of fiction. And while I didn't mind the character of Fabrice in the present, I found myself losing interest when the story would shift back to his time during World War 2.
While the book might not have been amazing, it certainly wasn't a bad reading experience. I would definitely be open to reading other books by the author.
I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Cady Drake grew up in the foster care system and is now a photographer in Oakland. She is sent on assignment to France to take photos of carousels for a book. She is intrigued when she hears about a chateau in Provence with a carousel but in order to take photos for her book she's going to have to get the permission of the crusty, old owner who might be keeping a family secret or two.
So the setting and food descriptions were perfect and I did like how the book explored Cady growing up in the foster care system. I even enjoyed the parts of the story in the early 1900s and the female who works for Monsieur Bayol, a carousel carver who actually existed in real life and served as a little bit of inspiration to the author to write this work of fiction. And while I didn't mind the character of Fabrice in the present, I found myself losing interest when the story would shift back to his time during World War 2.
While the book might not have been amazing, it certainly wasn't a bad reading experience. I would definitely be open to reading other books by the author.
I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
September 19, 2018
GIVEAWAY FOR THIS BOOK ON MY BLOG AT THIS LINK. https://bit.ly/2MMXhWW
Who wouldn’t want to go to Paris and photograph carousels?
Cady was excited to head to Paris when she received the assignment especially since her interest in carousels had begun when she was a child and found Gus.
Gus was a carved carousel rabbit with a secret Cady found hidden inside Gus when he accidentally broke open. The hidden secret had a story of its own, and turned into a mystery that haunted Cady to solve.
Cady was used to mysteries and secrets since her childhood was spent in the foster system. She was moved from one foster home to another with no parents to be found. When she met Maxine and found Gus, though, they seemed to give her some stability and interest in antiques.
THE LOST CAROUSEL OF PARIS follows Cady back and forth from her childhood to present day with the history behind the carousel rabbit marvelously added in as well.
I enjoyed the history of European carousels and learning about a famous carousel maker Monsieur Gustave Bayol and his company in Angers, France.
THE LOST CAROUSEL OF PARIS allows the reader to get a free trip to Paris and to experience the beautiful landscape and people of Southern France both present-day and past.
This book will appeal to those who enjoy France, antiques, warm-hearted characters, the Provencal countryside, chateaus, and European history during WWII.
A charming, heart-warming read.
The characters were lovely, and the story line was creative, uplifting, and positive.
France, carousels, lovable characters, and a marvelous story line.
LOVED the book...ENJOY if you read it...I know you will. 5/5
This book was given to me free as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Who wouldn’t want to go to Paris and photograph carousels?
Cady was excited to head to Paris when she received the assignment especially since her interest in carousels had begun when she was a child and found Gus.
Gus was a carved carousel rabbit with a secret Cady found hidden inside Gus when he accidentally broke open. The hidden secret had a story of its own, and turned into a mystery that haunted Cady to solve.
Cady was used to mysteries and secrets since her childhood was spent in the foster system. She was moved from one foster home to another with no parents to be found. When she met Maxine and found Gus, though, they seemed to give her some stability and interest in antiques.
THE LOST CAROUSEL OF PARIS follows Cady back and forth from her childhood to present day with the history behind the carousel rabbit marvelously added in as well.
I enjoyed the history of European carousels and learning about a famous carousel maker Monsieur Gustave Bayol and his company in Angers, France.
THE LOST CAROUSEL OF PARIS allows the reader to get a free trip to Paris and to experience the beautiful landscape and people of Southern France both present-day and past.
This book will appeal to those who enjoy France, antiques, warm-hearted characters, the Provencal countryside, chateaus, and European history during WWII.
A charming, heart-warming read.
The characters were lovely, and the story line was creative, uplifting, and positive.
France, carousels, lovable characters, and a marvelous story line.
LOVED the book...ENJOY if you read it...I know you will. 5/5
This book was given to me free as an ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2020
I am drawn to stories that take place in France so when I saw The Lost Carousel of Provence I knew I needed to read it (plus the cover is beautiful). I am a fan of one of Juliet Blackwell’s earlier books, The Paris Key, and this book is just as good. I was also intrigued by the subject matter – the carousels of France and the focus on a particular historic, master carver named Gustave Bayol. The mystery is entertaining and intriguing; I knew very little about carousel making, and Blackwell provides just enough detail to educate the reader without going overboard with details that one might not need or want to learn.
Dual timeline stories usually result in one story line that is more appealing than the other. While both times and stories were interesting, I definitely liked the present-day tale about Cady Drake and her pursuit of the origins of her wooden rabbit carousel piece allegedly carved by Bayol the best. Her search for community and an understanding of her past was endearing and at times my heart broke for her.
I really enjoyed The Lost Carousel of Provence and wish I was headed to Paris soon to tour the city and see and ride the many beautiful, historic carousels that still exist there today.
Listen to my podcast at https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com for fun author interviews. For more book reviews, check out my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
Dual timeline stories usually result in one story line that is more appealing than the other. While both times and stories were interesting, I definitely liked the present-day tale about Cady Drake and her pursuit of the origins of her wooden rabbit carousel piece allegedly carved by Bayol the best. Her search for community and an understanding of her past was endearing and at times my heart broke for her.
I really enjoyed The Lost Carousel of Provence and wish I was headed to Paris soon to tour the city and see and ride the many beautiful, historic carousels that still exist there today.
Listen to my podcast at https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com for fun author interviews. For more book reviews, check out my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsfro....
September 17, 2018
Intriguing, atmospheric, and uplifting.
The Lost Carousel of Provence is an alluring tale predominantly set in the majestic southeastern region of France during the early 1900s, as well as present day, and is told from three different perspectives. Maelle, an independent, hardworking young woman struggling to showcase her talents and prove her worth in a male-dominated environment. Fabrice, a lonely, elderly man who has sacrificed, endured and lived a life weighed down by deception, regret, and unrequited love. And Cady an intelligent, independent, young woman who endeavours to photograph all the lost carousels of France and uncover all the stories and secrets that surround them.
The prose is expressive and eloquent. The characters are scarred, complex, and authentic. And the plot is a sweeping saga filled with familial drama, introspection, love, loss, life, family, friendship, community, mystique, heartbreak, romance, secrets, passion, loyalty, as well as a little insight into the designing and building of some of the most famous merry-go-rounds of all time.
Overall, The Lost Carousel of Provence is an informative, romantic, mysterious tale that is a well-written, exceptionally researched, beautiful, picture postcard of the history, landmarks, culture, culinary fare, and lost art forms of a country Blackwell obviously loves and knows well.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Carousel of Provence is an alluring tale predominantly set in the majestic southeastern region of France during the early 1900s, as well as present day, and is told from three different perspectives. Maelle, an independent, hardworking young woman struggling to showcase her talents and prove her worth in a male-dominated environment. Fabrice, a lonely, elderly man who has sacrificed, endured and lived a life weighed down by deception, regret, and unrequited love. And Cady an intelligent, independent, young woman who endeavours to photograph all the lost carousels of France and uncover all the stories and secrets that surround them.
The prose is expressive and eloquent. The characters are scarred, complex, and authentic. And the plot is a sweeping saga filled with familial drama, introspection, love, loss, life, family, friendship, community, mystique, heartbreak, romance, secrets, passion, loyalty, as well as a little insight into the designing and building of some of the most famous merry-go-rounds of all time.
Overall, The Lost Carousel of Provence is an informative, romantic, mysterious tale that is a well-written, exceptionally researched, beautiful, picture postcard of the history, landmarks, culture, culinary fare, and lost art forms of a country Blackwell obviously loves and knows well.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2021
Three and a half stars.
Cady Drake has always had an interest in carousels. She has Gus, a carved rabbit she believes was crafted by the artist Gustavo Bayol. And one day she finds Gus contains a secret. When an opportunity arrives to go to France and photograph carousels for a book project, she is keen on the idea. It will not only help financially with debts but give her an interest after the death of Maxine, the elderly woman who has been like a mother to her over the years. The book also tells the historical stories of Maelle, who aims to be the first woman sculptor and Fabrice, who was working with the resistance during the war. All of the stories are interesting as is the way they are brought together. Will Cady find out the truth about her rabbit? Could her search mean changes in her own life?
The story is told through differences in time and a few different characters. I found this an entertaining read although sometimes the shifts in time and character did not always work as smoothly as they should have. Through it all I learned a lot about the making of carousels.The characters were well drawn and the setting which moved from Paris to Provence is evocatively conveyed, plus who can resist a story that contains a castle owned by a reclusive old man? Enjoyable and with the added interest of the historical component, lure of carousels and beautiful setting this made for an entertaining read with well drawn characters and a mystery to solve. All this and a lovely cover.
Cady Drake has always had an interest in carousels. She has Gus, a carved rabbit she believes was crafted by the artist Gustavo Bayol. And one day she finds Gus contains a secret. When an opportunity arrives to go to France and photograph carousels for a book project, she is keen on the idea. It will not only help financially with debts but give her an interest after the death of Maxine, the elderly woman who has been like a mother to her over the years. The book also tells the historical stories of Maelle, who aims to be the first woman sculptor and Fabrice, who was working with the resistance during the war. All of the stories are interesting as is the way they are brought together. Will Cady find out the truth about her rabbit? Could her search mean changes in her own life?
The story is told through differences in time and a few different characters. I found this an entertaining read although sometimes the shifts in time and character did not always work as smoothly as they should have. Through it all I learned a lot about the making of carousels.The characters were well drawn and the setting which moved from Paris to Provence is evocatively conveyed, plus who can resist a story that contains a castle owned by a reclusive old man? Enjoyable and with the added interest of the historical component, lure of carousels and beautiful setting this made for an entertaining read with well drawn characters and a mystery to solve. All this and a lovely cover.
September 23, 2018
*4.5 stars ✨
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Some books you just know that you’re going to love even before reading a single page. This was one of those books for me. Cady has just lost Maxine, who was like a mother to her, at a loss for what to do her friend Olivia suggests going to France. At first Cady is hesitant, until she happens to find an old photograph inside an antique carousel animal. After some persuasion, Cady finds herself in France to take photos of carousels for a new book. Curious about the photo she found and finding out where her own carousel animal came from, she sets out on a journey to find answers. Soon she finds herself in the country staying with a recluse at the Clement Chateau. Here she will find friends, answers, and possibly more.
I really enjoyed the story especially once we got in the country, to me that’s the part I loved the most. If I’m honest, that’s also when I began liking Cady. It took me awhile to warm up to her and I was worried that it wouldn’t come and the story would be ruined for me. Luckily, things turned around and it was at that point where I didn’t want to put the book down. Definitely another winner from Ms Blackwell:)
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Some books you just know that you’re going to love even before reading a single page. This was one of those books for me. Cady has just lost Maxine, who was like a mother to her, at a loss for what to do her friend Olivia suggests going to France. At first Cady is hesitant, until she happens to find an old photograph inside an antique carousel animal. After some persuasion, Cady finds herself in France to take photos of carousels for a new book. Curious about the photo she found and finding out where her own carousel animal came from, she sets out on a journey to find answers. Soon she finds herself in the country staying with a recluse at the Clement Chateau. Here she will find friends, answers, and possibly more.
I really enjoyed the story especially once we got in the country, to me that’s the part I loved the most. If I’m honest, that’s also when I began liking Cady. It took me awhile to warm up to her and I was worried that it wouldn’t come and the story would be ruined for me. Luckily, things turned around and it was at that point where I didn’t want to put the book down. Definitely another winner from Ms Blackwell:)
September 23, 2020
Jau kas, bet šios knygos viršelis tiesiog alsuote alsuoja Provansu 🥰 Toks tikrai visai paprastas, bet labai šiltas. Taip ir tiesiasi rankos paimti šią knygą ir perskaityti.
Provanse stovi pilis, kuri vis dar prisimena savo šlovingas dienas.. Deja, to paties apie ją dabar negalėtum pasakyti. Anuo metu čia gyveno Klementų šeima. Šiuo metu pilyje glaudžiasi vienišas senolis Fabricijus Klementas. Jis nors ir vienišas, tačiau atsiskyrėlio gyvenimas jį tenkina. Iki kol vieną dieną jo ramų gyvenimą sudrumsčia amerikietė fotografė Keidė Dreik. Ji atvyko fotografuoti Paryžiaus karuselių.
Iširus santuokai bei netekus brangios draugės, kuri Keidei buvo tarsi mama, moteris nusprendžia atvykti į Prancūziją bei užsiimti tuo, kas visuomet teikė jai didžiausią pasitenkinimą. Taip jau nutinka, jog Keidė atvyksta būtent į Klementų pilį. Ten ji susipažįsta su žaviu architektu Žanu Poliu. Jo dėka Keidė apsistoja Klementų pilyje.
Po truputį moteris atskleidžia vis daugiau šios šeimos paslapčių. Ir tikrai ne visi tuo patenkinti...
Ši knyga man pasirodė kaip labai šilta istorija. Nors knygoje buvo ir nemažai dalykų, kurie nebuvo nei gražūs nei labai malonūs, tačiau pats pasakojimas bei jo rašymo stilius buvo labai šiltas bei jaukus. Autorės dėka sužinojau daug naujų dalykų apie karuseles. Buvo tikrai įdomu.
Mano nuomone, autorei puikiai pavyko sukurti pagrindinius knygos veikėjus bei Provanso apylinkes. Skaitant atrodė, jog šie žmonės yra tokie "tikri" bei puikiai pažįstami.
Ir ši knyga nebuvo vien tik autorės fantazijos vaisius. Toks Gustavas Bajolis iš tiesų egzistavo. Taip po truputį ir kilo idėja parašyti šią knygą.
Labai šilta bei jauki istorija, kuri šušildys šiais, po truputį jau vėstančiais vakarais 🍂
Provanse stovi pilis, kuri vis dar prisimena savo šlovingas dienas.. Deja, to paties apie ją dabar negalėtum pasakyti. Anuo metu čia gyveno Klementų šeima. Šiuo metu pilyje glaudžiasi vienišas senolis Fabricijus Klementas. Jis nors ir vienišas, tačiau atsiskyrėlio gyvenimas jį tenkina. Iki kol vieną dieną jo ramų gyvenimą sudrumsčia amerikietė fotografė Keidė Dreik. Ji atvyko fotografuoti Paryžiaus karuselių.
Iširus santuokai bei netekus brangios draugės, kuri Keidei buvo tarsi mama, moteris nusprendžia atvykti į Prancūziją bei užsiimti tuo, kas visuomet teikė jai didžiausią pasitenkinimą. Taip jau nutinka, jog Keidė atvyksta būtent į Klementų pilį. Ten ji susipažįsta su žaviu architektu Žanu Poliu. Jo dėka Keidė apsistoja Klementų pilyje.
Po truputį moteris atskleidžia vis daugiau šios šeimos paslapčių. Ir tikrai ne visi tuo patenkinti...
Ši knyga man pasirodė kaip labai šilta istorija. Nors knygoje buvo ir nemažai dalykų, kurie nebuvo nei gražūs nei labai malonūs, tačiau pats pasakojimas bei jo rašymo stilius buvo labai šiltas bei jaukus. Autorės dėka sužinojau daug naujų dalykų apie karuseles. Buvo tikrai įdomu.
Mano nuomone, autorei puikiai pavyko sukurti pagrindinius knygos veikėjus bei Provanso apylinkes. Skaitant atrodė, jog šie žmonės yra tokie "tikri" bei puikiai pažįstami.
Ir ši knyga nebuvo vien tik autorės fantazijos vaisius. Toks Gustavas Bajolis iš tiesų egzistavo. Taip po truputį ir kilo idėja parašyti šią knygą.
Labai šilta bei jauki istorija, kuri šušildys šiais, po truputį jau vėstančiais vakarais 🍂
August 15, 2018
Still reeling from the death of her dear friend and the woman who took her in when the world wanted to forget her, Cady Drake is at a loss at what to do with her life. She feels lost and alone. A good friend of hers suggests she take a trip, maybe to Paris, to get a new perspective. Her friend suggests taking her camera and photographing some pictures, maybe for a coffee table book. An idea forms in Cady’s head, one that not only feels right but will change her life.
For as long as she can remember, Cady has been fascinated by carousels. It started when she was an orphan and continued through to the present. There’s something magical about them, a gateway to the past and a window to the future.
Once in Paris, she starts taking some amazing pictures of carousels. While researching, she stumbles across the mystery of the Chateau Clement and its legendary carousel. As she tries to unravel the mystery and the Clement family history, she encounters a handsome Parisian man who offers to help her. He stirs feelings long buried in her. Cady’s instinct is to run when things get emotional but the more she’s around Chateau Clement and its recluse inhabitant, the more she senses she’s home. Is this where she belongs or will everyone abandon her like so many have over the years?
Never in my life have I read a book that reminds me of my time in Paris with such clarity as this one. Not only did it transport me back in time through various time periods, but it touched me deeply. From the parts where we learn about the female sculptor in the early 1900’s to the resistant movement against the Nazis in World War II to present day, Chateau Clement is alive and casting a spell on the characters and the reader at the same time. It wasn’t so much reading as experiencing the highs and lows of life. Friendship, betrayal, greed, classism, art and love all play a part in this story. Heart-breaking at times, The Lost Carousel of Provence will steal your breath away.
A must read and the best book I’ve had the pleasure to read in 2018.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
For as long as she can remember, Cady has been fascinated by carousels. It started when she was an orphan and continued through to the present. There’s something magical about them, a gateway to the past and a window to the future.
Once in Paris, she starts taking some amazing pictures of carousels. While researching, she stumbles across the mystery of the Chateau Clement and its legendary carousel. As she tries to unravel the mystery and the Clement family history, she encounters a handsome Parisian man who offers to help her. He stirs feelings long buried in her. Cady’s instinct is to run when things get emotional but the more she’s around Chateau Clement and its recluse inhabitant, the more she senses she’s home. Is this where she belongs or will everyone abandon her like so many have over the years?
Never in my life have I read a book that reminds me of my time in Paris with such clarity as this one. Not only did it transport me back in time through various time periods, but it touched me deeply. From the parts where we learn about the female sculptor in the early 1900’s to the resistant movement against the Nazis in World War II to present day, Chateau Clement is alive and casting a spell on the characters and the reader at the same time. It wasn’t so much reading as experiencing the highs and lows of life. Friendship, betrayal, greed, classism, art and love all play a part in this story. Heart-breaking at times, The Lost Carousel of Provence will steal your breath away.
A must read and the best book I’ve had the pleasure to read in 2018.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
August 25, 2018
I almost didn't request this book but I am glad I did. I found I got so involved in the storyline, I couldn't put it down instead read far into the night. I had problems reading the parts of the Nazis occupation of France. I felt that Ms. Blackwell did an outstanding job of blending the three-time periods so the story flew together.
Cady Drake is recovering from the death of her mentor and agrees to accept a job in Paris of photographing the carousels of Paris. The story begins in the 1990's of a young girl desire to learn from a master carver and the difficult time she had to endure because of her sex. Cady is fascinated with the carousels. She learns of a rundown Château Clement, in the province decides to see it before she returns home. Candy meets the owner of an elderly man who prefers to be left alone. Will, she convinced him to let her see the Clement carousel? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Cady Drake is recovering from the death of her mentor and agrees to accept a job in Paris of photographing the carousels of Paris. The story begins in the 1990's of a young girl desire to learn from a master carver and the difficult time she had to endure because of her sex. Cady is fascinated with the carousels. She learns of a rundown Château Clement, in the province decides to see it before she returns home. Candy meets the owner of an elderly man who prefers to be left alone. Will, she convinced him to let her see the Clement carousel? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2020
Juliet Blackwell “Pamiršta Provanso karuselė”
Nemeluosiu sakydama, kad vasarą mėgstu skaityti kiek lengvesnias knygas. Man jos tarsi atgaiva sielai. Tokių kūrinių dėka gali atsipalaiduoti nuo daugybės smulkių rūpesčių, o kartais net juos trumpam užmiršti. Asmeniškai man, jie vėl ir vėl padeda atrasti skaitymo malonumą iš naujo. Gal todėl paėmus į rankas šį amerikiečių rašytojos Juliet Blackwell romaną “Pamiršta Provanso karusėlė” iškart supratau, kad tinkamai pasirinkau. Nieko nelaukdama pradėjau skaityti. Ir… lengvai apsigavau, bet apie viską iš eilės.
Jauna fotografė vardu Keidė, bando į šipulius virtusį savo gyvenimą susidėlioti iš naujo. Ją slegia nesenai įvykusios skyrybos su vyru, taip ilgai laukto kūdikio netektis bei motiną atstojusios moters vardu Maksinė mirtis. Atrodytų, kad tas juodas laikotarpis, kurį dabar patiria Keidė – niekada nesibaigs. Vienintelė paguoda – triušis Gusas. Tai karusėlės figūrą, kurią kažkada per vestuves jai padovanojo Maksinė. Nuo tada moteris su juo nesiskiria, nes kartu Gusas - raktas į paslaptingą karuselių pasaulį, kuris ją taip vilioja. Todėl neturėdama ko daugiau prarasti Keidė nusprendžia išvykti į Prancūziją įgyvendinti vieno sumanymo, bei įminti mįslę, kurią užminė triušio pilve rasta medinė dėžutė. Gyvenimas niekada nebe bus, toks kaip anksčiau…
Skaitant šį romaną mano širdis džiaugėsi. Jo dėka teko pakeliauti net tik po žymias Paryžiaus vietas, bet kartu susipažinti su dar viena šviesų miesto vizitine kortete – karuselėmis. Dar iki šios prisimenu savo pirmąją. Tai buvo kažkas magiško ir nepakartojamo. Autorė sužadino ne tik tuos nuostabius prisiminimus, bet ir paskatino daugiau pasidomėti šių nepaprastų, sudėtingų mechanizmų istorija. Ačiū jai už tai (žemai lenkiuosi). Taip pat ir nepamirštama kelionė į Provansą…
Tai kūrinys, kuris tik iš pirmo žvilgsnio yra paprastas bei aiškus. Tačiau autorė kuria užburiantį, daugiasluoksnį pasakojimą apie svarbiausias žmogui vertybes, apie pasirinkimus, kuriuos mes patys turime priimti, nes tik mes patys galime tai padaryti. Kartu – tai knyga apie susitaikymą su pačiu savimi bei atleidimą. Ir kaip gi be draugystės bei meilės. Šios dvi vertybės tarsi vyšnaitės ant šio žavaus pasakojimo viršūnės.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kam nori kažko lengvo, neįpareigojančio bei tinkančio vasarai. Tai kūrinys, kuris Jums padės dar kartą pajausti skaitymo malonumą.
Nemeluosiu sakydama, kad vasarą mėgstu skaityti kiek lengvesnias knygas. Man jos tarsi atgaiva sielai. Tokių kūrinių dėka gali atsipalaiduoti nuo daugybės smulkių rūpesčių, o kartais net juos trumpam užmiršti. Asmeniškai man, jie vėl ir vėl padeda atrasti skaitymo malonumą iš naujo. Gal todėl paėmus į rankas šį amerikiečių rašytojos Juliet Blackwell romaną “Pamiršta Provanso karusėlė” iškart supratau, kad tinkamai pasirinkau. Nieko nelaukdama pradėjau skaityti. Ir… lengvai apsigavau, bet apie viską iš eilės.
Jauna fotografė vardu Keidė, bando į šipulius virtusį savo gyvenimą susidėlioti iš naujo. Ją slegia nesenai įvykusios skyrybos su vyru, taip ilgai laukto kūdikio netektis bei motiną atstojusios moters vardu Maksinė mirtis. Atrodytų, kad tas juodas laikotarpis, kurį dabar patiria Keidė – niekada nesibaigs. Vienintelė paguoda – triušis Gusas. Tai karusėlės figūrą, kurią kažkada per vestuves jai padovanojo Maksinė. Nuo tada moteris su juo nesiskiria, nes kartu Gusas - raktas į paslaptingą karuselių pasaulį, kuris ją taip vilioja. Todėl neturėdama ko daugiau prarasti Keidė nusprendžia išvykti į Prancūziją įgyvendinti vieno sumanymo, bei įminti mįslę, kurią užminė triušio pilve rasta medinė dėžutė. Gyvenimas niekada nebe bus, toks kaip anksčiau…
Skaitant šį romaną mano širdis džiaugėsi. Jo dėka teko pakeliauti net tik po žymias Paryžiaus vietas, bet kartu susipažinti su dar viena šviesų miesto vizitine kortete – karuselėmis. Dar iki šios prisimenu savo pirmąją. Tai buvo kažkas magiško ir nepakartojamo. Autorė sužadino ne tik tuos nuostabius prisiminimus, bet ir paskatino daugiau pasidomėti šių nepaprastų, sudėtingų mechanizmų istorija. Ačiū jai už tai (žemai lenkiuosi). Taip pat ir nepamirštama kelionė į Provansą…
Tai kūrinys, kuris tik iš pirmo žvilgsnio yra paprastas bei aiškus. Tačiau autorė kuria užburiantį, daugiasluoksnį pasakojimą apie svarbiausias žmogui vertybes, apie pasirinkimus, kuriuos mes patys turime priimti, nes tik mes patys galime tai padaryti. Kartu – tai knyga apie susitaikymą su pačiu savimi bei atleidimą. Ir kaip gi be draugystės bei meilės. Šios dvi vertybės tarsi vyšnaitės ant šio žavaus pasakojimo viršūnės.
Rekomenduoju visiems, kam nori kažko lengvo, neįpareigojančio bei tinkančio vasarai. Tai kūrinys, kuris Jums padės dar kartą pajausti skaitymo malonumą.
September 23, 2023
Nesikankinsiu, nebaigiau skaityt. Ne mano ir tiek.
May 12, 2021
I do love me some good historical fiction and also a well-constructed timeline that can move back and forth between present and past. Since first discovering this title, I have been looking forward to delving into this story which brought in several elements that were either unique or that I have not personally delved into much to this point.
What I liked about The Lost Carousel of Provence:
The carousel theme - This was one of the big hooks for me with this book because it was something I cannot ever recall encountering in any book I've read. It set me up to learn some new things and did not disappoint in this aspect. It was quite fascinating.
French Resistance - I have to admit that with all the historical fiction I have read, namely WWII, I have read very little that has highlighted the French Resistance. I really enjoyed the way it was presented.
The setting - I've also read very little on the French countryside. The way the little (fictional) village was written made me feel like I was there and wish that I were.
The characters - For the most part, I liked the characters, and even if I didn't, I enjoyed the way they contributed to the story as a whole. That's a big deal for me. I don't expect to like everyone I meet in a book, but I like to see their purpose.
What I didn't care for:
Top heavy toward one timeline - I felt like we spent a lot of time in the present day timeline and much less in the historical one, which made it a bit challenging to care equally about both. Additionally, while in the present day, an inordinate amount of time was spent on the lead character compared to the thread that links present to past, and without that link being the main purpose of the book, it was easy to lose the connections between timelines. This improved toward the end of the book but I would have preferred to feel more connection earlier on.
Moving between timelines - The storytelling seemed to lack a flow as it switched between timelines. This wasn't a dealbreaker for me, because I didn't struggle with knowing "when" I was, but I felt like the transitions could have been smoother. I also really like when the transitions back and forth feel "related" somehow, which maybe is what makes them feel smoother. However, at times, this one felt more as if two stories got shuffled together like a deck of cards. This also improved toward the end as well.
Overall, I found this book to be a charming story with a satisfying ending, but being super picky about my timeline shifts, I could not justify rating higher than three stars. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you, this is easily a four-star read. I really wanted to crawl inside the pages once we arrived at Chateau Clement.
What I liked about The Lost Carousel of Provence:
The carousel theme - This was one of the big hooks for me with this book because it was something I cannot ever recall encountering in any book I've read. It set me up to learn some new things and did not disappoint in this aspect. It was quite fascinating.
French Resistance - I have to admit that with all the historical fiction I have read, namely WWII, I have read very little that has highlighted the French Resistance. I really enjoyed the way it was presented.
The setting - I've also read very little on the French countryside. The way the little (fictional) village was written made me feel like I was there and wish that I were.
The characters - For the most part, I liked the characters, and even if I didn't, I enjoyed the way they contributed to the story as a whole. That's a big deal for me. I don't expect to like everyone I meet in a book, but I like to see their purpose.
What I didn't care for:
Top heavy toward one timeline - I felt like we spent a lot of time in the present day timeline and much less in the historical one, which made it a bit challenging to care equally about both. Additionally, while in the present day, an inordinate amount of time was spent on the lead character compared to the thread that links present to past, and without that link being the main purpose of the book, it was easy to lose the connections between timelines. This improved toward the end of the book but I would have preferred to feel more connection earlier on.
Moving between timelines - The storytelling seemed to lack a flow as it switched between timelines. This wasn't a dealbreaker for me, because I didn't struggle with knowing "when" I was, but I felt like the transitions could have been smoother. I also really like when the transitions back and forth feel "related" somehow, which maybe is what makes them feel smoother. However, at times, this one felt more as if two stories got shuffled together like a deck of cards. This also improved toward the end as well.
Overall, I found this book to be a charming story with a satisfying ending, but being super picky about my timeline shifts, I could not justify rating higher than three stars. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you, this is easily a four-star read. I really wanted to crawl inside the pages once we arrived at Chateau Clement.
September 19, 2018
Cady Drake has spent her whole life yearning so badly for a family, someone to show her love and to affirm that she was a good, deserving person. Tossed from foster homes to group homes for years, Cady’s dream is never fulfilled. However, the need to survive taught her strength and gave her focus on skills that have made her a photographer who is always in demand, albeit not a famous one. Her fascination is for pictures of carousels from anywhere in the world. A need to escape the aftermath of a personal tragedy and the wise, tough and loving advice of a good friend leads Cady to accept a plan from a publisher to photograph as many carousels as possible in Paris, France. Readers will learn about the various types of carousels in Paris as well as the major artists who sculpted the brilliant and loving figures that gave so many children, teens and adults childlike pleasure for centuries.
The narrative voices switch from contemporary France to the 1940s France when a young carver female gets hired by Gustave Bayol, an actual famous carousel creator. Yes, she learns the trade, starting on the bottom cleaning brushes, etc. and graduating to carving the inside of the animals on the actual carousels made for very rich patrons. But she also falls in love and is saved by a refined patron who is as lonely as Maelle, the budding artist.
Back in the countryside outside of Paris, Cady winds up staying in a home with a very grumpy old man, Fabrice, whose family has a story that will leave the reader rapidly flipping the pages through various aspects of both a mystery and several romances. Cady will eventually be told the answer about the photograph of a beautiful woman and a love letter hidden inside a carousel rabbit. She will get the chance to restore an abandoned and semi-destroyed carousel and perhaps find some romance at the same time. An unusual ending allows the reader to imagine the end of this superb story, instead of finding instant closure.
This magnificent novel is about the essence of evolving relationships, be they familial, friendly, or romantic. Realizations and explorations galore will assault the reader’s mind and heart so that this provokes some very special thinking and feeling. That in itself makes this story a gem!
Enjoy a grand, exciting, mesmerizing and yet peaceful read! Highly recommend The Lost Carousel of Provence!
The narrative voices switch from contemporary France to the 1940s France when a young carver female gets hired by Gustave Bayol, an actual famous carousel creator. Yes, she learns the trade, starting on the bottom cleaning brushes, etc. and graduating to carving the inside of the animals on the actual carousels made for very rich patrons. But she also falls in love and is saved by a refined patron who is as lonely as Maelle, the budding artist.
Back in the countryside outside of Paris, Cady winds up staying in a home with a very grumpy old man, Fabrice, whose family has a story that will leave the reader rapidly flipping the pages through various aspects of both a mystery and several romances. Cady will eventually be told the answer about the photograph of a beautiful woman and a love letter hidden inside a carousel rabbit. She will get the chance to restore an abandoned and semi-destroyed carousel and perhaps find some romance at the same time. An unusual ending allows the reader to imagine the end of this superb story, instead of finding instant closure.
This magnificent novel is about the essence of evolving relationships, be they familial, friendly, or romantic. Realizations and explorations galore will assault the reader’s mind and heart so that this provokes some very special thinking and feeling. That in itself makes this story a gem!
Enjoy a grand, exciting, mesmerizing and yet peaceful read! Highly recommend The Lost Carousel of Provence!
February 17, 2019
“Who amongst us hasn’t thought of carousels with nostalgia?”
That is Juliet Blackwell’s opening remark in the Author’s Note.
I am not sure a carousel has even crossed my mind in a decade (when my daughters were young enough to beg me for tickets), but the title of this novel immediately took me back. I could hear the tinny music, see the lights in the garishly painted ceiling shining on the painted stallions’ furious expressions, recall the wait between rotations before my girls would wave at me again...
I loved this novel. At first I was annoyed once again (this seems to be a common thread for me) by the multiple alternating characters in different years, but before long I was fully immersed in the different storylines, and the way Ms Blackwell drew them out was reminiscent of the skills and precision used by the carousel artists of bygone times. I learned a great deal (which is one of the very best things about expertly told historical fiction), I fell in love with many more than one of her characters, and I was reminded of an old dream I had of going to Provence ...
Highly recommend. I am now off to get more of Ms Blackwell’s books!
That is Juliet Blackwell’s opening remark in the Author’s Note.
I am not sure a carousel has even crossed my mind in a decade (when my daughters were young enough to beg me for tickets), but the title of this novel immediately took me back. I could hear the tinny music, see the lights in the garishly painted ceiling shining on the painted stallions’ furious expressions, recall the wait between rotations before my girls would wave at me again...
I loved this novel. At first I was annoyed once again (this seems to be a common thread for me) by the multiple alternating characters in different years, but before long I was fully immersed in the different storylines, and the way Ms Blackwell drew them out was reminiscent of the skills and precision used by the carousel artists of bygone times. I learned a great deal (which is one of the very best things about expertly told historical fiction), I fell in love with many more than one of her characters, and I was reminded of an old dream I had of going to Provence ...
Highly recommend. I am now off to get more of Ms Blackwell’s books!
August 14, 2019
This is one of those easy, enjoyable reads that maybe doesn’t have a lot of weight or heart to it but it’s still really interesting and has a strong vibe to it. It’s funny, when I was reading it nothing really struck me as *strong*. It was just....decent. Decent writing, decent characters (even though I did have some issues with the character development), decent plot, decent history. But I guess the French countryside really stayed with me, because every time I picture a scene from the book it comes flooding back like I was there. So I’ll give it that!
I really wish they had done more with Cady’s POV and less with the other POVs. It made it so easy to guess the mystery and I was kind of hoping for a bit more suspense. Cady had a lot of potential as a narrator but she was choppily written. Her growth could have been written a bit more smoothly. I really liked all the side characters, but other than Fabrice they were kind of all....1-dimensional.
But again.......the French countryside.......who doesn’t want to go for a visit and read a little about French culture?? Totally worth a read if you want a little bit of history and to take a mini vacation - right from your bedroom.
I really wish they had done more with Cady’s POV and less with the other POVs. It made it so easy to guess the mystery and I was kind of hoping for a bit more suspense. Cady had a lot of potential as a narrator but she was choppily written. Her growth could have been written a bit more smoothly. I really liked all the side characters, but other than Fabrice they were kind of all....1-dimensional.
But again.......the French countryside.......who doesn’t want to go for a visit and read a little about French culture?? Totally worth a read if you want a little bit of history and to take a mini vacation - right from your bedroom.
October 26, 2018
This book was sent to me by the publisher for and honest review and Wow this book was so much more than I expected. I would have finished it in a few days if it wasn't for poor health. This book had five amazing stories all woven together to reveal a bigger picture that transcend language and time. You could not help fall in love with the characters as their individual stories was told. The themes that ran through this book was beautifully depicted as the stories from the past and present collided to give a deeper meaning. The relationships in this book felt real and attainable and ultimately carried the story. This book chopped and changed from different characters story and at times this can be distracting but I found that in this book it was excellently balanced.
A beautiful story that you can't help to be engulfed by as you immerse yourself in the richness of discovering the need for relationship. The Lost Carousel of Provence is a wonderful read that I highly recommend 5 Stars!!
A beautiful story that you can't help to be engulfed by as you immerse yourself in the richness of discovering the need for relationship. The Lost Carousel of Provence is a wonderful read that I highly recommend 5 Stars!!
September 7, 2018
"An artist lost to history, a family abandoned to its secrets, and the woman whose search for meaning unearths it all in a sweeping and expressive story from the New York Times bestselling author of Letters from Paris."
Truly a book with everything in it to make a great read. I love books set in different time periods and this book had 3 and 3 different point of views.
I enjoyed each time period and character greatly and felt placed in that time. The author does a very good job with accurate historical details.
This book contains all the emotions of happiness, sadness, romance, longing and family ties.
I recommend this book for anyone that loves a great historical fiction that will transport you to France. I mean who doesn't love carousels.
I give this book a very strong 5 stars.
Truly a book with everything in it to make a great read. I love books set in different time periods and this book had 3 and 3 different point of views.
I enjoyed each time period and character greatly and felt placed in that time. The author does a very good job with accurate historical details.
This book contains all the emotions of happiness, sadness, romance, longing and family ties.
I recommend this book for anyone that loves a great historical fiction that will transport you to France. I mean who doesn't love carousels.
I give this book a very strong 5 stars.
November 2, 2021
Keidė nesenai patyrusi persileidimą ir netekusi savo globėjos Maksinės pasineria į liūdesį. Bandydama parduoti savo karuselės figūrėlę triušį Gusą sužino, kad jis ne Bajolio darbas. Iš pykčio ji sudaužo jį ir viduje randa dėžutę su moters nuotrauka, rašteliu ir plaukų kasele. Galop jos draugė Olivija ją įkalba keliauti į Prancūziją fotografuoti karuselių, nes rado jai darbą leidykloje. Taip Keidė išvyksta į Prancūziją. Ten ieškodama atsakymų susipažįsta su Žanu Poliu ir nukeliauja į Provansą į Klementų pilį, kurioje ir daryti nežinomos moters nuotrauka. Ten gyvenantis senyvas rašytojas Fabricijus sunkiai įsileidžia nepažįstamąją į savo namus. Galop Keidė ima tvarkyti suniokotą karuselę.
Laimėjau šitą knygą Instagram‘e iš Sofoklio leidyklos. Labai dėkoju už dovaną, kurią iškart pradėjau skaityti. Knygos skyriai trumpučiai, jų labai daug tad neįkyrėjo skaitymas. Istorija padalinta į net KETURIAS laiko juostas. O kas mane žino- niekada neatsispiriu knygoms su keliomis laiko juostomis. Pirmoji pasakoja apie Keidę šiais laikais. Antroji apie Maelę- Bajolio darbininkę, kuri Klementų pilyje statė karuselę. Trečioji laiko juosta yra apie Fabricijaus jaunystę. Ir ketvirtoji apie Keidės vaikystę (ji užaugo globos namuose). Knyga man iš tikrųjų LABAI patiko, nes aš dievinu šeimos paslaptis ir jų atskleidimą. O skaityti apie Prancūziją man visada malonumas, nes esu įsimylėjęs šitą šalį. Sunkiai galėjau padėti į šoną knygą, nes buvo labai įdomu skaityti kaip pamažu Keidė atskleidžia Klementų šeimos paslaptis. Ir aišku Happy End. Rekomenduoju visiems, kam patinka Prancūzija, šeimos paslaptys laiko juostos ir lengva istorija.
Laimėjau šitą knygą Instagram‘e iš Sofoklio leidyklos. Labai dėkoju už dovaną, kurią iškart pradėjau skaityti. Knygos skyriai trumpučiai, jų labai daug tad neįkyrėjo skaitymas. Istorija padalinta į net KETURIAS laiko juostas. O kas mane žino- niekada neatsispiriu knygoms su keliomis laiko juostomis. Pirmoji pasakoja apie Keidę šiais laikais. Antroji apie Maelę- Bajolio darbininkę, kuri Klementų pilyje statė karuselę. Trečioji laiko juosta yra apie Fabricijaus jaunystę. Ir ketvirtoji apie Keidės vaikystę (ji užaugo globos namuose). Knyga man iš tikrųjų LABAI patiko, nes aš dievinu šeimos paslaptis ir jų atskleidimą. O skaityti apie Prancūziją man visada malonumas, nes esu įsimylėjęs šitą šalį. Sunkiai galėjau padėti į šoną knygą, nes buvo labai įdomu skaityti kaip pamažu Keidė atskleidžia Klementų šeimos paslaptis. Ir aišku Happy End. Rekomenduoju visiems, kam patinka Prancūzija, šeimos paslaptys laiko juostos ir lengva istorija.
September 3, 2022
Very intriguing idea and having read and liked another title by the author, I expected to enjoy this as much.
Sadly, I think this one had too many vague ideas, too many jumps in time to "see" what was going at different moments, even though they were all related to the main action.
The end didn't offer enough closure for me, I'd have liked something more obvious.
The writing and the suggestions, the French places described.. all good. But the characters and their actions weren't always as fascinating as I hoped.
Sadly, I think this one had too many vague ideas, too many jumps in time to "see" what was going at different moments, even though they were all related to the main action.
The end didn't offer enough closure for me, I'd have liked something more obvious.
The writing and the suggestions, the French places described.. all good. But the characters and their actions weren't always as fascinating as I hoped.
December 10, 2022
היה לי קצת קשה עם הספר הזה בהתחלה. הספר זז בין 3 קווי עלילה:
בהווה קיידי מקבלת הזדמנות לטוס לפריז לצלם קרוסולות לספר. לקיידי יש עבר קשה כילדת אומנה, והיא תמיד מרגישה לא שייכת ולא נאהבת. אחרי שהמנטורית שלה, שהייתה כמו אמא בשבילה מאז גיל ההתבגרות, נפטרה - קיידי מרגישה תלושה ונטולת בסיס, וזה זמן טוב מבחינתה לצאת למסע בפריז, ואחריו למסע בפרובנס אחרי קרוסלה.
בשנת 1944 פבריס הצעיר מצטרף לרזיזטנס בפריז ומתאהב בפונטן.
בשנת 1900 מאל מתעקשת להצטרף כמגלפת למפעל לייצור קרוסלות של אמן ידוע.
בהתחלה היה לי קשה להבין איך הסיפורים משתלבים זה בזה, והיה לי קשה להיכנס לעלילה של כל אחד מהסיפורים בגלל הקפיצה בזמן כל 2 פרקים. לכן גם הספר זז לאט. מאמצע הספר העלילה התחילה להתחבר לי והספר התחיל לזרום.
סך הכל ספר לא רע. אבל התחלתי למצות קצת את הספרים שחושפים סוד משפחתי בצרפת, שקשור איכשהו לעבר הגיבורים בצרפת בתקופת מלחמת העולם השנייה.
בהווה קיידי מקבלת הזדמנות לטוס לפריז לצלם קרוסולות לספר. לקיידי יש עבר קשה כילדת אומנה, והיא תמיד מרגישה לא שייכת ולא נאהבת. אחרי שהמנטורית שלה, שהייתה כמו אמא בשבילה מאז גיל ההתבגרות, נפטרה - קיידי מרגישה תלושה ונטולת בסיס, וזה זמן טוב מבחינתה לצאת למסע בפריז, ואחריו למסע בפרובנס אחרי קרוסלה.
בשנת 1944 פבריס הצעיר מצטרף לרזיזטנס בפריז ומתאהב בפונטן.
בשנת 1900 מאל מתעקשת להצטרף כמגלפת למפעל לייצור קרוסלות של אמן ידוע.
בהתחלה היה לי קשה להבין איך הסיפורים משתלבים זה בזה, והיה לי קשה להיכנס לעלילה של כל אחד מהסיפורים בגלל הקפיצה בזמן כל 2 פרקים. לכן גם הספר זז לאט. מאמצע הספר העלילה התחילה להתחבר לי והספר התחיל לזרום.
סך הכל ספר לא רע. אבל התחלתי למצות קצת את הספרים שחושפים סוד משפחתי בצרפת, שקשור איכשהו לעבר הגיבורים בצרפת בתקופת מלחמת העולם השנייה.
October 1, 2018
The Lost Carousel of Provence is a historical fiction novel about the old carousels in France. Cady Drake, the principal character, is a photographer who was brought up in the foster system and has no family. Passed from family to family and always in trouble, she did end up living with an elderly woman, Maxine, who taught her how to restore antique items. She has an obsession with carousels that leads her to Paris and to the Chateau Clement where a grumpy elderly man, Fabrice Clement, lives. Cady comes to the chateau with the idea to restore the carousel that she finds there.
Other characters in the novel are:
Fabrice Clement (1945) Fabrice is a cantankerous old man who lives in the chateau, whom family disputes actually belongs to him. Fabrice has guilt that he is living with about something he did as a teenager during the war.
Maelle Tanguy (1900) Maelle is a young woman who is a wood carver who is given a position as a domestic servant to Gustave Bayol, the original carver of the carousels. She desperately wants to be a carver, that is what she lives for. She forges a friendship with Josephine, the wife of Gustave. She becomes embroiled in deceit that leads her to a series of life choices.
Jean-Paul, present day, is the nephew of Fabrice who wants to restore the Chateau to its glory days, but that takes money and Fabrice is adamant that the Chateau not be sold. He acts as the go between with her and Fabrice. Fabrice wants nothing to do with Jean-Paul.
The story is told in different characters point of view and also in different eras. I found the story to be fascinating, I never knew anything about carousels. The author's descriptions and characterizations made this book very readable. The reader learns about Cady's early life, Maelle's relationships and her desire to be a carver, and what happened to Fabrice during the war that makes him such an unhappy man. Can Cady help seal the rift between the family members? Well you will just have to get a copy and read it!
I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it if you are into historical fiction and WWII.
Other characters in the novel are:
Fabrice Clement (1945) Fabrice is a cantankerous old man who lives in the chateau, whom family disputes actually belongs to him. Fabrice has guilt that he is living with about something he did as a teenager during the war.
Maelle Tanguy (1900) Maelle is a young woman who is a wood carver who is given a position as a domestic servant to Gustave Bayol, the original carver of the carousels. She desperately wants to be a carver, that is what she lives for. She forges a friendship with Josephine, the wife of Gustave. She becomes embroiled in deceit that leads her to a series of life choices.
Jean-Paul, present day, is the nephew of Fabrice who wants to restore the Chateau to its glory days, but that takes money and Fabrice is adamant that the Chateau not be sold. He acts as the go between with her and Fabrice. Fabrice wants nothing to do with Jean-Paul.
The story is told in different characters point of view and also in different eras. I found the story to be fascinating, I never knew anything about carousels. The author's descriptions and characterizations made this book very readable. The reader learns about Cady's early life, Maelle's relationships and her desire to be a carver, and what happened to Fabrice during the war that makes him such an unhappy man. Can Cady help seal the rift between the family members? Well you will just have to get a copy and read it!
I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it if you are into historical fiction and WWII.
August 24, 2018
The Lost Carousel of Provence intertwines three stories from 1900, WWII and present day. These stories all revolve around a historic carousel. At the center of the story are American Cady Drake and the French Clement family who originally commissioned the carousel.
The book has themes of family, what makes a family and what it's like to have no family. There is the mystery of the origin of Cady's carousel rabbit as well as mysteries and secrets that surround the Clement family. Then there is the mystery that is Cady.
I really wanted to like this book. It has potential to be a great read but fell short for me. At times I found it just did not hold my attention. I'm not sure if it is because the storyline jumps around through three time frames or if it was lack of character development which was really lacking in the 1900's Clement family characters.
The ending of this book was beyond disappointing. After all the discussion of Cady's parentage it remained completely unsolved. It felt like the book was leading up to some conclusion about who Cady is but never got there. The rest of the ending felt forced and rushed. Basically I feel cheated of a real ending to a story of characters I grew to know as a reader. Yes the question of Cady's rabbit is solved but the relationships were left hanging in a way that is just frustrating.
I can't recommend this book as it stands now. I read a lot and it isn't very often I reach the end of a book prepared to go on to the next chapter and it isn't there. In my opinion this is an unfinished novel. My exact words when I turned the last page were "are you kidding? Where's the rest of the book?"
The book has themes of family, what makes a family and what it's like to have no family. There is the mystery of the origin of Cady's carousel rabbit as well as mysteries and secrets that surround the Clement family. Then there is the mystery that is Cady.
I really wanted to like this book. It has potential to be a great read but fell short for me. At times I found it just did not hold my attention. I'm not sure if it is because the storyline jumps around through three time frames or if it was lack of character development which was really lacking in the 1900's Clement family characters.
The ending of this book was beyond disappointing. After all the discussion of Cady's parentage it remained completely unsolved. It felt like the book was leading up to some conclusion about who Cady is but never got there. The rest of the ending felt forced and rushed. Basically I feel cheated of a real ending to a story of characters I grew to know as a reader. Yes the question of Cady's rabbit is solved but the relationships were left hanging in a way that is just frustrating.
I can't recommend this book as it stands now. I read a lot and it isn't very often I reach the end of a book prepared to go on to the next chapter and it isn't there. In my opinion this is an unfinished novel. My exact words when I turned the last page were "are you kidding? Where's the rest of the book?"
September 26, 2018
This was a very enjoyable book. It is the story of Cady Drake who grew up in Oakland, CA in the foster system. She was going down the wrong path until she met Maxine, an older woman who ran an antique shop. She saw something in Cady and gave her a home and taught her to read and encouraged her love of photography.
The story opens after Maxine dies suddenly and Cady seems lost again. Her one friend, Olivia encourages her to go to France on a photography assignment to photograph vintage carousels of Paris. Cady is intrigued by this because years ago, Maxine gave her an antique carousel rabbit figure and Cady wants to pursue the history of the figure. Adding to the mystery, the rabbit falls over and a box falls out with a picture of a young woman and a note of love is written on the back. So, Cady goes to Paris to photograph carousels and to try to find out the history of her rabbit (Gus) and the girl in the picture.
The book chapters go back and forth between early 1900's, WWII, and present day and tells the story of Cadi and the family of the carousel where Gus was carved. We meet many different characters and watch as Cady grows in confidence and learns to trust people.
This was a sweet, quick read and I would recommend this book to those who are interested in carousels and France during WWII. The ending was left a bit open, so I hope we meet up with Cady again and find out how she fared in France.
I received an advance copy of this book from Penguin Random House.
The story opens after Maxine dies suddenly and Cady seems lost again. Her one friend, Olivia encourages her to go to France on a photography assignment to photograph vintage carousels of Paris. Cady is intrigued by this because years ago, Maxine gave her an antique carousel rabbit figure and Cady wants to pursue the history of the figure. Adding to the mystery, the rabbit falls over and a box falls out with a picture of a young woman and a note of love is written on the back. So, Cady goes to Paris to photograph carousels and to try to find out the history of her rabbit (Gus) and the girl in the picture.
The book chapters go back and forth between early 1900's, WWII, and present day and tells the story of Cadi and the family of the carousel where Gus was carved. We meet many different characters and watch as Cady grows in confidence and learns to trust people.
This was a sweet, quick read and I would recommend this book to those who are interested in carousels and France during WWII. The ending was left a bit open, so I hope we meet up with Cady again and find out how she fared in France.
I received an advance copy of this book from Penguin Random House.
September 8, 2018
I love reading historical fiction and I love books that are set in France so this book was a perfect read for me. I have seen several of the carousels in Paris that the author mentions but I guess it's time for another trip to Paris to see the rest (don't I wish!)
This is a dual time line story. The early story takes place in Avignon in the early 1900s where a carousel is being built at a chateau for a wealthy French couple. Part of the group of workers who are assembling the carousel is a female apprentice who longs to be a carver but makes a mistake that could ruin her plans and her life. In the modern day story, Cady is an orphan from San Francisco who is at odds with her life until she gets a commission to take photos of the carousels in Paris for a book. She owns a piece of an old carousel and wants to find out more about it which takes her to the chateau where the carousel was located in the early 1900s. Fire and world wars have taken their toll on the original carousel but Cady is determined to find out more about it.
I enjoyed this novel and both of the stories that were intertwined throughout and loved the way that they author tied them together at the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, you don't want to miss this book.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This is a dual time line story. The early story takes place in Avignon in the early 1900s where a carousel is being built at a chateau for a wealthy French couple. Part of the group of workers who are assembling the carousel is a female apprentice who longs to be a carver but makes a mistake that could ruin her plans and her life. In the modern day story, Cady is an orphan from San Francisco who is at odds with her life until she gets a commission to take photos of the carousels in Paris for a book. She owns a piece of an old carousel and wants to find out more about it which takes her to the chateau where the carousel was located in the early 1900s. Fire and world wars have taken their toll on the original carousel but Cady is determined to find out more about it.
I enjoyed this novel and both of the stories that were intertwined throughout and loved the way that they author tied them together at the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, you don't want to miss this book.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2018
My Thoughts...
I would definitely call this a character study, but of both the people in the story and the of the setting itself. This is not an action packed plot, but it is full of emotion and angst. The shifting points of view enhance the story, making the bits of mystery and intrigue even more compelling. Sometimes multiple storylines can take away from what I would consider the main narrative, in The Lost Carousel of Provence, the ancillary storylines compliment the Cady’s journey.
The real star for me in the book is Florence. I was seduced by the enchanting setting and picturesque landscapes. I’m feeling so inspired by this book’s description of Florence, that I am putting Florence on my travel booket list. In case you don’t know, my travel booket list is a list of all of the places I want to see because I have read about them in books. Check it out here.
The Lost Carousel of Provence is a beautiful book about a woman recovering from loss and finding herself. I would recommend this for anyone who loves France or emotional wanderlust historical fiction.
I would definitely call this a character study, but of both the people in the story and the of the setting itself. This is not an action packed plot, but it is full of emotion and angst. The shifting points of view enhance the story, making the bits of mystery and intrigue even more compelling. Sometimes multiple storylines can take away from what I would consider the main narrative, in The Lost Carousel of Provence, the ancillary storylines compliment the Cady’s journey.
The real star for me in the book is Florence. I was seduced by the enchanting setting and picturesque landscapes. I’m feeling so inspired by this book’s description of Florence, that I am putting Florence on my travel booket list. In case you don’t know, my travel booket list is a list of all of the places I want to see because I have read about them in books. Check it out here.
The Lost Carousel of Provence is a beautiful book about a woman recovering from loss and finding herself. I would recommend this for anyone who loves France or emotional wanderlust historical fiction.
May 18, 2018
I read an advance copy of The Lost Carousel of Provence as part of my preparations for an upcoming month long stay in Paris, just to help set the mood. Now, of course, I must seek out the Parisian carousels that Cady Drake photographs in the present day segments of the story.
As Cady begins to unravel the mystery of her own carousel creature, the narrative slips into two other eras with characters that relate in some way to her search. Though I usually dislike alternating time frames and shifting character voices, this time it works quite well. The present, 1944 in Paris, and 1900 in Provence eventually knit together to reveal the answers to Cady’s questions and through the process she copes with her own troubled past and (quelle surprise) finds love.
If you like a bit of history, French atmosphere, an odd topic, plus some romance you will no doubt enjoy this pleasant, diverting novel.
As Cady begins to unravel the mystery of her own carousel creature, the narrative slips into two other eras with characters that relate in some way to her search. Though I usually dislike alternating time frames and shifting character voices, this time it works quite well. The present, 1944 in Paris, and 1900 in Provence eventually knit together to reveal the answers to Cady’s questions and through the process she copes with her own troubled past and (quelle surprise) finds love.
If you like a bit of history, French atmosphere, an odd topic, plus some romance you will no doubt enjoy this pleasant, diverting novel.
May 7, 2018
ARC Review. The story line and theme is much like her other books, with the reader easily figuring out the family mystery. The setting is wonderful as are the flawed characters. Idid not like the ending as well as other books, this one did not give a strong "this is what happened with Cady" ending. We assume the romance continued along with the restoration. Would recommend to readers familiar with Blackwell along with Montfiore and deRosnay.
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