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Celtic Brooch #9
The Pearl Brooch
Italian artist Sophia Orsini is given a magical pearl brooch with the power to transport her back in time. She uses the power once a year for a two-week vacation in another century, where she commissions a famous artist to paint her portrait. This year, she plans to commission Marie Antoinette's favorite portraitist.
Sophia’s pearl brooch malfunctions and, instead of arriving in Paris in 1786, she is stranded in the city on July 14, 1789, in the middle of the revolutionaries storming the Bastille. Her vacation to find painting inspiration in another century turns into a desperate battle to survive.
America’s Ambassador to France, widower Thomas Jefferson, comes to her rescue and, as their relationship evolves, he wants Sophia to return to America with him. All the while, Sophia’s lost love, Pete Parrino, and the rest of the MacKlenna Clan are searching history to find and rescue her.
With her heart breaking as it’s pulled in both directions, how will she choose where she really belongs?
Sophia’s pearl brooch malfunctions and, instead of arriving in Paris in 1786, she is stranded in the city on July 14, 1789, in the middle of the revolutionaries storming the Bastille. Her vacation to find painting inspiration in another century turns into a desperate battle to survive.
America’s Ambassador to France, widower Thomas Jefferson, comes to her rescue and, as their relationship evolves, he wants Sophia to return to America with him. All the while, Sophia’s lost love, Pete Parrino, and the rest of the MacKlenna Clan are searching history to find and rescue her.
With her heart breaking as it’s pulled in both directions, how will she choose where she really belongs?
24 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 11, 2019
1002 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Lowry Logan
17 books4,115 followersKatherine grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and attended college in New Jersey, where she earned a BA in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. After attending the Philadelphia Institute for Paralegal Training, she returned to Central Kentucky and worked as a real estate and tax paralegal. Katherine is a marathoner and lives in Lexington, Kentucky where she writes full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 9, 2019
Let me first start by saying that I love LOVE the brooch series. Ms. Logan's attention to historical detail is phenomenal. And her ability to connect the reader with the characters and settings is first rate. I loved the descriptions of Eighteenth-century France and America.
Spoilers ***
However, this book was very disappointing in that the romance that Ms. Logan spends 90% of her book developing is crushed in the last 10% of the book. The heroine is well as aware that 45 y.o. Jefferson has started an affair with his 15-16 y.o. slave Sally Hemings and that she is carrying his child. But she accepts this even though she appears to be a vehement supporter of equal rights and anti-slavery. It's a character dilemma that the author develops and is an enormous plot hole in the story. If the author wanted to focus her time travel on Mr. Jefferson why not by have Sophia assist Sally by enabling her with power that Jefferson could respect and be enamored with while Sophia is trying to find a way back. Or have Sophia pay for Vigee Le Brun to paint Sally giving Sally more options. Jefferson could come to the realization that he needs to free Sally and treat her as his wife. And Ms. Logan could bring Pete back in time to assist and fall in love with Sophia in France during the Revolution.
Admittedly, I thought the ending was contrived. Why would Jefferson who spent a year trying to convince Sophia to marry him give up in less than 10 minutes? He was a man of science, a man of invention, and a romantic. Why would he make a rash decision in less than 10 minutes? Certainly, if he was that in love with her he would have realized that he could change the future and that just by Sophia being in his timeline the date of his death could very well change.
Plus Sophia has only one interaction with Pete which, although heartfelt, is tepid at best. And then they see each other at the end all is forgiven and the jump into each other's arms? Really?
The secondary plot of the book is heartfelt and I love reconnecting to the characters and finding out what is going on with them. But other than finding out that I love LOVE little Blaine - his precociousness is delicious - the storyline does not assist the main plot. I thought when JL and Kevin meet Lisa and Robert Harrison there would be another clue/force pulling Pete and Sophia together but no. JL goes out of her way, early on in the book, to tell Pete to go find Sophia but his part of the plot stalls.
I was really really looking forward to this book. But it made me sad because I came away with the feeling that I did not like Sophia and I thought that Pete deserved better.
Spoilers ***
However, this book was very disappointing in that the romance that Ms. Logan spends 90% of her book developing is crushed in the last 10% of the book. The heroine is well as aware that 45 y.o. Jefferson has started an affair with his 15-16 y.o. slave Sally Hemings and that she is carrying his child. But she accepts this even though she appears to be a vehement supporter of equal rights and anti-slavery. It's a character dilemma that the author develops and is an enormous plot hole in the story. If the author wanted to focus her time travel on Mr. Jefferson why not by have Sophia assist Sally by enabling her with power that Jefferson could respect and be enamored with while Sophia is trying to find a way back. Or have Sophia pay for Vigee Le Brun to paint Sally giving Sally more options. Jefferson could come to the realization that he needs to free Sally and treat her as his wife. And Ms. Logan could bring Pete back in time to assist and fall in love with Sophia in France during the Revolution.
Admittedly, I thought the ending was contrived. Why would Jefferson who spent a year trying to convince Sophia to marry him give up in less than 10 minutes? He was a man of science, a man of invention, and a romantic. Why would he make a rash decision in less than 10 minutes? Certainly, if he was that in love with her he would have realized that he could change the future and that just by Sophia being in his timeline the date of his death could very well change.
Plus Sophia has only one interaction with Pete which, although heartfelt, is tepid at best. And then they see each other at the end all is forgiven and the jump into each other's arms? Really?
The secondary plot of the book is heartfelt and I love reconnecting to the characters and finding out what is going on with them. But other than finding out that I love LOVE little Blaine - his precociousness is delicious - the storyline does not assist the main plot. I thought when JL and Kevin meet Lisa and Robert Harrison there would be another clue/force pulling Pete and Sophia together but no. JL goes out of her way, early on in the book, to tell Pete to go find Sophia but his part of the plot stalls.
I was really really looking forward to this book. But it made me sad because I came away with the feeling that I did not like Sophia and I thought that Pete deserved better.
February 26, 2019
A disappointment
As an avid Brooch series reader, this was such a disappointment. Sophia never drew me in. Her missteps were annoying and made you roll your eyes. Everything about this story was off. I forced myself to finish this one, all the characters were just plain annoying.
As an avid Brooch series reader, this was such a disappointment. Sophia never drew me in. Her missteps were annoying and made you roll your eyes. Everything about this story was off. I forced myself to finish this one, all the characters were just plain annoying.
February 16, 2019
I am a HUGE fan of this phenomenal, time travel/romance series. It combines several of my favorite subjects: the fascinating theory of time travel, history and romance. The level of detail involved in the research of the culture, politics, locations, real-life historical figures and day-to-day life of each time period involved in each individual book is off the charts mind blowing. That detail always makes you feel as if you are right there, seeing what the characters are seeing, feeling and experiencing. After reading one of these books, I always want to "read more about it." If that isn't a testament to making history come alive and far more relevant, I do not know what is. This book was NO exception.
This book has two different story lines going on. And, yet, they were both easy to follow. The current day story line involved two beloved characters and the life/death situation they faced when their child is born prematurely. Oh my! The detailed study of the trials and tribulations faced by preemies and their parents was heart wrenching. The second story line (and my favorite) involved our heroine. I do not want to give away any details, but suffice it to say she is not an unsophisticated ingenue, but a very talented artist who has previous experience time traveling. Something happens during her foray into the past and she is mistakenly dropped into a life threatening mob in Paris on July 14, 1789, the date of the storming of the Bastille. This leads to her seeking help and meeting one of our country's most notable and brilliant founding fathers, at the time Ambassador Thomas Jefferson. And, this amazing tale takes off from there.
I cannot say enough about the amount of research and intricate study that must have been done in order to bring Thomas Jefferson to such dazzling light! It is truly impressive. The other historical figures that our heroine, Sophia, meets during her travels in France and America in this turbulent time period (Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, etc.) are also brought astonishingly to life. I just LOVED reading so much about Thomas Jefferson who played such a prominent part in our country's history. His various, albeit contradictory, views versus his deep, core beliefs, his flaws and depth as a human being was astounding. Without a doubt, Ms. Logan portrayed ALL of his character amazingly and brilliantly here.
Our heroine was, indeed, deeply conflicted about her growing feelings for then Ambassador Jefferson and her first, true love, our hero. It was easy to see why. While I loved learning and reading so much about Jefferson and the difficult time period in our country's still fledgling history, I just wish the "rescue" started a little earlier in the book. That is my only, teeny, tiny comment on that score.
Without a doubt, this series is a MUST read for time traveling/romance readers. I have read several of the books in this series at least three times, and all of them twice. It always seems like a long time between books, but Ms. Logan can always be forgiven when you realize how much authenticity is brought to each time period through her thorough and detailed research and how fabulous the books are. Looks like I'm going back to read them again!!!!
And, as always, it is a delight to visit with past characters from previous books. Once again, I LOVED IT!!!!
This book has two different story lines going on. And, yet, they were both easy to follow. The current day story line involved two beloved characters and the life/death situation they faced when their child is born prematurely. Oh my! The detailed study of the trials and tribulations faced by preemies and their parents was heart wrenching. The second story line (and my favorite) involved our heroine. I do not want to give away any details, but suffice it to say she is not an unsophisticated ingenue, but a very talented artist who has previous experience time traveling. Something happens during her foray into the past and she is mistakenly dropped into a life threatening mob in Paris on July 14, 1789, the date of the storming of the Bastille. This leads to her seeking help and meeting one of our country's most notable and brilliant founding fathers, at the time Ambassador Thomas Jefferson. And, this amazing tale takes off from there.
I cannot say enough about the amount of research and intricate study that must have been done in order to bring Thomas Jefferson to such dazzling light! It is truly impressive. The other historical figures that our heroine, Sophia, meets during her travels in France and America in this turbulent time period (Marquis de Lafayette, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, etc.) are also brought astonishingly to life. I just LOVED reading so much about Thomas Jefferson who played such a prominent part in our country's history. His various, albeit contradictory, views versus his deep, core beliefs, his flaws and depth as a human being was astounding. Without a doubt, Ms. Logan portrayed ALL of his character amazingly and brilliantly here.
Our heroine was, indeed, deeply conflicted about her growing feelings for then Ambassador Jefferson and her first, true love, our hero. It was easy to see why. While I loved learning and reading so much about Jefferson and the difficult time period in our country's still fledgling history, I just wish the "rescue" started a little earlier in the book. That is my only, teeny, tiny comment on that score.
Without a doubt, this series is a MUST read for time traveling/romance readers. I have read several of the books in this series at least three times, and all of them twice. It always seems like a long time between books, but Ms. Logan can always be forgiven when you realize how much authenticity is brought to each time period through her thorough and detailed research and how fabulous the books are. Looks like I'm going back to read them again!!!!
And, as always, it is a delight to visit with past characters from previous books. Once again, I LOVED IT!!!!
May 19, 2021
This series has some absolutely brilliant books and some not very good ones. This one falls into the latter category. The author gets so caught up into the world building of the person who has travelled that it sometimes weighs down the story to the extent that I have to skim chapters upon chapters to avoid abandoning the book altogether. She did it with baseball and paleontology, and now with the art world. This installment had even more problems though. Here we have a heroine (?) who has travelled 5 times before. She knows what to do, she deeply researches her period, has made the necessary clothing, and knows what background story to tell to explain why she doesn't have money or luggage with her. Yet, she makes very little effort to avoid talking about the future. Motoneurons in the brain and global warming are just examples. I was so annoyed with her that I literally only read the current day story between 25% and 70% of the book and I didn't miss a thing that I needed to go back and fill in. The author spent most of the book building a romance that was not the soul mate story at all. Besides that, I didn't really like the heroine and the way the true soul mates got together at the very end was beyond bad. Nope...if it wasn't for the current day story I wouldn't have finished.
February 25, 2020
This series has had a way of capturing my heart over the course of, well, 9 books.
Lowry sucks me into the story, compels me to keep my tired eyes open and more often than not in this series, pull an all nighter to finish the book.
It always has me dreaming of the past and strong, beautiful and sensitive men who adore women.
If you like historical romances, a complex but amazing family dynamic, strong female leads and deliciously, captivating, gentle men, then this is your book.
Hell it is most certainly your series.
Carpe diem.
Lowry sucks me into the story, compels me to keep my tired eyes open and more often than not in this series, pull an all nighter to finish the book.
It always has me dreaming of the past and strong, beautiful and sensitive men who adore women.
If you like historical romances, a complex but amazing family dynamic, strong female leads and deliciously, captivating, gentle men, then this is your book.
Hell it is most certainly your series.
Carpe diem.
July 9, 2019
I have absolutely loved all the previous books in this series and couldn't wait for the Pearl Brooch to be released.
I am however finding this book tedious to get through. I will finish it, but it feels more like hard work than entertainment/relaxation. None of the main characters speak to me and I find Sophia to be a self righteous prima donna.
Whilst I cannot recall whether it was the same in the previous books, I found the descriptions of scenery, menus, clothing etc in the minutest detail tiresome and got the impression that the author needed to fill pages. I had not noticed it in the past books. The family, with all the children, has also become too large to keep track of everyone. In my opinion, this series has run its course.
If you are considering listening to the audible version, don't. It is even more laborious to listen to than it is to read. The narrator of books 1 - 8 might have pulled book 9 out of the flames with her excellent narration; the new narrator just amplifies the frustration with this book.
I am however finding this book tedious to get through. I will finish it, but it feels more like hard work than entertainment/relaxation. None of the main characters speak to me and I find Sophia to be a self righteous prima donna.
Whilst I cannot recall whether it was the same in the previous books, I found the descriptions of scenery, menus, clothing etc in the minutest detail tiresome and got the impression that the author needed to fill pages. I had not noticed it in the past books. The family, with all the children, has also become too large to keep track of everyone. In my opinion, this series has run its course.
If you are considering listening to the audible version, don't. It is even more laborious to listen to than it is to read. The narrator of books 1 - 8 might have pulled book 9 out of the flames with her excellent narration; the new narrator just amplifies the frustration with this book.
February 20, 2019
The PearI Brooch is another fantastic story in this series! The in depth look at our past public people in history makes you want to get out the history books and do more research on them. The writer lets you feel the strong emotions the characters are feeling. You can actually see the vivid detail in Sophia's paintings. This story pulls you in deeply and you laugh, love, and learn and feel a little sad at times.
I would have liked to read more of the two soul mates, but I always would like more from this author. Great story! Great writing! Can't wait for next year's new Brooch book. Love this seies.
I would have liked to read more of the two soul mates, but I always would like more from this author. Great story! Great writing! Can't wait for next year's new Brooch book. Love this seies.
January 1, 2020
The story focused way too much on Thomas Jefferson, not that I didn't love him, but this wasn't his story. Very little focus on the hero, and even less of the hero and heroine together. Too rushed at the end. Of course, I did enjoy catching up with the other characters.
As far as the audio book, the narrator was terrible. I complained to my fellow book club member the entire time. She did not have good pronunciation of French, and her other accents (Italian, French, Scottish), were inconsistent at best, and painful to listen to. Katherine, please get a different narrator, or I cannot listen to any more of your books!
As far as the audio book, the narrator was terrible. I complained to my fellow book club member the entire time. She did not have good pronunciation of French, and her other accents (Italian, French, Scottish), were inconsistent at best, and painful to listen to. Katherine, please get a different narrator, or I cannot listen to any more of your books!
February 19, 2019
One of her best in the series
It’s not an easy task to keep me reading book after book in a series. But #9 has me eagerly awaiting #10! Although you sort of know how the brooch series work and have no doubt soul mates will unite, the journey to get there, the deep dive into the past and the acquaintance of new characters was top notch. I love history and in each novel I learned something about an era I didn’t know, or learned it from a new perspective. Loved it.
It’s not an easy task to keep me reading book after book in a series. But #9 has me eagerly awaiting #10! Although you sort of know how the brooch series work and have no doubt soul mates will unite, the journey to get there, the deep dive into the past and the acquaintance of new characters was top notch. I love history and in each novel I learned something about an era I didn’t know, or learned it from a new perspective. Loved it.
June 25, 2019
2.5 stars.
January 23, 2020
This was definitely my LEAST favorite book in the whole series. I was super disappointed in this book. It didn't even seem like it was a part of the same series. It has glimpses of the parts about the Brooch series that I love, but the majority was lost to inane details. I don't know if KLL just got caught up in the history, and thought that she had to include every single event in the time period, along with a shit-ton of irrelevant nonsense but this book just dragged on and on and on. Now, I love history, don't get me wrong, but this entire book was just an info dump and it was super overwhelming and super boring at the same time. The main characters were definitely overshadowed by the "famous" people. I don't feel like this was book that Pete deserved and I'm sad about that because he's such a sweetheart. Instead we got a book focusing on Jefferson's life and Sophia making an ass of herself the whole book by trying to be woke. But at the same time, KLL glossed over the facts that Jefferson got his 15 year old slave Sally pregnant while in Paris, who also happened to be his late wife's half sister. And that Sophia knew that about him and still decided to pursue a relationship with him and fall in love. That just seems a little too far fetched for me to believe. I think KLL just wanted to write about this time period and shoved these two people into this plot that they didn't fit in. Everything just seemed off to me.
I also listened to the Audible audio book and the narrator was horrendous! Her accents we're actually pretty decent but her unnatural pauses and pronounciations were baffling to me. I had to speed the book up to 2.25 speed just for her to sound natural. She just added the icing to the top of this shitty book. I'm sorry to say that because I love this series so so so much but it just fell flat.
I'm praying that the Topaz Brooch will reel me back in and hoping that she won't continue writing her books like this one. Maybe she got to cocky or lazy with this one, hopefully she just lost her way temporarily and will get back on the right track. Fingers crossed. On to the next...
I also listened to the Audible audio book and the narrator was horrendous! Her accents we're actually pretty decent but her unnatural pauses and pronounciations were baffling to me. I had to speed the book up to 2.25 speed just for her to sound natural. She just added the icing to the top of this shitty book. I'm sorry to say that because I love this series so so so much but it just fell flat.
I'm praying that the Topaz Brooch will reel me back in and hoping that she won't continue writing her books like this one. Maybe she got to cocky or lazy with this one, hopefully she just lost her way temporarily and will get back on the right track. Fingers crossed. On to the next...
August 12, 2019
NOTE: This is NOT a recommendation for the Audible edition of this book, which in my opinion was awful. I am NOT recommending the Audible book.
This series has been one of my favorites, running right along with Outlander. However, this book was a disappointment. The books normally follow closely after each other, but this one skipped more than 4 years. With all the new characters and events that occurred during those missing years, it was frustrating figuring out who went where, and, "wait, what happened... when?"
The target soulmates' relationship was largely absent in the story, except for brief memories of 20 years past. My favorite part of this book was when our heroine was in the past. I loved that. Returning to the present, then reuniting with her long lost love was a kind of "wham-bam-thankyou-ma'am" experience in a few chapters at the end of the book. I had no emotional connection to them. It was more than disappointing, especially because I listened to it for an investment of 24 hours. They are listed as major characters in the next book, and I'm actually dreading having to hear about them again.
I sincerely hope that the author gets back on track with Book 10. I love, love, love most of the characters in this series. I had to endure their voices and accents butchered as well as the story being dissatisfying. The books are written and released one per year, and I've always looked forward with great anticipation to the next one. I've also listened to all of the books many, many times. However, this one was not her best.
This series has been one of my favorites, running right along with Outlander. However, this book was a disappointment. The books normally follow closely after each other, but this one skipped more than 4 years. With all the new characters and events that occurred during those missing years, it was frustrating figuring out who went where, and, "wait, what happened... when?"
The target soulmates' relationship was largely absent in the story, except for brief memories of 20 years past. My favorite part of this book was when our heroine was in the past. I loved that. Returning to the present, then reuniting with her long lost love was a kind of "wham-bam-thankyou-ma'am" experience in a few chapters at the end of the book. I had no emotional connection to them. It was more than disappointing, especially because I listened to it for an investment of 24 hours. They are listed as major characters in the next book, and I'm actually dreading having to hear about them again.
I sincerely hope that the author gets back on track with Book 10. I love, love, love most of the characters in this series. I had to endure their voices and accents butchered as well as the story being dissatisfying. The books are written and released one per year, and I've always looked forward with great anticipation to the next one. I've also listened to all of the books many, many times. However, this one was not her best.
February 16, 2019
Without spoilers: The JL/Kevin story line will pull on your heart so hard. Blane makes me want to squeeze his little self. The main overarching story line of Sophia’s journey is so interesting and covers some important historical events. I was holding my breath for the choices being made and, while I don’t agree with some of Sophia’s along the way, the way it all comes together had my heart hurting and being joyful all at the same time. This series continues to evolve and always immerses me into, not only history, but the characters lives that this author has created (and continues to). By now there is a whole Brooch Universe and it pulls you in, following all the story lines. In my opinion, the books in this series need to be read in orders so that by the time you get to Pearl, you are invested in these people and know their personalities. Although they don’t always behave like you expect, kind of like real life. The Pearl doesn’t disappoint. The beautiful ride continues! (By the way…I really want the pearl brooch and the coordinating ring…LOL)
February 13, 2019
History, Passion, Art - a story runs through them...
Another extraordinary tale of love lost and love found; of the enduring human qualities of passion, creativity and courage; and of true friendship. Master storyteller Katherine weaves her characters' time shifted travels through the impassioned throes of the beginnings of the French Revolution and the tumultuous beginnings of early America - while simultaneously chronicling the ongoing stories of the current century Brooch clan. This novel is a treasure trove of interesting historical facts, art history and eclectic wine trivia, along with insights into the creative process and our very human daily struggles. The Pearl Brooch is peopled with characters (both real and fictional) who come alive under the auther's skilled pen. I couldn't put the book down. And neither will you! A must read which I recommend for anyone interested in history, passion or art.
Another extraordinary tale of love lost and love found; of the enduring human qualities of passion, creativity and courage; and of true friendship. Master storyteller Katherine weaves her characters' time shifted travels through the impassioned throes of the beginnings of the French Revolution and the tumultuous beginnings of early America - while simultaneously chronicling the ongoing stories of the current century Brooch clan. This novel is a treasure trove of interesting historical facts, art history and eclectic wine trivia, along with insights into the creative process and our very human daily struggles. The Pearl Brooch is peopled with characters (both real and fictional) who come alive under the auther's skilled pen. I couldn't put the book down. And neither will you! A must read which I recommend for anyone interested in history, passion or art.
July 6, 2024
BRILLIANT!!!!
I openly admit that I've loved each and every brooch book, however this one brought tears to my eyes repeatedly. More than once I could feel the crack start within my heart. Filled with some of the greatest men from history, like Jefferson, Hamilton and Washington....combined with the lore of these magical brooches, the loves of those that had already walked it's path. This time it's Sophie and Pete's turn to test the tides of time. Of all the others, this one is the bumpiest ride yet. Filled with players from previous books, children growing up, and lots of Elliott at his finest. Yet again this series just continue to get better and better. I am already wishing for the next in this exciting series!
I openly admit that I've loved each and every brooch book, however this one brought tears to my eyes repeatedly. More than once I could feel the crack start within my heart. Filled with some of the greatest men from history, like Jefferson, Hamilton and Washington....combined with the lore of these magical brooches, the loves of those that had already walked it's path. This time it's Sophie and Pete's turn to test the tides of time. Of all the others, this one is the bumpiest ride yet. Filled with players from previous books, children growing up, and lots of Elliott at his finest. Yet again this series just continue to get better and better. I am already wishing for the next in this exciting series!
February 17, 2019
So love this series and #9 is no exception! With some inspiration from Hamilton, a wonderful story revolving around Pete, Sophia and Thomas Jefferson! I won’t ever think of Jefferson quite the same way. Very different than the rest of the series which definitely keeps the series fresh and I want the NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW!!!!! I’m somewhat in mourning that it’s done and I need to wait another year for the next. Please write fast, Katherine!!!!
April 4, 2019
Enjoyable but not the best by far
Well written. Unique storyline. Well fleshed characters, although the historical information was fascinating for this reader it was too much. The pivot should have taken place after her knee healed. The flash of the future that could have been with Jefferson was neat but too much time was spent on that portion of the storyline.
The best parts of this book were when the family gets together and is in planning mode, or travel mode.
Well written. Unique storyline. Well fleshed characters, although the historical information was fascinating for this reader it was too much. The pivot should have taken place after her knee healed. The flash of the future that could have been with Jefferson was neat but too much time was spent on that portion of the storyline.
The best parts of this book were when the family gets together and is in planning mode, or travel mode.
February 18, 2019
Great book
This book is wonderful just like all of this plan's books. Yes keep writing and I will keep reading. Always a great plot. I have and will recommend.
This book is wonderful just like all of this plan's books. Yes keep writing and I will keep reading. Always a great plot. I have and will recommend.
October 12, 2021
I've enjoyed the previous 8 books quite a lot. Not that they were perfect but each book has something to recommend it by and the one thing that stood out to me was how all the pairings were well-matched with courageous and honorable women and men.
This book's main character, Sophie, however, started out as competent and yet you come to realize that she's incredibly selfish, narcissistic, and somehow quite unlikeable. She keeps using anachronistic language and was not careful about what she says. Very shocking and makes me dislike her so much, I ended up skimming through her chapters. Add to that, for more than half the novel -- close to 70%, we have as her romantic interest, Thomas Jefferson -- unfortunately quite similar to our heroine in that I cannot like him. The elephant in the room of course is slavery. We had a synopsis of sorts of how Sophie was able to make Jefferson's bio completely sparkling and yet, I somehow missed her helping Sally or others in an active way.
The way her association with Jefferson ended was also very abrupt and not to either her or Jefferson credit.
Other POVs were quite readable. I enjoy catching up with the clan even though they are quite stressed because of JL's plight. Blane was very adorable and so were the McBain twins.
This book's main character, Sophie, however, started out as competent and yet you come to realize that she's incredibly selfish, narcissistic, and somehow quite unlikeable. She keeps using anachronistic language and was not careful about what she says. Very shocking and makes me dislike her so much, I ended up skimming through her chapters. Add to that, for more than half the novel -- close to 70%, we have as her romantic interest, Thomas Jefferson -- unfortunately quite similar to our heroine in that I cannot like him. The elephant in the room of course is slavery. We had a synopsis of sorts of how Sophie was able to make Jefferson's bio completely sparkling and yet, I somehow missed her helping Sally or others in an active way.
The way her association with Jefferson ended was also very abrupt and not to either her or Jefferson credit.
Other POVs were quite readable. I enjoy catching up with the clan even though they are quite stressed because of JL's plight. Blane was very adorable and so were the McBain twins.
December 17, 2023
I regret not buying the hard copy. Carolyn Lee absolutely ruined this installment for me! Her accents are so far off the mark as to wonder who was speaking and where are they from? All of a sudden, Gaelic sounds like French, Scot sounds like Irish, English with a French accent sounds like a sixth-grade stage play, one of the kids (Blaine) slides in and out of Cockney, and all of the men sound alike. Teri Schnaubelt may have raised her prices, but when a very long series' characters have captured the hearts of the readers through EIGHT installments, one might consider that even when many parts of the stories become redundant, listening to the characters we have come to love will keep us listening, and will bring in new readers even if the narrator costs more than usual (more readers equals more income). I had to skip clear to the end to get to hear Elliott's good-night prayer. If the story itself had been anything less than a 3-star, I would have requested a refund. I know I'll listen to the next one before buying. Teri Schnaubelt was the voice of this series and I just can't find the emotional investment without her. This is Pete's story, but it's more about Sophia, who is an artist in Italy, as well as Thomas Jefferson's lady. Sadly, I don't recommend the Audible version on this one.
July 5, 2021
Matter of fact…..
I’m totally vested in the characters, so I will see the series through. I will say, the author seems to really do her homework and study history to make these stories happen. I love the idea. I love the clan. I love how each one has something to bring to the table. I love the idea of soul mates. I love the love they all have for each other. But… I feel like in spite of all the things I love, some of her latter stories in this series are just slapped together. In this book in particular, I felt like it dragged and was pretty mundane. Then. Sophia comes home and it’s like the story is accelerated so that it can end quickly. I also found myself to be annoyed with Sophia. She’s just a bit boring to me. I was more worried about Lance and wanted to read more about him. But midway through, he stopped being mentioned and suddenly, all was well with him at the end. Sometimes I feel her latter stories go in too many directions. I’m good with that, but I feel like balls are getting dropped. I digress. Overall, a decent read. P.S. I think the author’s favorite phrase is: “Matter of fact….” 🤷🏻♀️
I’m totally vested in the characters, so I will see the series through. I will say, the author seems to really do her homework and study history to make these stories happen. I love the idea. I love the clan. I love how each one has something to bring to the table. I love the idea of soul mates. I love the love they all have for each other. But… I feel like in spite of all the things I love, some of her latter stories in this series are just slapped together. In this book in particular, I felt like it dragged and was pretty mundane. Then. Sophia comes home and it’s like the story is accelerated so that it can end quickly. I also found myself to be annoyed with Sophia. She’s just a bit boring to me. I was more worried about Lance and wanted to read more about him. But midway through, he stopped being mentioned and suddenly, all was well with him at the end. Sometimes I feel her latter stories go in too many directions. I’m good with that, but I feel like balls are getting dropped. I digress. Overall, a decent read. P.S. I think the author’s favorite phrase is: “Matter of fact….” 🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
By: Katherine Lowry Logan
Narrated by: Carolyn A Lee
Series: The Celtic Brooch, Book 9 of 10 PLUS
JUST REALIZED THERE ARE MORE THEN 10 BOOKS
I listened to this book at 1.40 X
They just keep getting better and better.
1789 / Present
Like the previous books it adds a new couple plus more to the family's story.
This series is so easy to get hooked on. And to keep you interested in. Must admit grateful that there is only 1 book left on Audible. So ready for genre change. over 150 hrs invested so far.
This book is full of action, adventures, romance, losts of time traveling and all the feels. I loved it.
Looking forward to the last books.
vocal artist Carolyn A Lee did a great job. especially after the first 8 book were all read by the same person and then its a switch up. But it turned out great.
Narrated by: Carolyn A Lee
Series: The Celtic Brooch, Book 9 of 10 PLUS
JUST REALIZED THERE ARE MORE THEN 10 BOOKS
I listened to this book at 1.40 X
They just keep getting better and better.
1789 / Present
Like the previous books it adds a new couple plus more to the family's story.
This series is so easy to get hooked on. And to keep you interested in. Must admit grateful that there is only 1 book left on Audible. So ready for genre change. over 150 hrs invested so far.
This book is full of action, adventures, romance, losts of time traveling and all the feels. I loved it.
Looking forward to the last books.
vocal artist Carolyn A Lee did a great job. especially after the first 8 book were all read by the same person and then its a switch up. But it turned out great.
January 23, 2021
Highly recommend the Celtic Brooch series to anyone who loves historical fiction, romance and adventure. Normally I would give one of the Brooch books a five star. Unfortunately, I was frustrated by story lines which didn't connect and an abrupt ending. The NICU story line with Kevin and JL didn't connect to the historical adventure. Also, the usual romantic build up of the two "fated" characters didn't exist in this book. What I loved about the book was the history and character development of Thomas Jefferson and Sophia. I didn't know much about his time as ambassador in Paris, and I found it fascinating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
Sheesh
It's hit or miss with this series. This time, it was tedious and repetitive. All the characters are stereotypical, mainly causation gods and goddesses. Tall, handsome, compassionate men matched up with petite, beautiful, strong women. Come on! Boring. Using the same descriptive phrases repeatedly is just plain boring and irritating. The endless recaps and stupid minutia frankly made me skip entire chapters. Too bad. I wouldn't if I were you. I keep hoping for something more, but I'm let down over and over. Honestly, it's like reading the same story again and again and expecting it to be different the next time....insane.
It's hit or miss with this series. This time, it was tedious and repetitive. All the characters are stereotypical, mainly causation gods and goddesses. Tall, handsome, compassionate men matched up with petite, beautiful, strong women. Come on! Boring. Using the same descriptive phrases repeatedly is just plain boring and irritating. The endless recaps and stupid minutia frankly made me skip entire chapters. Too bad. I wouldn't if I were you. I keep hoping for something more, but I'm let down over and over. Honestly, it's like reading the same story again and again and expecting it to be different the next time....insane.
January 16, 2021
Love this series and fell in love with the characters from book 1 and all the extended members that have joined during the series. This was my least favorite of all the books. I did not like Sophia from the beginning and never really warmed up to her, she was very self absorbed and used the brooch for her own self gratification. Loved the story of Thomas Jefferson and was secretly hoping she would stay in the past. Was hoping Pete could close the books on Sophia and move on, he deserved someone better.
August 17, 2021
Two stories in one book
I could not figure out where this story was going. It was like two different stories happening at the same time. They were both unique. Where one was tragic from the start, the other one slowly came together.
The one about JL and Kevin was dear to my heart. We have a Granddauther who weighed one pound 12oz at birth. She is now a junior in college. A very scary time.
I highly recommend this book as well as all the stories in this series. Be sure to start with book one.
I could not figure out where this story was going. It was like two different stories happening at the same time. They were both unique. Where one was tragic from the start, the other one slowly came together.
The one about JL and Kevin was dear to my heart. We have a Granddauther who weighed one pound 12oz at birth. She is now a junior in college. A very scary time.
I highly recommend this book as well as all the stories in this series. Be sure to start with book one.
December 12, 2024
Not my favourite instalment this time
I've absolutely loved this whole series of The Celtic Brooch so far, but I'm afraid I got rather annoyed with the direction this went after reading 95% of the book! Sofia ends up with a last-minute wishy-washy ending and it didn't make alot of sense in my opinion.
I don't want to give too much away to those that haven't read it, but that's my two-pennies worth anyway.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book and I have to pay for the subscription)
I've absolutely loved this whole series of The Celtic Brooch so far, but I'm afraid I got rather annoyed with the direction this went after reading 95% of the book! Sofia ends up with a last-minute wishy-washy ending and it didn't make alot of sense in my opinion.
I don't want to give too much away to those that haven't read it, but that's my two-pennies worth anyway.
I read this book as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription (free book and I have to pay for the subscription)
April 17, 2025
I really disliked Sophia’s character. I understand her meaning, but to go back in time and try to push her beliefs on people who, at the time, were not in any way, ready to hear it. She needed to shut it and let it go and if she didn’t like it, she should have used the brooch when it finally warmed up. To stay anyway meant she’d be giving up everything she wanted to fight for that she knew was not going to happen.
I still gave it 5 stars, though, because the whole book didn’t stay with Sophia and we got to spend time with JL and Kevin and wee Blane.
I still gave it 5 stars, though, because the whole book didn’t stay with Sophia and we got to spend time with JL and Kevin and wee Blane.
October 7, 2020
Can miss this one
This one read more like a history book and I’m sure Americans might enjoy it but for me was zzzz other than the first few characters. The romance wasn’t there the guy got her by default and he was second choice, the girl was only thinking about a previous romance with an old flame who painted her, then she fell in love with someone else, the best part of the story was about Lawrence and the author just suddenly stopped leaving us hanging...
This one read more like a history book and I’m sure Americans might enjoy it but for me was zzzz other than the first few characters. The romance wasn’t there the guy got her by default and he was second choice, the girl was only thinking about a previous romance with an old flame who painted her, then she fell in love with someone else, the best part of the story was about Lawrence and the author just suddenly stopped leaving us hanging...
November 6, 2020
Each one gets better and better
I am devouring this series and am devastated that I am reaching near the end. This book deviates from the blueprint of the previous books and is all the more endearing for that change. We learn more of the clan and the history of the brooches. The characters continue to develop and grow. I don’t know how I can love all the characters so much and continue having more added but it’s amazing.
I am devouring this series and am devastated that I am reaching near the end. This book deviates from the blueprint of the previous books and is all the more endearing for that change. We learn more of the clan and the history of the brooches. The characters continue to develop and grow. I don’t know how I can love all the characters so much and continue having more added but it’s amazing.
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