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Drops of Cerulean
A story of love, loss, and rebirth
Spanning the years 1930–2014, Drops of Cerulean chronicles the lives of Ilona, the daughter of a Greek restaurateur, who marries into a prominent Houston family; her son, Cadmus, who becomes a professor and then moves into a retirement home after his husband passes away; and Delphina, an anxiety-ridden woman with a mysterious recurring dream.
Ilona and Cadmus have a falling out when Cadmus is a young man, and before they are able to reconcile, Ilona dies. Cadmus is plagued with guilt and feels responsible for the death of his mother. Two worlds collide when, years later, Delphina comes to understand that she had been Ilona, Cadmus’s mother, in her previous life. Well written and engaging, Drops of Cerulean deals with topics such as socioeconomic class, LGBT rights and acceptance, rebirth, and past-life regression.
Set in Houston and revolving around the city’s ever-changing skyline, Drops of Cerulean is an amazing debut from a gifted writer.
Spanning the years 1930–2014, Drops of Cerulean chronicles the lives of Ilona, the daughter of a Greek restaurateur, who marries into a prominent Houston family; her son, Cadmus, who becomes a professor and then moves into a retirement home after his husband passes away; and Delphina, an anxiety-ridden woman with a mysterious recurring dream.
Ilona and Cadmus have a falling out when Cadmus is a young man, and before they are able to reconcile, Ilona dies. Cadmus is plagued with guilt and feels responsible for the death of his mother. Two worlds collide when, years later, Delphina comes to understand that she had been Ilona, Cadmus’s mother, in her previous life. Well written and engaging, Drops of Cerulean deals with topics such as socioeconomic class, LGBT rights and acceptance, rebirth, and past-life regression.
Set in Houston and revolving around the city’s ever-changing skyline, Drops of Cerulean is an amazing debut from a gifted writer.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2019
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1477 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 29, 2019
This book is not a quick read, but as I read the poem that closes out the novel, I confirmed my feeling that it is meant to be consumed delicately.
The novel is broken into two parts focused primarily on three characters: Ilona and Cadmus in Part 1, and Delphina and Cadmus in Part 2.
I adored Ilona’s story; there were times I found myself rushing through Cadmus’s chapters to get to the next Ilona chapter. Because of my affinity for Ilona, I struggled to connect with Delphina in Part 2.
Part 1 also was reminiscent of the episodic plot structure and regional narrative exemplified in works such as To Kill a Mockingbird, which I loved. Part 2 did not feel the same and required a suspension of disbelief that I could not fully commit to regarding reincarnation and past-life regression.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The narration felt a bit over-worked in parts, but the strong character development counteracts that throughout. Its passages on heartbreak were poignantly written and the parting message of acceptance and hope left me feeling good about what I read.
The novel is broken into two parts focused primarily on three characters: Ilona and Cadmus in Part 1, and Delphina and Cadmus in Part 2.
I adored Ilona’s story; there were times I found myself rushing through Cadmus’s chapters to get to the next Ilona chapter. Because of my affinity for Ilona, I struggled to connect with Delphina in Part 2.
Part 1 also was reminiscent of the episodic plot structure and regional narrative exemplified in works such as To Kill a Mockingbird, which I loved. Part 2 did not feel the same and required a suspension of disbelief that I could not fully commit to regarding reincarnation and past-life regression.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The narration felt a bit over-worked in parts, but the strong character development counteracts that throughout. Its passages on heartbreak were poignantly written and the parting message of acceptance and hope left me feeling good about what I read.
January 29, 2019
This debut novel explores what it means to struggle to find one’s place in a family. Over three generations we follow Ilona, her son Cadmus, and the seemingly-unrelated Delphina. In each character, repercussions of an earlier tragedy ring through and influence the circumstances and actions of the characters, sometimes to the reader’s dismay and disappointment. Ultimately, it’s a story of connections and the love that sustains a spirit beyond a single lifetime. No, this wouldn’t fly with your childhood Vacation Bible School lessons, but the novel provides a gentle treatment and reflection of the results of impulsive and rash behavior, as well as thoughtful and loving acts, that impact lives across generations.
Set in Houston, the writer uses specific locations evoking time and place, and serving as grace notes over this story, ultimately singing a love song to Houston and the people in it. This is a novel to read slowly and savor. If you want a quick read, this isn’t your book. If you want to drop into another time and place and get to know the characters there, spending time in a contemplative fashion, then this novel is for you.
Set in Houston, the writer uses specific locations evoking time and place, and serving as grace notes over this story, ultimately singing a love song to Houston and the people in it. This is a novel to read slowly and savor. If you want a quick read, this isn’t your book. If you want to drop into another time and place and get to know the characters there, spending time in a contemplative fashion, then this novel is for you.
March 3, 2019
I got a request to review Drops of Cerulean by Dawn Adams Cole from publicist Wiley Saichek. Wiley Saichek normally promotes mysteries and thrillers. This book is in neither of those categories. It's a dual period novel dealing with reincarnation. Fortunately, I am a very eclectic reader with an interest in spiritual themes. I downloaded a review copy from the publisher via Net Galley.
Prejudice was an important theme in Drops of Cerulean. Historical protagonist Ilona had to deal with ethnic and class prejudice. Her son Cadmus later faced prejudice over his gay identity.
I appreciated the integration of the themes in this book with the lives of the characters, and the times in which they lived. The spiritual aspect wove them all together in a satisfying way.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
Prejudice was an important theme in Drops of Cerulean. Historical protagonist Ilona had to deal with ethnic and class prejudice. Her son Cadmus later faced prejudice over his gay identity.
I appreciated the integration of the themes in this book with the lives of the characters, and the times in which they lived. The spiritual aspect wove them all together in a satisfying way.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
April 27, 2022
Left with a book hangover after this read. This story held onto my heart throughout and was very engrossing. Will be recommending this one.
February 5, 2019
There are so many outstanding things about this novel; I’m not sure where to begin. I love that this book is set in the City of Houston and features the Heights neighborhood prominently. I don’t know very many books that do. Since Houston is my adopted home town, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it and learning more of its history.
Next, I loved Ilona’s character and her story. I loved hearing what life was like back in the 30’s and 40’s. Every part of her life made this book a page-turner for me. Interwoven with her story, was also a story of two families coming together. In their coming together, the author so perfectly portrays real family life and real family challenges. Love, joy, growth, betrayal, rifts, isolation, playing favorites, non-acceptance, power-plays were all included in the plot. The author artfully and honestly illustrated so many aspects of family life.
One of the main characters, Cadmus, is gay. The author did an amazing job revealing the challenges of being gay, especially in that time period. Cadmus had to conceal who he was most of the time even after his husband died. This was something that had never occurred to me that a gay person would need to conceal who they were even after their spouse had died; this made me realize how exponentially more difficult that would make it to grieve your life partner.
One other element of the book that I found amazing is that the author described one of the characters feeling the presence of one of his parents after they had died. This is something that happened to me with my grandfather six months after he died. I was so blown away that the author could describe an event like this so realistically and accurately; it brought back memories of my encounter with my grandfather.
In summary, this book was a joy to read. It thoroughly entertained me, educated me about Houston history, and taught me many lessons in empathy. Kudos to the author!
Next, I loved Ilona’s character and her story. I loved hearing what life was like back in the 30’s and 40’s. Every part of her life made this book a page-turner for me. Interwoven with her story, was also a story of two families coming together. In their coming together, the author so perfectly portrays real family life and real family challenges. Love, joy, growth, betrayal, rifts, isolation, playing favorites, non-acceptance, power-plays were all included in the plot. The author artfully and honestly illustrated so many aspects of family life.
One of the main characters, Cadmus, is gay. The author did an amazing job revealing the challenges of being gay, especially in that time period. Cadmus had to conceal who he was most of the time even after his husband died. This was something that had never occurred to me that a gay person would need to conceal who they were even after their spouse had died; this made me realize how exponentially more difficult that would make it to grieve your life partner.
One other element of the book that I found amazing is that the author described one of the characters feeling the presence of one of his parents after they had died. This is something that happened to me with my grandfather six months after he died. I was so blown away that the author could describe an event like this so realistically and accurately; it brought back memories of my encounter with my grandfather.
In summary, this book was a joy to read. It thoroughly entertained me, educated me about Houston history, and taught me many lessons in empathy. Kudos to the author!
August 23, 2019
There are some books that—when you read them—make you want to become a better person. Drops of Cerulean, by Dawn Adams Cole, is one such book.
The first part of this book is the story of Ilona and Patrick, a couple who love each other deeply, yet manage to hurt each other. Through miscommunication, the failure to tell the whole story, and silences to try to protect the other, their relationship is both beautiful and painful. Patrick’s untimely death entrenches that pain for Ilona. Their son, Cadmus, becomes part of this riven relationship; Ilona truly loves and understands her son, but he is unable to forgive himself for the angry words he spoke before she died. This is a story of regrets, unspoken messages, and missed opportunities—all the things we wish to remove from our own lives.
The second part of the book continues the story of Cadmus. After his mother’s death, he meets Robert, and they too have a deeply loving relationship. Seemingly unrelated to the story of Cadmus and his growing dementia is the story of Delphina, a woman who suffers from anxiety and whose life must eventually intertwine with that of Cadmus. Both Robert and Delphina’s husband, Victor, are patient and understanding; these relationships nurture more open honesty, understanding, and forgiveness.
The author address major issues in the novel. Set in Houston between 1930 and 2014, topics such as prejudice, economic inequality, homosexuality, religious difference, and progress vs historic preservation are woven into the story. I thought Cole handled all of these issues well, although I was somewhat bothered by the suggestion of reincarnation in the last portion of the book.
This is not a book to be rushed through, but savored.
I received the ARC in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group Press, for this opportunity to read such a wonderful book!
The first part of this book is the story of Ilona and Patrick, a couple who love each other deeply, yet manage to hurt each other. Through miscommunication, the failure to tell the whole story, and silences to try to protect the other, their relationship is both beautiful and painful. Patrick’s untimely death entrenches that pain for Ilona. Their son, Cadmus, becomes part of this riven relationship; Ilona truly loves and understands her son, but he is unable to forgive himself for the angry words he spoke before she died. This is a story of regrets, unspoken messages, and missed opportunities—all the things we wish to remove from our own lives.
The second part of the book continues the story of Cadmus. After his mother’s death, he meets Robert, and they too have a deeply loving relationship. Seemingly unrelated to the story of Cadmus and his growing dementia is the story of Delphina, a woman who suffers from anxiety and whose life must eventually intertwine with that of Cadmus. Both Robert and Delphina’s husband, Victor, are patient and understanding; these relationships nurture more open honesty, understanding, and forgiveness.
The author address major issues in the novel. Set in Houston between 1930 and 2014, topics such as prejudice, economic inequality, homosexuality, religious difference, and progress vs historic preservation are woven into the story. I thought Cole handled all of these issues well, although I was somewhat bothered by the suggestion of reincarnation in the last portion of the book.
This is not a book to be rushed through, but savored.
I received the ARC in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the publisher, Greenleaf Book Group Press, for this opportunity to read such a wonderful book!
June 8, 2021
Lead with the positive: I loved some of the themes in this book. The two main characters struggle with alienation from their families due to the high cost of staying true to themselves. Intriguing storylines were introduced with a gay relationship in a time when acceptance was low, and the concept of reincarnation plays a strong role. My absolute favorite part of this novel is the setting, most of it takes place in the Heights neighborhood of Houston, where I currently live, and it has such a rich flavor of its own that Dawn Adams Cole was wise to give it a starring position here.
Not so positive: I've seen other reviews mention that the vocabulary was carefully chosen and placed. To me it felt stilted at times, the use of college words when simple language would have been just as expressive. Example, "he periodically engaged in a chronological review". Another, "the perfectly appointed seeds of a strawberry". It distracted from the flow of ideas. There were many moments that dragged for me, particularly in the middle, and the ending arrived rather abruptly.
If you enjoy sweeping multi-generational dramas this debut novel may be just your cup of tea
Not so positive: I've seen other reviews mention that the vocabulary was carefully chosen and placed. To me it felt stilted at times, the use of college words when simple language would have been just as expressive. Example, "he periodically engaged in a chronological review". Another, "the perfectly appointed seeds of a strawberry". It distracted from the flow of ideas. There were many moments that dragged for me, particularly in the middle, and the ending arrived rather abruptly.
If you enjoy sweeping multi-generational dramas this debut novel may be just your cup of tea
April 1, 2019
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and am happy to provide a review.
Drops of Cerulean is one of those books that is not a quick read, as another reviewer had mentioned, but it is a very interesting read.
This book is divided into two parts. I don't want to give any spoilers, so a brief summary:
Part One follows Ilona and her son Cadmus, dating from 1930 to 2014. It follows Ilona's life starting from when she was about to graduate college and how her life changes after she meets Patrick Doyle. Cadmus' story starts with him in 2014 and then goes back to when he was a kid figuring out the world.
Part Two follows Delphina and Cadmus, dating from 1973 to 2014. The addition of Delphina initially doesn't make sense, but as the story progresses, it's obvious why she is there.
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the lives of these really interesting characters, especially for their time. While it was a little slow to start, I wanted to read more and more as the story progressed.
Drops of Cerulean is one of those books that is not a quick read, as another reviewer had mentioned, but it is a very interesting read.
This book is divided into two parts. I don't want to give any spoilers, so a brief summary:
Part One follows Ilona and her son Cadmus, dating from 1930 to 2014. It follows Ilona's life starting from when she was about to graduate college and how her life changes after she meets Patrick Doyle. Cadmus' story starts with him in 2014 and then goes back to when he was a kid figuring out the world.
Part Two follows Delphina and Cadmus, dating from 1973 to 2014. The addition of Delphina initially doesn't make sense, but as the story progresses, it's obvious why she is there.
I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the lives of these really interesting characters, especially for their time. While it was a little slow to start, I wanted to read more and more as the story progressed.
April 29, 2019
The astonishing thing about this writer is that every single word selected was just the right word and written in just the right place. When something is so well written you hate for it to end. But thankfully, the characters living at the end of the book may have a future we might look forward to hearing more about. Dawn writes so lovingly about the structures that made Houston what is - almost to the point of anthropomorphism. A reader comes to love the Niels Eperson Building and others because they were such integral characters in the book. Their personification gave this Houstonian immense pride learning their history and evolution as we do the characters in the story. Following the timeline of one character at a certain point in time and switching to another era and individual left you yearning for one story to continue where it left off, yet you were taken on another journey at another time. Her structuring of the novel caused me to anticipate the future and still feel regrets over past occurrences all in the same breath. I can't wait for a sequel!
May 5, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. This is not a quick read and readers should take the time to absorb it, not just hurry through or skim to get to the end. Each word was chosen with care and it deserves to be read thoroughly. That being said, I found the first part to be much more compelling and engaging than the second. I was much more connected to and invested in Ilona than I was Delphina. However, I did find Delphina's story to be fascinating and interesting, so it wasn't as if I didn't enjoy reading Part 2, it just didn't capture my heart as strongly as Part 1. That probably has more to do with my skepticism regarding past lives/reincarnation than the writing, but was ultimately what led me to give the book 4 stars instead of 5. This author combines narrative and dialogue in a delicate balance that allows for the story to flow effortlessly while still providing in depth character and scene development. I do recommend this book and look forward to reading more from the author.
January 29, 2019
Rich in language and character driven, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical fiction book (twice). The author gently opens the possibility of reincarnation and whether our actions in one lifetime transcend into the next. The book is broken into 2 parts and is nicely accented with months and years throughout all passages. Admittedly, I was initially put-off by the departure of certain key characters during Part 1 of the book, but upon reflection I gathered my reaction was a nod to the author for creating such a feeling in a reader! When I reread the book a second time, I was able to enjoy Part 2 of the book much more fully and appreciate it for what it was to the story as a whole (and focus less on the characters in Part 1). The City of Houston plays nice scenery to the story and the author does a great job of allowing the reader to appreciate how the city was burgeoning as early as the 1930s to present day.
September 3, 2020
My fiancé (now husband) managed to get a copy of Drops of Cerulean early into quarantine saying he knew I would like it. It’s safe to say he was right. I find myself now on our regular walks through the streets of the Heights or along the Boulevard searching for a sign of Ilona or Delphina in the whiff of a rose garden, of Cadmus and Robert in the lights of beautiful houses - whose struggles with familial acceptance mirror my own as I hope to mirror their successes and long lasting love while working to break free of my own generational and inherited traumas. Drops of Cerulean is a love letter to the Heights in the form of a beautiful story of the many facets of connection, of living and growing through hardship and what life can truly be if we give ourselves to love. Love is the law, love under will.
December 4, 2024
A fictional account of wealthier families in Houston, Texas combined with tensions over ethnicity, class, and sexuality made this an interesting book. It was hard to get into because I didn't know who the characters were and changing between years made it difficult to follow. However when it all came together, I couldn't put it down. I was excited to see how it would all wrap up. My oldest said she had tried reading it but gave up halfway through. She's 20 now so she probably tried around 17 or 18. My guess is while she's an intellectual reader, this book delved into so many issues that you really needed experience to understand. That knowledge of people and psychology and my own dealings lent an understanding and love for the characters. I really enjoyed it.
September 7, 2019
A debut novel by an author from Houston. The setting is Houston from the 1930s to present day. Ilona is the daughter in a a Greek family. She is expected to marry a Greek and work in the family’s diner business. She longs to be a teacher. She marries into a prominent Irish Houston family causing estrangement from her family. She’s never really accepted by her husbands socially prominent family. Tradgedy befalls her. She has a disagreement with her son right before her death causing him to blame himself for her death. The son is not accepted by the extended family because he is gay. And then there’s this girl Dephina who feels she has a connection to Ilona. Hmmm.
February 6, 2019
This novel is beautifully written, and tells a unique story full of emotion and introspection. At times I felt like I was part of the characters’ lives, as if I was there with them in pain and love. The story spans decades, and comes full circle at the very end. This is a thought provoking novel that digs
into some of the mysteries of our lives and connections. It awakens new ways to see the universe, and as I read this novel, I found myself in constant reflection of my own life story, and perhaps stories that sleep deep within my soul. I loved it!!
into some of the mysteries of our lives and connections. It awakens new ways to see the universe, and as I read this novel, I found myself in constant reflection of my own life story, and perhaps stories that sleep deep within my soul. I loved it!!
February 12, 2019
I received this book as an Advanced Readers copy through Goodreads. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. I was a little confused about how it jumps around but then I felt like I got to know the characters and really got into reading the chapters. I couldn’t wait to see what was happening next. Overall a really good book. It touched on so many different aspects of life, love, marriage, sexuality, work and friendships as well as parenthood and family relationships. Some historical aspects as well. A good read from a new author.
April 16, 2019
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways and am honored to have won and to be able to write a review. I didn’t know what to expect with the novel, but was very pleased with the story and the characters. As a fellow Houstonian, it was fun to understand the locations in the story and learn some history. I am a big fan of flawed characters and the book exceeds that expectation with heroes and villains both. I could identify with both Ilona and Cadmus. At times, it was frustrating that Delphina was so close to reaching the goal and she didn’t even know it. It was a solid read.
July 6, 2019
I found that I enjoyed reading it in pieces, so that I had time to reflect on the characters and how the story was developing. Most of the characters are conflicted and in their own self made purgatory. We all have shortcomings that we wish we didn't. Life is not fair, but this book gave me a good look at the characters search for their own peace in this world. I could say so much more, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Just read it! You'll like it. Good book, interesting read, but not something to zip through.
January 31, 2020
I felt like I was reading this book forever. It felt long. It was interesting to read the stories of three different people whose lives are linked and I took a certain pleasure in copy-cataloging off a record from the University of Houston Downtown’s library the day after I finished reading, but there wasn’t anything particularly special here.
January 31, 2023
I'm really torn on this. I'll start by saying it's way way too long of a book. By 60% in I was thinking of just giving up on it. The last bit was a trudge to get through it. The beginning was okay but it takes a turn and I didn't enjoy it much after all of it.
I won this book as ARC giveaway on goodreads. Thank you for the book.
I won this book as ARC giveaway on goodreads. Thank you for the book.
February 20, 2019
A beautiful story
What a sweet and incredibly sad story. I was so touched by the stories of Ilona and Cadmus. The stories that spanned a century were beautifully written and well thought out. I certainly didn’t expect the ending, but I loved it.
What a sweet and incredibly sad story. I was so touched by the stories of Ilona and Cadmus. The stories that spanned a century were beautifully written and well thought out. I certainly didn’t expect the ending, but I loved it.
March 20, 2019
*I received a free kindle copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways*
This is a long read but I was struck with it from the beginning. It is intense and interesting, and the author definitely knows how to slowly introduce details that wrap things together to produce a beautiful giant picture.
This is a long read but I was struck with it from the beginning. It is intense and interesting, and the author definitely knows how to slowly introduce details that wrap things together to produce a beautiful giant picture.
May 13, 2019
Since I currently live in the Houston Heights where much of this sprawling story was set, I appreciated reading about the neighborhood through the decades. I found the plot to be a little too long, but still enjoyed this read.
October 25, 2019
Intricate and compelling
The interconnectedness of all things. The capacity of every person’s soul. The limitless directions we can explore in our life experiences. It’s all here; beautifully so.
The interconnectedness of all things. The capacity of every person’s soul. The limitless directions we can explore in our life experiences. It’s all here; beautifully so.
July 28, 2025
I don’t know that I can truly articulate what it was about this book that made me love it so much, but it was such an incredible read. I felt like I knew these people and cared for them flaws and all. I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t want it to end. I’ve never read anything quite like it.
March 1, 2019
I won this book in the good reads giveaway! I love Dawn Cole's writing style. With a strong plot and a unique perspective, this was a great read!
March 5, 2019
Kept my interest throughout
March 11, 2019
Very moving story but ended too abruptly for me.
March 14, 2019
I won the kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and cannot wait to read it!
March 23, 2019
This book contains some interesting themes and likable characters, but it moves very slowly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews