Dive into the secret, ancient, powerful world of two New Orleans families, the Deschanels and the Sullivans…
Amelia and Jacob have landed in a very familiar where. The when is a whole other matter.
Jacob’s first experience time traveling leaves him and Amelia stranded in 1861 Louisiana on the cusp of the Civil War. With no luggage and no invitation, they find themselves at the mercy of Charles and Brigitte Deschanel, who, for now, believe they are cousins visiting from abroad.
The tragic circumstances which led them to flee the present now leave them both struggling to make sense of their own individual grief. Amelia’s sorrow drives her further from Jacob, and into the strange world of an eccentric man, Victor, who knows all too much about her. Jacob’s heartache leaves him cynical and weary, losing sight of who he is and was destined to become.
As the strange and terrible dynamics of the nineteenth century Deschanel family come to light, Amelia and Jacob are each drawn into the family’s complex web in myriad ways, challenging everything they held to be true. These revelations drive a deeper wedge between the couple, placing them in grave danger, from those around them… but also from themselves.
The hands of time have taken hold, and the clock is ticking. The longer they stay, the greater the risk of losing everything.
Sarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
The Secrets Amongst the Cypress: The House of Crimson and Clover – Vol. VII by Sarah M. Cradit is a 2016 publication.
As the synopsis/blurb states, this book is not a stand alone, and is part of an intricately woven series.
That said, it wouldn’t take you long to catch up, with the series, and I highly recommend it, especially to those who enjoy paranormal and fantasy novels.
For those who are following along with the series, you are in for a real treat!!
Jacob and Amelia are doing a little time traveling while Amelia works through the aftermath of her horrible ordeal.
Arriving in 1861 Louisiana with nothing but the clothes on their backs, the couple must think quickly to explain their presence at the estate, and are dependent upon the hospitality of Charles and Brigitte Deschanel.
However, the wedge between them only grows deeper as they attempt to help Ophelie, not to mention the spine tingling and mysterious intrusion made upon Amelia by a curious man named Victor, who knows entirely too much about her.
Jacob and Amelia is of the best couples in the series, so I was really rooting for them, hoping they would pull through this very serious challenge to their relationship.
Most people who follow my reviews can attest to my frequent indulgence in historical fiction, so this installment was right up my alley. Time travel is always fascinating and probably one the most intriguing prospects we can think of. Combining these two elements proves to be a mind twisting composite.
Like no other series before it, this one really sucks me into some kind a sound proof tunnel. I become so involved, it’s almost as if a spell has been cast over me while I’m reading it. Perhaps it’s enchanted or something. I can’t say too much more, but I assure you the ending will take shake loose an audible gasp!!
WOW! I had chicken skin so much throughout this book. The last probably 1/3 really had me going. A trip to the distant past was needed for Amelia and Jacob's future. They needed understanding, closures and a future to grasp. The trauma they survived was enough to break anyone, then to be thrown into a very questionable unknown, with so many variables and unanswered questions, their love for one another, kept them in an unbreakable bond.
Then.. that last sentence.. WHAT?!?!?!?! Totally had to take a break from reading in order to recover.
am in love with this series and i am seriously gutted that i need to wait for the next one.
This one focused on Amelia and Jacob and their journey in the past. They meet Victor and Opeliè. Turns out they are their former souls on this twisted journey they face.
Amelie and Jacob are one of my favourite couples along side Ana and Finn. It was beautifully written and i am now going to be unpatiently waiting the next release. Sarah you are a genius!
Fascinating, unexpected, and riveting! Meeting some of the Deschanels of previous generations was quite interesting, and enlightening. Determining friend or foe in this unfamiliar landscape was difficult, yet essential. This installment of the series focused almost entirely on Amelia and Jacob and their immeasurable love for one another despite all they've had to endure. I can't wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Amelia and Jacob time travel to Omphelie to the year 1861. It is right before the Civil War and the plantation is in all its glory. Amelia and Jacob find out the dark, disturbing, hidden secrets of the past. These knowledge should help a great deal when they return to the future. This series just keeps getting better. Great job Sarah!
This wasn’t my favorite book in the series because of the subject matter. If you can get past what happened to Amelia and focus on her recovery then it’s actually a really good read.
I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.
Jacob's first attempt at time travel leaves him and Amelia back in Louisiana - only problem is that the year is 1861 and the Civil War is about to start. Even worse they have no luggage, no invitation and have to think quickly and rely on the goodwill and manners of Charles and Brigitte Deschanel who believe they are cousins visiting from abroad. As they try to come to terms with the tragic things that caused them to flee in the first place, they both struggle and Amelia finds herself in the world of a strange man called Victor who seems to know everything there is about them both. As they struggle to find themselves again and handle what has happened they are drawn into the rather bizarre world of the Deschanel family which has the potential to drive them further apart. Can they get through this and still be together before they stay too long and cause untold damage?
I liked this story. I found it a little hard going at times but I think that was probably because they had so much to sort through in their lives and that affected me as well. It was well told and everything was clearly explained. I could feel their thoughts and emotions which made me so desperately sorry for them at times. You definitely need to read the previous books in this series to understand what is going on in this one.
The Secrets Amongst the Cypress is raw, powerful beauty. I loved every minute of the journey with Amelia and Jacob. Meeting Ophelie was like icing on the cake. She holds a special place in my heart.
Secrets Among the Cypress, the eighth volume in the House of Crimson and Clover series follows the fortunes of Jacob and Amelia. As a result of horrifically tragic events and to escape more danger, Jacob transports himself and Amelia back in time, not certain where they will end up. Recovering from the disorientation they realise with incredulity they are at Ophélie, but a very different Ophélie than they know. Jacob and Amelia find themselves the uninvited guests of Charles and Brigitte Deschanel in pre Civil War Louisiana, the day of Ophélie Deschanel’s sixteenth birthday.
Both Jacob and Amelia are finding it difficult to deal with the aftermath of the recent trauma and, instead of it bringing them together in grief and support of one another, the opposite is happening, especially with Amelia. Making sense of why they landed where they did, and at that particular time, also poses a conundrum although Amelia believes they must be there for a reason. They have no alternative but to delve into the Deschanel family dynamics, despite being shocked and horrified at what they uncover, and discover the strange part Victor de Blanchefort plays in their lives. I’m looking forward to seeing where his character goes.
Jacob has long been one of my favourite characters and I love the way he’s developed…Amelia too. And I was glad to see the inclusion of other favourites, if only for a short time. The time travel aspect was intriguing and a great way of getting the background and some history of the Deschanels in ‘real’ time, learning more about Jacob and Amelia’s place in the grand scheme as well as the origins of the curse. The research is obviously extensive and gives a clear picture of life in 19th century Louisiana.
This has to rate as one of the best books so far, I love time travel stories and I’ve been waiting and wanting to follow Amelia and Jacob’s story. The characters are as individual and well defined as always, some you love, some you can’t help but despise, and all give rise to emotional responses from pity, horror, incredulity to amusement at Jacob and Amelia’s attempts to fit into 19th century society. Excellent read with tantalising allusions to future storylines.
My review is based on an advanced digital copy of the book from the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or the review content.
The Secrets Amongst the Cypress (SAtC) is Sarah Cradit’s eighth installment in her House of Crimson and Clover series. There are approximately nine tangential short stories that explore various characters and their relationships. As with the rest of the books in this series, SAtC cannot be read as a standalone. The arc of the story line is complex, and the breadth of the characters, time lines and parallel plots becomes more involved with each new installment.
SAtC is primarily a story about Amelia and Jacob. Previously I would have said that Ana and Finn were my favorite characters in this series, however, SAtC has changed my mind! I loved the rich development of Amelia and Jacob both as individuals and as a couple. Without giving too much away, in a prior book, it was revealed that that the two are Cerridewen and Cianan, who are destined to rebirth and rediscovery on their path to be the ultimate hero and heroine of the story. Their trials and tribulations are difficult, but they grow as individuals and a couple as they fight the good fight.
Time travel is effectively used to convey how Amelia & Jacob fit into the legacy as well as to provide the history behind the story. Ms. Cradit’s extensive research on the time period and geographic area is obvious. How Amelia and Jacob attempt to unobtrusively fit into 1861 is sometimes humorous. The rich details, character development, and story background make this fast-paced story highly entertaining. SAtC didn’t advance the plot as much as I expected, but it provided great set up for the next installment.
* I was given an ebook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
After I picked my jaw up off of the floor, shook off my state of disbelief and finally sat down to process what has instantly become one of my favorite House of C & C books, I realized that no review could really do it justice. Author Sarah M. Cradit continues to amaze, perplex and at times cause me to say terrible swear words...she is just that good! This book takes us back into the lives of Amelia and Jacob and you must read the series in order to fully understand what has happened previously. You cannot just pick this book up and be able to grasp it.
This book gives us some insight into time travel, love, bonds, and friendships, which are all a central theme running through these books. The author makes the reader think, gives them ideas to ponder and insight to gain. She makes the reader become a part of her world, and it is truly an amazing world! Each book delves deeper and deeper and while I didn't see the plot moving forward a lot in this installment, I did see some deep writing about one of my favorite couples (the other being Ana and Finn and maybe Nic and Mercy...). I can't wait for the next book in this ever growing series - it is sure to instantly become one of your favorites! Don't miss out, get started today and set aside plenty of time, as once you start reading, you won't be able to stop!!
Various parts of this story are funny, heartbreaking, and revealing. Seeing how Amelia and Jacob cope with being fish out of water in the year 1861 is quite amusing at times, although experiencing what Ophelie lived through is tragic and horrendous. Learning about Victor is exciting because of potential future plot lines with his character. Traveling back to 1861 is a treat, as it's obvious the author did extensive research on this time period - and I love anything having to do with time travel.
One of this author's greatest strengths is character development and the way Amelia and Jacob struggle to cope with the devastating trauma they've experienced is heartrending, but feels very real. Although this is primarily their story, I enjoyed the addition of Finn, Ana, and Aleksandr and seeing how their own storyline may parallel with Amelia and Jacob's in the future - and Nic getting some page time is always a bonus.
Secrets Amongst the Cypress is a powerful, compelling read, but upon reaching the conclusion, I felt as if something was missing - but I can't put my finger on it. The book gives some spine-tingling hints of things to come in this series, but something felt incomplete.
If you're a fan of urban fantasy/paranormal, I can't recommend this series enough - but start from the beginning!
Sarah M. Cradit provides us with a fast, exciting read in the eighth novel from the House of Crimson and Clover series. The Secrets Amongst the Cypress is different (and more poignant) than any work I've read by this author. The book primarily follows Amelia and Jacob as they are catapulted into the antebellum South. Fans of the series will be pleased to meet characters we've heard about for years (Ophelie, Bridget, Charles, Jean) and introduced to newer, mysterious characters (Victor, Marius, Charlotte).
As always, it's Cradit's ability to reach within her characters and pull out their emotions that makes her one of the best writers out there. One special instance is Amelia and her response to a trauma she endured several books before and the care by which Cradit handles her recovery. Also noted is the realistic way her husband responds with anger, guilt, and finally acceptance and hope to move on. Secrets is at its heart, a story about finding truth.
This novel is best understood from the beginning of the series at The Storm and the Darkness. Recommended for anyone who enjoys intricate characters and intertwined storylines with a magic flare.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Whew that was powerful. I have followed the series and wondered when we would find out what happened to Amelia and Jacob. After the brutality thrust upon them in the last book I wondered how Amelia would react and what would happen next, would their love survive. Some questions are answered especially the truth of the family background and what really happened to Ophelia, Charles and Bridget. We also are introduced to some new faces, new truths, lies are uncovered, fears awakened, packs made. We see a bond develop between Amelia and Anna.
This emotional read will floor you, clean you up and put you back together again. This author really knows how to reach those feelings you keep locked up and drag them out and into her characters. I once was asked what it was that kept me reading her books and I honestly answered, "I forget her characters are from a book and not real people," Get lost in this series, you'll be glad you did.
I love anything and everything that Sarah Cradit writes and Secrets Amongst the Cypress is no exception. I also enjoy historical fiction (especially the Civil War era) as well as time travel- so this book is right up my alley. Just when you thought the Deschanel clan can't get any more intriguing and complicated, they do. And this time it's Amelia and Jacob's story via time travel which is fascinating! I would suggest reading the series in order, starting with the prequel, The Storm and the Darkness. Great job, Sarah!
Audible:While I enjoyed this,I think starting with book one would have been the way to go.I missed way too much of the story to know what was going on. LC Kane was a great narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
Best book of the series so far!! I can't wait for the next one !! I admit I was not completely sold on this series to begin with but now I can't wait to see what happens!!!
Oh My Goddess! I don't even know what to say except The Secrets Among the Cypress is by far, hands down, my favorite book in this series. I feel like I could talk about this book for hours and not run out of things to say. This is THE book fans of the House of Crimson and Clover have all been waiting for. If you want answers and first hand knowledge of how it all began back in the days when Brigitte in her grief swore her curse on all future Deschanel generations, or what really happened to young Ophélie Deschanel, or what the plantation was like in it's prime, please please please buy this book. It will satisfy you on so many levels. I know it did me. I couldn't turn those pages fast enough! I only wish it could have gone on longer.