Wednesday, December 31, 2014

THE BRACELET - A Review


By
Dorothy Love



The Bracelet, by Dorothy Love falls under a few sub-categories in the fiction genre- historical, historical romance, and romance.  Set in the Deep South just prior to the start of the Civil War, the story gave us a picture postcard view of life in the upper crust of Savannah Aristocracy.  Dorothy did a beautiful job of painting her detailed pictures of the social life of society and their social events.  Many of her descriptions were true word paintings of the homes and other settings of the time.
There were three distinct storylines to follow within the book:  the courtship of a young socialite couple in the Savannah pre-civil war society, an old murder mystery about the family that raises its’ head in the midst of wedding planning, and the pre-civil war political story.  It was apparent that Ms. Love spent some time researching and digging into the history of the era and into the detail of the workings of society of the period for the writing of the novel.  Great detail went into the scenes and portions of the story about and around great society gatherings.  You could easily visualize yourself moving through the swirling skirts under the candlelight chandeliers and observe the tete’ a tete’ of the cliques within the room as the event was judged behind fans and gloved hands. 
Much as a couple at soiree or picnic on a summer evening in the Deep South, the main storyline wove its way through the novel at a slow meandering pace, stopping to visit or off to wander down a path, leaving wondering where it was going, or if it would get there… But due diligence and patience has its’ rewards, as each of the rabbit trails and seemingly meaningless visits were truly not as they appeared.  For the story was told in the slow southern style that forces one to slow down and enjoy the read, not rush through like a jack rabbit running from the fox.
The elements of the story slowly came together, with a few surprises and hiccups en-route.  A good story, but not a book recommended for the speed reader.  Definitely a book for the porch swing and a big glass or two of that southern sweet tea.
Karen Laird
Shade Tree Book Reviews and Blog

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