Post by kjlucas on Feb 8, 2012 20:37:41 GMT -5
A Light on the Veranda is the sequel to Midnight on Julia Street. I love Ciji Ware’s books and this was no exception. Both books are set in New Orleans and revolve around the Duvallon family. While Midnight on Julia Street was about brother King, A Light on the Veranda is sister Daphne’s story.
Ciji Ware’s books are always well written and center on a strong female character in historic settings.
A Light on the Veranda is no exception and while it is set in present day New Orleans, much of the story takes place through flash backs to the city in the 1800’s. The historical information in the book provides great background, without distracting from the overall story.
After being publicly humiliated when she leaves her groom at the altar, Daphne retreats to NYC and her position as a classical harpist in the orchestra. After two years, when her brother calls requesting her presence at his wedding, Daphne is still unsure about returning to New Orleans. As fate would have it, she finds herself out of a job and in Natchez attending his wedding.
Jobless, she decides to stay on with her Cousin Maddie in a falling down, ruin of a plantation house. To earn money, she takes on gigs in a few of the local mansions for receptions and weddings. This is where she meets Simon Hopkins, bird watcher extraordinaire (who, of course has his own story).
As Daphne’s story unfolds, Ciji Ware weaves in several sub plots including environmental issues, jazz and its influence in the south (be prepared for her transformation to a sexy jazz harpist – bustier and all), a mystery set in the past and of course a love story.
One of my favorite authors, I love how Ciji Ware intertwines several seeming unrelated story lines, culminating in a wonderful ending that brings them all together.
After reading Midnight on Julia Street, I rushed out to purchase A Light on the Veranda. This is a great read and I highly recommend both books.
Ciji Ware’s books are always well written and center on a strong female character in historic settings.
A Light on the Veranda is no exception and while it is set in present day New Orleans, much of the story takes place through flash backs to the city in the 1800’s. The historical information in the book provides great background, without distracting from the overall story.
After being publicly humiliated when she leaves her groom at the altar, Daphne retreats to NYC and her position as a classical harpist in the orchestra. After two years, when her brother calls requesting her presence at his wedding, Daphne is still unsure about returning to New Orleans. As fate would have it, she finds herself out of a job and in Natchez attending his wedding.
Jobless, she decides to stay on with her Cousin Maddie in a falling down, ruin of a plantation house. To earn money, she takes on gigs in a few of the local mansions for receptions and weddings. This is where she meets Simon Hopkins, bird watcher extraordinaire (who, of course has his own story).
As Daphne’s story unfolds, Ciji Ware weaves in several sub plots including environmental issues, jazz and its influence in the south (be prepared for her transformation to a sexy jazz harpist – bustier and all), a mystery set in the past and of course a love story.
One of my favorite authors, I love how Ciji Ware intertwines several seeming unrelated story lines, culminating in a wonderful ending that brings them all together.
After reading Midnight on Julia Street, I rushed out to purchase A Light on the Veranda. This is a great read and I highly recommend both books.