Iron Lace

I have recently become a fan of Emilie Richards and this book was one of the reasons why. The characters are woven together so intricately, I can't wait to see what happens next. I picked up "Rising Tides" the same night I finished "Iron Lace". The reader becomes surrounded with the rich history of Louisianna.

I am admittedly a Richards fan ever since I picked up Prospect Street by her and this book, while older, did not disappoint. I am also a fan of family sagas ~~ and this one did not fail me! This is a tale about Aurora and the choices she made in her life. Facing her death, she tells Philip, a reknowned reporter, her story. And what a story it is! From the lush tropical days of the late 1800s to mid-1900s ~~ Aurora lives a life of regret, love and sorrow. She gave up her daughter at birth to her lover and repined over that choice for years even as she went on to marry and had two more sons. That single choice affected not only Aurora, but the daughter she gave up and her sons as well.If you like stories with a Southern twist to it ~~ this book is it. It's a quick but heartfelt read. Richards delve into each character's heart and mind so intimately that she is able to draw the reader into their stories. It's a great read ~~ escapism read as well. Richards continue to impress me with her writing style and ideas. Rising Tides the sequel does not disappoint as well.11-9-03

The first book I read by Emilie Richards was Whiskey Island, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was not disappointed when I read Iron Lace. The story is done mostly in flashbacks, but very easy to follow.

Iron Lace is a very entertaining book. It is set in the 1960's with many flashbacks into the late 1800's and early 1900's. Aurore Gerritsen is an elderly lady who wants to let go of her life's secrets. She hires a black jouralist, Phillip Benedict, to write her story. Phillip really doesn't want to write Aurore's story but he agrees to anyway. There are lots of surprises along the way. The storyline is strong and very well written. The characters are well-defined. This book is a combination of Gone with the Wind (as far as characters are concerned) and The Ghost (all the flashbacks). It is almost like two books in one. Ms. Richards had done an excellent job in writing this book. You will be kept on the edge of your seat and will have to stay up all night until you get it finished. And then there's the sequel....

I was impressed with the quality of writing in this book. The plot is intricately and flawlessy constructed around colorful, dramatic, and believable characters. I was continually surprised by unfolding plot elements. I did get a little tired of the unrelenting emphasis on how blacks have been mistreated by whites, but since much of the book is set in the '60's (I think), then I guess that explains the emphasis (but I felt "beat over the head" with it). I read the sequal to this book, Rising Tides, and will definitely read both of them again. Very satisfying.