The Courtesan

I was lucky enough to read the trilogy in order and suggest if you are new to Susan Carroll that you seek out The Dark Queen before reading The Courtesan. There seems to be a discrepancy or a confusion of what constitutes historical fiction. Indeed, Susan Carroll's works are not "based on a true story." They do, however, provide a look into another time period as the plot weaves a tale of mysticism and ultimately love in renaissance France. I disagree with the review from COLLEGE GRADUATE who felt that the book was for 13yr olds and compared it to reality TV. As not only a fellow COLLEGE GRADUATE (from a rather reputable college I might add), but also an English major pursuing graduate studies, I have to say I loved this trilogy and then read her St.Ledger trilogy as well. Ultimately, these books are romance, historical fiction, and fantasy richly tied together creating an exciting read. If you would like something more challenging, try Tolstoy and Woolfe. If you want entertainment and escapism, this is the perfect trilogy! Remy becomes such a paragon of man. He is passionate, dedicated, loyal, willing to fight for honor and for love. Our hero and heroine are both tortured by the past but in each other are able to find redemption with themes from The Dark Queen of witchcraft, healing arts, and Catherine Medici intricately woven into the tale. Read them all for something light, fun, and romantic.

I fell completely in love with the second novel by Susan Carrol in the Cheney Sisters Trilogy. Her use of imagery makes the reader feel as though they are experiencing every thing the characters are. She uses strong women as her main characters, and by the end the reader can't help but feel sympathy for even the villians of the story. In her novel Susan stresses that everyone is in control of their own lives and not mindless cratures bound to follow some destiny or path in the stars; that humans aren't meant to sit back and just let things happen, hoping all will play out as they wish. Her Characters take action, decisive or not. They don't fret and do nothing, but act, and live, and love.

The second story in the Cheney Sisters' trilogy is another wonderful read by the very talented Ms. Carroll. Again we are treated to intrigue, passion, and history that will enthrall the reader. Gabrielle Cheney is trying to make a life for herself in Paris. Having left her home of Fair Isle and her sister's behind her Gabrielle is determined to secure her place beside Henry of Navarre. Her future has been foretold and she will have a place of great power beside this future King. If only she could forget the one man whose ever sparked her passion and made her wish her life were different. The one man that she thought was lost too her but later finds alive and well, none other than Captain Nicholas Remy. Remy has been haunting her days and nights and when she realizes he's alive she can't but help throw herself into his arms. When she finds he needs her but not in the way she dreamed of she decides to find her own destiny with Henry. Remy is not about to give up the quest of freeing his King and with the help of Gabrielle these two reluctantly work together to bring an end to "The Dark Queen" and hopefully find a love with each other that surpasses personal history and ambition. This is a story filled with wonderfully vivid historical detail and passion! Ms. Carroll has continued where "The Dark Queen" left off and leads the reader on a journey that will surpass all expectations. Gabrielle is a very strong character and readers may find her a bit much. I suggest though you give her a chance as eventually you will be introduced to the "real" Gabrielle and will understand her motivation. I eagerly look forward to reading the final book in this series, and suggest that if you are a fan of well-written historical romance you pick up this title. You will be well entertained if you do.

No spoilers in this review. Just general comments. I needed a break from the usual types of romance novels I read, so on a whim, I picked up The Dark Queen. I found that I enjoyed it! Well, on I went to book two. Wow, talk about a page turner! I found this book more enjoyable than the first book in the series. At times I was litterally biting my nails because the suspense could be so intense. Romance, history, court intrigue, betrayal, witchcraft... what's not to love? This book was well worth the money I spent for it. If you are looking for a great historical romance, you've found it! I highly recommend this series, and I anxiously await book 3! Two thumbs way up!!!

In 1575, courtesan Gabrielle Cheney visits reclusive friend Cassandra Lascelles at run down Maison d'esprit where the latter's family were killed as befitting witches. Gabrielle wants to insure her friend is okay and ask Cassandra to communicate with her only love Captain Nicholas Remy who her brother informed her died. The séance conducted by Cassandra brings up the spirit of Nostradamus but fails to find Remy whom Gabrielle wants to apologize to for her behavior towards him on Faire Isle when they met three years ago (see THE DARK QUEEN). Cassandra knows that means he still lives but says nothing. Just after leaving her friend to return to her sculpturing studio though she no longer uses her talent, Gabrielle is stopped by Remy who followed her. At first believing he is a ghost, she finally realizes her beloved lives. As Gabrielle walks a thin line between being the Courtesan of King Henry of Navarre and her love for Remy, the Dark Queen Catherine de Medici, the most powerful and most connected witch has plans of her own for the upstart. The second Cheney sister historical tale combines otherworldly and romantic elements into an insightful look at the de Medici impact in Paris. The story line is action-packed starting with the séance and never slowing down until the final climax in which Catherine's bewitching minion and her political power seems too daunting to be overcome by a bewitching courtesan and her beloved soldier. Fans will enjoy this sixteenth century suspense thriller and seek the first tale when sister Ariane battled THE DARK QUEEN while looking forward to the third sibling's story. Harriet Klausner