What The Last Camellia is about:
On the eve of World War II, the last surviving specimen of a camellia plant known as the Middlebury Pink lies secreted away on an English country estate. Flora, an amateur American botanist, is contracted by an international ring of flower thieves to infiltrate the household and acquire the coveted bloom. More than half a century later, garden designer Addison takes up residence at the manor, now owned by the family of her husband, Rex. The couple’s shared passion for mysteries is fueled by the enchanting camellia orchard and an old gardener’s notebook. Yet its pages hint at dark acts ingeniously concealed. If the danger that Flora once faced remains very much alive, will Addison share her fate?
Over the course of less than two years, Sarah Jio has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With her newest release, The Last Camellia, she proves once again why so many readers love her books. Jio's signature plot device of blending the past with the present is something that works for her and never fails to capture my attention. I do have to say though that I was much more invested in Flora's story than Addison's, as her character really spoke to me. The only quibble I have with Jio's writing is that all of her endings are too neat and tidy for me. I hope that a future book leaves me with an ending that garners an extreme display of emotion from me!!!
Recommend? Fans of Sarah Jio's will enjoy this book and will find themselves rapidly turning the pages, while new readers will question why they waited until now to read one of her novels!!
Souce: Plume via NetGalley
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Published May 28th 2013 by Plume
I MUST read this author! All reviews of her books are awesome, and I know I would love her books.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking I will have to check her out!!! I just started a new series ... seems very 50 Shades rip-off ... but I am trying to muddle through it and NOT compare it to that every 5 seconds....lol!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had this book in my TBR pile and now I can't find it! Buried alive, I suppose, in the stacks....
ReplyDeleteI love Sarah's writing! This book sounds amazing, too.
ReplyDeleteLove your bookish thoughts reviews :)
ReplyDeletesounds like I better check this author out.
ReplyDeleteI've only read one of her books but I thought it was great! I'll have to look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI should try a book by her
ReplyDeleteIf she's one of your favorite authors, then I really need to make time to try one of her books! I love books that blend the past and the present.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of her books yet and I question that all the time. On top of that I own them all. Lol. I will however be reading this one because I'm on tour for it and I can't wait! I'm glad you loved it.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've finally discovered Sarah Jio (thanks to you!), I'm adding all of her books to my list :-)
ReplyDeleteI've just read the one Jio book and the problems you had with this one are the same as the ones I had with the one I read, one story more compelling, an ending that's too neat and tidy. They're likable books but I'd agree that I want them to be books I love.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely want to read this one --sounds so good to me.
ReplyDeleteI will read this one for a tour too. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt's been on my wishlist-- now after your review I might bump it up near the top. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI've only read The Bungalow & I loved it. Glad you liked this one too, I adore the whole blending past and present thing.
ReplyDeleteI love her books too, but agree about the endings. I will be reading this book.
ReplyDeleteI've only read her first, but I loved it so much I need to catch up, while I still can since she's just getting started!
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm going to be one of those people who kick's myself for not trying her sooner. I can already tell just after reading your thoughts on her books :)
ReplyDeleteI really must read something by Jio.
ReplyDeleteI still have The Violets of March in my stacks. Must read it this summer!!
ReplyDeleteI've only read one of her books and really enjoyed it. I look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteI liked this one too and also agree about the endings. This one felt a little rushed and too neatly tied up. Still, a good story.
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