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The Dusk Trilogy #1
St. Charles at Dusk
A father’s threats. A tragic accident. Unanswered questions. Oz Sullivan has finally moved past the tangled web surrounding his brief, but intense, relationship with the young, impetuous Adrienne Deschanel. Through his family, and successful career as an attorney, he has forged a tranquil predictability.
Then Adrienne unexpectedly emerges, with no memory of the life she once led. Her desperate attempt to flee the confusing and dark influences in the bayou instinctively propels her to the one face for which she has a name. Oz’s world is once again turned upside down, as he must decide how to help her without losing himself entirely.
Set amidst the lush and vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, St. Charles at Dusk tells the story of Oz and Adrienne; of forbidden love, and startling heartbreak.
Then Adrienne unexpectedly emerges, with no memory of the life she once led. Her desperate attempt to flee the confusing and dark influences in the bayou instinctively propels her to the one face for which she has a name. Oz’s world is once again turned upside down, as he must decide how to help her without losing himself entirely.
Set amidst the lush and vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, St. Charles at Dusk tells the story of Oz and Adrienne; of forbidden love, and startling heartbreak.
Unknown Binding
First published September 1, 2011
91 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books898 followersSarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 10, 2013
Here's the thing...the book was good, and up until 60% of it, I didn't see any errors in writing, but towards the latter half of the book, there were missing or extra words which was distracting. Especially given the writing style of the author. The book had a slow, almost dark feel to it. The suspense was good, but also felt like it dragged on a bit. Perhaps because it was based in the South in the New Orleans area or because of the secrets and issues of the characters...either way, I had a hard time focusing at times because it just felt like there was too much back ground information. I didn't mind the jumping back and forth in time, but sometimes it felt like it happened too often / too much. That we jumped just when the story was getting good and we were learning what the heck was going on with these people. And where it took us in the past I just didn't feel like all of that history was even needed. It just felt like filler. I'm not saying that it didn't help to explain the characters or their frame of mind, but there were definitely areas I would have shortened or removed completely. For example, there were 2 instances where Oz explains his family history. I get that Adrienne didn't recall the first time, but I did and hearing it again, well, I could have done without all of it. Then there is the 2 week period where they wandered through New Orleans getting re-acquainted. First, never been to all of those places so they were just names and I didn't need quite that much information. Did we need to know he took her to 5 different restaurants?
I was getting a little bored in the beginning / middle. It wasn't until the final 40% of the book that I got caught up in the story, and frustrated again with the way things were going. Oz came across as just plain obsessive with her family and Adrienne. He was 5 years older and should have been able to handle things better. I'm actually shocked that things went as easy for him with her given her age. As for Adrienne, she was a mess. Keeping in mind she was a teenager when they first got involved, and her family background...some of that was definitely expected. However, not understanding the manipulations of the Fontaine family, how she just walked away from Oz again at 19, and how she fell in with whatever Angelique wanted was just plain unbelievable. The girl was rich. You don't just let others control you or make such off the wall choices. She went back to them instead of staying with her brother, going off to college, anything other than going back to Jesse. And no one is that self sacrificing...you don't walk away from the love of your life unless their is a gun to your head. And what happened to Jesse? One minute they are together (married?) at her child hood home, then nothing about him and she is seeking Oz again. Closure...I need some closure. Angelique could not have been that insane throughout the book then just let her go to live happily ever after with Oz and their children.
So yes, I liked the story, but I also found it could have been better. I know the author started it a long time ago and it is her first book, but some revamping would make it better. Cut out some of what I think was the "unnecessary" or reduce it somewhat, add some closure at the end that explains what happened with the Fontaines. Yes, Anne went to school, but how is her relationship with Adrienne now that Adrienne knows the truth, what is Angelique doing and Jesse? Where is Jesse now and did he just walk away from Christian? I waited a long time from the beginning of the book to the end to learn what was the deal with Adrienne and Oz, so was happy to see their closure, but I felt like we just zoomed through that ending.
I was getting a little bored in the beginning / middle. It wasn't until the final 40% of the book that I got caught up in the story, and frustrated again with the way things were going. Oz came across as just plain obsessive with her family and Adrienne. He was 5 years older and should have been able to handle things better. I'm actually shocked that things went as easy for him with her given her age. As for Adrienne, she was a mess. Keeping in mind she was a teenager when they first got involved, and her family background...some of that was definitely expected. However, not understanding the manipulations of the Fontaine family, how she just walked away from Oz again at 19, and how she fell in with whatever Angelique wanted was just plain unbelievable. The girl was rich. You don't just let others control you or make such off the wall choices. She went back to them instead of staying with her brother, going off to college, anything other than going back to Jesse. And no one is that self sacrificing...you don't walk away from the love of your life unless their is a gun to your head. And what happened to Jesse? One minute they are together (married?) at her child hood home, then nothing about him and she is seeking Oz again. Closure...I need some closure. Angelique could not have been that insane throughout the book then just let her go to live happily ever after with Oz and their children.
So yes, I liked the story, but I also found it could have been better. I know the author started it a long time ago and it is her first book, but some revamping would make it better. Cut out some of what I think was the "unnecessary" or reduce it somewhat, add some closure at the end that explains what happened with the Fontaines. Yes, Anne went to school, but how is her relationship with Adrienne now that Adrienne knows the truth, what is Angelique doing and Jesse? Where is Jesse now and did he just walk away from Christian? I waited a long time from the beginning of the book to the end to learn what was the deal with Adrienne and Oz, so was happy to see their closure, but I felt like we just zoomed through that ending.
February 8, 2015
St. Charles at Dusk by Sarah M. Cradit is a 2011 publication.
That awkward moment when you realize you have read every single book in a series except the prequel....
How I have gone so long without getting this book read, I don't know. But, better late than never. I actually found this book whetted my appetite and made me want to start the series all over again. I wish I had the time to do that. A little binge reading of this series would be awesome!!
This is the story of Oz and Adrienne. The two were once lovers but a series of tragic events separated them. Adrienne disappeared and Oz married and had a child, his life a success, with a high profile career, big house, the works. But, tragedy strikes once more and Oz will find his heart once more lies in the hands of Adrienne Deschanel.
Adrienne is somewhat of an enigma. She disappears and reappears, is kind of loopy and kind of spooky. I never knew what to make of her really. She was just a teenager when she began her affair with Oz, much to the dislike of their families. It seemed maybe the adults were right in this case and Oz remembers Adrienne as a summer romance, but of course he is only trying to downplay his real feelings for her. But, he must maintain a certain professional distance with Adrienne in order to help her.
I loved the atmosphere created in this novel, the strong Gothic slant, the forbidden love, the paranormal undertones and of course New Orleans! The deep history of these families and the life long connections all set the stage for the family saga that you simply have to check out. The characters in this series are very vividly drawn, the possibilities are endless and you will never figure out what's coming next. This is a very strong introduction to the series and I highly recommend it even if you have already read some of the other books in the series. This book will enlighten you on so many little tidbits of information and bring you an even greater understanding of things that came later. If you have not started this series I recommend starting with this book mainly because of the historical details and because it is important to know the complicated history between Adrienne and Oz in order to process the events that transpire later on in the series.
Overall this one is gets 5 stars!!
That awkward moment when you realize you have read every single book in a series except the prequel....
How I have gone so long without getting this book read, I don't know. But, better late than never. I actually found this book whetted my appetite and made me want to start the series all over again. I wish I had the time to do that. A little binge reading of this series would be awesome!!
This is the story of Oz and Adrienne. The two were once lovers but a series of tragic events separated them. Adrienne disappeared and Oz married and had a child, his life a success, with a high profile career, big house, the works. But, tragedy strikes once more and Oz will find his heart once more lies in the hands of Adrienne Deschanel.
Adrienne is somewhat of an enigma. She disappears and reappears, is kind of loopy and kind of spooky. I never knew what to make of her really. She was just a teenager when she began her affair with Oz, much to the dislike of their families. It seemed maybe the adults were right in this case and Oz remembers Adrienne as a summer romance, but of course he is only trying to downplay his real feelings for her. But, he must maintain a certain professional distance with Adrienne in order to help her.
I loved the atmosphere created in this novel, the strong Gothic slant, the forbidden love, the paranormal undertones and of course New Orleans! The deep history of these families and the life long connections all set the stage for the family saga that you simply have to check out. The characters in this series are very vividly drawn, the possibilities are endless and you will never figure out what's coming next. This is a very strong introduction to the series and I highly recommend it even if you have already read some of the other books in the series. This book will enlighten you on so many little tidbits of information and bring you an even greater understanding of things that came later. If you have not started this series I recommend starting with this book mainly because of the historical details and because it is important to know the complicated history between Adrienne and Oz in order to process the events that transpire later on in the series.
Overall this one is gets 5 stars!!
April 21, 2013
Because most people like to know this before purchase: This book has 364 pages, and is one of those books that feel much longer; but in a good way. I didn't want to put the book down.This book was great. I'll start by saying that I fell in love with the main character Oz within the first few chapters. The author, whom by the way is a very talented author put her heart and soul into not only the book but the characters themselves.
The details were great on the setting. She really did her research in order to make the story come alive. I feel that if I went to New Orleans right now I would feel like I was in the book. She described Garden district and many other places so well.
The female lead's character was great too, but I will warn you she has a very selfish nature and by the end I really didn't care for her. Though she had reasons for everything thing she did she hurt Oz badly throughout the majority of the book.
Oz's love was the epic kind that every girl and woman would swoon over. His emotions and feelings clear and his heartbreak devastating, but in the end he loved Adrienne. Adrienne was a well thought out character. In her adolescence I really enjoyed her character. She was sassy, incredible intelligent. She was like an old soul, she knew more and understood more than she should have at such a young age.
It wasn't until later that I began to dislike her. Over all the book was great, when it ended for the most part everything was tied up well. It didn't just drop off without letting me feel an ending, though enough is left open for the reader to know there is more to come. There will be more to the series and I cannot wait to read what is to come. I would recommend this book, Not only is there romance, but suspense, mystery, and history all packed into one novel. This is this author's first book and I'd have to say she hit it on the nail. The book leaves you wanting more. It makes you want to know what will happen to each and every character. It is almost like you get a personal attachment to those involved.
I fear if I go into anything else I will give things away, and I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone. So just read this book you won't regret it.
The details were great on the setting. She really did her research in order to make the story come alive. I feel that if I went to New Orleans right now I would feel like I was in the book. She described Garden district and many other places so well.
The female lead's character was great too, but I will warn you she has a very selfish nature and by the end I really didn't care for her. Though she had reasons for everything thing she did she hurt Oz badly throughout the majority of the book.
Oz's love was the epic kind that every girl and woman would swoon over. His emotions and feelings clear and his heartbreak devastating, but in the end he loved Adrienne. Adrienne was a well thought out character. In her adolescence I really enjoyed her character. She was sassy, incredible intelligent. She was like an old soul, she knew more and understood more than she should have at such a young age.
It wasn't until later that I began to dislike her. Over all the book was great, when it ended for the most part everything was tied up well. It didn't just drop off without letting me feel an ending, though enough is left open for the reader to know there is more to come. There will be more to the series and I cannot wait to read what is to come. I would recommend this book, Not only is there romance, but suspense, mystery, and history all packed into one novel. This is this author's first book and I'd have to say she hit it on the nail. The book leaves you wanting more. It makes you want to know what will happen to each and every character. It is almost like you get a personal attachment to those involved.
I fear if I go into anything else I will give things away, and I wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone. So just read this book you won't regret it.
February 19, 2014
* I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
OMG, I instantly fell in love with the characters, the story, the love triangles, the mystery, the drama....ok so I loved every aspect of the book! I started backwards and read book 2 first, but I didn't feel as if this made any difference in understanding the story. If anything it helped me to understand the characters better and to like them even more. I felt for Adrianne as she lost her memory, I felt for Oz as he continued to lose his true love and I especially loved the fact that the family stuck together and was able to help each other pick up the pieces of their lives. The story is set in New Orleans and having never been there I could picture it in my mind and it felt like I was there. The characters all have a type of "magic" about them, even if they didn't posses any gifts, and you instantly start rooting for them. I felt like they were so well written and described that I could easily picture them and pass them on the street and feel a connection. I enjoyed the banter between them, the inside jokes and the love that they all felt for one another! Sarah M. Cradit has written some amazing books with this series and I am looking forward to the next one, the one after that, and the one after that!! What an amazing adventure she has taken me on so far, one that I hope doesn't end anytime soon!! Pick this series up as your next one to read and you won't be sorry!! Enjoy!
OMG, I instantly fell in love with the characters, the story, the love triangles, the mystery, the drama....ok so I loved every aspect of the book! I started backwards and read book 2 first, but I didn't feel as if this made any difference in understanding the story. If anything it helped me to understand the characters better and to like them even more. I felt for Adrianne as she lost her memory, I felt for Oz as he continued to lose his true love and I especially loved the fact that the family stuck together and was able to help each other pick up the pieces of their lives. The story is set in New Orleans and having never been there I could picture it in my mind and it felt like I was there. The characters all have a type of "magic" about them, even if they didn't posses any gifts, and you instantly start rooting for them. I felt like they were so well written and described that I could easily picture them and pass them on the street and feel a connection. I enjoyed the banter between them, the inside jokes and the love that they all felt for one another! Sarah M. Cradit has written some amazing books with this series and I am looking forward to the next one, the one after that, and the one after that!! What an amazing adventure she has taken me on so far, one that I hope doesn't end anytime soon!! Pick this series up as your next one to read and you won't be sorry!! Enjoy!
August 14, 2013
In ST. CHARLES AT DUSK, Cradit writes about New Orleans with a passion that reminds me of a young Anne Rice in her novel Feast Of All Saints. Cradit’s novel, however, is set in the contemporary Crescent City.
Personally, I try to visit New Orleans about once a year. But I have not had a chance to do that this year. I miss the city greatly. Reading Sarah's novel brought me back to my old stomping grounds instantly. It was an entirely accurate portrayal of New Orleans’ atmosphere; I could feel smell all those familiar scents, hear those mockingbirds, feel the rain on my skin. It was good to be back!
The narrative is stylized with a Dickensian finesse reminiscent in Great Expectations. Cradit finely weaves together a tale of romance between her two heroes, Oz and Adrienne. Oz was an entirely sympathetic character; I could completely relate to his yearning for Adrienne. She, on the other hand, is a character brimming with the delicious irony of a love-interest riddled with internal struggles; I could relate with her very well also. Theirs is a wonderful coming of age story about the journey of self-discovery in the people we live with and love.
Skillfully crafted, ST. CHARLES AT DUSK is a novel I highly recommend. It’s wonderful storytelling.
Personally, I try to visit New Orleans about once a year. But I have not had a chance to do that this year. I miss the city greatly. Reading Sarah's novel brought me back to my old stomping grounds instantly. It was an entirely accurate portrayal of New Orleans’ atmosphere; I could feel smell all those familiar scents, hear those mockingbirds, feel the rain on my skin. It was good to be back!
The narrative is stylized with a Dickensian finesse reminiscent in Great Expectations. Cradit finely weaves together a tale of romance between her two heroes, Oz and Adrienne. Oz was an entirely sympathetic character; I could completely relate to his yearning for Adrienne. She, on the other hand, is a character brimming with the delicious irony of a love-interest riddled with internal struggles; I could relate with her very well also. Theirs is a wonderful coming of age story about the journey of self-discovery in the people we live with and love.
Skillfully crafted, ST. CHARLES AT DUSK is a novel I highly recommend. It’s wonderful storytelling.
February 5, 2014
St. Charles at Dusk by Sarah M. Cradit is a powerful, compelling book. I was hooked just inside the first chapter. This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Cradit and I fully enjoyed the story line and writing style. The characters are solid and consistant, although a bit nuts. Although this is a prequel, it can be read as a stand alone...lots of HEA. Flashbacks and flash forwards, a terrific way to tell a terrific story. And a sneak peak into the next story at the end, genius marketing. I cannot wait to delve into the next volumes.
February 6, 2014
St. Charles at Dusk is the prequel to Sarah Cradit's House of Crimson and Clover series and it is great. There are twists and turns that you don't see coming. Once you pick it up it is hard to put down. I read it in one afternoon. The characters are believable. The storytelling is first rate. Pick up your copy today, you will not be disappointed.
August 13, 2013
Very well written story. I enjoyed the narration and the way the story was built by moving back and forth in time. Quite a few twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing. Lots of detail and character development. An enjoyable read.
May 6, 2022
Wow this was a wild, extremely uncomfortable ride. Such a problematic story and totally my fault that I had to keep going to the end.
Deception, Grooming, statutory rape, stalking, kidnapping, financial abuse, manipulation... this book had it all.
I truly can't get past some parts of this story! Like you were sexually assaulted by a group of boys and then victim shamed and tossed out of school. You get home and to help you cope, your sister "gifts" you to an older man to replace the touch of your assailant. Then you have a relationship with this grown man over the course of a summer and repeatedly hash over how similar you are to each other.... a 16 year old and a grown man!
Then after the "accidental" death of your family you live in ignorance with an unstable family that manipulates you into staying with them for years.
You then regain some memories, decide to reconnect with your old sexual abuser and hide from current family of emotional abusers only to freak out at the memories from the toxic and illegal abusive old relationship and go back to the family of abusers and become a co-conspirator of manipulation with them!
Madness rolled up with romance
Deception, Grooming, statutory rape, stalking, kidnapping, financial abuse, manipulation... this book had it all.
I truly can't get past some parts of this story! Like you were sexually assaulted by a group of boys and then victim shamed and tossed out of school. You get home and to help you cope, your sister "gifts" you to an older man to replace the touch of your assailant. Then you have a relationship with this grown man over the course of a summer and repeatedly hash over how similar you are to each other.... a 16 year old and a grown man!
Then after the "accidental" death of your family you live in ignorance with an unstable family that manipulates you into staying with them for years.
You then regain some memories, decide to reconnect with your old sexual abuser and hide from current family of emotional abusers only to freak out at the memories from the toxic and illegal abusive old relationship and go back to the family of abusers and become a co-conspirator of manipulation with them!
Madness rolled up with romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2016
This book was part of the Red Hot Lovers boxed set I was reading and I enjoyed yet again the thrill of picking up a new to me author and series and diving right in. This was a dark and delicious blend of old-style Southern Gothic Romance with a hint of paranormal. The setting of the Southern Louisiana plantations, bayou, and New Orleans was a perfect backdrop for this forbidden tale of romance and dark secrets.
I was getting a prequel story as part of a series, but happily, it stood alone just fine. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it a standalone story.
The story opens on a graveyard scene as Oz Sullivan buries his wife and contemplates the pain of losing her, her losing her fight with cancer, caring for their daughter, and the guilt of not loving her enough because of another woman- a woman who he would never have because she is gone. Onto this scene walks that very woman- she is ready to give him answers to questions he no longer has and has moved on. Or so he thought.
Dipping back into the distant past and the more recent past, the story is told of Oz Sullivan and Adrienne Deschenel. Of the dark sins and gifts of the Deschenels. Of Oz's strong connection to the family to his forbidden love for the much younger Adrienne. Adrienne is brilliant and wild while Oz is passionate and steady. Their love shouldn't be, but it is. She and her past rise up to destroy what they have and destroy Oz more than once.
He thinks her dead in the accident that kills her family and then she is alive, but her memories are gone. Alive and no longer his because she clings to her rescuer. Oz is determined to let her go until Adrienne's dreams show her glimpses of what was. Now she is torn and in her anguish being manipulated. Oz is her strength, but he is placed in a bad situation and no longer is sure. One more heartbreaking twists severs them. Will Adrienne's truths be enough or are they to be parted for good?
Alright, this one played hard on the gothic elements. It was dark, but not too dark and it was easily figured out well ahead of when the characters discovered their answers. I'm not sure if it was a case of right book and right time or the author had a bit of magic in her writing because though, it was good, it shouldn't have been as riveting as it was.
This pair had a hard row to hoe. Adrienne came from a messed up situation. Her family was wealthy and old New Orleans aristocracy. Oz came from humble Irish, but his family was now stolid lawyer stock and well respected. Oz was an adult and Adrienne was still technically a minor through much of their story. This gives an aura of the taboo along with the darker side to her family. Still, through all the back and forth that went on, I was cheering for this pair.
The format of the narrative was not easy to follow and I had to really pay attention. There was the present. The distant past and the not so distant past. Plus they alternated narration. The reader is meant to feel turned about, I think, to keep them guessing. I didn't mind that this story is framed in by the present, but wish that once it dipped into the past that it would have just advanced forward from there instead of doing flashbacks. Not that I couldn't follow and couldn't engage, but I did have to flip back a few times to figure out where I was at in the time line.
This was an atmospheric piece. It doesn't go as dark as some I've read in the Southern Gothic genre, but there is just enough grit to give me that flavor. As I said, I figured out the secrets and what led to the various incidents early on, but I didn't mind the journey with the characters as they worked it out. Oz had the patience of a saint and heart of a hero as he kept getting crushed by Adrienne's situation and coming back for more. He kept wanting to quit and walk away, but his big generous heart wouldn't let him. Adrienne is brilliant and wise beyond her years, but her youth comes out in her decision making. She tends to run when it gets tough and leans hard on her emotions.
All in all, I was glad to read this one and am definitely interested in getting the whole series. I would recommend this for those who want something that gets dark and somewhat angsty with strong atmosphere and colorful characters blending suspense with paranormal in a haunting southern setting.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was getting a prequel story as part of a series, but happily, it stood alone just fine. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it a standalone story.
The story opens on a graveyard scene as Oz Sullivan buries his wife and contemplates the pain of losing her, her losing her fight with cancer, caring for their daughter, and the guilt of not loving her enough because of another woman- a woman who he would never have because she is gone. Onto this scene walks that very woman- she is ready to give him answers to questions he no longer has and has moved on. Or so he thought.
Dipping back into the distant past and the more recent past, the story is told of Oz Sullivan and Adrienne Deschenel. Of the dark sins and gifts of the Deschenels. Of Oz's strong connection to the family to his forbidden love for the much younger Adrienne. Adrienne is brilliant and wild while Oz is passionate and steady. Their love shouldn't be, but it is. She and her past rise up to destroy what they have and destroy Oz more than once.
He thinks her dead in the accident that kills her family and then she is alive, but her memories are gone. Alive and no longer his because she clings to her rescuer. Oz is determined to let her go until Adrienne's dreams show her glimpses of what was. Now she is torn and in her anguish being manipulated. Oz is her strength, but he is placed in a bad situation and no longer is sure. One more heartbreaking twists severs them. Will Adrienne's truths be enough or are they to be parted for good?
Alright, this one played hard on the gothic elements. It was dark, but not too dark and it was easily figured out well ahead of when the characters discovered their answers. I'm not sure if it was a case of right book and right time or the author had a bit of magic in her writing because though, it was good, it shouldn't have been as riveting as it was.
This pair had a hard row to hoe. Adrienne came from a messed up situation. Her family was wealthy and old New Orleans aristocracy. Oz came from humble Irish, but his family was now stolid lawyer stock and well respected. Oz was an adult and Adrienne was still technically a minor through much of their story. This gives an aura of the taboo along with the darker side to her family. Still, through all the back and forth that went on, I was cheering for this pair.
The format of the narrative was not easy to follow and I had to really pay attention. There was the present. The distant past and the not so distant past. Plus they alternated narration. The reader is meant to feel turned about, I think, to keep them guessing. I didn't mind that this story is framed in by the present, but wish that once it dipped into the past that it would have just advanced forward from there instead of doing flashbacks. Not that I couldn't follow and couldn't engage, but I did have to flip back a few times to figure out where I was at in the time line.
This was an atmospheric piece. It doesn't go as dark as some I've read in the Southern Gothic genre, but there is just enough grit to give me that flavor. As I said, I figured out the secrets and what led to the various incidents early on, but I didn't mind the journey with the characters as they worked it out. Oz had the patience of a saint and heart of a hero as he kept getting crushed by Adrienne's situation and coming back for more. He kept wanting to quit and walk away, but his big generous heart wouldn't let him. Adrienne is brilliant and wise beyond her years, but her youth comes out in her decision making. She tends to run when it gets tough and leans hard on her emotions.
All in all, I was glad to read this one and am definitely interested in getting the whole series. I would recommend this for those who want something that gets dark and somewhat angsty with strong atmosphere and colorful characters blending suspense with paranormal in a haunting southern setting.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2013
St. Charles at Dusk is a layered story of love, deceit and mystery. Ms. Cradit is an artful storyteller, willing to take risks. The two pivotal characters are Adrienne and Oz, two young people who dramatically fall in love, against their parents' wishes, and then embark on a journey that takes them (and the reader) on a dark ride through mystery and secrets.
The novel is mainly set in New Orleans, and the author does a wonderful job of making you feel that you are there with Oz and Adrienne as they walk the streets of the French Quarter and the Garden District. The differences within New Orleans class culture are illuminating ("Life did not stop for the dead here the way it did only a few miles away in New Orleans. None of the celebrations of the deceased were found in this cold, crisp suburb.") and help the reader understand the complex issues that face Oz, Adrienne, and a number of other characters.
Oz is five years older than Adrienne and a long-time friend of her family. Adrienne is only 16 when they begin their affair and initially it feels (to this reader) somewhat incestuous. But that is part of the tension, for as a typical 16-year-old, Adrienne is headstrong and convinced that Oz is the love of her short life. Oz, although he quickly falls in love with Adrienne, has that turn of conscience that makes the reader not just like him, but also hope that they can and will be together happily ever after.
But the parents intervene, an tragic accident occurs, and Adrienne leaves and then returns to Oz and then leaves again. Throughout the novel, Oz is forever playing the grown-up to Adrienne's willful, confused, and heartsick lover. I did come to care for them both, even if I was also impatient with them at times. But, again, that was part of the attraction of the story: you can't help but have an opinion about their behavior as they struggle to understand each other and overcome the forces that continually get in their way.
The structure of the novel was difficult to navigate at first, with chapters of flashbacks alternating with other chapters of flashbacks. I read the novel as an e-book, and I think it would have been easier for me if I had read it in paperback, easier to flip pages back and forth. Fortunately, Ms. Cradit indicates at the beginning of each chapter, what the year is, the ages of Oz and Adrienne, and also whose voice begins the chapter. The fact that she did lay a "map" (so to speak) for the reader suggests that she also was mindful of the challenges of this particular structure.
Alternating present day with flashbacks is a very difficult storyline to master, and I did feel some frustration at times when I found myself going deeper into the past when I felt like I should be moving forward. But by that point, I was committed to reading the novel. I needed to know how things would turn out for Oz and Adrienne. My reward was that about halfway through, even though most of the novel was still in the past, there was a sense of moving forward, a sense of coming to some resolution with the upheavals in the affair of Oz and Adrienne.
I won't give away the ending, but I can say that for the longest time, I felt it could go either way. Either they will live happily ever after or they won't, and either ending would be plausible. That too is a skill that many new authors don't have readily: to convince the reader that any number of endings could occur and they could all be right.
I recommend this novel to anyone interested in the struggles of young love, suspense and mystery, and magical worlds such as New Orleans.
The novel is mainly set in New Orleans, and the author does a wonderful job of making you feel that you are there with Oz and Adrienne as they walk the streets of the French Quarter and the Garden District. The differences within New Orleans class culture are illuminating ("Life did not stop for the dead here the way it did only a few miles away in New Orleans. None of the celebrations of the deceased were found in this cold, crisp suburb.") and help the reader understand the complex issues that face Oz, Adrienne, and a number of other characters.
Oz is five years older than Adrienne and a long-time friend of her family. Adrienne is only 16 when they begin their affair and initially it feels (to this reader) somewhat incestuous. But that is part of the tension, for as a typical 16-year-old, Adrienne is headstrong and convinced that Oz is the love of her short life. Oz, although he quickly falls in love with Adrienne, has that turn of conscience that makes the reader not just like him, but also hope that they can and will be together happily ever after.
But the parents intervene, an tragic accident occurs, and Adrienne leaves and then returns to Oz and then leaves again. Throughout the novel, Oz is forever playing the grown-up to Adrienne's willful, confused, and heartsick lover. I did come to care for them both, even if I was also impatient with them at times. But, again, that was part of the attraction of the story: you can't help but have an opinion about their behavior as they struggle to understand each other and overcome the forces that continually get in their way.
The structure of the novel was difficult to navigate at first, with chapters of flashbacks alternating with other chapters of flashbacks. I read the novel as an e-book, and I think it would have been easier for me if I had read it in paperback, easier to flip pages back and forth. Fortunately, Ms. Cradit indicates at the beginning of each chapter, what the year is, the ages of Oz and Adrienne, and also whose voice begins the chapter. The fact that she did lay a "map" (so to speak) for the reader suggests that she also was mindful of the challenges of this particular structure.
Alternating present day with flashbacks is a very difficult storyline to master, and I did feel some frustration at times when I found myself going deeper into the past when I felt like I should be moving forward. But by that point, I was committed to reading the novel. I needed to know how things would turn out for Oz and Adrienne. My reward was that about halfway through, even though most of the novel was still in the past, there was a sense of moving forward, a sense of coming to some resolution with the upheavals in the affair of Oz and Adrienne.
I won't give away the ending, but I can say that for the longest time, I felt it could go either way. Either they will live happily ever after or they won't, and either ending would be plausible. That too is a skill that many new authors don't have readily: to convince the reader that any number of endings could occur and they could all be right.
I recommend this novel to anyone interested in the struggles of young love, suspense and mystery, and magical worlds such as New Orleans.
June 29, 2013
(Book received from the author in exchange for an honest review)
I’ll start this review with the good.
Oz, the narrator, is a fantastically realized character who manages to be both likable and relatable despite his privileged upbringing. Oz becomes romantically involved with Adrienne while the latter is still underage; he questions and reflects on this situation constantly, enabling the reader to root for the relationship despite the rather iffy details of it. His character and development were consistently believable and very well written. By the book’s ending, he is well and truly a changed man, and his changes is entirely consistent with his experiences over the story. Said ending, by the way, was immensely satisfying and provided a real sense of finality for all the characters involved.
Unfortunately, I’m not convinced that I’d have made it far enough to see the good parts had I not agreed to write a review.
The main problem, for me, was the description in the book. The book has a serious habit of over-describing things, some of which are of questionable relevance. One scene, for instance, consists of a room-by-room description of Oz’s house followed by a detailed description of the house’s surroundings. In another scene were are told a large chunk of Oz’s mother’s life history, even though the character turns out to be of limited importance. Even in cases when description was called for, the writing felt ever so slightly denser than it really needed to be. That said, this did make it easy for me to visualize the scenery in the novel and I got the impression that the author must have researched the setting quite extensively
I'll say some words about Adrienne, Oz’s principle love interest. Frankly, I didn’t find her pre-amnesiac self to be believable in the slightest. She is apparently a child prodigy, having managed to read “from Dickens to Dostoevsky” by the ripe age of nine. By sixteen, she describes herself as “a fan” of War And Peace and is close to finishing the book for the second time. Other books under her belt include The Great Gatsby (believable on its own, to be fair) and The Canterbury Tales. In addition, she also manages to write three novels, at least one of which is (according to Oz) a work of genius. Even allowing for the possibility of Oz being an unreliable narrator, these details quickly became annoying.
I should point out here that Adrienne is far from flawless. Before her accident, she is incredibly naive and is far too keen to move her relationship with Oz forward, though this didn’t make her any easier for me to swallow. By the time she and Oz are reunited, years of isolation have left her nervy and unsure of herself. This new Adrienne was a lot more rounded a character and, consequently, was far more enjoyable to read about. I dearly wish that the narrative had spent more time on this part of her life and less on her younger self.
Finally, I would like to tip my proverbial hat to the character of Angelique. Saying too much on the matter would spoil it, but suffice it to say that she turned out to be one of the most interesting fictional characters I’ve come across in a while.
Overall, St. Charles at Dusk is a book that you really need to work towards to get the most out of it. The underlying romance between Oz and Adrienne was compelling to read, but the dense style of the book frequently tested my patience. Barring a major slump in reading material, I really can’t see myself continuing with this series.
I’ll start this review with the good.
Oz, the narrator, is a fantastically realized character who manages to be both likable and relatable despite his privileged upbringing. Oz becomes romantically involved with Adrienne while the latter is still underage; he questions and reflects on this situation constantly, enabling the reader to root for the relationship despite the rather iffy details of it. His character and development were consistently believable and very well written. By the book’s ending, he is well and truly a changed man, and his changes is entirely consistent with his experiences over the story. Said ending, by the way, was immensely satisfying and provided a real sense of finality for all the characters involved.
Unfortunately, I’m not convinced that I’d have made it far enough to see the good parts had I not agreed to write a review.
The main problem, for me, was the description in the book. The book has a serious habit of over-describing things, some of which are of questionable relevance. One scene, for instance, consists of a room-by-room description of Oz’s house followed by a detailed description of the house’s surroundings. In another scene were are told a large chunk of Oz’s mother’s life history, even though the character turns out to be of limited importance. Even in cases when description was called for, the writing felt ever so slightly denser than it really needed to be. That said, this did make it easy for me to visualize the scenery in the novel and I got the impression that the author must have researched the setting quite extensively
I'll say some words about Adrienne, Oz’s principle love interest. Frankly, I didn’t find her pre-amnesiac self to be believable in the slightest. She is apparently a child prodigy, having managed to read “from Dickens to Dostoevsky” by the ripe age of nine. By sixteen, she describes herself as “a fan” of War And Peace and is close to finishing the book for the second time. Other books under her belt include The Great Gatsby (believable on its own, to be fair) and The Canterbury Tales. In addition, she also manages to write three novels, at least one of which is (according to Oz) a work of genius. Even allowing for the possibility of Oz being an unreliable narrator, these details quickly became annoying.
I should point out here that Adrienne is far from flawless. Before her accident, she is incredibly naive and is far too keen to move her relationship with Oz forward, though this didn’t make her any easier for me to swallow. By the time she and Oz are reunited, years of isolation have left her nervy and unsure of herself. This new Adrienne was a lot more rounded a character and, consequently, was far more enjoyable to read about. I dearly wish that the narrative had spent more time on this part of her life and less on her younger self.
Finally, I would like to tip my proverbial hat to the character of Angelique. Saying too much on the matter would spoil it, but suffice it to say that she turned out to be one of the most interesting fictional characters I’ve come across in a while.
Overall, St. Charles at Dusk is a book that you really need to work towards to get the most out of it. The underlying romance between Oz and Adrienne was compelling to read, but the dense style of the book frequently tested my patience. Barring a major slump in reading material, I really can’t see myself continuing with this series.
February 15, 2014
St. Charles at Dusk is an angst filled love story that spans many years. I loved it. Sarah M. Cradit is quite simply an incredibly gifted writer, with an ability to write that leaves me stunned. Throughout this novel I felt like I was reading a love letter, to New Orleans, to the Deschanel family, to Oz and Adrienne themselves. It was beautiful and wonderful and heartbreaking, all of the things that I love in a good story.
What spans the years is the relationship of Oz and Adrienne, the complicated and often heartbreaking circumstances that they find themselves in by their own choices and the choices of others. Oz grew up with the Deschanel family, his father being their family lawyer, he became best friends with Nicolas, the eldest of the children. As the years go by, the secrets of the past, the complicated family connections and the unending drama grows, becoming ever complicated. But out of all of this the relationship between Oz and Nicolas' sister, Adrienne forms. Beginning as a sibling type relationship and moving towards romance when Adrienne is 16 years old.
After a tragic accident that leaves Adrienne's three sisters, father and step-mother dead and Adrienne missing. Heartbroken Oz begins to move on with his life until he receives a phone call from Adrienne. Unbeknownst to everyone, Adrienne has been alive this entire time, but she is suffering from a severe case of amnesia that has left her with no knowledge of her past. Through a twist of fate, she gets in contact with Oz and it sets off a chain of reactions that is explosive.
Told from the dual points of view of Oz and Adrienne and delving into the past of their life and their relationships. It's sumptuous, it's frustrating, it's gorgeous.
I really loved Oz, he's so interesting and sweet. A genuinely good man, he has loved Adrienne for so long and his love for her is so pure and wonderful that I couldn't help but understand why he loved her, and why he continued to do so. And Adrienne, she's so young, her life has had held so much heartbreak and when she is dealing with the aftermath of the accident and trying to remember, it's so very bittersweet. There were times that I was frustrated with her decisions, but I still understood why she believed she was making the best decision. I genuinely liked her and her love for Oz is heartbreakingly beautiful.
All in all, I really truly loved this novel. It's a gorgeous love story, filled with pain, heartbreak, and misunderstandings, but it's also filled with sumptuous history, and a love story that I won't ever forget.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
What spans the years is the relationship of Oz and Adrienne, the complicated and often heartbreaking circumstances that they find themselves in by their own choices and the choices of others. Oz grew up with the Deschanel family, his father being their family lawyer, he became best friends with Nicolas, the eldest of the children. As the years go by, the secrets of the past, the complicated family connections and the unending drama grows, becoming ever complicated. But out of all of this the relationship between Oz and Nicolas' sister, Adrienne forms. Beginning as a sibling type relationship and moving towards romance when Adrienne is 16 years old.
After a tragic accident that leaves Adrienne's three sisters, father and step-mother dead and Adrienne missing. Heartbroken Oz begins to move on with his life until he receives a phone call from Adrienne. Unbeknownst to everyone, Adrienne has been alive this entire time, but she is suffering from a severe case of amnesia that has left her with no knowledge of her past. Through a twist of fate, she gets in contact with Oz and it sets off a chain of reactions that is explosive.
Told from the dual points of view of Oz and Adrienne and delving into the past of their life and their relationships. It's sumptuous, it's frustrating, it's gorgeous.
I really loved Oz, he's so interesting and sweet. A genuinely good man, he has loved Adrienne for so long and his love for her is so pure and wonderful that I couldn't help but understand why he loved her, and why he continued to do so. And Adrienne, she's so young, her life has had held so much heartbreak and when she is dealing with the aftermath of the accident and trying to remember, it's so very bittersweet. There were times that I was frustrated with her decisions, but I still understood why she believed she was making the best decision. I genuinely liked her and her love for Oz is heartbreakingly beautiful.
All in all, I really truly loved this novel. It's a gorgeous love story, filled with pain, heartbreak, and misunderstandings, but it's also filled with sumptuous history, and a love story that I won't ever forget.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
February 3, 2014
**REVISED REVIEW**
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of the revised St. Charles at Dusk. While I loved the first version, I really loved the newer version. Cradit took out verbiage, tightened it up and left us with the same great story, only better.
St. Charles at Dusk is Southern Fiction at its finest! With her first book in The House of Crimson and Clover Series, Sarah M. Cradit managed to create a timeless story of romance, mystery, intrigue and just the right about dysfunctional family drama. Sarah takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey with main characters Oz and Adrienne with her unique form of storytelling. Not one to normally enjoy lots of flashbacks in a book, I found myself thoroughly enthralled in Sarah’s style. With the help of the flashbacks, we are treated to rich character development so that we are able to understand present-day feelings, decisions and behaviors. Speaking of characters, please meet Oz Sullivan. Oh, Oz…what’s not to love? He is a man who reads for his own enjoyment, takes pleasure in learning, prays for his friends and family and those in need, and the man has Saints season tickets! Umm yeah…he’s pretty much perfect in every way. Oz’s ability to love, forgive and protect the flawed and damaged, but relatable Adrienne Deschanel made him an even stronger character. Their history together in the city of New Orleans is compelling to say the least. Ahh yes, New Orleans! New Orleans is not just the setting in this book, it is a full-blown character! Sarah’s ability to make a setting come alive is almost unparalleled. Her descriptive language brought my favorite city alive! I wanted to live in Oz’s cottage on the corner of Seventh and Coliseum; I wanted his floor to ceiling windows; I wanted to walk down St. Charles at dusk; I wanted to live in this book! I credit Sarah for my almost weekly trips to New Orleans since reading it. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. She reminded me of some of my favorite places…Galatoire’s, Antoine’s and Faulkner House Books (which I haven’t visited yet, but will soon)!
From the Leo Tolstoy quotes to the Jay Gatsby and Daisy reference to the broad and descriptive language and witty conversations, this book screams, “Smart writer…one to watch!” Download and read St. Charles at Dusk now! I can't wait to start The Storm and the Darkness (The House of Crimson and Clover, #2) so I'll be ready for the expected January release of The Illusions of Eventide (The House of Crimson and Clover, #3)!
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of the revised St. Charles at Dusk. While I loved the first version, I really loved the newer version. Cradit took out verbiage, tightened it up and left us with the same great story, only better.
St. Charles at Dusk is Southern Fiction at its finest! With her first book in The House of Crimson and Clover Series, Sarah M. Cradit managed to create a timeless story of romance, mystery, intrigue and just the right about dysfunctional family drama. Sarah takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey with main characters Oz and Adrienne with her unique form of storytelling. Not one to normally enjoy lots of flashbacks in a book, I found myself thoroughly enthralled in Sarah’s style. With the help of the flashbacks, we are treated to rich character development so that we are able to understand present-day feelings, decisions and behaviors. Speaking of characters, please meet Oz Sullivan. Oh, Oz…what’s not to love? He is a man who reads for his own enjoyment, takes pleasure in learning, prays for his friends and family and those in need, and the man has Saints season tickets! Umm yeah…he’s pretty much perfect in every way. Oz’s ability to love, forgive and protect the flawed and damaged, but relatable Adrienne Deschanel made him an even stronger character. Their history together in the city of New Orleans is compelling to say the least. Ahh yes, New Orleans! New Orleans is not just the setting in this book, it is a full-blown character! Sarah’s ability to make a setting come alive is almost unparalleled. Her descriptive language brought my favorite city alive! I wanted to live in Oz’s cottage on the corner of Seventh and Coliseum; I wanted his floor to ceiling windows; I wanted to walk down St. Charles at dusk; I wanted to live in this book! I credit Sarah for my almost weekly trips to New Orleans since reading it. I didn’t realize how much I missed it. She reminded me of some of my favorite places…Galatoire’s, Antoine’s and Faulkner House Books (which I haven’t visited yet, but will soon)!
From the Leo Tolstoy quotes to the Jay Gatsby and Daisy reference to the broad and descriptive language and witty conversations, this book screams, “Smart writer…one to watch!” Download and read St. Charles at Dusk now! I can't wait to start The Storm and the Darkness (The House of Crimson and Clover, #2) so I'll be ready for the expected January release of The Illusions of Eventide (The House of Crimson and Clover, #3)!
June 27, 2013
“The feeling I had from seeing that look gave me butterflies, only roller-coaster caliber. It was a way Janie had never been able to make me feel, but I had always wished she could so that I could associate that feeling with her instead of this girl that no I no longer wanted to feel that way about.” –Oz
St. Charles at Dusk tells the tale of southern gentleman Oz Sullivan and his love for his best friend’s younger sister, Adrienne Deschanel. Although Oz knew Adrienne since she was a little girl, he didn’t truly notice her until she was sixteen, but from that point on, he could see nothing else. From the start, their relationship is destined to fail. Oz is five- years- older, Adrienne’s father is a powerful man who will do anything in his power to keep them apart, and (for what I see as the main cause) for whatever reason, Adrienne doesn’t feel worthy of being loved. She is her own worst enemy and therefore sabotages their relationship better than anyone else could.
St. Charles at Dusk is an emotional rollercoaster for the reader, with blissful highs when Oz and Adrienne are together, and devastating lows when they’re apart. The first time they part, Adrienne’s father, step-mother, and three sisters are found dead in a swamp but Adrienne’s body is never found. It’s as if she vanished in the Louisiana bayou. When she returns to New Orleans, three years later, she has no recollection of her past. Once again, she disappears and Oz is forced to move on. He marries a woman named Janie and he loves her, but it’s not the passionate love that he feels for Adrienne- the kind of love that leaves lasting footprints on your heart no matter how much sand you cover them with. After Janie dies, Adrienne appears, and once again Oz is forced to face a past he so desperately wants to forget, but the past has away of coming back, (or rather, never leaving in the first place) especially when it involves your first love.
St. Charles at Dusk is a hauntingly beautiful tale, one that will linger in your heart long after you finish the last page. This is by far one of the best books that I’ve read this year and I cannot wait to read the sequel in this amazing series!
June 14, 2013
*I was given a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I have to admit I struggled a little with this book simply because I felt confused by the switching time frames and POVs, but I completely understand why the book is written in this way.
The story itself was extremely visual and as someone who has always wished to visit New Orleans, it often felt as if I were there, yet sometimes the descriptions were too detailed and I felt a little bogged down with information. Cradit paints pictures with her descriptions, which as an author myself, I struggle with sometimes. I almost found myself looking out of my own window and almost expecting to see the grounds at Ophelie.
The character of Oz is very likeable as he comes across as very real. Not only is he a genuinely nice guy, he also constantly questions himself about his attraction to Adrienne. If he hadn't, I probably wouldn't have finished the book in all honesty. Although I don't have problems with age gaps in relationships, I think the fact that his love interest is merely 16 would have raised eyebrows (as it does in the book) if he hadn't constantly assessed it the way he does.
Adrienne was a character that I liked, yet I couldn't identify with as much as Oz. I wasn't born into the wealth she was, I'm not super intelligent the way she is, and I don't have a 'mother' like Cordelia. But, she is likeable. Some of the things she said in the book before being sent away at 13, made me smile as she still had a child's naivete on top of her intellect which made for an interesting contrast. I think if Cradit hadn't done that with her, the character could have come across as snooty.
All in all, the story is compelling to read because of the mystery surrounding Adrienne and her memory loss, and also the death of Janie, I just feel it was a little drawn out in places. I wanted answers faster than they were given and I was also left with some questions which I hope will be answered later in the series. Yes, I will be reading more as I enjoyed the book, I just didn't adore it.
see this, and other reviews, over on http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/
I have to admit I struggled a little with this book simply because I felt confused by the switching time frames and POVs, but I completely understand why the book is written in this way.
The story itself was extremely visual and as someone who has always wished to visit New Orleans, it often felt as if I were there, yet sometimes the descriptions were too detailed and I felt a little bogged down with information. Cradit paints pictures with her descriptions, which as an author myself, I struggle with sometimes. I almost found myself looking out of my own window and almost expecting to see the grounds at Ophelie.
The character of Oz is very likeable as he comes across as very real. Not only is he a genuinely nice guy, he also constantly questions himself about his attraction to Adrienne. If he hadn't, I probably wouldn't have finished the book in all honesty. Although I don't have problems with age gaps in relationships, I think the fact that his love interest is merely 16 would have raised eyebrows (as it does in the book) if he hadn't constantly assessed it the way he does.
Adrienne was a character that I liked, yet I couldn't identify with as much as Oz. I wasn't born into the wealth she was, I'm not super intelligent the way she is, and I don't have a 'mother' like Cordelia. But, she is likeable. Some of the things she said in the book before being sent away at 13, made me smile as she still had a child's naivete on top of her intellect which made for an interesting contrast. I think if Cradit hadn't done that with her, the character could have come across as snooty.
All in all, the story is compelling to read because of the mystery surrounding Adrienne and her memory loss, and also the death of Janie, I just feel it was a little drawn out in places. I wanted answers faster than they were given and I was also left with some questions which I hope will be answered later in the series. Yes, I will be reading more as I enjoyed the book, I just didn't adore it.
see this, and other reviews, over on http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/
March 1, 2014
****Revised Review****
I really fell in love with this story and Oz Sullivan in the first edition of this book and did not see any way to improve the story set out before me. I was both right and wrong! This new edition keeps the same heart wrenching love story of Oz and Adrienne. They are a perfect couple who suffer from terrible timing. You can feel the honest emotions from Oz as he struggles with trying to make the right decisions and following his heart. Adrienne suffers not only unavoidable tragedies but from mistakes of her own doing. It is painful at times to watch this struggle simply because I want to see a happy outcome. Written between both Oz and Adrienne's view points, with flashbacks of their lives together and apart, you get a complete understanding of their trials and tribulations as well as a deeper understanding of their love. The descriptive abilities of this author astound me! New Orleans has become my number one must visit city. If the city of New Orleans want to increase tourism, they should have Ms. Cradit write the descriptions for the city. It was so easy to imagine every street, district, and quarter with historic buildings and small neighborhood shops. The new version does have less of this beautiful descriptive detailing but it doesn't detract from the overall feel of the story. Some additions to the book were very exciting. More was added about the Deschanel family's involvement in the series and paranormal elements were added as well. The later books are more heavily involved with supernatural abilities and that was missing from the original St. Charles at Dusk. A wider array of family members are at least mentioned in this new version as well. I think it only adds to my desire to read the entire series. This is a prequel and the series has interactions that will answer some of the open ended situations that were not wrapped up in this book. There are no real cliff hangers to leave me unsatisfied with the end of this book. The improvements made to this story were well chosen and only add to the overall series. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance fraught with obstacles.
I really fell in love with this story and Oz Sullivan in the first edition of this book and did not see any way to improve the story set out before me. I was both right and wrong! This new edition keeps the same heart wrenching love story of Oz and Adrienne. They are a perfect couple who suffer from terrible timing. You can feel the honest emotions from Oz as he struggles with trying to make the right decisions and following his heart. Adrienne suffers not only unavoidable tragedies but from mistakes of her own doing. It is painful at times to watch this struggle simply because I want to see a happy outcome. Written between both Oz and Adrienne's view points, with flashbacks of their lives together and apart, you get a complete understanding of their trials and tribulations as well as a deeper understanding of their love. The descriptive abilities of this author astound me! New Orleans has become my number one must visit city. If the city of New Orleans want to increase tourism, they should have Ms. Cradit write the descriptions for the city. It was so easy to imagine every street, district, and quarter with historic buildings and small neighborhood shops. The new version does have less of this beautiful descriptive detailing but it doesn't detract from the overall feel of the story. Some additions to the book were very exciting. More was added about the Deschanel family's involvement in the series and paranormal elements were added as well. The later books are more heavily involved with supernatural abilities and that was missing from the original St. Charles at Dusk. A wider array of family members are at least mentioned in this new version as well. I think it only adds to my desire to read the entire series. This is a prequel and the series has interactions that will answer some of the open ended situations that were not wrapped up in this book. There are no real cliff hangers to leave me unsatisfied with the end of this book. The improvements made to this story were well chosen and only add to the overall series. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance fraught with obstacles.
July 6, 2013
St. Charles at Dusk, the first book in The House of Crimson and Clover series, is a compelling and engaging story of young love set in the charm and beauty that is the seductive city of New Orleans, surrounded by the mystery of Louisiana swampland. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for good Southern Fiction or romance that is constructed with real substance. I have lived in the Deep South most all of my long life, visited New Orleans and the surrounding area frequently, and Sarah Cradit’s descriptions are near perfection. The novel made feel as if I had taken another extended visit, only this time I knew people intimately and wasn’t a tourist.
The techniques of multiple points of view and analepsis are very intelligently and effectively used by the author. Cradit employs analepsis, and pensieve in some instances (flashbacks), in a manner that provides crucial backstory and slows the story down in a good way so that each individual piece of it can be savored. I really enjoyed the ebb and flow. The story was spiced with just enough individual history to give the characters a most genuine space and depth of their own but not so much as to cause this reader to lose focus on the storyline. The characters are very well developed from the use of MPOV. You come to understand their emotions and their behaviors deeply, their internal and external conflicts.
Cradit writes with a stream of consciousness style that turns the literary work into a story telling experience. She is able to capture both your senses and your soul with her words. The plot starts off slow and rather common. Cradit makes up for that with a fantastically convoluted and multi-layered story rich in thought and design. The novel is suspenseful and holds its anagnorisis til the very end. The Sullivans, the Deschanels, and even the Fontaines become real, believable, and traditional Southern families in a novel you will long remember. St. Charles at Dusk was a delightful read and I look forward to Sarah Cradit’s next publication. I would easily give five stars.
The techniques of multiple points of view and analepsis are very intelligently and effectively used by the author. Cradit employs analepsis, and pensieve in some instances (flashbacks), in a manner that provides crucial backstory and slows the story down in a good way so that each individual piece of it can be savored. I really enjoyed the ebb and flow. The story was spiced with just enough individual history to give the characters a most genuine space and depth of their own but not so much as to cause this reader to lose focus on the storyline. The characters are very well developed from the use of MPOV. You come to understand their emotions and their behaviors deeply, their internal and external conflicts.
Cradit writes with a stream of consciousness style that turns the literary work into a story telling experience. She is able to capture both your senses and your soul with her words. The plot starts off slow and rather common. Cradit makes up for that with a fantastically convoluted and multi-layered story rich in thought and design. The novel is suspenseful and holds its anagnorisis til the very end. The Sullivans, the Deschanels, and even the Fontaines become real, believable, and traditional Southern families in a novel you will long remember. St. Charles at Dusk was a delightful read and I look forward to Sarah Cradit’s next publication. I would easily give five stars.
August 9, 2013
I do not typically read romance, save an addiction to Anne Rice in my youth. I want to put that out there, so you know where the review is coming from. There are tropes and expectations in any genre, and not being used to this one, I was surprised how easily I was able to slide into this story. The characters are rich and interesting, the story unfolds in an unusual but ultimately satisfying style, and all in all, I ended up really enjoying the read.
Now more specifically, it took me a bit to realize I like the story. It was, in fact, as I was yelling at the screen (e-version) in the fourth chapter that I realized I had been drawn in. The story has a slow simmer of a start, and ramps up gradually. By chapter 21, however, I was surprised to find that I had actually fallen in {literary} love with Adrienne, not her knight in shining armor, Oz. For me he never became a person I was cheering for, despite that fact that he seems to be the only sane one in the story. I'm not sure that was the intention, but I just couldn't find it in my heart to like the guy.
Unfortunately, I did find the ending abrupt.
Now more specifically, it took me a bit to realize I like the story. It was, in fact, as I was yelling at the screen (e-version) in the fourth chapter that I realized I had been drawn in. The story has a slow simmer of a start, and ramps up gradually. By chapter 21, however, I was surprised to find that I had actually fallen in {literary} love with Adrienne, not her knight in shining armor, Oz. For me he never became a person I was cheering for, despite that fact that he seems to be the only sane one in the story. I'm not sure that was the intention, but I just couldn't find it in my heart to like the guy.
Unfortunately, I did find the ending abrupt.
March 14, 2014
Kendall's Review:
I must say, after reading "St Charles at Dusk" from cover to cover, I was left wanting more. I am glad this is not a stand alone.
Characters: 3/5
The characters are colourful, each in their own unique ways and each bringing dramatic twists to the unraveling romances, scandals and tragedies.
Janine: Sarah painted a dreary, wet and somber day, as to be expected on such a day of sorrow. I must admit I wanted to know more about Janine and her daughter Naomi.
Oz or Colin Sullivan: To me Oz seemed very conflicted from the word go. He was distraught over his loss, yet his love for another was over powering. His character was strong and determined, yet sensible and disciplined.
Adrienne: Adrienne is a woman who stands firm for what she believes in, even if it means facing the consequences. She is portrayed as a free spirited and colourful.
Oz and Adrienne: As the plot unfolded and the tragic story of Oz and Adrienne's love came to light, I found myself hoping for a happy ending. It was good to read a true love story. A love that withstood lies tragedies, deceit and betrayal and despite the interfere was strong enough to walk hand in hand and so in love.
Plot, pace & writing style: 3/5 The plot (4) was good but the pace(2) was a little bit slow. The writing style was easy and enjoyable.
The cover: The cover is dark and mysterious, yet does not reveal much about the journey that lies within. It does however paint a picture of the Deschanels family home ' Ophêlie'.
Final thoughts: 3/5 I loved how the story unfolded, leaving me wondering what was to happen next. I would like to find out more about the remaining members of the Deschanels family.
I look forward to 'the Storm and the Darkness'.
I must say, after reading "St Charles at Dusk" from cover to cover, I was left wanting more. I am glad this is not a stand alone.
Characters: 3/5
The characters are colourful, each in their own unique ways and each bringing dramatic twists to the unraveling romances, scandals and tragedies.
Janine: Sarah painted a dreary, wet and somber day, as to be expected on such a day of sorrow. I must admit I wanted to know more about Janine and her daughter Naomi.
Oz or Colin Sullivan: To me Oz seemed very conflicted from the word go. He was distraught over his loss, yet his love for another was over powering. His character was strong and determined, yet sensible and disciplined.
Adrienne: Adrienne is a woman who stands firm for what she believes in, even if it means facing the consequences. She is portrayed as a free spirited and colourful.
Oz and Adrienne: As the plot unfolded and the tragic story of Oz and Adrienne's love came to light, I found myself hoping for a happy ending. It was good to read a true love story. A love that withstood lies tragedies, deceit and betrayal and despite the interfere was strong enough to walk hand in hand and so in love.
Plot, pace & writing style: 3/5 The plot (4) was good but the pace(2) was a little bit slow. The writing style was easy and enjoyable.
The cover: The cover is dark and mysterious, yet does not reveal much about the journey that lies within. It does however paint a picture of the Deschanels family home ' Ophêlie'.
Final thoughts: 3/5 I loved how the story unfolded, leaving me wondering what was to happen next. I would like to find out more about the remaining members of the Deschanels family.
I look forward to 'the Storm and the Darkness'.
August 6, 2016
3.5 stars
Oz Sullivan was 21 and totally infatuated by Adrienne Deschanel despite the fact she was only 16 and the sister of his best friend. They began a love affair aided by Nicolas, Oz’s friend and Adrienne’s brother, who lets them meet at his home. That is, until they were discovered by Adrienne’s father and she was forbidden to see Oz again.
Adrienne’s parents intervened further and decided to take Adrienne and her sisters away on holiday. Oz and Adrienne made plans to elope. Before they could take their plans further the family lost their lives in a tragic accident. Her father, mother and sisters, all dead, but Adrienne’s body was never found.
Three years pass and Oz is an attorney in the family firm. His life is turned upside down when he learns Adrienne has been found but with no memory of her life before the accident. He’s reluctant to open old wounds but finds himself drawn into the unfolding drama.
Thoughts
The first quarter or so of the book was slightly confusing due to the storyline flashbacks, time frames and different points of view, I think because they were quite long and detailed and, if I’m honest, hard to grasp initially.
The writing is very descriptive and makes New Orleans come alive and the pictures in my head of Oz’s cottage were lovely. I want to live there! Sometimes during the story I found it quite hard to like Adrienne, she came across as quite selfish and childish more so than when she was younger.
It’s a story of love and loss with overlapping aspects of mystery and deception. The threads of the story were woven together well and once I was drawn in I enjoyed it a lot.
Oz Sullivan was 21 and totally infatuated by Adrienne Deschanel despite the fact she was only 16 and the sister of his best friend. They began a love affair aided by Nicolas, Oz’s friend and Adrienne’s brother, who lets them meet at his home. That is, until they were discovered by Adrienne’s father and she was forbidden to see Oz again.
Adrienne’s parents intervened further and decided to take Adrienne and her sisters away on holiday. Oz and Adrienne made plans to elope. Before they could take their plans further the family lost their lives in a tragic accident. Her father, mother and sisters, all dead, but Adrienne’s body was never found.
Three years pass and Oz is an attorney in the family firm. His life is turned upside down when he learns Adrienne has been found but with no memory of her life before the accident. He’s reluctant to open old wounds but finds himself drawn into the unfolding drama.
Thoughts
The first quarter or so of the book was slightly confusing due to the storyline flashbacks, time frames and different points of view, I think because they were quite long and detailed and, if I’m honest, hard to grasp initially.
The writing is very descriptive and makes New Orleans come alive and the pictures in my head of Oz’s cottage were lovely. I want to live there! Sometimes during the story I found it quite hard to like Adrienne, she came across as quite selfish and childish more so than when she was younger.
It’s a story of love and loss with overlapping aspects of mystery and deception. The threads of the story were woven together well and once I was drawn in I enjoyed it a lot.
June 25, 2013
Initially it was the constant back and forth through time that made this story extremely difficult to follow, with each one of the flashbacks several chapters long, which pull the reader in, but then when you are thrown back into the present the momentum of the story immediately stalls and the reader finds themselves starting all over again. It was not until I was well over half way through the book that I figured out what was doing and the author’s stream of thought. The story itself is beautifully written, and the concept is very romantic – Oz and Adrienne falling in love very young and forces outside of them always tearing them apart only to have them come back together several times over at various points in their lives lends itself to more realism as it pertains to how some relationships work out. You find yourself latching onto the characters and more than once wanting those like Angelique and Adrienne’s Stepmother, Cordelia, to get their come uppance for the pain and evil they’ve inflicted on these families. I found myself rooting for Oz and Adrienne hoping they would find a way to work through their issues to once again come together in the end for their happy ending. However, the constant jumping around in time left me wishing the book was ordered differently.
This is a book I highly reccommend to anyone looking for romance, intrigue and a little mystery!
This is a book I highly reccommend to anyone looking for romance, intrigue and a little mystery!
August 12, 2016
St. Charles at Dusk is the amazingly well written story of Oz and Adrienne. It is a story full of joy, and heartache, friendship, and most of all, love. We, the reader, get to know them as they go from acquaintances, to friends, to lovers, and then back around again.
This book is the prequel to the House of Crimson and Clover series and your first introduction to the amazing characters, the opulent backdrop that is so vividly detailed you could open your book and step right on to the streets of New Orleans, and this fabulous author whose awe inspiring talent knows no limits. Seriously, once you open a Sarah M. Cradit novel, there is no closing it until you've reached the last page.
I felt many emotions while reading this book. Frustration towards Adrienne, pity and love for Oz and his efforts, anger towards Adrienne's bayou family, pure happiness as I ran down the street in the rain...
You feel it all and you can see it all right along with the characters. That is one of my favorite parts of this book and this series as a whole. The great writing really brings it to life for you.
St. Charles at Dusk is a quintessential love story that you'll want to read again and again. But don't stop there. Make sure you buy the rest of the books in this series too. You will love them all!
This book is the prequel to the House of Crimson and Clover series and your first introduction to the amazing characters, the opulent backdrop that is so vividly detailed you could open your book and step right on to the streets of New Orleans, and this fabulous author whose awe inspiring talent knows no limits. Seriously, once you open a Sarah M. Cradit novel, there is no closing it until you've reached the last page.
I felt many emotions while reading this book. Frustration towards Adrienne, pity and love for Oz and his efforts, anger towards Adrienne's bayou family, pure happiness as I ran down the street in the rain...
You feel it all and you can see it all right along with the characters. That is one of my favorite parts of this book and this series as a whole. The great writing really brings it to life for you.
St. Charles at Dusk is a quintessential love story that you'll want to read again and again. But don't stop there. Make sure you buy the rest of the books in this series too. You will love them all!
August 27, 2016
*** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
I began St. Charles at Dusk without a single clue as to what I was getting myself into. I had not read the synopsis nor had I read any of the books in the series previously. I was blown away. Normally I plow through a book with a vengeance because I cannot get enough. This time, however, I chose to savor and nurture my read.
St. Charles at Dusk is an amazingly powerful story of friendship, family, sacrifice and love. Set amongst the beautiful and intriguing city of New Orleans, we are drawn into the complicated relationship of Oz Sullivan and Adrienne Deschanel. While the story starts on a day that is full of conflicting emotion and sadness, it is only but a small part of a long and emotional journey.
I loved the manner in which Sarah Cradit approached the story of these two individuals through each point of view and addressing points of the past. Through this type of storytelling you instantly become invested in the relationship of Oz and Adrienne, as well as those that surround them.
Throughout the entire book I found myself drawn to every word, every moment and every emotion each of the characters held. I am an instant fan and cannot wait for more of this series and people I have grown to care for.
I began St. Charles at Dusk without a single clue as to what I was getting myself into. I had not read the synopsis nor had I read any of the books in the series previously. I was blown away. Normally I plow through a book with a vengeance because I cannot get enough. This time, however, I chose to savor and nurture my read.
St. Charles at Dusk is an amazingly powerful story of friendship, family, sacrifice and love. Set amongst the beautiful and intriguing city of New Orleans, we are drawn into the complicated relationship of Oz Sullivan and Adrienne Deschanel. While the story starts on a day that is full of conflicting emotion and sadness, it is only but a small part of a long and emotional journey.
I loved the manner in which Sarah Cradit approached the story of these two individuals through each point of view and addressing points of the past. Through this type of storytelling you instantly become invested in the relationship of Oz and Adrienne, as well as those that surround them.
Throughout the entire book I found myself drawn to every word, every moment and every emotion each of the characters held. I am an instant fan and cannot wait for more of this series and people I have grown to care for.
August 24, 2016
Audiobook - Narration, LC Kane, Really Good. Good pacing, nice southern drawl, good storytelling.
This story was really different to me. It was a heartbreaking romance, but also very much a mystery. It takes place in different time periods and moves back and forth through those times, giving you background that relates to what's happening in the modern day.
I have to admit that I was kind of lost in the beginning and had to go back and listen again (but at least I wanted to listen again). I didn't really understand who was who at first and when it started to come together for me, I quickly went back and re-listened to the beginning. The story of Oz and Adrienne is a complex web of mystery, lies, betrayal and heartbreak and once I figured out who everyone was, I was enthralled right to the end and really enjoyed the descriptive narrative of New Orleans, the gardens, the people - all just beautifully painted with words. Lovely story!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
This story was really different to me. It was a heartbreaking romance, but also very much a mystery. It takes place in different time periods and moves back and forth through those times, giving you background that relates to what's happening in the modern day.
I have to admit that I was kind of lost in the beginning and had to go back and listen again (but at least I wanted to listen again). I didn't really understand who was who at first and when it started to come together for me, I quickly went back and re-listened to the beginning. The story of Oz and Adrienne is a complex web of mystery, lies, betrayal and heartbreak and once I figured out who everyone was, I was enthralled right to the end and really enjoyed the descriptive narrative of New Orleans, the gardens, the people - all just beautifully painted with words. Lovely story!
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
June 13, 2013
This is an intricately woven tale of life, love and loss. St. Charles is so rich in detail that at times I felt almost lost in it. I had to learn to trust the author to bring me back on point when the plot was progressing. It is not by any means a quick read, it has layers and depth and requires a great deal of attention to keep up with the shifting time frames, flash backs and alternating perspectives, which I came to love. This book is definitely one that is about the journey rather than the conclusion. All that being said it is a wonderful journey to take and worth every minute that you will spend reading it. While at first I felt a little weighed down by the depth of detail, by the midpoint of the book I couldn't stop thinking about these characters and the complicated tale that was unfolding. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who truly loves to read!
February 3, 2014
Key Plot Elements: Enduring love aged well beyond its calendar years; Mystery; Drama; rich details about New Orleans and the surrounding area; adult content.
In this prequel to her House of Crimson & Clover series, Cradit introduces us to a cast of characters who are so real I caught myself scolding them, aloud, more than once. From a love story perspective, its twists, turns and heartbreak is reaffirming... we have all hurt someone we love. The mystery is deceptively simple with intriguing twists all the way through to the very last chapter.
Related in tandem, a story embedded within a story, the telling is engaging and totally immersive.
Well done, great read! Helps you appreciate the love you have, and forgive yourself for the hurt you've caused. We’ve all had good intentions...
In this prequel to her House of Crimson & Clover series, Cradit introduces us to a cast of characters who are so real I caught myself scolding them, aloud, more than once. From a love story perspective, its twists, turns and heartbreak is reaffirming... we have all hurt someone we love. The mystery is deceptively simple with intriguing twists all the way through to the very last chapter.
Related in tandem, a story embedded within a story, the telling is engaging and totally immersive.
Well done, great read! Helps you appreciate the love you have, and forgive yourself for the hurt you've caused. We’ve all had good intentions...
February 4, 2014
Thank you Sarah for taking me home! From the bayous of Abbeville, to the plantations of River Road, and on to the music, sights and smells of the French Quarter and Garden District, the descriptions were on point, the prose lovely, and the story, oh the story...
The story of Oz and Adrienne is almost Shakespearean in its tragedy, yet has a Bronte-esque feel at its conclusion. Complemented throughout with wit and humor, it is a tender and sad love story. It is a story of true and lasting love, two people coming of age, fighting adversity, and finding their way home to each other.
Sarah has created a world that is rich and vivid and alive! I want to be a part of it! I look forward to delving deeper in to the world of the House of Crimson and Clover!
**I received an ARC of this novel for an honest review.
~Michele
Dauntless Indies
The story of Oz and Adrienne is almost Shakespearean in its tragedy, yet has a Bronte-esque feel at its conclusion. Complemented throughout with wit and humor, it is a tender and sad love story. It is a story of true and lasting love, two people coming of age, fighting adversity, and finding their way home to each other.
Sarah has created a world that is rich and vivid and alive! I want to be a part of it! I look forward to delving deeper in to the world of the House of Crimson and Clover!
**I received an ARC of this novel for an honest review.
~Michele
Dauntless Indies
February 3, 2014
Key Plot Elements: Enduring love aged well beyond its calendar years; Mystery; Drama; rich details about New Orleans and the surrounding area; light touches of paranormal; adult content.
In this prequel to her House of Crimson & Clover series, Cradit introduces us to a cast of characters who are so real I caught myself scolding them, aloud, more than once. From a love story perspective, its twists, turns and heartbreak is reaffirming... we have all hurt someone we love. The mystery is deceptively simple with intriguing twists all the way through to the very last chapter.
Related in tandem, a story embedded within a story, the telling is engaging and totally immersive.
Well done, great read! Helps you appreciate the love you have, and forgive yourself for the hurt you've caused. We’ve all had good intentions...
In this prequel to her House of Crimson & Clover series, Cradit introduces us to a cast of characters who are so real I caught myself scolding them, aloud, more than once. From a love story perspective, its twists, turns and heartbreak is reaffirming... we have all hurt someone we love. The mystery is deceptively simple with intriguing twists all the way through to the very last chapter.
Related in tandem, a story embedded within a story, the telling is engaging and totally immersive.
Well done, great read! Helps you appreciate the love you have, and forgive yourself for the hurt you've caused. We’ve all had good intentions...
February 8, 2014
St. Charles at Dusk by Sarah Cradit had me hooked from the first page and took me on a ride of love and loss that I will not soon forget. I have never read a book that described the setting and location as well as this one. It was as if I was walking beside Oz and Adrienne on St. Charles and after finishing this story I have added New Orleans as a must visit destination in the near future. Every character was perfectly developed by Ms. Cradit and each page gave the reader a little closer look inside the thoughts and workings of each person. Oz was by far my favorite character in the book and I think every woman wishes for a little of his type of passionate and committed love in their life. St. Charles at Dusk gave me the perfect glimpse of the world that Sarah Cradit created and I look forward to reading the remaining books in the House of Crimson and Clover series.
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