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Tsura #2
House of Stone
Book 2 and conclusion of TSURA Duet. It's highly recommended to read Book 1 first before HOUSE OF STONE.
Tsura is shattered. The last year taught her two things. First, life is a process of losing. Second, the only way to survive it is to turn whatever’s left of her heart into stone.
But survive she will. She promised her brother Luca. Her husband Mihai also made promises to her brother. To protect her, or so he says. But he’s still holding on to secrets. Tsura doesn’t want to care. But keeping her vow to stay away from him is more difficult than she thought, especially with the memory of the passion-and-grief-filled night they spent together lodged so firmly in her head.
Meanwhile, Russia and Germany threaten to play out the last battles of the war with Romania as the stage. Bombs rip apart cities, revolutions split the nation, friends become enemies and old enemies become new threats. When the Communist banner is raised over Romania, neither Tsura nor Mihai is safe. If they escape with their lives, though, can they get past the pain they’ve lived through to once and for all be man and wife? Or will circumstances separate them forever?
Tsura is shattered. The last year taught her two things. First, life is a process of losing. Second, the only way to survive it is to turn whatever’s left of her heart into stone.
But survive she will. She promised her brother Luca. Her husband Mihai also made promises to her brother. To protect her, or so he says. But he’s still holding on to secrets. Tsura doesn’t want to care. But keeping her vow to stay away from him is more difficult than she thought, especially with the memory of the passion-and-grief-filled night they spent together lodged so firmly in her head.
Meanwhile, Russia and Germany threaten to play out the last battles of the war with Romania as the stage. Bombs rip apart cities, revolutions split the nation, friends become enemies and old enemies become new threats. When the Communist banner is raised over Romania, neither Tsura nor Mihai is safe. If they escape with their lives, though, can they get past the pain they’ve lived through to once and for all be man and wife? Or will circumstances separate them forever?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
23 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Heather Anastasiu
8 books668 followersHeather Anastasiu grew up in Texas and recently moved to Minneapolis with her family. When she's not busy getting lost exploring the new city, she spends most days writing at a café or daydreaming about getting a new tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 14, 2016
This is a series review because I wasn't sure how I felt after finishing book one and I wanted to see what happened next before I wrote my review.
Here are my thoughts: The author found her voice during the last 5% of book one and it carried through into book two. There is a shitload of drama in book two that I would have appreciated being stretched out more so I didn't feel as if my heart took a savage beating over and over again so rapidly. I wish the last 20% would have been more developed because it would have made for an excellent plot for book three and more powerful finale. I wish I would have read this series without the "for fans of TBH and OL" on my brain so I wouldn't have been comparing it the entire time. Those two series are my top favorites and really big shoes to fill. I do understand why it states "for fans of Outlander and The Bronze Horseman" but it definitely swayed my opinion in a negative manner because I wasn't able to read the series solely on its own merits, in which there are many. That's just me, though, and I'm a tough critic. Finally, and most importantly, I ended up really liking it. A strong three star read overall.
Here are my thoughts: The author found her voice during the last 5% of book one and it carried through into book two. There is a shitload of drama in book two that I would have appreciated being stretched out more so I didn't feel as if my heart took a savage beating over and over again so rapidly. I wish the last 20% would have been more developed because it would have made for an excellent plot for book three and more powerful finale. I wish I would have read this series without the "for fans of TBH and OL" on my brain so I wouldn't have been comparing it the entire time. Those two series are my top favorites and really big shoes to fill. I do understand why it states "for fans of Outlander and The Bronze Horseman" but it definitely swayed my opinion in a negative manner because I wasn't able to read the series solely on its own merits, in which there are many. That's just me, though, and I'm a tough critic. Finally, and most importantly, I ended up really liking it. A strong three star read overall.
August 9, 2016
The stigma of sequels is that they're never as good as the first. This is NOT the case with this book. I was just as on edge and captivated reading this book as I was with the first part. I was on the same Rollercoaster as the characters; crying when they cried, smiling when they smiled, and getting super upset every time something unfortunate would happen (which was a lot). The end tricks you slightly, to the point I ALMOST stopped reading, but I'm glad I didn't because as cliché as it is, I love a happy ending.
On another note: I would LOVE to find me a man like Mihai ;)
On another note: I would LOVE to find me a man like Mihai ;)
July 24, 2017
This book was more intense than the first one and had more action. It kept me breathlessly reading through chapter after chapter. The story flowed so well and the dramatic moments were built flawlessly.
This book sort of reminded me of the movie "Dancer in the dark" and as the final pages were rolling I became so afraid of the ending. I have never wanted a happy ending for a character as I wanted one for Tsura and Mihai. They deserved it, after everything they went through.
A very worthy read.
This book sort of reminded me of the movie "Dancer in the dark" and as the final pages were rolling I became so afraid of the ending. I have never wanted a happy ending for a character as I wanted one for Tsura and Mihai. They deserved it, after everything they went through.
A very worthy read.
July 14, 2017
Love love love
You must read Tsura first! I chose this book because i heard it was a great read after The Bronze Horseman trilogy. It was so wonderful i didnt want it to ever end.
You must read Tsura first! I chose this book because i heard it was a great read after The Bronze Horseman trilogy. It was so wonderful i didnt want it to ever end.
November 27, 2016
In this continuing story, Tsura and Mihai are finding themselves drifting apart as Russia and Germany tear Romania apart. They struggle with their own feelings for each other as they struggle with saving their country and the people within. Their trials have only just begun as the dreaded knock on the door echos in their souls.
I cannot tell you how much I love this story. I had to read it after reading the first book. It is set in a time period that is not uncommon, but the location is. That was very intriguing. As I read their story, I was drawn even further in.
The author does an excellent job of creating a setting where I felt like I was actually there. Truly amazing. Every scene was balanced with the right about of descriptions where I could see it all yet allowed my imagination to finish filling in.
The characters were amazing. They were very complex and had me loving or hating them. I followed them through their lives and cried for them and cheered them all.
A most wonderful read that I highly recommend. Get the first book then move on to this one. You won’t regret it. A romance? Yes, but so much more. It is the story of survival, friendship, love, identity, and sacrifice.
Note: I purchased this book with my own funds with no expectation of a positive review.
I cannot tell you how much I love this story. I had to read it after reading the first book. It is set in a time period that is not uncommon, but the location is. That was very intriguing. As I read their story, I was drawn even further in.
The author does an excellent job of creating a setting where I felt like I was actually there. Truly amazing. Every scene was balanced with the right about of descriptions where I could see it all yet allowed my imagination to finish filling in.
The characters were amazing. They were very complex and had me loving or hating them. I followed them through their lives and cried for them and cheered them all.
A most wonderful read that I highly recommend. Get the first book then move on to this one. You won’t regret it. A romance? Yes, but so much more. It is the story of survival, friendship, love, identity, and sacrifice.
Note: I purchased this book with my own funds with no expectation of a positive review.
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September 20, 2015There were times when this sequel to Anastasiu's book, Tsura, reminded me of The Kiterunner in a nebulous same-tone way. There are swaths of darkness and shadows pricked with points of light and laughter. "House of Stone!" is the traditional phrase of good wishes said to a bride and groom at their wedding in Romania. It indicates hopes for a strong and long-lasting marriage.
My favorite section was when Mihai and Tsura joined a Roma (=gypsy) caravan after fleeing on foot through the forest as refugees. Tsura negotiates with Baba Florica, an elderly Roma matriarch, to exchange goods and nursing services for a place of safety in their caravan/community.
Although I haven't met Heather, her husband Dragos, a native of Romania, was the first person I knew/became friends with that had grown up under a Communist regime. It was upon his recommendation that I read Tsura, a historical romance (a genre I abandoned in the 1990s). My desire to know the end of the story compelled me to read House of Stone. I found this to be a page turner: mostly for the plot, but also to move past the occasional graphic sex scenes. Anastasiu brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.
My favorite section was when Mihai and Tsura joined a Roma (=gypsy) caravan after fleeing on foot through the forest as refugees. Tsura negotiates with Baba Florica, an elderly Roma matriarch, to exchange goods and nursing services for a place of safety in their caravan/community.
Although I haven't met Heather, her husband Dragos, a native of Romania, was the first person I knew/became friends with that had grown up under a Communist regime. It was upon his recommendation that I read Tsura, a historical romance (a genre I abandoned in the 1990s). My desire to know the end of the story compelled me to read House of Stone. I found this to be a page turner: mostly for the plot, but also to move past the occasional graphic sex scenes. Anastasiu brings the story to a satisfying conclusion.
June 5, 2016
I agree with one reviewer who said she immediately bought the sequel after reading "Tsura". I did the same. “Tsura” was so raw and heart-wrenching that there was no way I was going to continue without reading the sequel, House of Stone. And just as I’d expected, this book was even more heart-wrenching than the Tsura, if that’s possible. The writer did an excellent job taking the reader into the very heart of the WWII with all its ugliness. It was brutally honest to a fault, and the love Mihai felt for his wife without verbalizing it made the story even more compelling. I read it in one sitting. I have to admit, I still didn’t warm up to Tsura, but Mihai has a soft place in my heart. Great story!
August 13, 2016
Absolutely Wonderful!
This book was riveting!! It rivaled book one. I cannot say which was better, both heart wrenching.
The MCs are strong people. Especially Tsura. I really don't think I could go through what she went through and not be broken, husk of my previous self. Mihai, strong, resolute, faithful. A constant pillar, when things go wrong. Such great Characters.
I recommend This and book 1. Such a great read.
This book was riveting!! It rivaled book one. I cannot say which was better, both heart wrenching.
The MCs are strong people. Especially Tsura. I really don't think I could go through what she went through and not be broken, husk of my previous self. Mihai, strong, resolute, faithful. A constant pillar, when things go wrong. Such great Characters.
I recommend This and book 1. Such a great read.
August 18, 2016
Great great
A great story of love and loss to looking beyond prejudice, over coming cruel in inhuman circumstances to finally carving a life out of the remains!! Beautifully
written I highly recommend it!
A great story of love and loss to looking beyond prejudice, over coming cruel in inhuman circumstances to finally carving a life out of the remains!! Beautifully
written I highly recommend it!
November 8, 2016
House of Stone: (Tsura #2)
This book seemed to go on forever. The fictional story itself was just ok but more important I found the history very interesting. It's unbelievable what some people have endured in their lifetime. Prejudice and hate just never ends!
This book seemed to go on forever. The fictional story itself was just ok but more important I found the history very interesting. It's unbelievable what some people have endured in their lifetime. Prejudice and hate just never ends!
October 31, 2016
A historical novel
A historical novel about the people who may have lived during and after WW1. A lovely continuation of the first novel, Tsura and her experiences, loves, losses and overall life. A great story.
A historical novel about the people who may have lived during and after WW1. A lovely continuation of the first novel, Tsura and her experiences, loves, losses and overall life. A great story.
March 18, 2016
Wow. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 12, 2016
Captivating
Could not put this book down! Both books actually. Now my house is a mess because I neglected my chores :)
Could not put this book down! Both books actually. Now my house is a mess because I neglected my chores :)
April 6, 2017
So moving, even better than the first Tsura story. Oh the tears!! ❤️❤️❤️
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November 8, 2021wait i love the first book but i cant find the sec book on amazon. where do i find this book i dont want to be left hanging
October 30, 2022
I read this years ago and loved it! I really want to reread it but I can’t find a copy ANYWHERE. Please help!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews