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Underlying Notes
Carla Matteo copes with life by "tipping the bottle"--glass goddesses funneling perfume! During a midlife renaissance, the "juice" enables Carla to find her own niche, while the ominous rose note in Paloma Picasso forces her to confront the past.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2007
3 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Eva Pasco
7 books381 followersSeptember 5
My latest weekly BLOG posted on 09/03 - Eva’s Byte #540– The Printed Word
WIP: Drafting Ch. 22, progressing from 258 words.
READING:
'Campfire Tales and Other Stories,' a GBBPub compilation:
Resuming from p. 13 @ 8 per cent: "Henry Walks the Night" by David W. Thompson
LATEST PUBLICATION:
'Aileen's Guesthouse':
Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Awards" General Fiction Finalist (2025)
(Charlestown, Rhode Island) - A portal for stepping into the 1970s in close proximity to those who survive the ravages of a guilt-wracked conscience and struggle to find meaning in the suffering they’ve caused.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB6FHRY7
AWARDS:
MR. WIZARDO:
2021 Top Shelf Award Runner Up (Fiction)
2020 Best Book Award Finalist: American Book Fest
100 WILD MUSHROOMS: MEMOIRS OF THE '60s:
2018 New Apple Summer eBook Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing: Solo Medalist Winner
2018 TopShelf Award Finalist in the Category of Memoirs (Other)
The collection sprouted from submissions to "The 60s Official Site" where Eva is a featured contributor.
A former elementary school teacher and Sixties Chick, you can access Eva’s memoirs, essays, previous blogs, and find out what she’s up to on a daily basis by checking out her bio at Authors Den.
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
My latest weekly BLOG posted on 09/03 - Eva’s Byte #540– The Printed Word
WIP: Drafting Ch. 22, progressing from 258 words.
READING:
'Campfire Tales and Other Stories,' a GBBPub compilation:
Resuming from p. 13 @ 8 per cent: "Henry Walks the Night" by David W. Thompson
LATEST PUBLICATION:
'Aileen's Guesthouse':
Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Awards" General Fiction Finalist (2025)
(Charlestown, Rhode Island) - A portal for stepping into the 1970s in close proximity to those who survive the ravages of a guilt-wracked conscience and struggle to find meaning in the suffering they’ve caused.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB6FHRY7
AWARDS:
MR. WIZARDO:
2021 Top Shelf Award Runner Up (Fiction)
2020 Best Book Award Finalist: American Book Fest
100 WILD MUSHROOMS: MEMOIRS OF THE '60s:
2018 New Apple Summer eBook Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing: Solo Medalist Winner
2018 TopShelf Award Finalist in the Category of Memoirs (Other)
The collection sprouted from submissions to "The 60s Official Site" where Eva is a featured contributor.
A former elementary school teacher and Sixties Chick, you can access Eva’s memoirs, essays, previous blogs, and find out what she’s up to on a daily basis by checking out her bio at Authors Den.
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 30, 2021
Carla Mateo is a housewife. She reminds me of the serial "Desperate housewives", just in the old-fashioned way. Her husband Joe is a gentleman, but he is a tricky man. He is selfish, he obeyed his wife to his aims. Carla neglected her own wishes to be a teacher because Joe has other plans for her. Also, they don't have children, accord Joe's wishes. While Carla is wondering about her purpose, Joe is working in his private business. As a comfort, Carla discovers her passion for perfumes, new neighbor Alice and Frankie, who became her friend, and object of Joe's jealousy.
You must be careful how to read Eva Pasco. I learned a lot of new words since I am not a native English speaker. She is writing in a rainbow style, make a reader thinking and craving for more. I wonder, could Carla pick a different man?
You must be careful how to read Eva Pasco. I learned a lot of new words since I am not a native English speaker. She is writing in a rainbow style, make a reader thinking and craving for more. I wonder, could Carla pick a different man?
September 28, 2012
Reading Eva Pasco's novel about a woman's mid-life transition was, for me, engrossing, fascinating, and complex. It left me informed and deepened.
Carla Matteo worked with her husband Joe since their marriage, building a successful business together. But she chose to pursue the business, even after she had trained for a career of her own, because she made the personal decision to show her love by working along side Joe to grow his company; his dream.
With midlife, however, complexities arose: in marriage, in family secrets revealed, and in friendships. With Carla there was also a restlessness. Carla wasn't sure she wanted to live out the rest of her days without having explored her own dreams, her own career. And so she quit the business she had been such an integral part of, and began her adventure.
Carla's was an internal adventure, filled with nuances, layers, secrets revealed, and "underlying notes" - just like the array of perfumes she's collected, studied, and befriended since childhood. When Carla "takes to the bottle," she's talking about the perfume bottle!
I found Carla's story captivating, not just in its content, but also because of author Eva Pasco's talent. Pasco's writing is like the scented labyrinths of her perfumes - we are treated to different layers of the story at different times. And when a "note" - or a story segment - comes together, it's as if the last piece of a puzzle turns the fragments into a whole picture.
Like the many layers of a fine perfume, all the pieces of Carla's seemingly separate puzzles do come together - and we see, along with Carla, how her life makes sense, how her transition into her new life comes to be.
I love the almost poetic style of Eva's novel. I love the obsession with and references to the perfumes her character has loved and lived with throughout her life. And Eva skillfully weaves in captivating "notes" about many of the perfumes' origins and the details of their ingredients.
Eva's attention to detail, too, was almost life-changing for me. How her character Carla went about calmly and carefully solving the mysteries of her life was an inspiration.
The essence of Underlying Notes will stay with me always. I totally recommend it 100%
Carla Matteo worked with her husband Joe since their marriage, building a successful business together. But she chose to pursue the business, even after she had trained for a career of her own, because she made the personal decision to show her love by working along side Joe to grow his company; his dream.
With midlife, however, complexities arose: in marriage, in family secrets revealed, and in friendships. With Carla there was also a restlessness. Carla wasn't sure she wanted to live out the rest of her days without having explored her own dreams, her own career. And so she quit the business she had been such an integral part of, and began her adventure.
Carla's was an internal adventure, filled with nuances, layers, secrets revealed, and "underlying notes" - just like the array of perfumes she's collected, studied, and befriended since childhood. When Carla "takes to the bottle," she's talking about the perfume bottle!
I found Carla's story captivating, not just in its content, but also because of author Eva Pasco's talent. Pasco's writing is like the scented labyrinths of her perfumes - we are treated to different layers of the story at different times. And when a "note" - or a story segment - comes together, it's as if the last piece of a puzzle turns the fragments into a whole picture.
Like the many layers of a fine perfume, all the pieces of Carla's seemingly separate puzzles do come together - and we see, along with Carla, how her life makes sense, how her transition into her new life comes to be.
I love the almost poetic style of Eva's novel. I love the obsession with and references to the perfumes her character has loved and lived with throughout her life. And Eva skillfully weaves in captivating "notes" about many of the perfumes' origins and the details of their ingredients.
Eva's attention to detail, too, was almost life-changing for me. How her character Carla went about calmly and carefully solving the mysteries of her life was an inspiration.
The essence of Underlying Notes will stay with me always. I totally recommend it 100%
June 23, 2019
I thought I knew a little about perfumes - at least I know what I like - but the author has an amazing knowledge of all things fragrance. Enter Carla who is reviewing her life, marriage, relationships and a dark childhood memory. Her progress as she works through this retrospective is cleverly highlighted by references to a myriad of scents and aromas. I certainly enjoyed this well-written and carefully researched book and loved the added bonus of learning more about my own fragrance selections.
April 9, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another great book by Eva Pasco
I have read several books by this author. This is a new favorite. A beautifully descriptive story of Carla's transition and disappointment in an unavoidable time of life. Carla has dedicated her life to her husband, family and business. (Been there done that) When she realizes that she had ignored her own dreams and a great talent with scents. Life and passions take her on a path of self-discovery. I've never seen such vivid descriptions that make it nearly possible to smell the perfumes in the words. I now want to research the scent I loved when I was young. I highly suggest this book for everyone who has reached a roadblock or stifled a passion.
Another great book by Eva Pasco
I have read several books by this author. This is a new favorite. A beautifully descriptive story of Carla's transition and disappointment in an unavoidable time of life. Carla has dedicated her life to her husband, family and business. (Been there done that) When she realizes that she had ignored her own dreams and a great talent with scents. Life and passions take her on a path of self-discovery. I've never seen such vivid descriptions that make it nearly possible to smell the perfumes in the words. I now want to research the scent I loved when I was young. I highly suggest this book for everyone who has reached a roadblock or stifled a passion.
May 7, 2019
Once again, the rhythm of Eva Pasco’s clever, well-crafted writing style grabbed me at page one and didn’t let go until I reached “The End.” Her vivid story telling is unique and uncluttered, with each artfully chosen word packing a maximum punch. Often times, certain phrases demand a second read, not for clarification, but because they are so remarkable. When you combine these writing skills to her keen sensitivity to human emotions and life circumstances, you end up with this 5-star novel.
September 20, 2016
Everyone knows Carla the main character of this book. She holds at least one trait or has lived an experience that we have all held or gone through..
The author is writes fearlessly and in an excellent style and flow and shows us that Carla is only human. She makes mistakes and makes sacrifices she has regrets. Once I began the book Carla invited me into her family and took me on a emotional ride that I will not forget. When I was reading I was in wonder of what was to happen next ,I tried to guess but always fell short.The many animated characters and relatives all hit home in some form and the author describes them just so, as to give the reader a relationship with each person each human. Each reader will identify with at least one of these real people. but most importantly the real hero of this book is the author. One would be hard pressed to find better writing anywhere ..the classics included. I believe her next book is geared toward the fairer sex but guess what? Ill be buying it because I know it will contain something for me to learn and grow with.
The author is writes fearlessly and in an excellent style and flow and shows us that Carla is only human. She makes mistakes and makes sacrifices she has regrets. Once I began the book Carla invited me into her family and took me on a emotional ride that I will not forget. When I was reading I was in wonder of what was to happen next ,I tried to guess but always fell short.The many animated characters and relatives all hit home in some form and the author describes them just so, as to give the reader a relationship with each person each human. Each reader will identify with at least one of these real people. but most importantly the real hero of this book is the author. One would be hard pressed to find better writing anywhere ..the classics included. I believe her next book is geared toward the fairer sex but guess what? Ill be buying it because I know it will contain something for me to learn and grow with.
February 10, 2017
When you hear someone has an addiction, perfume is not really where your mind goes. Well, Carla is definitely addicted to it. It is a constant in her life and her crutch as she faces her midlife crisis. A new neighbor and an accident brings the past forward and Carla faces it head on. The style this is written in reminds me of a diary, like I am reading Carla's private thoughts. The details about the different perfumes would have annoyed me had it not been for assuming this perspective. When you talk to yourself, you really don't care if you are exciting. I was invested in Carla and was hoping her travels led her to happiness. Not saying if it did but...
I did feel that the end of the book was suddenly rushed, like there was a time limit to finish the book. It is the reason for the 4 stars I would say 4.5 but that is not an option. I hope Eva continues to write.
I did feel that the end of the book was suddenly rushed, like there was a time limit to finish the book. It is the reason for the 4 stars I would say 4.5 but that is not an option. I hope Eva continues to write.
December 13, 2020
Eva Pasco is one of my favorite authors, and her characters are flamboyant you could relate to them. Carla Matteo was infatuated with fragrance, and among other things. “Underlying Notes” was beautifully written; it was entertaining a beautiful Masterpiece, sadness, excitement with humor, a reality of life story making you turn the page for a lot more.
This book is colorful; the emotions feel real; she goes through the mid-life crisis, and everything you want to know about perfume is very well detailed. Author Eva Pasco has a creative imagination. I recommended this captivating read.
This book reminds what Elizbeth Taylor said: "The Beauty of fragrance is that it speaks to your heart and, hopefully, someone else’s."
This book is colorful; the emotions feel real; she goes through the mid-life crisis, and everything you want to know about perfume is very well detailed. Author Eva Pasco has a creative imagination. I recommended this captivating read.
This book reminds what Elizbeth Taylor said: "The Beauty of fragrance is that it speaks to your heart and, hopefully, someone else’s."
February 7, 2021
Perfume and Music Play on All Your Senses
Landing inside Carla Matteo’s head as she is in the throes of night sweats, the reader immediately enters the action in Underlying Notes. What kind of life is it? On the surface, it’s a simple life. Carla is married to Joe and has been his true helpmate for years. Underneath there are all sorts of disturbing factors, which is mostly the case for married people. Is it fair to speak of a midlife crisis? Perhaps even mention a marital crisis?
Joe may or may not have extramarital activities, and Carla has made career choices that she may or may not regret. Add to that a cast of Italian family members – possible mob connections – former and current friends, Italian food, and music, spanning from the 1812 Overture, over The Hollies and The Beetles, to Andrea Bocelli and Italian schmalz. In this way, Ms Pasco confronts her readers with a many-faceted, fragrance rich environment.
On top of it all resides Carla’s love for perfume. It is her refuge and passion, as well as something she has investigated for years, notably on a website for fragrance afficionados. Thus, a new career opportunity surfaces but dwindles as fast, due to a stuck Amtrak train and a long taxi ride.
Below and above there is food, fragrance, unbridled marital lovemaking, and music to heighten the senses. In Ms Pasco’s flowing prose, and through her insight into human nature, this becomes a mesmerizing tale about humanity.
Landing inside Carla Matteo’s head as she is in the throes of night sweats, the reader immediately enters the action in Underlying Notes. What kind of life is it? On the surface, it’s a simple life. Carla is married to Joe and has been his true helpmate for years. Underneath there are all sorts of disturbing factors, which is mostly the case for married people. Is it fair to speak of a midlife crisis? Perhaps even mention a marital crisis?
Joe may or may not have extramarital activities, and Carla has made career choices that she may or may not regret. Add to that a cast of Italian family members – possible mob connections – former and current friends, Italian food, and music, spanning from the 1812 Overture, over The Hollies and The Beetles, to Andrea Bocelli and Italian schmalz. In this way, Ms Pasco confronts her readers with a many-faceted, fragrance rich environment.
On top of it all resides Carla’s love for perfume. It is her refuge and passion, as well as something she has investigated for years, notably on a website for fragrance afficionados. Thus, a new career opportunity surfaces but dwindles as fast, due to a stuck Amtrak train and a long taxi ride.
Below and above there is food, fragrance, unbridled marital lovemaking, and music to heighten the senses. In Ms Pasco’s flowing prose, and through her insight into human nature, this becomes a mesmerizing tale about humanity.
September 19, 2016
The account of a restless, middle- aged woman obsessed by the fragrant memories of her youth as well as the offerings from the bottles on her bureau. Carla Matteo loves her husband, but secretly wonders, "Is that all there is?
Carla Matteo built her life inside her husband's company, forgoing her desire and opportunity to teach school rather than desert her man who needed her. Now, years have passed, and she strikes out in a form of fragrant defiance by retiring from the refuse company to pursue her own desires reviewing perfume on her blog. " Underlying Notes" is a humorous look at Carla's midlife crisis. Her obsessions include fragrance addiction and a wish for fullness in her now empty life. A flirtation with a sexy friend of her husband Joe tempts her as it stirs jealousy in her marriage,a until she realizes what is really important in her life.
I like Eva's writing style and admire her extensive use of language as she portrays the emotions of her characters. Also, I respect the research she did in divining the myriad of ingredients in the branded fragrances she mentions. An altogether delightful book, Underlying Notes had me laughing at times and at others, it stirred sadness for all the lonely people who live their lives trying to recall what once made them happy.
Carla Matteo built her life inside her husband's company, forgoing her desire and opportunity to teach school rather than desert her man who needed her. Now, years have passed, and she strikes out in a form of fragrant defiance by retiring from the refuse company to pursue her own desires reviewing perfume on her blog. " Underlying Notes" is a humorous look at Carla's midlife crisis. Her obsessions include fragrance addiction and a wish for fullness in her now empty life. A flirtation with a sexy friend of her husband Joe tempts her as it stirs jealousy in her marriage,a until she realizes what is really important in her life.
I like Eva's writing style and admire her extensive use of language as she portrays the emotions of her characters. Also, I respect the research she did in divining the myriad of ingredients in the branded fragrances she mentions. An altogether delightful book, Underlying Notes had me laughing at times and at others, it stirred sadness for all the lonely people who live their lives trying to recall what once made them happy.
May 30, 2016
This book by Pasco was a very unusual book, but a very gratifying book to have read. She has a very unusual sense of smell, a talent which carries throughout the book. She carries off the story very well and keeps your interest in doing so. I received this book, through the Goodreads giveaway and am happy that I did.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and "Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" "To Whom It May Concern" and "Tell Me About the United Methodist Church"
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews