House of Gardenias by Isabel Canas

Posted on by lynndellwatson

History and folklore intertwine in this YA gothic fiction book!

When Minerva’s brothers left her behind with their abusive father and hateful stepmother, Minerva knows she has to save herself. She finds a job with a rich older woman, Senora Encarcion, who grumbles about the president and current politics. After the president is killed in the rebellion, Minerva and her employer move to a manor called the House of Gardenias. Minerva doesn’t feel safe though. She feels something ominous around her and knows in her heart that something dark has happened in this huge house. After she sees a dark figure take the life from Senora, Minerva is terrified.

Likes/dislikes: The prose flows beautifully through its descriptions of the background of Minerva’s daily life. Senora Encarnacion imparts wisdom on Minerva with patience and kindness to help her become stronger and smarter in the ways of life. Ygnacio’s story intrigued me and I enjoyed reading about his background. Told in two points of view by Minerva and Ygnacio. I enjoyed the spooky atmosphere the author created.
Language: R for 14 swears and 8 f-words.
Mature content: PG for off page trysts.
Violence: PG-13 for bloody deaths.
Ethnicity: Minerva has brown skin. The viceroy and the rich family Minerva works for have pale skin.

Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig

Posted on by lynndellwatson

Retold Phantom of the Opera!

Christine’s love of music was inspired by her deceased musical father who promised that she would be visited by the angel of music. She believes the angel has come to her to build her singing voice and help her become a great and famous singer. She’s never seen her teacher and only hears his voice as he gives her instructions. Her dreams seem to be coming true when the lead vocalist loses her voice and Christine is thrust into the leading role. Strange, dangerous things start to happen in the opera and Christine begins to doubt whether or not her teacher is truly an angel.

Likes/dislikes: The Rosa Josephine is the signature rose of the Phantom. The Phantom tells the story of Josephine creating the rose to emulate her love for Napoleon, which is interesting.
I like how Raoul stands up to his mother when she belittles Christine. Beautiful confectionary-like descriptions of costumes. When Madame Giry tells the story of helping a young Erik run away from the carnival, my heart went out to him and I feel like she was very brave to help. I especially like this retelling of The Phantom of the Opera because of the thorough descriptions of Christine’s thought process helping her to make the choices she made.

Language:PG-13 for 12 swears, no f-words.

Mature Content: PG for imaginary beau and passionate kissing in a daydream of Christine’s.
Off page sex in a dream. Stagehand running his hands unabashedly over the clothing covered breasts of two chorus girls. Sweet kiss with Raoul. Passionate kissing with Raoul.

Violence: PG for off page deaths.

Ethnicity: Predominantly white. Italian lead singers.