Crystal Gardens
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/24/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety. Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden, and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes. With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.
REVIEW:
Another great read from Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. This is the first in a new historical series titled Ladies of Lantern Street. While it is not part of the Arcane Society series it does have the same feel to it. So if you liked one you will like the other.
Both Lucas and Evangeline have psychical abilities. Lucas is the new owner of the Crystal Gardens which includes botanicals that are fed by paranormal activity and actually glow during the night. When Evie is attacked she runs into the gardens and Lucas comes to her rescue. He decides it is best of her to move into the house for protection. Together they want to find out who ordered the attack on Evie and who murdered Lucas’s uncle.
As I said above this is another wonderful book from Quick/Krentz. I have enjoyed the Arcane Society books for a while now and this would fit right in with it. Evie and Lucas are interesting characters. Evie is not what she seems at first and is a delightful character to read about. Lucas is quiet yet strong and is written as a born leader.
You can never go wrong with a book by Quick/Krentz. Her books are about the paranormal but not about vampires or shape-shifters but about the power of crystals and the mind. If you enjoy historicals then pick this one up and then once you find you do not want to put it down then go back and start the Arcane Society books because this is really where Krentz/Quick excels.
4 Hearts
And a very good book it was!
Glad you enjoyed it, it is one of my favourite authors but I do have to confess I wish she would go back to non-paranormal historicals once in a while. Even though the word Arcane or Jones is not mentioned at all, that is the only difference. Still, I enjoy the books a lot and look forward to the next one.