Well folks here we have it—my final review of the last Bridgerton novel! I can’t believe I have finally reached the end of the series. I am so sad but yet at the same time so satisfied with how the series wrapped up. I was actually glad that we ended the series with Gregory’s story rather than Hyacinth’s, as I felt that Gregory’s story had a bit more action and romance to recommend itself.
Gregory always seemed far removed from the other Bridgerton siblings. Not in the same way that Francesca was but having so many years between him and his other brothers left him adrift in a sea of sisters. It made me wonder if he was going to be more romantic than the others and I was pleasantly surprised that he was.
I tried to savor this one a little more than the other books in the series so it took me a little longer to finish this one than I was expecting, but that was fine by me because I felt like I could slow down and appreciate the romance and the action more than I did in the former books. While this wasn’t my fav of the series, it was a wonderful read and I really enjoyed it!
The King’s Justice is out in paperback now and I am celebrating the release of the paperback by re-sharing my original review with you guys! When I first stumbled on Maggie Hope, it was early 2012. I was one of the first people to read and review Mr Churchill’s Secretary and I fell head over heals for Maggie right then and there!
I have adored many of the books in the series thus far and I can’t believe we are on the 9th book already! The 10th book is coming out in July 2021 and I cannot wait for that one to release to see what awaits Maggie across the pond as it were.
Obviously when this book came up for review, I was thrilled to be reading more about Maggie’s journey and checking in with many of my favorite characters in the series. After the last book, I had high hopes for this one as well! This is a series that you could jump around in but to fully appreciate Maggie and her personal journey of growth, you will want to start from the beginning. She’s a great heroine and her stories are all so wonderful. I can’t wait for the next one, but until then check out the paperback release and enjoy my original review!
Susan Meissner is an author who just keeps getting better and better with time. I have read many of her books and after finishing each one I think there is no way she could top this one—and then she does it again with her next book! This latest installment is truly a gem and I enjoyed savoring it in between my other books I was reading.
I didn’t want to devour this one in one sitting, instead I wanted to spread it out and enjoy the characters and the plot throughly. There is a lot in this novel to unpack and I think readers would enjoy savoring it more than rushing through—-but Meissner doesn’t make it easy with such a compelling plot.
If you haven’t read Susan Meissner’s novels this is one you do not want to miss but be prepared it’s an emotional read. It would be a great selection for book clubs too as there is a lot to discuss and this one would lend itself to some fun discussions.
This book has been receiving a ton of hype. It was a Book of the Month pick, it’s been featured on countless ‘most anticipated release’ lists and the fire storm of praise on Instagram and other social media platforms made me so excited to read this one.
It’s marketed as Jane Eyre for the modern woman. It’s a retelling of the Victorian classic Jane Eyre with an added Southern Gothic edge. Sounds irresistible right? Jane Eyre isn’t my favorite classic but I loved the idea of a modern retelling with the roles of Jane and others reversed or turned on their head and put into a thriller.
I loved the idea so much that I even brought this book up for our book club pick for January. I was sure that this book as going to be a hit. Not only did it sound compelling but the praise from so many readers was undeniable. We had to love it right? It has to be good right?
Ilaria Bernardini is a well known writer in Italy and has eight novels under her belt there including Faremo Foresta (“We Will Grow a Forest”) which was long-listed for Italy’s prestigious Strega Prize. She has been profiled by Vogue Italia and is a regular contributor for Rolling Stone.
Her US release, The Portrait, has been identified as Bustle’s most anticipated new releases. It joins the ranks of some of the most buzz worthy books of 2021 so far! It is already winning praise across Europe and in the U.K. and obviously making a buzz here in the US. It sounds like an emotional novel full of tension and heart.
I am so excited to be sharing a bit about this novel with you guys today. I haven’t read a ton of books like this, but it sounds like it has so much potential and with an experienced writer such as Bernardini at the keys, it is sure to be a moving novel! The book is out now and ready to be devoured and enjoyed by US audiences immediately! Don’t miss this exciting new novel!
Summary
The Portrait is an ambiguous, electrifying story of a lover, a wife, and the man they have in common.The Portrait tells the story of an internationally renowned writer, Valeria Costas, who has dedicated her life to her work and to her secret lover, Martìn Acla, a prominent businessman. When his sudden stroke makes headlines, her world implodes. Desperate to find a way to be present during her lover’s final days, Valeria commissions his artist wife, Isla, to paint her portrait –insinuating herself into Martìn’s family and home. While the man these two women share –husband, father, lover –lies in a coma, Valeria and Isla remain poised on the brink, transfixed by one another. In the unique intimacy that arises between artist and sitter, the two women reveal truths, fragilities and strengths. But does Isla know the truth about Valeria and Martin? And what secrets does Isla harbor? Amidst their own private turmoil, the portrait takes shape alongside our understanding of these complex and extraordinary women. In the vein of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, The Portrait is in an unforgettable, breathless tale of deception and mystery that captivates until the very end.
Advanced Praise
“Electric. A wildly astute plunge into the depths of love, rivalry, betrayal and the power of women.”
– Bill Clegg
“A delicious final revelation… adds poignancy to Bernardini’s portrayal of these women’s reckoning with love and loss. This engrossing outing will impress and surprise readers.”
“The Portrait is a meditative, illuminating novel that pushes the boundaries of love and art.”
–Foreword, Starred Review
About the Author
Ilaria Bernardini is a prolific talent in Italy, where she has published eight novels, including Faremo Foresta (“We Will Grow a Forest”) which was long listed for Italy’s prestigious Strega Prize. The Portrait has also been long listed for the Strega Prize, nominated by Academy Award winning director Paolo Sorrentino (“The Great Beauty”). She is a Vogue Italia columnist and regular contributor for Rolling Stone. Ilaria also co-wrote the late renowned director Bernardo Bertolucci’s last film, The Echo Chamber. She splits her time between London and Milan.
The Lit Bitch 