Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe

Monica Marlowe is on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Finding Felicity. This turned out to be quite an intense read. I really wasn’t prepared for all the emotions I was going to feel while taking a journey with Madeline O’Connor. Marlowe’s writing is beautiful, and the descriptions that take place made me easily feel like I could be in Manhattan or Italy. Madeline, a business woman that created her own successful lingerie line, heads from her home in New York to be with her ailing sister in Italy. Madeline hasn’t spoken to Carrie in years, since Carrie’s betrayal was brought to the light. She travels to an ancient Benedictine monastery that houses visitors, the same monastery that Carrie’s son belongs to. While there, she meets Brother Anthony Lamberti, and soon comes to release she may be falling for him. But how could she make a relationship with a monk work – and how could she leave behind her life in New York?

There were a few elements that made me unsure I would like this book, but once I finished, I knew it was meant for a 4 star review. There was mystery, love, heartache, family woes, religion, and a journey on finding one’s happiness. I loved when the story flipped to the past and shared little snippets and seeing how that connected readers with the present story. Madeline’s life sure isn’t easy, and I really felt a connection with her. Some of her decisions surprised me, but I liked never knowing what path she would take. The fight she has with her friend and co-worker was a bit distracting, and I don’t think it was necessary. There is already a lot going on with the plot, and that almost made it over-the-top for me. The beginning started off a bit slow for me and kind of all over the place, but I found a rhythm I really enjoyed the ending. A recommendation from me.

[Rating: 4]

Connect With Monica!

http://www.monicamarlowe.blogspot.com/p/links.html