I had been hearing the hype for Renee Ahdieh's newest book, "The Beautiful" December 2018 when Melissa Albert was discussing upcoming 2019 releases on the B&N YA podcast, and I was THRILLED to finally read the entire novel. The beginning gives you a first look at your main characters and the setting in New Orleans is dreamy and romantic, with so much imagery written into the descriptions that if you've been to Nola, you will definitely be able to place yourself right in the middle of the action. The main character, Celine, is a French seamstress, who leaves France after committing a crime she thinks will bring disgrace to her family.
Celine arrives in America and with no contacts, family or money has to live in a convent and contribute to cover her lodging. Celine meets a glamorous woman in Jackson Square who asked her to design a dress for her. The adventure and high stakes take off from this jumping off point as Celine is drawn into a dark, shadowy and full of danger adventure. There is a handsome young man Celine is drawn to, details about beautiful clothes Celine once made, murders to solve and sumptuous descriptions of food-all of the making of a true Ahdieh novel! This was an engaging gothic vampire tale that is the first in four planned books. Can't wait for release date to read the next book, "The Damned."
Celine arrives in America and with no contacts, family or money has to live in a convent and contribute to cover her lodging. Celine meets a glamorous woman in Jackson Square who asked her to design a dress for her. The adventure and high stakes take off from this jumping off point as Celine is drawn into a dark, shadowy and full of danger adventure. There is a handsome young man Celine is drawn to, details about beautiful clothes Celine once made, murders to solve and sumptuous descriptions of food-all of the making of a true Ahdieh novel! This was an engaging gothic vampire tale that is the first in four planned books. Can't wait for release date to read the next book, "The Damned."