Review: Hemlock Veils by Jennie Davenport

REVIEW

A sure fact that I could say about me is that I, usually, don’t like the retellings and that only because I require a lot from such story to make me accept not necessary a new version of the classic one, but to accept a new interpretation, impression than the one I created for myself. Fortunately, lately I found several great retellings and Hemlock Veils is one of the best of them. 

I liked that the author gone further than Disney‘s Beauty and the Beast touching a bit the traditional French fairy tale Belle et la Bête written by Jeanne- Marie Leprince de Beaumont. I even think that is just not right to say that is only a retelling because it is not blocked in the old frame, but has originality and freshness that make Hemlock Veils to be a very enjoyable reading. 

The story roused my curiosity from the first words. They offer pure thrill and so many possibilities for the story to develop. The truths and secrets are to be discovered, explanations to be given and the author will give them to you throughout the story in a good pace, succeeding a wonderful rhythmic effect with a dynamic nature by shifting the points of interest and by alternating the past with the present. In addition, the author brings some “paranormal” aspects that made me look for them to see if they are “true” or just brought by Mrs. Davenport imagination (this time we will even meet the bad witch). 

The romance is wonderful, and who likes the “cold and hot” games will be pleased. The lack of the explicit scenes is, in my book, a huge plus. The author proves that there is no need for such moments in order to reach high intensity between the “non-lovers” and to assert their feelings. 

Mrs. Davenport also created great characters. They are not perfect, even good hearted Elizabeth has some flaws, and that make them… perfect. The characters, main and secondary, alive or dead, even the nature, are all used to convey the idea and the importance of looking past one’s appearance. Of course, like Elizabeth said, the “perspective is reality” and not the obvious image. Also, we are not let to forget that our deeds are important too and that we always will be kept to answer for them. 

I loved this story from the title (I consider that the veils suggest the hidden truths and feelings) to the end and I cannot wait to read the next book written by Mrs. Davenport. 

Enjoy!

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About the author:

Though Jennie Davenport was raised throughout the Midwest, she now lives in the little desert mining town of Bagdad, Arizona, where six guys beg for her constant attention: a husband, three young, blond sons, a German shepherd with a name much mightier than his disposition (Zeus), and a black cat named Mouse. When she isn’t trying to run her home with as little casualties as possible, Jennie loves snuggling with her family, laughing with her friends, delving into brilliant entertainment of any vein, and playing outside. Despite the way being a writer is in her blood, and the wheels of her writerly mind are constantly turning, Jennie likes to think that in another life, she would have been a Broadway star. Or an American Idol finalist.

Jennie lives for the fall, and not just because of her adoration for the NFL (Go
Broncos!). In her perfect world, she would have the springs, summers, and falls of Colorado, and the winters of Arizona—someplace where the climate and weather would allow her to go on a trail run all year round. But even though she prefers the pines and mountains, she is a devoted fan of all nature, from sandy beaches to woodsy cabins, and all are her greatest inspiration. She believes nature is one of the best healing remedies, with a magic all its own.

Jennie’s passion for writing is the way she survives, and is as vital to her sanity as oxygen, caffeine, food, and music. Even before she began writing it, well-told, original, and character-driven romance was always her weak spot. Add the paranormal or magical realism element and she may never make it back to reality.

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