Review of Finding Felicity by Monica Marlowe

Overview
When Madeline O'Connor learns that her estranged sister is gravely ill, she leaves behind her life in Manhattan to be at her sister's side in Italy. There, she discovers an ancient Benedictine monastery that accommodates travelers, and she decides to stay there, among the monks. Everything in her life turns upside down when she falls for Brother Anthony Lamberti, a soft-spoken Italian completely different from the men she knows in New York. Together Madeline and Anthony find love for the first time, and learn that life and love always find a way. When her sister dies, a new life for Madeline begins. A new life that she would never have imagined and yet is perfect for her in every way.

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Recommended: Yes.

                     
                 About Finding Felicity

Available as: NEW Paperback $13.08 from Amazon.com           

Recommended Ages: 17 and Up

Paperback: 246 pgs.

Published: August 7th 2011 by Eternal Press (first published August 2nd 2011)

For This Review: *Book Copy Provided by Author For Review*

My Star Review 

Madeleine is a power woman who discovers her sister, Carrie, who she's been estranged to is gravelly ill. The reason Madeleine only now finds out about Carrie's unfortunate situation is the estrangement between both sisters had to do with Carrie betraying Madeleine by sleeping with Madeleine's husband while she was still married to him who happens to be ex-now and getting pregnant with his son behind her back. Who now is a grown young man named Jonathan. He is also the person who let Madeleine know about his mother's closeness to death. Even though Carrie feels unwilling to ask for anything to Madeleine after her awful betrayal. Madeleine just can't let go of the past. And in her heart truly holds resentment toward her sister. Though the betrayal of the past is still there Madeleine simply can't bring herself to completely abandon her sister. While visiting her sister, she unexpectedly falls in love with a monk named Anthony who is Jonathan's mentor and a long time supporter to Carrie. The love between Madeleine and Anthony proves impossible but as mentioned in the cover of Finding Felicity "Love Always Finds A Way" and it does!

Finding Felicity was without a doubt an amazing romantic novel with its forbidden love angle. Expertly written to slowly develop all the characters involved, so we can sympathize and love along with the characters. The emotion in the novel was so raw that found myself thanking, Monica Marlowe, for creating Finding Felicity. Thanks you so much, Monica, for getting your book out there! 

Monica Marlowe writes in a bright, modern way in Finding Felicity with a certain way where she takes her time. Events seemingly unconnected later connect to each other in a way, readers, couldn't expect in any other way. Her story in Finding Felicity falls nicely towards its conclusion. When it finished felt it was wrapped up perfectly and no need for a sequel of other novels in this world where needed since it just arrived throughout the novel in all areas well enough. Finding Felicity closes with complete closure here. 

The smart idea of weaving a tale of betrayal, love, and finally forgiveness is just so enthralling that Monica surely will succeed in impressing readers who are fans of romantic books or just romance.
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Romance

Finding Felicity earned a Reviewer's Choice Award from Two Lips Reviews. Here's an excerpt of the review:

"Love, life, forgiveness, and death are the central themes of Monica Marlowe's character driven story, Finding Felicity. While this is a romance novel, it's also so much more; it's a story about forgiveness, life, family, faith, and the choices we make. Ms. Marlowe's characters captured my attention from the first page and never let go."

The full review can be found: @ TwoLipsreviews.com



                   About the Author

Monica Marlowe was born in Toronto and later moved to Los Angeles. While in LA, Monica studied the craft of novel writing and participated in the Noel Hynd Workshop. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Spiritual Psychology. Now, Monica makes her home in North Carolina and divides her time between the East and West Coasts. Monica is currently writing a memoir, The Gift Horse, about acquiring her first horse and finding herself on a most unexpected path. Monica writes stories about heroes and heroines who follow their heart, wherever the path may lead, knowing that the heart has reasons of its own.