Book Review and Giveaway: The Last Camellia

By Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

I used to love the show Cold Case, and lately have been wondering if it would have lasted longer if Sarah Jio were one of the writers. This is because she writes about murder mysteries from the past and ties them into the present. I could just see the flashback scenes from her stories being set to music as they're being acted out. Her latest novel, The Last Camellia, would make for a fantastic episode of Cold Case.



Right before World War II, Flora takes on a job as a nanny to a rich family in England so that she can go undercover to help flower thieves steal the camellia that is residing on their estate, hidden for its own protection. It's a rare flower and is worth a lot of money. Before she knows it, Flora has gotten in over her head and her job has become more dangerous than she expected.

Closer to the present day, Addison is looking to escape from a terrible secret that is haunting her in the form of a creepy guy from her past. She and her husband move to England for the summer, in the same home where the famed camellia once resided. There, she discovers some secrets that are more sinister than her own.

As with Sarah Jio's other novels, The Last Camellia was so hard to put down! I wanted to keep reading to try and solve the mystery and also make sure that the heroines would survive whatever fate was coming their way. I like how one of the characters from the past was still around, carrying some secrets of her own. It added to the intensity of the story. The dialogue was genuine throughout the story and the scenery was easy to visualize thanks to all of Sarah's descriptions. To be honest, flowers don't interest or excite me much, so I was initially dragging my heels in regards to reading this novel. However, I'm glad I picked it up, as it was a terrific page turner. The strength in the story does not revolve around the flower itself, but more around the characters and other stories that become intertwined from past to present. I genuinely cared about Flora and Addison and worried for them at the end of each of their chapters. I can't say it really changed my interest in flowers, but I will admit that I've been trying to take better care of some orchids I received over a month ago and normally I'd just forget and let them die. That's a start, right?

Par for the course with Sarah's novels is a story that ties up too neatly. I'd like to see her let go of this need to make things perfect and instead leave some loose ends and questions in one of her future novels. Sure, we all love a happy ending, but I think she could keep the mystery going after the last page is read. I'm just not a fan of huge coincidences that seem forced. Having said that, it was still a compelling story and I had an enjoyable time reading it.

If you're looking for an entertaining summer read, definitely check out The Last Camellia. Sarah Jio is a great writer and I have a feeling she'll be sticking around for a long time to come!

Thanks to Plume for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have FIVE copies to share with some lucky readers in the US and/or Canada!

How to win:
Please tell us about a topic that didn't interest you before it was featured in a novel and how that novel changed your perspective on it.

One entry per person.

Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win. Entries without contact information will NOT be counted.

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends June 12th at midnight EST.

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