I opened this book and the prolouge gave the impression that this story was going to lead somewhere interesting. Not a chance. I skipped the first 40 pages to get to the present of the ensuing relationship. When a historical novel starts when both the heroine and hero are small children the story seems to add to much and not enough. Ms. Riley does have a gift for writing but historicals are not her forte. The love scenes were not vivid and the the language made you want to gag, way to syrupy. If you want to read a good African American historical romance check out Beverly Jenkins or Patricia Vaughn.

...and you know what that means...it wasn't worth it. The plot was boring, slow and I was glad when I finished it. If I have to skip a couple of pages to get a book done...that is a sign of a problem. One is the lowest score, but if there was a zero, that would be my vote. :( sorry.

I love color. I love paint. I love decorating. This book is OK but it's one of those European imports, so the settings don't look quite right. And this book has been around awhile. I just found a new book on the subject called Painted Furniture, which is by the Better Homes and Gardens people. Painted Furniture has complete how-to, fresh color and styles, and it has settings and product lists that apply to American homes.