Angelique: An Epistolary Romance Novel with Recipes Kindle Edition

Hate is a strong word, so I wouldn't say I "hate" it, but I've never enjoyed a book less. Angelique is a silly woman. Jaques is kind of a silly man. If I didn't need an 'Epistolary' book for my reading challenge, I'd put it in the category of "Character that you intensely dislike" for Angelique. I am excited about trying the recipes, so that something redeeming about it. I felt no connection with the characters or the story. I didn't feel any tension. Events seemed to randomly happen, such as when two of the characters break up. Angelique had no connection to her boyfriend, yet when they broke up, she was crying inconsolably and needed time and space away from everyone. It seems like she didn't even need a reason to pout or cry. It felt like the author had a collection of cool, descriptive phrases that she needed a place in which to write them.

Rebecca Johnson is ever surprising in her talent. Having enjoyed her poetry was a clue to this reader that a novel was a possibility, so graceful with words is her style. But to read this little novella she has created, written like a sensual breath on a breeze without seeming to pause for editing or re-writing, so impetuously do the words flow across the page, makes us take notice that here is a writer whose time has most assuredly come.The story whisks by like inhaling a dream. Angelique is a writer whose boss Scott is her constant 'date', a man more interested in the business of publishing than in emotionally satisfying her. Magical Jacques is a chef (food plays the third role in this trio) who understands creation - both of the finest foods and beverages but also of the ingredients of love. A magnetism is present between Angelique and the handsome romantic Jacques and the question is raised - should Angelique follow her heart or her career as a writer for the man who seems to represent stability. To take the story further would be to dissipate the pleasures of reading this novella.The twists and turns of this stream of consciousness story include some of the most poetic passages about the sea and all things aqueous. The manner in which Rebecca Johnson describes the presence of water on the body is sensuous and beyond! She knows how to describe moments of intimacy, and yet she also is keen to observe the sensitivity that even love making can grow stale on the page unless it is varied: Johnson switches her story between narration and conversation and letters/emails.And as if the verbal descriptions of food appetizers that pepper the pages of this story weren't enough to embrace the gustatory sense, she shares a list of fine recipes at the end. Once the reader begins to experience the recipes (yes, they are excellent!) then the novella ANGELIQUE seems simply a fine aperitif for the overall joy of this book. Read it and feel it and taste it - Satiety! Grady Harp, March 12

'Angelique' is a book for everyone. It is filled with romance, the sea, characters who move effortlessly with such poetic language. The book is filled with soft romance that will lure you in.Angelique is a woman who knows her own mind, she thinks, but in her heart she is looking for romance. She wants someone to whisk her away, to find the happiness that eludes her. Angelique is also a writer, her boss, Scott, is the man who is all business, always pushing her to get more done, quickly. Jacques, the other man in Angelique's life, is a chef. He is someone who knows how to romance a woman, how to make her feel wanted and treasured. He is also a man who creates the most delicious food. As the storyline moves along, we find Angelique trying to decide which man is best for her. And, as the storyline moves along, we are treated to descriptions of the fabulous food Jacques has prepared. The descriptions are so well written, I could taste the food, and when you turn the page, there is a recipe for the food you are craving. From lamb to roast chicken to chocolate mousse and decadent frosted brownies. This is a novel that brings all the senses to a head.The poetic magic, the author, Rebecca Johnson, brings to this novel is mesmerizing. The sea in all it's connotations is well represented. The romance of the sea, of the flowering vines and the people involved are all filled with this poetic magic. The addition of the food prepared to pleasure our senses, and the recipes included are a superb surprise. This is a book for anyone who appreciates the romance that surrounds us, or who imagines the magic of romance. Note: this book was provided for me to read and review.Recommended. prisrob 03-24-14