Unrevised Edition of original Book One still available on Amazon
CAUTION: the reviews posted here may contain spoilers.
The following reviews are for the original self published unrevised edition of Book One. The new 4 part revised edition will be released by Treasureline Publishing in early 2012.
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
CHANSON DE L’ANGE BY PAISLEY SWAN STEWART – REVIEW
Chanson de l’Ange, Book 1: The Bleeding Rose- An Epic Retelling of Phantom of the Opera
I found out about this book over the summer, I think I learned about it because I friend requested the author on facebook in an attempt to connect with lots of phantom phans through facebook which worked out very well. I spent maybe a month checking out the book online, drooling and dreaming of the day that I would own it. My cousin told me he would send me birthday money so I was able to order the book. The book is large and epic and I was carrying it places with me for awhile but resided to the fact of leaving it home most of the time. Finally while in the process of moving from my apartment back home to my parent’s house I bought this book to work, after the move I was able to catch up reading it when I was on break at work, yesterday night I finally took the book home with me and finished it, so finally many months later here’s my review.This book is 636 pages, using the Broadway play, the original novel and possibly other incarnations of the story the author provides the reader with a retelling of Phantom of the Opera of massive proportion. This is part of a two book volume so my feelings are that at the end of this book the reader is left with half the story completed, and the conclusion to the story will take place in Book 2. The story starts off with Christine’s move to the Opera House after her father passes away. The reader journeys with Christine as she first hears her angel (who is really Erik) and begins voice lessons eventually becoming the diva of the Opera House. The action was mostly based on Leroux’s novel as well as Lloyd Webber’s play, with the author writing in her own ideas to the plot as well.This book gets very deeply into the story, there’s a lot of psychology and thoughts revealed about each of the characters which allows the reader to perhaps understand some of the character’s actions which they may have never really understood with shorter incarnations of the story. I feel Christine’s love for Erik more in this novel although she has many questions about him too. By the end of this book I wanted Christine to end up with Erik, but the book leaves off with an unlikely chance of that happening, I’ll just have to wait until book 2 to find out what happens and if I get my wish of her ending up with Erik (as all phans always wish for). The middle up until the end of the book is quite gripping, I was compelled to finish it.
Overall it’s a good epic novel for a phan’s entertainment.
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Sandi rated it 
Thank goodness for snow days! A day to catch up on your book, and what a book to curl up with & finish up on! Let me first say the forward from the author of this was pretty much a “prequel” for me as to how this book would unfold,she laid her heart bare & I felt such powerful emotion behind her words that I knew the same would go into her book. I was not disappointed! This book truly comes from the heart,& threw her words you could feel the love,pain,& torment of Christine & Erik’s story. The re-telling of the classic love story captured me right from the start,and while staying true to the story & the characters the author has a style of her own that made this book so much more enjoyable. I felt threw her book the pieces that were missing in the original were put into place and there was much more explained. I felt I got to know the characters better, not just Erik & Christine but the others as well, she gave them more “personality” and to me made the story much fuller. As for Erik my heart cries out for you once again, and I cant find the words to explain how the author makes you feel such pain in his heart for the things he cannot have or share, many a times I cried threw the story. This book has so many elements to it, mystery,passionate romance,madness,a tormented soul that cries to be heard. A beautiful,wonderful,powerful story!!! I did not want this book to end, and cannot wait till book 2 is out! A very talented author who shared her love for a timeless love story. Thank you Paisley for sharing such a beautiful,emotional,journey with me. This is a MUST read for fans of Phantom Of The Opera! 5 STARS+++!! and 2-thumbs up!!
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17 Customer Reviews on Amazon.com
As a Phantom of the Opera Phan I love to read and watch almost anything Phantom related. I find some decent things and I find some yuck. This book takes a slow approach to the love story building up to the climax. There are actually several twists and turns and climax moments. Paisley develops her characters into multi-fauceted, complex human beings. For me, I love the Phantom, Erik and want Chrstine to do the same. Paisley goes there with the story and then redirects. I was taken for an “emotional roller-coaster ride” and loved it. I wait with baited breath for her next book.
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NOTHING MATTERED – EXCEPT FINISHING THIS BOOK!, January 4, 2011I had this book 2 months before sitting down to read it, thinking its size a little intimidating. Hah! By Page 2 I was hooked and finished in 3 days (damn the laundry… and get your own supper, honey)!
Swannie, I loved your realism in relating the ordinary, everyday needs, functions, dreams and desires of our flawed but very extraordinary Phantom. It stunned me as I pictured a grown man’s pathetic attempts to make his home presentable for a romantic dinner – and I felt like an intruder.
My only nit was Christine’s constant waffling on her affections between Eric & Rauol made me want to smack her. However, a 17-yr old girl in Victorian-era England really was a product of that era…very sheltered & innocent.
I finished the book 2 nights ago & my Phantom withdrawal symptoms have already begun. Book 2:The Angel’s Song is #1 on my New Years Resolutions List.
Thank you Swannie!
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I am in ecstasy after reading this brilliantly written book. In my opinion it quite possibly could be the best Phantom book published to this day! You will not be able to put it down I promise you, every page begs to be turned to the next and the next etc! I am counting the days til book two hits the shelves! Brava Brava, Paisley Swan Stewart!
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| By | fantasygirl – See all my reviews |
Dear Mis Swan
So, what can I say? You made me fall in love with Erik and his story all over again! And I felt the same thrill reading your novel as I did when I first heard Andrew Lloyd Webbers musical when I was eight years old. There is so much about this books that I loved that it is going to be amazing if I can get it out in some kind of order.
I loved how you created a whole universe within the opera house that sucked me in from the very beginning. It was like the whole world was inside this one building as you described its size and features.
The first time that Christine and Erik spoke together was beautiful especially with Christine’s child-like question when she if he lived inside the mirror – for some reason that one little line could have easily made me cry.
I thought the arguments between Christine and Erik (though often ending badly) were brilliant because we got to see some of her spirit – spirit which she only showed a few times in the original novel and rarely (in my opinion) in other versions of the story. One thing that I found nearly heart-breaking was that despite all of her questions and misgiving Christine was always willing to give Erik the benefit of the doubt and didn’t reject him – even when he was being an idiot about things or was committing huge crimes. And even when she did think the worse she was still trying to protect him and keep him safe from the outside world.
One of my favourite bits was when Christine said “I wish I could take it all away,” This – too me – just showed the depth of her love and caring. This of us who love someone who we see daily in pain (emotional, physical or spiritual even) would happily take it all into ourselves to give them some peace. For some reason that little sentence from her really touched me.
I also enjoyed how you had their relationship initially begin with Christine only wanting to keep in contact with him because she didn’t want him left beneath the ground by himself.
I found your characterisation of Erik just perfect. You have painted perfectly the image of a man who has both an angel and a demon warring inside him and the explanation of his motives and reason for doing thing were fantastic.
I loved how you delved into Christine’s mind and her feelings, taking in her confusion and heart ache. You made all her emotions so real that I felt my own heart go out to her more than once as she tried to figure out just how she felt and though she loved Erik she felt that she shouldn’t because of what he had done…
And despite being an Erik and Christine fan girl all of the way I love how you painted Raoul. You didn’t paint him as the villain of the piece and in my opinion you made him out to be a lot better than he is in the original novel. I always found him to be very wimpy and girly (almost like a porcelain doll) through Leroux’s description and utterly unworthy of Christine but I adore your portrayal of him. You made him a real 3D man with depth and emotions. (On a side note I like how you had him not drink alcohol – mostly. That was one of the things I found very bizarre about Love Never Dies.)
And last but not least Madame Giry. I love her warmth and understanding towards both Erik and Christine and her protective instincts towards them both. She seems to be sadly neglected in the world of Phantom and I was happy to read a novel were she is not undermined and pushed into the back ground.
I will be sitting on pins as I wait for part two to come out.
Many thanks for your wonderful book.
If you want to read a Phantom novel where Erik’s actions and decision are understandable read this book.
If you want to read a Phantom novel where Raoul man’s up and is actually worthy of Christine’s affection read this book.
If you want to read a Phantom novel that actually makes sense and has none of the characters doing stuff that is completely bizarre, out of character and that makes no sense at all read this book.
This is by far one of the best – if not THE best – Phantom novel I have read and I cannot wait for the release of Part Two next year.
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Simply one of the BEST POTO story this reader has read….., September 20, 2010
This review is from: Chanson de l’Ange, Book 1: The Bleeding Rose- An Epic Retelling of Phantom of the Opera (Paperback)
I’ve read hundreds of POTO stories in the past five years. I’d rate ten percent of those worthy of reading again and again. I’d also rate ten percent of those a story that cannot be let go of. It lingers, it bothers…it just won’t leave a person’s mind. This is one of those stories. The depth put into this story is amazing. The emotions are written in a way that a person FEELS what the character feels and knows what the character is seeing in THEIR mind and soul. I first read the unedited version of this about three years ago. It’s taken this long to get to print and has been well worth the wait. |
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Brava Chanson de l’Ange!, September 16, 2010| By | Erin Stangel (Soddy-Daisy, TN, US) – See all my reviews |
I wanted to take a moment and let you know how much I enjoyed your book. I first came to be a “Phan” just 2 years ago when I saw the Vegas production of Phantom. I was blown away by the beauty, the music, the splendor, and lovely story told in the show. I was immediately drawn to the movie with Gerard and Emmy, the sound track, as well the the original Lon Chaney movie and Leroux’s book. For some reason, I was never drawn to all the other spin off novels and stories – I seemed to consider the others mentioned “purer” forms. I am going back to see Phantom in Vegas for the 3rd time this Nov – I am now hooked and a true Phan.
When your book was recommened to me, I took a look on line and was intrigued. Upon reading it, I have to say that it surpassed all of my expectations! What I was concerned would happen, and what I think would be so easy to do, is somone writing a sappy love story to fullfill their own Erik fantasies and make him the perfect man instead of the conflicted man he was meant to be. Thank you so much for making him realistic, making him the Erik he was intended to be, not just the EriK of our fantasies we might have preferred. Your story captivated and lulled me in from the start – it was like getting an intimate view into the lives of the characters we have grwon to know so well – it was never a “spin” on Phantom – but a gift of allowing me to grow even closer to those portrayed. I am so looking forward to the next book. Congratulations on your tremendous success with this. I could not have been happier with your work which has honored the PTO story.
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EPIC ROMANCE, September 1, 2010
This review is from: Chanson de l’Ange, Book 1: The Bleeding Rose- An Epic Retelling of Phantom of the Opera (Paperback)
Run, dont walk to your nearest bookstore |
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Brava, Brava, Bravasima!!, August 4, 2010| By | Tracy Holmes (Mississippi, USA) – See all my reviews |
Brava, Brava, Bravisma!!
As Erik said of Christine both in the movie and this book. I use it now to sing praises for this lovely novel. It is a thick book. It is very frustrating when you realize you have to put this back down and sleep for a night before picking it up again. You do not want to stop reading.
It was as if my eyes were glued to each twist and turn of young Christine Daae’s life.
You also feel both Erik and Raoul’s pain.
Neither Raoul nor Erik are made perfect, Neither seem like the only choice. Christine has valid reasons why she cares for each of them. You as a reader will care for them both as well.
One offers more stability and one offers more passion.
One is calm and serene. One can go through a myriad of emotions in a matter of seconds.
Christine herself is a contradiction. She is pure of body, but her mind and heart want to know grow great passion. Comforted by Raoul’s hugs, tempted by Erik’s. She is truly torn.
What engagement ring will she wear Erik’s or Raoul’s? Who shall father her children? Will it be the man who eases her mind or the one that stirs her heart?
If you miss this tale you will be sorry.
This is book one in a two part series. I cannot wait to read book two.
Tracy Holmes
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An Epic and Bittersweet Sweeping Romance, August 10, 2010| By | john Grisham “Sam” “sam” – See all my reviews |
I love this epic and sweeping romance book beyond words and can’t wait to read the second book The Angel’s Song as soon as it is released. Will
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
A masterpiece, August 10, 2010| By | Laura P. – See all my reviews |
I’ve really loved this book, the story between Erik and Christine is so well written that I felt their emotions as they were my own. I can’t wait to read the second book!
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Mesmerizing…Hauntingly Brilliant, August 12, 2010| By | L. Lea (Texas) – See all my reviews |
Brilliantly coloring the classic story of The Phantom of the Opera, Stewart paints a passionate picture of each of her characters. As she delves deeply into their psyches, her readers begin to understand Christine’s confusion and the thought processes and memories that shape Erik’s trend toward madness. Ms. Stewart has a knack for describing deep emotions in a way that readers can relate. I was so moved that I actually felt Erik’s heartbreak and became angry with Christine for her indecisiveness. Slap to forehead – must remember these characters are fictional!
Chanson de l’Ange, Book One: The Bleeding Rose, defines the term “page-turner,” and is a must read for all Phantom of the Opera phans. Waiting for Book Two will be difficult. Write fast, Paisley Swan Stewart, your audience is rapt!
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A Must-Read for any Phan!!!!, August 11, 2010| By | D. Gangl “gerard fan” (Minnesota) – See all my reviews |
If you love the story of the Phantom of the Opera, you will absolutely love this book. Paisley Swan Stewart takes you behind the scenes of the bohemian world of The Paris Opera House through the eyes of ten year old orphan, Christine Daae. I became a fan of the story after watching Joel Schumacher’s “The Phantom of the Opera” with Gerard Butler in the starring role and I always thought that Christine should have chosen the Phantom over Raoul and was angry when she betrayed her Angel of Music. With this book, I found myself sympathizing, and sometimes empathizing with Christine; I came to understand her and why she made the decisions she did regarding the two men she loved. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I look forward to Ms. Stewart’s next book, The Angel’s Song.
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PhanGirl, August 28, 2010| By | Visa – See all my reviews |
I cannot begin to describe how this incredible this book is. It’s very detailed and makes you believe you are actually there in the story. I must say I almost passed up this story, I was not looking for any more Phantom stories to read. One look of the cover and I was fascinated by the cover and wanted to know more, so I looked at the reviews and it great reviews and I realized I must have this book, along with soon-to-be Book 2. This is a retelling of The Phantom of the Opera detailing the love triangle betwenn Christine Daae and her two loves: Erik/Phantom and Raoul de Changy. You will find that in this suspensful and romantic story that Christine has two choose between a life of security and caring with Raoul or a life of passion and soul binding music with Erik. As the story progesses you find yourself not wanting to put it down and wanting to know Christine’s choices. I highly suggest that any Phantom fans out there don’t pass up this book, Miss Swan has written a fine story and should be read by adoring Phantom fans and fans of romance as well!!!! It’s worth your time!!!!! ~Ariel~
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A “must read” for Phantom fans., August 19, 2010| By | Johnnie’s Angel – See all my reviews |
This is a beautifully written book which delves into the mind of the young girl, Christine, as she struggles to cope with the loss of her father and to adjust to life in the Paris Opera House. There, she is befriended by the ballet mistress, Madame Giry and her daughter, Meg. We also see the development of Christine’s relationship with the mysterious Angel of Music (Erik) who becomes her teacher and mentor.
Later, we see Christine as a beautiful young woman, torn between her love for Raoul, her childhood sweetheart with whom she has become reacquainted at the Opera House, and Erik, her Angel of Music.
Erik must cope with his past as he struggles with his changing feelings over time for Christine.
Once started, this book is almost impossible to put down, and I can’t wait for book 2!
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Lady Rogue rated it 
A wonderful, emotional novel from the beginning to the end. And it is only the first half!
This is the first Phantom novel that I have read were I can truly say I would have a hard time chosing between the Phantom or Raoul and that for me is something amazing as I usually find Raoul a complete wimp and would go with the Phantom wither he was crazy or not just because he was the best of the both lol. But this novel will truly have you questioning what makes a relationship and just how any different kinds of love are there.
In one word amazing.
In two words. Beautiful and amazing.
Brava Ms Swan I can not wait to read your continuation of this fantastic story.
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Korrina rated it 
Best. Christine. I. Have. Ever. Read!
I love how the author took the threads of different Phantom stories and wound them into her own. This book was just wonderful and Christine was just how I imagined her to be. It took me quite some time to find that Christine but now finally someone got her perfect (for me at least) and also Erik is torn between his humanity and his demonic side that he may not be able to control one day. I was just so emotion reading this book! I was crying at one moment and laughing the next!
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Chanson de l’Ange
by Paisley Swan Stewart (Goodreads Author)
We begin at the funeral of Christine’s father, in Christine’s point of view, which is something that i have always, always, wanted to experience. Christine is wrecked by the loss of her father at only ten years old, and is taken to live in the opera house…thus begins our tale.
Erik lives in the cellars of the opera house, it’s the only place he is safe from the ridicule of the outside world, but he longs for someone to love and share his music with. In Christine, is where he will believe he finds it.
Chanson de l’ange is a whirlwind of romance from the moment Christine meets her Angel. Erik is captivated by her and begins to teach her to perfect her voice, but soon the intention to be her teacher, grows into much, much more. It grows into love.
I was hooked on this book from the first page. It’s a very thick book but it’s so easy to read if you are a fan of The Phantom Of The Opera in all of it’s revivals. It fills in a lot of things that you might wonder about the story, and packs in a lot of the emotion that Leroux might have left out. Leroux’s novel, to me, is beautiful and i thank GOD for it, but it reads more like a detective’s report, while this book is rich in the romance and rich in the happiness, and sadness. I love this book so much, so what are you doing? Stop reading this. Buy it. Buy it NOWWW. (:
– EmilyMarionDawnDaae
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Anne B.’s reviews > Chanson de l’Ange
Chanson de l’Ange
by Paisley Swan Stewart (Goodreads Author)
From one of my readers:
Swannie!
I finished your beautiful Chanson de l’Ange: The Bleeding Rose today! 
Told ya I would just devour it! 
I love your book and now can’t wait till Book 2 is ready. I will definitely be buying that one too. You paint with your descriptions so well and wind a story that is thrilling and captivating and though I know the story of POTO well, I could not wait to read the next chapter and the next…Brava!
Here is a pic of what has been my constant companion since it came in the mail. I just could not bear to put the book down and I will now begin a re-read to relish every moment with Erik!
Diane
I’ve read halfway through this book and I am loving every minute of it; this first installment of the book starts out with Christine from the time when she goes to live in the Paris Opera House. I found myself sympathizing and sometimes even empathizing with her as she struggled to find her place among the bohemian life style of the opera. I was one of those people who didn’t like the movie version of Christine because of the way she betrayed and hurt the Phantom and all he wanted to do was love her. I saw a different side of Christine and I found I understood her choices and what made her do what she did. I also got to see the beginning of her relationship with her “Angel of Music”. I loved the moments between Erik and Christine, she brought out a tender and fatherly side to a man who has had very limited contact with other people let alone small children. I loved seeing their relationship grow as he taught her how to use her amazing vocal talent and shaped her voice into a powerful instrument. This book has made me laugh and cry, I love it and if you love the story of the Phantom of the Opera, you will love it too.
Brava, Brava, Bravisma!!
As Erik said of Christine both in the movie and this book. I use it now to sing praises for this lovely novel. It is a thick book. It is very frustrating when you realize you have to put this back down and sleep for a night before picking it up again. You do not want to stop reading.
It was as if my eyes were glued to each twist and turn of young Christine Daae’s life.
You also feel both Erik and Raoul’s pain.
Neither Raoul nor Erik are made perfect, Neither seem like the only choice. Christine has valid reasons why she cares for each of them. You as a reader will care for them both as well.
One offers more stability and one offers more passion.
One is calm and serene. One can go through a myriad of emotions in a matter of seconds.
Christine herself is a contradiction. She is pure of body, but her mind and heart want to know grow great passion. Comforted by Raoul’s hugs, tempted by Erik’s. She is truly torn.
What engagement ring will she wear Erik’s or Raoul’s? Who shall father her children? Will it be the man who eases her mind or the one that stirs her heart?
If you miss this tale you will be sorry.
This is book one in a two part series. I cannot wait to read book two.
Tracy Holmes
Hello! I could not put down your book for a minute! I am so happy someone finally brought Erik & Christine together. Looking forward to book two!
It has been a long wait for your books to be
finished and published for all of us to read. Book One is just as wonderful and splendidly
written.This is a story for all those who would seek a more romantic tale of the Phantom and his Christine. Brava. I cannot WAIT for Book Two.
I eagerly bought this book, because I love the film version of “The Phantom of the OPera” with Gerard Butler as the phantom. As soon as it arrived in Honolulu, where I live, I tore the package and the first thing I noticed was the material used and design of this volume is very classy, glossy and with good taste. I must say, Swannie should have sold this book for more than $30 each. The labor was all-encompassing with 636 pages of goose bumps; I read it in four days, the two days is middle of the night so that means the previous day carried over to the next. I know this was a labor of love for all Gerard Butler (Erik) fans.
The retelling of The Phantom of the Opera in this book is vivid and will take you to places where you’ve never been before. A lair full of modern equipment, wardrobe, plumbing, and Erik’s style of living is classic as you would imagine how he carried himself if you saw the film version. As Swannie is a revelation to all of us, reading the details of each character, you will also experience revelation after revelation that you won’t be able to put the book down. Book Two is in process and I can’t wait for Swannie to finish it. Hurry up, Swannie-my carriage is waiting….
I love Christine in this character, because she became obsessed with Erik. Who wouldn’t be? Or maybe I’m wrong…read the book! Some of my pages have bits of notes here and there, because I have a dictionary to create a colorful and dramatic imagination of The Bleeding Rose. You might as well hire a horse and carriage and go there.
So, I urge you ladies and gentlemen, (yes, men, too) to purchase this book for yourself, friends or girlfriends, because it will touch your heart and understand the pain of Erik and Christine.
Aquamarine
I remember almost not getting this! I was torn between buying this and the Kay novel (I bought both eventually but The Bleeding Rose first) And I shall never regret getting this one! It really got me in not only Christine’s mind, but also Erik’s, Raoul’s, and Madame Giry’s! It a wonderful retelling of a truly beautiful story that I must say has become a huge part of my life! This I think even beat the Kay novel in many ways. Christine in this book was more dimensional than Kay’s! A true must read! I found myself crying, repressing giggles, and getting angry at many different character! I felt sorry for all of the characters at many different parts! I shall never forget this book. I cannot wait for book two!
Korrina,
WOW, I am speechless! What a wonderful review! Hey, if you have an account with Amazon, I would be so thankful if you would post this review on my book page! Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Chanson-lAnge-Book-Bleeding-Retelling/product-reviews/1450084028/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
I would post it but I do not have an Amazon.
It said to make a review I must make an order first, so if I order something I will post it as soon as possible 
PSS I love you…
BS
I have finally finished book one The Bleeding Rose and cannot put into words how much I enjoyed it. You are such a brilliant writer and I cannot wait till the release of book two.
It was so moving and emotional for me I was in tears at the end for the Phantom(Erik)
Debbie, so glad the book met your expectations! Thanks for stopping by with a comment!
When I finished book one The Bleeding Rose I was floored. What beautiful detail!! Throughout the book each character and each scene is so beautifully described. Absolutely gorgeous pictures are painted for you as you read the book!!! With the amount of beautiful detail you are drawn into the book, almost as if you are there. I absolutely loved the book!! I could barely put it down. I will be reading it again because it is that good. I can’t wait for book two!!