Photo Credit: Putnam Books
This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration.
The Gates of Evangeline
Charlotte “Charlie” Cates is living every mother’s worst nightmare. Her child has died and she is drowning in her grief. Not wanting to go back to her job at the magazine and concern herself with things like fashion, make-up and other magazine things that she cares nothing about since her child has died- she’s unsure what to do.
When an opportunity arises to go to Louisiana and meet with the Deveau family about writing a story about the case of the missing child, Gabriel Deveau- a case that has never been solved- Charlie takes the opportunity with both hands and runs with it.
Why does this case appeal to her so? Could it be the ghostly dreams she’s been having of a little boy in a bayou?
As Charlie enters the world of the Deveau family, she finds that not only are they wealthy- but they are wealthy in secrets as well. Could the key to what happened to Gabriel be right there in the house? And if so, is Charlie meant to find out? Or, are some secrets better left alone?
Traveling With T’s Thoughts:
First, I want to say how much I LOVED this book. I did. The spooky atmosphere, the Louisiana setting, the dreams- it all wrapped me up and kept me turning pages.
I devoured this book. I started it one afternoon and I stayed up till I could not read anymore, then finished it the next morning. THE GATES OF EVANGELINE def cast a spell on me.
What I liked:
The missing child, Gabriel. An unsolved mystery hooks me every time- and this one was no exception.
The cover. I loved how my perception of the cover changed each time I looked at the cover- on one glance it looks like a gate, another a bayou.
The pace. From the beginning- the book just reached in and pulled me along for the ride.
The secrets. EVERYONE had secrets- and it just went hand in hand with the whole atmosphere of the book.
While I was able to figure some key twists in the book before Hester was ready to reveal all- that did not detract from my enjoyment , as I was completely immersed in THE GATES OF EVANGELINE.
Bottom line: A debut that gave me a book hangover of the most severe degree. I sorta wish I could go back and re-read it again for the first time.
*This book was picked up while at BEA 15. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*
Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,
T @ Traveling With T
Traveling With T 
Wow, sounds intense. I might not be able to handle this one, or I’ll have to put it in the freezer like Joey does in Friends if it scares me too much or makes me too sad. Good review though, you make me want to read it!
It is SO good. I don’t think it’s really scary- I’m a major wuss when it comes to scary- it’s got a creepy-ish vibe, but I don’t think it’ll be too much for you! I *think* Kristin @ Always With A Book might still be having a giveaway!
I really liked this one as well! And, like you, I guessed some of the plot twists (which usually annoys me) but it didn’t bother me too much because there were so many surrounding details I didn’t guess! I posted my mini review today as well.
YASSSSSSSS! I need to email you to see what you guessed and when you guessed it- because we (the bookseller and I) were talking about what we had figured out/guessed and Hester was laughing at us talking about it! It normally bothers me as well to guess so much- but I was just flat out sucked in this book!
Thanks T, this one sounds like a must read!
I think you will enjoy it! I met the author the other week and have some more scoop about the book to write about!
Sarah’s review said it was mostly a family drama, which kind of turned me off of the book. But the supernatural mysteries are intriguing.
Yes, I read Sarah’s review and she’s right- it does have a family drama angle- but there is def more to it than that. I know she didn’t care for the romance angle (I loved it, tho). I just REALLY liked it. Gave me a book hangover of the most major degree đŸ™‚
Sounds like a very promising debut novel. When a book hooks a reader like this one did you, I know it is one I have to take a look at.
YASSSSSSSSSSSS! I seriously love this book so hard. Truly! I hope you like it like I did!
Great review T. I’m glad you enjoyed this!
Thanks SO much. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one- but I’m so glad I snagged a copy while at BEA!
#bookpusher