The Cenote by Chelsea Dyreng (Blog Tour Review & Giveaway)


Welcome to my tour stop for The Cenote by Chelsea Dyreng! Check out my 5-star review and the giveaway below...

The CenoteThe Cenote
by Chelsea Dyreng
Adult Fantasy, Romance
Paperback & ebook, 264 Pages
November 10th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
 
 
Summary

Forced to marry a complete stranger, Sandpiper tries to adjust to life in her new village. But the mysterious Cenote, a great pool of water, has bewitched the men of the village, and Sandpiper must know why. This moving story of romance and redemption serves as an allegory with a timely message. Filled with drama and heart, it’s a book you won’t soon forget.  

My Review

I didn't know what to expect from THE CENOTE. The cover isn't my favorite, but at the same time, I was curious what the water and the hand reaching out had to do with the story. It took reading the synopsis to get me truly interested, and then once I began reading I knew from the first page that this story could be a great one. And it was. I felt immersed in this tribal culture. I connected with the heroine, even though I could see how her choices were definitely not wise, nor that she had the best perspective all the time. I felt some pity for the hero, but that quickly changed as he became my favorite character from the story. I loved the mysteries surrounding the pool of water, what is called The Cenote, which really is life and death for this tribe. I was worried about what was going to happen and when and why... This is a beautiful piece of storytelling, one that I connected with and I felt all the way to my heart. It is one book that I will not forget and definitely a top read from this year.
These characters really grew on me. Sandpiper was so obstinate at first and clueless. I could relate to her mother, but also to her and I wished that they had communicated better. She had a long way to come through this story, but her backbone and humor, as well as the love that she develops for those around her is what carried her through. Lark appeared timid and weak at first, but as he learns to love Sandpiper and as she supports him he really steps into his place as a leader and a strong husband. What worked so well for this story was how the characters really came into their own. They muddled through the marriage, but their hearts changed. They changed. They learned what love really is. I especially loved how Lark wanted so much happiness for his wife and how his love developed for her. One of my favorite parts were these stars that Lark began drawing on their hut's ceiling. It was sweet and carried such a beautiful meaning.



Lark and Sandpiper were not alone. There really was such a strong family feel from the tribe and this village and how they all helped each other. I loved seeing the various personalities and roles... The hard work, the times of leisure, the teasing, and the friendships. 

Then there was the mystery of The Cenote. Spooky and a little gruesome. It drove the story and played a role in how Lark's and Sandpiper's relationship climbs to a dangerous place. Their choices and how they open or close their hearts had far reaching effects upon what happened, but also upon the future of the tribe.

I would recommend THE CENOTE to those who enjoy fantasy steeped in culture and myths with a romance that is heartwarming, authentic, and beautiful for the love that survives.

Content: Some adult subject matter, but clean

Source: I would like to thank Cedar Fort for my complementary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author


Chelsea Bagley Dyreng was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and is the daughter of a fireworks salesman and Miss Malibu. She earned her B.A. at Brigham Young University, worked as a librarian, and then moved to North Carolina where she and her husband are currently raising five God-fearing, book-loving, adventure-seeking kids.
Giveaway

ebook of The Cenote by Chelsea Dyreng
Provided by the publisher
Open internationally
Ends December 4th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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