Tag: fiction

Categories
Uncategorized

2 Bookish Valentine’s Day reviews: A Valentine’s Day Return and Snowed in on Valentine’s Day

226 pages Love Inspired January 23,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

They thought love was in their past…

But could it be their future?

After completing rehab, Mark Rivers returns to his hometown to make amends with his ex-wife, Kylie, and their daughter. But he doesn’t expect to stick around beyond seeking her forgiveness. So when helping Kylie run her coffee shop after a health crisis draws them closer together, Mark is forced to decide—a career in Nashville or a second chance with the family he thought he’d lost forever…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Sunset Ridge

Book 1: Reunited by the Baby
Book 2: A Valentine’s Day Return

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoy reading the Love Inspired romance. Clean reads that are a short story, but each read is a full story.


Our two main characters Mark Rivers and his ex-wife Kylie. The couple also has a young daughter.
Mark is a singer who devoted his time to his career with the time it took building it up. In the process he lost his wife and daughter to divorce because he devoted his time to what was important to him at the time. It wasn’t his family.

After getting counseling and rehab he knows what he needs to do, apologize to his family and make it right. While there it seems to be a little too easy for this family to fall back into the routine they had while married without Mark running off to his musical obligations.

When Kylie has a medical emergency Mark steps right up and Kylie is enjoying his strength. The couple is starting to have feelings for each other again, but they are both afraid and they have a daughter to think about her feelings too. Mark has made his intentions clear he’ll be leaving in a few weeks when Kylie no longer needs him.

Kylie doesn’t want to need Mark and fall for him if he’ll put his career first again. Mark is afraid to develop feelings for Kylie and his daughter again because he knows he messed up once and feels he isn’t deserving of a second chance at this happy family life. A beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances.

Pub Date 23 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

191 pages  Shipsvold Press publisher February 6,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

From Alana Highbury, Amazon bestselling author, comes a slow burn Valentine’s romance in a snowy small town.

It was hate at first sight.

After a run-in with the rude best man, Peter, at her best friend’s wedding and a subsequent meltdown on New Year’s Eve, Hazel is ready to make major changes. Realizing she’s a serial dater, she vows to take a break from dating and focus on reinventing herself in her career—and putting down roots for once in her life.

But when the jerk from the wedding moves in next door, Hazel can’t believe her bad luck. She does her best to avoid Peter, until a massive blizzard forces her to take shelter at his house. The icy tension between them starts to thaw as they get to know each other, but when they’re still snowed in four days later—on Valentine’s Day—tempers flare as passions rise.

Confused and unsettled, Hazel has no idea what to do with her conflicting feelings, and avoiding him doesn’t seem to be an option.

Can she find love with this enigmatic man amid the winter storm brewing within and between them?
This is a sweet romance without explicit scenes, but it contains some profanity and adult themes.

MY THOUGHTS

Light and easy read. I read it quickly and it put a smile on my face because who doesn’t need a good relaxation read once in a while.


Hazel really doesn’t like Peter, she met him at her best friend’s wedding, and he’s been a bad memory ever since. Swearing off men for now she knows she’ll be new and improved focusing on her career and personal issues.

A little snow is so pretty to look at but what happens when a blizzard swoops down and you lose power? Well, that means, no heat, no cooking and gasp, no internet. Going next door to get a little help sounds reasonable but when it turns out Peter has moved next door this enemies to lover’s story takes an interesting turn.

With forced proximity for several days Hazel and Peter are actually able to talk things over. While they don’t agree on everything, things are looking a whole lot better relationship wise by the time this is over than when it started.

While they both have their own little quirks, tempers flare and passions rise. Valentine’s Day may just be something for these two to look forward to this year.
This is a sweet romance without explicit scenes, but it does contain some profanity and adult themes.

Pub Date 06 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks for stopping in. I hope you’re enjoying your weekend.

Categories
Uncategorized

Books From the Backlog

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. Hosted at Carole’s Random Life.

This book published in December of 2023

This is one of the many overdue books I have to read. I hope to get to it this month for St. Patrick’s Day.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Raise a glass for St. Paddy’s Day but keep a shamrock handy because some of these minty milkshakes are made with murder!

IRISH MILKSHAKE MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR
In advance of their St. Patrick’s Day wedding, Tara Meehan and Danny O’Donnell are off to the Aran Islands with their bridesmaids and groomsmen for a joint hen and stag party. The weekend kicks off with the ferry trip to Inis Mór, as the passengers enjoy boozy milkshakes on board and entertainment from a pair of famous Irish-dancing twin brothers. But faster than Tara can say “Oh, Danny Boy,” a murder shamrocks the boat as someone’s spiked shake turns out to be their final round. Stuck in a rural island cottage, while a storm rages outside, Tara must find the Celtic killer before her luck runs out . . .

MURDER MOST IRISH by PEGGY EHRHART
St. Patrick’s Day is drawing near in Arborville, New Jersey and the folks at Hyler’s Luncheonette are getting into the holiday spirit with a new, limited-time, Irish-themed menu item–a festive green milkshake appropriately named, “The Leprechaun.” It’s a hit, until a patron is felled by one of the frothy concoctions during a sheep parade through the town. Now, it’s up to Pamela Paterson and her Knit & Nibble knitting club pal, Bettina Fraser, to catch a murderer and put a stop to the sheer madness . . .

MRS. CLAUS AND THE LUCKLESS LEPRECHAUN by LIZ IRELAND
Spring in Santaland means two things: the elves have more leisure time and iceball season is in full swing! To celebrate, April Claus’s friend, Claire, whips up some minty milkshakes for her bustling ice cream shop, Santaland Scoop. But when the St. Paddy’s promotion makes one elf the target of a decidedly unlucky strike, Mrs. Claus and her friends must figure out if the attack was a failed hit job, a crime of passion, or an extremely unfortunate accident . . .

Does this look like a book you would read?

Have a super day. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

A Love Discovered (The Heart of Cheyenne Book #1): (A Christian Historical Western Romance Marriage of Convenience Novel)

298 pages Bethany House publisher March 5, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

The heart finds its way when one least expects it–even in the most unforgiving frontiers.

Invited by a friend to trek west and help establish the newly formed town of Cheyenne, Edward Vogel is prepared to leave the haunting memories of his wife and son’s deaths behind him. The only problem is the corrupt new railroad town wants family men who can establish law and order, and desperation leads Edward to his friend Marybeth with a proposition of marriage.

After her father’s death leaves her with no means of support, Marybeth Kruger is in danger of having her two-year-old half sister taken from her. So when Edward Vogel, the widower husband of her late best friend, offers her a marriage of convenience to escape both their troubles, she has no choice but to accept.

Life in Cheyenne is fraught with danger, but will this arrangement be enough to save Edward and Marybeth from the pasts they tried to escape? Or will life with each other put them–and their hearts–in more danger than ever?

MY THOUGHTS

I’m always so excited to read a new Tracie Peterson book. This is the start of a new series (The Heart of Cheyenne).


Marybeth Kruger is convinced she can care for her stepsister after her father’s death, she has been left her father’s house but not much money. The church is not so sure. I’ll admit I didn’t like the minister who stuck his nose in her business. Her best friend is a widowed man, Edward Vogel. Their marriage is a marriage of convenience, she’ll get to keep her stepsister and he’ll become a family man.


They move to Cheyenne, it’s pretty lawless right now but this railroad town is looking to establish itself with law and order. Edward is a law enforcer and now a family man. This marriage of convenience will work for them both.


I enjoyed reading Marybeth’s thoughts on being a young mother to her sister, the only one she remembers as her mother died at her birth. We also get Edward’s thoughts on the danger in lawless Cheyenne as he tries to control the men who think they’re above the law.


Edward and Marybeth both want this marriage to stay strong and work out but are afraid to let their true feelings show for one reason or another.
Carrie, the young girl is so sweet, smart and polite. I enjoyed her character a lot.


You can see how the characters in Cheyenne are trying so hard to just raise a family and have a normal family life and so many obstacles in their way. The emotions as you’re reading the characters are experiencing become your own. I just wanted the best for these characters and wanted to see them succeed despite so many things against them. So realistic, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.

Pub Date 05 Mar 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Have a wonderful day. I’m so glad you stopped in today.

Categories
Uncategorized

Come Rain or Shine Blog Tour

Good Morning, I am so excited to invite you onto my blog today for the blog tour of Come Rain or Shine by Sarah Bennett. Her books are just lovely, and I’ve read almost all of them. Now I need to do a catch up with the rest.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Come Rain or Shine

There are worse fates than growing up knowing that you will one day inherit a vast and magnificent Cotswolds country estate, but for Rhys Travers it has always felt like a huge responsibility.

Juniper Meadows is home to much of his extended family, not to mention the many local businesses that operate on the estate, so there’s no time to sit back and enjoy the view. Juniper Meadows is a full-time job, and that doesn’t leave much time for romance…

Tasha Blake’s career leaves no time for romance either – much to her mother’s chagrin. Tasha’s sister Danni has kindly provided two grandchildren, but Victoria Blake is keen for more! When her job takes her to Juniper Meadows for an extended project, the slower pace of life, the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the Travers family, soon has Tasha in its thrall, and the future Lord of the Manor Rhys Travers is rather easy on the eye too.

As the busyness of life on the estate sweeps Tasha and Rhys along, they are both able to ignore the secrets and silences that are growing between them. But when the future of Juniper Meadows hangs in the balance, loyalties and love are tested to breaking point. When the chips are down, can Rhys and Tasha see a future together, come rain or shine…

Sarah Bennett is back with her signature blend of warmth and joy, plot and pace. A Sarah Bennett book is a ray of sunshine and a huge hug, guaranteed to brighten any day, perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/comerainorshinesocial

MY THOUGHTS

Sarah Bennet’s books are go to reads for me, I can’t resist reading them when the latest publishes.
It’s hard to believe the third book in the Juniper Meadows series is already here and I’ve read them all from the start.


It’s been so exciting to read about Juniper Meadows and the archeologists running the dig and finding historical ruins. In each book in this series, we’ve found out a little more about it. I’m all for series and having the same characters in the books and getting updates on them but also meeting new characters in each book.


Running Juniper Meadows is a huge time consumer for Rhys Travers, also the future Lord of the Manor. Hiring someone to manage the manor and draw in customers while making major changes is going to help Rhys quickly get things under control.


When Tasha Blake swoops in like a ray of sunshine getting the manor on track with changes that draws in the customers and gives Rhys some breathing room, he’s relieved and oh so grateful.


Love may be blossoming for this couple if only a few pesky secrets she’s hiding don’t hinder that path to love. Fabulous, fun, you won’t be able to put it down until you get to the end. Warm a charming, a must read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHER LOVELY BLOGS ON THE TOUR

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Sarah Bennett writes feelgood romantic fiction set in beautiful locations you will fall in love with. Her bestselling series include Butterfly Cove and Mermaids Point. Her latest series is based in the heart of the Cotswolds on a country estate known to the locals as Juniper Meadows.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sarahlou_writes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_bennettauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahBennettnews

Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week a new theme is suggested for bloggers to participate in. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want. 

This week’s topic: Things I’ve Googled because of a book

I do a lot of googling and have found out some interesting things.

How far underground can a dog smell a body? Yes, I read suspense and was curious. Answer a dog can smell remains 15 feet deep.

I live in the US and read a lot of books taking place in the UK so I google to see if these are actual places.

I read a lot of historical fiction and look up words of old-fashioned objects. For example, I’ve looked up what a U boat was and jack boots. These are WWII related.

I look up events in history I’d like to know more about.

I look up foreign words in books I don’t understand.

While reading a historical fiction about a person going to someone for a natural substance for poisoning, I had to look that up. They were given purple nightshade berries.

I google series of books or what book is releasing next by an author I read.

I google people I read about in books to see if they’re actual people and find out more about their life.

I’ve googled words from books I’ve read taking place in the UK. I’ve learned boot is the trunk and bin is for household waste and recycling.

I’ve googled what current places used to be called for example I didn’t know Nova Scotia used to be called Acadia until I read The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz.

I’m sure there are more things I’m missing.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Irish Reads for March: The Lost Promise of Ireland

246 pages Bookouture publisher December 17,2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A completely gorgeous story about lost loves and small-town secrets that will sweep you away to the Irish coast.

Maggie remembers her summers in the village of Sandy Cove in Ireland like they were yesterday. She and her family would swim in the crystal-clear waters, collect beautiful seashells and relax on the sand. So when she sees that her family’s old coastguard cottage is available, she wonders if renting it for the summer will finally help her move on from the man who just broke her heart.

As soon as Maggie arrives, she is delighted to find her childhood bestfriend Sorcha and Sorcha’s cousin Brian still living in town. They enjoy cosy nights in the local harbour pub, with its stunning views across the ocean, as if no time has passed. And when Brian reveals he had a fierce teenage crush on Maggie, she can’t help but notice just how handsome he has become.

But then Maggie finds a worn metal box hidden in the attic of the house, full of love letters she exchanged with a sweet American boy she met one summer. During their last night together, star-gazing on the beach, they promised to find each other again. Soon it becomes clear that Maggie is not the only one returning to Sandy Cove.

Torn between her growing feelings for Brian and the romance she’s held in her heart for many years, Maggie realises that her summer may be more complicated than she’d expected. Will Maggie finally find a true love who can sweep her off her feet or will this holiday in Sandy Cove be her last?

Photo by Lachlan Ross: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cute-irish-setter-on-shore-6510333/

MY THOUGHTS

Once again, we are swept away to the beautiful south-west of Ireland. This is the third book in the Starlight Cottages series.
You’ll love spending time on the beautiful Irish coast.


Though this contemporary is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone because each book has different main characters, but we visit with familiar characters from past books in the series.


Maggie’s family lived in a cottage here thirty years ago and it just so happens to be empty at this time. After a breakup she’s so happy to be able to come back “home.” It’s surprising to her that some of her old friends are still living here.

In the attic of her old cottage, she finds love letters from an old love from America. When she is reunited with her love from her teenaged days will things be able to go back to the way they were and what’ll happen when she finds out he’s been hiding secrets from her?

The author’s writing is very descriptive. Maggie’s pretty oblivious in her relationships not realizing how much someone cares for her and the secrets being kept from her.
Such a heartwarming read about reunions and happy memories.

Pub Date 17 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels, mainly in the romantic fiction genre. She now writes full-time from her home in Dublin and a little cottage in Kerry.

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Embers in the London Sky: (WWII Historical Fiction with Mystery, Suspense, and Clean Romance)

394 pages Revell publisher Feb 6 2024 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

MY THOUGHTS

When I think of WWII books this is the author I think of. Her books are amazing, and she is an auto read author for me.
She has a new and interesting take on WWII that I’ve not seen presented before.


As the Nazi’s invade the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens is on her way to London with her husband and son to escape. Her son is separated from her without her permission and the young widow heartbrokenly makes it her mission to find him.

In a city as huge as London it may be next to impossible. It was interesting to read about the reporting the BBC did, how they had to give information but not too much so as to aid the enemies.


As she and BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood draw closer, he vows to do whatever it takes to find her son. I could feel their frustration as they visit many children’s homes where refugee children have been taken, they are so close but yet so far away.


As the search continues you can feel the danger surrounding them with the London Blitz. There are so many twists and turns with events happening while the search continues: multiple murders and a mother’s unwavering love for her son leading to the most heartrending decision of her life.

Pub Date: 06 Feb 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of Embers in the London Sky (February 2024), The Sound of Light (2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and several World War II series.

Sarah’s novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award and was a semi-finalist for the 2023 Carol Award, The Sound of Light, When Twilight Breaks, and The Land Beneath Us were finalists for the Christy Award, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups. Sarah serves as Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.

Is this an author you have read yet? Do you have a favorite book she has written? When Twilight Breaks is one of my favorites by her.

Thank you for stopping in. Enjoy your day.

FONT: MilkyWell READING

Categories
Uncategorized

Black History Month Read: My Name Is Ona Judge: An absolutely gripping historical novel 

322 pages Bookouture publisher 06 Sep 2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

New Hampshire, 1796. “My name is Ona Judge, and I escaped from the household of the President of the United States. I was the favored maid of George and Martha Washington, but they deemed me a slave and thought me property, and I hear ten dollars is offered as reward for my capture. Now I must write the truth that I have lived, and tell my story…”

Chincoteague, Virginia, present day. Rain soaks Tessa Scott as she runs from her car to the old, vine-covered property she has been called to survey. She’s too busy to accept a new job, but doing this favor for the grandmother of her childhood sweetheart delays a painful decision she must make about a future with her controlling boyfriend.

But when Tessa finds a tattered journal carefully hidden inside the house’s ancient fireplace, the tragic story of how Ona was ripped from her mother’s arms to live and work in the palatial Mount Vernon, and the heart-shattering betrayal that led her to risk her life and run, has Tessa spellbound. Could discovering this forgotten scandal at the heart of her nation’s history force her to confront her own story? As she races to reach the final page, will anything prepare her for the desperate moment when Ona’s captors find her again? Will it inspire Tessa to take ownership of her own life and set herself free?

MY THOUGHTS

This will be my last book I read this month for Black History month.
I’ve read some incredible books this month for it, and this is one of them.
The book is so well researched, the author vividly brings Ona Judge’s story to life.


This wonderful book honor’s Ona Judge, a black woman born into slavery, as she became old enough, she was the Lady’s Maid to Martha Washington, President of the United States wife. Even amongst the slaves there is a pecking order. When she displaced a slave a few years older than herself to become the president’s wife’s personal maid there was jealousy, threats and bodily harm done to herself.


The book follows the daily life of Ona as she is at Washington’s home Mount Vernon, always on call as a lady’s maid, following every whim Matha has and even having to bow down and answer to the grandchildren of Martha that were younger than her. It was disheartening to see the violent behavior the slaves were subject to in Washington’s care. Though most tried to please you couldn’t defend yourself with words and had to demurely keep the eyes lowered and heaven help you if you were learning to read or write. This was punishable by beating to death.


Having more than her fill Ona Judge makes an escape to freedom but will she be caught, and freedom taken away?


This dual timeline has in modern times Tessa Scott in Chincoteague, Virginia, surveying a property of the grandmother of an old boyfriend as a favor. Ready to leave she spots an old diary stuck in the fireplace and she grabs it to look at later.

Upon further inspection she realizes it’s details of Ona Judge’s life, her struggles and ultimate betrayal. The book gives her the courage to find the help she needs to leave a controlling relationship.
The book fascinatingly is based on actual people and events and gives the respect and honor Ona Judge deserved.

Pub Date 06 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Mrs. Harrison pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. Harrison prefers happy endings, but loves creating flawed characters and storylines with intricate layers and depth, offering readers unexpected plot twists. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.

WANT A FREEBIE FROM ME?

Enjoy a deleted scene from my latest novel, My Name is Ona Judge, when you sign-up for my newsletter!

Let’s Connect: https://www.sdhbooks.com/

Thanks for stopping in. Have a wonderful day.

Categories
Uncategorized

Top Ten Tuesday

Photo by Johannes Plenio: https://www.pexels.com

TOP TEN TUESDAY

This week’s topic for Top Ten Tuesday is  Covers/Titles with Things Found in Nature (covers/titles with things like trees, flowers, animals, forests, bodies of water, etc. on/in them) (Submitted by Jessica @ a GREAT read) Hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl

I love pretty covers so this is what I’m going with this week, pretty nature covers.

These are all waiting for me to read them from my NetGalley pile Which of these have you or will you be reading?

Have a marvelous day and thanks for stopping in.

Categories
Uncategorized

Black History Month Read: Defending Alice: A Novel of Love and Race in the Roaring Twenties

567 pages HarperVia publisher November 22,2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set in 1920s New York, an addictively readable, thoroughly entertaining historical novel involving sex and secrets, race and redemption, and power and privilege—based on a sensational real-life case that made international headlines—in which the marriage between a working-class black woman and the scion of one of America’s most powerful white families ends in a scandalous annulment lawsuit.

When Alice Jones, a blue-color woman with at least one Black parent marries Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander, the son of one of New York’s most prominent society families, the scandal rocks high society—and eventually sets the city afire when Kip later sues for an annulment, accusing Alice of having hidden her “Negro blood” and intentionally deceiving him that she was white.

While New York society in the Roaring Twenties witnessed more than a few scandals, the real-life Rhinelander case set tongues wagging and became perhaps the most examined interracial relationship in American history. In Defending Alice, Richard Stratton reimagines this remarkable story, from the couple’s courtship through their controversial marriage to their shocking divorce trial and its aftermath. Chronicled by Alice’s attorney, brilliant trial lawyer Lee Parsons Davis, and told in flashbacks and entries from Alice and Kip’s fictional personal diaries, this epic page-turner vividly brings to life the New York of a century ago—a world seemingly far removed yet tragically familiar to our own.

Stratton brilliantly evokes this dazzling era in all its glamour and excess, and in retelling the Rhinelander story, explores issues of sex, race, class, prejudice, and justice that are as relevant today as they were a century ago when this headline-making trial took place.

MY THOUGHTS

Defending Alice is a historical fiction book I’ve read based on actual events and people.
Chronicled by Alice’s attorney, trial lawyer Lee Parsons Davis, taking place during the Roaring 20’s when interracial marriages weren’t as accepted as today.


Leonard “Kip” Rhinelander comes from a high-class New York upper crust high society family and is white. Alice Jones is a working woman and their relationship set the tongues to wagging and caused a scandal. Kip is perceived as a weak individual unable to stand up to his father who wants the marriage annulled immediately.

According to the father Kip was seduced into the marriage having no experience with women by a woman who passed as white but didn’t tell him of her mixed-race blood. Alice claims she did not hide the fact she has at least one black parent and the couple is in love.

The grounds for annulment were Alice married into this prominent family for the money and social standing she would receive with the marriage.
What follows is flashbacks of the couple’s relationship and the long trial case.
As you can imagine the trial drags on and on with Alice’s name being drawn through the mud and her spineless husband not sticking up for himself or his wife.

Sex, lies, prejudice, race and class, just as relevant today as they were back nearly a century ago when this trial took place figure prominently into the story.

Pub Date 22 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Stratton is an award-winning writer and filmmaker. His feature film work includes writing and producing Slam, which won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance and the Camera d’Or at Cannes. Stratton also wrote and produced Whiteboyz for Fox Searchlight. He recently completed an adaptation of the non-fiction bestseller Facing the Wind.

Age: 77 years old

Birthday: 30 November

Born: 30 November, 1946

Occupation: producer,writer,actor

Thank you for stopping in. Have a marvelous day.