August has only a few hours left in it, and I won’t be able to finish any of the other books I have started before the end of the month. Let’s get on with what I was able to read this month. here in my recap.
Have you read any of these? Are any of these on your tbr list?
Have a super day and thank you for stopping in.
ABOUT THE BOOK
taly, 1943. The girl rushes down the winding streets, tucking the handwritten menu into the wicker basket and thinking only of the code hidden on the delicate paper. Will anyone forgive her for what she’s about to do to save the man she loves?
Present day. Arriving in sun-drenched Caccipulia, Callie grips the faded restaurant menu in trembling hands. Found hidden in her family home, she is certain it will lead her to the truth about her grandmother’s life in Italy during World War Two. Why did her Nonna run away from this beautiful small town, never to return? Lost and alone in the world, could it help Callie understand who she is?
Local café owner Oliver’s dark brown eyes light up when he sees the menu. During the war, one brave family secretly fed desperate Jewish families hidden in safe houses through the village. Callie’s heart soars at the thought that her own dear grandmother was involved.
Diving into the town’s history during long walks down cobbled streets, Callie begins to feel at home under Oliver’s soft gaze. She wonders if she could build a life here with him. Until they push aside magenta flowers on a monument at the heart of the village, and uncover a secret that changes everything…
A grave mistake was made one dark night as the Nazis stalked the village, putting the whole town in terrible danger. When Callie finds out what her grandmother did, will it change the way Oliver feels about her? Will she stay and right the wrongs of the past, or be forced to leave Italy too, just like her Nonna?
A heartbreaking love story that will sweep you away to sun-drenched Italian vineyards to watch hope and bravery prevail in the darkest days of war. For fans of Kristin Hannah, Victoria Hislop and Fiona Valpy.
MY THOUGHTS
Having read the other two books in the series I was looking forward to the youngest sister’s story and this one did not disappoint. So well researched I feel as though I was walking amongst the characters experiencing what they have. This poignant dual timeline will have you not able to put it down while experiencing many emotions as you read. The ending was superb, the light shines through in such a beautiful way! I loved this book! Recommended for all historical fiction readers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
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AUTHOR BIO
Barbara Josselsohn is a best-selling novelist and journalist who loves crafting stories about strong protagonists facing a fork in the road. The Forgotten Italian Restaurant is the third and concluding novel in her Sisters of War series, about three sisters separated during the darkest days of World War 2. Earlier books in the series include Secrets of the Italian Island and The Lost Gift to the Italian Island. Her previous books are The Lilac House, The Bluebell Girls, The Lily Garden, The Cranberry Inn, and The Last Dreamer. Barbara has also written hundreds of articles and essays in major and regional publications about family, home and relationships. She lives just north of New York City and enjoys escaping to the beach whenever she can. Other than writing, her biggest passion is her family: her husband, her three kids, and her rescue pup, a mini-schnauzer named Albie. She is currently at work on her eighth novel, due out in 2025.
https://barbarajosselsohn.com/
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Buy Link:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B0D42CZBV7social
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Have a fabulous day. Thank you for stopping in.
208 pages Bethany House publishers September 3, 2024 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.
As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.
Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family’s misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?
MY THOUGHTS
The author writes with her usual fascinating historical touch from delightful descriptions to scenes you’d love to be in. With the description of the ball gowns to the sumptuous dinners I simply couldn’t get enough.
We all know Christmas books are extra special, and this is one you’ll surely want to read, I loved all the discoveries I made as I read, the extra oomph, it has a magical Christmas appeal sprinkled throughout, an unexpected chance at romance and sugar plums.
Though I’ve never had sugar plums I am now craving them in a pie or some type of pastry. Warm and delightful, a story with well-developed characters that I’m hoping we’ll see more of in future books.
Did you know the author has recipes that go with all of her series. There is a link in the book, and I went scrolling checking out these recipes and wow, they all sound so delicious. I will be checking it out again and trying some of them.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
I hope you’re having a splendid day. Thank you for stopping in.
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.
This past week I haven’t been able to read as much as I would’ve liked to. I’ve been helping my daughter with moving and deep cleaning my bedroom. You know, the kind of cleaning where you move everything, sweep and mop underneath it and go through everything, what gets tossed, given away or put somewhere else. It’s time consuming but I’m gonna be happy with the results when I’m done.
READ THIS PAST WEEK
READING NOW
READING NEXT
BLOG TOUR BOOK
BLOG TOUR BOOK
That about sums up my reading week. I’m looking forward to diving into more Christmas books soon.
And for yourself? What’s on your upcoming reading list?
ABOUT THE BOOK
1930s, Poland. We hold our breath as the gears turn, waiting to see if years of work have paid off. The operator looks at me with tears in his eyes. He nods his head. We’ve done it. The code has been broken. But with war brewing, will it be enough to save us?
After graduating as the first and only woman on her university course, orphan Beata is set on joining the Polish Cipher Bureau. She’s determined to save her country from invasion by cracking the Enigma code. But, as the Germans close in, Beata and her team need help…
Meeting with British Intelligence, Beata passionately describes her work: and catches the bright, sparkling eyes of one of the agents, Harry. His excitement about her efforts with Enigma and how vital it is for all their futures makes her more determined than ever to do what’s right.
But those stolen moments might be their last. Any hope of preventing war is dashed as gunfire rings across the rooftops and boots sound on the cobblestones. The Nazis have made it to the city. Beata and Harry must flee.
With their duties tearing them in different directions, their only hope is to reunite at the home of British codebreakers, Bletchley Park. But carrying the final key to the Enigma code, and with the Nazis close on her tail, can Beata keep the secrets she holds safe and turn the tide of the war? And will she ever see Harry again?
Inspired by the true story of the brave Polish mathematicians who worked on the Enigma code, this completely addictive World War 2 historical novel is perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and My Name is Eva.
MY THOUGHTS
I simply could not put this book down. My goal reading a historical book is to learn as much as I can about the subject. It’s an extra bonus if I learn something I hadn’t known about a subject I’m familiar with.
Based on fact I had a hard time putting this down as it was so informative.
I’m going to say it again about the author, she puts an impressive amount of research into her books and for this I’m grateful. I love descriptions and details in historical books, it helps me learn new facts.
The writing is divided into two time periods, the first part focuses on codebreaking and a romance with a man Beata meets Harry who is taken with her from the start. I thought it was sweet he continued to write letters to stay close to his mother though she no longer is with him.
The second part of the book focuses on Beata’s stay in a concentration camp. The author portrays the character’s emotions so well: the fear, anger. hopeless despair. In your mind as you read you can see the character’s skeletal form as they are deprived of proper food and hygiene, and you celebrate with them as they see a ray of hope in their situation.
Despite the characters experiencing dark situations there is hope, love and encouragement after all.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
https://geni.us/B0D87D15W3social
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About Gosia Nealon
While Gosia Nealon is a proud New Yorker, she was born and raised in Poland. Her journey to the Big Apple revealed a wealth of cultural differences, but also the values that connect us all. Like the fierce desire to protect family, find love, and ultimately, discover who we are and why we’re here.
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, which won a gold medal in the 2022 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY).
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
Website
Facebook URL
https://www.facebook.com/GosiaNealonHistoricalFiction
Twitter URL
https://twitter.com/GosiaNealon
Thank you for stopping in today.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Paris, 1940: Madeline tries to scream, but she can’t breathe. A German soldier is working to free her from the rubble – but if he reaches her, he will find the books hidden beneath her clothes…
When the Germans seize Paris, its peaceful streets fill with terror overnight, and nowhere is safe. Desperate to help her friends, Parisian bookseller Madeline Valette turns her bookshop into a sanctuary for those in hiding, but she knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s found out.
So when she is asked to join the Resistance and smuggle banned books from Berlin, she accepts, desperate to defy the Nazis. And while she wants to save precious books from destruction, she also hopes her trips to Germany might help her find the last living connection she has to her beloved husband…
Because Madeline has received a letter from a German woman called Ada, the mother of her husband’s son. Facing persecution, the Jewish boy is in terrible danger. But where are they now, and can Madeline help them before it’s too late?
When Madeline finally finds Ada and the child, she realises Ada is at the mercy of a high-ranking Nazi official and both their lives are now at risk. Can Madeline get them to safety? Or will the unthinkable happen to this innocent child?
The second unputdownable novel in the Paris Sisters series, this is the story of two women’s bravery in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.
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MY THOUGHTS
I knew as soon as I started this book, I wouldn’t be able to put it down and it kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning.
This is a series which I strongly suggest you read in order. Book 0 is The Paris Orphans, book 1 is The Last Day in Paris and this is the Paris Sisters series.
I’ve read most all of the author’s books, and I’m always so impressed by how well researched the books are. She adds little known facts about WWII into her books making them so realistic that I feel as though I could take the hand of the scared and crying child in the book and comfort them.
With this being a dual timeline at times you don’t make the connection right away in some books, not the case here. I very much enjoyed meeting one of the characters as a child in one of the timelines and seeing them as an adult as well. We are shown how the effects of the war and all they had to go through affected who they became.
During WWII ordinary people, many of them women became heroes as they exhibited extraordinary bravery far above what they though themselves capable of.
Highly recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.
https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com/
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https://www.instagram.com/suzkelman/
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Suzanne Kelman here: https://www.bookouture.com/suzanne-kelman
Buy Link:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CWLBYS1Csocial
You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you’ll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo
Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.
88 pages Publisher : Bookouture (January 17, 2024)
ABOUT THE BOOK
Clutching her suitcase tightly to hide her trembling hands, Charlotte takes a steadying breath. This is the most dangerous thing she has ever done, but the lives of five innocent children are depending on her. I can do this…
Paris, 1943: As Charlotte rushes into the station, she can feel the unmistakeable chill of being watched. Turning her head, she catches the eye of a Nazi guard, and forces herself to slow down. Not today, please not today…
Reaching the platform, she sees her sisters Isabelle, Madeline, Antoinette and Gigi waiting with five children, fear etched onto their young faces. As she gets closer, Charlotte can see each child has a faded patch on their coat where a yellow star has been carefully unpicked.
Once she and the children are onboard, Charlotte turns and stares down at her sisters on the platform. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tries to imprint their beloved faces in her mind. And as the whistle blows, she presses her hand to the cold glass, murmuring a silent prayer that her sisters will be safe, and that they will all meet again…
As she turns her attention back to the children in her care, her heart breaks to see tears glistening in their eyes. Taking a deep breath, she promises that they will be safe, that she won’t let anything happen to them. But has Charlotte just made a promise she can’t possibly keep?
The prequel to the Paris Sisters series, this short story tells a tale of bravery and determination in the face of the darkness of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.
MY THOUGHTS
Oh, I really love this author’s books. So realistic, your heart beats faster as you read while holding your breath. A brave young woman, one of five sisters, Charlotte takes with their parent’s permission, 5 children on a train ride. Thinking to take them out of the city away from the Gestapo’s as the children are Jewish away to safety. Children under twelve don’t need papers and she has her false identification papers with her. The train ride is long, and you can feel the fear pouring off the children as the German police are everywhere. Charlotte stays brave in the face of danger for the children’s sake and knows the trip is not much longer and they will be free of danger. When it’s discovered one of the children has a forbidden item and then she is betrayed by the one she thought she could trust who will she turn to and what will happen to the children? This is the prequel to the Paris Sisters series and ends in a cliff hanger, so I’ll need to continue reading it to find out what happens. I eagerly look forward to finding out what happens to the characters whose bravery shines.
Free download on Amazon here. I’m not sure if it’s free in any other countries besides the US right now.
THE AUTHOR
Suzanne Kelman an Amazon bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and her books have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide accumulated 10 rights deals across eight territories. Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
346 pages Bethany House Publishers 5 August publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family’s reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.
Sullivan O’Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.
MY THOUGHTS
Though this easy can be read as a standalone I’d suggest you read the series in order. I loved the first book in the series, and I think this one was even better.
Once again, the matchmaker is called upon, with different circumstantial needs the couple has a marriage of convenience. A previous marriage had her thinking she was in love, and he loved her until she realized it wasn’t true.
He has insecurities due to past circumstances. I loved how gentle and understanding Sullivan was. He didn’t rush her into anything. He knew she was hurting from her past relationship and not ready to trust another man yet. He goes out of his way to ensure her happiness, security and trustworthiness not caring it was at the expense of himself.
Time and again he proves to her he is not like the one who abandoned her and he can be trusted.
I loved Enya and Sullivan’s characters and how he gave her all the time she needed to trust him and fall in love. I couldn’t put this down and highly recommend it to all lovers of historical fictional romance.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book all opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean historical romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This weeks theme is Books I Wish Had More/Less [Insert Your Concept Here] In Them (for example: more/less romance, more/less world building, less info dumping, more/fewer pages, more character development, fewer characters, fewer descriptions, more suspense, etc.)
I can’t think of enough books to fill this topic, I generally like what I read.
My topic this week will be:
Summer Books I still haven’t gotten to.
These covers all say Summer to me. Would you read any of these? Which have you already read?
Thank you for stopping in and enjoy your day.
320 pages Bethany House publishers November 5,2024 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the midst of darkness, only faith and love can illuminate their path forward.
Laura Evans, a spirited young woman with a deep-rooted faith in God, returns home from college to her father–unaware of his dark secrets. Determined to live by her faith while respecting her father’s contrasting views, Laura’s world shifts when she crosses paths with a devoted preacher.
Wilson Porter is driven by a calling to work with the Shoshone people but faces constant delays from government officials. Then tragedy strikes, shaking his faith and causing him to question everything he once believed. As Will and Laura’s tentative friendship grows into something more, they are ensnared in a web of dark secrets and injustices. Together, they’re confronted with a daunting question: Will their shattered lives leave them with an uncertain path forward–or can love withstand it all?
MY THOUGHTS
I have really enjoyed this series taking place in Cheyenne this is the third and final book in the series. I’ve enjoyed learning about the railroaders and daily life in such an unsettled area. I’ve also enjoyed meeting the characters, for the most part.
Laura Evans is a young woman home from boarding school with memories of a father who was soft and gentle with her, a kind and understanding man. She was sent away after her mother’s death; her father was grieving and couldn’t offer her comfort because of deep grief. The father she returns to after all these years is a changed man, bitter towards God for letting his wife die he isn’t the man Laura remembers, nor does he have time for her.
The father is involved in some things Laura isn’t aware of, ways to make a quick buck and he hopes his connections will help him get into politics. He’s pretty good at hiding his involvement and his hired workers are there to help him with his shenanigans.
Wilson Porter has felt like he’s had a calling to assimilate with the Shoshone people, but the government keeps delaying him going to help. When a tragedy happens in his own family, he becomes disillusioned and starts to question his beliefs he’s had since childhood.
Laura and Wilson spend a lot of time together, friendship grows into more, but as dark secrets become revealed it affects them each in different ways. They must work together in perfect harmony, putting the past behind them if there’s any chance of a bright future together.
Note: I gave this book 3 stars because I don’t condone animal cruelty or even talk of it. The father suggests one of his worker’s kill his daughter’s kitten because he didn’t want it around. This did nothing to enhance the book and could have been left out. Side Note: The kitten did not die, it was rescued. I am glad to read this because as much as I enjoy this author’s books I wouldn’t have read anymore of her books if it had.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
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 happy weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
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