284 pages June 6, 2023 publish date Revell publisher
About The Book
Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance
Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She’s got a list–a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?
From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions–beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She’s like no one he’s ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he’s met a lot of people.
As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they’ll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life–and love–requires a fair amount of risk.
My Thoughts
I have read just about every book this author has out. Shelley Shepard’s books are automatic reads for me. I have never read one I haven’t enjoyed. Her books are so realistic you can see all the scenarios happening.
Her Only Wish is an Amish book that is the second book in the, A Season in Pinecraft series. This is Betsy Detweiler and August Troyer’s story.
In the first book, Betsy comes down to Pinecraft, Florida, on a bus with three other Amish women. The four women did not know each other before the bus trip. Before the bus could make it to Florida, the bus was delayed by an ice storm, and the women had to stay in a hotel room for the night, talking and giggling and sharing life stories. Before they left the room, they had become best friends. This story focuses on one of these women, Betsy.
Now that she has left Kentucky, Betsy is determined to leave her old life behind and her old attitude behind as well. Betsy is a shy, conservative girl, but with a new start in a new area, she also makes a “life-list,” as she calls it. She is determined to become more outgoing and try new things not all Amish women may know how to do, such as learning to play golf, ride a horse, and swim.
On the golf course, she meets outgoing August, who happens to be the owner’s nephew, and he offers to give her golf lessons. She is staying with one of the Amish women she met on the bus, who is now married. Betsy has asthma and had a bad flare-up one evening, requiring medical attention. I know how scary this is, as we have a daughter with asthma.
The book is sweet and charming. I really liked August’s character. He is so encouraging with Betsy, not once making her feel bad for being a terrible golf player and helping her to come out of her shell. He’s there for her whenever she needs him, including during her medical emergency.
I just loved this book and look forward to reading the next one in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions expressed are my own.
Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.
Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.
Thank you for stopping in today and have a great weekend.
336 pages October 05,2021 publication date Zondervan publisher
About The Book
Two sisters have their hands full with matchmaking for their new employee, Rose, and the handsome handyman who just moved to town—all while trying to get to the bottom of who could be one of their own secret admirers.
Sisters Esther and Lizzie have a new employee, Rose Petersheim, to help them tend to The Peony Inn. But their old matchmaking ways have stayed the same. The sisters focus their efforts on the lovely twenty-five-year-old Rose. Though Rose is witty and outspoken, her nervous chattering makes her the best match for someone calm and good at listening. Someone like Benjamin—the handsome handyman who recently moved to town.
But when Esther receives an anonymous love letter and flowers, Rose’s love life is no longer the only one capturing the sisters’ attention. As they sleuth around searching for Esther’s secret admirer, they uncover that their grumpy renter, Gus, has a secret of his own that could bring about a difficult change in all their lives. And their continued meddling in Rose’s affairs reveals she, too, is hiding something—an old wound that could threaten her future happiness.
As Rose, Lizzie, Esther, and Gus struggle to release the weight of their pasts, they discover that although people are complicated, love doesn’t need to be.
This charming third installment of the Amish Inn series from bestselling author Beth Wiseman is a picture of loss and healing in which forgiveness will prove to be the greatest act of love.
Charming and uplifting Amish romance
The third installment of The Amish Inn Novels
Book 1: A Picture of Love
Book 2: An Unlikely Match
Book 3: A Season of Change
Book length: 85,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Amish woman posing with hen
My Thoughts
A Season of Change is the third book in the Amish Inn series but the first in the series I’ve read. My husband has read all of them though and loved them, recommending I read the first two, which I hope to make time for soon. With that being said I do feel as if I could easily read the other books in the series to quickly catch up in this series as there are many repeat characters especially the main characters.
This is such an emotional book with so much going on. I just loved all the characters especially the two older 70+ ages sisters who run the Amish Inn. One is outgoing and a bit pushy the other compliments her perfectly, she is reserved and not as apt to try new things or circumstances.
At the inn they have a cook/housekeeper named Rose, now this sweet Amish girl has a beautiful personality, is bubbly and outgoing and if you let her she’ll talk your ear off. The inn’s guests love her for it. When Rose overhears the sister’s talking about her saying maybe the reason she can’t get another date with the men she goes out with is because she talks too much, she takes it to heart.
She is so excited to go on a date with handsome Benjamin and knows she’ll put into practice her “quiet” self. Benjamin is quiet himself and needs a mate that is a bit more talkative to balance him out . Benjamin is so disappointed that Rose is so quiet and though he can’t stop thinking about her he can’t go on another date with her because she is so quiet.
I did like the character Gus as well, a man living in one of the cottages on the property. Gus has a secret he’s keeping. Rose, Gus, and innkeeper sisters Lizzie and Esther all have things in their past holding them back that they need to work through. Keep the box of Kleenex nearby you’re going to need it multiple times in this emotional and compassionate love story. I greatly look forward to the next book in this Amish series.
Pub Date 05 Oct 2021 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.
As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.
Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.
Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bethwiseman.
Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold two million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series—Seek Me With All Your Heart—was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published thirteen novels and thirteen novellas to date.
As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime.
Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary—Need You Now—released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary—The House that Love Built—which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. Beth continued to spread her wings when she released The Promise in October 2014. Inspired by actual events, The Promise follows Beth’s characters all the way to Pakistan. Beth was involved in the real-life rescue when her friend was held captive in Pakistan. Beth is currently working on book #2 in her new Amish Secrets series, tentatively titled Jacob’s Ladder. Book #1—Her Brother’s Keeper—recently released and was chosen as a Top Pick by RT Reviews Magazine.
May your day be filled with joy. Thank you for stopping in today.
Escape to Bellbird Bay: A heartwarming story of second chances
When successful university lecturer Alison Wells’ life unexpectedly falls apart, she follows in her brother’s footsteps and escapes to the coastal town of Bellbird Bay on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Neil Simpson loves teaching and his position as principal at a prestigious boys’ school in Brisbane. But when scandal rocks the school, and he learns his father’s health is failing, he has no choice but to return to his hometown of Bellbird Bay.
Determined not to be a burden to her brother and his new partner, Ali is considering her options when her world and Neil’s collide. Having avoided commitment all her life, Ali is unprepared for the force of her attraction to the man who is trying to come to terms with the upheaval in his own life.
As fate conspires to keep them apart, can this small town work its magic on these two lost souls?
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My Thoughts
Once again, we are in the coastal town of Bellbird Bay on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. I have read several books in the Bellbird Bay series and have enjoyed every one of them. It’s a charming tight knit community and I’ve met many of the characters.
They are warm and welcoming especially to outsiders which they welcome into the fray making them feel right at home. I especially enjoyed seeing the comradery the characters have with each other. I know I would feel comfortable living here.
A beautiful mature romance that had both main characters that I loved. I always enjoy this author’s books and know I’ll be happy when I read them, and she doesn’t disappoint. Another thing I like about the books is that there is no drama in them, just feel good, realistic situations. Highly recommended!
May 11, 2023 publication date. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Author
After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.
From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!
345 pages Publication date March 21, 2023 Revell Publisher
About The Book
A brighter future awaits–if she can escape the shadows of the past
Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.
Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father’s death–and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.
Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.
After the Shadows is an excellent book! Everything this author writes is a solid story and really draws me in. I have been reading this authors’ books since she has started writing and have enjoyed them all. I wouldn’t miss anything she writes. After The Shadows is the first book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series. Emily Leland married too quickly after meeting her husband, not really knowing him and how she would be treated, when he is killed in a bar fight it’s no loss to her. Her marriage has produced no children and she now returns home to Sweetwater Crossing only to find her father dead under suspicious circumstances. Determined to get to the bottom of it she is not one to give up as she explores all possibilities of his death. Everyone thinks he killed himself, but Emily is out to prove otherwise. Schoolteacher, recently widowed Craig Ferguson moves into town at the same time Emily does with his adorable young son, Noah. I enjoyed seeing the interactions between Emily and Noah, they had quite a bond. When other non sick elderly residents of Sweetwater start dying Emily and Craig are determined to put a stop to it and catch whoever is responsible. I went right to the very end before solving this suspense. Excellent reading. I love everything this author puts out and recommend this. Looking forward to reading more in this intriguing series.
Pub Date: 21 Mar 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Author
With both parents avid readers, it’s no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled “All About Thermometers,” were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.
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‘Please, you must get Clara out of France!’ cried the woman, her voice breaking in desperation. ‘She’s only thirteen and her parents have been taken to a death camp. Can you save her before it is too late?’
1943, Nazi-occupied France:ValérieHallez clings to the hope that she will soon reunite with her beloved fiancé, Philippe, fighting the Nazis in Italy. Until that day comes, she risks her life helping Jewish children flee across the border with the resistance, but each tear-stained face breaks her heart a little more.
So, when she learns of little lost Clara, anorphan whose family has been torn apart by the German occupation, and is asked to rescue her, she jumps at the chance to save another innocent life. But she isn’t the only one searching for the young girl…
Because brave Clara is carrying a crucial Nazi document. And the secrets it holds could change the course of the war forever.
Frantically trying to stay one step ahead of the Gestapo, Valérie traces Clara to an isolated children’s home– but she is too late. German soldiers have already raided the building.
Her relief when she hears that Clara escaped is short lived, as there’s not a whisper of her whereabouts. And just when she’s about to start on her search, devastating news reaches her about Philippe.
Shattered by the thought that Philippe may never come home, Valérie tries to pull the pieces of her broken heart back together. She knows there’s a little girl lost out there who needs her. So, she must make the hardest choice of all. Even if she can’t save her dearest love, can she save poor Clara – and help her end this terrible war?
A totally unputdownable and heart-wrenching wartime story about love, bravery and sacrifice. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
My Thoughts
A Light to Guide Us Home by Dianne Haley is the third book in the Resistance Girl series. Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone though.
WOW! Once I started reading this I was completely hooked. This series is dynamite. So absolutely powerful.
Though it may seem like the Swiss are down for the count, they’re not! They will continue to do their part helping Jewish refugees escape from France using many methods including bribery, hiding them, false documents, faking injuries and more. They did this all knowing what the cost to themselves would be if caught.
I held my breath while reading, there with the author experiencing the story playing out. Hoping for the best, knowing it doesn’t always work out that way. My afternoon was booked, I had my book and my tea. Couldn’t possibly need more.
So heart-breaking and dramatic. Such unparalleled bravery displayed by the characters. I love historical WWII fiction especially with such detail as this.
Pub Date 26 Apr 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
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A Light to Guide Us Home can be read as a standalone.
Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.
Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.
354 pages Revell publisher April 4, 2023 publish date
About the Book
Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life.
Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn’t sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor’s isolated property, but her presence is none of his business–until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There’s no room in his life–or his heart–for romance.
Yet, as these three hurting people join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate that has known too much sadness, they may also find healing, hope, and happiness for themselves.
Bestselling author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal and love blooms.
I am so glad the author has decided to continue this series. It is one of my favorites. A perfect women's fiction book that has all you need compassion, romance, a new start in life, and a beautiful lesson all while being inspirational but not preachy. I have read so many in this series and I love meeting up with the new characters and the familiarity of the same characters throughout the series.
I especially enjoy Taco guy Tony. He's full of compassion and a philosopher at heart. The seagulls too, though I can't remember their names. They are in the books too and I enjoy them. Rose is thought of as a reclusive character, but she is smart as a whip and very talented as well. She has a heart of gold. I fell in love with the descriptions of her "haunted house."
Jonathan Gray is a character that has his defenses' up after a battlefield injury left him physically scared. He doesn't feel worthy of love but when an attractive woman asks for his help managing some items on the property, he deals with his defense's start to crumble. Such a beautiful and poignant writing. An overlooking of the outer and seeing the beauty within story.
Highly recommended.
Pub Date 04 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The Author
Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, http://www.irenehannon.com
313 pages April 11, 2023 publication date Revell publisher
About The Book
Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can’t stop herself from going all in to find out why he’s coming after her. Unfortunately, she’s going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.
Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous–to both the mission and his heart.
Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.
The Series
CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.
Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn’t at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It’s hard to trust a woman who’s already betrayed you.
Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning–the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.
Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn’t trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world–and their hearts–hangs in the balance.
“Walters pulls out all the stops in her start to her new SNAP Agency series, presenting a pulse-pounding tale of romantic suspense mixed with a sweet second-chance romance. Fans of Lynette Eason and Rachel Dylan will appreciate an introduction to Walters.”–Booklist
It’s hard to believe this series is over. I’ve been following it from the start. The author really knows how to write romantic suspense, With all that has happened in the series so far, I wasn’t sure what circumstances the characters would face or what situations they would find themselves in. But I knew it would be intense and I wasn’t disappointed. When the author first introduced us to characters, Lyla Fox and Nicolas Garcia, I just knew it would become something more between them and they would be showing up again. There was a wild ride, and this is a great ending to the S.N.A.P. Agency series.
Published April 1, 2023. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Author
My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us, but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.
Thank you for stopping in today. May your day be blessed with happiness.
Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon…
This is the final book in The Starfish Café series and is best enjoyed after reading the other two books in the series – Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café and Spring Tides at The Starfish Café.
A new beginning…
As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.
A fragile heart….
Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.
A summer to remember…
For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through – after all, with courage nothing is impossible…
Join top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a wonderful summer at the seaside, full of love, friendship and community spirit.
First of all even if I wasn’t a big fan of this author’s books, I would be drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover. I am always so happy when I see this author is releasing a new book. I have read so many of them including all in this series. I have really loved the Hedgehog series she’s released. Summer Nights at the Starfish Cafe is the third and final book in this series. I have loved meeting the characters, they feel like family now. Throughout the series the characters have their ups and downs. The book is written from the heart, a perfect women’s fiction book full of emotions and heart. Full of family, friends and pure emotion. A wonderful heartwarming read. I loved how uplifted I felt while reading this and greatly look forward to more by this author.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Author
Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. HerWhitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she liveswith her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehogrescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds
With her heart in her mouth, Kitty let herself into her husband’s private study. She knew where he kept the papers that might save her dearest friend from the Nazis. She just had to steal them…
Vienna, 1937. When beautiful American Kitty becomes engaged to Austrian diplomat Edgar, she finds herself thrown into a very different world in Europe, and soon longs for home. But when the woman designing her wedding dress, Judith, takes Kitty under her wing, she sees the city of Vienna in a new light – a city of culture and music that she can explore with her new friend.
But when the Nazis come, the fact that Judith is Jewish means she is no longer safe. Kitty knows that as a diplomat’s wife she can steal the papers that will allow her closest friend to escape to safety, but will it mean betraying the love of her life?
Except that Edgar has grown distant and secretive since she joined him in Europe and, when war breaks out, Kitty wonders which side her husband is really on. And, as she prepares to betray him, Kitty begins to fear that she doesn’t really know the man she married at all.
Facing an impossible choice between her dearest friend and the man she loves, Kitty knows she must be brave, and do the right thing, no matter the personal cost…
An absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping story about finding love, resilience and friendship in the midst of the darkness of World War 2. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, My Name is Eva and All the Light We Cannot See.
The American Wife is the first book in a new series, The Diplomat’s Wife. As I’ve said many times before in my reviews, I love reading books I can learn from this one is a perfect example of this. Incredibly well researched, the time period taking place right before WW II starts. After an American woman, Kitty in Vienna has a whirlwind relationship and marriage to Austrian diplomat Edgar she feels in over her heard in Europe and longs for the comfort of home. A lovely Jewish woman, Judith, her first real friend in Vienna, Austria introduces her to culture and art. I enjoyed being introduced to the cultural aspect of the story. Our main characters Kitty and Edgar are based on facts gathered on many different actual people and rolled into these characters which I found to make such interesting characters. During the Austrian resistance in Vienna many people stood up to the Nazis. “An absolutely heartbreaking, powerful and gripping story about finding love, resilience and friendship in the midst of the darkness of World War 2.” Such a powerful read that will stay with me. I could not put it down.
Pub Date 14 Apr 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Author
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is a Ukrainian-American who transplanted to Austria.
Born in 1969, she grew up in the culture-rich neighborhood of “Nordeast” Minneapolis and started her writing career with short stories, travel narratives, and worked as a journalist and managing magazine editor, before jumping the desk and pursuing her own writing and traveling.
Her books tackle David-vs.-Goliath themes with strong women battling for the Underdogs against a system, be it political, geographical, or industrial. Sometimes all three. “I enjoy discovering the good, the bad, and the ugly in my characters when they come into conflict,” she says. “And all of my stories have been inspired by injustices I’ve discovered along my travels.”
Germany, 1938. ‘No,’ she cries out as she falls to the floor, fear clutching desperately at her chest, ‘They can’t have taken him, they can’t have taken my husband.’ As her tear-filled eyes dart wildly around the empty room, she realises she has no one to turn to. She is his only hope. But how can she possibly save him?
When shy, beautiful Edith first met Jewish-born Julius it was love at first sight. Julius swept her off her feet, whisking her from humble beginnings into the sparkling society and glittering ballrooms of Berlin’s powerful elite. It felt like all her dreams had come true.
But her perfect world begins to crack with rumblings of the Nazi party growing in power and influence. Every day there are new laws to strip Jews of their money and their freedom. And there are even more frightening rumours, of horrifying camps, and people disappearing in the night…
Then when Edith’s own brother Joseph enlists as an SS officer, and her whole family turn their backs on them, she knows that it is only a matter of time before they come for her husband. She pleads with Julius that their only chance is to run away and start again. Who cares about worldly possessions if they can still be together, their lives intact? But despite everything, he refuses to believe he is in danger.
Then one terrible night, the sounds of cries and breaking glass ring out across the city as the Nazis wreak their destruction. Edith’s worst fears have been realised— Julius has been taken.
For so long, Edith has led a sheltered life, secluded from the real world. But the only way to save her beloved husband is to defy the Nazis and put herself in grave danger. Can she draw on every bit of strength she has to fight for love and save him… or is she already too late?
A totally devastating, powerful, and ultimately uplifting story, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, My Name is Eva and Sold on a Monday.
My Thoughts
The author once again writes about her beloved Germany.
One thing I've noticed while reading this authors books, how impeccably researched they are.
This book is written in the time period preceding and during Hitler's rise to power. His followers were already rabidly devoted.
Set between 1923 and 1938 it follows the rise of Hitler and the Nazis and the escalation of the mistreatment of anyone with even a slight bit of Jewish blood. The Nazis want the women to divorce their Jewish husbands. What ensues is the women refusing and doing whatever it takes to save their men. These are women of bravery who would give up family relationships to stand by their man. Heartbreaking and realistic. A look at history we don't hear much about.
This is the first in the series and I look forward to reading more in this series to see what these brave women do next.
Pub Date: 11 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
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The Author
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.
Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.
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