Thursday, November 29, 2018

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff ~ My Thoughts

39816076

The Lost Girls of Paris

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Park Row

From the author of the runaway bestseller The Orphan’s Tale comes a remarkable story of friendship and courage centered around three women and a ring of female spies during World War II.

1946, Manhattan

Grace Healey is rebuilding her life after losing her husband during the war. One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work, she finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station.

Grace soon learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a ring of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. Twelve of these women were sent to Occupied Europe as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. Setting out to learn the truth behind the women in the photographs, Grace finds herself drawn to a young mother turned agent named Marie, whose daring mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor and betrayal.

Vividly rendered and inspired by true events, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff shines a light on the incredible heroics of the brave women of the war, and weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, sisterhood and the great strength of women to survive in the hardest of circumstances.


My thoughts about The Lost Girls of Paris ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"New York, 1946 If not for the second worst mistake of Grace Healey's life, she never would have found the suitcase." 

My recently discovered, new favorite genre is historical fiction and The Lost Girls of Paris just reinforced why I love it so much. This is a story that captured me from the very first sentence—a story that totally drew me in as I was curious to learn more about Grace and the women in the pictures. 

Grace is obsessed with finding out what happened to the women and I loved her determination to find some answers and get to the truth. I had to keep reminding myself that this book was set in the 1940's, not in the present, when women weren't perceived to be as strong-willed as Grace was. 

Jenoff is a wonderful storyteller who can weave an interesting piece of the past into an informative and entertaining tale. I loved reading about the brave and strong women who sacrificed their lives for something they believed in. I enjoyed this story immensely and look forward to exploring more of this author's work.

I received a copy of The Lost Girls of Paris from BookishFirst in exchange for my honest review. 

About the author

Pam Jenoff

Pam is the author of several novels, including her most recent The Orphan's Tale, an instant New York Times bestseller. Pam was born in Maryland and raised outside Philadelphia. She attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Cambridge University in England. Upon receiving her master’s in history from Cambridge, she accepted an appointment as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The position provided a unique opportunity to witness and participate in operations at the most senior levels of government, including helping the families of the Pan Am Flight 103 victims secure their memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, observing recovery efforts at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing and attending ceremonies to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of World War II at sites such as Bastogne and Corregidor.

Following her work at the Pentagon, Jenoff moved to the State Department. In 1996 she was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. It was during this period that Pam developed her expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust. Working on matters such as preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland, Jenoff developed close relations with the surviving Jewish community.

Having left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school at the University of Pennsylvania, Jenoff is now employed as an attorney in Philadelphia.

Pam is the author of The Kommandant's Girl, which was an international bestseller and nominated for a Quill award, as well as The Diplomat's Wife and Almost Home. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Pam

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Release Day Giveaway! My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson

 

My Brother’s Bride
by Rachael Anderson

Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty.

When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.


Excerpt 

When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.

“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.

A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch's face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”

Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”

“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.

Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”

Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.

He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”

“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.

“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”

Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.

Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.

As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.

Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”

He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”

“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”

   

  Praise for My Brother's Bride

I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting... I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~ Melanie

My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it's no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother's Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I'm able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael's books. I'm grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won't disappoint. ~ Kathy

  

   

  Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/16/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


*********************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Release Day! Dancing with the Sun by Kay Bratt

39009408

Congratulations Kay
on the release today of
Dancing with the Sun!

Dancing with the Sun by Kay Bratt
Paperback and e-book, 236 pages
Published November 27th 2018 by Lake Union Publishing

From the bestselling author of Wish Me Home comes a heart-racing tale of resilience and hope.

When Sadie Harlan visits her daughter, Lauren, at her summer internship in Yosemite National Park, it seems like the perfect way to forget about her empty nest and failing marriage back home. But when the two women get lost on what’s meant to be a short hike, they suddenly find themselves fighting for their lives.

As they search for food, water, and civilization, they battle injury, exhaustion, and natural predators. Sadie, however, is assaulted by more than just the unforgiving elements. She lost her first child years earlier in a tragic accident, and in her sorrow, she’s pushed everyone away—including her husband. Now, Sadie must face her past through a journey of love, loss, and learning to forgive herself if she and Lauren are to stand a chance at getting out of Yosemite alive. Will a mother’s courage be enough to save them both?


About the author

Kay Bratt

Kay Bratt is the author of eleven full-length novels and two children’s books. Her writing became her solace and support while she navigated a tumultuous childhood, followed by a decade of abuse as an adult. After working her way through the hard years, Kay came out a survivor and a pursuer of peace—and finally found the courage to share her stories. A wise man once told her to “write what you know,” which resulted in Kay’s pet project and her bestselling series, The Tales of the Scavenger’s Daughters.

Connect with Kay


*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Monday, November 26, 2018

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? November 26, 2018


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

**************************************

Thanksgiving is over and.... I ate too much. Time to get back to my healthier eating habits. The weather over the holiday weekend was beautiful—warm and sunny. We need to enjoy it because you know it's not going to last. 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

2188936
Nineteen Minutes
by Jodi Picoult
This is our book club pick. I can't believe I've never read it.

42727165
This I Know
by Eldonna Edwards
(audio-book)

What I recently finished

39816076
The Lost Girls of Paris
by Pam Jenoff
Pub date 2/5/19

42758952
The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes
by Patricia Sands
Such a lovely story. Read my thoughts here.

42859134
The Christmas Makeover - A Short Story
(Christmas Central #5)
by Caroline Mickelson 
Find the whole Christmas Central series here.

What I am going to read next

40012112
Just After Midnight
by Catherine Ryan Hyde

I really love my reading life!

What are you reading this week?

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Sunday, November 25, 2018

The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes by Patricia Sands ~ My Thoughts

42758952

The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes

The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes by Patricia Sands
Kindle book, 206 pages
Published November 10th 2018

THE LOVE IN PROVENCE CHARACTERS ARE BACK ...

Everything was going so well in Kat and Philippe’s life together. Then suddenly it wasn’t.

Roman ruins delayed the work on the Villa des Violettes. The Russian drug gang might be back in the neighbourhood. On top of that, Kat had worked herself into what Molly classified as a full blown “Christmas conundrum.” Kat wanted the holidays to work perfectly as she blended a Canadian Christmas with a Provençal Fête de Noêl for the first time in their new home. Now she’d lost her confidence and, with it, the holiday spirit.

Philippe hoped a weekend trip to the famous Christmas markets of Strasbourg would solve everything.

As it happened, things were about to get worse.


My thoughts about The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"There are times when even the best novel can't keep your mind off a problem."

There is so much to love about this book. First of all—that cover! Isn't it just amazing? Then the fact that it's a Christmas book will always put it at the top of my reading list. The First Noël transports the reader to France—during the holidays. How enchanting!

I fell in love with Katherine when I read book one in the Provence series. When I saw that this book was coming out, I binge-read the other two books in the series so I could 'catch up' with the lives of Kat and Philippe.

Everything should be perfect for this delightful couple as they embark on their new lives together but Kat struggles to find the Christmas spirit. She just wants to make this a memorable first Noël in their new home.

The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes is filled with interesting characters, beautiful scenery, delicious foods, wonderful traditions, friendships, and lots of love. I loved every minute of it!

Book Two in the Villa des Violettes series is coming May 2019! Whoo hoo! I can't wait.

I received a copy of The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes in exchange for my honest review. 

About the author


Bestselling author Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada, when she isn't somewhere else, and calls the south of France her second home. An admitted travel fanatic, she can pack a bag in a flash and be ready to go anywhere … particularly the south of France. With a focus on travel, women’s issues and aging, her stories celebrate the feminine spirit and the power of friendship.

Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book-group favorite, and The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series (followed by Promises to Keep and I Promise You This), was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance. Sands also contributes to such Francophile websites as The Good Life France and Perfectly Provence and appears as a public speaker for women's groups.

Her fifth novel, Drawing Lessons, was released by Lake Union Publishing on October 1, 2017.

Find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page or her website. There are links to her books, social media, and a monthly newsletter that has special giveaways, photography from France, and sneak peeks at her next book. She loves hearing from readers. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Patricia


*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Book Spotlight Giveaway! The Dress Shop of Dreams by Menna van Praag


I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the many books I have. This feature is a way for my to cull my collection and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.

The book I am giving away this week is another one that I found duplicates of when I rearranged my book shelves. Whoops. That must mean I really want to read this one. And I do! I need to move it up my TBR pile–it sounds so good.  

****************************

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

21855279

The Dress Shop of Dreams

The Dress Shop of Dreams by Menna van Praag 
Ex-library book, 326 pages
Published December 30th 2014 by Ballantine Books

For fans of Alice Hoffman, Sarah Addison Allen, and Adriana Trigiani, The Dress Shop of Dreams is a captivating novel of enduring hopes, second chances, and the life-changing magic of true love.

Since her parents’ mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Etta’s dress shop. Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Etta’s charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passersby, but the colorfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces, and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets: With just a few stitches from Etta’s needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a woman’s deepest desires.

Etta’s dearest wish is to work her magic on her granddaughter. Cora’s studious, unromantic eye has overlooked Walt, the shy bookseller who has been in love with her forever. Determined not to allow Cora to miss her chance at happiness, Etta sews a tiny stitch into Walt’s collar, hoping to give him the courage to confess his feelings to Cora. But magic spells—like true love—can go awry. After Walt is spurred into action, Etta realizes she’s set in motion a series of astonishing events that will transform Cora’s life in extraordinary and unexpected ways.


About the author


Menna van Praag was born in Cambridge, England and studied Modern History at Oxford University. Her first novella - an autobiographical tale about a waitress who aspires to be a writer - Men, Money & Chocolate has been translated into 26 languages. Her first work of literary fiction, The House at the End of Hope Street, was inspired by an idea the author had to set up a house for female artists to give them a year to fulfil their artistic ambitions. 

The Dress Shop of Dreams, is set on the magical street of All Saints Passage where a scientist falls in love with a mysterious man who has a magical voice. The Witches of Cambridge will be released February, 2016. All van Praag's novels are set among the colleges, cafes and bookshops of Cambridge, England. ~ Amazon

Connect with Menna




******************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Monday, November 19, 2018

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? November 19, 2018


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

************************************** 

This week is Thanksgiving for those of us in the United States. That means family, food, and football in my house. I'm really looking forward to it. 


I've gotten a lot of reading and listening dome lately and I'm loving it. I need to take a step back for a bit and get some reviews posted but there are so many good books out there that I want to read. And then, it'll be time to prepare for the Christmas holiday. It's coming up soooo fast!


Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

.42758952
The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes
by Patricia Sands

42727165
This I Know
by Eldonna Edwards
(audio-book)

42859134
The Christmas Makeover - A Short Story
(Christmas Central #5)
by Caroline Mickelson 
(audio-book)
Find the whole Christmas Central series here.

What I recently finished

28425889
I Promise You This
(Love in Provence #3)
by Patricia Sands

42745520
Mrs. Saint Nick
(Christmas Central #2)
by Caroline Mickelson
(audio-book)

25903390
Promises to Keep
(Love in Provence #2)
by Patricia Sands

40407987
The Suspect 
by Fiona Barton

What I am going to read next

39816076
The Lost Girls of Paris
by Pam Jenoff 

I really love my reading life!

What are you reading this week?

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Book Spotlight ARC Giveaway! Little Big Love by Katy Regan


I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the many books I have. This feature is a way for my to cull my collection and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.

I recently read Little Big Love and posted my thoughts here. It was a very enjoyable read and we could all learn some lessons from this wonderful story. I have an ARC copy for one of you to win. 

****************************

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

35423057

Little Big Love

Little Big Love by Katy Regan
ARC, 384 pages
Published June 5th 2018 by BERKLEY

About a Boy meets Parenthood in this smart, big-hearted love story about a family for whom everything changed one night, a decade ago, and the young boy who unites them all.

Ten-year-old Zac Hutchinson collects facts: octopuses have three hearts, Usain Bolt is the fastest man on earth. But no one will tell him the one thing he wants to know most: who his father is and where he went.

When Zac's mother, Juliet, inadvertently admits that his dad is the only man she's ever loved, Zac decides he is going to find him and deliver his mom the happily ever after she deserves.

But Liam Jones left for a reason, and as Zac searches for clues of his father, Juliet begins to rebuild what shattered on the day that was at once the happiest and most heartbreaking of her life.

Told through the eyes of Zac, Juliet, and grandfather Mick, Little Big Love is a layered, heartfelt, utterly satisfying story about family, love, and the secrets that can define who we are.


About the author



Katy Regan was born and brought up in the northern seaside town of Morecambe. Her claim to fame - aside from being possibly the only person in the world to get expelled from primary school - is that at the age of 16 she went to stage school in Surrey with Posh Spice. She worked at 19 magazine for two years before joining Marie Claire in 2002. 'Highlights' in that position included spending ten days in the buff on a nudist resort and becoming a footballer's wife for a week -- all in the name of investigative journalism.

In 2004 at the height of her career as the office roving reporter singleton, she fell accidentally pregnant by her best mate (who just remained a friend). Seeing the creative possibilities in this unconventional situation, her editor commissioned her to write a column - And then there were three! which proved so successful it ran for two years and inspired many a reader to write in to Katy with their life story. She has now taken her loyal following to her blog - The State She's In - on the Marie Claire website. She lives in south London and shares care of her son Fergus with his dad who lives across the road. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Katy




******************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Little Big Love by Katy Regan ~ My Thoughts

35423057

Little Big Love

Little Big Love by Katy Regan
Print and e-book, 384 pages
Published June 5th 2018 by BERKLEY

About a Boy meets Parenthood in this smart, big-hearted love story about a family for whom everything changed one night, a decade ago, and the young boy who unites them all.

Ten-year-old Zac Hutchinson collects facts: octopuses have three hearts, Usain Bolt is the fastest man on earth. But no one will tell him the one thing he wants to know most: who his father is and where he went.

When Zac's mother, Juliet, inadvertently admits that his dad is the only man she's ever loved, Zac decides he is going to find him and deliver his mom the happily ever after she deserves.

But Liam Jones left for a reason, and as Zac searches for clues of his father, Juliet begins to rebuild what shattered on the day that was at once the happiest and most heartbreaking of her life.

Told through the eyes of Zac, Juliet, and grandfather Mick, Little Big Love is a layered, heartfelt, utterly satisfying story about family, love, and the secrets that can define who we are.


My thoughts about Little Big Love ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Dear Liam, (maybe one day I will call you Dad but not yet), 

This is your son, Zac. I am writing this letter to give you an opportunity. I know you did a runner just before I was born and weren't interested in being my dad, but how could you decide if we'd never met?"

Little Big Love in an interesting look at how one event can change the rest of the lives of the ones left behind. Zac's dad takes off one day and that starts a avalanche of lies, hurt feelings, insecurities, excuses, cover-ups, and the search for answers, love, and acceptance.

Zac and his best friend Teagan come up with the Find Dad mission as they set out to find Zac's dad and get some answers. The two of them are pretty resourceful for only being 10 and I loved their determination. Along with finding the answers they were looking for, everyone else involved finds their own resolution to the events of the past.

I immediately loved Zac and Tegan. The other characters? Not so much. And then I got to know them and once I understood where they were coming from, my heart warmed to them. This is a great story that weaves the intricacies of family and secrets and makes everything stronger in the end.

I received Little Big Love from Berkley in exchange for my honest review. 

About the author



Katy Regan was born and brought up in the northern seaside town of Morecambe. Her claim to fame - aside from being possibly the only person in the world to get expelled from primary school - is that at the age of 16 she went to stage school in Surrey with Posh Spice. She worked at 19 magazine for two years before joining Marie Claire in 2002. 'Highlights' in that position included spending ten days in the buff on a nudist resort and becoming a footballer's wife for a week -- all in the name of investigative journalism.

In 2004 at the height of her career as the office roving reporter singleton, she fell accidentally pregnant by her best mate (who just remained a friend). Seeing the creative possibilities in this unconventional situation, her editor commissioned her to write a column - And then there were three! which proved so successful it ran for two years and inspired many a reader to write in to Katy with their life story. She has now taken her loyal following to her blog - The State She's In - on the Marie Claire website. She lives in south London and shares care of her son Fergus with his dad who lives across the road. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Katy


*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...