Husbands and Other Sharp Objects is the follow-up to Lift and Separate, the zany and endearing story of Marcy HaIf you are looking for a chuckle... 😊
Husbands and Other Sharp Objects is the follow-up to Lift and Separate, the zany and endearing story of Marcy Hammer when she finds out her husband is cheating on her. That said, Husbands and Other Sharp Objects can completely stand on its own.
Marcy Hammer has been married to Harvey for most of her adult life. They are now separated due to his cheating, and Marcy has a boyfriend, Jon. Harvey decides he wants her back at the same time Jon decides he wants to settle down with Marcy. And on top of it all, Marcy’s daughter announces her engagement, and Marcy has a wedding to plan with an impending divorce also on her calendar.
Instead of the wedding bringing out the best in others, it brings out their claws. Marcy has her hands full with that while also trying to move her divorce forward. Ultimately, Marcy will decide her own fate and how (and with whom) she will move forward.
Marilyn Simon Rothstein has a way of handling serious topics with heart and candor balanced with fun. The dialogue is witty and smart, and the writing is smooth. There’s something lovable and completely relatable about Marcy- she really could be anyone’s mom, and it’s admirable how she shares her trials with us, as she grows into a new stage in her life.
Overall, Husbands and Other Sharp Objects is a fun, funny, and entertaining read that leaves Marcy’s story on a high note. I’m so grateful we heard from her again.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Queen Elizabeth I’s court often centers on intrigue and gossip, but everyone is thrown for a loop when her youngest An intriguing Elizabethan mystery.
Queen Elizabeth I’s court often centers on intrigue and gossip, but everyone is thrown for a loop when her youngest lady-in-waiting is found murdered.
Nick Holt, younger brother to an earl, also known as a spy and quite savvy is hired to work for the Queen in order to solve the murder; however, working for her is not easy. She is demanding, intelligent, and both generous and impetuous with those in and out of favor.
Another lady-in-waiting is murdered, and the court is in dire straits. Nick, along with his Irish Wolfhound, Hector, whom I must say steals the show at times (LOVE him), are working tirelessly to solve the murder for the good and safety of all, but especially to stay on the right side of the Queen.
Suzanne Wolfe writes flawlessly with intrigue and candor about this time in history. The details are beautifully laid out, and there’s an exceptional sense of time and place referencing 16th century England. Nick Holt is a wonderfully-drawn main character, full of charm and dedication to solving the crimes. There is plenty of mystery and tension to keep the reader guessing, and there is much to love in this terrific start to a new series. Overall, the writing inside this gem of a mystery is as glorious as the cover.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
In the 1700s, porcelain is at the center of London in every way. It is traded like money and is possibly more valuThis antique lover loved this book!
In the 1700s, porcelain is at the center of London in every way. It is traded like money and is possibly more valuable.
Genevieve Planche is an English born descendent of Huguenots, and she longs to be a painter. Venice is where she anticipates accomplishing her dream.
Sir Gabriel Courtney and Genevieve cross paths, and he offers her the chance to go to Venice…if she works for him on a special task: finding out the secret behind the color blue.
With this assignment, Genevieve finds out the secrets of porcelain, as well as the “craft” of industrial espionage.
This antique lover fell for the storyline all the way. Learning the process of porcelain-making was riveting, especially when learning how important blue was to the craft. Genevieve is a beautifully drawn character, and the exploration of greed on the hunt for success was carefully rendered. In addition, Bilyeau’s writing was lovingly descriptive, and I was transported to fascinating Derby Porcelain Works.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Rough Passage to London: A Sea Captain’s Tale is the second book I’ve read by Robin Lloyd in the past month! That sho4 adventurous stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Rough Passage to London: A Sea Captain’s Tale is the second book I’ve read by Robin Lloyd in the past month! That should speak volumes as to my thoughts on his writing!
By the way, before I get started, Robin Lloyd discovered that he is related to Elisha “Ely” Morgan and that is where his interest in this story began. In the early 1800s in Lyme, Connecticut, Ely Morgan is a young farm hand who unfortunately was not immune to the War of 1812 happening right before his eyes. His home life is hectic, and his father rules with an iron fist, which pushes his older brothers to leave home to seek life at sea.
A letter arrives to the home announcing that one brother is dead while the other is lost at sea. Ely saves every penny he has to leave on a ship to look for his brother, Abraham. One day his ship literally comes in, and he is on his way from New York to London learning the rough life of a sailor. His mission is only to find his brother, but a much bigger mystery unfurls in front of him.
Ely never gives up and climbs the ladder of success to captain, rubs elbows with Queen Victoria, and meets Charles Dickens! What a life! What an adventure.
Yes, what a thrilling adventure this story of Ely Morgan is. Steeped in the history and atmosphere of the time, I thoroughly enjoyed Ely’s discovery of life at sea, his endless search for his brother, and his devotion to his new career. The mystery is fun to piece together and left me guessing with some nice tension, and Ely’s chance encounters are extraordinarily fun. I never forgot the personal connection the author has to Ely, and that just added to the fun. I would love to have had such an adventurous relative to research. Well-done, Robin Lloyd! I hope you are already at work on another adventurous historical novel.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
It’s 1863, and the American Civil War is occurring, while Havana is under Spanish rule as a colony and a hotbe4 stars to Harbor of Spies! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It’s 1863, and the American Civil War is occurring, while Havana is under Spanish rule as a colony and a hotbed of possible espionage. The main character, Everett Townsend, is a young ship captain given orders to direct a blockade-running schooner out of Havana.
Several events occur while Townsend is involved in the war, and one, where he helps a mysterious man from the sea, lands him in a Spanish prison. Through those prison connections, he is hooked into the seedier side of Havana with spies and slave traders.
It all circles back around to the mysterious man. Why have they crossed paths? And what will become of Townsend when he chooses to become a spy for the North?
Colonial Havana comes to life in this novel. Rich in wealth from sugar plantations, Havana was in its heyday. The author describes the setting and time with vibrancy. Townsend is a complex main character who is easy to like, and the book takes on an adventurous feel. Overall, I was fascinated and mesmerized with all I learned in this entertaining and well-written historical novel.
Thank you to Get Red PR and the author for the invitation to read and review Harbor of Spies.
An emotional story of friendship and adoption. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Chloe was adopted at three years old. Fourteen years after her adoption, her parents are diAn emotional story of friendship and adoption. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Chloe was adopted at three years old. Fourteen years after her adoption, her parents are divorcing, and she and her mother move to small town Texas.
This means Chloe has to start a new school as a senior. This isn’t easy for Chloe, and after a relatively uneventful childhood (after the adoption), this shakes her up. I think it would any teen, truly.
Chloe meets Cash, and they are the best of friends almost instantly; however, Cash has a hidden motive. Chloe looks like the daughter his foster parents lost years earlier. What’s the truth? How are they connected?
It turns out Chloe’s adoption has some secrets bigger than she could have ever fathomed.
In Another Life is billed as a mystery/suspense, but to me, it felt much more like a young adult contemporary, and I liked it in that vein. There is drama, friendship, and the exploration of adoption and foster parenting. The latter was presented in a positive light with warm relationships all around, and I respected the author’s decision to examine adoption through that lens.
Overall, I found this an easy read with plenty of substance and perhaps a storyline that will resonate well with anyone who has been through the adoption or foster process.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Have you heard of Nellie Bly? That spitfire of a reporter important for catapulting women’s rights? ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Nellie Bly was born Elizabeth CochraneHave you heard of Nellie Bly? That spitfire of a reporter important for catapulting women’s rights? ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Nellie Bly was born Elizabeth Cochrane in small-town Pennsylvania during the Victorian era. As an adult, she reads the article, “What Girls are Good For,” which compels her to to write a letter to the Pittsburgh Dispatch. Well, guess what? They paper hired her as a reporter, which was practically unheard of for women at the time.
Elizabeth changes her name to Nellie Bly and becomes a champion of the issues she finds most important, the plight of women.
Nellie Bly lives her life no-holds-barred. She does not hold back with what she thinks, and if there’s a story to tell, she’s going to uncover it.
Her biggest project comes when she pretends to be mentally ill so she can report on treatment inside an asylum. She’s successful getting inside, but once there, she is overwhelmed with what she encounters. She is imprisoned for a week when she is supposed to be rescued, but no one comes.
Blixt provides a fascinating and riveting account of Bly’s most adventurous and triumphant life. I think everyone will inspired by Nellie. She stops at nothing to uncover the wrongs in the world, and she uses her powerful voice for change. It’s hard to wrap my head around how much she was able to accomplish at a time when women were not working outside the home unless it was in service. She chooses her own path and lives life exactly as she chooses.
Overall, Blixt’s writing is a brilliant sorcery in this account of a brave and bold woman and her heroic actions.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Did you know Robert Bryndza of the Erika Foster thriller series also wrote a series of rom coms?
A Very Coco Christmas is the zany and fun short storyDid you know Robert Bryndza of the Erika Foster thriller series also wrote a series of rom coms?
A Very Coco Christmas is the zany and fun short story prequel to the Coco Pinchard series. This is where it all begins for Coco and Daniel.
Coco is visiting home in London for Christmas after one semester at university. She is completely in love with Daniel, a musician and not the sort of boy her mother approves of.
Coco’s mother has her sights set on someone else and invites him and his parents to the Christmas dinner.
In short, a series of hilarious events ensues involving a named turkey, Daniel’s mother and sister, and all the above folks I’ve named already.
This is just the type of quick read one needs over the holidays to let out some laughter and look on the bright side. I loved it and am ecstatic to be reading more of Coco’s stories!
Thanks to the author and Sarah at Book on the Bright Side Publicity for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
4 Victorian stars to a Holiday by Gaslight! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
When I saw that gorgeous cover, I wondered if the words inside would suit, and I’m thrilled to4 Victorian stars to a Holiday by Gaslight! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
When I saw that gorgeous cover, I wondered if the words inside would suit, and I’m thrilled to report they did. A Holiday by Gaslight is a delightful Victorian novella perfect for the holidays.
It’s no secret during Victorian times one had to marry within her class, and not doing so came with some risks. So is the story of industrious Sophie Appersett as she is courted by Mr. Edward Sharpe. Sophie’s baggage is that, while her family is titled and accepted as upper class, her father has lost the family fortune with carelessness trying to keep up with the newest technology.
Mr. Sharpe’s baggage is that he is not titled and is a new money merchant, but he seeks to climb socially, and a marriage to Sophie would enable that.
But do these two even like each other? And at a time when people were beginning to make “love matches,” would Sophie and Ned find one with each other?
A Holiday by Gaslight is an atmospheric, well-told, sweet Victorian romance. It’s also a spirited read for this time of year, transporting you to to the charms of the holidays in 19th century England. There are some fun North and South/Elizabeth Gaskell references and a well-developed historical backdrop. I highly recommend this delightful novella, and I plan to check out other works from Mimi Matthews.
Thank you to HFVBT for the invitation to read and review A Holiday by Gaslight and to the author for the book. All opinions are my own.
5 sentimental stars to The Travelling Cat Chronicles! 🐱 🐱 🐱 🐱 🐱
If you are an animal lover, read this book. Especially if you are a cat lover, don’t m5 sentimental stars to The Travelling Cat Chronicles! 🐱 🐱 🐱 🐱 🐱
If you are an animal lover, read this book. Especially if you are a cat lover, don’t miss it! If you enjoy a sentimental, loving, perfectly told story, I implore you to read The Travelling Cat Chronicles!
From the beginning, when I read Nana’s voice, I knew the author, Hiro Arikawa, has been loved by a cat. We’ve all read the story about “man’s best friend,” the dog, but what about the love of a cat?
Nana is a stray cat living in a parking garage who slowly becomes affiliated with the owner of a van he sleeps on. The owner, Satoru, begins feeding him, and when Nana is hit by a car, he needs help. Satoru rescues him, and Nana becomes his cat. They live together happily for several years.
Much later, Satoru takes Nana on a road trip to see several of his childhood friends, and all the while Nana is wondering what is happening because it appears Satoru is searching for a new home for him.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles is storytelling perfection. Curl up with this book, and I promise you, you will devour it in one afternoon. It is heartfelt, poignant, endearing, and everything you could want in a book.
On a personal note, Nana loves his Satoru the way I believe my cat loves me, and to feel that devotion through Nana’s voice is one of the most masterful things I’ve read in a work of fiction.
Thank you to Berkley for the complimentary ARC and the blog tour invite. All opinions are my own.
I’ve always wanted to read Beth Kendrick’s books, specifically those from the Black Dog Bay series, like this one, In Dog We Trust. T4 stars! 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾
I’ve always wanted to read Beth Kendrick’s books, specifically those from the Black Dog Bay series, like this one, In Dog We Trust. This book did not disappoint. It’s a book for every animal lover, and especially every dog lover.
Set in Black Dog Bay, Delaware, in Dog We Trust is Jocelyn’s story. She is the legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s group of Labrador retrievers. With that comes a pampered new life she never expected. The dogs are charming and lovable but super high needs. They are pedigreed, after all.
On top of that, the man Jocelyn is supposed to marry leaves her with a broken heart, and Liam, the son of Mr. Allardyce, believes he should be the recipient of the inheritance.
Jocelyn is a fighter, and she has every intention of keeping the dogs and winning at life again.
Jocelyn is a character to champion. She is strong and fiercely independent. If you are an animal and/or dog lover, you will be drawn in immediately to this sweet story with a side of easy romance. Whether you are an established fan of the series, or a new reader like me, you can jump right in to Black Dog Bay and experience the fun and delightful story for yourself. Everything about this book and setting is warmhearted, quaint, and endearing.
Thanks to Berkley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Master of His Fate, the first in a new series by Barbara Taylor Bradford, is actually my first book by this beloved aut4 Victorian stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Master of His Fate, the first in a new series by Barbara Taylor Bradford, is actually my first book by this beloved author of historical fiction!
Set in Victorian England, there is a deep and wide distinction between the haves and the have-nots, and two main characters are brought together from either side of the divide. James Lionel Falconer is the grandson of hired help; well-loved and highly-respected help, but help nonetheless. James is self-made in every respect and has the charm and intelligence of someone able to climb socially.
James starts as a young boy working in his father’s rented wares stall and dreams of being a wealthy merchant…Slowly moving respectfully through the ranks, he earns a high position in a company, but not long after, tragedy strikes his family- not once, but twice, leaving James to worry about his position. He need not, though, because he receives a royal summons that may be just the rise in stature he needs to achieve his goals.
In contrast to James’ working class beginnings, Alexis Malvern is a wealthy young woman, born into a privileged family; the family for which James works. The stories of James and Alexis build and connect to each other, but not how you would expect.
The heart of this story is in its rich details. Barbara Taylor Bradford transports the reader to Victorian England, and these characters come to life within the pages.
Steeped in descriptions of the decor, clothing, and atmosphere, with well-drawn, complex characters, I was mesmerized by this story and cannot wait to read what happens next in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
4 stars to the story of Napoleon’s stepdaughter, Hortense! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I am a huge Sandra Gulland fan. Her Josephine B. (Bonaparte) trilogy books are 4 stars to the story of Napoleon’s stepdaughter, Hortense! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I am a huge Sandra Gulland fan. Her Josephine B. (Bonaparte) trilogy books are some of my favorite historical fiction works. I was thrilled that she would be taking on Josephine’s daughter’s story in The Game of Hope.
Hortense’s story is classified as young adult but is suitable for adults, too. Beginning four short years after the Terror of the French Revolution, Hortense is enrolled in a boarding school. She is talented with music, art, and academics, but she daydreams of Christophe, a military officer and friend of her brother’s.
Hortense’s mother, Josephine, has recently married Napoleon Bonaparte of whom Hortense is not a fan. Her beloved father was beheaded during the Terror, and she sees Napoleon in sharp contrast. If Hortense does not accept Napoleon, what will happen to her future?
Sandra Gulland deftly researches her chosen topics and writes with flawless ease. Hortense’s story is based on her real autobiography, as well as other historical archives.
Hortense is faced with a life she does not want in a time much different than our own. What fate will she be saddled with as a result? Her story is filled with the details of her school days, while it also is firmly entrenched on a backdrop of Napoleon’s rise to power. I loved hearing about Josephine and Napoleon from a different perspective, from that of Hortense, and how her life experiences are shaped by those around her.
Rich in historical details while also being approachable to young adult and adult audiences alike, Game of Hope is yet another solid, enchanting, and enthralling effort from Sandra Gulland.
Thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours and Amy Bruno for the invite and to the author for an electronic copy. I also own a physical copy I bought because Gulland is a favorite author.
Carrie Nolan has been with her boyfriend, Kevin, for ten years when he dumps her for another woman, the stunning Valenti4 charming stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Carrie Nolan has been with her boyfriend, Kevin, for ten years when he dumps her for another woman, the stunning Valentina.
Luckily, Carrie sees the silver lining right away; she has catered to Kevin for far too long and now it’s time for her to live her life the way she wants.
A series of bad things happen,and Carrie needs her family and friends now more than ever. Luckily Carrie has a cast of supportive friends, and guess what else? She has a blog!
Set during Christmas, What Happened to Us is a comforting, cozy read. It features themes of friendship, love, and family. I loved to loathe Kevin and Valentina, and I easily rooted for warm and likable Carrie throughout. Watching her evolve as a character was uplifting, as was the ending to this lovingly-crafted book. Faith Hogan has a new fan!
Thanks to Aria and the author for the invitation to participate on the blog tour, as well as for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
4.5 fun and endearing stars to The Guests on South Battery! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
I once lived within a short driving distance of Charleston, South Carolina. I4.5 fun and endearing stars to The Guests on South Battery! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
I once lived within a short driving distance of Charleston, South Carolina. I never tired of my time there, the people, food, history, and architecture. The Tradd Street series by Karen White gives me the opportunity to visit those historic streets again.
If you have followed the Tradd Street series, you’ll be familiar with Melanie, one of the two main characters. She is a real estate agent in Charleston whose main sales are of the old, stately homes in the Battery. She is not thrilled to be working with these homes and for good reason. She sees and can communicate with spirits, and these historic homes have more than their share of spirits. That’s just a taste of the backstory. Melanie is now married to Jack, and the two have twins.
At the start of the story, Melanie is returning to work after her maternity leave, and it has been over a year since she has heard from any spirits; however, that quickly changes with an eerie phone all she receives.
Nonetheless, Melanie goes back to work with a bang as a home on South Battery is offered to her for a quick sale. The owner, Jayne, wants to be rid of the house as soon as possible, but whenever she is near Melanie, a spirit is as well.
The past is explored, and secrets are squandered, while Karen White’s signature storytelling is at its finest. I believe this book could be read as a standalone because in and of itself it’s a complete and fulfilling story. That said, there is a richness to reading the full series that cannot be beat. Melanie’s story is engaging and delightful, and the spirits add their usual … levity. I know some are not fans of paranormal in books, and I definitely understand that; however, here it’s done with a light hand and manages to add to the charm of the storytelling. A reader can tell when the author loves the characters as much she does, and that is certainly the case here with Karen White and Tradd Street.
Thank you to Berkley for the invitation to join the blog tour and for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Wow, M! “M” is short for Memphis, our first main character. She is assertive and overwhelmingly intelligent with savant-type knowledge in certain areaWow, M! “M” is short for Memphis, our first main character. She is assertive and overwhelmingly intelligent with savant-type knowledge in certain areas. She speaks several languages, and she knows martial arts (of course!). Overall, I loved her.
Ashwin “Ash” Sood is a little too preppy for M. He is also a member of an ancient cult. Did I lose you?
Ash rocks M’s world by telling her that not only is her late father not dead, he also urgently needs her help.
M and Ash team up to travel the world in search of the holy grail that will save M’s father. This is where the magic happens as the book takes on an adventurous feel reminiscent of Indiana Jones. The first half of the adventure is a tad more enthralling than the second, but my interest was held throughout.
If you couldn’t tell already, I adored M, and Ash with his baggage and tender heart won me over as well. The angst and tension build in the story as their feelings towards each other grow.
I Do Not Trust You is a different sort of read for me, and it left me wishing I read this genre more often. I will definitely check out this duo’s first book.
Thank you to Wednesday Books/St. Martin’s Press for the invitation to join in on the blog tour and for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
5 stars for the outstanding storytelling by Margaret George! Wow! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Historical fiction is one of my favorites, but until the last month, 5 stars for the outstanding storytelling by Margaret George! Wow! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Historical fiction is one of my favorites, but until the last month, Margaret George, a prolific author in this genre, was new-to-me. No longer because after reading and enjoying The Confessions of Young Nero, part one of this duology, I was prepared to be mesmerized and astounded with the second half of Nero’s story told through George’s impeccable research.
I had a history teacher in high school who held a doctorate and when attending his lectures, it was easy to tell how passionate he was about ancient world history. I remember him sharing what he knew about Nero, and I’d love to be able to tell him I read two books about his life.
In The Confessions of Young Nero, he ascends to the throne as emperor of Rome. In The Splendor Before the Dark, we find out everything that follows.
Nero’s first years as emperor are defined by his lovely and astute wife, Poppaea, and the cultural and artistic renaissance for which Nero is credited. Everything is off to a grand start, and Rome is in splendor.
All that comes to pass when, ten years into Nero’s reign, Rome is set aflame. Large sections of the city are lost. Rumors name Nero as complicit.
Nero makes a solemn vow to repair Rome and rebuild bigger and better than it was before. Nonetheless, rumors still spread, and there are many who doubt Nero’s ambitions. It’s hard to know if Nero will survive his time as emperorship. The unsteadiness, unhappiness, and distrust at court is deep.
Margaret George’s writing is absolutely superb. We hear from three narrators- Nero, Locusta (an herbal medicine doctor), and Acte (a woman Nero loves). The different voices allow us to pan around and see the whole Nero, both his good and not-so-good qualities.
THIS is precisely why we read historical fiction. George’s effort is polished and epic in scope and quality. Nero, just like any other human, was not all good or all bad; but instead a complex leader with fierce strengths and underlying abhorrent and fallible weaknesses.
Thank you to Berkley for the invitation to participate on the blog tour, as well as for the physical copy. All opinions are my own.
4 compelling stars to The Astronaut’s Son! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Based on true events surrounding NASA and its Nazi scientists and engineers, The Astronaut’s So4 compelling stars to The Astronaut’s Son! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Based on true events surrounding NASA and its Nazi scientists and engineers, The Astronaut’s Son is a compelling story from the start.
Jonathan Stein’s father worked for NASA, and he unearths a secret, a cover-up of epic proportions; his father may have been murdered to protect NASA.
Jonathan’s father passed away shortly before the Apollo 18 launch in the 1970s. He was an Israeli astronaut, and his cause of death was a heart attack.
Years later, Jonathan is about to participate in his own launch to fulfill a dream on behalf of himself and in tribute to his father when a mysterious conspiracy theorist piques his interest with talk of his father being murdered.
Jonathan seeks the truth more than anything, and to find that, he’ll have to accost close friends of his father, Dale Lundan and Neil Armstrong. Jonathan finds other clues and piece-by-piece it appears his father may have been targeted because he was Jewish.
The Astronaut’s Son is a riveting literary historical thriller! I was fascinated with the content, in awe of the presentation, and breathless waiting for the answers Jonathan was also seeking.
Now I’m even more inclined to see the new Neil Armstrong movie, which will have some overlap in events and content!
Thank you to Over the River Public Relations for the invitation to participate in the blog tour with giveaway! Thank you also to Woodhall Press for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
GIVEAWAY: Over on my blog www.jennifertarheelreader.com, there is an easy giveaway to win a copy of the book, astronaut ice cream, and a gift card for two movie tickets. All you have to do to enter is follow my blog and comment. ♥️...more
I recently listened to an audiobook about Rosemary Kennedy, and ever since, my interest has been piq4 big stars to The Kennedy Debutante! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I recently listened to an audiobook about Rosemary Kennedy, and ever since, my interest has been piqued about Kick Kennedy’s short life. Why didn’t I know more about her?
The Kennedy Debutante is Kick’s story. In 1930s London, Kick’s father is an ambassador in England, and she is a big time society girl. She has a yearning for a life of adventure, and with all her might, she works her way out of her strict mother’s grasp and into the arms of Billy Hartington, the soon-to-be Duke of Devonshire.
The lovers are star-crossed, though, because Kick’s family is devout Catholic, and Billy’s family is Protestant. Their parents would never approve.
World War II begins, which sends Billy to war and the Kennedys back home to the States. Nothing stops determined Kick from making her way back overseas where she becomes a journalist and works for the Red Cross. Will Kick choose her family or her love?
The Kennedys are like royalty in the US. Their contributions have been complex- from scandal to civil rights advocacy, to everything in between, including devastating tragedies of their own, but there is always a lurid fascination. Kerri Maher’s slower pacing of this story is deliciously detailed and offers insights into each of the Kennedy family members.
The Kennedy Debutante is a wonderfully engaging story of the search for forbidden love while questioning family and faith. With World War II as its backdrop, The Kennedy Debutante is rife with a secured time and place and charming, robust characters. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, especially set against WWII.
Thank you to Berkley for the invitation to participate in the blog tour and for the finished copy. All opinions are my own.
4 dysfunctional family stars to Seven Days of Us! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A few of my friends read this book last year, and it turns out not only did they have a 4 dysfunctional family stars to Seven Days of Us! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A few of my friends read this book last year, and it turns out not only did they have a wonderful discussion, they connected to the book and its characters. That’s one of my favorite aspects of reading, and since that time, I have wanted to share in the same experience with reading this book.
The Birch family reunites at Weyfield Hall, their country estate, for Christmas after many years apart.
Olivia is one of the adult children, and she is a doctor who has been abroad and exposed to an epidemic. She is told she and her family must be quarantined for a week. The father, Andrew, is a restaurant critic wiling away his time solo writing reviews, with a secret tucked away, and meanwhile, his wife, Emma, has a secret of her own. Also present is another daughter, Phoebe, who only seems to care about planning her wedding.
The entire Birch family is living under one roof, and they have to interact again, good, bad, or indifferent.
The Birches are on top of each other in the estate, which forces their honesty and communication about past transgressions. But when the biggest secret of all arrives with a knock at the front door, will their family ever recover?
Seven Days of Us is an entertaining family drama. The nuances to each character brought the family dynamics to life. Even though at times the drama is … well, pretty over-the-top, the issues at the heart of this family are distinctly relatable to most anyone, including strained communication, hidden family secrets, and yearning for a sense of belonging. The characters are insightful about themselves, which is refreshing and adds to the relatability.
Seven Days of Us is a heartwarming, dramatic, engaging, and ultimately uplifting read. The Birches are as dysfunctional as they come, and I was fully invested in their escapades and efforts to survive their holiday together. This is truly the perfect book to read this time of year; maybe even share it with one of your favorite (dysfunctional?) family members? I know know I plan to!
Thank you to Berkley for the invitation to be part of the blog tour and for the paperback copy. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader
>
Books:
blog-tour
(21)
Loading...
