Friday, November 30, 2018

November Favorites


Out of all of my November reads, these two books were my favorites.

Did you have any November favorites?

Reviews are coming in January.

January 2 - THE RED ADDRESS BOOK

January 15 - ANNELIES


Thursday, November 29, 2018

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Read in November

What have you read in November?
 
I enjoyed all of these books and will share my TWO favorites on Friday.
 
Will you share your favorites too?
 
Happy Wednesday Reading!!
 

Monday, November 26, 2018

Author LOVE!!


LOVED this book!!

If you have an interest in Anne Frank, you will want to read this book.

It is always a lovely gesture to help out an author. 

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Excerpt from my review of Annelies by David R. Gillham

 

FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON JANUARY 15, 2019.
 

ANNELIES is about Anne Frank and describes what the author thinks she would have been like had she lived.

Mr. Gillham did an outstanding job of researching as well as using a creative method of portraying Anne Frank's life as it may have been even though she did not survive the Holocaust.

Through Mr. Gillham’s marvelous writing style we are transported back in time as we experience what Anne experienced during her captivity and as she tries to re-enter her previous life that is always filled with the presence and reminders of her captors and how she had to comply.

ANNELIES is a ​beautiful, heartfelt ​book you will want to absorb with attention to every detail. 

Anne seems as though she was and would have been a feisty young lady​ that the world has missed and could have learned from​. 5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.



Saturday, November 24, 2018

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving


I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends!!

See everyone when I return.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS

Sharing this sentiment with all book lovers.

I agree, and I know you do too.

My son just sent this to me.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Books By Renee Rosen


Read and LOVED all of these books by Renee Rosen, and I am looking forward to reading her newest.

Aren’t the covers GORGEOUS?

Which ones have you read?



Thursday, November 15, 2018

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

BLOG TOUR and Giveaway and Spotlight of Christmas at Liberty's by Fiona Ford


Photo Source
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All information in this post is courtesy of Rachel Kennedy of Penguin Random House UK/Arrow Publishing.
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Celebrating The Debut Of:

CHRISTMAS AT LIBERTY'S
THE LIBERTY GIRLS BOOK 1

by

FIONA FORD


Penguin.co.uk
November 15, 2018
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The first book in the Liberty Girls series is a beautiful Christmas read – Christmas at Liberty’s (15th November) which introduces us to Mary as she arrives in London during the Blitz after being dishonorably discharged from the army. 

Rejected by her family and harboring a painful secret, Mary finds a job at the iconic London department store Liberty. Finding a sense of belonging and friendship she has never known before, Mary finds the strength to heal her wounds and navigate the uncertain times of London during the Blitz with a group of wonderful new friends, The Liberty Girls. 

This beautiful, seasonal story is great for anyone looking for a new saga series and characters to fall in love with.
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Praise for CHRISTMAS AT LIBERTY'S:

A compelling first novel by Fiona Ford, which I promise you won't be able to put down’ - Daisy Styles, bestselling author of THE BOMB GIRLS
‘Fiona transports you straight back in time to WWII and the attention to detail is fantastic.*****’
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‘A fabulous debut from an immensely talented author’ - Annie Groves, author of HETTIE OF HOPE STREET

‘Made you feel a part of the main character's life, involved in her problems, sadness and happiness. Not often do books make me shed a tear, but this one did. *****’

‘We have another bright star in Sagaland! *****’
‘Lovely storyline and very easy to read. Couldn't put it down once I'd started. *****’
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About The Book:


First in the compelling new Liberty Girls series, sure to be loved by fans of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell, Donna Douglas and Mr Selfridge.
 
Set around the iconic Carnaby Street department store at the height of the Blitz in London, this heart-warming story of friendship and courage at Christmas is the perfect holiday read.


London, September 1941.


Mary arrives in war-torn London nursing a broken heart and a painful secret after being dishonorably discharged from the Army. When she is offered her dream post as an assistant in the fabric department at Liberty store, she knows this is the fresh start she needs. Amid the store’s vibrant prints and sumptuous interiors, Mary finds a new family who help her to heal and put the ghosts of the past to rest. 

But not everyone will give Mary such a warm welcome, and the trauma of her past will soon catch up with her. As Mary and the Liberty Girls endure the heartache, uncertainty and danger of war, it will take a steady heart and unwavering courage to keep the magic of Christmas alive.
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About the Author:
Fiona spent many years as a journalist writing for women’s weekly and monthly magazines before becoming a full time author, and uses her journalistic experience researching her books.  
Fiona tirelessly combed the Westminster Archives and Liberty records for details about what life was really like working in London and Liberty’s during WWII, lending a true sense of authenticity to her writing. 
Fiona is also the author of the A Pug Like Percy books under the pseudonym, Fiona Harrison, as well as two sagas in her own name in the Spark Girls series. 
Fiona lives in Berkshire with her partner. 
Find out more about Fiona at www.fionaford.co.uk. Fiona is available for interview and written pieces. 
For further information, please contact Rachel Kennedy | 020 7840 8893 | rkennedy@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
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GIVEAWAY:

I am partnering with Rachel Kennedy of Penguin Random House UK/Arrow Publishing for this giveaway.

USA and UK ONLY

Print Copy

November 14 - 21

Enter here
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Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Snapshot of FREEFALL by Jessica Barry



FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON JANUARY 3, 2019.

Allison by her own choice had no contact with her mother for two years, and then her mother found out that Allison had been killed in a plane crash.

We follow Maggie and Allison in alternating chapters both past and present as the story unfolds.



The tension mounted on Allison’s side of the story as we find out things about her past, what she was up to, and perhaps the reason for the crash.



Through bits and pieces everything slowly came together, the mystery unraveled, and the intensity of the situations increased.



If you enjoy suspense, secrets, and twists, FREEFALL fits the bill.



It takes a few pages to grab your interest, but be sure you don’t have anything else to do because you won’t be able to put this book down.  5/5



This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, November 9, 2018

Books By Barbara Davis


I just LOVE her books, but my favorites are THE WISHING TIDE, SUMMER AT HIDEAWAY KEY, and LOVE ALICE.

Have you read any of her books?


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Preview of THE RED ADDRESS BOOK by Sofia Lundberg

 

Everyone needs to know about this book and to read it.

FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON JANUARY 2, 2019. 
 

This book was a beautiful, beautiful read that I didn't want to end. 

It was heartwarming as well as heartbreaking. 

If you are in need of a book that you will have you remembering the characters and the story line long after you close the last page, THE RED ADDRESS BOOK will be a welcome read.

I absolutely LOVED this book that was filled with love.  5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC byHoughton Mifflin Harcourt via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

A Dangerous Duet by Karen Odden

What else could be happening behind the scenes at The Octavian except piano playing and entertaining of every sort?

Nell played there to earn money for tuition to the Royal Academy even though her policeman brother didn’t know about it and wouldn’t approve.  Too many shady characters in that building and not safe to be walking back alone at night.

Nell was definitely getting herself into something dangerous, and she didn’t know it.  Nell heard so many different stories about what each person was like and what was going on that it was difficult to know who was telling the truth.

One thing that did happen was that one of the actresses was badly beaten and her partner was no where to be found.  Other incidents occurred too to make Nell and her brother wonder what was going on.

With the beating of the actress, the missing actor, and the death of a policeman, Nell’s brother had his doubts about one of his fellow policemen.  He believes there is a snitch at Scotland Yard.

Meanwhile, Nell is learning things aren’t as “clean” as they appear at The Octavian.  Was she getting herself into danger she didn’t know about?  Nell was taking chances being dressed as a man in a place that wasn’t as safe as she thought.

A DANGEROUS DUET was part learning about the lifestyle of folks in the Victorian era as well as learning that people actually haven’t changed behaviors that much over the years.  


Living in the Victorian era actually wasn't safe in many respects, and the lack of today's conveniences such as cars and sanitation makes you happy you live today.

The suspense was enough to keep you guessing and doing some detective work of your own.  Nell’s involvement was not the best decision on her part.  She was dealing with a dangerous group of thieves.

I enjoyed the characters, and Ms. Odden’s writing style was detailed and interesting.

If you enjoy mystery, secrets, and the Victorian era, A DANGEROUS DUET will be an appealing read.  4/5

This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Books Over 400 Pages



I try to not read books over 400 pages, but occasionally I do.



Monday, November 5, 2018

Spotlight of Once A Midwife by Patricia Harman




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All information in this post is courtesy of Hannah Robertson of JKS Communications.
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Celebrating The Release Of

ONCE A MIDWIFE
BY
PATRICIA HARMAN

On Sale November 6, 2018
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Praise for ONCE A MIDWIFE: 

“Midwives are warriors in this beautifully sweeping tale.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Patricia Harman...brings to life the impact of the First and Second World Wars upon the people of early 20th century rural America...True love, family, friendships, politics, history, nature, culture and babies. What more could a reader possibly want?” (Alicia Bay Laurel, New York Times bestselling author Living on the Earth)

“If you could live inside a Norman Rockwell painting, Once a Midwife would be the place. Rockwell’s themes--a nation under threat in wartime, the struggle for racial equality, and the consolation of family—they’re all right here.” (Jodi Daynard, Bestselling Author of The Midwife’s Revolt)
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About The Book:

In a time of turmoil, Patience Hester, a skilled and trusted midwife, along with her friend and midwife partner, Bitsy, is in many ways the only stability for the women of Hope River Valley, West Virginia. 

With the Great Depression behind them, Patience and her veterinarian husband Daniel watch the progression of the war in Europe with trepidation. Following the bombing at Pearl Harbor, a wave of patriotism floods America, including Hope Valley. 

While a patriot, Daniel Hester is also a secret pacifist. And his refusal to join the draft results in his imprisonment, leaving Patience to care for and support their four children while fighting for Daniel’s release amid the judgment from the community.

Through Patience, we understand the anxieties and struggles on the American home front ahead of World War II. 


And through Patience, Harman pushes readers to consider the different manifestations of patriotism, loyalty, unity, discrimination, cowardice, bravery and love.
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About the Author:

 
*Photo Courtesy of Patricia Harman

PATRICIA HARMAN has spent over 30 years caring for women as a midwife, first as a lay-midwife, delivering babies in cabins and on communal farms in West Virginia, and later as a nurse-midwife on the faculty of Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and West Virginia University. 
She lives near Morgantown, West Virginia, has three sons, and is the author of two acclaimed memoirs. 
Her first novel, “The Midwife of Hope River,” was successful around the world. 
“Once a Midwife” is the fourth book in the Hope River Series. For more information, please visit www.patriciaharman.com
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Hannah Robertson
Publicist

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PURCHASING INFORMATION:

“Once a Midwife”
Historical Fiction
Patricia Harman 
November 6, 2018
HarperCollins/William Morrow
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0062869333 | $26.99
Paperback ISBN: 978-0062825575 | $16.99
Ebook ASIN: B0756DR699 | $11.99 (pre-order) | $26.99 (list price)
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**Links to purchasing**


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Sunday, November 4, 2018

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Orange Books

I have read THE SPACE BETWEEN US by Thrity Umrigar.

THE VENGEANCE OF MOTHERS and ANNELIES  are in my TBR stack.

Have you read any of these books or authors?