Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Spotlight of The Serpent Bearer by Jane Rosenthal


PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
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THE SERPENT BEARER
JANE ROSENTHAL
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF PEYTON ANGELO OF SPARK POINT STUDIO.
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Dramatic and glamorous.

Part WWII spy thriller, part romance, and part tale of buried family secrets.

Rosenthal returns after the success of her debut, Del Rio, a 2021 American Fiction Awards Winner.
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March 11, 2025
She Writes Press

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ABOUT THE SERPENT BEARER:

It’s 1941 in a small Jewish community in South Carolina, and Solly Meisner, a recently returned Spanish Civil War veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, has barely settled in after his return home when he risks his life after discovering powerful Nazi sympathizers are working behind the scenes in his new hometown.

Determined to stop them, he signs on with a newly formed U.S. spy agency.

His first assignment: travel to the Yucatan and infiltrate a group of German spies and collaborators—including Estelle, a beautiful British woman he fell in love with in Spain, and whom he fears may have betrayed him.

In the Yucatan, Solly encounters a band of European exiles, not all of them who they claim to be.

With his contacts dropping like flies, danger lurks at every turn. 

But with the Nazis only a few hundred miles from the U.S. coast and making plans for an invasion, there is no time to lose, and Solly trusts no one to track them down and stop them but himself.

If he fails, the world he once knew will be gone forever—and the people he loves with it.

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PRAISE FOR THE SERPENT BEARER:


The Serpent Bearer is an elaborate, exciting. . . gripping thriller set amid World War II history.”—Foreword Clarion Review

“Each narrative voice is distinctive, and the characters and settings throughout are beautifully drawn. . . A consistently compelling war story. . .”Kirkus Reviews

“Uncertain loyalties, globe-trotting suspense, and diverse characters with rich backgrounds power Rosenthal’s second novel . . . . an engrossing journey.”—BookLife Review

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Jane Rosenthal studied creative writing at San Francisco State University.


She worked for NPR and California Public Radio before teaching English in public high schools in Oakland, California.


She grew up Jewish and southern in Charlotte, North Carolina, and now resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband, astrophysicist David Hollenbach.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Spotlight of Twyla & the Warbirds: Family Lost By T.W. Bellen

PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
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TWYLA & THE WARBIRDS
T.W. BELLEN
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR AND HENRY ROI OF https://henryroipr.com.
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BASED UPON AND INSPIRED BY REAL WOMEN AND REAL EVENTS.  A UKRAINIAN-AMERICAN STORY

"I am a fighter pilot.   I am Twyla Campbell.   I chase death for a living and it chases me right back."
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November 25, 2024
TWB Publishing 

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ABOUT TWYLA & THE WARBIRDS:

For Twyla Campbell, a spirited redhead born in Odessa and raised in the secluded town of Boonville, California, life has always been a "poorly shuffled deck." 

After losing her family in a freak accident, the neighbor boy picked up the pieces and gave Twyla her life's passion--flying. 

In 1941, Twyla and the rest of the United States were thrust into war and death as the attack on Pearl Harbor rocked the world.

Right in the middle of the action was Twyla, a young pilot determined to contribute the the war effort.

The only problem? She's a woman born before her time.

 As the U.S. readies to fight, Twyla perseveres alongside the other brave members of the Women Air Force Service Pilot struggling to break into the male-dominated military. But When tragedy strikes again, Twyla lands in a position she could never have imagined--inside one of the only all-female fighter squadrons of World War II. Pushing past her limits while facing death at every turn, Twyla may just find the family she's always searched for among the gunfire and suicide sorites.

Now, Twyla is ready to tell her story. But is the world finally ready to listen?

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PRAISE FOR TWYLA & THE WARBIRDS:


“Very little has been written about the female pilots who flew during the war, a story as fascinating as it is unfortunately neglected. Bellen provides a captivating portrayal of the risks these women took and the sacrifices they made, a service not always duly recognized. In addition, the depiction of the aerial combat is electrifying—the author draws these scenes with cinematic vivacity.” —Kirkus Reviews

"It occurred to me whose writing style this reminds me of Harper Lee. Not bad."  —Rick Stone author, "Becomes the Wind” 

Historical fiction fans rejoice! Twyla will join the battle for the skies and the breathtaking beauty and despair that follow will keep you glued to your seat as you turn the pages of this book of war, sisterhood, passion and love.Cas Donovan, Motion Picture Executive
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


T.W. has been a writer and filmmaker for 30 years. He co-wrote TURRET, a WWII thriller, in development now.

As cinematographer and co-producer, T.W,’s short film, GETTING HER, is currently screening in film festivals around the world and collecting many awards.

T.W. is a California College of Art graduate, with a degree in film/drawing and art history.

When not writing, T.W. works much like a carny in Los Angeles, New York and Northern California, as a Director of Photography in television.

Lately, T.W. filmed Amazon’s AS WE SEE IT, HBO’s Emmy wining comedy, VEEP, GOOD GIRLS, RISE and ABOUT A BOY for UNIVERSAL/NBC. Most recently, T.W. could be found in NYC on Apple TV’s series DEAR EDWARD (based on the book)

Lifelong student of history and aviation, T.W. grew up at naval bases Kwajalein, Honolulu and China Lake, California. 

In 2003, T.W. was at Kitty Hawk, NC for the 100th anniversary of powered flight with a motion picture camera in hand. 

Are there enough stories about badass women pilots?  Never!
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SOCIAL MEDIA:


It's Monday!! What Are YOU Reading - 3/31/2025

                              http://bookdate.blogspot.com/

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I hope you had a great reading week.
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This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at BOOK DATE!

Post the books completed, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish at some point.
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Books Completed:

SUMMER ON CAPE MAY by Monica Garner - review will be on May 19, 2025.

For those who read romance and enjoy strong female friendships.

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THE FORTUNATE HARBOR by Davis Burns - spotlight will be on May 11.

It wasn't my cup of tea.   

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THE BANNED BOOKS OF BERLIN by Daisy Wood - review will be on May 12.

A good historical fiction read.

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THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND by Patti Callahan Henry - review is in the book's title.

A beautiful read that you won't want to end.

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PARENTS WEEKEND by Alex Finlay - review will be on May 6, 2025.

Not bad, but not as good as his other books.

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THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME by Kelly Mustian - review will be on May 2, 2025.

Excellent - a beautiful read.

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SUCH A GOOD MOM by Julia Spiro - review will be on April 30, 2025.

A good mystery.

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TOUGH LUCK by Sandra Dallas - review will be on April 29, 2025.

Another delightful read with delightful characters.

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THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN by Marie Bostwick - review will be on April 23.

So delightful - women of the 1960s realize they don't have to be a housewife and a mother after reading a book for their book club.  :)

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MY DAUGHTER IS MISSING by JD Kirk - review will be on April 20, 2025.

A good storyline, but a lot of violence and a brutal secondary character.

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THE KEEPER OF LOST ART by Laura Morelli - review will be on April 22, 2025.

Excellent research - just dragged a bit for me.

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STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci - review will be on April 19, 2025.

Oh my - this is SO GOOD.  Add it to your TBR - you won't want to miss it.

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THE MURDER SHOW by Matt Goldman - review will be on April 17, 2025.

My first book by this author - it held my interest.

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY by Jennifer E. Smith - review will be on April 16, 2025.

A light read, but also heartbreaking.

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CORAM HOUSE by Bailey Seybolt - review will be on April 15, 2025.

This is SO good!!  If you are a fan of mystery/thriller books, add it to your TBR.

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THE MATCHMAKER by Aisha Saeed - spotlight will be on April 9, 2025.

Wasn't grabbing me - I'll have a spotlight for the book on April 9.

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THE PAGE TURNER by Viola Shipman - spotlight will be on April 8, 2025.

Started it - very disappointed - not continuing.  I was so looking forward to reading it.  I hope it works out better for others.
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THE UNLUCKY ONES by Hannah Morrissey - review will be on April 5.

Very brutal scenes - not a favorite.

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THE UMBRELLA MAKER'S SON by Tod Lending - review is in the book's title.

Heartbreaking, but oh so good.  

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SALTWATER by Katy Hays - review is in the book's title.

This is GOOD!!  Set in Capri - Lies and Secrets!!

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THE OTHER PEOPLE by C. B. Everett - review is in the book's title. 

Cleverly done, but a little too out there for me...on the verge of horror if you ask me.

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FOUR RED SWEATERS by Lucy Adlington - review is in the book's title.

Well researched - Brilliant, amazing writing with wonderful characters.

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CLAIRE, DARLING by Callie Kazumi - review is in the book's title.

Pretty good - a bit slow at first, but turns out good.

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THE FISHERMAN'S GIFT by Julia R. Kelly - review is in the book's title.

A beautiful read - a bit slow at first, but so well written for a debut.

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BEACH VIBES by Susan Mallery - review is in the book's title.

A lovely read about family and choices.

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A MAP TO PARADISE by Susan Meissner - review is in the book's title.

Well-researched with great characters, but it wasn't as engaging as her other books for me until around 40%.

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Book Currently Reading:

THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE by Kristina McMorris - review will be on May 20, 2025.

It is VERY good.

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Books Up Next:

MARGUERITE BY THE LAKE by Mary Dixie Carter - review  will be on May 22, 2025.

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THE LAST FERRY OUT by Andrea Bartz - review will be o May 23, 2025.

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THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly - review will be on May 27, 2025.

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THE BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB by Freya Sampson - review will be on May 28, 2025.

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BEACH HOUSE RULES by Kristy Woodson Harvey - review will be on May 29, 2025.

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WHISPERS OF DEAD GIRLS by Marlee Bush - review will be on May 30, 2025.

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LIE LIKE THE DEVIL by Birgitte Margen - review will be on June 2, 2025.

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THE GHOSTWRITER by Julie Clark - review will be on June 3, 2025.

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THE FAMINE ORPHANS by Patricia Falvey - review will be on June 6, 2025.

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THE EXPAT AFFAIR by Kimberly Belle - review will be on June 9, 2025.

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THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay - review will be on June 10, 2025.

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SHAW CONNOLLY LIVES TO TELL Gillian French - review will be June 17, 2025.
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HAZEL SAYS NO by Jessica Berger Gross - review will be on June 18, 2025.

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LAST DANCE BEFORE DAWN by Katharine Schellman - review will be on June 19, 2025.

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BEFORE DOROTHY by Hazel Gaynor - review will be on June 20, 2025.

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BEYOND THIS PLACE OF WRATH AND TEARS by Jack Ford - spotlight will be on June 27, 2025.

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PARTY OF LIARS Kelsey Cox - review will be on July 1, 2025.

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THE LOST STORY OF EVA FUENTES by Chanel Cleeton - review will be on July 3, 2025.

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THE NIGHT SPARROW by Shelly Sanders - review wil be on July 4, 2025.

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THE LAKE ESCAPE by Jamie Day - review will be on July 15, 2025.

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WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs - review will be on July 16, 2025.

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DEATH OF AN EX by Delia Pitts - review will be on July 17, 2025.

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THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER by Karen White - review will be on July 22, 2025.

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THE LIES THEY TOLD by Elle Marie Wiseman - review will be on July 29, 2025.

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ASYLUM HOTEL by Juliet Blackwell - review will be on July 30, 2025.

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THE LOCKED WARD by Sarah Pekkanen - review will be on August 5, 2025.

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THE WRONG SISTER by Claire Douglas - review will be on August 6, 2025.

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HIGH SEASON by Katie Bishop - review will be on August 12, 2025.

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THE WITCH'S ORCHARD by Archer Sullivan - review will be on August 13, 2025.

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JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME by Kerryn Mayne - review will be on August 19, 2025.

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ONE DARK NIGHT by Hannah Richell - review will be on August 20, 2025.

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THE MARIGOLD COTTAGES MURDER COLLECTIVE by Jo Nichols - revie will be on August 21, 2025.

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THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW by Pamela Terry - review will be on August 22, 2025.

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FORGET ME NOT by Stacy Willingham - review will be on August 26, 2025.

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BODIES IN THE SAND by Crystal Murphy - review will be on September 1, 2025.

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THE CABERNET CLUB by Margie Zable Fisher and Rona S. Zable - review will be on September 2, 2025.

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A MURDEROUS BUSINESS by Cathy Pegau - review will be on September 16, 2025.

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NO REST FOR THE WICKED by Rachel Louise Adams - review will be on September 17, 2025.

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THE HITCHHIKERS by Chevy Stevens - review will be on October 7, 2025.

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THE FORGET-ME-NOT LIBRARY by Heather Webber - review will be on November 4, 2025.

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THE HIDDEN CITY by Charles Finch - review will be on November 5, 2025.

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