My Book Reviews

Category: Historical Fiction

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Historical Fiction genre.

  • Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby

    Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby

    Death and Mr Fould

    Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby

    Release: 31st October 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: SpellBound Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon 

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    A stunning gothic historical hybrid genre story perfect for Halloween!

    Max Fould, an aristocrat from the Fould banking family, goes off to war under the leadership of Napoleon.

    While stranded in Russia, he encounters a creature that sets his life on an unimaginable path based on Russian folklore.

    Follow Max Fould from post-revolutionary France to the First World War, where his past and present come full circle.

    About the Author:

    Alan Derosby, a Maine native, has spent the past several years focusing on his passion: writing.  Alan has created original and spooky short stories, having several published in a variety of anthologies. MAN OF CLAY is his debut novel.

    When not writing, Alan is teaching history at Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Maine, spending time with his wife and daughter, or watching the New York Mets suffer through another disappointing season.

    Amazon | Goodreads

    Death and Mr Fould Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    When I started reading this book, I had no idea how larger than life it would become. The author tells the tale so grippingly in three parts, and each section stands out. My favorite was the second part, where Max meets Alice, and I liked the touch of romance the author added. Even Molly became one of my favorites. However, the author’s creativity indeed showed in the third part, as he puts historical events from the end of the Russian Empire, like Rasputin and Nicholas II, into the picture. Seeing reality mixed with fiction and fantasy was exciting, and this was the book’s highlight for me.

    Moreover, the author wrote both the lead characters wonderfully. I loved Max from the get-go and his eagerness to do what was right. He had no idea how his life would change once he met Kutkh. The author takes us on an unforgettable adventure as we see the various ups and down that Max goes through. Similarly, Kutkh is a force to be reckoned with, and I had wondered how Max could beat him. The Raven was two steps ahead of him whenever Max went, pushing Max to a life of guilt and misery. I was glued to the pages, wondering how it would turn out.

    The only minor criticism is how some parts felt repetitive, particularly Kutkh retelling his plans or Max’s feelings for Alice. Also, I would have liked more history on Devana and felt there needed to be more closure from such characters in the end.

    Nevertheless, I loved reading “Death and Mr. Fould” and how the author mixed historical fiction with fantasy and facts. The author has a beautiful talent for thinking outside the box, and I would love to read some of his other works.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    Death and Mr Fould I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack

    Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack

     

    Inglestone Manor

    Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack

    Release: 31st August 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    It’s 1944 and the war, it seems will never end.

    When Lizzy, her brother and sister, are evacuated to the village of Inglestone, they find their new home strange.

    Under the shadow of the ruined Inglestone Manor, they meet Dorothy Inglestone, the last of her line, and the ever-watchful Mr and Mrs Gains. When they come to know of a treasure hidden in a ruin manor, they can’t resist trying to find it.

    During hunting, they come across a strange boy roaming the ruins.

    Not only the police wants the boy, but the Gains also want him. Can the Allens keep a secret and not betray the boy? Before long, their loyalties will be tested.

    About the Author:

    Originally from Guyana, a country in South America, S S Saywack came to London with his family in 1962. Educated in North London, he studied information graphics at a London college and then worked as a graphic designer for many years. He later changed careers and became a teacher at a sixth-form college in East London. Taking early retirement, he turned to a third career, being an author.

    With a love for reading and history in general, he wrote his first novel that became the Mary Finch Series (four books for older children set in the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes and an additional chapter book to make five in total) and that was swiftly followed by Inglestone Manor.

    His current writing scurries between children’s fiction and adult detective fiction.

    To find out more about S S Saywack, you can visit his website, https://saywackwrites.com/ or find him on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SSSaywack/

    .Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Inglestone Manor Review:

    “Inglestone Manor” is a creative middle-grade historical fiction novel that follows three siblings and how their lives turn upside down when they arrive at the manor, and I found it intriguing.

    Firstly, I enjoyed the way the author wrote the plot. What I appreciate about the story is how the author tries to incorporate a lot. It is part mystery, part historical fiction, part family drama, part middle-grade adventure, part fantasy (and perhaps even time travel), and it touches many genres. You never know what will happen next, and even though I have read quite a few middle-grade novels, I couldn’t guess what was happening here. The characters are memorable and charming, and the author expresses their feelings beautifully.

    The highlight of the story was Lizzy. I loved how the author wrote Lizzy and how protective she is toward her loved ones. She is not afraid to put her foot down and even yell at the adults if needed, like Bill Gains. At the same time, Lizzy shares beautiful moments with Mrs. Inglestone and May. Similarly, Bill Gains is superb as the villain, and you wonder just how far his greed will take him. However, Mrs. Gains is perhaps the most complex character because you see her grow in the tale. Even Abel and Mrs. IngleStone were memorable and added a touch of mystery to their backstory.

    Perhaps the only downside to the tale is that we saw less of the other children, particularly Billy. It would have been nice if Billy and May were equally prominent like Lizzy.

    Overall, “Inglestone Manor” was lovely to read, and I look forward to reading more of the author’s works.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Inglestone Manor

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack

    Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack

     

    Sands of Sirocco

    Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack

    Release: September 27th 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Annabelle McCormack
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

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    Egypt, 1917: British nurse Ginger Whitman thought she escaped the intrigue that devastated her family. The events that threatened her life on the desert sands of WWI Palestine. But when she’s drafted into an investigation for the Cairo Intelligence Department, she uncovers forces at work. A work to destroy the man she loves: intelligence officer Noah Benson.

    As an old enemy resurfaces, Ginger and Noah are pulled into a minefield of lies, greed, and political deception that threatens the stability of the British alliance. With an enemy that knows their secrets, no one they love is safe. But nothing is what it seems—and a far more nefarious foe may be toying with them both.

    Sands in Sirocco is the second novel in the Windswept WW1 Saga, a historical fiction series featuring a strong female protagonist. A story of spies, family drama, romance, and epic adventure, it is set in the British Middle Eastern front of the First World War. This novel contains violence and romantic, steamy moments.

    About the Author:

    heartfelt romance, and complex family dynamics with strong female protagonists to make things interesting. She graduated from the Johns Hopkins University’s M.A. in Writing Program. She’s a sucker for pizza (cheese, bread, and tomatoes are the perfect foods) and mangoes, loves baking and photography, and never wants to do laundry again. She lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, where she serves as a snack bitch for her (lucky-they’re-cute) five children and three boxers.

    She’s half-Costa Rican and speaks fluent Spanish, so you can always drop her a line in either English or Spanish. Pura vida!

     Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack
    Review:

    “Sands of Sirocco” is a beautiful continuation to “The Windswept Saga,” and I could not put it down.

    I loved “Windswept” last year and was excited to read the continuation. The highlight of the tale is Noah and Ginger. No matter their obstacles, I loved how they sparked as individuals and came together romantically. The two have to deal with the conniving Stephen in the story, as Noah tries to locate Jack and Ginger tries to find out about the mysterious Freddy. Throw in other shady characters like Osborne and Lord Helter, and I could not turn away from the story. You don’t know the supporting character’s true intentions, and as we progress, you see how intricately the author has carved the backstory of the supporting cast to connect with the main. I love Ginger again in the tale because of the guilty conscious she faces for her earlier actions while trying to manage her new mission and her feelings for Noah.

    Moreover, the author adds many exciting adventures, from bomb threats to secret dealings, and our leads go through quite a lot in their journey. At the same time, you also have touching moments, like when Ginger chats with Lucy, or her new friend Jane, over their love of medicine. Moreover, I despised Stephen so much. He is ruthless and conniving and always seems two steps ahead; I wanted to see how Noah beats him at his game. Even Victoria surprised me in certain scenes and added a good dynamic to the Noah/Ginger storyline. The author adds so much that each chapter reveals detailed information, so you don’t get bored for even a minute.

    Overall, “Sands of Sirocco” is a fantastic continuation of the series, and I cannot wait to revisit these characters in the next book!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Sands of Sirocco

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

  • The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw

    The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw

    The Rainwater Secret

    The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw

    Release:30th March 2017
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Monica\Shaw
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    “The Rainwater Secret” is a deeply moving, historical fiction novel about a woman who becomes a missionary in Africa after the death of her mother.

    Single and feeling there is nothing left for her in small-town England, Anna embarks on an adventure as a volunteer with the Medical Missionaries of Mary to teach the leper children in Africa.

     Anna’s life changes forever, as she learns the culture that would banish its sick, disfigured, and crippled to the jungles. There are Sights of dying babies on roadsides, children living on their own by  whatever means they can find. Also there are abandoned aged people

    Anna’s daily life is an adventure as she travels from one village to another across a hostile land. There are few passable roads. And rickety bridges threatening to fall apart and cast its occupants on the jagged rocks far below. More so, weather that turns a calm river into a roiling death trap.

    In spite of the trials, Anna also manages to find love and family in this godforsaken land.

    Follow this adventure through disease, weather, strife, death and determination to turn a few acres of land into a loving home for the outcast lepers of Nigeria

    About the Author:

    Monica Shaw is a native of Dallas, Texas where she has been a successful entrepreneur.  She  graduated from Woodrow Wilson Highschool and got her Geology/Petroleum Engineering degree from UT Austin.  Her debut novel, The Rainwater Secret, started off as a personal research project looking into the life of her great aunt who became a missionary teacher.  Monica has 3 children.

    A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to The Medical Missionaries of Mary who are still doing great work all over the world. 

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Rainwater Secret Review:

    “The Rainwater Secret” is a beautiful historical fiction with strong characters and a compelling premise that absorbed me into Anna’s world as she finds her calling in Nigeria.

    Let me start by saying I enjoyed how the author narrated the story. Anna, our main lead, experiences a lot of conflicting situations and culture shocks as she finds herself as a missionary in Nigeria to help the children fight leprosy. The author writes the story in a simple yet strong manner that made me feel like I was standing next to Anna. She realistically depicts the cruel yet beautiful life that the natives live, and I was fascinated to see how she progressed. Also, the author tells parts of the story in an epistolic style of letters between Anna and Molly, which I thought added nicely.

    Anna is outstanding in the lead. She has a strong yet vulnerable side. On the one hand, she tries to do as much as she can for the natives, and on the other hand, she opens her heart to people like Thomas and Grant. I enjoyed how the author incorporated the romantic angles and was surprised by what happened to some core characters. Moreover, I adored Anna’s relationship with Clarence and how they bonded. Some of my favorite moments are when Anna finds out about Grant or her feud with Sister Flores.

    The story, in general, is motivating and powerful because it shows the sacrifices people make to make a difference and how life is short and you have to make the most of it and do something meaningful. Overall, “The Rainwater Secret” is a lovely story worth reading.

    Book Tour Schedule:

    The Rainwater Secret

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

  • The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    The Mensch

    The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    Release: 12th August 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Sobriety Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    How can a crooked man ever go straight?

    Jewish gangster Alex Cohen settles in Florida surrounded by his wife and family. But his past life in the criminal underworld stalks his every move. And when a bullet whizzes past his ear, he must decide whether to run or fight.

    In his desire to go straight, Alex inserts himself in the East Coast porn film industry. But he finds that the tentacles of the mob are clasped tight around his life.  The Feds start using new laws to hunt down mob bosses. And rats in his organization are too ready to testify against him. Now Alex must clean the house before the authorities throw him in jail or the mob kills him to stop him from ratting them out.

    The seventh book in the Alex Cohen series is a historical thriller novel that reveals the dying embers of Jewish organized crime in America. Leopold Borstinski’s crime fiction shines a light on the death of the old-style mob in an explosive finale.

    About the Author:

    Leopold Borstinski is an independent author whose past careers have included financial journalism, business management of financial software companies, consulting and product sales and marketing, and teaching.

    There is nothing he likes better, so he does as much nothing as he possibly can. He has traveled extensively in Europe and the US and has visited Asia on several occasions. Leopold holds a Philosophy degree and tries not to drop it too often. He lives near London and is married to one wife, one child, and no pets.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Mensch Review:

    “The Mensch” is one of those books I wish I had read right from the beginning instead of picking up the 7th book to read first. Even though I have not read most of the previous books, I immediately liked Alex as the lead. He is by no means perfect, but it was interesting to see how he tries to become a better man and do things legitimately, only to backfire on him. I enjoyed his scenes with Sarah and their relationship, even when others like Liddy come into the picture. Moreover, it was interesting to see how Alex balances the business between Ezra and Massimo versus David and Moishe. The author wrote the family dynamics nicely, and I wondered how long Ezra and Massimo would be patient with Alex until they snapped.

    Moreover, I enjoyed some sub-plots, particularly the new business Alex finds himself in with Mort and when Richard comes into the picture. The author has a friendly style of writing the character’s conversations. We also get some action-packed moments where Alex fears for his life, and we wonder what will happen to him. There was not a dull moment in the story.

    However, the only concern I had with the story is how it somewhat changed gears now and then. For instance, in the beginning, the plot focuses on Alex and Mort, [then switches gears to Meyer and Israel, and then takes another tangent on Richard. It would have been nice if these plots somehow connected to a bigger picture.

    Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading “The Mensch,” and I hope the author writes more books with Alex Cohen.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Mensch

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha

    Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha

    Midnight on the Marne

    Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha

    Release: August 9th, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Forge Books
    Source: suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, 

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    France, 1918. Nurse Marcelle Marchand has important secrets to keep. Her role as a spy has made her both feared and revered, but it has also put her in extreme danger from the approaching German army.

    American soldier George Mountcastle feels an instant connection to the young nurse. But in times of war, love must wait. Soon, George and his best friend Philip are 

    fighting for their lives during the Second Battle of the Marne, where George prevents Philip from a daring act that might have won the battle at the cost of his own life.

    On the run from a victorious Germany, George and Marcelle begin a new life with Philip and Marcelle’s twin sister, Rosalie, in a brutally occupied France. Together, this self-made family navigates oppression, near starvation, and unfathomable loss, finding love and joy in unexpected moments.

    Years pass, and tragedy strikes, sending George on a course that could change the past and rewrite history. Playing with time is a tricky thing. If he chooses to alter history, he will surely change his own future—and perhaps not for the better.

    About the Author:

    Sarah Adlakha is a native of Chicago who now lives along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her husband, three daughters, two horses, and one dog. She started writing fiction shortly after retiring from her psychiatry practice. Her debut novel, She Wouldn’t Change a Thing, was a CNN most anticipated book of 2021. Midnight on the Marne is her second novel. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Midnight on the Marne  Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Midnight on the Marne” is a remarkable historical fiction novel that moved me, and I loved reading it.

    The highlight of the story is the chemistry between George and Marcelle. While I loved how the author depicted the history of the incidents at Marne River during World War I, I couldn’t get past George and Marcelle. The author wrote the connection between these two so beautifully, and I loved their scenes together.

    Secondly, I enjoyed the twist towards the end of the story, which takes a turn that I did not expect. Thank goodness I did not read the book’s synopsis because that tends to spoil a lot of the tale, but I was pleasantly surprised by how the author directed the story. The twist made the story stand out and memorable, and it is not a book I would easily forget soon.

    Thirdly, I loved the supporting cast as well. Philip charms the pages with his silly jokes, Lina with her fierce bravery, and even cute Gabriel and Juliette. The author writes the characters so beautifully with varying emotions that you feel you have known them for years. Similarly, even Max and Roland turned out to be complex characters who made the story stand out.

    And finally, the author brings back to life some important events of World War I in the tale of Colonel McAlexander’s regiment and the events at Marne River. It was fun to see how incidents would have steered from just the actions of one or two people if they had reacted differently.

    Overall, I loved reading this book and, as I also enjoyed “She Wouldn’t Change a Thing,” the author is now one of my favorites!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Midnight on the Marne

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Midnight on the Marne by Sarah Adlakha Blog Tour hosted by suzyapproved Book Tours. 

  • Anticipation by Melodie Winawer

    Anticipation by Melodie Winawer

    Anticipation

    Anticipation by Melodie Winawer

    Release: November 2nd, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Gallery Books
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    After the death of her beloved husband and becoming a single parent to her nine-year-old son Alexander, scientist Helen desperately needs an escape. So when Alexander proposes a trip to Greece, Helen quickly agrees.

    After spending several days exploring the streets, they arrive at the ancient city of Mystras. Its only resident is Elias, a mysterious tour guide living on the city’s edges, both physically and temporally.

    In 1237, Elias’s mother promised his eternal service to the Profitis Ilias in Mystras in exchange for surviving a terrible illness. But during his 800 years of labor, he’s had one common enemy: the noble Lusignan family. The Lusignan line has a curse involving a deadly disease that worsens with each generation. A prophecy hints that Elias’s blood is their only hope for a cure. He has managed to survive throughout the centuries, but the line has dwindled down to the last Lusignan. He is desperate to avert his family’s destiny.

    When Elias runs into Helen, he meets his match for the first time. But he unwittingly puts both her and her young son in danger as a result. With time running out and an enemy after them, Elias and Helen have a hard choice between the city they love and each other.

    About the Author:

    Melodie Winawer is the author of The Scribe of Siena, with translation into German, Czech, Polish and Norwegian to critical acclaim. She is also the author of Anticipation.

    A physician-scientist and associate professor of neurology at Columbia University, Melodie has published over fifty articles and contributed to several anthologies. To find the energy to write, she relies on unflagging enthusiasm and green tea. Melodie lives with her spouse and their three children in both Brooklyn, New York, and Ludlow, Vermont.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Anticipation Review:

    I loved everything about this unique historical fiction that toggles the past and the present.

    Firstly, I did not “anticipate” this book to immerse me so deeply into the characters’ lives. Initially, when I started reading, the story felt a bit confusing about Prophets and fortune-tellers. But, as soon as I figured out what was happening, I LOVED it! This book has romance, reincarnations, revenge, and a lovely bond between a mother and son that’s amazing. I loved Helen and Alexander’s relationship. Alexander is excellent, and I loved his persona as a historian, even if he doesn’t know it.

    Secondly, I adored the author’s style of writing. She merges fact with fiction so beautifully! We have the Ottoman Turks, Charles of Anjou, Ibrahim Pasha, the fall of Constantinople, and fierce battles with Greece over the centuries. Moreover, the author’s medical language, like Huntington’s disease and Dysgraphia, fascinated me. And, let’s not forget the beautiful way the author describes The Chronicle of the Morea and Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia and other historical elements, which added so seamlessly to the story.

    Thirdly, the plot itself is just fantastic. Even if you take everything else apart, I just loved the concept of reincarnation and having multiple births until you fulfill your destiny. Elias is the show’s star, and I was rooting for him. The author also adds mystery elements like the prophet so well, and I loved how different each generation of Lusignan behaved differently from Elias.

    However, MY FAVORITE parts of the story were the ones between Elias and Demetrios. I JUST LOVED reading about these two and the profound and, at times, bittersweet moments.

    Overall, “Anticipation” is one of the best historical books I have read in a long time, and I highly recommend it!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Anticipation

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Anticipation by Melodie Winawer Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours.

    Gwendalyn Books-June 7th
    Nurse Bookie-June 17th
    She Just Loves Books-June 18th
    Eryn E Reads-June 30th
    Rajivs Reviews-July 1st
    Bookworm Struggles -July 7th
    Infinite Readlist-July 11th
    Rozier Reads and Wine-July 20th
    Geaux Get Lit-July 27th

  • The Seasons of Grace by Dave O. Dodge

    The Seasons of Grace by Dave O. Dodge

    The Seasons of Grace

    The Seasons of Grace by Dave O. Dodge

    Release: September 15, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Glue Pot Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    The Seasons of Grace is an unauthorized tale of Grace Metalious and her desire to tell the stories that no one dared to tell before that time. From small-town life in New England to the hustle and bustle of New York City and to the unforgiving film studios of Hollywood, Grace’s story unfolds. This is a classic scenario where art imitates life and so does this story. The young author is coping with literary and financial successes. The author, without realizing it, was creating her own Peyton Place where she herself had to live.

    No novel had achieved greater recognition than her first. One out of every 29 Americans had read Peyton Place. They would dog-ear the pages, underline their favorite passages, and stuff them in the back of a drawer to conceal them from the prying eyes of others. This novel was a true sensation in both the literary world and helped form popular culture as we know it. The legacy is lastly and continues to this day.

    About the Author:

    Born and raised in New Hampshire, Dave has always had a wanderlust for travel and adventure. From a young age his desire to expand his world beyond New England has brought him around the globe and back. His career has been as diverse as his travels. 

    He has always had a passion for the arts, from community theater, local television, and film work to writing. This has been his secret obsession and hobby. His professional background has run the gambit from Visual Arts to Public Relations and Marketing.

    As a travel writer and international guide, he currently makes his home in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Seasons of Grace Review:

    Let me preface by saying that I love soap operas, and I had seen nearly all the episodes of “Peyton Place” TV series when it aired on one of the retro channels. Hence, I was fascinated by Grace’s life right from the get-go to wonder how someone with an idyllic small-town life wrote a larger-than-life book and made it a success.

    The whole wrote Grace so realistically that I felt various emotions towards her while reading. In the beginning, I was rooting for her as she went to New York and got a taste of success. Later, I despised her for how she treated George and her affair with TJ. And again, I was rooting for her. Grace’s life is fascinating, and I kept wondering what would happen to her. Even the supporting cast like George, Laurie, Jacques, and especially Rita was entertaining.

    However, I did feel that the pace slowed down in the second half. Some chapters go on without anything new, like TJ and Grace’s arguments, how they deal with pressures for a sequel, and how they break up and make up. Also, I was keen to know what happened to Barbara and William, but they just disappeared after the first 20% of the book. It would have been nice to see them appear in the latter half, as they started this book with a bang.

    Apart from that, I loved this book! Of course, I am more biased because I loved the primetime soap and was excited to read about the author’s life. Overall, “The Seasons of Grace” is a charismatic book about a woman who tried her best to handle the pressures of success, and I admire how the author executed it.

    Bloggers On Tour

    The Seasons of Grace

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Seasons of Grace by Dave O. Dodge Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

     

  • Champagne Widows by Rebecca Rosenberg

    Champagne Widows by Rebecca Rosenberg

    Champagne Widows

    Champagne Widows by Rebecca Rosenberg

    Release: February 25, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Lion Heart Publishing
    Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
    Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    Twenty-year-old Barbe Nicole has inherited Le Nez from her great grandfather. He was a renowned champagne maker.

    Her parents, however, see Le Nez as a curse. They try to marry her off to an unsuspecting suitor. But Barbe Nicole is determined to use Le Nez to make great champagne. She learns her childhood sweetheart, François Clicquot, wants to start a winery. Hence she rejects her parents’ suitors. And marries François despite his mental illness.

    Soon, Barbe Nicole Clicquot must cope with her husband’s death. Becoming a widow known as Veuve Clicquot, she grapples with a new overbearing partner. Also, she finds it difficult to make champagne due to Napoleon Codes preventing women from owning a business.

    Meanwhile, her father takes a military uniform contract from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who wages six wars against European monarchs. This further cripples Veuve Clicquot’s ability to sell her champagne.

    Using Le Nez, Veuve Clicquot struggles through severe hardships and challenges Napoleon himself. Meanwhile, she falls in love with her sales manager, Louis Bohne, who asks her to marry them. But she must choose between losing her winery to her husband, as dictated by Napoleon Code, or losing Louis. In the ultimate showdown, Veuve Clicquot risks imprisonment and even death as she defies Napoleon.

    About the Author:

    California native Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon. She and her husband founded the largest lavender product company in America. A long-time student of Jack London’s work and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian, Rosenberg is a graduate of the Stanford Writing Certificate Program. Her books include GOLD DIGGER, the Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor, The Secret Life of Mrs. London, Lavender Fields of America, and the Champagne Widows series.

    website |Amazon | BookBub |  Facebook |Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    Champagne Widows Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Let me begin by saying that I hardly know anything about winemaking and minimal knowledge about Napoleon and the Coalition Wars. The author beautifully took me to the life of Barbe-Nicole. Barbe Nicole is a strong woman, and the story swept me away into her life. On the one side, I loved reading about her love interest with Francois and even Louis. I loved her relationship with Francois and how she supported him even when he had his episodes. On the other hand, I loved the bitter-sweet tale of her feelings and workings with Louis. Even the supporting characters like Jean-Baptiste and Lizzette added wonderfully to the story.

    Moreover, I loved how the author brought the life of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Red Man. The author blends Barbe-Nicole’s tale with the life of the French Military Leader and executes it wonderfully. I also loved reading about the hardships of the winemaking industry like harvest issues, economic crises, etc. One of my favorite moments was when Barbe-Nicole witnessed the Great Comet of 1811 and also the competition involving the snake. The author also realistically depicts other incidents, like the impact of typhus and how people feared contracting illnesses during the time.

    Perhaps the only downside to the book is the cover. I feel the book cover of the woman sitting on the champagne cork cheapens the exquisiteness of the tale. I would have loved a more regal, sophisticated cover to depict how grandeur of the story.

    Overall, “Champagne Widows” is a beautiful historical novel of a strong woman who managed a business in a time when women hardly had any power.

    Giveaway:

     2 paperback copies are up for grabs! To enter, please sign up here.

    *Disclaimer: Your email address will be added to Rebecca Rosenberg’s newsletter mailing list.

    The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

    Giveaway Link

    Champagne Widows

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Champagne Widows by Rebecca Rosenberg Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

     

  • Sister Stardust by Jane Green

    Sister Stardust by Jane Green

    Sister Stardust

    Sister Stardust by Jane Green

    Release: April 5, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Hanover Square Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N,

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    Claire grew up in a small town, far from the glitz and glamour of London. Ridiculed by her stepmother, Linda, and harboring a painful crush on her brother’s best friend, she has begun to outgrow the life before her. On the cusp of adulthood in the late 1960s, Claire yearns for the adventure and independence of a counterculture taking root across the world.

    One day a chance encounter leads to an unexpected opportunity. Whispers of a palace in Morocco. A getaway where famous artists, models, fashion designers, and musicians—even the Rolling Stones—have been known to visit.

    When Claire arrives in Marrakesh, she sweeps into a heady world of music, drugs 2and communal living. But one magnetic young woman seems to hold sway over the entire scene. Talitha Getty, the socialite wife of a famous oil heir, has pulled everyone from Yves Saint Laurent to Marianne Faithfull into her orbit. Yet when she meets Claire, the pair instantly connect. As they grow closer, and the inner circle tightens, the realities of Talitha’s precarious life set off a chain of dangerous events that could alter Claire’s life forever.

    About the Author:

    Jane Green is the New York Times bestselling author of one cookbook (Good Taste), and nineteen novels, including the huge hits Jemima J., and The Beach House. With over ten million books in print in over twenty-five languages, she takes credit of being one of the founders of the genre, “chick lit”. 

    She has had her own show on BBC Radio London, is a current storyteller for The Moth, was a correspondent for ABC News for the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton and is a regular guest on radio and television.

    People, Newsweek, USA Today, Glamour, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, and Cosmopolitan amongst others featured her. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, six children, 2 dogs, 5 cats, and 6 chickens. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Sister Stardust Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Sister Stardust” is a gorgeous historical fiction novel that takes us to the swinging 60s, and I could not put it down.

    As soon as the book started, I was immersed in Claire’s life as she escaped the life with her stepmother and moved to London. Claire is a dynamic character who goes through a lot! I went through so many emotions as I followed her. At times, I rooted for her, like when she stuck it up to Linda upon returning to her hometown. I was worried for her at other times, as she got intoxicated with drugs. But, most of the time, I admired her for how she matures in the tale, lives life to the fullest, and doesn’t let anything story stop her.

    Moreover, I loved Talitha’s character. I thought she was mysterious and alluring and loved the immediate bond that she formed with CeCe. Let me preface by saying that I was unaware that the author based this story on actual events. After reading the story, I researched further on Talitha Getty, and I loved how the author depicted her in the tale. Similarly, I also adored Benji. Also, I found the backdrop of Marrakesh exotic and loved the various cultures the author highlights. Even the supporting characters like Bill, Gerard, Lissy, Eddie, and adorable Dottie, to name a few. Even the

    Perhaps the only minor downside to the story was the random recipe inserts that I found odd and diverged the book’s mood. Also, some parts deal with substance and physical abuse and quite a few explicit scenes, so this book may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

    Apart from that, I loved the author’s writing story in “Sister Stardust” and would encourage those who love historical biographies merged with fiction to the tale.

    Book Tour Schedule

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Sister Stardust by Jane Green Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. 

    Sho Biz Reads-April 18th
    Smashley Reads- -April 18th
    ML Book Love-April 19th
    CMT Loves Wine and Books-April 20th
    Nature Books and Coffee-April 20th
    The Boozy Baking Bibliophile-April 21st
    Rajivs Reviews-April 22nd
    Rebecca Well Read-April 23rd
    Reading Is My Remedy-April 23rd
    Carol Doscher-April 23rd
    Its All About The Thrill-April 23rd
    Allys Book Corner-April 25th
    Geaux Get Lit-April 25th
    Lindas Book Obsession-April 27th
    Books and Coffee MX-April 28th
    Sweet Honey And Brei-April 29th
    Well Read Traveler-April 30th
    The Caffeinated Reader-April 30th