Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin - Review

 

Book details

Paperback : 224 pages

ISBN-10 : 1400075327

ISBN-13 : 978-1400075324

Publisher : Vintage; Reprint Edition (February 14, 2006)

Book description

The American Revolution was a home-front war that brought scarcity, bloodshed, and danger into the life of every American, and Carol Berkin shows us that women played a vital role throughout the struggle.

Berkin takes us into the ordinary moments of extraordinary lives. We see women boycotting British goods in the years before independence, writing propaganda that radicalized their neighbors, raising funds for the army, and helping finance the fledgling government. We see how they managed farms, plantations, and businesses while their men went into battle, and how they served as nurses and cooks in the army camps, risked their lives seeking personal freedom from slavery, and served as spies, saboteurs, and warriors.

She introduces us to 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, who sped through the night to rouse the militiamen needed to defend Danbury, Connecticut; to Phillis Wheatley, literary prodigy and Boston slave who voiced the hopes of African Americans in poems; to Margaret Corbin, crippled for life when she took her husband's place beside a cannon at Fort Monmouth; to the women who gathered firewood, cooked, cleaned for the troops, nursed the wounded, and risked their lives carrying intelligence and participating in reconnaissance missions. Here, too, are Abigail Adams, Deborah Franklin, Lucy Knox, and Martha Washington, who lived with the daily knowledge that their husbands would be hanged as traitors if the revolution did not succeed.

Meet the author - Carol Berkin

Carol Berkin received her A.B. from Barnard College and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University. She taught at Baruch College from 1972 to 2008 and has taught at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York since 1983. She is currently Baruch Presidential Professor of History. Berkin is the author ofRevolutionary Mothers: Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence, A Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution, Jonathan Sewall: Odyssey of an American Loyalist, First Generations: Women in Colonial America, and numerous articles and reviews. She lives in New York City and Guilford, Connecticut.

My thoughts

I thought this was a good book and I liked how this story was told from the women's side of things.  What people did not realize is that women were more involved in this war than they thought. I thought this was a very interesting book. 

The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson - Review

 

Book details

Hardcover : 800 pages

ISBN-10 : 1627790438

ISBN-13 : 978-1627790437

Publisher : Henry Holt and Co.; Illustrated Edition (May 14, 2019)

Book description

Rick Atkinson, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning An Army at Dawn and two other superb books about World War II, has long been admired for his deeply researched, stunningly vivid narrative histories. Now he turns his attention to a new war, and in the initial volume of the Revolution Trilogy he recounts the first twenty-one months of America’s violent war for independence.

From the battles at Lexington and Concord in spring 1775 to those at Trenton and Princeton in winter 1777, American militiamen and then the ragged Continental Army take on the world’s most formidable fighting force. It is a gripping saga alive with astonishing characters: Henry Knox, the former bookseller with an uncanny understanding of artillery; Nathanael Greene, the blue-eyed bumpkin who becomes a brilliant battle captain; Benjamin Franklin, the self-made man who proves to be the wiliest of diplomats; George Washington, the commander in chief who learns the difficult art of leadership when the war seems all but lost. The story is also told from the British perspective, making the mortal conflict between the redcoats and the rebels all the more compelling.

Full of riveting details and untold stories, The British Are Coming is a tale of heroes and knaves, of sacrifice and blunder, of redemption and profound suffering. Rick Atkinson has given stirring new life to the first act of our country’s creation drama.

Meet the author - Rick Atkinson

Rick Atkinson is the bestselling author of the Liberation Trilogy―An Army at Dawn (winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History), The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light―as well as The Long Gray Line and other books. His many additional awards include a Pulitzer Prize in journalism, a George Polk Award, and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award. A former staff writer and senior editor at The Washington Post, he lives in Washington, D.C.

My thoughts

I enjoyed listening to this book and liked the details that he provided.  I liked that he included some day to day things that sometimes get left out of history books. I look forward to the second book. 

George Washington's Secret Six by Brian Kilmead and Don Yaeger - Review

Book details

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Sentinel; Reprint edition (October 18, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0143130609

ISBN-13: 978-0143130604

Book description

When George Washington beat a hasty retreat from New York City in August 1776, many thought the American Revolution might soon be over. Instead, Washington rallied—thanks in large part to a little-known, top-secret group called the Culper Spy Ring. He realized that he couldn’t defeat the British with military might, so he recruited a sophisticated and deeply secretive intelligence network to infiltrate New York.

Drawing on extensive research, Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger have offered fascinating portraits of these spies: a reserved Quaker merchant, a tavern keeper, a brash young longshoreman, a curmudgeonly Long Island bachelor, a coffeehouse owner, and a mysterious woman. Long unrecognized, the secret six are finally receiving their due among the pantheon of American heroes.

Meet the authors: Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

Brian Kilmeade cohosts Fox News Channel’s morning show Fox & Friends and hosts the nationally syndicated radio show The Brian Kilmeade Show. The author of two previous books about sports, he lives on Long Island.

Don Yaeger has written twenty-three books, including seven New York Times bestsellers. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida.

My thoughts

I really enjoyed this book and thought the author did a good job.  It did not read like a normal history book it read like a novel.  The author's attention to detail added to the story for me.  He also gave some good theories on #355 that made sense.  I will be looking for more books by these authors. 

The Romanov Sister by Helen Rappaport - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 512 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First edition (June 3, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 9781250020208

ISBN-13: 978-1250020208

Book description

They were the Princess Dianas of their day—perhaps the most photographed and talked about young royals of the early twentieth century. The four captivating Russian Grand Duchesses—Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Romanov—were much admired for their happy dispositions, their looks, the clothes they wore and their privileged lifestyle.

Over the years, the story of the four Romanov sisters and their tragic end in a basement at Ekaterinburg in 1918 has clouded our view of them, leading to a mass of sentimental and idealized hagiography. With this treasure trove of diaries and letters from the grand duchesses to their friends and family, we learn that they were intelligent, sensitive and perceptive witnesses to the dark turmoil within their immediate family and the ominous approach of the Russian Revolution, the nightmare that would sweep their world away, and them along with it.

The Romanov Sisters sets out to capture the joy as well as the insecurities and poignancy of those young lives against the backdrop of the dying days of late Imperial Russia, World War I and the Russian Revolution. Rappaort aims to present a new and challenging take on the story, drawing extensively on previously unseen or unpublished letters, diaries and archival sources, as well as private collections. It is a book that will surprise people, even aficionados.

Meet the author - Helen Rappaport

Helen F. Rappaport (née Ware; born 1947), is a British historian, author, and former actress. As a historian, she specialises in the Victorian era and revolutionary Russia.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

My thoughts

I loved this book. I actually listened to the audio version and am so happy I did as I am not sure I could have pronounced the names in this book. I had not read anything about this family nor did I really know anything about them. They talked a lot about hemophilia which is of particular interest to me as my nephew has this horrible disease.  It was interesting to hear about their lives and how the girls helped with the War and enjoyed being able to help.  Their mother had a lot of health issues which kept her from being able to do as much as she wanted with the children but did not hinder their love for each other.  I also liked how it show how much their father loved them even though they were not boys.  He did not care that when the were born he did not have a male heir to the throne, he was just happy to have a healthy child. The closeness that this family shared is not something you always see in Royal families so that was refreshing to see. I highly recommend this book. 

The Governess's Convenient Marriage by Amanda McCabe - Review

I received this book free from the author. All opinions are my own.

Book details

Series: Debutantes in Paris (Book 2)

Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Historical; Original edition (November 20, 2018)

ISBN-13: 978-1335523013

Book description

A lady turned governess…

A life-changing proposal!

When Lady Alexandra Mannerly last saw Malcolm Gordston, he was a poor crofter’s son—someone a sheltered duke’s daughter would never be allowed to marry. But scandal has rocked her arrogant family, and Alex now leads a quiet life as a governess in Paris—where she meets Malcolm again! Now he’s a wealthy, powerful department store owner…and determined to make her his bride!

Meet the author - Amanda McCabe

Amanda McCabe wrote her first romance at sixteen – a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class! She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, Booksellers Best, National Readers Choice Award and the Holt Medallion. In her spare time she loves taking dance classes and collecting travel souvenirs. Amanda lives in Oklahoma. Email her at: amanda@ammandamccabe.com

My thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. The theme of how the rich become humbled and the not so rich move up. I liked that whole idea because it really makes people understand each other better. Although you do have to feel a bit sorry for Lady Alexandra going from having money to having to be a governess. The author does a good job of getting the setting just right. I know she does her research and it shows. Her writing is easy to read and holds your attention well. I look forward to the next book from her. 

Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick - Review

Book details

Paperback: 463 pages

Publisher: Penguin Books (April 24, 2007)

ISBN-13: 978-0143111979

Book description

How did America begin? That simple question launches the acclaimed author of In the Hurricane's Eyeand Valiant Ambition on an extraordinary journey to understand the truth behind our most sacred national myth: the voyage of the Mayflower and the settlement of Plymouth Colony. As Philbrick reveals in this electrifying history of the Pilgrims, the story of Plymouth Colony was a fifty-five year epic that began in peril and ended in war. New England erupted into a bloody conflict that nearly wiped out the English colonists and natives alike. These events shaped the existing communites and the country that would grow from them.

Meet the author - Nathaniel Philbrick

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of In the Heart of the Sea, winner of the National Book Award; Mayflower, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; Bunker Hill, winner of the New England Book Award; Sea of Glory; The Last Stand; Why Read Moby Dick?; Away Off Shore; and most recently, Valiant Ambition. He lives in Nantucket.

My thoughts

I thought this book was interesting. For being a non-fiction book I thought it read very well, almost like a novel in some parts. It was full of historical details that were new to me. I also learned some things that I did not like. For example when the English stole from the Native Americans or when they started to dig up the burial grounds. But even through all of that I still enjoyed this book and will be reading more by this author. 

A Devil of a Duke by Madeline Hunter - Review

I received a copy of this book free from the author. All opinions are my own

Book details

Series: Decadent Dukes Society (Book 2)

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Zebra (April 24, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1420143921

ISBN-13: 978-1420143928

Book description

From New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter comes the latest sexy tale of three untamable dukes and the women who ignite their decadent desires . . .

HE MAY BE A DEVIL
He’s infamous, debaucherous, and known all over town for his complete disregard for scandal, and positively irresistible seductions. Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, is obscenely wealthy, jaw-droppingly handsome, and used to getting exactly what he wants. Until his attention is utterly captured by a woman who refuses to tell him her name, but can’t help surrendering to his touch . . .

BUT SHE’S NO ANGEL EITHER . . .
Amanda Waverly is living two lives—one respectable existence as secretary to an upstanding lady, and one far more dangerous battle of wits—and willpower—with the devilish Duke. Langford may be the most tempting man she’s ever met, but Amanda’s got her hands full trying to escape the world of high-society crime into which she was born. And if he figures out who she really is, their sizzling passion will suddenly boil over into a much higher stakes affair . . .

Meet the author - Madeline Hunter

Madeline Hunter is a New York Times bestselling author with more than six million copies of her books in print. She has twenty-nine nationally bestselling historical romances in print, including most recently, The Most Dangerous Duke in London, The Wicked Duke; Tall, Dark, and Wicked; and His Wicked Reputation. A member of RWA’s Honor Roll, she has won the RITA Award twice and been a finalist seven times. Her books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly, and have been translated into thirteen languages. She has a PhD in art history, which she has taught at the university level. Madeline also writes the Romance Unlaced column for USAToday.com’s Happy Ever After site. Madeline loves to hear from her readers, and can be reached through her website at www.madelinehunter.com, on Facebook, www.facebook.com/madelinehunter/, and at twitter.com/madelinehunter.

My thoughts

I enjoyed going along on the journey with Gabriel and Amanda and getting to know them. I thought Amanda was a strong woman and liked how she does whatever she much to to help and protect her family. I also liked the historical aspect of this book. As always I thought the author's writing style was good and like her attention to detail. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see who we get to know next. 

Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller - Review

I have received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Series: Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope (Book 1)

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 27, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0825445337

ISBN-13: 978-0825445330

Book description

Years ago, the man who stole Catherine Winthrop's heart rejected her--and she's never recovered from the grief. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn't her heart he's taking, it’s her home and her family's good name.

Jonathan Carlew's serious demeanor and connection to trade, not to mention the rumors surrounding his birth, have kept him from being a favorite of the ladies, or their parents. Now, suddenly landed and titled, he finds himself with plenty of prospects. But his demanding society responsibilities keep pressing him into service to the one woman who captured his heart long ago--and then ran off with it.

These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.

Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England's royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won't want to miss this new set of characters--or appearances by their old favorites.

Meet the author - Carolyn Miller

A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Her favorite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.

Her stories are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times.

My thoughts

This was a great start to this series. I have enjoyed each of this authors books as she has a way of taking you to a different place and time. Each of the characters are well developed and likeable in their own way. I like how the author sets each scene and does well with the descriptions so you can feel like you are a part of the story. I also like how she incorporated a few characters from the first series into this one. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. 

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Series: Shadows Over England (Book 2)

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 2, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764219278

ISBN-13: 978-0764219276

Book description

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I--to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

Meet the author - Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, designing book covers, editing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . .to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

My thoughts

This is the second book in the Shadows over England series and I thought it was a fitting addition. You can't help but fall in love with Willa once you meet her even though she was a thief. She had to do what she thought she had to to survive I wanted nothing more for her to have a happy life and find someone who truly cared for her. The author did a really good job of setting the scene for this story. I felt like I was along side Willa at times.  I also liked that there was history, romance, adventure and suspense all rolled into one nice little package. Another great book for the year that I would recommend. 

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 6, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764219073

ISBN-13: 978-0764219078

Book description

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

Meet the author - Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

The honors her books have received include the Christy Award in historical fiction, and gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, Toblerone chocolate bars, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

Visit her at jocelyngreen.com, and receive a free gift when joining her e-newsletter mailing list at jocelyngreen.com/subscribe.

My thoughts

I am going to start off by saying I love this cover. There is just something about it that draws me to the book. I liked how the author did a great job in describing everything from the landscapes to the clothing to the emotions. Doing this gives you a good understanding of the the whole picture the author is trying to show you. She also did a good job of giving you just enough of a history lesson which leads you to wanting to learn more about this time and the people who experienced it. Then the author throws just a bit of romance into the mix which adds to the story. This is one of my favorites by this author. Highly recommended. 

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Mass Market Paperback: 544 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (November 28, 2017)

Book description

Join the Lady Travelers Society in their latest romantic misadventure, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander

She must secure her future

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage

Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything

Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.

Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Meet the author - Victoria Alexander

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.

Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas.
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Connect with Victoria
Website | Facebook | Twitter

My thoughts

I have to say this is one of my favorite historical romance authors. She has a way of transporting you back into the time period in which the story takes places. I love the way she develops her characters and always makes the women strong. The author drew me in from the first page and I had a hard time putting this book down. I liked the art theme as a background to the story. It was an interesting but good addition for me. There is also some adventure added to the story which was another good addition. This was a good addition to this series and I look forward to more books in this series. 

TOUR STOPS:

Friday, December 1st: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, December 1st: The Sketchy Reader – spotlight/excerpt

Monday, December 4th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Tuesday, December 5th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, December 6th: Books a la Mode – spotlight/excerpt

Thursday, December 7th: The Romance Dish

Friday, December 8th: What I’m Reading

Monday, December 11th: A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 12th: The Sassy Bookster – spotlight/excerpt

Wednesday, December 13th: From the TBR Pile

Thursday, December 14th: Blogging with A

Friday, December 15th: OMG Reads

Monday, December 18th: A Holland Reads

Tuesday, December 19th: A Night’s Dream of Books

Wednesday, December 20th: Jathan & Heather

Wednesday, December 20th: BTH Reviews

Thursday, December 21st: Books & Bindings

Friday, December 22nd: Book Reviews and More by Kathy

The Graham Saga by Anna Belfrage - Series Spotlight

About The Graham Saga Series

This is the story of Alex and Matthew, two people who should never have met - not when she was born three hundred years after him. It all began the day Alex Lind got caught in a thunderstorm. Not your ordinary storm, no this was the mother of all storms, causing a most unusual rift in the fabric of time. Alex was dragged three centuries backwards in time, landing more or less at the feet of a very surprised Matthew Graham. In a series of books we follow the life and adventures of the expanding Graham family, both in Scotland and in the New World - and let me tell you it is quite an exciting life, at times excessively so in Alex' opinion. Sometimes people ask me why Alex had to be born in the twentieth century, why not make her a woman born and bred in the seventeenth century where the story is set? The answer to that is I have no idea. Alex Lind is an insistent, vibrant character that sprung into my head one morning and simply wouldn't let go. Seductively she whispered about terrible thunderstorms, about a gorgeous man with magic, hazel eyes, about loss and sorrow, about love - always this love, for her man and her children, for the people she lives with. With a throaty chuckle she shared insights into a life very far removed from mine, now and then stopping to shake her head and tell me that it probably hadn't been easy for Matthew, to have such an outspoken, strange and independent woman at his side. At this point Matthew groaned into life. Nay, he sighed, this woman of his was at times far too obstinate, with no notion of how a wife should be, meek and dutiful. But, he added with a laugh, he wouldn't want her any different, for all that she was half heathen and a right hand-full. No, he said, stretching to his full length, if truth be told not a day went by without him offering fervent thanks for his marvelous wife, a gift from God no less, how else to explain the propitious circumstances that had her landing at his feet that long gone August day? Still, dear reader, it isn't always easy. At times Alex thinks he's an overbearing bastard, at others he's sorely tempted to belt her. But the moment their fingertips graze against each other, the moment their eyes meet, the electrical current that always buzzes between them peaks and surges, it rushes through their veins, it makes their breathing hitch and ... She is his woman, he is her man. That's how it is, that's how it always will be.
Graham Saga Titles

Book One: A Rip in the Veil 

Book Two: Like Chaff in the Wind 

Book Three: The Prodigal Son 

Book Four: A Newfound Land 

Book Five: Serpents in the Garden 

Book Six: Revenge & Retribution 

Book Seven: Whither Thou Goest 

Book Eight: To Catch a Falling Star 

Book Nine: There is Always a Tomorrow (November 2017)

Meet the Author - Anna Belfrage

Anna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she's multilingual and most of her reading is Anna Belfrage writes historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer - or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive… For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there. For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com. You can also find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter. 

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away Books #1-8 in paperback to one lucky winner! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. 

Graham Saga Book Blast

Book Blast Schedule

Monday, November 6 Pursuing Stacie The Reading Queen Locks, Hooks and Books 

Tuesday, November 7 T's Stuff Susan Heim on Writing 

Wednesday, November 8 Bookish So Many Books, So Little Time 

Thursday, November 9 Let Them Read Books 

Friday, November 10 History From a Woman's Perspective Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots Saturday, November 11 A Holland Reads 

Sunday, November 12 A Chick Who Reads 

Monday, November 13 CelticLady's Reviews What Is That Book About 

Tuesday, November 14 A Literary Vacation Historical Fiction with Spirit Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! 

Wednesday, November 15 The Maiden's Court Adventures Thru Wonderland 

Thursday, November 16 Carole Rae's Random Ramblings Ms. Stuart Requests the Pleasure of Your Company 

Friday, November 17 Book Nerd 

Saturday, November 18 Passages to the Past The Book Junkie Reads 

Sunday, November 19 Books, Dreams, Life 

Monday, November 20 The Lit Bitch Jorie Loves a Story

The Silent Fountain by Victoria Fox - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: MIRA (October 31, 2017)

Book description

Hollywood, 1978

Tragedy sends troubled film star Vivien Lockhart into the arms of Giovanni Moretti—and it seems her fortunes have finally changed. Until she meets his sister and learns that her new husband’s past holds dark secrets…

Tuscany, Present day

Lucy Whittaker needs to disappear. But her new home, the crumbling Castillo Barbarossa, is far from the secluded paradise it seemed. Strange sounds come from the attic. The owner of the house will never meet her in person.

The fountain in the courtyard is silent—but has never run dry.

Across the decades, Vivien and Lucy find themselves trapped in the idyllic Italian villa.

And if they are ever to truly escape its walls, they must first unearth its secrets…

Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Meet the author - Victoria Fox

Victoria Fox is a bestselling author in the UK. She used to work in publishing and is now the author of six novels. The Silent Fountain is her breakout novel in North America. She divides her time between Bristol and London.

Connect with Victoria
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My thoughts

From the first page this book transports you to another place that is both beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The author did a good job of weaving the two stories from the past and present together without them feeling like two complete stories. It made reading the book fun to go back an forth. There was an underlying mystery in this book that you could not wait to figure out. The author did a good job of describing the setting and the house - I could almost feel the darkness  of the Castillo Barbarossa. I thought the characters were well developed. All in all a good book to read on a gloomy day. 

TOUR STOPS:

Monday, October 30th: OMG Reads – excerpt

Tuesday, October 31st: From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, October 31st: Art Books Coffee on Instagram

Tuesday, October 31st: A Thousand Books to Read on Instagram

Wednesday, November 1st: Annika B Bauer on Instagram

Wednesday, November 1st: Beach.House.Books on Instagram

Thursday, November 2nd: The Lit Bitch

Monday, November 6th: A Holland Reads

Monday, November 6th: Girls in Books blog and Instagram

Tuesday, November 7th: All Roads Lead to the Kitchen blog and Instagram

Wednesday, November 8th: Suzy Approved – excerpt

Thursday, November 9th: Books & Bindings

Thursday, November 9th: From the Library of Mrs. Gardner blog and Instagram

Friday, November 10th: Patricia’s Wisdom

Monday, November 13th: Ms Nose in a Book

Monday, November 13th: Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, November 14th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Wednesday, November 15th: A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, November 16th: Broken Teepee blog and Instagram

Thursday, November 16th: Bibliotica

Friday, November 17th: Jathan & Heather

Sunday, November 19th:From A to Pink

Monday, November 20th: LiteraryJo Reviews blog and Instagram

Tuesday, November 21st: Novel Gossip blog and Instagram

Wednesday, November 22nd: Thoughts on This ‘n That

Friday, November 24th: Kahakai Kitchen blog and Instagram

TBD: Bookish Cassie on Instagram

TBD: Palmer’s Page Turners – excerpt

The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers by Thomas Fleming - Review

Book details:

Paperback: 480 pages

Publisher: Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (November 9, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0061139130

ISBN-13: 978-0061139130

About this book:

An intimate look at the founders—George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison—and thewomen who played essential roles in their lives

With his usual storytelling flair and unparalleled research, notedhistorian Thomas Fleming examines the relationships between theFounding Fathers and the women who were at the center of theirlives. They were the mothers who powerfully shaped their sons’visions of domestic life, from hot-tempered Mary Ball Washington to promiscuous Rachel Lavien, Hamilton’s mother. Lovers and wives played even more critical roles. We learn of the youthful Washington’s tortured love for the coquettish Sarah Fairfax, a close friend’s wife; of Franklin’s two “wives,” one in London and one in Philadelphia; of how lonely, deeply unhappy Abigail kept home and family togetherfor years on end during Adams’s long absences; of Hamilton’s adulterous betrayal of his wife and their eventual reconciliation; of how the brilliant Madison, jilted by a flirtatious fifteen-year-old, went on to marry the effervescent Dolley, who helped make this shy man into a popular president. Jefferson’s controversial relationshipwith Sally Hemings is also examined, reinterpreting where his heart truly lay.

Meet the author - Thomas Fleming:

"How do you write a book?" 24 year old Thomas Fleming asked bestselling writer Fulton Oursler in 1951. "Write four pages a day," Oursler said. "Every day except Sunday. Whether you feel like it or not. Inspiration consists of putting the seat of your pants on the chair at your desk." Fleming has followed this advice to good effect. His latest effort, "The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers," is his 50th published book. Twenty three of them have been novels. He is the only writer in the history of the Book of the Month Club to have main selections in fiction and in nonfiction. Many have won prizes. Recently he received the Burack Prize from Boston University for lifetime achievement. In nonfiction he has specialized in the American Revolution. He sees Intimate Lives as a perfect combination of his double talent as a novelist and historian. "Novelists focus on the intimate side of life. This is the first time anyone has looked at the intimate side of the lives of these famous Americans, with an historian's eyes." Fleming was born in Jersey City, the son of a powerful local politician. He has had a lifetime interest in American politics. He also wrote a history of West Point which the New York Times called "the best...ever written." Military history is another strong interest. He lives in New York with his wife, Alice Fleming, who is a gifted writer of books for young readers.

My thoughts on the book:

I really enjoyed this book. It felt like it read more like a novel than a history book. There were things I learned about each founding fathers. I did not realize that John Adams may have been manic depressant, that Thomas Jefferson had migraines and that multiple presidents did not have kids. I liked the writing style and the research that the author put into the book. It kept me interested from the first page right up until the last page. It was nice to hear something about the founding fathers that is not all about the politics. Also I did not realize how many of our founding fathers went over seas to try and keep peace. I will be looking for more books by this author. 

A Beautiful Poison by Lydia Kang - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details:

Paperback: 350 pages

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (August 1, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1477848878

ISBN-13: 978-1477848876

About this book:

Just beyond the Gilded Age, in the mist-covered streets of New York, the deadly Spanish influenza ripples through the city. But with so many victims in her close circle, young socialite Allene questions if the flu is really to blame. All appear to have been poisoned—and every death was accompanied by a mysterious note.

Desperate for answers and dreading her own engagement to a wealthy gentleman, Allene returns to her passion for scientific discovery and recruits her long-lost friends, Jasper and Birdie, for help. The investigation brings her closer to Jasper, an apprentice medical examiner at Bellevue Hospital who still holds her heart, and offers the delicate Birdie a last-ditch chance to find a safe haven before her fragile health fails.

As more of their friends and family die, alliances shift, lives become entangled, and the three begin to suspect everyone—even each other. As they race to find the culprit, Allene, Birdie, and Jasper must once again trust each other, before one of them becomes the next victim.

Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Meet the author - Lydia Kang

Lydia Kang is a physician and author of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Columbia University and New York University School of Medicine. She completed her residency and chief residency at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and currently lives in the midwest, where she continues to practice internal medicine.

Connect with Lydia
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

What did I think about this book:

I enjoyed reading this book which also happens to be the first book I have read by her. Her attention to detail came out in her writing style and her historical tidbits that came out. I liked the mystery as well as the historical part of this book. Allene really got into trying to decided if the deaths were all related to the flu or something else. I enjoyed following along with her as she tried to figure things out. Of course the character was smarter than me as I did not figure things out as well as she did. I thought all the characters were well developed, the scenes well described and the writing style flowing. All the makings of a good book. I will be watching for more books by Lydia and hope this book will be the start of a series. 

Lydia Kang’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday, August 1st: Reading Reality

Tuesday, August 1st: Reviews from the Heart

Wednesday, August 2nd: 5 Minutes for Books

Thursday, August 3rd: The Maiden’s Court

Friday, August 4th: No More Grumpy Bookseller

Monday, August 7th: Write Read Life

Tuesday, August 8th: Kahakai Kitchen

Tuesday, August 8th: A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, August 9th: Readaholic Zone

Thursday, August 10th: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Reviews

Friday, August 11th: I Brought a Book

Monday, August 14th: Broken Teepee

Tuesday, August 15th: Books a la Mode

Tuesday, August 15th: Books ‘n Tea

Wednesday, August 16th: Thoughts from a Highly Caffeinated Mind

Thursday, August 17th: A. Holland Reads

Friday, August 18th: Patricia’s Wisdom

Monday, August 21st: Just Commonly

Tuesday, August 22nd: A Bookish Way of Life

Wednesday, August 23rd: Mama Vicky Says

Thursday, August 24th: Just One More Chapter

Friday, August 25th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Tuesday, August 29th: From the TBR Pile

Friday, September 22nd: Writer Unboxed – author guest post

The Innkeeper's Sister by Linda Goodnight - Review and Giveaway

I received this book free from the publisher

Book Details:

Series: A Honey Ridge Novel (Book 3)

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (July 25, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0373799470

ISBN-13: 978-0373799473

About this book:

Welcome to Honey Ridge, Tennessee, where Southern hospitality and sweet peach tea beckon, and where long-buried secrets lead to some startling realizations…

Grayson Blake always has a purpose—and never a moment to lose. He’s come home to Honey Ridge to convert a historic gristmill into a restaurant, but his plans crumble like Tennessee clay when the excavation of a skeleton unearths a Civil War mystery…and leads him back to a beautiful and familiar stranger.

Once a ballet dancer, now co-owner of the Peach Orchard Inn, Valery Carter harbors pain as deep as the secrets buried beneath the mill. A bright facade can’t erase her regrets any more than a glass of bourbon can restore what she’s lost. But spending time with Grayson offers Valery a chance to let go of her past and imagine a happier future. And with the discovery of hidden messages in aged sheet music, both their hearts begin to open. Bound by attraction, and compelled to resolve an old crime that links the inn and the mill, Grayson and Valery encounter a song of hurt, truth…and hope.

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Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Meet the author - Linda Goodnight:

NY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels to touch the heart as well as to entertain. Her emotional stories of hope have won the RITA, the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. A small town girl, Linda remains close to her roots, making her home in rural Oklahoma. She and husband have a blended family of eight, including two teenagers recently adopted from Ukraine. Many of her books are about family and children and rightly so, as she draws her deeply emotional stories from her surroundings, her great love of family, and from personal experiences as a nurse and teacher.

Connect with Linda
Website | Facebook | Twitter

What did I think of this book:

This sounded like a good book to me so I thought let's give this new to me author a chance. I did not realize that this was book three in a series until after I got it. No fault to anyone but myself. With that being said you can read this book as a stand alone and not feel lost one bit. I enjoyed this book so much that I am going to be looking for the other two in the series. The author make the characters likable and well developed. I wanted Grayson to be be able to open his restaurant but the mystery behind the skeleton from the Civil War had me intrigued. Valery and Grayson made good friends and I enjoyed watching them as they became closer throughout the book. Another thing I liked is how the story line went back and forth between the time period so you got a little of both stories. The author's writing style made this book flow nicely and I enjoyed the historical tidbits she added. A good book for a rainy day. 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour stops:

Tuesday, July 11th: Mama Vicky Says – excerpt

Wednesday, July 12th: The Sassy Bookster – excerpt

Thursday, July 13th: Books a la Mode – excerpt

Friday, July 14th: Reading is My SuperPower – excerpt

Monday, July 17th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy – excerpt

Tuesday, July 18th: Black ‘n Gold Girls Book Spot – excerpt

Thursday, July 20th: Dwell in Possibility – excerpt

Monday, July 24th: Reading is My SuperPower

Tuesday, July 25th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, July 26th: Written Love Reviews

Thursday, July 27th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Friday, July 28th: Broken Teepee

Monday, July 31st: Rebel Mommy Book Blog

Tuesday, August 1st: Patricia’s Wisdom

Tuesday, August 1st: Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, August 2nd: Buried Under Books

Thursday, August 3rd: Just Commonly

Friday, August 4th: Books & Bindings

Monday, August 7th: The Romance Dish

Tuesday, August 8th: All Roads Lead to the Kitchen

Wednesday, August 9th: A. Holland Reads

Friday, August 11th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, August 14th: Ms. Nose in a Book

Tuesday, August 15th: Becky on Books

Wednesday, August 16th: A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, August 17th: Steph the Bookworm

TBD: Books and Spoons – excerpt

TBD: Book Mama Blog – excerpt

TBD: A Chick Who Reads – excerpt

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details:

Series: Shadows Over England (Book 1)

Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (July 4, 2017)

ISBN-13: 978-0764219269

About the book:

Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Meet the author - Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna’s fiction ranges from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia.
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Connect with Roseanna
Website | Facebook | Twitter

My thoughts:

I thought this was a great start to a new series. The setting is perfect for a nice day of reading. I liked how she described each setting. It really made me feel a part of this book. Reading about Rosemary's life from where she came from to what she is doing "now" was interesting. I also liked getting to know Peter. Then to have their stories intertwine was a good way for this book to go. You can tell that the author had done her research as the historical details really come out in her writing. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

TOUR STOPS:

Monday, July 10th: Write Read Life

Tuesday, July 11th: A. Holland Reads

Thursday, July 13th: Cafinated Reads

Friday, July 14th: View from the Birdhouse

Monday, July 17th: Thoughts from a Highly Caffeinated Mind

Wednesday, July 19th: Just Commonly

Thursday, July 20th: Books a la Mode – author guest post

Monday, July 24th: Reviews from the Heart

Tuesday, July 25th: Laura’s Reviews

Wednesday, July 26th: A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, July 27th: Book by Book

Monday, July 31st: Fiction Aficionado

Wednesday, August 2nd: Dwell in Possibility