This is a hard book for me to categorize. This is sexual, artsy, and emotional. I love that it is historical fiction. I enjoyed learning about Max Ernst and Leonora Carrington. The author takes the facts that were known about these two artists and gave them life within these pages. It felt like we knew the characters and how they must have really felt. It was very emotional reading about what seems to have been a mental breakdown for Leonora after things happen to Max. I enjoyed the characters and the emotions that showed up. I loved the descriptions of the art enough that I had to look up what many of the portraits described actually looked like. I received a copy of this book from Avid Reader Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a four out of five stars.
One of O, The Oprah Magazine’s “Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Novels That Will Sweep You Away” and LitHub’s “Most Anticipated Books of 2021.”
For fans of Amy Bloom’s White Houses and Colm TóibÃn’s The Master, a page-turning novel about Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington and the art, drama, and romance that defined her coming-of-age during World War II.
1940. A train carrying exiled German prisoners from a labor camp arrives in southern France. Within moments, word spreads that Nazi capture is imminent, and the men flee for the woods, desperate to disappear across the Spanish border. One stays behind, determined to ride the train until he reaches home, to find a woman he refers to simply as “her.”
1937. Leonora Carrington is a twenty-year-old British socialite and painter dreaming of independence when she meets Max Ernst, an older, married artist whose work has captivated Europe. She follows him to Paris, into the vibrant revolutionary world of studios and cafes where rising visionaries of the Surrealist movement like Andre Breton, Pablo Picasso, Lee Miller, Man Ray, and Salvador Dali are challenging conventional approaches to art and life. Inspired by their freedom, Leonora begins to experiment with her own work, translating vivid stories of her youth onto canvas and gaining recognition under her own name. It is a bright and glorious age of enlightenment–until the shadow of war looms over Europe and headlines emerge denouncing Max and his circle as “degenerates,” leading to his arrest and imprisonment. Left along as occupation spreads throughout the countryside, Leonora battles terrifying circumstances to survive, reawakening past demons that threaten to consume her.
As Leonora and Max embark on remarkable journeys together and apart, the full story of their tumultuous and passionate love affair unfolds, spanning time and borders as they seek to reunite and reclaim their creative power in a world shattered by war. When their paths cross with Peggy Guggenheim, an art collector and socialite working to help artists escape to America, nothing will be the same.
Based on true events and historical figures, Leonora in the Morning Light is an unforgettable story of love, art, and destiny that restores a twentieth-century heroine to her rightful place in our collective imagination.
I really enjoyed this thriller that was very scary in that what if it really happened. This type of story makes you wonder if something similar to this has really happened. It would be hard to drink tap or bottled water if you heard this had happened. I enjoyed Jake and Paige. There were quite a few twists and turns. I recommend reading the book that comes before this one so you know a little more about what happened to Jake and Paige before. I received a copy of this book from Mindbuck Media Book Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a four out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
A thought-provoking thriller about a very real threat to the essence of life: water. You’ll be forced to consider how you’d react if you were cornered and trapped in a terrifying, life-threatening situation. Jake Bendel and a cunning team of experts create a five-plant desalination system – all powered by environmentally friendly molten salt reactors – providing clean, healthy drinking water to millions of thirsty Californians. But the dark side of humanity sees this as a chance for revenge against the United States. A genius weaponizes the system, threatening to kill more Americans than all of World War II.
The clock is ticking. Can Jake and the FBI stop the terrorists before more innocent people are murdered in the name of the Jihad? WATERBORNE will grab you by the throat and pull you into a vicious struggle that will define the fate of the world for generations to come.
I love that Clara learns that she needs to have a life for herself rather than for her mother. I love novel that goes from the present to the past. This has been one of my favorite books in this style of writing. Clara needs to find a deed for her bookstore and needs to go through her grandmothers things to hopefully find it. This took her many places that are described beautifully. I loved both the story of the past and the story of the present. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
About the Book
Book: Hope Between the Pages
Author: Pepper Basham
Genre: Christian Historical
Release date: April, 2021
Uncover the Story Behind a One-Hundred-Year-Old Love Letter
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Pastseries. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.
More from Pepper
Books are a uniquely portable magic – Stephen King
Appalachia is known for having a high illiteracy rate. A place of beautiful scenery and rugged landscapes, the people of the mountains developed stories through oral storytelling much more than “book learning”. As a young girl growing up in this world, I loved hearing my granny share tales from up to five generations ago, filling in the narrative gaps between a birth date and a death date on a tombstone – giving flesh and breath to the stone-etched names.
It’s no surprise then, with a heart cultivated from rich oral stories, I fell in love with reading. Books became that “portable magic” that took me places my little Appalachian community couldn’t provide. I fell in love with the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew. Wept through the end of Bridge to Terabithia and Old Yeller. Traveled to the plains with Sarah Plain and Tall and fell in love with horses with The Black Stallion. But when I was in seventh grade, I read my very first “British” novel, The Secret Garden. In that one introduction, my world expanded into mysterious English manor houses and British classics. Before long, I’d consumed Jane Eyre, Austen’s classics, some Dickens, Dracula, Frankenstein…and the list goes on! And then…I found Tolkien and Lewis – and the ‘real’ world swelled into OTHER worlds.
I’m grateful for true stories of book-loving pioneers traveling into the world of Appalachia to provide books and literacy training to “my people”, because I know some of those books made their way to my tiny elementary school library…and not only brought me the chance to discover stories, but to write them too!
Isn’t it amazing how books can do that?
In Hope Between the Pages, I wanted to bring the same awe and discovery I felt as a child (and continue to feel as an adult reader) to the story of two people whose words had seemed small. Stories stretched their worlds, but the stories also gave them wonderful imaginations and positive perspectives. It’s still amazing to me that ink-and-paper words can make such a lasting impact on hearts and minds. They can lead us to dream, teach us new things, encourage our hearts, help us to think outside the box, swell our imaginations, broaden our horizons, and encourage our hope.
Books are not a replacement for real adventures and relationships, but they certainly provide a beautiful “door” into other lives and worlds that we may never have a chance to experience in real life. Sadie, my historical heroine, and Clara, my contemporary heroine, both have kept close to home but traveled greatly through books…and BOTH are given the opportunity to reach beyond the bindings to discover real-life adventures. I’d like to think that their love for stories helped them have the courage to step away from the page and into their own tales even more prepared than they would have been without stories.
What are some of your favorite books you read as a child? Did any of them influence you to become a more avid reader?
I have loved the books that I have read in this series and I think this has been my favorite of all her romance novels. I loved what Kat and Zach figure out for themselves. I also love Stephanie, Frank and Charlie. I even love how the seagulls are worked into the story. I enjoyed that there were more than one romance in this story. I recommend this to anyone that loves a good, clean romance. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted–fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn’t she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she’ll be able to calm the storm inside.
Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss–and he has no plans to change the life he’s created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He’s had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
This is the first book in an older series by this author that I missed reading before. I really enjoyed this quick Amish romance. I enjoyed reading about Gretta and Joshua and especially Anson. I love the troubles that Anson seems to get into. This is a sweet romance and very inspirational. I enjoyed reading about Lilly and seeing how she works through her predicament. I definitely recommend this story.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
In Winter’s Awakening, the first book in her heartwarming series “Seasons of Sugarcreek,” author Shelley Shepard Gray begins an unforgettable new saga of love and faith set within the Amish community. As she did in her enormously popular “Sisters of the Heart” books, Gray opens a window onto a fascinating culture and society, and tells a moving and inspiring tale that readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall, and every fan of Christian fiction will be eager take into their hearts.
As always this series just keeps on getting better and better. I always love the main characters that are in every book of the series. We have gotten to know each one better with every story. In this story Mae and Henry are needing to make some serious decisions and it will be fun to see what they decide in the next book of the series. This story showed how Mae can get a bit jealous of others in her foster moms life. As always the descriptions of the park are wonderful. I recommend this series to any one who loves a great cozy mystery. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes is leading the camping craze with her southern cozy mystery series, A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. Be sure you join Tonya’s newsletter for all of her adventures on and off the page while she writes and travels in her own camper, her readers have lovingly named Tonya’s Shamper (she camper). Don’t miss out on her very informative CAMPING CHIT CHAT blog where she gives you tips, tricks, hacks and delicious campfire recipes: Tonyakappes.com
“Romance, a lovable bunch of eccentrics, and a collection of recipes with murder most foul.” –Kirkus
“Scrumptious… Fans of culinary cozies will have fun.” –Publishers Weekly
“A sweet Southern mystery with a delightful plot and quirky characters who quickly make you feel at home.” –San Francisco Book Review
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where NOTHING is normal.
Alicia Becker shows up at the screen door of The Milkery beaten, bruised, and claims to be one of Mary Elizabeth Moberly’s foster children.
Mae West’s suspicion of why Alicia is there turns to an investigation after Alicia is found on a nearby hiking trail standing over the lifeless body of Craig Sutton. Who is Craig Sutton?
Craig Sutton is Alicia Becker’s con-ex-boyfriend.
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies can’t help but wonder if Craig’s death was self-defense, though Alicia swears she didn’t kill him. Or was Alicia set up?
Grab your bug spray and camping equipment. Mae West and Laundry Club Ladies are ‘bout to put their sleuthing skills back to the test.
This is a sweet and emotional contemporary romance. It is fun to see Jessica blossom while traveling with her church choir in England. I love all of the descriptions of the area and the buildings. This will make you laugh and cry at times. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a four out of five stars.
Jessica Nash loves to sing but is paralyzed every time she gets on stage. After blowing an excruciating audition, she wonders if she should give up on her dream. She’s already committed to a week-long choral tour of England with her church choir, though, and as a single mom with a limited income, this might be her only chance to travel.
The trip gets off to a rocky start when Jessica has to sit next to Martin, a once-famous British tenor whose career plummeted in a scandal, on the flight to London. Is it her imagination, or does he seem to aim his bitterness toward womankind specifically at her? And to make things worse, once they arrive Jessica discovers she has to room with the choir’s thorny lead soprano.
When Nick, their handsome tour guide, takes a special interest in showing Jessica the sights, things finally seem to be falling into place. She starts to relax and let herself be wooed against the backdrop of the charming English countryside. But is she ready to give him as much as he’s asking for?
Things aren’t as simple as they seem. Almost every person on the tour, it seems, is hiding a secret, and before her English holiday is over Jessica will find herself stretched and tested in every direction—including the soloist’s place center stage.
This is a very emotional story. What happens after a major earthquake and there are many people dead and you need to get back to your daughter. I love how the author handles this story. The author describes the shock and the horrors that might happen on the streets after a major disaster. I love the characters of Dessa and Beegie. This story shows some of what different people can go through after a disaster. I received a copy of this book from Harlequin for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
JUST GET HOME
Author: Bridget Foley
ISBN: 9780778331599
Publication Date: 04/13/2021
Publisher: MIRA
BIO:
Originally from Colorado, Bridget Foley attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television. She worked as an actor and screenwriter before becoming a novelist. She now lives a fiercely creative life with her family in Boise, Idaho.
BOOK SUMMARY:
When the Big One earthquake hits LA, a single mother and a teen in the foster system are brought together by their circumstances and an act of violence in order to survive the wrecked streets of the city, working together to just get home.
Dessa, a single mom, is enjoying a rare night out when a devastating earthquake strikes. Roads and overpasses crumble, cell towers are out everywhere, and now she must cross the ruined city to get back to her three-year-old daughter, not even knowing whether she’s dead or alive. Danger in the streets escalates, as looting and lawlessness erupts. When she witnesses a moment of violence but isn’t able to intervene, it nearly puts Dessa over the edge.
Fate throws Dessa a curveball when the victim of the crime—a smart-talking 15-year-old foster kid named Beegie—shows up again in the role of savior, linking the pair together. Beegie is a troubled teen with a relentless sense of humor and resilient spirit that enables them both to survive. Both women learn to rely on each other in ways they never imagined possible, to permit vulnerability and embrace the truth of their own lives.
A propulsive page-turner grounded by unforgettable characters and a deep emotional core, JUST GET HOME will strike a chord with mainstream thriller readers for its legitimately heart-pounding action scenes, and with book club audiences looking for weighty, challenging content.
If you are looking for a story that is filled with suspense and some romance you are looking in the right place. There was hardly a moment that was not filled with action. I loved Faith and Eli and how fate seems to bring them back together in a strange way. These two are trying to figure out how they can go on with there lives after tragedy struck them both. I love this series and this author. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a five out of five stars.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Seeking refuge in Amish country
puts everyone she loves in danger.
On the run after discovering her brother-in-law was behind her husband’s murder, Faith Cooper can think of only one safe place–her Amish grandmother’s home. But when danger follows Faith to the quiet Amish community, her childhood friend Eli Shetler is her only protection. And their survival depends on outlasting a relentless killer…one who has nothing left to lose.
I feel that one should read at least one of the other books in this series to really enjoy it. There are some things that must have happened in previous books that I would have liked to have read so I could have enjoyed this story more. This has a very good ending. I had some trouble in the beginning with the style of language but I got used to it. The characters are great. I received a copy of this book from ireadbooktours for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I give this book a four out of five stars.
Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of BLOOD OF THE DRAGONFLY (1 winner) (open to Amazon.com customers) (ends May 7)
Book Title: Blood of the Dragonfly ( The Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series – Book V) Author: Hawk MacKinney Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 227 pages Genre: Mystery/Suspense Publisher: Sage Words Publishing Release date: Feb 2021 Formats Available for review: print (USA and Canada), ebook (Gifted Kindle, PDF) Tour dates: Apr 12 to Apr 30, 2021 Content Rating: PG. There are graphic death scenes. Book Description:
While dangling a fishing hook from his flat bottom skiff before dawn, former SEAL-turned-PI Craige Ingram spots grey-black smoke coiling above the treetops across the river in the direction of the Georgia bayous and Corpsewood Manor. Bayou or bogs, fire in the uncut cypress and pines bodes a sense that the river is no barrier to the fire that threatens his ancestral home, Moccasin Hollow. Neither are the bodies later found in the burned mansion of Corpsewood Manor. Craige wastes no time in helping his ex-SEAL buddy Lt. Graysen MacGerald who is now Head of Buckingham Homicide Investigations by unofficially investigating the bodies and an exquisite dragonfly brooch found in the mansion with a reputation for evil, hauntings, and mystery. Buy the Book: Amazon B&N ~ BAM ~ Book Despository
Meet the Author:
Hawk MacKinney began writing mysteries for his school newspaper, served in the US Navy for over 20 years, earned two postgraduate degrees with studies in languages and history, taught postgraduate courses in the United States and Jerusalem, authored professional articles and chordate embryology texts on fetal and adult anatomy, and is well known for his works of fiction. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel, was nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award. Both his CAIRNS OF SANCTUARIE science fiction series and the MOCCASIN HOLLOW MYSTERY series have received worldwide recognition.
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