The magic of Barbara Taylor Bradford

Love, lies, loyalty and mysteries, all well told. That is a hallmark of Barbara Taylor Bradford. Her many fans will not be disappointed in her latest novel, The Cavendon Women.  The Swanns and Inghams, first introduced in Cavendon Hall,  again come to life under Bradford's skillful pen. Think Upstairs Downstairs, think Downton Abby.

The time period is 1926 to 1929 and problems abound for all during those years. Will the strong bonds between the two families be enough to hold them together?  The setting again focused mainly on Cavendon Hall which is beautifully and fully described. Likewise, the fashions of the day come to life for the reader.

Beyond these beautifully written passages, one reads the dialogue between the characters. Here, I felt, Ms. Bradford fell short. The conversations between the characters are so very simplistically written. Surely the characters have more depth than portrayed in this novel. 

Still, it was a good fireside read for a winter weekend and I heartily recommend it to Ms. Bradford's fans. If you wish to introduce someone to this author, I suggest you go back and start with her wonderful  A Woman of Substance.  

I received my copy directly from the published in exchange for an honest review. 

What Was Mine by Helen Klein Ross

This is a book about maternal need, motherly love, and unimaginable loss.. Two mothers, one child, so many lies and secrets.

When my daughter was about three years old, I read a book on child abduction. I was an emotional wreck for months and I vowed to never read another book on the subject. For over 40 years I kept that pledge. Then along came What Was Mine. For some unknown reason, the materials that came with this book did not leave me weak with fear or unable to continue. This promised to be a story of child abduction that, perhaps, I could read.

I read the book in two days. It was interesting, not overly emotional, and beacause it was simply told in all the best ways, a fast read. It was a book about a seemingly unforgivable act, but after 21 years could the unforgivable actually be forgiven? By some, perhaps, but, as in real life, not by all.

Lucy, one of our mothers, never meant to commit a crime, but she did.
Marilyn, our other mother never meant to lose the treasure adored by herself and her husband, but she did. Lives changed, worlds came apart, and worlds came together.

The beauty of this book is the changing points of views. It was good to get into Lucy's mind, Marilyn's heart, and Mia/Natalie's head. It was good to learn to care about the three major characters through their feelings. I think this made the resolution, or non-resolution, more acceptable.

I don't want to give the story away, so suffice it to say there is a baby abduction that goes unsolved for 21 years, then suddenly through actions of the abductor, the crime is solved. So often the story would end here, but it did not. The action continues long enough for us to see how this crime and the solving of it affected the baby, who is a baby no longer. She now has the chance to make some decisions, to decide for herself what is and is not forgivable.

There is no happy, group hug solution. Neither is there a 'thank goodness, she's finally getting what she deserves' solution, but the child, the one most affected has the power to decide the outcome of this crime. How will she decide? Will she choose one over the other? Will she walk away from both and get on with her life.

This was an unexpectedly good read. I recommend it.
I received an ebook of this novel from New Galley.

THE READERS OF BROKEN WHEEL RECOMMEND......Delilghtful, fun reading that reminds us of why we have read certain books.

Delightful. Delightful. Delightful!
I loved this book!

{Discloser: I first read this book as an e-book. Recently I received a review copy of the January 2016 paperback edition. I was happy to renew my acquaintance with the characters in this fun book.}

My review:
Sara loves books. Sara hates her mundane life in Sweden. Sara's dearest friend is her pen pal Amy, a single elderly lady living in Broken Wheel, Iowa. Broken Wheel is a sad broken town with little to recommend it except its characters, er...residents. What a group!

Sara saves her money and accepts pen pal Amy's invitation to visit Broken Wheel. The fun begins upon her arrival which happens on the day of Amy's funeral...oh my, what to do?

Sara has a visa for 2 months and finds that she doesn't want to return home.  The town jumps in and works feverishly to help her remain for that time or even longer. That is, after all, "what Amy would want."

It was through their mutual love of books that they became pen pals. Amy was a book collector; Sara, much younger, a book lover.  Everyone and everything in the book is related to literature, to books most of us have read. I loved that.

 Sara has magically 'inherited' anything that was Amy's, but doesn't feel it is truly hers. It belongs, she feels, to the town which Amy loved and which loved her in return. What to do? Open a bookstore in one of the vacant buildings in 'downtown' Broken Wheel using Amy's many books as stock, of course.

Certainly, something needs to be done to help Broken Wheel which is dying quickly, but a book store? One problem, now that Amy is dead, is that NO ONE in Broken Wheel reads or wants to read. As a former indie book store owner in a small town, I know that can be a huge problem. Never, fear. Sara is determined!

This book is a great character study for we get to know almost every character in town and Sara works feverishly to connect them to a piece of literature, to introduce them to the wonderful world of reading. This determination on Sara's part and the resistance on the townspeople's part is charmingly humorous. You'll love sad, scruffy George reading Kinsella's books, and Jen being introduced to Idgie because they are both strong women.

It took me a couple of chapters to become involved with the characters, but once that happened, I couldn't put it down. I loved the development of the characters and the rebirth of the town. At times, one storyline or another is drawn out a little too long, but those instances are minimal.

Mixed with the character development is a hint at many issues causing dissention in today's society. There is nothing heavy handed here and the issues are handled beautifully.

Finally, there is Tom. Sara's biggest challenge.

                "Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen..."

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend  was written by  Katarina Bivalk, a Swedish author who lives outside of Stockholm and grew up working part-time in a bookshop. Obviously, she had time to do a lot of reading, and we are the beneficiaries of her passion. This is her first novel. I hope it will not be her last.

I recommend The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend to those who love soft, easy reading. It is not quite a chick-lit, but close. Read it and see if any of your favorite books are mentioned, many are.

What other say:

"The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend is one of the more surprisingly improbable and delightful books I've read in years.  What begins as an unlikely international friendship based on a mutual love of books becomes a sweet and soulful discovery of America.  Quirky, unpredictable, funny, and fresh – a wonderful book." - Nickolas Butler, internationally bestselling author of Shotgun Lovesongs and Beneath the Bonfire

"Heartwarming and utterly charming...will captivate fans of ...Gabrielle Zevin's The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry." Library Journal, Starred Review

"This classic fish-out-of-water story will steal your heart. It's smart, sweet, absorbing and endearing, just like the town of Broken Wheel. It's a story for everyone who believes in the magic of books to enlighten, heal and restore. A treat for readers everywhere!" - Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of Starlight on Willow Lake

Join us, read and enjoy The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend.

Books As Gifts. Delightful!

 

 Happy Holidays, let's read!

December in our family means lots of celebrating. Three birthdays, an anniversary, New Years Eve, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and close friends who celebrate Chanukah. Those are just the gift giving occasions. As a writer, reviewer, and former owner of an indie bookstore, little wonder that books as gifts fill my mind. First a repeat of my Christmas story, then some suggestions. Enjoy and leave your suggestions either below or on my facebook page. Please share, tweet, etc. the blog if you wish.

 I first published this in December 2014. I am updating with new thoughts and books for 2015.

When I was growing up, there were always books for Christmas. My parents taught me the value of reading very early in my life. From my first memories, I can recall being read to by one or the other of them. Books were always around the house, and Dad was a prolific reader.

 

When I entered first grade, no pre-k or kindergarten then, I quickly became an avid reader for myself. By fourth grade I had read every book in our elementary school library, mostly biographies of American heroes.  Thank goodness that after fourth grade the local library was on the bus route and even within walking distance when necessary.

 

But it was at Christmas that I received the seeds of a family tradition and added to my list of books read. I discovered early on that my Mom listened closely to my ramblings about books I wanted to read. She would then rush out and buy them for Christmas. They would quickly be hidden away, or so my folks thought.

 

I discovered the hiding places and would sneak the books out and read them. After putting them back I would casually say something to the fact that "Oh, Joanne's mother bought her such and such, and such and such, etc, and she let me read them." A little later I would mention other books I wanted to read, the list was as endless as it is now, and Mom would dispose of the read books and put more in their place. Some Christmases this pattern could be repeated 2,3 or even 4 times.

 

I was well into high school when it stopped and I never learned if she had a 'deal' with the local bookstore, or if those books went under someone else's tree through the church or work gift collections. I always felt that I had outsmarted my parents.

 

Years later, my Mother casually let it slip that she and Dad knew exactly what I was doing, and they helped perpetuate the myth. Perhaps that would explain why they started buying and hiding the books immediately after Thanksgiving.

 

They also helped start a family tradition, for everyone in my family knows they will have a book or books under the Christmas tree. When our daughter married, we were told that it wasn't necessary to buy our new son-in-law a book because, well, you know... He received a book and has for the past 23 Christmases, and some birthdays! No complaints.

The same story with our daughter-in-law. "Not that much of a reader," she said. Now, 14 years later, she feels free to give me lists of titles she wants to read. She now has some favorite authors that I know will always be well received.

This year, I actually ask for suggestions. From my daughter-in-law came the following:

A Girl Like You (Maria Geraci)

The Boyfriend of the Month Club (Maria Geraci)

Loveable, Liveable Home (Sherry Petersik)

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Marie Kondo)
(Where is the new Nicholas Sparks? Unusual for it not to be there. Perhaps she has read it and forgot to mention it to me.)

My daughter sent the following: "I would really like a copy of Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In." A later she added The Rocksburg Railroad Murders which I found on line for several thousand dollars. Santa is still laughing.
(Where is the new John Grisham. Unusual for it not to be there. Perhaps she has read it and forgot to mention it to me.)

  

From a second grade granddaughter came Judy Moody "Mood Martian" (Megan McDonald) and

Judy Moody "Goes to College" (Megan McDonald)

 

One 12 year old granddaughter really wants Will Grayson, Will Grayson. I'm not sure I'm ready to give her that book just yet even though I hear it is a wonderful book. "But my cousin has already read it and said it's great," she explained to me.

From a second 12 year old granddaughter, the reader in the family, came this mind boggling list. The list went on for 28 titles!
She seems to really want a book or two by Cassandra Clare. I have a lot of  'checking out the books'  to do before Christmas.

·        Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs, The Heir by Kiera Cass

·        Death Cure by James Dashner, The Kill Order by James Dashner

·        We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach.  City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare,  City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

·        Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell...

    Oh those men! Our grandson, sons, and son-in-law are leaving the selections in my hands. Thanks, fellas! Here are a couple of items I'm considering for them.  



        

 

        

This book, based upon an actual cattle drive,     
has won many awards.  

  



 

 

In that vein, here are some books that would make great Christmas, birthday, anniversary and Hanukkah gifts. Some I have reviewed on this site, some I have not. Most of these are not from the best seller list, but great reads just the same. Let's also help other writers develop a fan base.

 

I am hoping for this one for Christmas or my birthday!!!
Love Burt!

Happy Holidays to all.

 

In celebration of his
100th birthday this month.

 

Very interesting and full of new information.

 

 

 

     

                                       

The Lost Wife: This is an absolute jewel of a book for WWII historical fiction fans!! Beautifully written, history driven, with a wonderful love story. I see book clubs having insightful discussions about the book.


Incommunicado: December 8th, the day after the day that will live in infamy, is the day that begins this story of a young girl coming to terms with a war within the war - the day a town turns on its leading citizen. The most bullied girl in town, her genius-brother, a weak-kneed priest and a dopy bloodhound join forces to right a wrong in a time when if you looked like the enemy, you were the enemy.



      "Aside from bootleggers, moonshine runners, crooked cops, human trafficking and copperhead snakes, it's a heartwarming family story."

 

 

 Go to Gortner's home page and select any of his books.

 

 

 

Can't miss with Susan!
This is one of my favorites.

 

Another Gortner.

American historical fiction.

WWII American historical fiction.
See my review in yesterday's BlogSpot.

 

Beautifully written. WWII France.   

                 

The wonderful history of
the 10th Mountain
Division, U.S. Army WWII



ANY book by Mary Balogh!
Check out her series,
but only if you have lots of tea or
wine, chocolate, and time!

  


MORE GREAT BOOKS!     


Get Jeff's complete
Civil War battle
series.

It is either a 'must have' or a
'what is she thinking'?

 

      

Lovely, lovely book.

     

Because someone in our
family was once a
Bunco Babe.

Can't go wrong with Bracewell if you
 are a historical fiction fan of the era she is writing about.

         

From the Old and New Testaments.
Elegantly presented.

 

A fun, beautiful retelling of "I Know
An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly."
Illustrated with the world's best
known artworks refashioned.

 

 

    


 

 

                                       

 

  Beautifully written Scottish history.

                             The author lives in the Scottish borders.  

 

                                              

                                        Award winning with a strong female protagonist.

 

 Finally, allow me to include my latest. WWII, historical fiction featuring the 10th Mountain Ski Troops of the U.S. Army. Others can be found at Amazon, Julia Faye Smith. Thanks, and
happy holidays.

Twilight of Memory

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tears of grief, magical spring water, and hope. Can they blend? Read Weeping Women Springs for the answer.

Weeping Women Springs

Blurb from the book: "Tears of grief dilute magical Spring waters…

Hope Springs has a secret–the waters mysteriously uplift the spirits of whoever drinks them. When the town’s young men depart to fight in WWII, tragedy strikes. Grief dilutes the waters unique effects, and hiding the village away from the world may provide shelter from the pain—but at what cost? Preoccupied with honoring their loved ones’ memories, five shattered women struggle to gather strength to overcome their loss, and find hope again."

 

Readers of this novel by Tamara Eaton will get to know the setting as Weeping Women Springs, but it was not always such. For years the happy but secretive place was Hope Springs, a community of hope and happiness, and a special spring.

12/08/2015: On this, the day after we commemorate the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we remember the destruction and loss of life that day brought to the lovely island paradise, but do we also stop to think of the destruction and grief the day spread across America? Weeping Women Springs brings that grief and destruction vividly to life.

This is a novel built around dealing with grief, forging a new, exceptional life, and finally facing fears and moving on with life. It is a gentle WWII novel. The battle scenes do not intrude, but the grief brought about by those battles intrudes and influences.

Webster defines 'weeping springs' as a spring that discharges water slowly. In this novel, I see the spring as a symbol of life and healing. For the women of Weeping Spring life moves slowly after the war starts and healing trickles in ever so slowly.

The book is beautifully written, easy to read, and moves along quickly. As the five women around whom the novel is built forge a new life, a new community, and a new way of dealing with grief, some may consider the book alternative history. I see the alternative, but only in the way the women deal with the real life horrors of history, not in WWII history itself.

I highly recommend this book for readers who like history in small doses, women who are vulnerable but strong, and who like to think of how things might have been. I was given my copy by the author, but I would have read and enjoyed the book, and written this review even if purchased. You won't be disappointed.

Learn more about the author at the following sites:
Website: http://tamaraeatonnovels.weebly.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TamaraEatonNovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/literarytamara

Purchase the book at: http://www.amazon.com/Weeping-Women-Springs-Tamara-Eaton/dp/0692534180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Veterans' Day to The 10th Mountain Division and all Veterans Everywhere

The real life heroes of my historical fiction. Thank you 10th Mountain men and ALL veterans. Happy Veterans' Day.

The 10th Mountain Division Descendants & Friends - New England Chapter

November 11 at 7:30am · 

Regarding the end of fighting after WWII:
From the History Channel: "On August 14, 1945, it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. Since then, both August 14 and August 15 have been known as 'Victory over Japan Day,' or simply 'V-J Day'. " August 15th is recognized as VJ day along with August 14 because most of the world did not hear of the surrender until the 15th. The formal surrender would not come until early September.

Officials in the United States heard of the surrender on the 14 and from Washington President Harry Truman went on the radio airwaves to announce the news and proclaim,  “This is the day we have been waiting for since Pearl Harbor. This is the day when Fascism finally dies, as we always knew it would.”

Jubilant Americans declared August 14 “Victory over Japan Day,” or “V-J Day.” (May 8, 1945–when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s official surrender–had previously been dubbed “Victory in Europe Day,” or “V-E Day.”)"

 

 

Image from the Library of Congress.

 

As most of the world celebrated, the main characters in my historical fiction, TWILIGHT OF MEMORY, remembering what the war had cost them, reflected quietly. For Henry, the loss came just months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. His Japanese-American fiancé, along with her entire community disappeared from their western Colorado home. Even by the end of the war, a hard fought war which had almost cost Henry his life as a member of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, Henry had no knowledge of her whereabouts.

 

With the help of an English Nurse, Daisy, Henry had eventually learned to move forward. Daisy in turn, allowed Henry to help her heal from the loss of  her entire family in the London Blitz. Healing together in Italy, they learned to look beyond war. 

 

Now, in August of 1945, as the war finally ends, they do not join the wild celebrations around them, but sit together and quietly look from the past to the future. After moments of shared silence and personal reflection they turn to each other. 

 

Almost in a whisper Henry said, "I'm glad it's finally over and laid to rest. Now, my darling, no more heartache. We can go home in peace."

"Home," Daisy repeated as she kissed Henry passionately.

 "Home," she repeated more softly as she allowed the lovely, peaceful images Henry had verbally painted of his valley in western Colorado to fill her with hope.

 But what waited for them at home?

 

 

 

Available as paperback and Kindle at

http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Memory-Julia-Faye-Smith/dp/1495420205

LIES TOLD IN SILENCE, M.K. Tod's WWI novel now available for a fraction... Get it

WWI, France, and the cruelest of lies: M.K. Tod's "Lies Told In Silence" has all that and more.

Because this novel is now available on BookBud for .99 through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, I am re-posting my 2014 review. WWI fans, take note.

The young soldier on the cover is the author's Grandfather who served in WWI and WWII. Lovely cover . 

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote that "The cruelest lies are often told in silence." This thought forms the premise of M.K. Tod's WWI novel of war, love, and betrayal of the cruelest kind. 

It is May 1914, and based upon inside knowledge that his war department position gives him, 16 year old Helene Noisette’s father believes war is imminent. He is convinced that Paris will be Germany's next target. Long before most of his friends are fleeing Paris, he sends his wife, daughter, mother and younger son to safety. 

In an irony of fate, within four months, this safe haven, a small village in northern France, is much closer to the war zone that is Paris, and the displaced family finds themselves in a sleepy rural village less than 20 miles from military buildups and battles. For some reason, Father Noisette stands by his decision and is adamant: Paris is unsafe. The family cannot return. 

 Thus for long, empty years, Helene, her mother, Grandmother and younger brother live within hearing, and often seeing, distance of the war. Their near isolation, however, brings these three generations of women together to cope, to love, and to learn about each other in ways that Paris would not have provided.

The isolation also provides young Helene with the opportunity to meet Canadian soldiers who are fighting valiantly for the Allies and France. Love blooms, grows, and promises a bright future. Battles with the enemy and with father promise something else entirely. The lovers are parted. The waiting begins. Will their love find a way and lead them back to each other or will the war and untold lies tear them apart forever. 

The characters are believable and the setting is clearly depicted.  the story, based upon historical facts of WWI and the author's vivid imagination, is told in clear, concise language. This is an easy read. I would recommend this book to readers of American and WWI historical fiction.  I bought my Kindle edition through Amazon.