PAGE~TURNERS: March 2021

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

NOT WITHOUT MY SISTER

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my goodness I almost don’t know where to begin with this book. This was such an amazing novel. It is a very emotional, heartbreaking and gripping story. I absolutely loved it but when you read this phenomenal book, a box of Kleenex by your side is a must.

It’s 1944 in Germany and World War II continues on. Rachel and Mindel are sisters and are sent to the concentration camp Bergen-Belsen, however, once they arrive they are separated because Rachel is seventeen and considered and adult and sent to work in a factory while Mindel who is only four years old, is placed with strangers in the camp. So Rachel does everything she possibly can to locate her sister. But working such long days and nights in the factory, it leaves little time for her to find her little sister. Mindel has no one to look after her and help her but then she finds a small group of children that are in the same devastating situation as she is. One of the young boys in the group, named Laszlo becomes friends with Mindel and he takes her under his wing and becomes her protector.

You are certainly going to find yourself cheering them on to survive the most horrible situation of their life. This emotional rollercoaster is one that is sure to stick with you for a long, long time.

Thank you so much Marion Kummerow for this phenomenal unputdownable story. I can’t recommend this one enough, it is must read for anyone that is a fan of historical fiction.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

NOT WITHOUT MY SISTER

Author: Marion Kummerow
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: March 25, 2021
Pages: 259
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1944, Germany. Two sisters seek to overcome impossible odds to be reunited, in this utterly devastating and unforgettable novel about sisterhood, courage and survival.
All they had left was each other. Until the Nazis tore them apart.
After years of hiding from the Nazis, Rachel Epstein and her little sister Mindel are captured by the Gestapo and sent to the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen. The only ray of light for either girl is that they are together.
But on arrival they are separated. As she’s seventeen and deemed an adult, Rachel is sent to work in a brutal factory whilst four-year-old Mindel is sent into the so-called “star” camp for Jewish prisoners. All on her own, Rachel knows her sister will have no chance of survival—unless she can find someone to take care of her.
Working in the windowless, airless factory—filling munitions casings with chemicals that burn her fingers and make her eyes sting—the only thing that keeps Rachel going is the thought of her little sister. Because if there’s even a chance Mindel is alive, Rachel knows she must try to save her.
But, separated by barbed wire, and treated brutally by SS guards who do not even see them as human beings, can either of the orphaned sisters ever dare to hope that they’ll find their way back to each other? And to freedom?

ABOUT MARION KUMMEROW

Marion Kummerow is a USA Today Bestselling author of historical fiction.

She was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. After many years abroad she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her husband and two children.

After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing. Since then she has started writing the War Girl Series. Intended as a trilogy, she grew so fond of the characters that she’s now plotting book 12 in the series.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

SMALL TOWN SECRETS

MY THOUGHTS:

I have read many novels by this author and I will say that she never disappoints. Alys Murray never wastes time pulling you into her stories, and this book is no different. This rapid page-turner will have you reading well into the night.

Not only does Virginia leave her city behind, but all of the things of her past, for a fresh start. She moves to Fortune Spring, Colorado for a job opportunity and the pay is free room and board for a year. It’s exactly the new beginning she needs. After her year is up, she plans to head out to California. She meets some very “interesting” people, especially eccentric Calla who literally runs the town. But Virginia soon realizes that residents of Fortune Springs, are not that different from her. They too, all have a past that they would rather forget and wish that everyone in the town would forget too. But the truth will always come out. The question is, will the truth make you a stronger person? This is a good story with a hopeful outcome.

I really liked this book and I recommend it. Once you begin it you won’t be able to stop until the last page is turned.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

SMALL TOWN SECRETS

Author: Alys Murray
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: March 24, 2021
Pages: 254
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“Young women needed for the Fortune Springs Town Improvement Initiative. One year’s room and board provided.”
I should have known it was too good to be true when I first saw the ad. It turns out that Fortune Springs, Colorado isn’t just a one-horse town, it’s a two-woman one, and this is their attempt to keep the community alive. I want to say the scheme is ridiculous, totally outdated, but I’m carrying everything I own in my canvas backpack and the greyhound I stepped off this morning is long gone. If this is my chance at a fresh start, I’d better grab it with both hands.
I know I should feel guilty about pretending to be a lonely heart willing to help repopulate this rural logging town, but all I feel is relief at having escaped the apartment in Savannah. And after all, what’s one more secret to add to the pile? I only hope I’ve hidden my tracks well enough, and that the kind Fortune Springs locals who’ve opened their doors to me will never find out what made me run away in the first place…

ABOUT ALYS MURRAY

Hello, Dear Reader!

My name is Alys Murray and welcome to my website! Here, you’ll find everything there is to find about me: links to my social media pages, information about my books, and even some fun bonus content on my blog! If you’re looking to talk to my representation, please contact Maggie Cooper at Aevitas Creative for my literary work and Matt Felker at CAA in regards to film and television rights. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, I got my degrees at NYU and King’s College London before returning home to pursue my love of writing! I love swing dancing, romance novels, Brendan Fraser, and screwball comedies of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Tobey Maguire is my Spider-Man. Michael Bay has two films in the Criterion Collection. I’m an avid cook and baker, and have company over for big meals and parties any chance I get. If you’ve got a great recipe, please send it my way! As a kid, I was a voracious reader, devouring everything from The Princess Diaries to Great Expectations. Over the years, I started writing my own stories, plays, and fanfiction and developed a love for storytelling. Getting to write professionally is a dream come true, and when you read my books or watch my films, I hope they make you as happy as writing them has made me. If you ever have any questions, want to chat about my books or just say hello, you can reach me on any of my social media pages or with the contact form. I love connecting with readers and hope to hear from you soon! With love and happy reading, Alys

Monday, March 22, 2021

WHISPER OF THE LOTUS

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first novel I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. I really liked her writing style and the characters were well developed. The author’s ability to put into words with such vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and scents of Cambodia is truly amazing.

Charlotte moved from London, England to Cambodia to spice up her life. She was in much need of adventure and a change from her day to day life. Her adventure begins immediately as she boarded the airplane even though she had a fear of flying. She knew that her life would never be the same and that is exactly what she hoped for. The connection made with Charlotte and Rashid was very real. He was a kind old man that took Charlotte under his wing. As she slowly but surely peels back the layers of Rashid’s life experiences, she becomes more and more determined in discovering the mystery of him. The people that Charlotte meets along the way, during her adventure, are life long friends that she will never forget. This wonderful travel adventure will have you packing your bags.

This delightful read will keep your attention from beginning to end. I enjoyed this book very much, and I highly recommend it. Thank you Gabrielle Yetter for this wonderful story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

WHISPER OF THE LOTUS

Author: Gabrielle Yetter
Publisher: Meanderthals Publishing
Publication Date: October 24, 2020
Pages: 368
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A buzz sounded from inside Charlotte's handbag, so she stopped and fumbled for the mobile phone she’d switched on after landing. Surely nobody would be contacting her here. Her fingers curled around it and she flipped open the case and checked the message: Welcome to Cambodia, Charlotte. You have 57 days. Sometimes you have to go a long way from home to come full circle back to discover what was right in front of you.
Charlotte's mundane, dead-end life lacked excitement. She never imagined that sitting on a plane to Cambodia, struggling with her fear of flying, would lead to her being befriended by a Rashid, an old man whose tragic secret would take her on a mystery tour of discovery. In a land of golden temples, orange-clad monks, and smiling people, Charlotte discovers nothing is as she'd expected. She also never imagined the journey would take her back to the night when her father walked out on the family. And who was Rashid? Was he just a kindly old man, or was there something deeper sewn into the exquisite fabric of his life?

ABOUT GABRIELLE YETTER

My writing career began as a journalist in South Africa where I wrote for The Star (the largest daily newspaper) before moving to the U.S. to work in a New York public relations firm and freelance for South African newspapers. After moving to California, I created The Ultimate Dining Guide, a restaurant guide for San Diego, which I sold then moved to San Francisco to work at Business Wire, a global newswire service. I later opened their office in London then moved to Washington DC to manage this bureau. In 2010, my husband, Skip, and I relocated to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where I worked as as English resource advisor at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and wrote for local publications and websites. In 2013, I published The Definitive Guide to Moving to Southeast Asia: Cambodia and The Sweet Tastes of Cambodia (about traditional Cambodian desserts), followed by two childrens’ books, Ogden The Fish Who Couldn’t Swim Straight, and Martha the Blue Sheep. After spending four years house-sitting around the world with Skip, I moved to Eastbourne, England, and published my first novel, Whisper of the Lotus.

Friday, March 19, 2021

THE QUEEN’S DRESSMAKER

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first novel I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. I really liked her writing style and the characters were well developed.

Her whole life, Giselle dreamed of making beautiful dresses, but never did she dream of being chosen to attend to the elegant, queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Giselle has to make sure that the queen is never outshined by those who attends the elegant parties at the castle. But, as the friendship develops between the queen and Giselle, the battles that the queen faces are heartbreaking. Giselle faces here share of trials and tribulations, being torn between decisions she must make about her family, her homeland and her queen. But on a trip home, Giselle is caught up in a violent riot, and is saved by the handsome Léon, a young man who she falls in love with. She must return to the palace, but Léon doesn’t approve of the royal life, so Giselle has some life changing decisions to make. Continue to serve the queen, making the dresses she loves, or return home to be with the man she loves. The author’s detailed description of the beautiful gowns and the ballrooms at the palace are very vivid and are easy to picture in your mind’s eye.

I enjoyed this book, and this historical fiction is a must read for anyone who is a fan of this time period of history, the French Revolution. If you haven’t read this author yet, I highly recommend her, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Meghan Masterson for such a fabulous read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE QUEEN’S DRESSMAKER

Author: Meghan Masterson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: March 19, 2021
Pages: 303
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One woman must choose between loyalty to her queen and the man she loves…
Giselle always dreamed of making beautiful dresses, but never thought she would be chosen to attend to the elegant, but troubled, queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Within the glittering, mirrored walls of the palace, Giselle ensures the queen shines brighter than anyone, with not a single feather or ruffle out of place, no matter how she might feel inside.
Being so close to the queen, Giselle is there for her most private and unguarded moments. As whispers spread through the court about the violent protests sweeping across the country and the growing threat to the royal family, Giselle sees the cracks in Marie Antoinette’s perfect image.
On a visit home to her family in Paris, Giselle experiences the troubles first-hand, getting caught up in a dangerous riot. When handsome Léon comes to her aid, she falls in love with this kind, clever young man. But Léon does not share her admiration for the royals, siding with those who believe they should no longer be in power.
Returning to the palace, Giselle is shocked to find the very lives of the royal family now at stake. Marie Antoinette appeals to her to help them escape France and Giselle faces a heart-wrenching choice. Will Giselle risk the guillotine herself to save the life of her beloved queen? And can she do so without betraying the man she loves?

ABOUT MEGHAN MASTERSON

Meghan Masterson graduated from the University of Calgary with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies, and has worked several unrelated jobs while writing on the side. When not writing, Meghan can often be found reading at all hours (even at breakfast), practicing archery and roaming through the woods with her dog.

Meghan is represented by Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

AFTER THE CRASH

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow, this was such an amazing, gripping, emotional and heartbreaking read. I absolutely loved this story by Emma Davies.

Louisa Adams is doing everything she possibly can to keep her life together and keep herself from falling apart. The years following the fatal car crash that took the life of her husband have been the hardest she’s ever had to endure. But as a writer she isn’t able to make ends meet and so she decides to move into the seaside guest house that her daughter and son-in-law just bought. With the hopes of putting her family and her life back together. Will she be able to move past the final stage of her grieving and build the life she’s always wanted? As a freelance writer, the newspaper asks her if she would write a news article about a local sand artist, Isaac. She accepts the offer and when she meets Isaac, the artist there is a familiarity about him, but she can’t seem to place what it is. As she gets to know him, she can’t help but feel as if he has secrets he is hiding. And then comes the day when everything comes out in the open, and then the real healing begins.

The vivid description of the location whisked you away. You feel as if you are actually in Devon, UK, standing on the seashore allowing the water to flow over your feet. I absolutely loved this story of hopes and dreams, forgiveness and love after moving on from devastation. Emma Davies shows how true forgiveness is so important in repairing your heart. Thank you Emma Davies for such a fantastic story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

AFTER THE CRASH

Author: Emma Davies
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: March 16, 2021
Pages: 383
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He helped you move on… Until you discovered what he did.
Louisa Adams has done her best to hold herself together in the years since she lost her husband in a car accident. But each morning she wakes to find his side of the bed cold is more painful than the last, and she’s struggling to make ends meet as a writer. She must admit defeat and move into the crumbling seaside guest house her daughter just bought. Perhaps it might help put what’s left of their broken family back together…
There, Louisa is offered a final chance to save her career by writing an article on a local sand artist, Isaac. Except, when he turns to greet her – tall, handsome and weather-worn – something about him feels disturbingly familiar. Why, when he looks into her eyes, does she feel like he knows exactly who she is and everything she’s been through?
As they explore the rugged coastline’s hidden coves together – living and laughing like she never thought she would again – Louisa is fascinated by this man who creates beautiful sculptures on the shoreline, but deep down she knows he’s keeping a secret from her. The discovery of a charcoal scribble in one of his sketchbooks linking him to the death of her husband, confirms her deepest fear. Is she ready for what he will tell her, and will letting him in tear her family and her heart apart all over again?

ABOUT EMMA DAVIES

Hello, a little bit about me ……

Before we go any further there are two things you need to know: One – I love singing loudly in the car, and Two – I have a passion for Pringles.

If you’re happy with both these things then please feel free to read on ….

Once upon a time I worked in a design agency where I was asked to write an amusing caption to go beside my details on their website. I wrote ‘I am a best selling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.’

Well I’m now a fifty something mother of three and am happy to report the rest came true. I’m a member of The Romantic Novelists’ Association, and live with my husband and children in rural Shropshire. I write in the gaps between real life.

Monday, March 15, 2021

THE TEST OF GOLD

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first novel I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. I really liked her writing style and the characters were very relatable. I love how the author immediately pulls you into this story. Set in the 1890’s this engrossing read is based on a true story.

Evangeline “Lindy” Lindenmayer was preparing to be presented to high society. But Miss Lindy would much rather hide away in the family library spending her days reading, then learning to dance in the ballroom of her Fifth Avenue mansion. While hiding away in the library she she meets a young man, Jack Winthrop, who has been invited to use the library to study for Theological Seminary. They become friends discussing the books they love to read, and connecting hearts. But Lindy’s mother has been grooming her since birth to marry a British royal. You will find yourself laughing out loud, especially during the debutant ball, and cheering on Lindy and Jack. The plot twists and turns will have you up all night, flying through the pages. The well developed characters are so real, and the dynamic connections of them are amazingly portrayed throughout the story. The historical aspects were spot on. As the story unfolds you will literally be moved from place to place feeling like you are standing in the corner watching each conversation happen before your eyes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, this historical fiction is a must read. I was so happy to know that it is the first book of a series as I look forward to reading the next books to find out what next is to come. If you haven’t read this author yet, I highly recommend her, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Renee Yancy for such a fabulous read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE TEST OF GOLD

Author: Renee Yancy
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Publication Date: March 15, 2021
Pages: 353
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Heiress Evangeline "Lindy" Lindenmayer has been groomed since childhood to marry into the British aristocracy as her mother's ultimate ambition is a royal title for the family name. But literature fascinates Lindy far more than ballgowns, and she spends all her free time in the library, the only room in the Fifth Avenue mansion where she can safely indulge her passion for reading and find refuge from the prying eyes of her mother.
Jack Winthrop is studying for the ministry at Union Theological Seminary and has been invited to use the Lindemayer's library for his studies. His sole experience of upper-class young women has occurred at his uncle's church, where he has found these young debutantes universally featherbrained. When he meets Lindy, he is pleasantly surprised to discover she has wide-ranging interests and is highly intelligent. Although cautioned by his uncle to stay away from her, he finds Lindy a kindred spirit and over animated discussions of books and life, they fall in love.
But to reach happily ever after, Lindy will need to challenge her mother's long-laid plans, and weathering the approaching storm will take more backbone than she even knew she had.

ABOUT RENEE YANCY

Renee Yancy is a long time history and archaeology nut who has been living vicariously through historical fiction since she was a young girl. Now she writes the kind of books she loves to read—stories filled with historical and archaeological detail on every aspect of living in a different time period, interwoven with strong characters and a tale full of pathos and conflict. She wants to take you on a journey into the past so fascinating that you can’t put the story down.

When she’s not writing, Renee Facetimes with her twin grandbabies, and lives in Kentucky with her husband and two mutts. She enjoys reading, antiquing, and collecting pottery.

Friday, March 12, 2021

A NEW YORK SECRET

MY THOUGHTS:

You can’t ever go wrong with an Ella Carey novel. I always find her stories to be very intriguing. This book was captivating from the very first page. This is the first book in the new trilogy, The Daughters of New York. Which means there is so much more to look forward to finding out in this true story.

It’s 1942 and the war rages on across Europe. The beautiful and talented chef Lily Rose, wants to work in a kitchen, in a renowned restaurant in New York City, but in those days the men ran the restaurants. Lily takes a chef job in a famous New York Italian Restaurant, Valentino’s. She pursues her passion for cooking and feels she has to prove herself. She falls in love with her Italian co-worker Tom. They love to cook new recipes and old ones too, together in the kitchen. The relationship between Lily and Tom develops but is quickly put on hold when Tom is drafted to go fight in the war in Italy. Lily turns to her family for support, but her mother is furious when she finds out about the relationship. Lily will wait for Tom to return but her mother won’t hear of it, and has other plans for who Lily is to marry. Her mother wants her to marry Nathaniel who is a wealthy high society socialite. But Lily wants to be independent and happy like her Grandmother, Josie. Her Grandmother is her biggest supporter and encourages Lily to pursue her dreams of being a chef. As Lily waits for Tom to return to New York, she gets word that Tom is missing. There is so much going on across the pages that it makes this book unputdownable. The characters are so relatable and the fact that it is a true story, gives it so much depth. The twists and turns of this story will have you flying through the pages.

This was such an interesting angle to write about. Most often novels are written about being in the war zone, but this one tells you the story of the loved ones left behind. I loved this book and I highly recommend it, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Well done Ella Carey, I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

A NEW YORK SECRET

Author: Ella Carey
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: March 12, 2021
Pages: 379
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She looked at the telegram in horror, the words blurring in front of her eyes. She dropped to her knees, feeling that her entire world was ending. The paper slipped from her hands as she put her head in hands, sobs wracking her chest…
1942, New York. As war rages in Europe, Lily Rose is grateful for her perfect life: the love of her wealthy uptown parents in their beautiful brownstone overlooking the park and her dream job as a chef at one of New York’s finest restaurants, the art deco dream that is Valentino’s. But in her heart, Lily is drawn towards the bohemian Sicilian community in Greenwich Village, where gorgeous fresh fruit spills onto the pavement and the smell of freshly baked cannoli tempt her inside every Italian deli.
Part of the attraction is Tom Morelli, talented chef and handsome grandson of Sicilian immigrants, whose deep brown eyes call to her and set her heart on fire. As wartime rationing bites in the city, Lily and Tom stay up late, dreaming up delicious meals that will see Valentino’s through the war and distract New Yorkers from the threat of sons and sweethearts being called up. Lily knows he has found the key to her heart.
Then Tom receives a devastating summons that changes everything: he is drafted to Italy. He must return to his beautiful homeland to fight a desperate war.
Suddenly alone, with only the memory of Tom’s last kiss, Lily turns to her parents for support. But when her mother finds out about her relationship, she is furious. When the war ends, Lily’s duty is to marry the man picked for her, raise children and never work again. They give her a heartbreaking ultimatum: end her relationship with Tom and give up her job or lose her family and inheritance forever.
Lily knows she must follow her heart to Valentino’s and to Tom. But when Tom is declared missing in action, Lily is totally heartbroken. If she pursues her dreams, will there be anything left for her when the war is over?

ABOUT ELLA CAREY

Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets. Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.