reecaspieces

Overview

In the wake of the Great War, two female boxers defy society’s standards to fight for their place in the ring

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, though, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it’s up to Lucy to keep the leaking roof over their heads. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin’s former boxing club on a whim—and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.

Siobhan McCarthy is the niece of Robin’s late coach and a pugilist herself. She’s delighted Lucy stumbled in; it’s hard to find another woman who knows the sport. Siobhan offers her work as a cleaner—with a few bob more if Lucy trains alongside her. Tempting as the offer sounds, Lucy is skeptical, sharing the opinion of society that boxing is a sport unbecoming of a woman.

Days later, an unexpected expense leaves Lucy and her family facing eviction. Desperate, she returns to the club and reluctantly dons the gloves. As Lucy’s love for her husband’s sport is rekindled, she discovers a new joy in her own prowess, but when Siobhan asks her to spar in a public match, Lucy hesitates. Backlash will be certain and swift, risking her family’s future. How much is she willing to sacrifice to earn her place in the ring?

Inspired by true events, Flyweight is a story of the strength and resilience of two women and the lengths they’re willing to go for their families—and equality.

Review

Oh! I really enjoyed this one! Very unique!

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it’s up to Lucy. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin’s former boxing club on a whim—and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.

Well! Strong women characters and a setting of 1921 London and I am in business. This book takes you on a wild ride of strength, hardship and overcoming the challenges of life!

I love the uniqueness of Lucy and her ability to think outside the box! The only reason for the 4 star rating is I felt she was a bit whiny in spots. She is so strong but she cannot help but revert back to being afraid of what people think. Is this important…sure it is…especially in this time period. But it did feel a bit repetitive. But you cannot go wrong with this story!

The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, is absolutely excellent! She was truly Lucy!

Need a story that takes you on a unique journey…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz returns with a masterful new novel that captures the astonishing bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times.

In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos of their arrest, eleven-year-old Josephine runs to the only person she can trust: her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, a secret French Resistance operative.

Andrée takes her in as a member of the family, spreading their rations and risking everything to keep her safe. But soon the authorities close in, and both Andrée and Josie are caught in a desperate race to stay alive.

Epic in scope and based on real people and historical events, Heather Morris has written a story of breathtaking beauty, at once gripping, heartbreaking, and uplifting.

Review

In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos of their arrest, eleven-year-old Josephine runs to the only person she can trust: her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, a secret French Resistance operative.

This is such a good, emotional tale. Of course it is! It is written by Heather Morris and it is set in Nazi occupied France. And that tension just keeps getting intense as this story moves along! But Josephine is truly a wonderful little girl. Her struggles and her attitude just captivate your heart.

As much as I enjoyed this tale, my favorite by this author is still Cilka’s Journey. So grab that one when you get this one! Trust me, you can not go wrong with either one!

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, is one of my favorites. And she did a great job. I am picky about a child’s voice in an audiobook. But Saskia did a great job with Josephine.

Need a story about love and survival…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

In the latest installment of Ellery Adams’ USA Today bestselling series, as clouds gather over the Great Smoky Mountains, an absent groom, a stolen historical document, and a book club coming apart at the seams stir up a different sort of storm in this engaging mystery. How far will one book lover go to keep a secret?

As the townsfolk of Miracle Springs, North Carolina, know all too well, water can be healing—or devastating. With a big storm coming, residents are stocking up on essentials. Hoping to beat the storm, Nora is sitting in the Unitarian Church with her fellow wedding guests, all of whom belong to Sheldon’s Blind Date Book Club. As rain hammers the stained-glass windows, the bride, Jess, waits in the back of the church—but where is the groom? When a branch crashes through a stained-glass window, Jess finally tells the guests to go home.

With the help of her friend Sheldon, Nora escorts Jess to the Lodge. It’s now become clear that Jess’s fiancé Ravi is missing. But there’s no searching for him now, as the Miracle River has flooded and they’re stuck on this side of town. By morning, they awaken to widespread devastation and a call from Sheriff McCabe. A body has been pulled out of the river, dressed in a tux.

On top of this tragic turn of events, Jess returns home to find her house has been spared from the raging water, but ransacked, with an extremely valuable folio from an illuminated manuscript now missing. As Miracle Books becomes the community hub for information, shelter, and hope, Nora and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society put their heads together to solve the murder and the theft.

But then a second body is pulled from the river . . .

Review

With a big storm coming, the residents of Miracle Springs, North Carolina are stocking up on essentials. Hoping to beat the storm, Nora is sitting in the Unitarian Church with her fellow wedding guests, all of whom belong to Sheldon’s Blind Date Book Club. As rain hammers the stained-glass windows, the bride, Jess, waits in the back of the church—but where is the groom?

I enjoyed this quick tale. It is a cozy mystery that keeps you guessing. I loved the town and all its residents. They felt like a family to me as this story moved along. However, this is a bit slow in spots and it tends to tell you some mundane details. But I did like the guessing game. It is also full of book references! This always makes the reader in me smile.

I have read one other in this series. And it was the very first one. This is book number #9. All the books are stand alone and it is not necessary to read them in order. These are good, quick, palate cleanser reads.

The narrator, Cris Dukehart, is too “matter of fact”. She does not have much emotion. But she has a different voice for everyone.

Need a cozy, murder mystery….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This publishes October 27!

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Overview

Rocky seas lie ahead…

DI Shona Oliver is caught in the crosshairs of the National Crime Agency. They know she has information about the murder of her former boss and are determined to charge someone.

Shona is relocated to Galloway, where her higher ups think she’ll draw less attention. She meets DI Kenneth Dalrymple, currently on compassionate leave to care for his terminally ill wife. He confides in Shona that his wife’s dying wish is to learn who killed her sister. It’s a case about as cold as it gets, but Shona agrees to help.

Only she hadn’t banked on a fresh murder to investigate, or the chances of her being in the dock herself looking stronger by the day. Can she find answers and weather the storm?

Review

DI Shona Oliver is relocated to Galloway. She meets DI Kenneth Dalrymple, currently on compassionate leave to care for his terminally ill wife. He confides in Shona that his wife’s dying wish is to learn who killed her sister. It’s a case about as cold as it gets, but Shona agrees to help.

Well anything set in Scotland I am going to love…add in a cold case and I am definitely in for the long haul!

This story has a lot going on. I really need to go back and pick up others in this series. I really wanted to know more about DI Shona. She is smart but she has a past that is intriguing. And she lets nothing get by her.

The narrator, Angela Ness, is matter of fact and the perfect voice for the DI.

Need a good mystery with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

From New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas—a sweeping, richly layered Victorian novel about a trailblazing female economist who’s determined to build Britain’s first women’s bank, but she must fight both financial corruption and a system intent on destroying the newly found family she’s created.

In Victorian England, no woman—not even a brilliant economist like Reina Martin—is allowed to open her own bank account. Men will take care of everything, women are told. But Reina knows better. As the illegitimate daughter of a Spanish immigrant mother, she’s haunted by the memory of living with unpaid grocer’s bills and no coal for the hearth.

So together with her mentor, the powerful banker William Farlow, Reina will build the first all-women’s bank, where women can manage their own financial security.

At home, Reina’s domestic staff of recently paroled prisoners are building new lives and becoming a found family. But soon Reina is shocked to discover that her enigmatic butler, John Pembroke, is an undercover police detective. He’s been assigned to investigate Farlow, who’s suspected of financial crime on a scale so massive, it could destabilize the British economy. Pembroke needs Reina’s expertise for a high-stakes nighttime heist to obtain incriminating evidence.

Now Reina faces the agonizing choice of betraying her mentor or turning her back on thousands of working-class families who stand to lose everything. Either way, her dream of the women’s bank may be over.

But courage and sacrifice aren’t limited to the battlefield—they also occur at the kitchen table, where women who believe in compassion and community are working to remake the future. And when the stakes are highest, Reina knows to trust her heart as well as her intellect.

Review

I have not read this author in a hot minute. This was like visiting an old friend.

In Victorian England, no woman—not even a brilliant economist like Reina Martin—is allowed to open her own bank account. Men will take care of everything, women are told. But Reina knows better. As the illegitimate daughter of a Spanish immigrant mother, she’s haunted by the memory of living with unpaid grocer’s bills and no coal for the hearth.

Now, there are quite a few characters introduced at the beginning of this novel. But in true Lisa Kleypas form, she mastered each and every one.

This story takes you through so many areas of information from this time period! I enjoyed each and every one. I love that this was based on real people. It always makes the story so much better. I love learning about trailblazers and strong women!

The narrators, Mary Jane Wells and Joe Jameson, did an excellent job. I especially loved Joe! Such a smooth voice.

Need a story to take you on a journey…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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Overview

Christmas in Shelter Springs is the season of twinkling lights, open hearts and unexpected second chances. And for Hannah Goodwin, it also brings the one person she never wanted to see again…

Hannah’s built a full life for herself in the warmth of her close-knit town, with her family, her work and her music. And when her dear friend Morgan desperately needs her help, Hannah temporarily steps in to care for Morgan’s children. That’s what friends do—especially at the holidays. But she never expected to run into Wes Kenner…

Moving back home is the last thing K9 law enforcement officer Wes Kenner ever wanted. It’s where he fell in love with Hannah—and where an accident changed his mother’s life forever. But when his grandfather needs a helping hand, he can’t say no. It’s the perfect opportunity for him and his beloved K9, Kodiak, to recover. Still, seeing Hannah again fills him with regret—and hope.

After all this time, Hannah still represents all of the joy and light Wes pushed out of his life. Everything he’s desperate to get back. And as Hannah brings much-needed holiday magic to Morgan—and her kids—he realizes this is his chance. Because this Christmas, all he wants is her.

Review

Moving back home is the last thing K9 law enforcement officer Wes Kenner ever wanted. It’s where he fell in love with Hannah—and where an accident changed his mother’s life forever. But when his grandfather needs a helping hand, he can’t say no. It’s the perfect opportunity for him and his beloved K9, Kodiak, to recover. Still, seeing Hannah again fills him with regret—and hope.

Nothing like a good second chance romance to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Hannah and Wes are so cute together, even when they are not. I adored Wes…and of course his wonderful dog! But Hannah had a special place in my heart. Her best friend gets sick and has to be in treatment for a while. And she takes her kids! Oh! I admired this. This takes some strength.

I love a book which has strong characters, great chemistry and of course a bit of Christmas spirit!

If you follow me at all, y’all know that I am not a big fan of how a narrator does a child’s voice. But, Carly Robins, did an excellent job on these children, and that makes me happy!

Need a story with a bit of holiday magic…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received novel for a honest review.

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