reecaspieces

Overview

A cherished heirloom opens up a century of secrets in a bittersweet novel about family, hard truths, and self-discovery by the author of Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish.

Melanie Barnett thinks she has it all together. With an ex-fiancé and a pending promotion at a Kentucky bourbon distillery, Melanie has figured out that love and career don’t mix. Until she makes a discovery while cleaning her Jordan MX car, a scarlet-red symbol of the Jazz Age’s independent women that she inherited from her great-great-great-aunt Violet. Its secret compartment holds Violet’s weathered journal—within it an intriguing message: Take from this story what you will, Melanie, and you can bury the rest.Melanie wonders what more there is to learn from Violet’s past.

In 1921 Violet Bond defers to no one. Hers is a life of adventure in Detroit, the hub of the motorcar boom and the fastest growing city in America. But in an era of speakeasies, financial windfalls, free-spirited friends, and unexpected romance, it’s easy to spin out of control.

Now, as Melanie’s own world takes unexpected turns, her life and Violet’s life intersect. Generations apart, they’re coming into their own and questioning what modern womanhood—and happiness—really means.

Review

Melanie’s Aunt Violet has passed away and left her an old car, a Jordan. Inside this Jordan, Melanie finds Aunt Violet’s journal. This old car and this journal have a story to tell.

The novel is told in two different time periods, present day and the Jazz Age. It covers the speakeasies and the bourbon of today. Then there is Aunt Violet and her secret past. And Melanie and her worries of her job and her life. I absolutely loved these two characters, especially Aunt Violet. She really was a woman ahead of her time.

I really enjoyed this author’s first book Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish. You can see my review here. So, I jumped at the chance to read this one. And it is super! I loved everything about it! The time period, the characters, and the setting. It even had me googling the Jordan car. I can just picture Aunt Violet sporting around in it.

Need just an all around great book…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

About The Author:

Tori Whitaker grew up in the Midwest. She now resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia, where she and her husband of more than forty years live near their two sons and their families. Tori belongs to the Historical Novel Society, and her feature article, “Multi-Period Novels: The Keys to Weaving Together Two Stories from Different Time Periods,” appeared in the Historical Novels Review. Tori graduated from Indiana University and is chief marketing officer for a national law firm. She is also an alum of the Yale Writers’ Workshop. Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish is her first novel. https://toriwhitaker.com/

Social Media:

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tori.whitaker.37

Twitter: @ToriLWhitaker

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Overview

New York 1915, Marion Davies is a shy eighteen-year-old beauty dancing on the Broadway stage when she meets William Randolph Hearst and finds herself captivated by his riches, passion and desire to make her a movie star. Following a whirlwind courtship, she learns through trial and error to live as Hearst’s mistress when a divorce from his wife proves impossible. A baby girl is born in secret in 1919 and they agree to never acknowledge her publicly as their own. In a burgeoning Hollywood scene, she works hard making movies while living a lavish partying life that includes a secret love affair with Charlie Chaplin. In late 1937, at the height of the depression, Hearst wrestles with his debtors and failing health, when Marion loans him $1M when nobody else will. Together, they must confront the movie that threatens to invalidate all of Marion’s successes in the movie industry: Citizen Kane.

Review

Marion Davies was a young 18 year old dancer on Broadway when she catches the eye of William Randolph Hearst. These two develop a life long affair full of secrets and drama.

I really knew nothing about Marion Davies other than she was an actress “back in the day”. She really was an amazing woman and this author brought her to life on these pages. I also enjoyed reading about all the names from Hollywood, like Charlie Chaplin and the Gabor sisters. But, WR Hearst is the one who stole the story in my book. There were many places I wanted to come across the pages and give him a good “Gibbs slap” upside the head.

I rotated between 4 and 5 stars. I settled on 5 stars because this is just a fascinating tale about a real person and her life. I actually read it in one day on the beach. It read like a biography of old Hollywood! So, this book hit the spot.

Need a very good old Hollywood novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

In this sixth book of the series, Clive and Henrietta return to Europe in an attempt to resurrect their failed honeymoon. While in London, they are approached by their old friend, Inspector John Hartle, who convinces them to search for the missing panel of the Ghent Altarpiece, a famous Renaissance painting, of which Hitler’s top men are also in pursuit. 

Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Oldrich Exley threatens to cut off financial support for the entire Von Harmon brood if Elsie continues with her plan to marry Gunther—a situation made worse by the sudden appearance of one Heinrich Meyer, who claims to be little Anna’s father and threatens to take her away. Desperate, Elsie seeks the help of Clive’s sister, Julia, who is herself the victim of domestic abuse and who has fallen under the spell of a handsome Texas millionaire bent on acquiring a rare painting from the Howard collection. 

Clive and Henrietta’s search takes them to Chateau du Freudeneck in Strasbourg, France—the ancient seat of the Von Harmons and home to three eccentric distant relatives. What begins as a wild goose chase turns decidedly more deadly when several Nazi officers also arrive at the chateau in search of a “valuable item.” When Henrietta and Clive attempt to flee after Henrietta uncovers a shocking truth, they are forced to trust themselves to a suspicious French servant who seems all-too willing to help . . .

Review

Clive and Henrietta have decided to go on a second honeymoon. Their first one was cut short and Clive is just not having it. But, this one is in danger of being a working honeymoon. Not exactly what he had in mind. Clive is approached about the missing piece to the Ghent Altarpiece. So, he and Henrietta decide to take the case!

Give me a book in which I start to do research and I am hooked. I loved learning about the Ghent Altarpiece. You can read more about it here. What a great piece of history to put in a book. And Clive and Henrietta are on the case!

Clive and Henrietta are great together. I enjoy his wit and her quickness. She can think on her feet better than any character I know. So, they make a fabulous combination. Plus, they have a great connection and definitely have each other’s backs! They are just adorable.

I have only read one of the other books in this series. You can read my review here. So, it is not necessary to have read any of the other books. They can stand on their own and I bet they are all as enjoyable as this one!

Need a wonderful historical mystery which will enlighten your knowledge…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

Violet Figg and her sister Trudy have lived a quiet life in Sugar Bend, Alabama, since a night forty years ago that stole Trudy’s voice and cemented Violet’s role as her sister’s fierce and loyal protector. Now Trudy spends her days making sculptures from found objects and speaking through notes written on scraps of paper, while Violet runs their art shop, monitors bird activity up and down the water, and tries not to think of the one great love she gave up to keep her sister safe.

Eighteen-year-old Maya knows where everyone else belongs, but she’s been searching for her own place since her grandmother died seven years ago. Moving in and out of strangers’ houses has left her exhausted. After seeing a flyer on a gas station window for a place called Sugar Bend, Maya chooses to follow the strange pull she feels and finds herself on the doorstep of an art shop called Two Sisters.

When a boat rises to the surface of Little River in the middle of the night, the present and no-longer-buried past collide, and the future becomes uncertain for Maya, Violet, and Trudy. As history creeps continuously closer to the present and old secrets come to light, the sisters must decide to face the truth of what happened that night forty years ago, or risk losing each other and those they’ve come to love.

Review

Violet and Trudy have a secret. They are living a quiet life in Sugar Bend, AL. But, things are changing. A boat has been found, a bracelet has turned up, and there is a missing person still missing. Can they ride out this storm?!

First off, I loved the setting of this book. We have visited the Alabama coast numerous times and I enjoyed reading about this area. It is almost feels like home!

I also adored Trudy and Violet. They have a unique bond and believe me, Violet is not going to let anything break it. Then, there is Maya. She is a lost, young lady just looking for a place to call her own. These ladies step up and take her in.

But, there is the secret…what part of the past are Violet and Trudy not sharing? I figured it out, as will any of the readers. But, the way it plays out is intense and really kept me locked into the story!

Brittany Presley is the narrator. And I adored her! All her voices were spot on and her intensity was definitely on target!

Need a terrific southern fiction book with a twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

An ice queen meets her fiery match in the latest installment of The Kane Heirs series by Cynthia St. Aubin!

“I’m the kind of bad your mother warned you about.”

To grow the business he owns with his brothers, rough, rugged Law Renaud must impress hoity-toity heiress Marlowe Kane so she’ll tell her father to invest. Which shouldn’t be impossible—4 Thieves distillery is Law’s pride and joy, plus he can throw a mean axe. But when a storm strands Marlowe on-site, suddenly seduction is on the table. Even as Marlowe becomes a craving he can’t resist, she remains the daughter of the tycoon he needs on his side. And she’s got a little secret that could upend Law’s entire world…

From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.

You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of The Kane Heirs series:

Book 1: Corner Office Confessions
Book 2: Secret Lives After Hours
Book 3: Bad Boy with Benefits

Review

Marlowe has been sent by her father to inspect the books of the 4 Thieves Distillery. Marlowe is to determine if an investment into this business is worth it. But, Law has other ideas. He has had Marlowe on his brain since he ran into her at a party. Can Marlowe resist his charms…NO!

I read this book in one sitting…or rather one night of insomnia. I really enjoyed the characters. And there were places I laughed out loud. And of course, who can resist Law…ooooolala! And Marlowe! She is a smart lady with a kick!

Great job Cynthia St. Aubin!

Need a fast paced romance which will keep you entertained from start to finish…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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