reecaspieces

Overview

From the author of Paris Never Leaves You, Ellen Feldman’s The Living and the Lost is a gripping story of a young German Jewish woman who returns to Allied Occupied Berlin from America to face the past and unexpected future

“A deeply satisfying and truly adult novel.” —Margot Livesey, New York Times best-selling author of The Flight of Gemma Hardy

Millie (Meike) Mosbach and her brother David, manage to escape to the States just before Kristallnacht, leaving their parents and little sister in Berlin. Millie attends Bryn Mawr on a special scholarship for non-Aryan German girls and graduates to a magazine job in Philadelphia. David enlists in the army and is eventually posted to the top-secret Camp Ritchie in Maryland, which trains German-speaking men for intelligence work.  

Now they are both back in their former hometown, haunted by ghosts and hoping against hope to find their family. Millie, works in the office responsible for rooting out the most dedicated Nazis from publishing; she is consumed with rage at her former country and its citizens, though she is finding it more difficult to hate in proximity. David works trying to help displaced persons build new lives, while hiding his more radical nighttime activities from his sister. Like most of their German-born American colleagues, they suffer from conflicts of rage and guilt at their own good fortune, except for Millie’s boss, Major Harry Sutton, who seems much too eager to be fair to the Germans.

Living and working in bombed-out Berlin, a latter day Wild West where drunken soldiers brawl; the desperate prey on the unsuspecting; spies ply their trade; werewolves, as unrepentant Nazis were called, scheme to rise again; black markets thrive, and forbidden fraternization is rampant, Millie must come to terms with a decision she made as a girl in a moment of crisis, and with the enigmatic sometimes infuriating Major Sutton who is mysteriously understanding of her demons.

Atmospheric and page-turning, The Living and the Lost is a story of love, survival, and forgiveness of others and of self.

Review

Millie has returned to her native Germany after WWII. She is here to do a job for the government but she has a hidden agenda. She is hoping to find out what happened to her parents and her little sister.

Millie is amazed at the level of depravity which is rampant and accepted in this post war Germany. She struggles with her anger and her guilt throughout this novel. Her guilt is a unique situation for the reader…you have to read this to find out!

There have been tons of WWII books lately. So, to find one which has a different take is tough. This one hits that mark. You usually do not have a book about the aftermath. This one covers this and more! The struggle to find out about your loved ones, to find a place to live, and the survivors guilt is brought to life in the novel. Add in the great characters and you have a very good novel!

Need a story you won’t soon forget…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

From the multi-award-winning master of crime, Denise Mina delivers a radical new take on one of the darkest episodes in Scottish history—the bloody assassination of David Rizzo  private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, in the queen’s chambers in Holyrood Palace.

On the evening of March 9th, 1566, David Rizzio, the private secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots, was brutally murdered. Dragged from the chamber of the heavily pregnant Mary, Rizzio was stabbed fifty six times by a party of assassins. This breathtakingly tense novella dramatises the events that led up to that night, telling the infamous story as it has never been told before.

A dark tale of sex, secrets and lies, Rizzio looks at a shocking historical murder through a modern lens—and explores the lengths that men and women will go to in their search for love and power. 

Rizzio is nothing less than a provocative and thrilling new literary masterpiece.

Review

The private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots is a man named Rizzio. He has the queens ear and a lot of power. Needless to say, Mary’s husband despises Rizzio. But, could he instigate his murder?

This is one of my favorite time periods. So, I was expecting more of the same. That is not the case at all! This is dramatic and terrifying. I knew a little about this, but not the extent of the horror of Rizzio’s murder.

Plus, Mary Queen Of Scots is a portrayed a bit different. More like she is detached from her realm and it’s needs. I knew she ignored a great deal but the way the author portrayed her, it made her more real. Makes this a unique read for sure!

Wow! Need a good historical murder…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

Nothing like a rocky start between enemy coworkers stuck together on location to prove that love isn’t just a ploy for ratings—it’s a force of nature.

Alia Dunn has finally gotten her big break. After years of working her way up at TV’s top outdoor travel channel, she gets the green light from network executives to bring her dream project to life: produce a series about Utah’s national parks. It’s a touching tribute to her late apong, who sparked Alia’s passion for travel and the outdoors as a kid. 

Alia is thrilled—until she meets her newest crew member, Drew Irons. The same Drew she had the most amazing first date with two weeks ago—who then ghosted her. The same Drew who has the most deliciously thick forearms and who loves second-guessing her every move on set in front of the entire crew. It’s not long before the tension between them turns hotter than the Utah desert in the dead of summer, and their steamy encounters lead to major feelings. 

But when the series host goes rogue one too many times, jeopardizing the entire shoot, Alia realizes that she’ll need to organize one hell of a coup to save her show—and she’ll need Drew’s help to do it. It’s the riskiest move she’s ever made. If she pulls it off, she’ll end up with a hit series and her dream guy . . . but if it all goes wrong, she could lose both.

Review

Alia has always wanted to honor her grandmother by doing a travel series about the Utah State Parks. She has finally gotten approval for her idea. She is excited and extremely nervous. But, when she is forced to take on a problem actor as the host, she knows she is going to be having some major issues.

On top of that problem, another one shows up! One of the newest crew members turns out to be Drew. Drew happens to be a guy she met on the subway, had fabulous drinks with and he was supposed to call…but he didn’t. Alia is determined to be professional in all aspects of this project. But, as situations start to unfold…you will just need to read this to find out!

I enjoyed the locations almost as much as I loved the characters. My friend visited some of these parks this summer and all her pictures are stunning. So, when the author described some of these places, I really could visualize the fascinating landscapes. Add Alia and Drew into this mix and I was hooked.

Alia and Drew work well together…until they don’t. You get the drift. It is a romance. So, of course, the characters have to have fights now and then. And then they have to make up!

Need a good romance in a unique location…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

I loved it and devoured it with fury, straight to its blazing end.” —Lily King, author of Writers & Lovers

“An unputdownable knock-out.” —Lauren Wilkinson, author of American Spy

The eagerly awaited novel from the New York Timesbestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home, a tender and haunting story of a father and daughter, crime and forgiveness, race and memory

When the roar of a low-flying plane awakens him in the middle of the night, Sheriff Winston Barnes knows something strange is happening at the nearby airfield on the coast of North Carolina. But nothing can prepare him for what he finds: a large airplane has crash-landed and is now sitting sideways on the runway, and there are no signs of a pilot or cargo. When the body of a local man is discovered—shot dead and lying on the grass near the crash site—Winston begins a murder investigation that will change the course of his life and the fate of the community that he has sworn to protect.

Everyone is a suspect, including the dead man. As rumors and accusations fly, long-simmering racial tensions explode overnight, and Winston, whose own tragic past has followed him like a ghost, must do his duty while facing the painful repercussions of old decisions. Winston also knows that his days as sheriff may be numbered. He’s up for re-election against a corrupt and well-connected challenger, and his deputies are choosing sides. As if these events weren’t troubling enough, he must finally confront his daughter Colleen, who has come home grieving a shattering loss she cannot fully articulate.

As the suspense builds and this compelling mystery unfolds, Wiley Cash delves deep into the hearts of these richly drawn, achingly sympathetic characters to reveal the nobility of an ordinary man struggling amidst terrifying, extraordinary circumstances.

Review

Sheriff Winston Barnes and his wife are awaken in the middle of the night by a low flying plane. Winston, even though he is getting on up in age, refuses to pass off his duty. He heads out to find out exactly what is going on. He soon discovers more than he bargained for.

If you are from the south…you know all about Sheriff Winston Barnes. We all had one just like him in our hometowns. However, I believe this one is more honest than most. Winston is a stand up guy and he really cares about his people. He is not afraid to take on his enemies!

This is a slow burn of a read and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I usually am not a fan of books like this. But the characters are amazing and I just had to find out why all these strange things were happening in this small town.

Need a quick, murder mystery with a kick! THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

They have different ideas about the fate of an old inn…until it brings them together.

When Sarah Lewis inherits a run-down B&B from her late grandmother in coastal Blue Moon Bay, the logical thing to do is sell it and focus on her life in L.A. But when she learns that interested buyers will only tear it down in its current state, she feels a sense of obligation to her grandmother to get it back to the landmark tourist destination it once was…even if that means hiring the best contractor for the job, who happens to be her old high school crush.

Wes Sharrun’s life has continued to unravel since the death of his wife three years before. Now with a struggling construction company and a nine-year-old daughter, he sees the B&B as an opportunity to get back on his feet. Unfortunately, despite trying to keep his distance, his daughter has taken a liking to Sarah, and his own feelings are tough to deny.

As they spend more time together painting, exploring a forgotten treasure trove of wine in a basement cellar, and arguing over balcony placement, the more the spark between them ignites. But will saving the B&B be enough to convince them both to take a second chance at love?

Review

Sarah’s grandmother has recently passed away and left her a run down B&B on the beach of Half Moon Bay. Sarah wants to sell it as is and get back to LA. But Wes, her childhood crush, talks her into fixing it up first. The more time these two spend together, the more sparks fly!

I love a book with great characters and this one is full of them. I love Sarah. She is introverted but adorable. Wes is heartbroken but strong. Then there is Marissa. She is Wes’ 9 year old daughter and she is super smart. She and Sarah connect over computers and code. Yes…you heard me correctly. She is a computer nerd and so is Sarah.

Sarah and Wes take a little while to realize they need each other…isn’t this true for most romances. The author did a fabulous job intertwining their shared love of the B&B and Marissa. When these two finally get together, you can’t help but grin!

Need an all around good romance with a great cheaters and a wonderful setting…THIS IS IT!

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

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Overview

Everyone knows Lily Atwood—and that may be her biggest problem. The beloved television reporter has it all—fame, fortune, Emmy awards, an adorable seven-year-old daughter, and the hashtag her loving fans created: #PerfectLily. To keep it—all she has to do is protect one life-changing secret.

Her own.

Lily has an anonymous source who feeds her story tips about others—but suddenly, the source begins telling Lily inside information about her own life! How does he—or she—know so much?

Lily understands that no one reveals a secret unless they have a reason. Now she’s terrified someone is determined to destroy her world—and with it, everyone and everything she holds dear.

How much must she risk to keep her perfect life?

Review

Lily is an award winning reporter. She has an anonymous source which is feeding her tips about news stories. But, this source does not turn out to be the gravy train Lily thinks it is. It turns on her pretty quickly and threatens her perfect life!

Let me just say, Lily, for all her reporting skills, lacked something…not exactly sure what. She was just not a character that hit her mark. If she is such a hot shot reporter, she sure missed some big clues. I had a hard time connecting with her. But, her producer, Greer. She has a smart mouth and I enjoyed her one liners.

I love how this novel keeps you guessing. I never knew exactly where this story was going to end up! Another great one from this author!

Need a fast paced, twisted thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

About The Author:

USA Today bestselling author HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN has won five Agatha Awards in addition to Anthony, Macavity, Daphne du Maurier, and Mary Higgins Clark Awards. As on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, she’s won 37 Emmys and many more journalism honors, and her work has resulted in new laws, criminals sent to prison, homes saved from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in restitution for victims and consumers. A past president of National Sisters in Crime and founder of MWA University, her novels include Trust Me, The Murder List, the Charlotte McNally series (starting with Prime Time), and the Jane Ryland series (which begins with The Other Woman). Ryan lives in Boston with her husband, a nationally renowned civil rights and criminal defense attorney.

Learn more about Hank at www.HankPhillippiRyan.com

Social Media:

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hankpryan

Twitter: @HankPRyan

Book Blurbs:

“Tense and twisty…You will read this in one sitting!” ―Julie Clark, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Last Flight

“There’s a reason Hank Philippi Ryan keeps winning so many awards–she is a master at crafting suspense around fully formed characters with real emotion and depth. A mesmerizing thrill ride!”―Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Dear Wife and Stranger in the Lake

“Her Perfect Life is a stunning, wonderfully tense thriller about deceit, grief, fame and perfection, and the secrets we carry beneath our skin. A magnificent, knockout thriller.” ―Christina McDonald, USA Today bestselling author of Do No Harm

“I loved this book! Reading Hank Phillippi Ryan’s Her Perfect Life made me paranoid–who’s watching me, who’s lying to me, who’s hiding from their prior life? My nerves were shredded by the time I reached the last chapter of this big-hearted page-turner.”―Rachel Howzell Hall, author of And Now She’s Gone

“When you read a Hank Phillippi Ryan thriller you are in the hands of a master! Her Perfect Life offers shocking twists, whip-smart turns, and a deep-dive into the dark side of celebrity. I devoured it.” ―Robyn Harding, bestselling author of The Swap

Overview

When conflict photographer Jackson Swann dies, he leaves behind a conflict of his own making when his three daughters, each born from a different mother and unknown to each other, discover that they’re now part owners of Maison de Madelaine, the family’s Oregon vineyard—a once famous business struggling to recover from a worldwide economic collapse.
After a successful career as a child TV star, a disastrous time as a teen pop star, and now a successful author, Tess is, for the first time in her life, suffering from a serious case of writer’s block and identity crisis.
Charlotte, brought up to be a proper Southern wife, has given up her own career goals to support her husband while having spent the past year struggling to conceive a child to create a more perfect marriage. On the worst day of her life, she discovers her beloved father has died, she has two sisters she’d never been told about, and her husband has fallen in love with another woman.

Natalie, daughter of Jack’s long-time mistress, has always known about both half-sisters. Still mourning the loss of her mother, the death of her father a year later is a devastating blow. And she can’t help feeling that both her sisters may resent her for being the daughter their father decided to keep.
As the sisters reluctantly gather at the family vineyard, they’re enchanted by the legacy they’ve inherited, and by their grandmother’s rich stories of life in WWII France and the love she found with a wounded American soldier who brought her to Oregon where they started Maison de Madelaine

Review

Three sisters, one father and a world of secrets! Jackson, long time war photographer, passes away. He leaves an inheritance to his three daughters, Charlotte, Natalie and Tess. Tess is the oldest. She has not seen her father in years. And she has no idea that she has two sisters, plus a grandmother. Then there is Charlotte. She has some contact with her father but she is completely in the dark about her sisters and grandmother as well. Natalie is the youngest and she has spent summers at her grandmother’s famous vineyard and she adores her father. So, needless to say, there are some huge family issues!

These three sisters all come from different backgrounds but they are all creative, unique and highly intelligent. They all come with different problems and hang ups. I loved each and every one. I think Tess is my favorite. She is more independent and tough. But all three are excellent. Add in the grandmother and her history and you have a great read!

Need a wonderful family drama…DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! Grab your copy today!

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

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author JoAnn Ross has been published in twenty-seven countries. The author of over 100 novels, JoAnn lives with her husband and many rescue pets — who pretty much rule the house — in the Pacific Northwest.

Social Links:

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Facebook: @JoAnnRossbooks

Instagram: @JoAnnRossBooks

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