reecaspieces

Overview

From the author of the “fast-paced, heartbreaking, and hopeful” (Kristin Harmel, author of The Room on Rue Amélie) The Light After the War, a riveting and heartfelt story of a young woman recruited to be a spy for the resistance on the French Riviera during World War II. 

Paris 1943: Lana Antanova is on her way to see her husband with the thrilling news that she is pregnant. But when she arrives at the convent where he teaches music, she’s horrified to see Gestapo officers execute him for hiding a Jewish girl in the piano.

A few months later, grieving both her husband and her lost pregnancy, Lana is shocked when she’s approached to join the resistance on the French Riviera. As the daughter of a Russian countess, Lana has the perfect background to infiltrate the émigré community of Russian aristocrats who socialize with German officers, including the man who killed her husband.

Lana’s cover story makes her the mistress of Guy Pascal, a wealthy Swiss industrialist and fellow resistance member, in whose villa in Cap Ferrat she lives. Together, they gather information on upcoming raids and help members of the Jewish community escape. Consumed by her work, she doesn’t expect to become attached to a young Jewish girl or wonder about the secrets held by the man whose house she shares. And as the Nazis’ deadly efforts intensify, her intention to protect those around her may put them all at risk instead.

With Anita Abriel’s “heartfelt and memorable” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author) storytelling, Lana’s Waris a sweeping and suspenseful tale of survival and second chances during some of the darkest days of history.

Review

Let me start by saying…this cover is gorgeous!

Lana’s husband has been shot by the Gestapo right in front of her. The stress of seeing the love of her life brutally murdered causes Lana to lose her baby. She is determined these deaths will not go unanswered. Lana joins the resistance and heads to the Mediterranean Coast. She is determined to save as many Jewish children as she can and to find the Gestapo agent responsible for her loss.

Lana is a character I should have loved more than I did. I was not a fan of her stubbornness. It made her look stupid and a little selfish, in my opinion. But, that did not stop me from enjoying this read.

I definitely loved the setting of the Mediterranean. I don’t think I have read a book set in WWII with this as a backdrop. Made it a very unique read. I also loved Guy Pascal. He is moody and he has some mysterious history.

Such a unique and intense read! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

Three generations of women in the Ferrari family must heal the broken pieces of their lives on a trip of a lifetime through picturesque Italy from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst

Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of her life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother’s wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. She just never expected to face a choice that might change the course of her life. . .

Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.

Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it’s too late.

Review

Francesca is a workaholic like her father was. She is very successful in her advertising career. However, she struggles tremendously with her relationship with her daughter, Allegra.

Francesca’s mother, Sophia, is determined to keep her family together and happy. She knows the girls just need to get away and reconnect. Sophia decides a summer in Italy is just the thing.

Talk about taking you on a trip to Italy. This book takes you all over the place and I felt like I experienced everything the characters did. The author did a fabulous job with this setting.

I did feel the story moved a little slow in spots. But, the setting and the characters really kept me entertained, especially Francesca’s fall down the steps! You will have to read this to find out!

This is a tale which is about healing relationships and realizing what is important. Plus, with the backdrop of Italy, just makes it a wonderful escape!

Need an escape to Italy! This is it!

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

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Overview

A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for. 

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?

With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending

Review

Jane is determined to be a part of the elite. She is a dog walker but she wants to live like the people she works for. She meets Eddie one morning and her dream, all of a sudden, is within reach. But, Eddie’s first wife, Bea, is ever present in their relationship. However, Jane is determined to be the one and only.

I enjoyed so much about this read! This story moves so quickly and takes the reader through all sorts of loops and flips. I didn’t know whom to trust.

Jane is a character you want to trust and like but her motives are not exactly pure and honest. Then there is Eddie. As a reader you know something is just not right but you just can’t put your finger on it. And finally there is the ghost of Bea…boy oh boy….you must read this to find out.

Talk about twisted and full of suspense. This one is it. Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

A broken family, a house of secrets—an entrancing tale of love and courage set during the Second World War.

After Rebecca’s mother dies, she must sort through her empty flat and come to terms with her loss. As she goes through her mother’s mail, she finds a handwritten envelope. In it is a letter that will change her life forever.

Olivia, her mother’s elderly cousin, needs help to save her beloved home. Rebecca immediately goes to visit Olivia in Cornwall only to find a house full of secrets—treasures in the attic and a mysterious tunnel leading from the cellar to the sea, and Olivia, nowhere to be found.

As it turns out, the old woman is stuck in hospital with no hope of being discharged until her house is made habitable again. Rebecca sets to work restoring the home to its former glory, but as she peels back the layers of paint and grime, she uncovers even more buried secrets—secrets from a time when the Second World War was raging, when Olivia was a young woman, and when both romance and danger lurked around every corner…

A sweeping and utterly spellbinding tale of a young woman’s courage in the face of war and the lengths to which she’ll go to protect those she loves against the most unexpected of enemies.

Review

Rebecca is cleaning out her mother’s flat after her death. She comes across an old letter from Olivia, an elderly relative she did not know she had. Olivia is in dire need of help so Rebecca decides she needs to be there. She has no idea what to expect. And it turns out to be much more than expected!

The house is falling apart, literally, when Rebecca arrives. She also discovers that Olivia is in the hospital and cannot return until her house is fixed. Rebecca takes this on and discovers quite a few buried secrets and dangers.

I love Olivia. You talk about cantankerous and a tough old nut to crack…she is it! She has lived a tough life as Rebecca slowly discovers.

Then there is Rebecca. She is actually running away from home and Olivia is just a fabulous excuse to do so. She and Olivia slowly develop a like and a trust for each other. Rebecca also discovers she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

I enjoyed so many parts to this story. The mystery and the hidden secrets really captivated me. I did feel the flash backs to Olivia’s life during WWII slowed down the story. It is a necessary part of the novel. I just did not enjoy it as much as the present day portion.

The characters, the setting and the mystery really work so well together and I would love to have a sequel.

Need an all around good story…this is it! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

In Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, New York Times bestselling author Emily March presents a brand new arc set in the Lone Star State that features a family-linked trilogy within the author’s romantic series.

With his smooth talk, rugged good looks, and deep pockets, native Texan Boone McBride appears to be a man who has it all. Few people know about the heartbreak behind his decision to leave home, family, and career for the isolation of a small town in the Colorado Rockies. Luckily, time and life in Eternity Springs has worked its healing magic upon his wounded soul, so when he meets obviously troubled Hannah Dupree, Boone sees a chance to pay his good fortune forward. The last thing he anticipates is tumbling into love.

Tragedy has taken everything Hannah loves, and her will to keep going is failing. So when Boone strides into her life determined to save her, it’s easier to go along with him than to resist. Soon she is drawn into the fabric of life in Eternity Springs, and as her spirit begins to heal, her strength returns, and she’s able to go toe-to-toe with this hardheaded, big-hearted Texan. But just when love blooms and happiness is within their grasp, shadows from the past threaten. Hannah and Boone must stand strong and united in order to defeat old ghosts—if they are to create a brand-new life together.

Review

Hannah is searching. Searching for something better out of life. She has lost everything she has ever loved. She is contemplating ending it all when Boone McBride enters her life. His giving heart and, of course, his magnetism creates a sensation she has not felt in a long time. Will Hannah let Boone in her life or will she let him go?

This is my least favorite type of romance novel. It’s a little too sweet and too dramatic. But, this type of romance has its followers and I totally understand the appeal. It is so nice to have a feel good read without complications or too many surprises. And this story hit me at the right time. I fell head over heels for Boone. He has strength, charisma and he has a huge heart…what is not to love!

Need a feel good charmer! This is it! Great characters and a wonderful setting of Eternity Springs, Colorado makes this story worth your time! Grab your copy today.

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

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