Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

  
OVERVIEW

Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.

 New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.

An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.

For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power. 

The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten. 

In Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly has crafted a remarkable novel of unsung women and their quest for love, freedom, and second chances. It is a story that will keep readers bonded with the characters, searching for the truth, until the final pages.

REVIEW

Three women, three different experiences. 

I love how this book is designed. Each girl has a chapter. So, you go from Caroline, the New York socialite, to Herta, the German doctor, to Kasia, the polish prisoner. The reader has three different perspectives.  The feelings and circumstances expressed through each character carry the reader through multiple events, ordeals and emotions. 
I was absolutely hooked on the very first word. First of all, this is my favorite time period to read.  The setting had me hooked from the blurb. However, the characters and their experiences are what kept me so absorbed. There are so many aspects to this novel, I don’t even know where to begin. The love of Caroline, the guilt of Kasia and Herta….I don’t even know what to say about her. I hated her, but her circumstances left her no choice, until  the end of the novel and I hated her all over again. 

If I could give this novel 10,000 stars, I would!!! This is a must read!!!! 
I received this novel from Netgalley for an honest review. 
  


PURCHASE HERE 

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

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Riot a 1960s Love Story by Charles S. Isaacs- BOOK SPOTLIGHT 

  
OVERVIEW

Two young lovers find each other just as the Vietnam War, the Antiwar Movement, and the Black Power Movement near their explosive peaks. Excitement, danger and heartache lie ahead. 

It’s September 1967. Steve Harris – white, idealistic, naïve — begins his freshman year. During that year, he will fight to end the war, fall in love, confront painful truths about his family, and be jailed and beaten by police. Through this crucible, he emerges with a transformed consciousness, of the world and of himself. 

His awakening begins with a rousing antiwar speech delivered by Emma Gold, a Depression-era radical. When Emma introduces him to young Cat Crawford — inter-racial, brilliant and exotically beautiful – his bewitching is complete. The two students’ instant friendship blossoms before long into a passionate love affair. Their bond is tested, though, by the mounting demands of the times, and by their own deep-seated psychological issues.

 1968 is marked by campus unrest, urban rebellion, assassinations, and political violence that leads the two into clashes with the Chicago Police and the National Guard. The story builds to a heartrending climax during the street battles surrounding the Democratic National Convention. 

This is a complex, fast-paced journey on an emotional roller coaster, punctuated by flashes of self-discovery and bursting with political and sexual passions.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

  

CHARLES S. ISAACS has been a schoolteacher, college professor, social activist, community organizer, financial analyst, real estate consultant, gambler, Congressional aide, storyteller and occasional journalist. His undergraduate studies were in Mathematics (LIU-Brooklyn), after which he attended the University of Chicago Law School, living on the city’s South Side, when and where this story is set. His later graduate work was in the Social Sciences, earning an M.A. (New School for Social Research) and a Ph.D. (The Union Institute & University). His most recent book is the award-winning Inside Ocean Hill-Brownsville: A Teacher’s Education, 1968-69.

LINKS 

Amazon

Goodreads

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Dream Killer by Mike Baldwin plus GIVEAWAY!

  

Dream Killer

By Mike Baldwin

Genre: Mystery 

Book Description

To fulfill her friend’s dream, legendary sports agent Veronica Townsend has constructed a kids’ summer camp where baseball hero John Jensen was raised on a farm in Burlington, Kansas. Camp Dream Catcher, though, is in danger of shutting down after a lifeguard is murdered. With cancellations pouring in, Veronica must solve the mystery in a desperate attempt to keep the camp open. 

Veronica adores her loyal assistant, Missy Sykes, the camp’s bookkeeper, a lonely, single woman born and raised in Queens. Missy is committed to assisting her boss in an attempt to keep open a camp that awards “free scholarships” to inner-city kids that normally couldn’t afford the fee.

Ashley Webb, the camp’s co-director, has taken a sabbatical from her job in Omaha to oversee the camp’s day-to-day operations. Since evidence reveals the killer most likely is on the camp’s staff, Ashley is concerned Veronica is in denial the camp needs to shut down until law enforcement officials uncover the person responsible for shooting the handsome lifeguard.

Reggie Gordon, the camp’s other co-director, is a former African American Major League Baseball star, who vows to help Veronica. Because he grew up in the projects in Chicago, Reggie sees the benefits of a camp that caters to inner-city kids.

When additional problems surface, it appears Veronica has no choice but to shut down the camp, in part because she made some risky financial decisions to open ahead of schedule. Veronica, though, is resolute the camp will not shut down so she can honor John Jensen, “the kindest man I’ve ever met.”

 

Review 

Veronica has some sleuthing to do! When a murder occurs at her summer camp, her camp is in danger of closing. She must solve this quickly to keep her camp open. 

Veronica is determined to keep this camp from closing, through many trials and tribulations. This camp offers wonderful opportunities to inner city kids to help keep their dream alive and to keep them out of trouble. 

Veronica is a strong woman and refuses to be stopped. Needless to say, she really appealed to me. I love a secure, solid woman character and usually male writers miss the mark. This one was spot on! 

Mr. Baldwin really knows how to spin a mystery. And the way he incorporates legacy, honor and values through out the book is exceptional. 

 I cannot wait to read more of his novels.   

On a side note….not a huge fan of the cover….don’t let that stop you from reading! 

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

  

 A former sportswriter, Mike Baldwin has transitioned to becoming a full-time novelist who specialists in mysteries that feature female lead characters; classic whodunits that appeal to mystery fans of all ages and gender.

His niche is fast-paced stories about dynamic female lead characters involved in plots packed with twists and turns, capped by surprise endings. Sprinkling in humor, Mike injects thought-provoking elements to introduce readers to new experiences while they’re being entertained by a fun story.

Mike’s favorite author is John Grisham because of his unique storytelling skills. He enjoys a well-written mystery whether it’s a page-turning novel or TV shows like Law & Order, Monk, Cold Case and Major Crimes. His favorite current series is “Suits,” simply because of the crisp, engaging dialogue. Mike’s only pet peeve is he believes many quality TV shows and commercials feature outstanding writing that rarely get the attention it deserves.

During his newspaper career, Mike covered Super Bowls and Final Fours, interviewed countless Hall of Fame athletes and coaches and was blessed his career allowed him to see the country. He attended games in 80 of the 90 NFL stadiums, NBA arenas and Major League Baseball stadiums, plus visited more than fifty college campuses.

The highlight of his career was when he wrote daily stories as a beat writer for The Oklahoman, the Oklahoma City newspaper. For seven years, he covered owner Jerry Jones’ team during the Barry Switzer era when the Cowboys were led by future NFL Hall of Famers Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders.

Mike was humbled and honored last year when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Christian University Sports Hall of Fame (class of 2015).

 

DREAM KILLER eBook can be purchased at the following:

 

Amazon: http://ow.ly/WrBxQ

 

Barnes and Noble (Nook): http://ow.ly/WrBzp

 

Apple (iTunes, iBooks): http://ow.ly/WrBB9

 

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/dream-killer-1

 

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/49480134-mike-baldwin  

Find the Author Online: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeatBaldwin

Website: http://mikebaldwinbooks.com/  

Giveaway 

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Scissor tag!!!  

I have been having a serious problem lately….every pair of scissors I have purchased for my kitchen keep disappearing!! I know one pair had been “relocated” to Oxford (my wonderful, adoring son swiped them)  The others have gone POOF!!!! 

I found a new pair of scissors on sale and decided to try this again!!! 

   
 
Think this will work??? Probably not!!! But at least I could practice my writing skills!!! 

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!!! 

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Debt by Rachel Dunning BOOK SPOTLIGHT 

  

   

 
99c Pre-Order Sale

Over 400 Pages

Standalone Novel

New-Adult Romance / Sports Romance 
DEBT
By Rachel Dunning 
Expected Release Date:

March 2016

 

What’s it about? 
The Debt Collector 

I pay my debts, and I expect others to.

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father’s passing meant I would automatically take on dad’s debts. I refused.
And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that’s where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a “favor” when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn’t care who gets rolled over in the process.

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying “I’m sorry.” The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad’s wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn’t always like that.
I’ve had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.

She and I hit the road for spring break, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.

But there’s a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.
Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.

That’s all it was supposed to be.
I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.

And yet…so unbelievably right.
Content Warning

Not intended for readers under the age of seventeen.
Genres:

New-Adult Romance

Sports Romance
Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01A02LNLC
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A02LNLC
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/debt/id1071559413?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603988
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28400056-debt

 
About Rachel

Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

Get Rachel’s Newsletter

Sign up for Rachel’s Newsletter and never miss a release or a special.

You can sign up here: 

http://www.rdunning.com/p/non-spammy-news.html

Where Else to Find Rachel

Blog / Website: http://www.rdunning.com

Facebook: http://bit.ly/RachelDunning&nbsp;

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelDAuthor&nbsp;

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/racheldunning

Barnes and Nobel: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningBN&nbsp;

iTunes: http://bit.ly/RachelDunningiTunes&nbsp;

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/racheldunning

 

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Big Shoes by Jack Getze plus Giveaway!!

  
Big Shoes

By Jack Getze

Genre: Mystery, Humor

 

Book Description

 Jersey Shore broker Austin Carr wants out of the stock and bond business but un-hooking from his mobbed-up partner won’t be painless. Angelina “Mama Bones” Bonacelli is best known for professional consultations that deteriorate into criminal violence, breakfast appointments raided by the FBI and one particular Power Point presentation to a Jersey state racing commission that ended in automatic weapons fire. Good thing she likes Austin.

Review

This is a fast-paced thriller with adorable and quirky characters. Austin doesn’t always choose the best path.  Between women troubles and shady business dealings, he sometimes makes some questionable decisions. But, don’t worry….he always comes out smelling like a rose!!! 

I thoroughly enjoyed the character Mama Bones. She is extremely unique and I kept wondering if she was based on a real person.  I know some people very similar!! She absolutely is the best character I have read about in a long time..

This is the fourth installment in this series. I have not read the others. Well, guess what.. I MUST!! I really enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to start at the beginning. 
Author Bio

  
A former reporter for The Los Angeles Times, Jack Getze is Fiction Editor for Anthony nominated Spinetingler Magazine, one of the internet’s oldest websites for noir, crime and horror short stories. His Austin Carr Mysteries BIG NUMBERS, BIG MONEY, BIG MOJO and this fall’s BIG SHOES are published by Down and Out Books. His short stories have appeared in A Twist of Noir, Beat to a Pulp, The Big Adios and Passages.

 

http://austincarrscrimediary.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/jack.getze

 

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LVwK54
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26783711-big-shoes

 

The author is giving away 20 copies of his book, Big Shoes!
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Appealed by Emma Chase #XOXpert 

  
Overview 

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate – and prized – parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Christian Louboutins.

Brent has never let the loss of his leg in a childhood accident affect his ability to lead a fulfilling life. He sets high goals–and then he reaches them.

And now he has his sights set on Kennedy.
**

When Kennedy looks at Brent Mason, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue-worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell. 

She’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore – she’s a DC prosecutor with a long winning streak behind her. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case and she thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own. 

But things aren’t exactly working out that way. 

Because every fiery exchange has her wondering if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. Each argument and objection only makes him want her more. In the end, Brent and Kennedy may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court. 

APPEALED is a sexy, humorous romance about first crushes, second chances and the final verdict of the heart. 

Review 

Brent and Kennedy have a past together. Will Kennedy be able to get over the wrongs done to her or will she make him pay? 

Brent is a wonderful character. I love his wit and his charming self!! I fell in love with him in the first paragraph. Kennedy is a tough, hot chick with a soft side which comes out in the end. These two heat up the story and keep the reader very well entertained….in more ways than one!! 

I laughed and nearly fell off my chair in several places during this read. Brent has a personality like no other. He kept me in stitches. He also has a tender heart.  These traits absolutely make his character irresistible.  

I am so hooked on this series. I have only read books in this series and I must expand.  This author has several series I must investigate. 

I received this novel from Simon and Schuster as XOXPERT. 

  

  
Purchase here

Barnes and Noble

Amazon


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Rom-Com round up!!! #XOXpert

Well!!! This is going to be a different post!! 

ROMANTIC COMEDY MOVIES!!! YES!!! What can be better than snuggling up with a blanket, a glass of wine or a hot toddy (or chocolate- both are acceptable) and your significant other….whether that is dog, cat or a human…I guess humans can be a part of this…

I just love Rom-Com movies.  And I have a few favorites! Well, more than a few….but there are several I will watch over and over and yes….over again!!! 

Ok! I am now showing my age…but how can you pass up Pretty Woman!  

 
It is a classic Cinderella story and Richard Gere….oooooolala!!!! 

   

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks have such GREAT chemistry. Plus this is set in one of the best bookstores on screen!
  

Oh The Wedding Date…enough said!!

 

Who doesn’t love these two…and the setting of Alaska!!!!

But, I have to admit my all time favorite is…..drum roll…….. 
 

This is my favorite because of the way Sabrina changes and grows. And Harrison Ford!!! Oh my word….you cannot help but fall for this guy!!! 

  

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Two Tales of the Moon by Jennifer Sun plus GIVEAWAY

  
Two Tales of the Moon

By Jennifer Sun

Genre: Literary fiction

 Overview

Two lives converge over a high stake international deal between U.S. and China – Will Donovan, a successful cyber technology business owner and Lu Li, a Wall Street investment banker. From New York City to Washington, DC, to Shanghai, together they have to face ethical dilemmas, make life choices, and come to terms with their past. 

 East meets West, past clashes with present. Blending romantic suspense with ethical intrigue. TWO TALES OF THE MOON is a compelling story that reveals that human struggle is the same regardless one’s past or cultural upbringing. 

Clarion/Forward gave the book a four star rating, calls it “a thoughtful portrait of a modern woman who must choose between the burden of memory and a future of her own making…the writing takes on the sharpened focus of a play… the work effectively captures the effects of communism in searingly personal ways. 

Review 

A very unique read. Lu Li works in finance on Wall Street. She has a riviting, fightful past and it is about to collide with her future. 

Learning about communist China and Lu Li’s experiences is fascinating. This part of the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really wish there had been more about this in the book and less about finance (I am a science nerd). 

Lu Li is a strong, delightful woman. She has to be to overcome her many obstacles and experiences. 
   

I was impressed with this compelling story. Would love to read more about communist China. 
 

BlueInk Review says:

“Jennifer Sun draws on personal knowledge of China and a former career in telecommunications/finance for her well-crafted debut novel about the meeting of East and West. Blending romance and ethical intrigue, Two Tales of the Moon is a unique novel, with characters of psychological depth. 

  

Author Bio

  

 Jennifer Sun has a MBA from George Washington University and a B.A. in English Literature from Fudan University in Shanghai, China. She has held several executive financial management positions at Fortune 500 companies in telecommunication and web technology industries. She currently writes full time and lives with her husband in Vienna, Virginia. She is also an avid reader, a runner and a foodie. 

http://www.Facebook.com/JenniferSunAuthor&nbsp;

@JenniferSun8

http://www.JenniferSunAuthor.com&nbsp;

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14554078.Jennifer_Sun&nbsp;

Available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ns0irQ

 

The author is giving away a digital copy of Two Tales of the Moon.

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Beautiful Carnage, A Neo Geisha novel by Monica L. Patton AND INTERVIEW 

  
Beautiful Carnage–a Neo Geisha novel

By Monica L Patton

Genre: Steamy Psychological Thriller

Orphaned and brain-washed from the age of six, Philomene Doucette is a beautiful assassin programmed to be a soulless killing machine by the CIA— and death has never looked so good.

In the, steamy, psychological thriller, Beautiful Carnage, Philomene is given her most important assignment yet: executing Haruto Mori, the leader of a deadly Japanese clan. To conceal her identity, Philomene is smuggled into Japan under the guise of being a sex worker and is presented as a gift for Haruto. Philomene’s mission to kill Haruto becomes an inner battle as she struggles between her conditioning, the affection she feels for Haruto and her increasing desire for Tadakai, her CIA handler.

When Haruto is unexpectedly murdered, Philomene uses her deadly training to find answers. She learns of a shocking government plot for mass murder at an upcoming Yakuza Summit—where Tadakai will be in attendance.

Philomene rescues Tadakai, and together they find a haven in a remote, abandoned farmhouse. As they forge a deeper connection, the two make a life-changing decision to leave this dangerous lifestyle behind to create a new life together…but their past misdeeds will not be absolved without exacting bloody sacrifices

Author Interview

1. Catherine Mckenzie must have her tunes, Dan Brown must have his gravity boots, what must you have to be able to write? 

A drink! Wine. Coffee. Take your pick.

2. What was a turning point in your writing or how did you know this was something you should do? 

 I am a performing artist, and I travel for a living with a family in tow. I have conditioned myself to write anytime, anywhere. I write when my daughter is doing her school work independently. I write in the offstage dressing booth at the theater, in between scenes. I love performing but of late, my desire to write has me wanting to take a holiday from the theater.

3. The standard question….who has inspired you and why? 

Not really who but what. Drama! Theater shaped me. I am surrounded by larger than life characters

4. Another standard question….who is your favorite author and book?

 James Lee Burke and Tennesse Williams. Dave Robicheaux series, Baby Doll, Glass Menagerie–A caldron of a southern gothic hot mess!

 5. What are some of your hidden pleasure books…and I know you have some….everyone does!!!!

 Laurell K. Hamilton–Anita Blake series. The Queen of Paranormal Romance. Keep your chaste vampires. I want my fangs with a side of sex!
Author Bio

 Currently performing in the Broadway National Tour of The Book of Mormon, Monica has worked with such notables as Jesse Norman, Diahann Carroll and Freda Payne. She covered Eartha Kitt as the Fairy Godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s’ Cinderella and sang opposite Jon Secada as the Narrator in the National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Her other credits include; Broadway: Finian’s Rainbow, Abby’s Song, and Ragtime. Off-Broadway: Little Ham. National Tours: Disney’s The Lion King, Annie 30th Anniversary; City Center Encores! productions: On The Town, Pipe Dream, Fanny, Anyone Can Whistle, Purlie, Finian’s Rainbow and Applause. The Distinguished Achievement in Production award was presented to Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices, by Walter Dean Myers. Monica was honored to have been a featured Narrator on the production. when she is not onstage, you can find her in a quick change booth–writing, playing video games with her daughter or perched on a stool, having a craft cocktail.

 

https://m.facebook.com/neogeishaforever/&nbsp;
Monica Patton @neogeishaforeve

monicapattonforever.com  

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