reecaspieces

Overview

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The daughter of an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom in this moving novel from thebestselling author of Black Cake, a Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

“Engrossing . . . Wilkerson masterfully weaves these threads of love, loss and legacy [into] a thoroughly researched and beautifully imagined family saga.”—The New York Times

When ten-year-old Ebby Freeman heard the gunshot, time stopped. And when she saw her brother, Baz, lying on the floor surrounded by the shattered pieces of a centuries-old jar, life as Ebby knew it shattered as well.

The crime was never solved—and because the Freemans were one of the only Black families in a particularly well-to-do enclave of New England—the case has had an enduring, voyeuristic pull for the public. The last thing the Freemans want is another media frenzy splashing their family across the papers, but when Ebby’s high profile romance falls apart without any explanation, that’s exactly what they get.

So Ebby flees to France, only for her past to follow her there. And as she tries to process what’s happened, she begins to think about the other loss her family suffered on that day eighteen years ago—the stoneware jar that had been in their family for generations, brought North by an enslaved ancestor. But little does she know that the handcrafted piece of pottery held more than just her family’s history—it might also hold the key to unlocking her own future.

In this sweeping, evocative novel, Charmaine Wilkerson brings to life a multi-generational epic that examines how the past informs our present.

Review

Y’all! This book snuck up on me. It was a solid 4 star read and it just kept getting better and better.

Ebby has been stood up at the altar. This put her in the spotlight…AGAIN. Ebby has been fighting the spotlight since she was a little child and saw her brother murdered. The crime was never solved. Now she is fleeing to France to get away from all the looks, questions and her feelings.

The only part of the book which just didn’t fit is when Henry, Ebby’s ex-fiancé just happens to show up and is staying at the same place as Ebby…in a small town in France. But it worked out, it just made me roll my eyes a bit 🙄. This is minor…believe me.

The jar, a family heirloom which was broken when Ebby’s brother was murdered, is the focal point of this whole story. And trust me…you do not want to miss the history and the significance. I had no idea about this type of pottery.

This story takes you on a ride and gives you a needed escape. It is part historical fiction, family drama and murder mystery. And I loved it!

Need a captivating tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

The Last Thing He Told Me meets Fleishman Is in Trouble in this page-turning story of a couple who flee winter in the Midwest for Palm Springs, where they find their relationship at a crossroads.

Kim and Grant are at a turning point. A couple for thirty years, their “separate but together” partnership is running up against the realities of late middle age: Grant’s mother has died, the college where he taught philosophy was shuttered, and their twin girls are grown and gone. Escaping the bitter cold of a Midwestern winter for the hot desert sun of Palm Springs seems as good a solution as any to the more intractable problems they face.

When they arrive at Le Desert, a quirky condo community where everyone knows everyone’s business, Kim immediately embraces the opportunity to make new friends and explore a more adventurous side of her personality. Meanwhile, Grant struggles to find his footing in this unfamiliar landscape, leaving Kim to wonder if their relationship can survive the snowbird season. But when Grant goes missing on a hike in the Palm Springs mountains, Kim is forced to consider two terrifying outcomes: either Grant is truly lost, or this time, he’s really left her.

Is it ever too late to become the person we wanted to be—and is there still time to change into someone better? The exhilarating, but often confusing transitions of midlife are pitched against the promise and glamour of Palm Springs in this tender, honest story of what it takes to commit to someone for a lifetime. With compassion and humor, Clancy explores the redemptive power of finding ourselves, and of being found.

Review

Kim and Grant have a unique relationship. And this relationship is in a bit of trouble, especially from Kim. She is truly questioning her life choices at this stage in her life. And this does not bode well for Grant. Then Grant comes up missing on a hike. Is it on purpose or is he truly in danger.

I have read one other book by this author, Shoulder Season. I loved it! Even though I did not enjoy this one quite as much as the other, The Snowbirds is a book which will have you rolling your eyes and screaming at ALL the characters in your head! Trust me!

I am going to tell you why I did not enjoy this one as much. I usually do not like to specifically point out stuff like this…BUT…here we go…I really found Grant insecure and immature. And he drove me NUTS!

Now, I am going to tell you what I loved about this book. I loved the other characters! Everyone! They are quirky and funny and I love how the author portrays them. I swear, I could just picture them! Don’t you love it when an author gets the characters just right! And yes…this includes Grant.

Need a story about life changes and acceptance…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 bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret comes an unflinching exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the healing power of a second chance.

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. As her life falls apart, she faces an impossible fight

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets—that Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been time spent with her and Justin. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being—and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope.

In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families—and their own futures?

Review

I love family drama novels and this one is a great twisted tale between two women, Celine, the wife and Felicity, the mistress. Well, I guess you can’t say she was the mistress. She had a one night stand with Eric right before his wedding to Celine. This one night led to her son, Justin. Now their careful secrets are about to come to light because Brian, Celine and Eric’s son, has cancer and needs a transplant from Justin. Confused yet…I promise the author does a great job unfolding this secret.

As much as I loved the story, I hated the conversations. They were a bit canned and unnatural. Also, Celine acted a bit ambiguous in places. I really wanted to jump through the pages and tell her to STOP IT! 😂. But, the story full of the secrets and the threat of losing Brian kept me reading!

Need a quick family drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

A gripping, powerful read. A valuable lesson for our own times.” —Heather Morris, New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Starsand The German Wife about resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of the Nazi “show camp” Theresienstadt.

Hannah longs for the days when she used to be free, but now, she is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto where the Nazis plan to make a propaganda film to convince the world that the Jewish people are living well in the camps. But Hannah will do anything to show the world the truth. Along with other young resistance members, they vow to disrupt the filming and derail the increasingly frequent deportations to death camps in the east.

Hilde is a true believer in the Nazi cause, working in the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. Though they’re losing the war, Hilde hasn’t lost faith. She can’t stop the Allied bombings, but she can help the party create a documentary that will renew confidence in Hitler’s plans for Jewish containment. When the filming of Hitler Gives a City to the Jews faces production problems due to resistance, Hilde finds herself in a position to finally make a name for herself. And when she recognizes Hannah, an old childhood friend, she knows she can use their friendship to get the film back on track.

Review

Hilde and Hannah started out as best friends with they were little girls. Then the Nazis took over. Hilde became a true Nazi and swallowed their beliefs with gusto. Hannah was sent off to be Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto. It took years, but their paths cross again.

The difference between these two young women is night and day. Hannah is a sweet young, Jewish lady and Hilde is a true Nazi to her core. Hilde and Hannah become reacquainted when Hilde heads to the ghetto to do a film about how great the Jews have it under the Nazi regime. But, it doesn’t go quite as planned. And you need to read this to find out!

As with most WWII novels, the emotions run high. I just wanted to slap Hilde. But, she is a product of her environment. The author does a great job with these two and their differences.

This is very well researched and an emotional read.

Need a tale you will be thinking about for days…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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