reecaspieces

Overview

“[E]xpert plotting and nuanced historical details result in an exceptional story that enchants from the first page to the last.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review

“Brilliantly written, masterful storytelling, and hard to put down. This story will stay with me for a very, very long time.” —Heather Morris, #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

An empowering, uplifting tale of two women from opposite sides of society, and their extraordinary journey of sisterhood, betrayal, love and triumph.

1800s China. Tightly bound feet, or “golden lilies,” are the mark of an honorable woman, eclipsing beauty, a rich dowry and even bloodline in the marriage stakes. When Little Flower is sold as a maidservant—a muizai—to Linjing, a daughter of the prominent Fong family, she clings to the hope that one day her golden lilies will lead her out of slavery.

Not only does Little Flower have bound feet, uncommon for a muizai, but she is extraordinarily gifted at embroidery, a skill associated with the highest class of a lady. Resentful of her talents, Linjing does everything in her power to thwart Little Flower’s escape.

But when scandal strikes the Fongs, both women are cast out to the Celibate Sisterhood, where Little Flower’s artistic prowess catches the eye of a nobleman. His attention threatens not only her improved status, but her life—the Sisterhood punishes disobedience with death. And if Linjing finds out, will she sabotage Little Flower to reclaim her power, or will she protect her? 

Review

I can honestly say, this book kept me captive me from start to finish.

Little Flower is sold as a child to the wealthy Fong family to be maid servant to their daughter, Lingjing. Lingjing is a spoiled, rich girl and is extremely jealous. As they grow up together, it is not easy. But when scandal strikes the Fongs, things become much worse.

There were so many times while reading this tale that I wanted to snatch Lingjing baldheaded. She does everything in her power to make sure Little Flower does not succeed in anything. The author creates such an emotional discourse between these two with their different circumstances and talents, I had to set the book down and take a break. But, that didn’t last long, I just had to know where life was going to lead them next!

The history and the culture is another area of fascination in this story. I have read a few books set in this time period in this country but this book took me through so many other levels of culture, like the silk weaving factory.

I loved everything about this tale. It is captivating, emotional and a wonderful story you do not want to miss

Need an emotional tale set in 1800 China…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.

New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte is now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art. She’s consumed by her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

The night of the gala: One of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing, and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening. Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, and a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

Review

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.

New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”

Annie is such an adorable character. She is smart as a whip! I could just picture her when she made her big mistake…you will have to read this to find out. But let me tell you, this just made her stronger and almost invincible.

Then there is Charlotte. Even though she is one of the first female architects, she let life beat her down (don’t get me wrong, it would have beaten me down too!). Her life turned out a lot different than she expected. It takes her a while, but she eventually realizes where she needs to be!

The dual timelines in this tale are expertly done! No doubt about it. I loved both sections of the past and the present.

This is not my favorite Fiona Davis novel. It just did not keep me as captivated as some of her other books. However, it is still 4.5 stars, rounded up! She is just an amazing writer. She always has a great story, with strong women characters surrounded by wonderful history.

Need a unique archeological tale….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

No matter how far you run, some pasts never let you go…

Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country.

With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?

Yet their search unearths more questions than answers—until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers.

Soon, it becomes clear this case is nothing like they’ve seen before as their investigation leads them to the hallowed grounds of Havenwood—an eerily beautiful place rooted in a terrifying past.

As more bodies turn up, all tied to the same community, Kara and Matt are desperate to piece the puzzle together before Havenwood’s leader sacrifices everything to keep her secrets buried.

Review

Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country. With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?

As with all Allison Brennan’s books, this is a bit too long. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy her books, I just find them longer than they need to be. And to be honest, I think this is one of my favorites by her.

There are a lot of intriguing aspects in this novel. I enjoyed the cult! This just made the story more dramatic and intense! Then there is Riley. She is a great character. She has had a life full of trauma and discord. She is truly struggling. Kara knows to handle her with kid gloves.

This is book 6 in the Quinn and Costa series. It is not necessary that you read them in order. They are stand alone books.

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

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Overview

For fans of Louise Penny and Robert Dugoni, Illusionist is a contemporary crime thriller where PI McPherson must choose between killing an author at a writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest or letting a college student die.

When an illusionist joins the Pines & Quill writing retreat, one of the owners vanishes without a trace in the middle of everyone, but the surrounding would-be witnesses don’t see or hear a thing. That’s when crime boss Georgio Gambino makes a checkmate move against his nemesis, Sean McPherson. He forces a writer in residence to kill another writer and frame McPherson. In a video call, Gambino warns the writer, “If you don’t follow orders, your daughter will die.” Then, he pans the camera to prove access to her college dorm room. 

McPherson discovers that Carmine Fiore, Gambino’s second in command, covets his boss role and is staging a coup. As Gambino’s soldiers traffic drugs, weapons, and humans, Fiore plants incriminating evidence against the notorious Sureños gang. Can McPherson leverage that knowledge for a temporary truce and the gang’s help?

The writers in residence—a former NASCAR driver, a professional triathlete, an architect turned house flipper, and a world-renowned magician who may not be who she appears to be—band together with McPherson to create the illusion of a lifetime.

Review

In true Laurie Buchanan fashion, The Pines and Quill writing retreat will send you reeling…in more ways than one.

This retreat is perfect for the solitude of the writer. And trust me when I say…I want to go and just read. But life does not stay peaceful, even at The Pines and Quill.

Enter Sean Mcphersons’s nemesis, Georgio Gambino. He forces a writer in residence to kill another writer and frame McPherson. In a video call, Gambino warns the writer, “If you don’t follow orders, your daughter will die.” Then, he pans the camera to prove access to her college dorm room. 

Sean McPherson or “Mick” as he is called is my all time favorite. I love his intellect and his magnetism. The author uses all of his attributes to create this suspenseful tale you do not want to miss.

I love this series. It is not necessary that you read them in order, but trust me, you will want to read them all!

Need a good mystery with great characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

In the heart of occupied WWII Paris, an elegant fashion house is the unlikely headquarters of a daring resistance network. Behind closed doors, courageous women vie to save loved ones and strangers alike from the Nazis in this powerful story of survival, friendship and second chances.

France, 1942

Once, Paulette Leblanc spent her days flirting, shopping and drawing elegant dresses in her sketch pad. Then German tanks rolled into France, and a reckless romance turned into deep betrayal. Blaming herself for her mother’s arrest by the Gestapo, Paulette is sent away to begin a new life in Paris, working as apprentice to fashion designer Sabine Ballard.

But Maison de Ballard is no ordinary fashion house. While seamstresses create the perfect couture gowns, clandestine deals and secrets take place out of sight. Mademoiselle Ballard is head of a vast network of resistance fighters—including Paulette’s coworker and friend Nicolle Cadieux—who help escort downed military men and Jewish families to safety.

Soon Paulette is recruited as a spy. Working as a seamstress by day, gathering information at glamorous parties by night, Paulette at last has a chance to earn the redemption she craves. But as the SS closes in, and Nicolle goes missing, Paulette must make life-and-death decisions about who to trust, who to love and who to leave behind…

Review

Once, Paulette Leblanc spent her days flirting, shopping and drawing elegant dresses in her sketch pad. Then German tanks rolled into France, and a reckless romance turned into deep betrayal. Blaming herself for her mother’s arrest by the Gestapo, Paulette is sent away to begin a new life in Paris, working as apprentice to fashion designer Sabine Ballard.

I am in the minority on this one. My friend over at Silvers Reviews loved this book. You can see her review here. We usually agree on most of the books we read. In my opinion, this is more of a 3.5 stars rounded up. This is why I always say…read the book yourself.

This story dragged a good bit for me. And because of the holiday season and the festivities, this is probably my fault. I just had a hard time connecting to this story. Plus, I have read several WWII books lately and it may mean I need a change. Now, I did enjoy it. It was just a tad slow.

All of that being said…this has family drama, secrets. and intensity. Sabine is tough, smart and connected. Paulette starts out a bit naïve. But, she soon turns into a good resistance worker with a unique flair.

Need a good French Resistance tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop, returns with the joyful and utterly irresistible story of a mother who couldn’t love her kids more but hopes that, just this once, they please don’t come home for Christmas.  Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Julie Murphy! 

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.

Don’t miss Susan Mallery’s brand new novel, BEACH READS, a dazzling, clever and poignant story about the family we’re born into—and the one we create for ourselves, coming March 2025!

Review

I saved this one for closer to Christmas to get me in the holiday mood. I am a BAH HUMBUG. But I do love a good Christmas read!

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

These characters are fantastic and I enjoyed the family drama and all the little quips! Don’t we all have family drama on one of the best days of the year! 😜.

Susan Mallery weaves an adorable Christmas tale full of Christmas cheer…well at the end of the story!

Need a family drama to get you in the fighting (ugh…Christmas) spirit…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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