reecaspieces

Overview

Perfect for fans of bubbly wine and Kristin Harmel, this historical fiction novel follows Mme. Clicquot as she builds her legacy, and the modern divorcée who looks to her letters for inspiration.

Reims, France, 1805: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot has just lost her beloved husband but is determined to pursue their dream of creating the premier champagne house in France, now named for her new identity as a widow: Veuve Clicquot. With the Russians poised to invade, competitors fighting for her customers, and the Napoleonic court politics complicating matters she must set herself apart quickly and permanently if she, and her business, are to survive.

In present day Chicago, broken from her divorce, Natalie Taylor runs away to Paris. In a book stall by the Seine, Natalie finds a collection of the Widow Clicquot’s published letters and uses them as inspiration to step out of her comfort zone and create a new, empowered life for herself. But when her Parisian escape takes a shocking and unexpected turn, she’s forced to make a choice. Should she accept her losses and return home, or fight for the future she’s only dreamed about? What would the widow do?

Review

In present day Chicago, broken from her divorce, Natalie Taylor runs away to Paris. In a book stall by the Seine, Natalie finds a collection of the Widow Clicquot’s published letters and uses them as inspiration to step out of her comfort zone and create a new, empowered life for herself. But when her Parisian escape takes a shocking and unexpected turn, she’s forced to make a choice. Should she accept her losses and return home, or fight for the future she’s only dreamed about? What would the widow do?

Natalie has a broken heart. To mend her broken heart, she takes off to Paris!! Nothing is better than that. I love how her strength slowly evolves as she learns what she wants for the rest of her life.

Then there is a big twist!…I mean it’s life…there are always big twists. Natalie does not let this stop her. She goes on a hunt..and you will need to read this to find out! You will not be sorry.

I loved the way the past is folded into this novel through the letters. The author did a fabulous job weaving these two stories together to create wonderful dual timelines.

Need an all around good tale which has quite a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Darby Kane, author of the #1 international bestseller Pretty Little Wife, returns with another twisty domestic thriller about a wife wondering who tried to kill her husband twice before finally succeeding… because that was supposed to be herjob. 

Dr. Richmond Dougherty is a renowned pediatric surgeon, an infamous tragedy survivor, and a national hero. He’s also very dead—thanks to a fall down the stairs. His neighbors angrily point a finger at the newest Ms. Dougherty, Addison. The sudden marriage to the mysterious young woman only lasted ninety-seven days, and he’d had two suspicious “accidents” during that time. Now Addison is a very rich widow.

As law enforcement starts to circle in on Addison and people in town become increasingly hostile, sides are chosen with Kathryn, Richmond’s high school sweetheart, wife number one, and the mother of his children, leading the fray. Despite rising tensions, Addison is even more driven to forge ahead on the path she charted years ago…

Determined at all costs to unravel Richmond’s legacy, she soon becomes a target—with a shocking note left on her bedroom wall: You will pay. But it will take a lot more than faceless threats to stop Addison. Her plan to marry Richmond then ruin him may have been derailed by his unexpected death, but she’s not done with him yet

Review

Dr. Richmond Dougherty is a renowned pediatric surgeon, an infamous tragedy survivor, and a national hero. He’s also very dead—thanks to a fall down the stairs. His neighbors angrily point a finger at the newest Ms. Dougherty, Addison. The sudden marriage to the mysterious young woman only lasted ninety-seven days, and he’d had two suspicious “accidents” during that time. Now Addison is a very rich widow.

When I first started this book, I immediately loved Addison. She is no nonsense, she is smart, and she has herself in a mess. There is something about Addison that I felt sorry for, but yet I knew that was misplaced… or was it? The ending tells a bit of a different story.

This novel has a lot of moving parts and it will keep you on your toes with all of the questions about the past!

OK, y’all, I have never read this author before. I’m gonna have to pick up some of her books. I enjoyed the movement of this novel. I enjoyed the characters. And I definitely enjoyed the thrill. This ending will have you wanting to punch somebody, just letting you know. So be ready. 😉

Need a quick, twisty thriller…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 new novel inspired by a real place and events from the author’s family,Trouble Island is the standalone suspense debut from historical mystery writer Sharon Short.

Many miles from anywhere in the middle of Lake Erie, Trouble Island serves as a stop-off for gangsters as they run between America and Canada. The remote isle is also the permanent home to two women: Aurelia Escalante, who serves as a maid to Rosita, lady of the mansion and wife to the notorious prohibition gangster, Eddie McGee. In the freezing winter of 1932, the women anticipate the arrival of Eddie and his strange coterie: his right-hand man, a doctor, a cousin, a famous actor, and a rival gangster who Rosita believes murdered their only son.

Aurelia wants nothing more than to escape Trouble Island, but she is hiding a secret of her own. She is in fact not a maid, but a gangster’s wife in hiding, as she runs from the murder she committed five years ago. Her friend Rosita took her in under this guise, but it has become clear that Rosita wants to keep Aurelia right where she is.

Shortly after the group of criminals, celebrities, and scoundrels arrive, Rosita suddenly disappears. Aurelia plans her getaway, going to the shore to retrieve her box of hidden treasures, but instead finds Rosita’s body in the water. Someone has made sure Aurelia was the one to find her. An ice storm makes unexpected landfall, cutting Trouble Island off from both mainlands, and with more than one murderer among them.

Both a gripping locked room mystery, and a transporting, evocative portrait of a woman in crisis, Trouble Island marks the enthralling standalone suspense debut from Sharon Short, promising to be her breakout novel, inspired by a real island in Lake Erie, and true events from her own rich family history.

Review

When I started reading this story, I had no idea where it was going to lead me. And let me tell you, it led me on quite a journey.

Many miles from anywhere in the middle of Lake Erie, Trouble Island serves as a stop-off for gangsters as they run between America and Canada. The remote isle is also the permanent home to two women: Aurelia Escalante, who serves as a maid to Rosita, lady of the mansion and wife to the notorious prohibition gangster, Eddie McGee. In the freezing winter of 1932, the women anticipate the arrival of Eddie and his strange coterie: his right-hand man, a doctor, a cousin, a famous actor, and a rival gangster who Rosita believes murdered their only son.

I absolutely LOVED this setting. A remote island in the middle of Lake Erie is perfect for gangsters and murderers! And believe me…this book is full of both.

My heart broke for both Rosita and Aurelia, but for different reasons. But don’t let these two ladies fool you. They are not wimps! And as the story unfolds…you better look out!

Need a drama-filled tale with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel for a honest opinion.

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Overview

Jenni L. Walsh captures the thrill of being on the court in a vivid and detailed portrayal of Alice Marble’s rise to sporting greatness, as well as her struggles to fulfill her dreams both on and off the court. Ace, Marvel, Spy is a smashing success!” –Billie Jean King, sports icon and equality champion

“All’s fair in love and war–and tennis!–in Jenni L. Walsh’s latest page-turning historical novel . . . Readers can’t help but be inspired by this unflinching portrayal of a true American icon.” –Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times Bestselling author of A Happier Life

Trailblazer, superstar, activist, and spy: Alice Marble is a true American icon.

Alice strives to have it all.

At seventeen, Alice Marble has no formal tennis skills and no coach. What she does have is an ability to hit the ball as hard as she can and a strong desire to prove herself. With steadfast determination and one sacrifice after another, Alice plays her heart out on the courts of the rich and famous, at national tournaments, and—the greatest of them all—at Wimbledon, rising to be one of the top-ranked players in the world.

But then her world falls apart.

With the outbreak of war with Germany, Alice’s tennis career and life come to a screeching halt, and for the first time, she is forced to confront who she is without tennis. As she seeks to understand her new place in the world and how she can aid in the war efforts, a telegram arrives with devastating news from overseas. Heartbroken and lost, she feels like she can only watch as the war wreaks havoc in every area of her life.

Until an unexpected invitation arrives.

Alice is given the chance to fight back when the US Army sends her a request: Under the guise of playing in tennis exhibition games in Switzerland, she would be a spy for them. Alice aches for nothing more than to avenge what the war has taken from her and to prove herself against this new opponent. But what awaits her might be her greatest challenge yet.

From her start as a promising athlete with worn-out shoes to her status as a glamorous international star, Alice Marble’s determination to control her own life and destiny fuels a story of achievement, discipline, loss, and love.

Jenni L. Walsh’s Ace, Marvel, Spy brilliantly showcases the life of Alice Marble, a real-life tennis sensation known for her extraordinary talent and indomitable spirit. This fast-paced and action-packed historical novel spans multiple international settings and is enhanced by discussion questions that prompt readers to reflect on Alice’s challenges and triumphs, making it an ideal choice for book clubs.

Review

I love a book based on a real person. And y’all, I had no idea that this woman existed. And what a life she led!

Alice is raised very poor. But she has a talent. She is extremely talented in tennis. She is strong and fierce on the court! When the war breaks out and tennis is at a standstill, Alice ends up as a spy…but there is a lot of life in between you do not want to miss.

This book is fascinating because Alice is one unique lady. I love her strength and her intelligence. She is an Ace tennis player, then she is a Marvel because she comes back from several traumas and illnesses, then she is a Spy. I love the way her life unfolded and Jenni L. Walsh expertly led me through all the twists and turns.

I am going to do more research on Alice. I feel like there is more to learn.

This novel releases January 14. Add it to your list today!

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

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Overview

Family secrets come to light as a young woman fights to save herself, and others, in a Nazi-run baby factory—a real-life Handmaid’s Tale—during World War II.

In a sleepy German village, Allina Strauss’s life seems idyllic: she works at her uncle’s bookshop, makes strudel with her aunt, and spends weekends with her friends and fiancé. But it’s 1939, Adolf Hitler is Chancellor, and Allina’s family hides a terrifying secret—her birth mother was Jewish, making her a Mischling. 

One fateful night after losing everyone she loves, Allina is forced into service as a nurse at a state-run baby factory called Hochland Home. There, she becomes both witness and participant to the horrors of Heinrich Himmler’s ruthless eugenics program. 

The Sunflower House is a meticulously-researched debut historical novel from Adriana Allegri that uncovers the notorious Lebensborn Program of Nazi Germany. Women of “pure” blood stayed in Lebensborn homes for the sole purpose of perpetuating the Aryan population, giving birth to thousands of babies who were adopted out to “good” Nazi families. Allina must keep her Jewish identity a secret in order to survive, but when she discovers the neglect occurring within the home, she’s determined not only to save herself, but also the children in her care. 

A tale of one woman’s determination to resist and survive, The Sunflower House is also a love story. When Allina meets Karl, a high-ranking SS officer with secrets of his own, the two must decide how much they are willing to share with each other—and how much they can stand to risk as they join forces to save as many children as they can. The threads of this poignant and heartrending novel weave a tale of loss and love, friendship and betrayal, and the secrets we bury in order to save ourselves.

Review

When Allina meets Karl, a high-ranking SS officer with secrets of his own, the two must decide how much they are willing to share with each other—and how much they can stand to risk as they join forces to save as many children as they can.

Allina just broke my heart in so many ways. But she never gives up as she struggles to survive.

There is so much to say about this novel! I had to wait a few days before I wrote my review. I had to let this one marinate.

Yes, I knew this occurred. But it is still hard to understand how this COULD have occurred. The author really takes you through some of the outcomes of this method used by the Germans. I really do not think I knew what they actually did to these children as babies. I knew they had homes for women to have babies for the Reich but I didn’t quite fathom the child care system. Cringeworthy!!

This is a book which will have you crying and angry all at the same time. This review still does not do this book justice. Just know…you need to read this now! Don’t wait. RUN!!!

Need an emotional read you won’t forget…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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