reecaspieces

Overview

Ali Rubin has a reputation for spontaneity. Like that time she made a drunken bet in London that led to matching tattoos with a stranger. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.

Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.

At the same time, she’s desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.

Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can’t seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything.

Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.

Review

I enjoyed the premise of the book. Graham and Ali met years ago and actually got matching tattoos from a drunken bet. Then years later, they accidentally meet at a coffee shop and it turns both of their worlds upside down.

Graham is trying to save his grandmother’s hotel and Ali has changed careers and is now a wedding planner…to Graham’s wedding. Needless to say, this puts a big kink in their attraction.

I enjoyed Graham and Ali. However, it does take quite a bit of time for these two to get together. I also felt the story could have been much shorter. Like I said…it was a bit slow getting these two together. But, it is an enjoyable, fun read.

This is three and a half stars rounded up.

Need a cute romcom with fun characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Newly-minted child psychologist Mina has little experience. In a field where the first people called are experts, she’s been unable to get her feet wet. Instead she aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain, and anxiously contemplating her upcoming marriage to careful, precise researcher Oscar. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. And he has a proposition for her.

Alice Webber is a thirteen year old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.

But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. The town of Banathel has a deep history of superstition and witchcraft. They believe there is evil in the world. They believe there are ways of…dealing with it. And they don’t expect outsiders to understand.

As Mina races to uncover the truth behind Alice’s condition, the dark cracks of Banathel begin to show. Mina is desperate to understand how deep their sinister traditions go–and how her own past may be the biggest threat of all.

Review

Alice Webber is a thirteen year old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.

I know this book is getting a lot of hype. I did finish it, but, I can’t say that I enjoyed it much. I really found some of these decisions by the parents a little dumb. I just wanted to slap them silly. If the child is seeing something in the chimney when she sleeps…let her sleep in a different room. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. Maybe it is just how my brain works. It just kind of drove me insane.

This did start out really strong and this is probably why I finished it. I kept expecting it to get better. But honestly, it just kept getting weirder and a bit disjointed.

Now, just because I thought this way does not mean you will. Read this for yourself and let me know your thoughts!

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

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Overview

An immersive historical drama about a young mother who starts a new life with her son in New York after faking their deaths on the Titanic—the U.S. debut of acclaimed British novelist Frances Quinn.

“A compelling examination of the cost of dreams, delusions of the heart, and the unbreakable bond of mother and child.”—Shana Abé, author of The Second Mrs. Astor

Sometimes it takes a disaster to change your life.

Marrying above your social class can come with unexpected consequences, as Elinor Coombes discovers when she is swept into a fairy-tale marriage with the son of English aristocrats. But she realizes too late that it was the appeal of her father’s hard-earned wealth rather than her own pretty face that attracted her new husband and his family. Ground down by rigid social rules that include her being allowed to see her nanny-raised infant son for only moments each day, Elinor faces a lonely future. But a present from her father—tickets for the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, a luxurious new ocean liner—offers a welcome escape from the cold, controlling atmosphere of her husband’s ancestral home, and some precious time with her little son, Teddy.

After the ship goes down, Elinor grasps at the chance to take Teddy and start a new life in America: They can disappear completely if they are listed among the dead. After stealing another woman’s identity, a now penniless Elinor must put that terrible night behind her and learn to survive in a brash new world that couldn’t be more different from her own. And when a face from the past appears, she must risk everything to keep her secret—and her son.

An absorbing historical drama set between the hidebound traditions of the English aristocracy and the opportunities of a bustling young city, The Lost Passenger is a gripping and dramatic story about grabbing your chances with both hands, and being brave enough to find out who you really are.

Review

Elinor is a wealthy young lady but she is not from the British aristocracy. So, she is swept off her feet and she marries above her station. But, it doesn’t take her long to realize her marriage is not what it seems. Her father offers to take her and her family on the Titanic. After the ship goes down, Elinor grasps at the chance to take Teddy, her son, and start a new life in America: They can disappear completely if they are listed among the dead.

Elinor is a character that, at first, breaks your heart. But then she grabs her chance and nothing can stop her. She is someone I rallied behind and rooted for all the way through. And believe me, she has some struggles. But her intelligence and her love for her son keep her going forward.

This was very close to a five star read for me. It is captivating and intense. The only issue I had with this tale is that I predicted everything that happened. And no, I am not going to tell you…you need to read this for yourself. The story is just a bit predictable. But this book is still a super good read!

Need a dramatic tale with a strong woman character…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

An astonishing historical novel of one woman’s dangerous journey through World War II Germany and her life-changing friendship with a young woman decades later—from the #1 international bestselling author of Looking for Jane

“A fascinating and moving story of courage, sacrifice, and friendship.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

Northern England, 2010. After a tragic accident upends her life, Kate Mercer leaves London to work at an old guest house near the Scottish border, where she hopes to find a fresh start and heal from her loss. When she arrives, she begins to unravel the truth about her past, but discovers that the mysterious elderly proprietor is harboring secrets of her own.

Berlin, 1938. Audrey James is weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, where she’s been living with her best friend, Ilse Kaplan. As war looms, Ilse’s family disappears and high-ranking Nazi officers confiscate the house. In desperation, Audrey becomes their housekeeper while Ilse is forced into hiding in the attic. When a shocking turn of events embroils Audrey in the anti-Hitler movement, she must decide what matters most: protecting those she loves, or sacrificing everything for the greater good.

Inspired by true stories of courageous women and the German resistance during World War II, The Secret History of Audrey James is a captivating novel about the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the healing that comes from human connection.

Review

I enjoyed this novel. It is full of secrets, drama and unique situations.

Kate is struggling to come to terms with her parents’ deaths and the loss of her marriage. She decides to take a job in a guest house. Her parents actually stayed in this guest house on their honeymoon. She hopes to discover a few tidbits about their lives. But instead, she discovers Audrey.

Audrey is a unique character. She at first comes across crass and brusque. But she soon discovers she likes Kate. These two develop a bond and then Audrey begins tell Kate her life story.

As most of y’all know, I love a book with secrets and this is a story you don’t want to miss. And yes it has a secret or two or three. And the way it unfolds will keep you captivated from start to finish.

Need a novel about friendship, sacrifices and love…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

The author of the “enthralling” (Woman’s World) The Lost English Girl returns with a heartfelt new novel about estranged sisters who inherit their late mother’s dress shop in World War II London.

Isabelle Shelton has always found comfort in the predictable world of her mother’s dressmaking shop, Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions, while her sister Sylvia turned her back on the family years ago to marry a wealthy doctor whom Izzie detests. When their mother dies unexpectedly, the sisters are stunned to find they’ve jointly inherited the family business. Izzie is determined to buy Sylvia out, but when she’s conscripted into the WAAF, she’s forced to seek Sylvia’s help to keep the shop open. Realizing this could be her one chance at reconciliation with her sister, Sylvia is determined to save Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions from closure—and financial ruin.

Through letters, the sisters begin to confront old wounds, new loves, and the weight of family legacy in order to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.

Review

Izzie and Sylvia’s mother has passed away. Izzie was sure her mother would leave her the dress shop. She has worked there her whole life. But, when Izzie realizes her mother left it to her AND Sylvia, old wounds and hurts begin to smolder.

This was very close to a 5 star read for me. The big issue I had was with Izzie. And y’all, this is minor. She just got on my nerves a bit with her stubborn drama against her sister. Yes, I understood her actions. It just occurred a bit too much…in my opinion. But like I said…minor issue.

I did love Sylvia though! She truly came into her own in these pages. She took over that shop and did just what she was supposed to do…keep it alive. And she did not let society or her husband stop her.

I enjoyed the history in this one as well. I loved learning about all the restrictions placed on the garments in WWII. I also enjoyed Izzie and her WAAF duties. The way the author wove all these details into this story of sisters and old family wounds really added to the drama and intensity.

Need a good tale about sisters and new beginnings…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

A mother and daughter try desperately to reconcile just as a decades-old secret threatens to shatter their relationship forever in this powerful story from the bestselling author of The Echo of Old Books.

For social worker Mallory Ward, working with at-risk youth is a calling. But when one of her clients is tragically killed, she finds herself at a crossroads. Despite long-held resentments toward her distant mother, Mallory retreats to her childhood home on the Rhode Island coast to contemplate her future. Instead, she’s confronted by her past, not only in the renewed tensions with her mother but in the unexpected appearance of a familiar face—and the wrenching losses that drove her away a decade ago.

Helen Ward’s home is filled with precious keepsakes from her patients, a testament to decades spent caring for the terminally ill. Her work has always come first, though, leaving little time to connect with her daughter. Over the years, the rift between them has become a chasm, so when Mallory appears unannounced, Helen sees it as an opportunity to repair their broken relationship.

But hidden among Helen’s mementos are the keys to her past…and a terrible secret that threatens to destroy the fragile new trust between them forever.

Review

Mallory is a social worker. She works with at-risk kids. When one of her clients is murdered, Mallory begins to question her work. Despite having multiple issues with her mother, Mallory decides to go her childhood home to regroup. But all is not as it seems.

Mallory is holding onto a lot from her past. There are major problems between her and her mother. Plus, her ex-fiancé, Aiden is in town. She and Aiden have a lot of past hurts and regrets.

There is so much I want to say about this novel. Y’all know I love a good family drama with lots of secrets and this one knocked me for a loop! This is also a tale about love…and I mean all kinds of love…heartbreak and forgiveness. And believe me, you do not want to miss it!

Need a beautifully written tale that you will think about for quite a while…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

It’s 1962, the dawn of the jet-set era. Hope takes flight for two Pan Am stewardesses navigating an adventurous new life in a novel about love, friendship, and escape by the bestselling author of The Memory of Us and Until We Meet.

Welcome to a glamorous gateway to the jet age.

Judy Goodman and Beverly Caldwell have different reasons for putting continents and oceans between themselves and their disparate pasts, but they have the same desire—to earn a coveted position on an elite team of stewardesses for Pan American Airlines. For Judy, running away from an oppressive marriage in small-town Pennsylvania is a risk she must take. And for Beverly, leaving behind the gilded cage of New York society will allow her to pursue a future of her own making.

Embracing the culture, etiquette, and strict rules of a thrilling and unpredictable new world above the clouds, Judy and Beverly are bound for faraway destinations and opportunities that other women dare only to dream about. But as they build a deep friendship, encounter love and danger, and discover what’s truly important, Judy and Beverly must also confront the secrets that could change their lives all over again—and forever.

Review

I loved this story!

Judy is running away from an abusive husband. Beverly is a rich socialite looking to get out of her gilded cage. As different as these two are, they become best friends when they both become Pan American Stewardesses.

I do not think I have ever read a story about Pan Am and their stewardesses. I loved learning about all the training and the weird rules…like they all had to wear the same color of lipstick. This is completely fascinating and different.

Not only that, the story surrounding the characters is addicting and will keep you so entertained you will not want to stop reading!

This is a story about friendship, but it is also about love, family and relationships. You do not want to miss this one.

Need a unique, great, historical fiction tale…THIS IS IT!

Grab your copy today.

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