reecaspieces

Overview

In February 2020 the US began to withdraw troops from Afghanistan after nearly twenty years of occupation. A whole generation of Afghan women had been born during that time—women who had grown up in relative peace, gone to school, entered the professions, even served in the army and Parliament. The women of Afghanistan watched as the Taliban filled the streets again. They knew everything was about to change.

In the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Kabul, women are TV newscasters, shop owners, doctors, teachers, lawyers, even soldiers. They include Marjan, who fought with the Afghan army, and will risk everything to keep her daughter Hawa safe. In her earlier days Marjan was called Rahima and had lived the life of a bacha posh—a girl raised as a boy until she came of age. Forced into an early marriage, Rahima took the name Marjan when she fled her warlord husband. She’s created a whole new life for herself, one she will not give up easily.

So has Soraya, who defiantly wore red lipstick as she led the army’s all-female combat force over the objections of her upper-class family. Soraya’s now a wanted woman whose brother may choose not to shelter her from the Taliban. What will become of her? Or Mina, a journalist and broadcaster whose beautiful face is known to everyone in Kabul—including the new regime?

Fight or flight? Or find a third way? One thing is for certain: none of these women will meekly accept her fate.

An epic saga of fear, resistance, change, and reinvention, City of Widows gives voices to the unforgettable Afghan women at a crossroads of history.

Review

Forced into an early marriage, Rahima took the name Marjan when she fled her warlord husband. She’s created a whole new life for herself, one she will not give up easily. Soraya’s now a wanted woman whose brother may choose not to shelter her from the Taliban. What will become of her? Or Mina, a journalist and broadcaster whose beautiful face is known to everyone in Kabul—including the new regime?

I love the setting and the strong women characters in this tale. These women are forces of nature. And had to be to survive. Their plights are different but yet they are the same! But their strength is amazing.

I am in the minority on this book. As much as I love the setting and learning about Afghanistan and what all the women went through and are still going through, I was not a big fan of this writing. I felt like there was a lot of useless information that I didn’t need. It also is a bit fragmented and disjointed. But there are a lot of people that love this book. Do I think you should read it? Absolutely! You should not miss it just for the knowledge that you take away.

Need a story with a great setting and strong women….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

In this cinematic, suspenseful World War II mystery, Caitrin Colline, the sharp-witted Welsh spy who has become one of Winston Churchill’s most trusted agents, is dropped into France to retrieve vital Nazi documents . . .

London, 1942: The threat of German invasion has abated, and the war has entered a new chapter, famously summed up by Winston Churchill as “the end of the beginning.” While Churchill faces mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, a dark new horror is unfolding across the channel, as the Nazis move forward with their plan to murder Europe’s Jews.

In the Berlin suburb of Wannsee, young SS officer Dieter Silber helps organize the conference where Reinhard Heydrich outlines his “Final Solution.” Horrified, Dieter steals a copy of Heydrich’s proposal and flees to Paris. Soon there are posters all over the city seeking his whereabouts. If he is not found swiftly, many innocents will die in his place.

Caitrin has her mission directly from Churchill himself: bring Dieter and the document back to London. Posing as a maid for another female spy, she takes up residence at the mansion opposite SS headquarters on Paris’s Avenue Foch. Once Dieter is located, the chase will begin in earnest.

Among Caitrin’s allies are a local gangster, and her aristocratic friend, Lord Hector Neville-Percy. The Resistance is formidable and courageous. But always, the SS are in close pursuit. And as Caitrin has learned, this is a war in which every moment and even the smallest decision can mean the difference between life and death.

Review

London, 1942: The threat of German invasion has abated. While Churchill faces mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, a dark new horror is unfolding across the channel, as the Nazis move forward with their plan to murder Europe’s Jews.

This has great drama and intrigue throughout the beginning and the end. But the middle of this tale is a tad bit slow.

Then there is Dieter, his story is one that is a bit unrealistic to me. Doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen, I just think he would have had a bit more drama surrounding his decision to turn state secrets against Germany. It is almost like he just woke up one day and did it. Yes, he was not happy with what was going on, but there was almost no elaboration surrounding his decision.

But I loved Caitrin and Winston Churchill. The author did a good job with both! I also enjoyed where Caitrin develops her skills in Scotland. This made the whole book for me. Trust me, you need to read this to find out.

Need a story with a strong female character…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

This is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

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

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Overview

Elizabeth Bates must use everything she knows about the art of the con to stop a fellow scammer in his tracks in this first-ever thrilling crossover in the Victoria Thompson universe, featuring characters from her bestselling Gaslight Mysteries.

Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible.

As Gideon and his wife, Elizabeth, investigate, it becomes all the clearer that Talbot may not be who he says he is. As a former con artist herself, Elizabeth suspects one may be in their midst. Undeterred by her pregnancy, she must pull out all the stops to out swindle a swindler and save another woman from ruin.

Review

Famed former police detective turned private investigator Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, come to Gideon Bates desperate for legal guidance. The Malloys’ adopted daughter, Catherine, a burgeoning star of the stage, has announced her engagement to a man she barely knows. Catherine has recently gained access to her trust fund, and Sebastian Talbot appears very eager to marry her as quickly as possible.

I enjoyed the setting and the time period. I also enjoyed learning about con artists. Nothing like some smart crooks to keep you reading.

This is a quick story and I almost finished it in one sitting. I did feel it is a bit simple, I mean…you knew where it was going from the first paragraph and it did not deviate!

This is part of a series. I have not read any in this series. It is not necessary that you do so, but I feel like I would have cared more for the characters if I had read at least one.

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

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

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Overview

Semi-retired actress Marissa Morgan has played many parts in her life. But these days, her primary role is mother of two. Since hitting pause on her career, she’s worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. When her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles for a summer at her recently inherited Poconos lake house.

The long-vacant house needs major TLC, so Marissa hires a home renovation company. But when the project hits a snag and Marissa finds herself sharing space with the crew, including Jesse, the handsome (and vaguely familiar) foreman, her plans for a drama-free summer hit choppy water. As the summer days pass, Marissa starts centering her own needs for the first time in years—and that includes giving in to her mounting attraction to Jesse. Soon, she questions if their fling could become something more.

After an unexpected career opportunity falls into Marissa’s lap, it feels like the stars have finally aligned. But when new complications arise, Marissa and Jesse wonder how they’ll fit into each other’s future. Can the two of them chart a new course together, or is it too late to rewrite the script for a happily ever after?

Review

Since hitting pause on her career, actress Marissa Morgan has worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. When her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles for a summer at her recently inherited Poconos lake house.

This is a wonderful story that will have you smiling one minute and wanting to throw something at Marissa’s ex the next! But don’t worry…Jesse has her back! I love it when an author gets the characters right. And Lindsay nailed Jesse and Marissa.

This is a charming story with a great setting and brilliant banter. And no, not everything is smooth sailing for these two. But, I loved reading about Marissa becoming her own self and putting her self first for a change.

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

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

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Overview

When Babe—the complicated, magnetic matriarch of their teenage summers—dies, four estranged friends return to sleepy Mercy Island, a storm-swept stretch of coastal Georgia, summoned by the reading of her will.

Didion arrives at the timeworn pink house to find the friends she never thought she’d see again—along with the tensions, attractions, and unfinished business that once bound them together and broke them apart.

What should be a brief weekend of small talk quickly unravels when they wake up and discover…it’s Saturday. Again. And again. And again.

Trapped in a time loop with no end and no instructions, they’re forced to confront the betrayals, breakups, and buried truths that shattered them all those years ago. Because maybe, just maybe, an endless weekend is exactly what they all need to save their own lives.

Review

Well, this is a unique read!

When Babe—the complicated, magnetic matriarch of their teenage summers—dies, four estranged friends return to sleepy Mercy Island, a storm-swept stretch of coastal Georgia, summoned by the reading of her will.

When I started this, I had no idea where this was going to go. I did not read the blurb. I usually avoid doing that because I like to be surprised when I read and this book surprised me that is for sure. And to be honest, if I had read the blurb, I might not have read the book. Who would’ve thought that I would like a Groundhog Day trope.

But there is more to the story besides a time loop. This is about friendship. This is about grief and it is about forgiveness. I will say a lot that happens to Didion, she brings on herself. I’m not gonna lie, I really want to slap her at times. 😂.

Even though this story has some serious themes, it will make you smile and even laugh in places. I loved the contrast the author creates.

Need a story about unfinished business…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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