reecaspieces

Overview

A richly detailed, slow-burning family saga distinguished by incisive psychological insight and masterful research. . . Shattuck is such a good writer, giving us swaths of cultural and historical background as gracefully and intelligently as she parses the emotional depths of her characters. Every note in the novel rings clear and true.”  — Kate Christensen, New York Times Book Review 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Women in the Castle comes a sweeping story of a nation on the rise, and one family’s deeply complicated relationship to the resource that built their fortune and fueled their greatest tragedy, perfect for fans of The Dutch House and Great Circle.

It’s 1953, and for Nick Taylor, WWII veteran turned company lawyer, oil is the key to the future. He takes the train into the city for work and returns to the peaceful streets of the suburbs and to his wife, Bet, former codebreaker now housewife, and their two children, Katherine and Harry. Nick comes from humble origins but thanks to his work for American Oil, he can provide every comfort for his family, including Last House, a secluded country escape. Deep in the Vermont mountains, the Taylors are free from the stresses of modern life. Bet doesn’t have to worry about the Russian H-bombs that haunt her dreams, and the children roam free in the woods. Last House is a place that could survive the end of the world.

It’s 1968, and America is on the brink of change. Protestors fill the streets to challenge everything from the Vietnam War to racism in the wake of MLK’s shooting—to the country’s reliance on Big Oil. As Katherine makes her first forays into adult life, she’s caught up in the current of the time and struggles to reconcile her ideals with the stable and privileged childhood her Greatest Generation parents worked so hard to provide. But when the Movement shifts in a more radical direction, each member of the Taylor family will be forced to reckon with the consequences of the choices they’ve made for the causes they believed in.

Spanning multiple generations and nearly eighty years, Last House tells the story of one American family during an age of grand ideals and even greater downfalls. Set against the backdrop of our nation’s history, this is an emotional tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance and what we owe each other—and captures to stunning effect gravity of time, the double edge of progress, and the hubris of empire.

Review

This story weaves together quite a bit about the 60s…and then some…all in one family. The father works as a lawyer for American Oil. Bet, his wife, is a former codebreaker. Katherine the daughter becomes involved in the radical thinking of the 60s and her brother, Henry, he is the calm one, until he isn’t.

While reading this novel, I truly did not know what to think. Is this tale espionage, is it family drama, is it about radicalism? It is all of the above.

The story spans several decades and encompasses many radical ideas and political views. It is a bit long and wordy in places. But I enjoyed how this family changed with the times and how their lives were affected by choices.

Need a good family drama with some interesting details…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Finding family is a journey of love, risk, secrets, and healing in a powerful novel by the bestselling author of A Brighter Flame, The Passing Storm, and The Road She Left Behind.

When Nova Doubeck is asked to foster two children, she can’t say no. With her own childhood wounds healed by adoptive parents, Nova understands the rewards of a caring guardian—even an impermanent one. But nine-year-old Henry and his seven-year-old sister, Bella, are more than Nova bargained for.

Combative Henry is at risk of becoming like his abusive father, Egan Croy. Timid Bella, clutching a tin box of treasures, cowers at the slightest noise. Yet Nova gradually earns their trust and affection as they bring unexpected love and joy to her guarded life. Now she can’t help but wonder: How will she stop her heart from breaking when the time comes to say goodbye?

As Egan aggressively battles to regain control over the children, Nova’s protective instincts prove just as fierce. In fighting to save Henry and Bella, she’ll unlock the secrets hidden in their past—and learn more about herself and the true meaning of family than anyone imagined.

Review

Nova owns her on landscaping business. She also is a foster mom. She has only fostered teenagers. So, when she is asked to take two young siblings in for an emergency placing, she hedges a little bit. She has never fostered young kids.

Henry is the older of the two at 9 years old. When he shows up at Nova’s, he is a tough, combative little boy. His little sister, Bella, is just as sweet as she can be but so timid. Nova knows she has her work cut out for her.

Nova is a character I adored. She is exactly what these two abused children need, a loving heart and home. Nova begins to crack each child’s shell with her patience. And soon Nova loses her heart as well. She knows she is not supposed to get close to these children. She knows she is going to lose them.

This story takes you through all the emotions. Egan, the children’s father, has my anger up in a snap. And the way he manipulates his children…I wanted to come through these pages. Then there is a secret about Nova no one knew…but it comes out. And it just takes her on an emotional roller coaster.

Need a heartfelt story which will have you hugging everyone in your family…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

Evocative and transportive, filled with nuance and spiked with the violence of war, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a story of redemption in the midst of hopelessness.”
–Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary.

As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai’s father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he’s losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

Review

Kai is a daughter of a missionary. She killed a tiger when she was very young so she has a stigma that follows her. Kai’s father just knows the Lord will protect the village from Japanese invaders. But, this is not the case. Kai does everything she can but it is enough?!?

What a fabulous character is Kai! She just goes through so much in her young life. But, she never gives up. Did she possibly make some bad choices, yes, but there were reasons. I cannot imagine going through what this girl goes through in this novel and survive.

This is a unique tale set in Burma during WWII. I had no idea about what happened on this side of the world during this time period. So, to say I learned a lot is an understatement! This author did amazing research and some wonderful writing to bring this story to life!

Need a different tale about WWII…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Based on true events, Tomorrow Is for the Brave is a gripping World War II page‑turner about a courageous woman who risks it all for what is right—perfect for fans of Natasha Lester and Kristen Harmel.

1939, France: Lavish parties, fast cars, and a closet full of the latest fashion—to the average eye, socialite Violet St. Croix seemingly has it all. But what she truly wants is a life full of meaning and purpose. So when France falls to Germany, Violet defies her parents’ wishes and joins the war effort.  With her impeccable skill for driving under pressure, she is soon sent to North Africa to shepherd French Foreign Legion officers carrying valuable intelligence through dangerous territory.

But as the Allies encounter one mishap after another, Violet becomes convinced there is a spy in their ranks. And when her commanding officer is murdered, Violet realizes she might be the only one who can uncover the traitor and save the lives of countless soldiers on the front lines. Convincing others to believe her is difficult enough. Finding someone she can trust just might be impossible.

Review

Violet is a socialite on the cusp of WWII. She soon realizes that she knows nothing about the world. She breaks off her engagement, signs up to be a nurse, and gets disowned by her parents all in one swoop!

It does not take Violet long to realize nursing is not for her. Luckily a bomb raid saved her from this situation when she drove an ambulance. No one expected a woman to know how to drive. This changed her roll in the French Foreign Legion.

First off, I do not think I have ever read a book about the FFL during WWII. Where have I been??? This story is well researched and the characters are amazing. When Violet comes out of her shell, she takes no prisoners. Talk about strong and brave!

I read this book in a day and a half. I cannot tell y’all how good this book is. You MUST read it for yourself!

Need a book which will have you gasping for air…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

One man is about to have a midlife crisis like no man has ever had before. But for his wife, the nightmare is just beginning…
Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Linda Haley is awakened early one morning by two police officers at the door. She has no idea that her husband has been living a secret life during his daily commute from Scarsdale into the city. Now Guy is the prime suspect in a brutal murder that could derail Linda’s high-powered career and may be connected to a cold case.

And Guy has disappeared.

With a warrant out for her husband’s arrest, Linda sets out to prove his innocence accompanied by an ex-cop who harbors a secret affection for her. Together, they travel to the scene of a forty-year-old unsolved murder and a night of violence that shattered the serenity of a small fishing hamlet just past the Hamptons.

But as the manhunt intensifies and she begins to uncover the shocking truth—and the past Guy has buried deep—Linda must decide if the stranger she married is innocent or guilty. And if he truly deserves to be saved.

Featuring tense, atmospheric suspense that moves at breakneck speed, this Hitchcockian thriller careens from a bedroom community just north of New York City to the picturesque beaches of eastern Long Island to a suburban train station, where a killer hiding in plain sight waits to exact a final revenge.

Review

Guy has met a gorgeous woman on the commuter train to and from work. He becomes entangled in her drama. Her boyfriend is beating her. He is sure of that. He will not tolerate that because of his Mom and past trauma. Now, Guy is the prime suspect in a murder.

When this book began, I almost DNFed it. I hated Guy almost from the get go! I thought, I am not reading this if he is going to be as bad as I think! But then…it got better and better and better!

I became completely captivated in the mystery of this tale. I will try not to give anything away, but the more this tale unfolds the more of a guessing game it is! And Linda! She is rock solid for her husband from start to finish. She never gives up!

Need a fast paced thriller with a twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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