Last Christmas in Paris

One of my fondest memories as a child growing up was during one summer, a friend and I, picked out anonymous names and became pen pals since seeing each other as often as we wanted was out. It was the best summer I can remember. I have a profound respect for men and women who served during our great wars, WWI and WWII. All of the WWI veterans have passed away and we still have a handful of the veterans from WWII but not for long. The stories they still hold is as relevant to them as my summer of being pen pals. There is just something about sharing memories and stories that needs to be treasured.

In Hazel Gaynor's latest novel, Last Christmas in Paris, readers are given a behind the scenes look at how a trio of siblings and friends found a way to survive the war. For Evie Elliot, she watched as her brother Will and best friend to both Evie and Will, Tom Harding went to war for England. The book parallels to different time periods both in 1968, where our story both concludes and begins, but also the formation of hope, faith and love that is shared as the letters between the three are shared in this novel. It shows the progression of optimism that the war will be over by the first Christmas, it shows the loss that comes when war raises its ugly head, and the love that can be found by never giving up, of dreaming of a better future than the current one.

As a reader, I felt guilty as if I had happened upon these letters by chance and was given an insider's look at the lives of both the authors and recipients. Sometimes the things we want to say but can't can be conveyed in writing better than if we spoke them in person. There isn't a fear of what might be said in response because one must wait to hear the outcome in another letter. I have read most of Hazel Gaynor's novels and have to give her credit for taking the reader right into her novels. There is so much detail in her writing style, you can hear and smell the things as they are being described like the Zepplin's nightly air raids on the small towns and of Evie and Tom's promise that one day they will visit Paris for Christmas when the war is over.

I received Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers. Readers will enjoy a bit of historical fact woven into the story line and for fans of history like myself, will truly enjoy and appreciate this novel. I hope more will pick this novel up and join me in preserving a bit of history by doing so. War is hard enough, but it is the love that outlasts all the evils that will always prevail. For me, this one garners a 5 out of 5 stars in this readers opinion.

For more information about Last Christmas in Paris, Hazel Gaynor, Heather Webb or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

You can find Hazel Gaynor on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can find Heather Webb on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Last Christmas in Paris, please visit Harper Collins Publisher's website. 

A Name Unknown Review and Giveaway

"Rosemary Gresham may have been a thief, but she was a thief who preferred to work in broad daylight."

I love reading the first sentence in any novel. Most of the time it gives the reader some insight into how this novel will evolve and A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White is no exception. This is the first novel in the Shadows Over England series and one that I am sure most Edwardian Romance fans will absolutely LOVE! Rosemary Gresham is definitely a professional in her trade, that being one of many thieves that prey upon those in the upper class, in order to not only make a living, but so they can put food on the table of a group of similar young thieves that work London's streets. Most of the time, they are hired out by those looking to gain some advantage or to resolve some slight that they feel needs to be recompensed and her group of wayward thieves is more than happy to assist.

Her latest assignment is to prove Peter Holstein is not what he appears as he has the King's ear and many believe his ties with German began when his mother married his father and secured a place and a notoriety among the upper class in London. Now with the threat of war on the horizon with Germany playing a pivotal role, there are some that want to prove Peter's alliances, however innocent, do not lie with London. So Rosemary has been tasked to uncover proof that Peter is loyal to Germany and the price to be paid is so great, she would be a complete fool to pass it up.

She blends into Peter's household under the guise of being a librarian hired out by one of Peter's contacts to help restore his former library to its glory again. As of yet, it simply remains a hoarder's paradise with more books on the floor and every available space than is on the overly full shelves. Peter needs her assistance to locate documentation about his family, but doesn't share the real reason why he needs that documentation. Is Peter truly a German spy living in the midst of London or is he simply an innocent man looking to prove his loyalty to London before war sets in?

I received A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White compliments of Bethany House Publishers and TLC Book Tours.In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely love Rosemary's character because she can justify her shady dealings to help the local street urchins who are orphans and in need of help. She can read people perfectly and knows more about them than they initially share with her. She finds herself at odds the more she grows to know Peter and understands why his stuttering makes him a bit of a recluse in his small town. It gives way to suspicions by the local townspeople that Peter is truly hiding something and thus the need to prove where his loyalties stand in the face of a war on the horizon. I easily give this a 4 out of 5 stars and shows that sometimes our name is not all what people might be willing to believe.

For more information about A Name Unknown, Roseanna M. White or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

You can find Roseanna M. White on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Name Unknown, please visit TLC Book Tour's page.

Now for the best part, the giveaway. Thanks to the generosity of Bethany House Publishers and TLC Book Tours, they are offering a giveaway copy to one lucky winner. Here are the guidelines to enter:

1. Be a resident of the US or Canada, or have a US or Canada mailing address. No P.O. Boxes please.

2. Share this giveaway on any social media outlet of your choice, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, you name it. In fact the more you share, the more chances you have to win!

3. Leave me a comment below with a link to your social media share along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. I need to have a way to contact you if you're the lucky winner. No email address, I have no way to reach you.

That's all there is to enter. Enter as many times as you want. Remember each social media contact link generates an entry. The giveaway ends on July 31, 2017 and I will be emailing the winner at that time. If you have any questions, please email me at Stevenkat27@gmail.com.





 

High As The Heavens

Living in a country involved in the midst of a great war would be difficult. For those living in Brussels during the Great War or WWI as it was known, difficulty became the word of the day, especially when their small towns were thrust into German occupation and they simply took what they wanted, be it women, children, or any goods they deemed necessary for their survival. It's been three long years dealing with the German occupation and at times, Evelyn Marche's family has had to endure German borders as well, most of them soldiers passing through. It has also given them some privileges as well since her family ran a small cafè, they now keep it open serving whatever is available to the Germans who come there. It offers Evelyn and her family a small respite from being further hassled by their presence in their small town.

It also has given Evelyn time to find ways to transport messages to the allies about the developments she learns of with so many German soldiers getting drunk on the beer that flows freely from their cafè. Her mother also has a hand in helping with the war effort with the way she crafts lace to be delivered by Evelyn to those who desperately need it. Evelyn is doing all she can to survive after losing her brother and sister when they were forced aboard a train, but has learned that they may have escaped and now live in France in the small town of Anor.

Her work as a Red Cross nurse has it benefits and as such, most German's don't question her comings and goings at all hours of the night, especially since receiving the Iron Cross in aiding saving one of their German officers. He now runs most of the staff at the hospital but has also seen to aiding Eveyln's family when he can. But his first and foremost call to duty is to Germany. When a plane crashes late one evening, Evelyn arrives to find the pilot has succumbed to his injuries but the passenger of the plane is her husband she believed had died three years ago. Now she will have to risk everything if she is to save him before they are both discovered as German spies.

I received High As The Heavens by Kate Breslin compliments of Baker Publishing Group and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  I love that so much about this novel is based on historical facts with just the simple changing of the character's names. The true story of three women were remarkable in their efforts to aid the allies with their messages about the Germans in the occupied territory. Most of all, I love Evelyn's efforts to not only save her husband but also to do what she could to reunite her family that had been torn apart from the war. For those that love historical or WWI fiction, then this is a novel for you. I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars because in some places the story just seemed to go on too long. I was happy with how it ended and love the author's note at the end explaining the facts that went into creating this novel. Reader Discussion Questions are included at the conclusion of this novel which would make for a great book club selection.

For more information about High As The Heavens, Kate Breslin, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

High As The Heavens by Kate Breslin

You can find Kate Breslin on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

For more reviews on High As The Heavens, please visit Baker Publishing Group's website. 

 

A Name Unknown

"Rosemary Gresham may have been a thief, but she was a thief who preferred to work in broad daylight."

I love reading the first sentence in any novel. Most of the time it gives the reader some insight into how this novel will evolve and A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White is no exception. This is the first novel in the Shadows Over England series and one that I am sure most Edwardian Romance fans will absolutely LOVE! Rosemary Gresham is definitely a professional in her trade, that being one of many thieves that prey upon those in the upper class, in order to not only make a living, but so they can put food on the table of a group of similar young thieves that work London's streets. Most of the time, they are hired out by those looking to gain some advantage or to resolve some slight that they feel needs to be recompensed and her group of wayward thieves is more than happy to assist.

Her latest assignment is to prove Peter Holstein is not what he appears as he has the King's ear and many believe his ties with German began when his mother married his father and secured a place and a notoriety among the upper class in London. Now with the threat of war on the horizon with Germany playing a pivotal role, there are some that want to prove Peter's alliances, however innocent, do not lie with London. So Rosemary has been tasked to uncover proof that Peter is loyal to Germany and the price to be paid is so great, she would be a complete fool to pass it up.

She blends into Peter's household under the guise of being a librarian hired out by one of Peter's contacts to help restore his former library to its glory again. As of yet, it simply remains a hoarder's paradise with more books on the floor and every available space than is on the overly full shelves. Peter needs her assistance to locate documentation about his family, but doesn't share the real reason why he needs that documentation. Is Peter truly a German spy living in the midst of London or is he simply an innocent man looking to prove his loyalty to London before war sets in?

I received A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. I absolutely love Rosemary's character because she can justify her shady dealings to help the local street urchins who are orphans and in need of help. She can read people perfectly and knows more about them than they initially share with her. She finds herself at odds the more she grows to know Peter and understands why his stuttering makes him a bit of a recluse in his small town. It gives way to suspicions by the local townspeople that Peter is truly hiding something and thus the need to prove where his loyalties stand in the face of a war on the horizon. I easily give this a 4 out of 5 stars and shows that sometimes our name is not all what people might be willing to believe.

For more information about A Name Unknown, Roseanna M. White or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

You can find Roseanna M. White on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Name Unknown, please visit Bethany House Publisher's website. 

 

A Refuge at Highland Hall

I love it when you follow an incredible series through to the very end and you find yourself sighing with happiness but also a bit bittersweet at the same time because you realize it's over. For fans of historical romance or of Downton Abbey, you might want to begin Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Bride Series! In Refuge at Highland Hall, the third and perhaps final book in this series, we follow the life of Penny Ramsey as she finds herself an unfortunate victim of the Great War coming to England. She was staying with her sister Kate and her husband Jon, trying to help care for eight orphaned children while Kate is pregnant. It is there during a time of serving wounded soldiers, that she meets Alex Goodwin, who is recovering from a recent crash, but hopes to be back in the air again soon.

She isn't about to give up her heart so willingly as the last time she did so, the man chose someone else to marry even though he hadn't given her any impression he wanted anything more. She admires Alex's calm and brave presence and when he asks her to write him when he goes to war, she hopes in the back of her mind that this might just be the one God has in mind for her. However, she also has to be practical as most men who are pilots rarely last but a few weeks. The survival rates for pilots are a bit depressing. Yet she prays for him as she receives each letter and now that the family has relocated temporarily back to her home at Highland Hall, due to safety issues now that Zepplins are releasing bombs over the cities. Alex's goal now that he has witnessed first hand what there destruction does, vows to do all he can to at least find a way to take them out.

The more the letters pass between the two, romance soon blossoms and as much as Penny tries to keep her heart in tact, she finds she is slowly giving it away to Alex a piece at a time through their correspondence. Alex knows he can't face any distractions while flying, so as much as he tries to keep his relationship with Penny as merely a friendship, he can't help but wonder if he were to survive the war, what it might feel like to have someone waiting for him back in England. Will their prayers be enough to sustain them through the war or will the enemy take away the only thing they have and leave them merely victims of the war instead?

I received A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. I can't even choose a favorite in this series, because it would be like asking me which child is my favorite. By the time you get to A Refuge at Highland Hall, you have had the pleasure of getting to know Kate and Julia's stories and it concludes with Penny's. However, I am still hopeful that Carrie might add another one before she closes this one out, and with that I can believe it might not be quite over. Yet you never know. There is a Reading Discussion Guide included at the conclusion of this novel and for me this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion based on the fact I love war romances, and the Edwardian time period as well.

For more information about A Refuge at Highland Hall, Carrie Turansky or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Edwardian Brides Series by Carrie Turansky

1 -The Governess of Highland Hall

2 - The Daughter of Highland Hall

3 - A Refuge of Highland Hall

You can find Carrie Turansky on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Refuge at Highland Hall, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website. 

After the War is Over

Ever since being captivated by Jennifer Robson's novel Somewhere in France, I couldn't wait for the sequel to follow. I savored every world and nuance of After the War is Over and found myself transported to in time to the early 1900's both just before World War 1 and afterwards. The novel parallels the relationship between military nurse Charlotte Brown and Edward Neville-Ashford who is still recovering from his war wounds. In the first novel we knew that they were acquainted but never really understood the story aside from the fact that Charlotte was his sister Lilly's governess before the war. Now the reader has a chance as it toggles back and forth through chapters to get a past and future look at the relationship they both have. I didn't understand it at first because I wasn't paying attention to the dates that appeared in certain chapters. Once I did, it was much easier to enjoy the story.

It tells how Charlotte came to become Lilly's governess despite all her education at a university. Not what one might expect for a woman who has gone to school. You would expect her to work using her educational skills she has acquired but jobs were far and few and to keep food on the table, she accepted an advertisement for governess. We also see where the animosity stems from in regards to Edward's mother and his two older sisters towards Charlotte.

But as the nation of England emerges from the impact and effects left behind during the war, Charlotte is now working for helping those who are in need working for Miss Eleanor Rathbone as a city councilor at Granby Ward. Miss Rathbone's work as a ward councilor was only one of the many hats she wore, she was a committed suffragist and defender of women's rights beyond the voting booth and where Charlotte is able to share her viewpoints in helping women achieve what she hopes to someday, the equal treatment of people everywhere especially after the war. She sees families everywhere that are struggle to make ends meet despite the governments claims that they are helping. She soon becomes the voice of the people she works with every day when the articles she writes for the Herald are published.

After his father dies suddenly, Edward finds himself the newest Earl of Cumberland and with it all the responsibilities that come with managing the family estate. He soon realizes how much death taxes are due and how his father has managed to leave him with more debts that he knows what to deal with all while still suffering from his war injuries which are driving him to drink to eliminate the pain. Edward realizes that the only way he might be able to get out from under the financial problems would be to marry a wealthy American heiress but he can't seem to forget Charlotte and how much he cares for her. But that is not an option that either of them can entertain.

I received After the War is Over by Jennifer Robson compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. Aside from receiving a complimentary copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are strictly my own. For fans of Downton Abbey will absolutely LOVE this one. But if you haven't read Somewhere in France, pick that one up first. You will definitely love Jennifer's attention to detail especially in contrasting the very different lifestyles of Edward and Charlotte both pre and post WWI. I easily rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to read the next novel to follow soon. This novel does contain one sexual scene that might not be suitable for younger readers but overall I LOVED it! This novel is slated for release in January of 2015.

For more information about After the War is Over, Jennifer Robson or where you can preorder a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

After the War is Over by Jennifer Robson

You can find Jennifer Robson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on After the War is Over please visit William Morrow's website.