The Memory Tree by John A. Heldt–Review–4 stars

Jun21

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Don’t Miss John Heldt’s Newest Heartwarming, Time-Travel Novel!

 

The Memory Tree is the second book, in the Carson Chronicles, and begins where book one ended. 

The Carson siblings are traveling through time, in search of their parents. When they successfully reach the year of 1918, they decide to split up and hunt for clues. Adam and Bridget travel to Duluth, Minnesota, Cody and Caitlin to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Greg to Tijuana, Mexico. Natalie decides to take a trip to France for a journalist opportunity.

A lot has happened since Tim and Caroline saw they children; Greg has had multiple brushes with the law and has fallen in love, Adam is happily married to an Irish Girl, Bridget. Caitlin and Cody meet an old friend in Gettysburg to share memories, laughter, and tears. Natalie travels to France and has the opportunity of a lifetime presented to her. The story that captured my heart, the most, though, was Greg’s, his adventures, relationships, and scrapes with the law.    

The Memory Tree is crafted with poignant, touching moments; sweet, romantic encounters; danger and adventure. John A. Heldt is a fabulous storyteller and writer. If you enjoy heartwarming time-travel stories, The Memory Tree is the book for you.

Thank you, John Heldt for my complimentary copy of The Memory Tree!

~4 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

John A. Heldt is the author of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage, American Journey, and Carson Chronicles series. The former reference librarian and award-winning sportswriter has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports on baseball heroes in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, Heldt is an avid fisherman, sports fan, home brewer, and reader of thrillers and historical fiction. When not sending contemporary characters to the not-so-distant past, he weighs in on literature and life at johnheldt.blogspot.com.

 

 

 

 

#The German Half-Bloods by Jana Petken–Review-5 stars!

Jun19

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Don’t Miss Jana Petken’s Latest Outstanding Historical Fiction Novel!

 

The German Half-Bloods is a superbly written, unputdownable historical fiction novel. 

The book begins in Germany, during the early days of WWII, and follows the family of Dieter and Laura Vogel. Dieter is a successful businessman, and fiercely loyal to Germany. Because Dieter married an English woman, he was the only pure blood German in his immediate family. Dieter often invited Nazis into his home for dinner, hoping that his close contact with them, would keep his half-blood children, and English wife, from the Gestapo’s watch list. I quickly became invested in this family; and loved following them into England, Paris, Poland, and Russia. 

Chaos was breaking out in Germany, and the air was thick with fear. Nazis were arresting Jewish families, Jewish sympathizers, and anyone verbalizing thoughts against Hitler. Although Nazi soldiers were often in Dieter Vogel’s home, mingling with his family, Wilmot, Dieter’s youngest son was the only one interested in joining the military.

 Wilmot Vogel couldn’t wait to put on his SS uniform. He was looking forward to serving Hitler. Wilmot was proud to be part of the military until he discovered the horrendous acts that he’d be forced to perform. Max, the oldest son, was constantly on the move. He was an undercover, English spy, gathering intelligence against Germany. Max’s twin, Paul, a psychiatrist, was forced to stay in Germany and work in a Nazi-run hospital. His job was to sterilize disabled, and mentally-ill patients. He also had to witness the gassing of patients deemed unworthy of life. Hannah, the Vogel’s only daughter, was in England, getting married. Although Dieter’s wife Laura despised having Nazis in her home and missing her daughter’s wedding; she stayed in Germany, to support her husband. 

 Jana Petken brings these characters, as well as the atrocities of war to life. The author’s research and writing talent shine brightly in this book. The German Half-Bloods, however, did end, leaving some unanswered questions in my mind. I’ll anxiously wait for the next book in the series. Jana Petken is a brilliant, gem of an author. Highly recommended. 

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Jana Petken is a bestselling historical fiction novelist and screenwriter. 

She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty, author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction and is presently in talks with film producers regarding one of her titles. 

Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.

Titles by Jana Petken. 

Bestseller, Multi Award Winning, The Guardian of Secrets. (2013) 

The bestselling Mercy Carver Series: award-winning, Dark Shadows, book 1, and award-winning Blood Moon, book 2. (2014) 

Multi Award Winning, The Errant Flock: The Flock Trilogy Book 1. (2015)

Multi Award Winning, Swearing Allegiance. (2016)

Award Winning, The Scattered Flock (The Flock Trilogy book 2)

Flock, The Gathering of The Damned (The Flock Trilogy Book 3)

2018, The German Half-Bloods

http://www.janapetkenauthor.com

@AuthoJana

petkenj@gmail.com

 

 

Today’s New Releases by #Elin Hilderbrand, #B.A. Paris & #Catherine Ryan Hyde

Jun19

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Three Exciting Books Release Today!

 

 

In Case You Missed My Reviews on These Fab New Books, Here Are the Links:

 

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand- 5 stars

https://write-escape.com/2018/05/30/the-perfect-couple-by-elin-hilderbrand-review-5-stars-netgalley

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris- 4 stars

https://write-escape.com/2018/05/24/bring-me-back-by-b-a-paris-4-stars-smp-netgalley

Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde- 4 stars

https://write-escape.com/2018/06/05/heaven-adjacent-by-catherine-ryan-hyde-review-4-stars-netgalley

#Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey–Review–5 stars #NetGalley #SMP

Jun14

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Don’t Miss This Outstanding Book by Rea Frey–Not Her Daughter–Coming 8/21/18!

 

Not Her Daughter is a captivating and well-written novel.

Not every woman is cut out to be a mom. Motherhood is challenging, and not for everyone. Amy Townsend is such a mother. She has deep feelings of inadequacy, and, unfortunately, takes her frustrations out on her daughter, Emma. People always remark on how beautiful her daughter is. And, even though, Amy should be happy about her daughter’s beauty and charming personality, she isn’t. She’s jealous.

Although Sarah was happy and successful at work, her heart was broken. The relationship with her long-term boyfriend ended. Sarah couldn’t stand to stay with a man who wouldn’t commit to her. Sarah wanted a husband, a home, and children. She wanted a daughter whom she could love like she should have been, as a child. Sarah, at the age of eight, was abandoned by her mother. So when she witnessed five-year-old, Emma, crying and being abused, it broke Sarah’s heart. 

When Sarah came across Emma, being bullied by her mother again, something snapped inside of her. Sarah was aware that kidnapping a child was all-kinds-of-wrong, and against the law. She also knew that she’d go to jail if caught, but she did it, anyway. 

Amy reevaluated her life after her daughter went missing. She began to make positive changes. Amy hoped that if her daughter were found, that it wouldn’t be too late to build a relationship with her. Amy knew, however, that she had a lot of making up to do. 

Although this book left me with unanswered questions, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Not Her Daughter is a gripping, well-written and engrossing novel. Highly recommended.

 Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I loved it.

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Rea Frey is an award-winning author of four nonfiction books. She lives in Nashville with her husband and daughter. NOT HER DAUGHTER is her debut novel. 

 

#All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin-Review-5 Stars-#Ballantine Bks #NetGalley

Jun12

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Don’t Miss Emily Giffin’s Newest 5-Star Novel! All We Ever Wanted–Coming 6/26/18

 

All We Ever Wanted is a superbly written novel. Emily Giffin completely transported me into the story. I was so captivated that I stayed up reading late into the night just to finish it. I didn’t want to put it down. It’s an emotional book that tugged at my heart from the very first page. All We Ever Wanted also has a great message about girls and women standing up for themselves; and about abusers taking responsibility for their own actions.

Nina Browning’s life changed drastically when her husband, Kirk, sold his business. She found herself suddenly ridiculously wealthy. For the first time in her life, anything that money could buy was at her fingertips. She enjoyed expensive vacations, clothes, jewelry and the elite status that was reserved for the wealthy. Her son Finch grew up privileged and was able to attend private schools from the kindergarten up. But, Nina’s life wasn’t all bliss. She, unfortunately, discovered that the old cliche about money and happiness was actually true. Nina’s heart ached. She had reasons to seriously question her husband’s fidelity. They were growing apart, and he spent more time on the road or flying than at home.

But Nina’s heart didn’t truly break until it was her son, who was the one, in trouble. The mistake Finch would make would not only change his life but the entire family dynamic, forever.  

I thoroughly enjoyed All We Ever Wanted and highly recommend reading it. 

Thank you, Ballantine Books and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy. I loved it!

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Emily Giffin is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia School of Law. After practicing litigation at a Manhattan firm for several years, she moved to London to write full time. The author of seven New York Times bestselling novels, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, Love The One You’re With, Heart of the Matter, Where We Belong, and The One & Only, she lives in Atlanta with her husband and three young children. Visit http://www.emilygiffin.com.

 

#Everything We Give by Kerry Lonsdale-Review-5 stars-#NetGalley,#Lake Union Pub

Jun11

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Don’t Miss Kerry Lonsdale Newest Outstanding Novel! Everything We Give–Coming 7/3/18

 

Everything We Give is the third novel in Kerry Lonsdale’s Everything Series. Although each one of these books, can be read as a standalone, they are much more enjoyable, clearer, and richer, if they are read in order. Each novel builds upon the one prior. The first book is Aimee’s story, the second, James’s, and the third, Ian’s. I loved every book in this series, but I think book three is my favorite. 

Aimee was content. She had a wonderful husband, Ian, a successful business, and a beautiful daughter. Aimee thought she had moved on from her ex-fiancee, James, the man she thought was dead, but found out, was alive; living in Mexico, under the name of Carlos. When James showed up in her life again, Aimee’s unresolved buried emotions, surfaced. 

Ian is a professional photographer, and one of his dreams was about to come true. National Geographic was interested in his work. Ian wanted his wife, Aimee, to be the first to know about it. Aimee, however, was nowhere to be found. She was with James. Ian was afraid of losing his wife; every woman he’s ever loved has left him, including his own mother. His mother didn’t want him in her life anymore, or at least, that’s what his father told him. But, circumstances and people aren’t always what they first appear to be. 

Ian’s childhood was lonely and heartbreaking. He was an only child of a mentally ill mother and a traveling workaholic father. Ian’s mother suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder. Ian felt responsible for his mother’s safety against her most dangerous alter personality, Jackie. When Jackie’s behavior finally landed Ian’s mom in jail, Ian blamed himself. He was led to believe that he was the cause of his mother’s worsening mental illness. Ian lived under a heavy weight of guilt for many years until he finally discovered the truth.

Book three, Everything We Give is an engaging well-written novel, with developed and colorful characters, natural dialogue and an emotional but satisfying ending to the series. I read the book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved this book. It’s bittersweet, heart-wrenching, touching, and thought-provoking. 

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~5 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Kerry Lonsdale believes life is more exciting with twists and turns, which may be why she enjoys dropping her characters into unexpected scenarios and foreign settings. She is the Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and #1 Amazon Kindle bestselling author of The Everything Series, and the iBooks audiobook bestseller and 2017 Top 100 Kindle Book ALL THE BREAKING WAVES. She is the recipient of the Lake Union Publishing Golden, Platinum, Sapphire, and Diamond Quill awards, and her stories have placed in numerous writing contests. Her books are sold worldwide in more than 25 countries and have been translated into 22 languages (and counting).

Kerry graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and is a founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She resides in Northern California with her husband, two children, two naughty kitties, and an aging Golden Retriever convinced she’s still a puppy. Visit Kerry at her website, http://www.kerrylonsdale.com.

 

#Trafficked by Sophie Hayes–Review-4 stars

Jun10

Trafficked...850.jpgA Disturbing and Unforgettable Memoir 

 

Trafficked is a disturbing memoir about a young, educated woman who was tricked into a life of prostitution. 

Sophie was brought up in an abusive home. Although, her mother was a loving parent, her father was a tyrant. His emotional and verbal abuse in the home was a constant. Sophie’s issues were mostly with men. It took years to trust Kas, even though, she considered him her best friend. When she finally agreed to join him in Italy for a week, he was ecstatic. So was Sophie. It was in Italy, however, where her relationship with Kas changed forever. Kas had become someone, Sophie didn’t even recognize. He was controlling, cruel, and violent. She was told in no uncertain terms that she’d be working the streets for him. Prostitution was to be her life now.

This book is emotionally raw and disturbing to read, but the message is clear. The need to raise awareness about human trafficking is paramount. Sophie was from a British middle-class home. She was educated, worked, had her own apartment and yet, unbeknownst to her; she was being groomed for a life of prostitution. Kas was her confidant and friend. She had shared information about her life and family with him. She later discovered that the intimate details that she revealed about herself were used to manipulate and control her. She thought Kas loved her. He didn’t. 

Although the book could have been written with less repetition, the story itself is unforgettable.

~4 out of 5 stars~ Review by Peg Glover

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Sophie Hayes was in her early twenties when she was forced into prostitution in Italy. Following her horrifying ordeal, Sophie is rebuilding her life in London. She is working with the charity STOP THE TRAFFIK and the William Wilberforce Trust to raise awareness of trafficking and to help other women life herself. To date she has worked with Cherie Blair, the Metropolitan Police and the UN.The Sophie Hayes Foundation was set up and inspired by Sophie in January 2012. Since Sophie’s return to the UK she has been relentless in her work in order to make a difference and change perceptions. The mission of the Sophie Hayes Foundation is to raise awareness about, and support survivors of, human trafficking and modern day slavery.For more information please visit:www.sophiehayesfoundation.orgwww.facebook.com/SophieHayesFoundationwww.twitter.com/SophieHayesFndn