Review: After the War is Over by Jennifer Robson

The internationally bestselling author of Somewhere in France returns with her sweeping second novel—a tale of class, love, and freedom—in which a young woman must fnd her place in a world forever changed

After four years as a military nurse, Charlotte Brown is ready to leave behind the devastation of the Great War. The daughter of a vicar, she has always been determined to dedicate her life to helping others. Moving to busy Liverpool, she throws herself into her work with those most in need, only tearing herself away for the lively dinners she enjoys with the women at her boardinghouse.

Just as Charlotte begins to settle into her new circumstances, two messages arrive that will change her life. One is from a radical young newspaper editor who offers her a chance to speak out for those who cannot. The other pulls her back to her past, and to a man she has tried, and failed, to forget.

Edward Neville-Ashford, her former employer and the brother of Charlotte's dearest friend, is now the new Earl of Cumberland—and a shadow of the man he once was. Yet under his battle wounds and haunted eyes Charlotte sees glimpses of the charming boy who long ago claimed her foolish heart. She wants to help him, but dare she risk her future for a man who can never be hers?

As Britain seethes with unrest and postwar euphoria fattens into bitter disappointment, Charlotte must confront long-held insecurities to find her true voice . . . and the courage to decide if the life she has created is the one she truly wants.

ebook, 384 pages

Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by William Morrow Paperbacks

Terri's Thoughts

I received a copy of this book from the publisher William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  It was just released yesterday.

I will start out by saying that this is a story for true fans of historical fiction.  Readers who do not favour this genre may not enjoy this story as it is not a fast moving one where a lot occurs.  Those who enjoy reading about the hardships of post WWI England will on the other hand appreciate this novel.

This book features a character who while somewhat stiff and boring holds strong convictions of how she thinks things should be.  Be it the place and rights woman have or should have in society to the treatment (or lack thereof) of war veterans and their families.  Her position in her workplace and her articles in the local newspaper serve as an outlet for her concerns with the direction of post war England.

Also included in the story is a love story.  A very understated one.  At first I wasn't sure if there was one but it eventually played out for the reader.  This is where I return to my comment that this is a read for the true historical fiction fan.  Some may find the love story too understated however I would disagree.  I found it a little bit refreshing that it did not overwhelm the story or Charlottes journey.  While a sucker for a good romance I thought the subtly was well written and appropriate for the story.

I am going to hold back on too much detail about this book.  I will just say that I truly enjoyed it and will be seeking other works by Robson.  I thought I had read that there was a first book to this one somewhere.  If that is the case I will be seeking it out.  Also if it is true it in no way impedes the enjoyment of this one.

About the Author

Jennifer Robson first learned about the Great War from her father, acclaimed historian Stuart Robson, and later served as an official guide at the Canadian National War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. A former copy editor, she holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from the University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children.

Twitter:  AuthorJenniferR

Review: Before I Go by Colleen Oakley

A heart-wrenching debut novel in the bestselling tradition of P.S. I Love You about a young woman with breast cancer who undertakes a mission to find a new wife for her husband before she passes away.

Twenty-seven-year-old Daisy already beat breast cancer three years ago. How can this be happening to her again?

On the eve of what was supposed to be a triumphant “Cancerversary” with her husband Jack to celebrate three years of being cancer-free, Daisy suffers a devastating blow: her doctor tells her that the cancer is back, but this time it’s an aggressive stage four diagnosis. She may have as few as four months left to live. Death is a frightening prospect—but not because she’s afraid for herself. She’s terrified of what will happen to her brilliant but otherwise charmingly helpless husband when she’s no longer there to take care of him. It’s this fear that keeps her up at night, until she stumbles on the solution: she has to find him another wife.

With a singular determination, Daisy scouts local parks and coffee shops and online dating sites looking for Jack’s perfect match. But the further she gets on her quest, the more she questions the sanity of her plan. As the thought of her husband with another woman becomes all too real, Daisy’s forced to decide what’s more important in the short amount of time she has left: her husband’s happiness—or her own?

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by Gallery Books 

Genre: Adult/Womans Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not what I was expecting. I expected a somewhat gloomy and depressing story about a woman dying of cancer. It is definitely an emotionally charged book but there were also numerous moments of humour and every day chaos within the pages as well.

Before I Go really made me stop and think. This is a good thing in my opinion. I know I'm really enjoying a book when this happens. What would I do if I found out I was going to die? Where would my thoughts lead me? I can tell you that they wouldn't lead me in the direction that Daisy's did... or maybe they would. All I know is that I never want to find out. I actually found her motives extremely endearing although I didn't necessarily agree with them. In a way it was quite beautiful that her concerns were for her husband and his life after her. At the same time I found myself wanting to slap her for wasting so much time that could have been spent with him.

Basically this story is about how people deal with life altering news and the methods they choose to cope with it. I found it honest, believable and beautifully written. It highlights the fact that there are no easy answers or roadmaps in these kinds of situations. I was very thankful for the added moments of humour in it as well. Daisy's preoccupation with Jack's sock pile beside the bed was one that I unfortunately can relate to. Having said that, I did shed some big, streaming down the face, ugly tears towards the end.  A truly terrific read!

Terri had the opportunity to read and review this book as well. Knowing that I would be reading it I refused to read her review. I am curious to know what she thought. You can find her review here.

About the Author

Colleen Oakley's articles, essays, and interviews have been featured in The New York Times, Ladies’ Home Journal, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Redbook and Martha Stewart Weddings. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, two painfully cute kids and a huge lapdog named Bailey. Before I Go is her debut novel.

Connect with Colleen

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

 

Review: Unlovely by Celeste Conway

Accidents happen. But they happen more often when the beautiful ballet dancers return each summer to the island. When he hears the ruthless way that the loveliest dancer talks about boys getting what they deserve when they break girls' hearts, Harley, home for the summer after his first year of college, wonders if he's losing his mind. He knows for sure that he's losing his heart to this girl...But then, strange incidents start happening all over the island and Harley is caught between desire and fear: could he also be in danger of losing his life?

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: January 2nd 2015 by Merit Press

Terri's Thoughts

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  It has just recently been released.

I will start out by saying that there are many YA novels that seem to transcend age limitations while there are others that do not.  This story seems to fall in the latter category and may influence my perception of this story.  In my opinion it simply does not appeal to the older (but not too old) audience.

There was so much potential with this story.  A boy returns home from his first year of college to find that everyone has moved on in his absence including his ex-girlfriend.  He then falls for the too good to be true summer girl.  Add to that she attend the creepy ballet school where local rumour has it that the girls are all crazy and suspicious accidents & deaths have occurred over the years.  Intrigued yet?  I was.  There are unlimited plot directions the story could take from here yet it took none of them.

The biggest letdown for me were the characters.  There really seemed to be no emotional connection amongst any of them.  I saw no chemistry between Harley and his ex or Harley and Cassandra.  Both females seemed weird, whiny and immature.  I am not sure if it was how they were described or how they spoke but they did not win me over.  The same for Harley.  He seemed to be attracted to whoever was in the room instead of trying to figure out how he was really feeling. 

The ending (no spoiler's here) just seemed to occur too quickly and did not make a whole lot of sense.  There should have been more of a climax and the aftermath seemed glossed over also.  This could have been such a creepy yet good ending to the story and instead I was left wanting for more.

At the end of the day I think this story could have some appeal for a younger teen audience.  They may be more forgiving for the lack of depth and character development where I wanted more.  They would be the ones that would enjoy the creepy factor that just doesn't become creepy enough.

About the Author     

Celeste Conway is a published author of children's books and young adult books. Published credits of Celeste Conway include The Melting Season, Where Is Papa Now?, The Goodbye Time, and When You Open Your Eyes.

Website:  http://www.celesteconway.com

Review: The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.

So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?

This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: January 8th 2015 by Dial 

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction/Historical Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an advanced readers copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is January 8, 2015.

I don't read much in the middle grade genre because I find it hard at times to detach from my adult brain in order to give a review that does justice. That was not the case with The War that Saved my Life. It was such a beautiful story that I think readers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy it regardless of the demographic it is intended for.

This is the story of Ada and Jamie who are shipped out of London to the country to escape the bombs. Sorry...let me correct myself. Jamie is sent off by his mother but not Ada as her mother deems her a "cripple" and no good to anybody. Ada does not let this stop her and sneaks off with her brother who she loves more than anything. Together they are placed with an extremely reluctant woman, Susan, who is dealing with issues of her own.

With the Second World War as a backdrop, this is a story of abuse, ability and disability, learning, growing, trusting, family, love and so much more. As the reader you are with these characters each step of the way as they "unlearn" everything they know and begin to understand, learn, and appreciate their full potential. It is heartbreaking and raw at times and yet beautiful at others. The strength that Ada gains both physically and mentally, is sure to inspire even the most reluctant reader.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages and envision it in many a middle grade classroom in the future. It was truly a beautiful story.

About the Author

I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1967, very near the small town that was the setting for my first book, Ruthie's Gift. I attended Smith College, in Northampton, Massachusetts, and graduated with a degree in chemistry just a few weeks before I married my high school sweetheart--Bart Bradley.

I studied chemistry in college because that was what I most loved to learn, but it's not what I most love to do, and I knew that even then. I remain always grateful that my sophomore roommate talked me into taking an Introduction to Children's Literature class, and that the teacher of that class, Patricia MacLachlan, not only encouraged my earliest writing, but helped me join a writer's group and learn both the art and the business of writing for children. (Jane Yolen ran that writer's group; I remain forever grateful to her as well.)

I worked as a freelance writer for equestrian magazines in college, and later as a part-time editor. While my husband was in medical school I worked as a research chemist, but wrote at night, on weekends, and sometimes in the very early morning--and from freelancing I moved onto ghost-writing. Fortunately, I began to get enough work that I could quit being a chemist at exactly the same time as I found out I was pregnant, with my son, Matthew, born in 1994.

Not long after that, we moved to Bristol, a small town on the Tennessee/Virginia border, where Bart joined an ophthalmology practice. Our daughter Katie was born in 1998. We live now on a 52-acre farm, with ponies, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, and lots and lots of trees. We are in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. I love it here. (From Goodreads profile)

Connect with Kimberly

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

 

Review: Call Sign Karma by Jamie Rae

Love in the no-fly zone…

Distraught over the loss of her brother in a fighter jet accident, Tinklee Pinkerton decides to follow in his footsteps and prove the tragedy wasn’t his fault. But when she’s chosen as the first woman to fly the Air Force’s F-35, her plan for a life that revolves around work is thrown off course by a handsome, mysterious stranger…

Thanks to Locke’s seductive British accent, sweet nature, and one too many beers, Tink is soon inspired to throw caution to the wind and herself into his arms. She thinks maybe love can heal after all—until she discovers Locke is her superior officer. Tink has no problem risking her life in the air, but with everything on the line, is she brave enough to risk her heart on the ground?

ebook, 270 pages

Expected publication: January 5th 2015 by Lyrical Press, Kensington Publishing Corp

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is January 5th, 2015.

This is a classic case of do not judge a book by its cover because lets be honest, it is pretty dreadful.  This story turned out to be so much more than I expected.  Perhaps I pre-judged it.  This genre is typically for me an enjoyable one and a somewhat guilty pleasure however tends to lack the wow factor.  This book changed it for me.

I don't know where to start.  From the moment that Tink and Locke met I knew I was in for a ride.  There was humour mixed in with the attraction and I am stifling a laugh as I picture Tink's beer bottle making contact with Locke's head.  The forbidden romance while not exactly a new concept really worked in this story as it was set in the military landscape where there is added elements of why they couldn't be together.

Tink's unresolved feelings regarding her brothers death added an additional element to the story and explained her drive to become a fighter pilot.  It also explained her fear to let go and love and be loved.  It also gave the story a little more depth and helped you become invested in Tinks journey.

There were two elements that pushed this story in to the standout category for me.

1.  This story moved in to a warzone.  It wasn't all about romance and the inner angst of two lovers.  It brought to the forefront true conflict and outlined the military life in a time of conflict.  It also shed some light on the brotherhood (or sisterhood) of the military family and how they stick together and support each other no matter what.  This was moving for me and I came to love all of characters...well except for one.  This was unexpected and a good move on Rae's part.

2.  Ash.  Never in all of the hundreds of books I have read has there ever been a secondary character that I adored more.  His relentless and humorous pursuit of Tink and then his humble acceptance that they would never be made me fall in love with him.  The fact that he would still do anything for her with nothing in return but her friendship up to and including risking his life and career brought tears to my eyes.  If there is any one character that deserves his own story it is him...hint hint.  I looked forward to every time he was involved in the plot and I feel that there is more that can be done with him.  He truly is what is sticking with me the most.

I guess it is safe to say that I really enjoyed this book.  Although I didn't intend to I read it in one sitting and it is still resonating with me as I write these words.  I want to thank Rae for writing a story that has shattered my pre-conceived notions regarding this genre and writing a story with a little bit of depth while still delivering everything I expect of the genre.  I will definitely be looking for more of her work.

About the Author     

JAMIE RAE is a New Adult and Young Adult author. She writes with one goal in mind--to create stories with a positive message that will stay with the reader long after they've finished reading.

Jamie is an avid reader and loves discovering stories with a great hook, though she will not eat, sleep, or speak until she reaches the end. The Harry Potter years weren't pretty!! Convinced that her Hogwarts letter was lost in the mail, she keeps a watchful eye for owls hoping her children will have better luck!

In her other life, Jamie Rae enjoys creating smiles that will last a lifetime as an orthodontist and keeps her heart overflowing with love as a mother of three. She has perfected the art of nomadic living as a military spouse and Air Force veteran. Jamie has a passion for critters of all shapes and sizes and you can often find her sneaking them into her own home or volunteering for rescues.

Website:  http://www.jamieraewrites.com

Twitter:  JamieRaeWrites

Feature and Follow Friday #56

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme that allows book bloggers to interact with each other and find new blogs! It has two hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. The rules are...
 
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog.

Question of the Week: Happy New Year!!!! What was your favorite book of 2014 - or books if you can't name just one? - Suggested by Alison Can Read. 

 

Terri's Answer

My answer may be a little critical.  While I read a lot of good books that I really enjoyed in 2014 I can't think of one that has made my personal list of all time fantastic reads.  For that reason I am not going to list any specific books.  Don't get me wrong, a lot of my reads were great but I just didn't read any that have that "haunt me long after they are done".  I am hoping to get my hands on a few for 2015.

Kristine's Answer

I haven't come up with a list of my favourite books of 2014. Below are a few of the books that I really enjoyed but I would have to give it a lot more thought to pick a favourite. My list is not limited to these titles either.

The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes
The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson
Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
The Belief in Angels by J. Dylan Yates

I could list a lot more but will leave it at that for now. What were your favourite reads of 2014?

That is our Feature and Follow Friday for this week! Comment down below if you're a new follower of ours with a link to your blog and we will make sure to follow you back. You can follow us via gfc, bloglovin, email, facebook and/or twitter. 

 

Review: The Jaguar's Children by John Vaillant

From the #1 bestselling, award-winning author of The Golden Spruce and The Tiger: a rich, gripping literary thriller in the spirit of The Constant Gardener that showcases the narrative power for which John Vaillant is internationally acclaimed.
          Hector, a young Zapotec fleeing Mexico for a better life in the US with his friend Cesar, a biotech researcher, pays to be smuggled across the border by unscrupulous "coyotes," concealed in the tightly sealed, empty tank of a water truck packed with illegal migrants. Abandoned by the smugglers in the desert, they are left to die, their only lifeline Cesar's phone. When Cesar slips into unconsciousness, Hector reaches out to the one name with an American code--AnniMac--that becomes his lifeline to the world as he reveals what has brought him to this place, taking us back to an older Mexico; to the lives of his Zapotec grandparents and the ancient, mythic traditions, to the mystery behind the jaguar icon left to him by a mysterious archeologist, and the power of the corn myth. As legends fuse with the terrifying present, the dangers Cesar is fleeing become grippingly apparent: his research was threatening to expose the country's largest manufacturer of genetically modified corn, set to impose economic and cultural genocide on the native population. Finding the courage to survive is critical, even as hope dwindles.

Hardcover, 288 pages

Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by Knopf Canada 

Kristine's Thoughts:

I won an advanced readers copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is January 6, 2015.

This story starts out really strong. It is told through a bunch of text messages and sound files as Hector tells the story of how he and others ended up stuck inside a water truck. I was dying to know if they would get rescued and what their fate would be.

As the story unfolds, Hector digs deep into his past and the past of his ancestors to paint a larger picture of his culture and where he came from. Having visited different parts of Mexico on numerous occasions I found this quite interesting. I enjoyed learning about the way his family lived and all of the myths and legends they believed in.

When I was about 3/4 of the way through the book I did find that it started to lose a little steam and the original excitement that I had for it started to dwindle. At this point I was wanting to read more about Hector's current situation and a little less about his past. I was guilty of skimming a page or two at this point.

This book is not for everyone. It is sometimes tragic and devastating and there isn't a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At times the story moves slowly and it is a little frustrating. If you can power through all these things there is a unique and somewhat powerful story that is unlike any I have read in a long time.

 About the Author

John Vaillant is a non-fiction author and journalist who was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has lived in Vancouver for the past thirteen years.

John Vaillant is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and Outside, among others. His first book, The Golden Spruce (Norton, 2005), was a bestseller and won several awards, including the Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction (Canada).