One of the main reasons I wanted to read The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck for her book tour with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours other than it sounded fantastic was that Amy from Passages to the Past had loved it. Fact is I really trust her opinion and was she ever right – this novel was such a great read for me! I was hooked from the opening chapter right up to turning that last page and I enjoyed every minute. The Debt of Tamar is a beautifully written novel of love, loss, and fate through the generations.
Dona Antonia Nissim spent years trying to protect her family while helping other Jewish people to safety by using her position in society. One day though it all comes crashing down and she’s arrested under suspicion of being a secret Jew. Her children Jose and Reyna are left alone but soon learn that Dona Antonia had previously arranged for their escape to Istanbul.
In Istanbul they finally meet the all important Sultan who had helped them in their escape. Here the Jewish people are accepted and soon Jose and Reyna marry and have a daughter, Tamar. For years things go well with Jose working his way up the ranks with the Sultan and his family is happy. Tamar and the Sultan’s son grow up together and eventually fall in love. With family secrets looming in the background one day Tamar just vanishes into thin air. Murat is devastated and refuses to accept that she’s gone. He never does.
Centuries later we meet Selim Osman, a descendant of Murat. Selim wonders if he’ll ever find love and feels as though he’s always lived his life waiting for something or someone. When he’s diagnosed with an aggressive cancer he decides to leave everything behind including a woman who loves him. Checking himself into a hospital he eventually meets Hannah. As they get to know each other both feel strong ties to the past. A past in which they had known and loved each other. Is it fate that the two meet so many generations later…
I have barely scratched the surface of this wonderful debut novel from Nicole Dweck. I loved seeing the story unfold and how everyone’s stories became one in the end. Highly recommended!
Other tour stops with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Connect with Nicole: Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads
Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N, and iTunes
GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US only)
I have one paperback copy of The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck to share with my US readers. To enter…
- Leave a comment for 1 entry into the giveaway.
- Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.
This giveaway is open to US residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on March 29/14. Good luck!
Source: Digital review copy provided by the publisher. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.
Wow, I can tell you loved this book! Is it based on a real person?
Kathy, I believe she did use a real person as her inspiration for Dona Antonia and that was Dona Gracia Nasi who had run an Underground Railroad for the Jewish people.
This novel would be memorable and enjoyable. Thanks for this wonderful feature.
Count me in on this one, it sounds great!
melback at cebridge dot net
The era, the subject and the entire book sounds fascinating. Many thanks.
Thanks for this excellent review and giveaway which interests me greatly.
Your incisive review caught my interest and this book is captivating. Thanks.
Sounds really interesting!
Also Tweeted https://twitter.com/Christine19577/status/443781152621359104
I have this one on my wish list!
Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/lag32583/status/443782681499693056?screen_name=lag32583
Sounds great. Thank you. I tweeted https://twitter.com/readsalways/status/443784548825182208
This book is on top of my wishlist. Will tweet
@Rhondareads
I have been following this tour and most reviewers seem to just love it! The biggest complaint seems to be that they want more (which is a good thing as what they are reading must be spectacular to wish it would continue!). Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/candc320/status/443800173202784256.
This is such a great-sounding story. I always find I can learn so much from historical fiction. Thanks for the chance to win.
I tweeted a link: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/443810709231509504 Thanks again!
I’ve been seeing this book all over the place. Thanks for the giveaway!
a definite ‘must-read’ for me!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
shared on my FB wall: http://www.facebook.com/cyn209
This sounds like such an interesting story.
Sounds like a fantastic book!!Thanks for offering a great giveaway!! I’ve shared it on Twitter and FB.
I would LOVE to read The Debt of Tamar!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Interesting premise
It sounds like an amazing and interesting read. I love that it has family secrets. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com
Shared on Facebook as Anita Yancey.
ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds good!
OMGosh! This one sounds really good! I’m going to have to add it to my list. Thanks for the giveaway!