Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck & Giveaway (US only)

tamarOne 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!

tamar banner

Source:  Digital review copy provided by the publisher.  No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.

Comments

    • 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.

  12. 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!

  14. This is such a great-sounding story. I always find I can learn so much from historical fiction. Thanks for the chance to win.

  23. 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