2014 eBooks

Slave and Sister by Sabra Waldfogel is a sweeping saga that takes you back to the time of the Civil War. This is a story of plantations, slavery, war, love, family, survival, and the bonds we share with those we love. It is a story I loved and will not soon forget.

One is black and one is white but they share a secret and that is that they have the same father, a Jewish plantation owner. Rachel becomes Adelaide’s maid at a young age and the two bond instantly. Adelaide, defying the laws of the times, teaches Rachel how to do figures and to read and Rachel yearning to learn, lets her even though she could be beaten for it. Even when the two learn they are sisters they are still close but only in secret. In public they are maid and mistress.

When Adelaide marries Henry she takes Rachel with her to her new home. Henry, Jewish as well, has many issues with slavery. Henry realizes that to make his cotton plantation successful he needs slaves but the difference is that he believes they should be treated as he would anyone else with the respect they deserve. As Henry and Adelaide’s marriage is one of convenience and with war looming Henry and Rachel finally succumb to the love they feel for each other. Adelaide, hurt, feels anger and hatred towards her sister and it tears them apart. When Henry goes off to war and the sisters are forced together for survival they find that the bond of sisterhood is still strong within them.

This is one fantastic story. I’ve always been partial to stories of slavery and plantations and the author brings this time period vividly alive for the reader. I felt so many emotions especially anger that people had to endure what they did during the time when slavery was allowed. It truly disgusts me that a human being could be considered to be essentially nothing and could be traded or beaten on a whim.  The characters in this story are all well developed and although I didn’t live in the times of struggle that they did I still felt connected to them and all they had to go through.  It is the mark of a really good book when it touches your heart and that is what Slave and Sister did for me.

Above all this is a beautiful story of survival, hope, and love. Highly recommended!

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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & UK RESIDENTS

1 paperback copy up for giveaway

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Draw Date November 15/14

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(comments are welcome but do not count as an entry)

Source: Digital copy received for review from publisher.  Giveaway copy sponsored by the publisher.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are that of the blog owner.

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I’m pleased to be kicking of the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour of The Paradise Tree by Elena Maria Vidal because it is a wonderful story!  The Paradise Tree, based on the author’s own ancestors, takes us back in time to when many Irish Catholics were immigrating to Canada in search of a better life.  Weaving fact with fiction it is a saga full of hardships, faith, family, and love.

The novel opens in 1887 in Leeds County, Ontario and finds the O’Connor family mourning the loss of the family patriarch Daniel O’Connor.  Although the story opens here as remembered by Daniel’s grandson Fergus the real story started many years before when Daniel immigrated to Canada to make a better life for himself.  He does just that and even though it’s a struggle he eventually prospers and builds a good life for his family.   It is in those years he meets his wife Brigit and they build a family but these years are not without struggles and hardships.  The family deals with many illnesses, new love, marriages, and grandchildren.  What always stayed constant was the faith and beliefs that held the O’Connor family together and it is these values that both Daniel and Brigit made sure to pass down to all of their children.  Daniel was such a strong man with a wealth of determination and despite a rocky start with Brigit she proved herself to be the perfect wife for him.  They were a family that valued their faith and education.  They worked hard and continued to prosper and gained the respect of those around them.   As we journey through the years of the O’Connor family the author brings alive the joys, triumphs, struggles, and sorrows in such a vivid way that often you feel as though you are experiencing them yourself.

I love stories that tell of the Irish immigrating to Canada because I get to look back into the history of my own country.  The Paradise Tree is rich in historical detail and beautifully written and I enjoyed the trip back in time.  I think it’s wonderful that the author has family papers, letters, etc. that enabled her to create this richly told story of how her ancestor’s lives may have unfolded.  Recommended for fans of historical fiction and for those who love stories of people who have immigrated to new countries as much as I do!

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Source: Digital review copy provided by the author.  No compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are that of the blog owner.

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The Novice by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer is a wonderful and beautifully written novel with a story to capture a reader’s heart. It certainly captured mine and even more surprising to me is that I’ve never read anything by this fellow Canadian of mine but that will be remedied. The Novice highlights the strength and determination of one woman to find her true love – that of the man who completes her.

In 10th century Naples novice Sara is struggling with whether or not she really wants to become a nun. In her heart she knows there is so much more out there in the world for her to discover. Her decision is made for her when the Saracens, who are destroying villages and killing many, attack her convent. Sara and the nuns are forced to flee and Sara to protect the nuns puts herself directly in the path of the Saracens. Sara is left to die out in the woods but is thankfully rescued by the intriguing Nicolo. The two have an instant connection but Nicolo respects Sara’s vows as a nun and despite being heartbroken he steals away in the night.

Sara is devastated and angry with herself that she wasn’t truthful with Nicolo. Luckily her uncle takes her in and she is happy with him until the dark and brooding Umberto takes a shine to her. Despite being brutally honest and telling Umberto that she will never be with him he refuses to give up and soon enough his desire to have her turns into a dangerous obsession. Sara is trapped with a man whose cruelty knows no bounds but Sara is smart and able and she will find some way to escape. To escape and find Nicolo; the only man who has ever or will ever have her heart.

Four hundred pages has never flown by so quickly as it did with this novel. I was completely drawn into this story and into Sara’s life. I felt as though I was living within the pages of this book with how vividly it was told. Then there is Sara who is such a great character. She is strong, brave, and independent and possesses a passionate fire that burns strongly within her for love and life.

For fans of historical fiction The Novice is a great pick! Highly recommended!

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Kindle-Book Launch Price of $2.99 until October 31/14!

GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

1 eBook copy of The Novice up for grabs!

*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter

Draw Date October 18/14

Good luck!

(comments are welcome but do not count as an entry)

Source: Digital review copy provided by the publisher.  No compensation was received and all opinions are that of the blog owner.

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Tudor history is by far my favorite era to indulge in and while there usually isn’t anything new to learn what I enjoy most is seeing the unique spin that an author will give to their story. Eliza Knight has become one of my favorite authors because she so vividly brings to life the Tudor era and I know I’m in for a great treat when I read one of her novels. Her newest in the Tales from the Tudor Court Series Prisoner of the Queen is both a beautiful love story and a great tragedy.

Lady Katherine Grey’s only wish is to have a peaceful life. Meet a man she loves and bring up a family. It is not to be though as she is a princess of the blood and legitimate heir to the throne being the cousin of Mary and Elizabeth. Her sister, Jane Grey dubbed the Nine Days Queen, fallen from court and beheaded only solidifies her desire to get away from court. She’s left with no one to protect her and she has no idea who to trust anymore as everyone is now suspicious of her as well – will she be next to seize the crown they wonder?

When Katherine and Ned Seymour meet they are instantly attracted to one another. They fall in love and of course want to marry and have a family. This has to be approved by Queen Elizabeth and the odds of that ever happening are pretty small. Eventually they wed in secret and when found out thrown in the tower. Katherine births two boys but sees neither grow up. Queen Elizabeth both envious and angry at Katherine vows to never allow her to be with Ned again and while the two keep up correspondence it is not the same. Sadly they must love from afar as both are kept prisoner by Queen Elizabeth.

This was such a good book. Katherine captured my heart. She had such a pure spirit and all she wanted from life was love and it’s so sad that it wasn’t to be for her. In a time when it seemed everyone visited everyone’s bed Katherine and Ned wanted only each other. I often wonder how kings and queens were able to be so cruel to others especially family all in the name of being loyal to their throne. I wonder how they truly felt in their soul from causing so much grief while putting people to death, keeping them prisoners, or keeping them apart from those they love.

I loved Prisoner of the Queen just as I did the first in the series My Lady Viper (these are stand alone books).  Highly recommended for lovers of the Tudors and historical fiction!

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GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

1 paperback or eBook up for grabs!

*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter

Draw Date October 11/14

Good luck!

(comments are welcome but do not count as an entry)

Source: Digital review copy provided by the publisher.  No compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are that of the blog owner.

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I’m pleased to be kicking of the Historical Fiction Virtual Book tour of Kari Edgren’s novel Goddess Born because I loved it! Just the mention of Goddesses, witchcraft, healers, the paranormal or mythology and I’m all in but Goddess Born is even more than that. It offers up a sweet historical romance, fantastic characters and a wonderful storyline!

The year is 1730 in the Quaker community of Hopewell, Pennsylvania where Selah Kilbrid has been living with her father. Selah is no normal woman though since she is the direct descendant of the Celtic goddess Brigid. Selah lives in constant fear of being discovered for she has the power to heal. This knowledge in the wrong hands could be very dangerous as this kind of power would have people suspecting Selah of witchcraft so she has always been careful to keep her abilities hidden.

However Nathan, a prominent minister, is set on destroying Selah and exposing her as a witch because she has refused his marriage proposal. The only thing that can save her is her betrothal to her cousin Samuel but that hope is crushed when she learns he has died. This leaves Selah in a very dangerous position both as a woman and a half mortal. What can she do though? Marry the awful Nathan? The very thought disgusts her not to mention she would have to give up who she is to do it.

Instead Selah devises a brilliant plan to find an imposter to pose as Samuel. She finds one – an indentured servant – the perfect man to pretend to be her husband. Once the town is convinced they are husband and wife and her birthright is safe then he can disappear and go on with his life and she with hers. Henry, really having no better choices, goes along with Selah. The two bounce between hating each other and seeming to like each other. Could there be more between them? Could Henry ever accept who Selah truly is? Then again maybe Henry has some secrets of his own…

I loved Selah for the strong, outspoken woman that she was and Henry is a great character as well. Another thing that was really nice for a change is that the novel is clean of bad language or sexual content and I found it so refreshing! The only thing I wanted more of was Selah’s abilities and the Otherworld that she would escape to and I’m hoping to get that in the two novels to follow this one – one in November 2014 and one in June 2015. I can’t wait to visit with Selah and Henry again!

If you’re a fan of mythology and historical romances then you should really pick up a copy of Goddess Born. Highly recommended!

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Source: Review copy provided by the publisher. No compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions are that of the blog owner.

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