UNDER THE GOLDEN SUN by Jenny Ashcroft

 

A "remarkable novel of family and love during a time of war,"* Jenny Ashcroft's Under the Golden Sun follows a soul-searching young woman who takes a leap of faith and discovers a place to call home and someone to share her heart.

England, 1941. The world is at war. London is under siege as the German blitz pounds the city without warning, without mercy. Rose Hamilton did her part as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force until she was unfairly discharged following a tragic loss. Working as a secretary on a Devon farmland, Rose is out of harm’s way, but she needs to contribute to something greater than herself to truly recover.

Answering a newspaper advertisement for a companion to accompany an orphaned child to Australia, Rose becomes enchanted with four-year-old Walter Lucknow. Shy, imaginative, and kind, the boy lost his parents and has been living in near seclusion with his elder great aunt. As heir to a wealthy Australian cattle station, Walter must return to his homeland and his mother’s family.

Leaving her own family—and fiancé—Rose braves the long, dangerous voyage across Pacific waters where war is imminent to see Walter safely home. But upon arrival, Rose learns the truth about Walter’s relationship to the Lucknows and the land he’s supposed to inherit, a truth that haunts the boy’s Uncle Max, a wounded pilot scarred inside and out. And as Max opens his heart up to Walter, Rose is drawn to the man’s strength and compassion, finding herself torn between returning to England and staying with the child and man she’s grown to love.

MY THOUGHTS

This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is such a sweet innocent book with so many feels. From laughter to big sobbing tears it holds you. The history is beautifully written and makes you see things the way they are. The sun in Australia must be gorgeous....

My favorite lines in this book:

Please, she thought, let him be happy, here. Let Him be glad we came. She smiled down at him, wiped a tear from his watering eyes with her thumb. 

"Yeah," he said. "I see you, Rosie."

When Rose decides to check out an add she reads little does she know how much her life will change. How much her whole world will be turned upside down and in circles too. Her family doesn't seem too keen on her shipping off to Australia with a small child in tow. But Rosie knows she has to do this. She's not sure about her and her fiancee's future. Xander has not always been the best person in her life and spending her entire life with him may not be the best thing for her. Maybe being away will help....

This book takes you from London to Australia. Makes you feel like you are on the ship with Rosie and Walter. Walter is a child who lost the only family he has ever known and is going to meet his aunt, uncle and grandmother for the first time. But things are not as clear cut as they seem. Sometimes people say things so you take the road meant to be traveled. So life can go on as it should. To make amends for something that is basically not even their fault but needs to be done. Walter needs to be in Australia and with a certain family. 

The characters in this book are all so lovable. I loved Walter so so much. He wormed his little self right into my heart. As did Max. Max is the uncle. His sister Esme and Rosie are destine to become the best of friends. When Rosie and Walter first get to the ranch things don't go quite the way they were expected to. It takes a bit of time for some people to come through and be the people they are meant to be. 

This is a love story also. Three people in love. Two men and one woman. Will she make the best decision for herself or will she go the safe route. Will she be able to follow her heart or will her heart be shattered. Rosie knows beyond a doubt who has her heart. She loves him with all she has. From the very depths of her heart. Will he, can he, love her back. Truly love her. A love story in the midst of a family with many problems but so much solved also. During a big war that is tearing apart so much. A time when hope is all they have sometimes. 

This book will melt your heart in so many ways. Make you believe in things. Believe in the better parts. Also give you a taste of the worse parts. It's a very good book. Well written and at the very end you need to read the Historical Note. The author put it there for you and it's so worth reading. This book.... So so good.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #JennyAshcroft, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

5/5 big huge stars and the very highest recommendation possible. Read it. Savor it. Enjoy. Have tissues handy.

Mailbox Monday

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!!

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia @ A Girl and Her Books, has a permanent home now at Mailbox Monday.

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Here’s a shout out to the administrators:
Leslie @ Under My Apple Tree 
Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
Martha @ Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf 

Velvet @ vvb32reads

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                THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive. 

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Received this week

March 21st

1:  OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen

courtesy of St Martin's Press via NetGalley

March 22nd

2: THE CIRCUS TRAIN by Amita Parikh

courtesy of  Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley

March 23rd

3: THE CHILDREN ON THE HILL by Jennifer McMahon

courtesy of Gallery Books via NetGalley

March 25th 

4: THE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman

courtesy of Kensington Books vial NetGalley

5: MAKE ME DISAPPEAR by Jessica Payne

courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley

March 26th

6: BREATHLESS by Amy McCulloch

courtesy of Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, Anchor via NetGalley

THE GOLDEN COUPLE by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

The next electrifying novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo behind The Wife Between Us.

"Propulsive and thrilling....A page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end." --Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Malibu Rising

Wealthy Washington suburbanites Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all—until Marissa is unfaithful. Beneath their veneer of perfection is a relationship riven by work and a lack of intimacy. She wants to repair things for the sake of their eight-year-old son and because she loves her husband. Enter Avery Chambers.

Avery is a therapist who lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counseling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods. And the Bishops are desperate.
When they glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.

More praise for THE GOLDEN COUPLE
"An utterly compelling, spellbinding read." --Lisa Jewell, author of Then She Was Gone and Invisible Girl

"A propulsive, twisty, unputdownable thriller" --Laura Dave, author of The Last Thing He Told Me

MY THOUGHTS

Another good one by a couple of gifted authors. Each book seems to get better than the last.

HIGHLIGHT FROM THIS BOOK:

Grief isn't linear. It isn't logical. There's no structure or civility to it; it grabs you when you least expect it and digs in its nails until you succumb.

This book is one that really keeps you guessing. You think you have it figured out but another twist. A few characters who seem to be totally off and in to hurt the Bishops. Is it jealousy or something more sinister? Could it be from the affair or is it way more? I thought I had it but I didn't. This one took me by surprise. And it's kind of like reading two stories in one. With what is happening in Avery's life and what is going on with Marissa and Matthew. Two things to try and figure out. 

Marissa has a secret and she needs to tell her husband, Matthew. She wants to tell him and come clean. Hope for forgiveness and a new start. To possibly make their marriage new again. Or close to new. Be more like a couple and not THE GOLDEN COUPLE that everyone thinks they are. But the loving couple they once were. 

Avery is a therapist who has a few secrets of her own. But her life is dedicated to helping others get on with their lives. To deal with things in a better way. Some seem to come back and bite her. Others live happy lives. Her way of dealing with people seems to work. But will it work for the Bishops or will it help them to move on apart? Will someone end up hurt? Lonely? Alone? Dead? It's possible that all will happen but Avery will do all she can to help them work things out. Together. 

I really like almost all of the characters in this book. They each play an important role in the events that happened. Even the very tiny things are important. Marissa has a business and a young woman who works for her that may not be who or what she seems. Matthew's ex may want him again. Marissa may be hiding more than she confessed too. But with Avery's help all of the things will come out. 

Another very well written page turner for fans of Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. One that will have you on the edge of your seat many times. Turning the pages to find out what happens next. There are parts that will make you cry also. It did me. I think maybe my favorite character was Avery. She was a bit out there at times but very likable and got things done. She took care of business. She took her clients in and held them close. She did all she could to help them get on track and stay that way. She was likable all the way. 

Thank you #NetGalley, #GreerHendricks/SarahPekkanen, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5/5 big stars. It's so good. I highly recommend this one. And it published today.

Mailbox Monday

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!!

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia @ A Girl and Her Books, has a permanent home now at Mailbox Monday.

 ************

Here’s a shout out to the administrators:
Leslie @ Under My Apple Tree 
Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
Martha @ Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf 

Velvet @ vvb32reads

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                THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive. 

************

March 14th

1: DARK RIVERS TO CROSS by Lynne Reeves

courtesy of Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley

2: THE HUNTER by Jennifer Herrera

courtesy of  Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley

   3: THE SWELL by Allie Reynolds

courtesy of Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley

March 15th

4: THE QUARRY GIRLS by Jess Lourey

courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley

March 16th

5: WHERE WILD PEACHES GROW by Cade Bentley

courtesy of  Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley

6: THE THREAD COLLECTORS by Shaunna J. Edwards, Alyson Richman

courtesy of Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley

March 17th

7: THE HOUSEKEEPER by Joy Fielding

courtesy of  Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine

March 18th

8: LITTLE SISTER by Gytha Lodge

courtesy of Random House Publishing Group-Random House via NetGalley

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS by Lisa Scottoline

 

From #1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline comes a pulse-pounding new novel.

Your family has been attacked, never again to be the same.
Now you have to choose between law…and justice.

     Jason Bennett is a suburban dad who owns a court-reporting business, but one night, his life takes a horrific turn. He is driving his family home after his daughter’s field hockey game when a pickup truck begins tailgating them, on a dark stretch of road. Suddenly two men jump from the pickup and pull guns on Jason, demanding the car. A horrific flash of violence changes his life forever.
 
Later that awful night, Jason and his family receive a visit from the FBI. The agents tell them that the carjackers were members of a dangerous drug-trafficking organization - and now Jason and his family are in their crosshairs.
 
The agents advise the Bennetts to enter the witness protection program right away, and they have no choice but to agree. But WITSEC was designed to protect criminal informants, not law-abiding families. Taken from all they know, trapped in an unfamiliar life, the Bennetts begin to fall apart at the seams. Then Jason learns a shocking truth and realizes that he has to take matters into his own hands.
 
Sometimes justice is a one-man show.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Scottoline's books. This one though fell a tiny bit short for me.

It started out with a bang. Really drew me in completely and I was in tears rather quickly. 

This is a story of a family in the witness protection program. After a horrible thing happens to them they have to go into hiding from a drug family. But is that really the reason? Is that a cover for something much deeper? Has this family lost everything for no logical reason? 

On a drive one evening the Bennetts are stopped in a carjacking. Their lives will never be the same...ever. Things take a turn even deeper when they carjacking is investigated. A group of people who are not to be messed with are involved and the Bennetts have to go into protection. 

Everything in this story is interesting and seems realistic but... It started dragging for me once the family moved into another house and their home and businesses were burned. They try to figure out who and why. Someone is lying to them and it seems it's up to Jason Bennett to find out the truth. Find out who is lying and why. Who may be trying to kill his family. Could it be the very people who are suppose to be protecting them or is it truly the drug family? And why? That is the big question.

This book is well written and gives you lots of emotion. Tears will be shed and anger will come to the surface. I never found myself laughing though. You will root for this family to survive. For Jason and Lucinda to work things out. To live. Or at least I did. 

The only problem I had was all the chasing and fighting. That part I didn't really enjoy. But it was an important part of the story. I did find parts to be very unbelievable but it was still ok. I can't imagine anyone as easy going as Jason doing some of the things he did. But it was for his family so that made up for my lack of total belief. Parts did drag for me but I kept on reading. It's not that it's back. It's very good. Just parts were a bit slow for me.

Thank you #NetGalley, #Penguingroupputnam, #LisaScottoline for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

3.5/5 stars. I recommend you read it for yourself as you may really love all the parts that I didn't. It's well written and is good. Just not my kind of action or thriller.

Mailbox Monday

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!!

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia @ A Girl and Her Books, has a permanent home now at Mailbox Monday.

 ************

Here’s a shout out to the administrators:
Leslie @ Under My Apple Tree 
Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
Martha @ Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf 

Velvet @ vvb32reads

************

                THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive. 

************

 

Books received this week:

1: SPELLS FOR FORGETTING by Adrienne Young

courtesy of  Random House Publishing-Ballantine via NetGalley

2: MOTHER OF ALL SECRETS by Kathleen W. Willett

courtesy of Lake Union Publishers via NetGalley

3: LONG GONE by Joanna Schaffhausen

courtesy of St Martin's Press via NetGalley

4: PRIVACY by Nina Sadowsky

courtesy of Random House Ballantine via NetGalley

MOMENT IN TIME by Suzanne Redfearn

 

From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes a heartrending story about the power of friendship during the most challenging moments in life.

It’s been eight years since a tragic accident changed Mo Kaminski’s and Chloe Miller’s lives forever. Now in their midtwenties, they’re sharing an apartment in San Francisco and navigating the normal challenges of early adulthood. Along with their roommate, Hazel, they are making their marks on the world—Mo revolutionizing the news with her media start-up, Hazel using her big brain to anticipate the future, and Chloe rescuing abandoned strays in the city.

But when Hazel disappears after being sexually assaulted, Mo’s and Chloe’s lives are again suddenly ripped apart. And when the perpetrator turns up drugged and beaten, the mystery of where Hazel is deepens. Intensely worried and desperate to discover the truth, they set out to find Hazel and bring her home.

Mo and Chloe are no strangers to tragedy, but this journey will test them in ways they never imagined. The stakes are high; the future uncertain; the need for justice essential.

Will their commitment to their friend bring them closer together—or ultimately drive them apart?

MY THOUGHTS 

This is my third book by this author. She writes books that pull at your heartstrings and make you stop and think. If you read, IN AN INSTANT, you may remember two of the main characters in this book. Mo and Chloe. Best friends who survived a tragedy years earlier. 

Three young women's lives will never be the same after one night in which two are celebrating. Mo has done something that is pretty awesome and wants to celebrate. Chloe can't so Hazel goes. Hazel's life is changed forever. She's introduced to a man who hurts her in the worse way. Then of course Mo thinks it's her fault. 

This book deals in date rape and HGB, date rape drug. It's not explicit but you know what happened and what is possibly going on. When the man is hospitalized one of the three is blamed and the story takes off. It's a fight to the end as to who did what and why. Hazel has reason. Mo is blamed. Chloe is only trying to help. Each has their own baggage and secrets. Each loves the others with all they have. Neither would ever consider ratting out the others. Strap in for a ride you won't soon forget. 

This book gets pretty intense in places but again not explicit. The mystery of who did it and the mystery of why someone accuses another will have you wondering. The love between one and her sweetheart is so sweet. Another finds love after being done so dirty. There is even a dog in this one that you will fall in love with. Her name is Ruby. Ruby is a hero in many ways but one particular way will have you holding your breath.

This is such a good and very touching story. A tough one but well written. At the end you will want to read the Author's Note. It is not to be missed. Date rape is real. This part was hard. It hit me in the heart and soul. It's a shame that it still happens and more than ever it seems. There has to be something that can be done. Stop blaming the victims for one thing. Pass laws for another. Do something to help victims emotionally at no charge and no shame. Just do it!

Thank you #NetGalley, #SuzanneRedfearn, #LakeUnionPublishing for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

5/5 stars and a must read. A touching one too. Be prepared. Have tissues.

Mailbox Monday

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!!

Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia @ A Girl and Her Books, has a permanent home now at Mailbox Monday.

 ************

Here’s a shout out to the administrators:
Leslie @ Under My Apple Tree 
Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
Martha @ Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf 

Velvet @ vvb32reads

************

                THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive. 

************

RECEIVED 

1: OUTSIDE by Ragnar Jonasson

courtesy of St Martins Press

Received from Amazon First Reads

1: OR ELSE by Joe Hart

2: FULL by Julia Spiro