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:
Emma @ Words And peace

Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
Martha @ Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf 

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                THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive.

1: THE TRADE OFF by Sandie Jones

     Courtesy of Publisher via NetGalley

THE LAST LIFEBOAT by Hazel Gaynor

 

My thoughts

This book is a heartbreaking account of what happened during WW2 when people sent their children to other countries to keep them safe. This is a fictional account of something that actually happened in 1940. In September of 1940. 

Told from two women's lives. Lily Nicholls and Alice King. 

Lily has two young children. Georgina who is ten and Arthur who is six and a half. They are the light of Lily's eye. She loves her children more than life. When things get bad and England is getting bombed she makes the hardest decision ever. She is going to send her two children to a safer place. She wants nothing but to keep them safe from the things that are happening all around her. She's already lost her husband and can't fathom losing her children. Just keep them safe. That's all she wants. That's all anyone wanted that sent their children to safety at this time.

Alice is a woman who wants to do something different with her life. She's a little older and has never been married. She was very close to her father and is very close to her sister and brother. She applies to be an escort for the children who will be evacuated. Her life is about to change is many ways. More than she ever expected.

This book takes you through so much. So much anguish and heartbreak. So much loss. It's all about one lifeboat that carries what remains of the last passengers from the Carlisle, the ship carrying children to safety. Everyone has had to get off this ship after it was torpedoed. There are twelve lifeboats and Alice is on THE LAST LIFEBOAT!! There are five boys and one girl that she will be responsible for. Also there are several men. A lot of people didn't make it. A lot were on other lifeboats. This story is about The Last Lifeboat and what all they endured. The quick thinking. The horrors. The eight days they are at sea. Totally alone.

This book is so beautifully written. So full of deep emotion. It made me weep. I do mean weep. I did laugh a few times at the antics of some of the children but for the most part it was very sad. In a historic way sad. Hazel Gaynor has written a wonderful story here based on actual facts. Actual events. I fell in love with some of these children. Especially Arthur and Billy. Billy is one that I rooted for. He was just a little child full of wonder. Arthur was a great child also. He was so very brave. 

Do not forget to read the HISTORICAL NOTE at the end. There is a lot of info that is vital to this story there. There is no doubt that this author did a lot of good research. It's so sad that this ever happened. 

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

Five huge stars. Don't let this one pass you by. Grab it and several boxes of tissue. 

Synopsis 

Inspired by a remarkable true story, a young teacher evacuates children to safety across perilous waters, in a moving and triumphant new novel from New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor.
 
1940, Kent: Alice King is not brave or daring—she’s happiest finding adventure through the safe pages of books. But times of war demand courage, and as the threat of German invasion looms, a plane crash near her home awakens a strength in Alice she’d long forgotten. Determined to do her part, she finds a role perfectly suited to her experience as a schoolteacher—to help evacuate Britain’s children overseas.
 
1940, London: Lily Nichols once dreamed of using her mathematical talents for more than tabulating the cost of groceries, but life, and love, charted her a different course. With two lively children and a loving husband, Lily’s humble home is her world, until war tears everything asunder. With her husband gone and bombs raining down, Lily is faced with an impossible choice: keep her son and daughter close, knowing she may not be able to protect them, or enroll them in a risky evacuation scheme, where safety awaits so very far away.
 
When a Nazi U-boat torpedoes the S. S. Carlisle carrying a ship of children to Canada, a single lifeboat is left adrift in the storm-tossed Atlantic. Alice and Lily, strangers to each other—one on land, the other at sea—will quickly become one another’s very best hope as their lives are fatefully entwined.

GONE AGAIN by Minka Kent

 

My thoughts

I read this author's book Unmissing and loved it. I could not wait to get into this one and boy is it a good one. Another book to keep you turning the pages. This was a quick read too as I devoured it. 

Celia tells her story in past and present. Her life is very sad for the first eighteen years. Her parents are into a very strict religious organization. I would call it nothing short of a cult. If you don't tow the line you get severely punished. I mean severely. Bad things happen to children that can't be controlled. Celia is determined to get away from this horrible life. After what happened to her you won't blame her either. After some of the things she experiences you will root for her to get away. 

Genevieve tells her story past and present also. Her's is not as bad as her older sisters. She doesn't experience the abuse her sister did. She just learned to fade into the distance. To be somewhat invisible. She did what she was told without any questions. 

Then there is Celeste. She's the baby of the family. The one I had so many questions about. I thought one thing about her and Celia but I was wrong. It was much worse. So much worse. 

After Celia's fortieth birthday party she gets a note that disturbs her greatly. She drives away to clear her head and runs into trouble she wasn't expecting. Everyone is looking for her and no one seems to know what happened to her. Could she have run... again. Be gone... again. 

This book will keep you turning the pages until the very ending. You will be guessing at who did what and why but I don't believe you will get it. I sure didn't and I usually do. I didn't like Genevieve at first. I thought she was a bit petty. But she did grow on me and I understand now why she felt the way she did. She had no idea why Celia truly ran. Their parents were awful but their dad was the devil. Some things she will find out make it clear. Everyone was affected by the actions he took.

Can these three sisters ever become close. Can they bury the past and move on. Will their be any justice for what some did. This book does not leave you hanging. You'll find out everything and more.

Thank you #NetGalley, #MinkaKent, #Thomas&Mercer, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars and I highly recommend it. It's really very good.

Synopsis

In this novel of escalating fear and suspense by Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent, a secret from a woman’s past unearths a lifetime of lies. How long can she run from the past?

On her fortieth birthday, Celia Guest has reason to celebrate. She has a loving marriage, a beautiful Connecticut home, and treasured friends. Celia has everything she’s ever wanted. But among the cards and well-wishes, she discovers a disturbing note: You don’t deserve any of this.

Who could be so cruel, so resentful, so…knowing? Then, in the early morning hours, Celia vanishes without a trace.

As suspicions and concerns rise among Celia’s friends, her sister Genevieve, with whom she shares a fractured and troubling bond, starts to piece together a shattered life that Celia fled from once before. As a foundation of lies begins to crumble, a terrifying childhood secret Celia thought was dead and buried comes to light.

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:
Emma @ Words And peace

Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
Martha @ Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf 

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

                THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive.

1: THE HOUSE BEYOND THE DUNES by Mary Burton

     Courtesy of the Publisher via NetGalley

2: BENEATH THE SURFACE by Kaira Rouda

     Courtesy of the Publisher via NetGalley

3: THE NEW MOTHER by Nora Murphy

      Courtesy of the Publisher via NetGalley

4: THE MADWOMEN OF PARIS by Jennifer Cody Epstein

     Courtesy of the Publisher via NetGalley

5: IN MY LIFE by Kay Bratt

     Courtesy of the author

IN MY LIFE by Kay Bratt

 

My thoughts

Each book in this series is better than the last. That is saying a lot as each is great. 

They are about a family. A family with lots of drama and some secrets. Some new loves may be developing along the way also. And the dogs. There are some stories about dogs that will take your heart. Both good things and some bad. 

Taylor is a cop who works hard. She's always helping others and putting herself last. She lets a few people walk over her at times but I have a feeling it will all work out in the last book. Everything will. I hope. I sure do hate to see this series end. It's been my favorite of this author's books and she's written some very good ones. This book has a lot going on. Family is at the center of all everything. Taylor's sisters seem to need her more than even they realize at times.  You get to know their mother more in this book.

Cate, the mother of these four girls. She was wrongfully sent to prison many years ago. She was accused of murder by arson. She spent all that time locked up and very lonely. Not having much trust in anything or anyone. A real loner. Taylor found her and helped prove her innocence. Now Cate is trying to make a life with her daughters. She may just find that special someone also. We'll see. I hope so. She has a love for animals and gets a job at the local humane society. There is a lot of drama there also. Not with the employs but with some of the nuts that come in. 

There is a big murder in this book. A dad, son and best friend are killed in cold blood. Taylor and Shane are the leads on this one and won't stop until someone is caught. It is not one of those where you will figure out who did it. You won't. But they might. They work well together but I'm still rooting for Taylor and Sam. I want them to get together. 

Lucy is happy with the choices she is finally making also. Her son and her are living on a boat and making new friends. I think she's going to be a great mother. Of course she still needs Taylor's help and her mom, Cate's, love and understanding. 

You get to know a little more about Jo and her son also. And just a bit about Anna again. I worry about Anna. I don't think she's in a good place in her marriage. I'm afraid her husband is going to be a bit controlling and possibly a bit abusive. I hope not. We will see. 

This book was a fun read and a serious one that made me laugh out loud in a couple of places. One in particular. The word that one man used... "hippa-thesis." If you read or read the book you'll see what I mean. It had me laughing so hard. I could just picture this country, possibly a redneck, man saying that. 

This book is great. It has a bit of everything for you. I do hope we find out who hurt Taylor and he gets brought to justice. 

Thank you Kay Bratt for this beautiful series and this third book. I am very anxious to read the next one now. Not that I want it to end but it's that good.

Five big huge stars..

Synopsis

Hart's Ridge used to be such a quaint, peaceful little town but when Deputy Taylor stumbles upon a triple murder, she won't stop until she finds the ruthless killer.

Working a murder case is hard enough but when she is also trying to navigate a new relationship, not lose her dog, and also keep her own family straight, Taylor realizes she may have taken on more than she can handle. Something has got to give.

Deputy Taylor Gray is a young woman carrying the world on her shoulders as she does her best to solve mysteries (each inspired by a true crime), as well as fight to piece her fractured family back together. What will it take to convince her to step back and figure out what she needs?

WHAT'S NOT LOST by Valerie Taylor

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  What's Not Lost by Valerie Taylor
Category: Adult Fiction 18+  
Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Publisher:  Aspetuck Publishing, 324 pages
Release date:  February 7, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M. There is some bad language and references to sex scenes, but no explicit sex scenes.

Book Description:

Through the eyes of an overachiever, the schemes of a homewrecker, the magic of a bottle of wine, and a CAT, award-winning author Valerie Taylor propels this captivating and heart-warming romance to an unpredictable and delightful conclusion.

Kassie O'Callaghan is searching ... for herself and for answers. With her husband six feet under and an engagement ring on her finger, Kassie is convinced managing a company merger in Paris will complete her quest for recognition on her own terms. When she learns her fiancé's ex-girlfriend is pregnant, Kassie's dreams come tumbling down. At least for the moment.

Despite pleas from her younger fiancé to stay in Boston and a warning from her best friend forever of what's at stake should she leave, Kassie heads to Paris with courage and perseverance. There, she stumbles into a world of wine and roses as she tries to put the wisdom of her experience to the ultimate test.

​When a Greek businessman tries to rescue her, Kassie discovers-in life-it's not whether you win or lose, it's the way you love that counts.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon
Bookshop.org ~ B&N 
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Six years retired, three years a published novelist, always a reader of good stories. Valerie Taylor was born and raised in Stamford, CT. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer. After her divorce, she spread her wings and relocated her career to Boston and then to Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter. Taylor’s a member of the Westport Writer’s Workshop, the Independent Book Publisher’s Association, the CT Authors and Publishers Association, and the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association. She’s a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. With the expected release in February 2023, What’s Not Lost is the final season in the What’s Not trilogy. Her debut, What’s Not Said, was published in 2020, with the sequel, What’s Not True, following closely in 2021. Taylor’s next journey will be into the world of cozy mysteries.

​connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

WHAT'S NOT LOST Book Tour Giveaway

 

BETWEEN THE SKY AND THE SEA by Lisa Williams Kline

 

Read Free on Kindle Unlimited!

@LisaWilliamsKline @KateRockBookTours

#LisaWilliamsKline #KateRockBookTours #BookBlitz #BookTour

#dragonbladepublishing #shipwreck #historicalromance 

#Southernhistoricalfiction

One glance. A shipwreck. Can a love affair forged in peril sustain two independent spirits?

Lavinia Onslow, who delights in the freedom of managing her father’s millinery shop in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, has decided she may defy convention and not marry after all. Yet, in the summer of 1838, on board the elegant steamship Pulaski, bound from Savannah to Baltimore, she exchanges glances with an intriguing young man. What can ensue from a mere glance? Quite a lot, as legend has it. That very night, the boiler of the Pulaski explodes and the ship sinks, drowning most of its wealthy passengers. As Lavinia struggles in the water in her heavy dress, calling out for her father and thinking she will surely perish, someone dives in to rescue her, pulling her up next to him on a makeshift raft made of two deck settees. When she composes herself, she recognizes the intriguing man. There they float, alone but together, surrounded by ocean, thirty miles off the coast of North Carolina, desperate for a life-saving miracle.

Is the bond she feels for this stranger more than an instinct for survival?

Inspired by a legend --that may or not be true-- and set in the rich historic milieus of Savannah, New Orleans, and the coast of North Carolina, Between the Sky and the Sea explores how Lavinia Onslow’s desire to live as an independent woman transforms after surviving the wreck of the Pulaski.

Author bio

Lisa Williams Kline wanted to become a writer ever since second grade, when she wrote and illustrated “The Adventures of Little Horse and Little Lamb,” on large-lined paper. A graduate of Duke University, she is now the author of ten books for young people, including Eleanor Hill, winner of the North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award, Princesses of Atlantis, Write Before Your Eyes, One Week of You, the novella One Week of the Heart, and the five-book Sisters in All Seasons series. In 2022, her book of personal essays The Ruby Mirror was released by The Bridge, and in 2023, adult historical fiction Between the Sky and the Sea was released from Dragonblade Publishing, and contemporary women's fiction Ladies' Day was released from CamCat Books. Lisa lives with her veterinarian husband and two talented cats and a sweet chihuahua who played Bruiser Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Their daughters and their husbands visit frequently with their dogs and as can be imagined they have a howling good time.