A Christmas Secret by Kirsty Ferry is a 2018 Choc Lit publication.
A madcap adventurous romance featuring the sly matchmaker, Schubert the cat.
Hugo iA Christmas Secret by Kirsty Ferry is a 2018 Choc Lit publication.
A madcap adventurous romance featuring the sly matchmaker, Schubert the cat.
Hugo is pet sitting his sister Nessa’s very large black cat- Schubert, who could be a Norwegian Forest Cat or a Maine Coon. With the holidays quickly approaching, Hugo decides to take Schubert to a pet photography studio to have his picture made as a gift for his sister.
There he meets Isla, the pet photographer. Hugo thinks Isla is adorable and nice and wants to get to know her better. But he’s harboring a dark little secret from his past that could be a deal breaker for Isla.
Isla, meanwhile, is having trouble avoiding her possessive ex-boyfriend whose jealousy could interfere with Isla’s budding romance with Hugo.
Sensing there could be a little trouble brewing, Schubert, who is too smart and intuitive for his own good, is working overtime to help this couple overcome the obstacles in the way of their romance.
I knew I was going to enjoy this story simply because I love cats. But, when I discovered the cat’s breed, I was even more delighted. I desperately want a Maine Coon cat and am on the look out for a rescue. Not only that, I’m partial to black cats. But the question is, even with all that going for it, is the story a good one? Absolutely!
This a short, light hearted and zany holiday story full of humor and romantic adventure. There is a slightly sinister undertone, however, but Shubert has everything under control. So, just sit back and watch him manipulate his humans- for their own good, of course, and enjoy Isla and Hugo’s magical whirlwind romance! ...more
News of the World by Paulette Jiles is a 2016 William Morrow publication.
News of the World is another book on a list of award nominees I’ve worked myNews of the World by Paulette Jiles is a 2016 William Morrow publication.
News of the World is another book on a list of award nominees I’ve worked my way through in the last days of 2016.
This may be one of my favorites on that list, due to the historical details provided about my home state of Texas. I am familiar with every place on the map Captain Kidd visited or described in his journey across the state.
In 1870, during the reconstruction period of Texas, law and order was random and loose. The dispute over land with the Native Americans erupts in violence, with kidnapping of American women and children becoming a common practice.
Ten year old ‘Johanna’ was kidnapped at age six by the Kiowa tribe. But, now, at age ten, she’s been sold and left behind by the only people she appears to have any feelings for, or memory of.
Her plight comes to Captain Kidd’s attention while he travels across Texas, reading the ‘news of the world’ to crowds of people who pay him a dime a head for his services. He is offered a fair price to take ‘Johanna’ back to her only remaining family.
Along their long and treacherous journey the seventy-plus year old Captain Kidd forges a bond with young ‘Johanna’ and she eventually learns to trust him due to his patience and kind treatment of her.
This relationship is at the heart of the story and is what will stick in my mind when I think of all the many layers of this short, powerful novel.
“Loss of reputation and the regard of our fellow persons is in any society, from Iceland to Malaysia, a terrible blow to the spirit. It is worse than being penniless and more cutting than the blades of enemies.”
The contrast between good and evil jumps off the pages as brutality and the evil intentions of men are outweighed by good, honorable men, like Captain Kidd.
The psychological effects ‘Johanna’ endured as a result of her kidnapping is puzzling and there are no pat answers. What happened to her during that four year span of time that caused her to forget everything she had known before, including her own native language and the ability to use utensils while eating.
Her heart remained with the Kiowa tribe for reasons that simply cannot be fully explained. This part of the story is heartbreaking and I do think I will take the author’s advice and check out the recommended reading material she listed at the end of the book for insight into the psychology of those captured by Native American tribes.
The writing here is simply amazing, the intricate details of the landscape and of the characters bring the story to life with its vivid imagery.
Wars and conflicts have followed us all through history, and they always leave behind vulnerable victims, who are forever changed and no matter how well intentioned we are, those impressions may never really leave them. Sometimes all one can do is the right thing and let things develop from there, which is what Captain Kidd ultimately had to do.
While Johanna’s story is sad and poignant, as well as thought provoking, her character deeply touched me and I think I will always remember her.
This short novel packs a pretty big punch, and is definitely worth the time, even if you don’t usually read westerns or historical fiction.
Good Time Coming by C.S. Harris is a 2016 Severn House publication.
“War in all men’s eyes shall be a monster of iniquity, in the good time coming
NatGood Time Coming by C.S. Harris is a 2016 Severn House publication.
“War in all men’s eyes shall be a monster of iniquity, in the good time coming
Nations shall not quarrel then, to prove which is the stronger
Nor slaughter men for glory’s sake
Wait a little longer.”
This is C.S. Harris like you have never known her before! The popular author of the beloved Sebastian St. Cyr Victorian mystery series has taken on the Civil War from the Southern perspective, in a raw, powerful, work of historical fiction that will leave you as haunted as the characters brought to life through the pages in this book.
St. Francisville, Louisiana, a river town that has escaped much of the hardships of the war, finds their luck has turned when New Orleans falls.
Twelve year old, Amrie is surrounded by good friends and family, although her parents garnered some disdain due to their abolitionist leanings. But, when the realities of war soon closes in around them on all sides, the women left behind to fend for themselves, must pull together, because they will need every single ounce of fortitude and courage to face the very dark, violent, and dangerous times ahead of them.
First of all, it is important to note, this book is about the harsh realities of war, which means it can be very violent, harsh, brutal and painful. The author does not hold back or sugar coat anything, laying bare a stark depiction of the hardships and cruelty all southern women, from the genteel and well bred, protected ladies, to those less fortunate, both black and white, endured during the Civil War.
The story is told from the first- person perspective of Amrie, as she relates the atmosphere of her hometown, the fear that gripped them, the Federal attacks that not only left the land raped and scorched, pillaged and ruined but also left many women and children in that same condition.
Amrie, and her mother, are two strong women, ahead of their time, who exhibited forward thinking, and did what had to be done to protect themselves. They suffered great losses, felt a deep compassion and learned the depths of which humanity can sink or rise when faced with unbearable adversity.
The author has thoroughly researched journals and writings of Southern women who lived during this time, and boldly strips away that common myth that the Union soldiers did not rape or abuse women – all women- while they tore through the south.
Amrie’s voice is so heart wrenchingly real, so compelling and soulful, I felt as though I was living the events she described through her eyes. But, every single woman in this book will touch you in some way. Some were likeable, some remained an enigma, while others were a true inspiration and heroes in their own right.
This story is intense, but the characters are worth the emotional wringer you must endure, with a heart thumping, edge of your seat conclusion that filled my heart and allowed me to experience a little peace of mind, knowing these strong, admirable women would make it through to the next chapter of their lives despite the scars indelibly seared on their souls, with grace and aplomb, will do right by one another, and will become an inspiration and role model for many generations to come.
This in an outstanding novel, written with sympathy, but with bold candor, with no holds barred! I can’t express how impressed I am with the job C.S. Harris did with this book. I applaud her bravery and skill in addressing such difficult passages and subject matters and ugly truths that were badly in need of exposure.
Overall, this book is extraordinary and remarkable!! Hilda’s words to Colonel O’Keefe will ring in my ears for many days to come, and I will carry Armie’s courage and her incredible story in my heart for a long, long time to come.
Everyone needs to read a good old fashioned story about redemption, hope, and second chances from time to time. With the world always focused on negatEveryone needs to read a good old fashioned story about redemption, hope, and second chances from time to time. With the world always focused on negativity it is refreshing to read a story that depicts normal people who made mistakes or suffered loss find a way to turn their lives around for the better with a little love, faith and trust. We all need second chances in life at times but sometimes that task requires a little more courage than at others. Julia's ability give Eli the benefit of the doubt made all the difference the world and helped him recapture his self-worth and boost his confidence, not only in regards to his relationship with Alex, but with Julia too.
Julia has a lot on her plate, but finds in Eli a quiet strength that convinces her he is a good man, and one she can lean on, who will listen patiently, is kind, and is falling hopelessly in love with her.
The old Civil War letters and Charlotte's story was very authentic and well written, but harsh and sad at times. But, you will love Charlotte's fortitude and her son Ben will capture your heart.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews
This story has a little bit of mystery, a slight paranormal tint, a little bit of history, and a sweet contemporary romance. This story is a clean read and could be read by older teens and young adults as well. ...more
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