Month: January 2024

Book Review: The Wharton Plot

BonnieReadsAndWrites13 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION (FROM AMAZON)

New York City, 1911. Edith Wharton, almost equally famed for her novels and her sharp tongue, is bone-tired of Manhattan. Finding herself at a crossroads with both her marriage and her writing, she makes the decision to leave America, her publisher, and her loveless marriage.

And then, dashing novelist David Graham Phillips—a writer with often notorious ideas about society and women’s place in it—is shot to death outside the Princeton Club. Edith herself met the man only once, when the two formed a mutual distaste over tea in the Palm Court of the Belmont hotel. When Phillips is killed, Edith’s life takes another turn. His sister is convinced Graham was killed by someone determined to stop the publication of his next book, which promised to uncover secrets that powerful people would rather stayed hidden. Though unconvinced, Edith is curious. What kind of book could push someone to kill?

Inspired by a true story, The Wharton Plot follows Edith Wharton through the fading years of the Gilded Age in a city she once loved so well, telling a taut tale of fame, love, and murder, as she becomes obsessed with solving a crime.

BOOK REVIEW

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the personality of a real-life character as well described as it is in this portrayal of Edith Wharton. Mariah Fredericks has captured the inner thoughts, feelings, doubts, heartbreak,, and desires of her main character so well that she comes alive. It is a master class in writing and a true portrait of Wharton’s faults, disappointments, and imperfections as well as her talents and strengths.

The murder mystery is based on the real-life murder of David Graham Phillips, and it is captivating from start to finish. The plot and history of the time combine with superbly written, strong characters to create a fascinating and compelling story. Wharton’s struggles, both in her marriage and her career, are honestly depicted and nothing is hidden from the reader. It is an intriguing combination of murder mystery and fictionalized biography that fans of historical fiction will enjoy.

I also listened to the audiobook, and the narration by Kitty Hendrix is well done.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariah Fredericks was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history. She enjoys reading and writing about dead people and how they got that way. She is the author of the Jane Prescott mystery series.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google | Kobo

Book Tour and Review: The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green

BonnieReadsAndWrites6 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Based on true World War II stories of life in the USO variety shows, worlds collide when performers from around the United States come together to tour North Africa.

Vibrant and scrappy Maggie McCleod tried not to get fired from her wartime orchestra, but her sharp tongue landed her in trouble, so an overseas adventure with the USO’s camp show promises a chance at a fresh start. Wealthy and elegant Catherine Duquette signs with the USO to leave behind her restrictive life of privilege and to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the handsome pilot whose letters mysteriously stopped arriving.

The two women are joined by an eclectic group of performers–a scheming blues singer, a veteran tap dancer, and a brooding magician–but the harmony among their troupe is short-lived when their tour manager announces he will soon recommend one of them for a coveted job in the Hollywood spotlight. Each of the five members has a reason to want the contract, and they’ll do whatever is necessary to claim it. As their troupe travels closer to the dangerous battlefront in Tunisia, personal crises and wartime dangers only intensify, putting not only their careers but also their lives on the line.

PRAISE FOR THE FOXHOLE VICTORY TOUR

  • “Green deserves a standing ovation for her rousing story of unlikely friendships, courage over comfort, and the impactful work of USO performers during WWII. The Foxhole Victory Tour transports readers from the concert halls of Minnesota to the coasts of Casablanca to the active war zone of Tunisia. It is plot-driven without sacrificing relational drama, and its ragtag supporting cast of lovable misfits thoughtfully portrays the art and heart of live performance.”— Booklist
  • 5-STARS “I was impressed with how much Green was able to pack into the story and still keep it cohesive and natural. I ended up loving all the characters and their story arc, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Green’s work.”— Debra, Goodreads
  • “The Foxhole Victory Tour is a wonderful story of historical fiction with great characters, vivid descriptions, and some tough truths that will make readers reflect on their choices and their priorities.”— Jordon Lynch, The Literary Library
  • “This story was full of emotion and captivating on every page. The setting of World War II is so real, you feel like you are with them. This is must-read. A story you won’t put down and will be sad to say goodbye to after it’s over.”— Elizabeth Eckmeyer, Interviews & Reviews

BOOK REVIEW

I loved this tribute to the USO, which has played an important role in the support of military members for many years. I hadn’t realized that USO performers were put in actual danger until I read this book and then looked up the history. Catherine and Maggie begin the story with obstacles to overcome. Catherine’s divorcing parents are using her as a pawn and Maggie’s outspoken ways have constantly gotten her into trouble. The growth of these characters is well done. I loved the fact that their troupe went to North Africa, which is a location not often visited in World War II historical fiction of late. I do love that the film Casablanca is mentioned as it was released the same year that this book is set–1943. 

As always in her books, Amy Lynn Green adds some epistolary work. This time it is in the form of reports to the USO Home Office. Here is a snippet from a report that made me laugh: ”Miss Duquette thought the phrase “embedded with the troops” implied more intimate relationships than sleeping in similar accommodations as our soldiers and was much relieved at my clarification.” This is just one of many circumstances in this book that will make you smile. Fans of World War II fiction will enjoy this interesting look at the war through the eyes of USO performers in North Africa.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Austenprose PR. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

AUTHOR BIO

Amy Lynn Green is a lifelong lover of books, history, and library cards. She worked in publishing for six years before writing her first historical fiction novel. She and her husband live in Minnesota, where she teaches virtual classes on marketing at writer’s conferences, engages with book clubs, and regularly encourages established and aspiring authors in their publication journeys.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB

Sunday Post: Warming up

BonnieReadsAndWrites11 Comments

Thank you to Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting Sunday Post.

    From single digit temperatures the week before, we went well into the 50s part of the time this past week. So it was a much warmer week. We’ll stay in the 40s this coming week. With the Bengals out of it, I’m rooting for the Chiefs and Lions to win today and go to the Super Bowl. I’m hoping the Lions win it all. 

    Instagram: I need to increase my engagement on Instagram. I’ve been neglecting it. If you are on Instagram and want to trade likes and follows, I’m BonnieReads777 there.

    What’s for dinner: Breakfast for dinner tonight! I’m making French Toast using homemade bread. Bacon on the side.

    LAST WEEK ON BONNIE READS AND WRITES

    On Monday I participated in It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? and I posted a review of The Seamstress of Acadie.

    On Wednesday I reviewed Kissing Kate by K. Lyn Smith.

    On Friday I participated in Book Blogger Hop: How Long Have You Gone Without Reading?

    On Saturday I reviewed the outstanding memoir by Sherri Moshman-Paganos, “Miss I Wish You A Bed Of Roses.” for Indie Weekend.

    NEXT WEEK ON BONNIE READS AND WRITES

    I will review The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green, Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead by Jenny Hollander, and When Light Breaks Through by Brenda Murphy. I will also participate in Top Ten Tuesday and Book Blogger Hop if time permits. I will review at least one book for Indie Weekend.

    BOOK HAUL

    I have too many books already, but I did get one more: A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian.

    Have a great week!

    What About You: How was your week and what are you reading?

    Indie Weekend: Review of “Miss I Wish You A Bed of Roses” by Sherri Moshman-Paganos

    BonnieReadsAndWrites7 Comments

    Indie Weekend is my effort to help Indie authors with marketing. Marketing is a daunting task, and if I can help even a little, I’m happy to do it. You can help too by sharing this post far and wide with all of your social media followers. Below is my review of Miss I Wish You A Bed of Roses by Sherri Moshman-Paganos. It is a delightful memoir about teaching English at a secondary school in Greece.

    BOOK DESCRIPTION (FROM AMAZON)

    Teaching: you’re frustrated and exhausted one day, gratified and fulfilled the next. Teaching is not like other careers; teachers give their whole selves to their students day after day.

    Blending a humorous memoir with classroom ideas, the author looks back on her 40 years of teaching international students. She writes about her teaching insecurities, secondary school and college composition classes, the difficult and the great, the base and the sublime. She describes school grades, bells and meetings, and the routines of any high school. Although teaching in Greece has unique challenges, Greek teens are like teenagers everywhere, full of hopes and dreams for the future. Besides looking at her own career growth, the author offers advice for language and literature classes, and ideas for using poetry, songs, and film to create a lively atmosphere for learning.

    Whether you are a new teacher interested in suggestions for your classes, including ESL or EFL teachers, or an experienced teacher looking for new ideas, this book is for you. But anyone who has taken an English language or literature class or has children taking literature classes will enjoy this spirited memoir, enhanced by the author’s poetry and student comments. Her main advice: “Content counts, but more so, formulating your teaching philosophy. And don’t forget to keep your temper and your sense of humor!”

    BOOK REVIEW

    This is a memoir that teachers will definitely enjoy, but I also recommend it to anyone interested in literature and interactions with other cultures. Moshman-Paganos recalls her early days teaching English in Greece and all the challenges, highs, and lows. The book is peppered throughout with poems and quotes that will both inspire you and make you smile. The author’s insight into working with teenagers and her helpful tips will definitely provide great ideas and inspiration to other teachers. 

    I most enjoyed the many, many stories about the author’s students and the appendixes in the back that included student answers to questions such as “When Are You Happiest?” and “What Occupation Would You Choose If You Didn’t Have To Worry About Money?” I enjoyed the samples of Student job application letters, especially the one for the vacant position of Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher at Hogwarts. Moshman-Paganos’s clever and endearing way of teaching and interacting with students is admirable, and I think prospective teachers will be motivated by this book. 

    I downloaded a copy of this book on Kindle Unlimited, where subscribers can read it for free.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Sherri Moshman-Paganos taught English to international students in New York City before joining the American College of Greece faculty in 1983. Here she taught secondary school English and college freshman composition classes.

    Since her retirement in 2018, she has devoted herself to writing. She publishes a travel/culture blog on her travels in Greece and life in Athens called Olives and Islands. Besides “Miss I wish you a Bed of Roses,” she is also the author of a fictionalized memoir on her years in Manhattan: Step Lively: New York City Tales of Love and Change,  and a collection of poetry, Wanderings: Poems of Discovery.

    Click on the cover image to buy this on Amazon. Kindle Unlimited Subscribers can borrow this for free.

    BEFORE YOU GO

    *If you read the book, please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as anywhere else you review books. Some people feel very daunted by writing a review. Don’t worry. You do not have to write a masterpiece. Just a couple of lines about how the book made you feel will make the author’s day and help the book succeed. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it.

    *Please click on the WordPress “share” buttons below and share these books with your Twitter (X), Facebook, and/or WordPress followers. A little bit of assistance from all of us will help Indie authors go a long way!

    Book Blogger Hop: How Long Have You Gone Without Reading?

    BonnieReadsAndWrites22 Comments

    Book Blogger Hop is run by Billy@CoffeeAddictedWriter. There is a different bookish question each week. This week’s question is a tough one because it brings up a lot of memories.

    That’s an easy but difficult answer at the same time. Three months. After my Mom died in March 2020, I couldn’t focus enough to read anything for three months. I was not blogging then, but I was reviewing on Netgalley and Booksirens, and I had to DNF everything because I just couldn’t focus enough to read. 

    Three months later I started back in with audiobooks, which are easier for me to focus on, and then in October 2020, I started blogging on this site. I’d had the blog before that time, but I wasn’t using it. I’ve been seriously blogging/reviewing ever since. My Mom was an avid reader who read a book a day, so I always feel that she inspired my blogging, and still does.

    Blog Tour and Book Review: Kissing Kate by K. Lyn Smith

    BonnieReadsAndWrites14 Comments

    BOOK DESCRIPTION

    “Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.”

    A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING

    Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford’s eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed.

    A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION

    Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more.

    AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED

    When Kate sets her sights on Ben’s dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town’s inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom.

    But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it’s too late?

    Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone.

    PRAISE FOR KISSING KATE

    • “I really enjoyed this book, and absolutely recommend it to historical romance readers who are looking for a “Hallmark” style read that offers real depth of character, beautiful Cornwall scenery, and a warm prosaic style.”— Bobbie Jo Fersten, Reading Historical Romance
    • “A sweet installment in the Hearts of Cornwall Series… I loved the progression of their feelings as they deepened from friendship to romance…This was my first read by K. Lyn Smith and I would pick up more!”— Genesis Aleman, Geny Reads  
    • “The growth of Kate and Ben is so much fun to watch, and I enjoyed the entire construct of them getting ready to perform a play for their town along with the cousins and friends…Kissing Kate is such a warm hug of a read! I recommend it.”— Michelle, Tales Untangled

    BOOK REVIEW

    This is a sweet “friends to lovers” romance that is a joy to read. The writing is so delicate and perfect for the period. The suspense that builds up every time Ben tries to kiss Kate makes me smile. It’s a pleasing and heartwarming romance that fans of historical romances will love. The customs and strict proprieties of that period are well described, as is the beauty of Cornwall. I felt transported to that place and time. The writing is so intricate. You won’t find a better-written romance, and you will find yourself cheering for Ben, Kate, and that kiss! 

    AUTHOR BIO

    K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, and the Maggie Award.

    When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?

    WEBSITE | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | PINTERST | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

    READ AN INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR K. LYN SMITH

    K. Lyn shares her inspiration for the story and characters in Kissing Kate, the research process, and Regency era theater productions. Read the full interview here.

    PURCHASE LINKS

    AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

    Book Tour and Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

    BonnieReadsAndWrites5 Comments

    BOOK DESCRIPTION

    As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada’s Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family–French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral–are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America’s borderlands.

    As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William’s, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

    PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE

    • “Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly
    • “This book is undoubtably one of the best books I’ve ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club
    • “Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning… Laura Frantz’s books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads

    BOOK REVIEW

    This is well-researched and moving historical fiction about the forcible removal of the Acadian people from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755. The political climate and the removal itself are well described. The way faith and hope gently shine through even in the dark times is inspiring. The romance between William and Sylvie has to overcome great obstacles and slowly evolves throughout the novel. I learned so much about the removal and forced deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in the 18th Century. The fact that the British stole their lands and belongings and forced them onto ships, causing the death of many, is vividly portrayed. 

    I love how faith, history, and romance are woven together in this story. The only slight criticism I have is that the first 15 percent of the book moved a bit slowly. It picks up after that, and absolutely captivated me. The author has a gift for combining meticulously researched history with moving characters and storylines. Devastating, yet filled with hope, this is a time in history you will want to visit. 

    My rating is 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 on sites with no half-star option.

    I received a free copy of this book from Revell and Austenprose PR via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

    AUTHOR BIO

    Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

    According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

    WEBSITE | X (Formerly Twitter) | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

    PURCHASE LINKS

    AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB

    It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?

    BonnieReadsAndWrites12 Comments

    It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? Is hosted by The Book Date. It is a place to share all your reading updates.

    Update: My most interesting update is I found out I’m going to Germany for work for two months from April to June. I’ll still be blogging from there in my off time and hopefully I’ll have time to travel on some weekends, and you’ll get some interesting photos/posts from me!

    I have gone absolutely crazy with book requesting lately. There have just been so many good books offered and they are hard to refuse!

    READING RIGHT NOW

    The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green

    WHAT I”M READING NEXT

    NEW BOOK HAUL

    I got offered a widget for Nora Roberts’ latest, Mind Games, and had to take it! The way she produces so many great books with such short turnaround is amazing! A Short Walk Through A Wide World is is a Fantasy/Adventure set in 1885 Paris. Nine Lives and Counting is the memoir of Duane Chapman, also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, who writes about losing his wife to cancer. When Grumpy met Sunshine is a “fake dating” romance, and I’ll be listening to the audiobook. I already had The Fortune Seller and The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, but I got the audiobooks of them as well this past week.

    I have way too many books! I’m going to try not to request or accept anything else this week!

    How about you? What are you reading?

    Indie Spotlight: Time’s Bridge by Cameron Roberts

    BonnieReadsAndWrites13 Comments

    Indie Spotlight is my effort to help Indie authors with marketing, which can be a daunting task. If I can help even a little, I’m happy to do so. Below see a book description, author bio, and purchase links for Time Bridge, a science fiction novel by Cameron Roberts.

    BOOK DESCRIPTION

    Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. The thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset.

    More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both. Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages. To let the AI live might be to doom his own species to devastation, but to destroy it would be to snuff out an entire race of machines before it had even begun, and, more importantly, send his truest confidante to the grave. With no clear path and an uncertain future, he makes his decision, but is it the right one?

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    My name is Cameron Roberts, and I have always had a fascination with science and technology and the way they have shaped our daily lives. I’m also quite interested in the impact of technology on history, from the discovery of agriculture and the foundation of our first cities all the way up to our ability to send a message made of nothing but electrons across the globe in an instant.

    I was born near Philadelphia but lived most of my life in Michigan with my parents and two brothers. I was raised in a Presbyterian household, and. faith has always had a significant impact on the way I see the world and the way I write. I began writing my first novel, Time’s Bridge, while studying abroad in England and during my tenure at the University of Evansville in Indiana. After finishing my Electrical Engineering degree in 2016, I moved to New York to start my career, all the while writing and thinking of new and interesting directions to steer my story. I got married in 2018 and my wife Caroline and I now live in Indiana. I’m proud to show the world the work I’ve spent so much time and care crafting.

    Contact Cameron on his social media. The links are below.

    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

    PURCHASE LINK

    Click on the image below to view/purchase on Amazon. If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read it for free.

    Book Blogger Hop: Going Against the Crowd

    BonnieReadsAndWrites21 Comments

    Book Blogger Hop is run by Billy@CoffeeaddictedWriter. There is a different bookish question each week. This week’s question is below.

    The short answer is yes. I have found myself at odds with the “crowd” about a book more than once. The one that I recall right now is Sunshine Girl, the memoir by Julianna Margulies, who played Carol on ER. I hated it, and I got a lot of pushback from folks on Goodreads. The joke’s on them, though, because I don’t allow extremely negative or insulting comments on my Goodreads reviews and I just delete them. I could go further into all the problems on Goodreads, which is largely unmoderated, but I won’t do that today.