The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron “Giveaway”

 

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

About the book:

A thirteenth century castle, Chateau de Doux Reves, has been forgotten for generations, left to ruin in a storybook forest nestled deep in France’s picturesque Loire Valley. It survived a sacking in the French Revolution, was brought back to life and fashioned into a storybook chateau in the Gilded Age, and was eventually felled and deserted after a disastrous fire in the 1930s.

Sparked by the discovery of a long forgotten family heirloom, Ellie embarks on a journey to French wine country to uncover the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty–the castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale–and unearth its secrets before they’re finally silenced by time.

Set in three different time periods–the French Revolution, World War II, and present day–The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged, and an enchanted castle that inspired the epic fairy tales time left behind.

My Review:

Wow. Just, I mean, wow. It is not often that I have read a book that is set in three different time periods and been able to follow it so well. This book is masterfully written and woven to connect the time periods, the characters and to be so engaged. I loved it. I found myself wanting more as I read, wishing for each one to have the desires of their hearts. Romance? Not really. While there is a faint romantic thread to the storyline, that is not the focus of this book at all. It is so much more the fight from each character to preserve history, a legacy and grant them a reason to keep going.

If you are a historical fiction lover, pick this book up. The author will have you hooked on her books with this one. Don’t usually read historical fiction? Well, give this one a try.

I ended up with an extra copy of this book, so if you would like to enter for it,  comment on this post and tell me your favorite historical fiction book, and leave a way for me to contact you.

This book was obtained through the publisher. The opinions found herein are my own.

You can buy this book from local booksellers, but also on Amazon. “The Lost Castle”

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

About the Book:

Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?

My Review:

Influenza decided to foil my best laid plans, and too sick to even pick up a book, I had to languish thinking about this story for almost a week. It was not in vain. This book lived up to the build up that I had in my mind. Ready to enter the French revolution from the inside? Each portion of the story is intricately woven, much like the lace the character has made. Small mysteries keep cropping up, along with historical info that you never knew about the United States.

Jocelyn Green does her historical research, and you will not be disappointed with this one. Well known French words sprinkled throughout the novel make it feel authentic without making you wish you had a dictionary. This story is one of love, forgiveness, and renewal. It will have you see the revolution through eyes in a different way than ever before. Are you looking for a companion book to A Tale of Two Cities for your high school student? This one would be perfect.

I obtained this book from the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.

The book is available for purchase from local booksellers and online.

“A Refuge Assured” 

I would highly recommend you put this one on the top of your “must purchase” list.

 

If I Live by Terri Blackstock

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

Description

“If I Live is a grabber from page one, delivering an exhilarating mix of chase, mystery, and spiritual truth. Longtime Blackstock fans will be delighted, and new Blackstock fans will be made.” —James Scott Bell, bestselling author of the Mike Romeo thrillers

THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.

Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.

Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?

With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.

My Review:

The conclusion of this series, brings Casey and Dylan’s story to a close. It is filled with the build up of us wondering if the truth will really set her free or if evil will triumph.

I was not disappointed in this book at all and felt it wrapped up loose ends well, and without giving the story away, you will be on the edge of your seat the whole book, so don’t start it when you are ready for bed or you will have a short night.

One thing I really liked was how distinct the lines were between evil and good, but still how you could be sympathetic to the bad guy and ask yourself why the good guys did what they did. It was quite realistic and frustrating like it is in real life.  I would not recommend reading this without having read the previous two books.

This book was obtained through Netgalley and is available for preorder through Amazon for release on March 6, 2018

“If I live” 

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The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

Description

When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson is abandoned by her fiancé and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?

Historical romance favorite Laura Frantz is back with a suspenseful story of love, betrayal, and new beginnings. With her meticulous eye for detail and her knack for creating living, breathing characters, Frantz continues to enchant historical fiction readers who long to feel they are a part of the story.

My Review:

This book had hints that reminded me of one of my all time favorite books, Celia Garth. Only hints, but it was very good. Ms. Frantz delves deeply into the history of the time period, along with how a woman of means would have been helpless and be used as a pawn, even with a strong character and resolve.  It was not just easy to go and make a life on your own, and forced marriages were commonplace, especially among the wealthy as well as the poor.

I thought this book did a wonderful job of helping you live that. You felt her desperation, frustration and also resolve, as she set out to sacrifice what she could for those she loved.

I am looking forward to reading Jocelyn Green’s book as well, which was mentioned in the notes at the end of the book, that while not related, has some of the same notes of flavor.

A deeper historical novel, much like her others, I wouldn’t really classify this as a romance, although it has some romantic overtones and select scenes, there is nothing that would not be appropriate for a high school student.

This book is available where books are sold and on sale from Amazon right now on eBook for under $2.

I obtained this book from the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.

The Lacemaker