Family Secrets and an Unforgettable Love Story
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Clementime Evans puts in an appearance at her grandmother Addie's, ninety-ninth birthday. She's been working long hours expecting to make partner in a large Manhattan law firm, but the effort has taken it's toll. She's dealing with a broken engagement and other evidence that her life is falling apart. Seeing her grandmother reminds her of the extraordinary love affair between her grandparents, but even there she finds something disturbing when a guest alludes to a family secret. Clementine's curiosity is aroused, and she begins a quest to discover the secret.

The story is told in the alternating voices of Clementine and her grandmother Addie. Clementine's story takes place in the wealthy sector of Manhattan. Her grandmother's story ranges from WWI society in Britain to the plains of Kenya. The historical locales are realistic giving a glimpse of what Africa and Britain were like before the world wars.

The characters are sympathetic. You can't help wanting to hear their story, and what a story it is: an intense love affair, murder or suicide, and complex family dynamics. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a family saga combined with an unforgettable love story.

I reviewed this book for Net Galley
3893340
The Secret Rose   Written by Lauren Landon

This story is about secrets and what could evolve as a result.

Ethan Cambridge the second son of the late Earl of Burnhaven has a brother Stephen, the current Earl, he has been missing for 18 months. Ethan has always been charged with correcting Stephen's follies. Ethan is currently trying to correct the credit debt that has mounted up against the Burnhaven name which was incurred by Stephen.

Ethan receives a letter from Abigail Landon father written on his death bed stating that Abigail has something precious belonging to Stephen. Abigail was once Stephen's betrothed until Stephen went missing.

Ethan believes Abigail has Burnhaven family jewels and wants them returned so he can pay off some creditors.

This story is woven in a truly fine manner. Layer upon layer of secret mysteries are slowly revealed. It is a beautiful love story by a very deep and talented author. This was my first read of Ms Landon but I do intend to follow her now. This novel contained love and a hidden mystery I highly commend it.
753131
Eva's web of secrets bring more harm than good in this wartime story set in England during World War II. Eva is left to raise her child, David, while her husband is missing and presumed to be dead. When she meets Bill, a black American GI, she falls in love with him. She is appalled by the unjust treatment blacks had to endure in 1943. They hid the relationship until Eva became pregnant and Bill was sent to D-day fighting. When Eva's husband is found to be alive and returns to his wife, she tries to build a life with him. His acceptance and love for Bill's child, Louisa, is heartwarming. The couple endure the loss of their son, David, and they raise Louisa as a white child. Eva keeps secrets of her relationship with Bill from Louisa even after she is grown. Louisa is close to her step-dad and he helps and encourages her to locate Bill. It is a wonderful depiction of a step-parent's love for a child from another man and a different race. Eva's love affair with Bill is magical, but the best interest of her children came first. It has a feel good, happy ending with all secrets revealed and relationships strengthened. The book is a must read.
1447811
A stunning novel about family with a jumping off point centered around the lifelong choices two sisters-in-law are forced by love and opportunity to make, the unintended consequences of a tacit agreement made in a moment of chaos, and the sacrifices necessary to hold their families together in the aftermath of their decision. I wept for hours with this book, alternating between cheering and booing, for each of the three lead female characters. An altogether impressive and haunting story with a few surprises and a most-fitting end.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review to be posted online.
2350196
This is a touching, well written, unique story about family, love, forgiveness and imperfection. The characters were unforgettable and I was reluctant to read the last page because it meant saying goodbye to people I had come to adore.
It is a book that changes perspectives and make one grateful to a very impressive, skillful, artful writer.  Thank you Dr. Wientzen.  5 STARS
2880276
Well hidden Darcy secrets are unraveled when Lizzy, while on months of confinement, because she is to birth twins, deciphered Mr. George Darcy's diaries. A whole list of the family's indiscretions are unraveled as she and Darcy continue to untangle what to Darcy looked like gibberish. Following clues through the diaries, eight of ten letters written by his mother, Anne, are found hidden behind landscape pictures hung throughout the home. Georgiana finds the eight, but the last two and their mother's diaries have still to be located. Fitzwilliam goes through periods of melancholy when he discovers his birthday in September is not celebrated, but his christening day in December is instead. Confused, he no longer holds his father in high esteem because he thinks his father's actions brought disgrace and disrespect on his beloved mother. He is also dealing with Georgiana's love from his cousin, Henry Fitzwilliam. He loves them both, but now he is enraged by his cousin's feelings, because he is her guardian, should know better since is twelve years her senior, and he knows the type of young ladies Fitzwilliam likes, and Georgiana does not fit that model. Finding out that the two have anticipated their vows, makes him less than pleased, but they are granted permission to marry without  blessings attached, because they have to. When Georgiana miscarried, she and Henry break off all connection to Pemberley. To add salt to his wounds, Henry begins paying him for the estate he purchased, because they are not family anymore. When Lizzy goes into labor, he writes requesting they come to Pemberley. They do and eventually his hurt is turned around into the love for his sister, and his cousin, more like a brother, Henry. Darcy finds a letter written by his father explaining where the last two of his mother's letters are as well as her diaries.  Elizabeth begins to see that Darcy has become an ideal husband and father while she has been recuperating from the birth of the twins, and regrets she is holding her sadness back from him. Everything gets back to normal, but continued unspoken problems continue to confront our couple until they learn to talk things out. Good story in three parts.
2715553
All adopted people I am sure have this overwhelming need to find their real parents no matter the reason they gave you up, you simply needed to know.

But if you have only one clue to go and it turns out she is your sister and also now the woman of your dreams I am thinking that if it were me I would run a mile and get out of there faster than fast as incest is one thing that I am sure is not on anyone's list of life achievements.

In this read it is however exactly what happens to Shay and Joelle. They embark on a mission to find their parents. Of course they are both grateful that they have at least now go real family she has a brother and he has a sister. But as time goes on and the continue their search a undeniable attraction flares up between them and if your thinking the voices go off screaming they do , as who would want to even look at their sibling in a sexual manner!

But what you do not see coming is the mystery and truth behind a 27 years tragedy, that when revealed will finally bring a family back together and open the road to a love meant to be.

The main and secondary characters very well written but not exactly ones that will stand out in a crowd no more everyday kind, that made for a pleasant liking for the main characters, the secondary characters were ones I found intriguing and it added the element of mystery.

The backdrop setting was calm and inviting yet also intense as the bush fires that stated the mystery and tragic loss almost interlaced with the uncertainty of the land and that anything can happen at any moment.

The dialogue was good except that at stages I would have liked the discussions to have a little bit more heat and passion, but yes well written.

I recommend this read for lovers of reading books that have a good old fashioned mystery intertwined with sweet sensual romance.
4/5 star review
"Tragedy paves the road to happiness"
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Ansley is the mother of three women, who lives alone in the quiet town of Peachtree Bluff. She runs a successful design shop named after her two youngest daughters. When her children converge on her home, they each bring along lifes trials and tribulations. However it is a shipwrecked boat that threatens to bring back a lost love and deep-rooted secrets. How will she keep her past from her girls, while maintaining her perfectly calm and peaceful life that she has finally achieved?

Caroline is a Manhattan socialite who feels her mothers southern roots, never suited her that is until the day her life is turned upside down. Pregnant and devastated, she packs up her daughter and heads down to the sanctuary of her mothers home. She knows she will receive the support she needs from her mom, while her sisters will undoubtedly bring her back to reality.

Kristy Woodson Harvey tells the story of this dynamic family through two different points-of-view. Each character processes the current events, as well as reflecting on the past. The breathtaking prologue will grab readers attentions. This book is delightfully emotional, painfully sweet, and proves first loves stay with in ones heart forever.

Notes:
I signed up to review a digital copy through Netgalley.
This review originally appeared on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
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Rosie's story is told through the eyes of her nephew, and the family's long hidden secret is revealed.  The author Paul Glaser a Catholic, discovered quite by accident that his family is really part Jewish and that is how this wonderful history begins.

His Jewish Aunt Rosie, his father's sister, survived several concentration camps and lived to tell her story many years later to her Catholic nephew.  Rosie was a wild young girl who lived her life her own way.  She discovered dancing as a young girl and that was a major part of her survival.

She left home young to live with with her boyfriend, who was tragically killed in an accident, then entered and left a disastrous marriage for another lover.  She was betrayed by both and was interned in several camps.  Her spirit and will to survive, plus her ways with men, teaching her captors to dance (hence the title) make for a fascinating true story.

After discovering a suitcase with the name Glaser in large letters at a camp display, his curiosity was aroused and he began delving into his family's past and discovered never before suspected secrets ..... his father's family was Jewish and that they had perished during the Holocaust.  His father was estranged from Rosie and she and their Jewishness were never discussed.  His maternal grandmother, a Catholic, confirmed that she was aware of his Jewish past.

Shortly before Rosie died, he was able to meet and talk with her and get her side of the story.  Through Rosie's letters and poetry, he was able to show her life and the lives of other Jews in Holland in their truthful light.  Holland was an anti-semitic country and not the sympathetic country that is usually portrayed to be.

While visiting a synagogue in Amsterdam a few years ago, an elderly Dutch Catholic gentleman and I got into a conversation.  He told me, 'we could have, and should have  done more and not turned our backs on the Jews'.

Rosie, after her liberation refused to return to Holland and claimed that she was Swedish, and spent the rest of her life in Sweden.

Did this discovery of his true heritage change the author's life?  More so than he would have imagined.  He is still a Catholic, but refers to himself as a Catholic Jew or a Jewish Catholic.  He has made many Jewish friends and to his initial dismay, is more aware of Israel's problems in the Middle East.

A fine piece of writing and a tribute to Rosie, who lived her life her own way and managed to survive and also a tribute to Paul Glaser for following through and to some degree, changing his life too.
22576
This is one of those books that I both couldn't put down and didn't want to finish. It is an intense, true story that explores family relationships and the bond between mother and daughter. As the horrifying events unfold in this story you will find yourself wanting to reach out to those you love, hold them closely and make a point of valuing those relationships. This is a truly noteworthy book however, not just because the story is unique and well told but also because the craftmanship displayed by this new author leaves one hopeful that she will write more books soon. This author is extremely talented and after reading this book I feel thankful that she has decided to share her gift and her very personal story.
1155203
Home Front by Kristin Hannah is an unforgettable book of love, forgiveness, family and military life. This book has been sitting on the shelf for a while so I am so grateful to finally have some time to read it.

Jolene Zakadeas was the child of two alcoholic parents who died together when she was very young. She never got the family that she wanted so much until she joined the military and bonded with those she trained with. Tami Flynn, her best friend of twenty years also has a passion for flying. They understand each other better than themselves. Jolene has a daughter, Becky, twelve years old who has a desperate need to please her peers and Lu Lu is almost ready for kindergarten. Her husband Michael has recently been gifted with a very difficult case. He aches for his father who died recently but cannot let himself grieve. He misses his father so much but he buries himself in his work and starts coming home late after work. He has pulled away from his family and feels alone.

Jolene worries about Micheal who doesn't even spend much time with his mother any more. Then Jolene and Tami are both deployed. Jolene is deeply conflicted, she does not want to leave her family but she must fulfill her duty. Her children don't understand why she has to leave them and Michael doesn't know how he can manage the two girls and his job at the same time. He says something that he should not have.

We see Jolene and her friend in Iraq and Michael at home going through turmoil at home. How does Michael, the girls and especially Jolene deal with the huge changes that the war has made in her life is the major part of the book. Have your tissues ready, I was sobbing when I read the last fifty pages last night.

I was very impressed how the author researched for this story by consulting with the military on all the aspects of this story to make it real. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Warrant Officer Teresa Burgess for her heroic service and advice on this book. I quote from the book, "Somehow you balance it all-being a soldier, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, a wife and mother-and you do it all with grace and courage. You are truly an example of everything that is right with our country".
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I enjoyed reading this book so much I couldn't stop until I reached the end. I love how the author plotted the getting to know each other stage of the story. It may sound taboo to some cultures (mine included) and not the normal to even most love stories but I really think the author did a wonderful job in writing that part in a way that is not offensive or off. In fact, Ive been waiting to read a story like this. There was one I read ages ago from a local author and Ive been longing to read something that involved a female lead that thinks the one way Rissa did. And for that I thank SH Pratt for writing a story like this.

The family secret was played well. And since the story is not finish yet, I only hope that with all the excitement and eagerness the author made me feel as I read along, I do hope that what lies beneath would not disappoint.

Im looking forward to how this book will come to an end that I wish the next book is out already.
2665436
The writing is incredible and the story itself feels so real, I had cold chills. I thought this would be a book about war, but instead, it focused on two families - one Jewish and one Catholic - whose lives become enmeshed as they struggled to survive fascists during WWII in Slovakia. It was hard not to enjoy the setting, history, and well drawn characters. Gretchen and Wilhelm's love was  inspiring. They were so devoted to each other and I just found myself cringing at every page, expecting heartbreak. I loved the story between them but then the story itself, filed with so much history, culture, and politics just swept me in and enamored me. I don't read much historical fiction, so this was quite a unique read for me. I felt smarter at the end of this book, but entertained and satisfied. The author's writing is impeccable, his knack for detail and patience in painting the scene admirable. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance, historical fiction, and family sagas. It's breathtaking, inspiring, and unforgettable at every turn. Undoubtedly a 5 star read.
1790986
A very well-told tale of two London cousins, their quarrels and their families in the lead up to World War 2 and when the war begins in earnest. Reading it, I am minded of books I've read and dramas I've seen over the years about this period. Whatever is going on, boys will be boys and families will be families. This novel is an unforgettable read.
632294
Wow! I loved this story so much! If you love animals, you can't help but love the main character. But the story is also filled with family mysteries and secrets that are slowly unraveled as you read through the chapters. S. J. Francis does a good job of weaving intrigue, faith, and romance into one story. She's a true master of creating a page-turner with twists and turns that will keep you up late into the night.
2184871
I loved the family dynamics involved with this story! Shirley Jump has woven a beautiful tale about love and loss, family ties and family drama, and how they all tie together to influence someones life for good and bad. I loved meeting the OBannon sisters! Each story was uniquely different yet intertwined with anothers to create a heart-wrenching book I didn't want to put down. This is definitely one I recommend.
140718
The basic premise of the book is about arranged marriages and the struggle to accept or reject them as families lose their traditions. I finished this book several weeks ago thinking I would like to write a review of it but never having done one, I put it off.
Now, as the notes of a wind chime, this book is still resounding.  It is a multilayered, intricate piece of writing.  It spoke to me of family secrets, how and why they are kept, who and to what degree these secrets impose their knowledge or lack thereof, on these characters.
Anyone who has grown up with their own family secrets will find, I'm sure like I did, the importance of this book .  It is one of smiles and tears and deep contemplation.  I recommend it to everyone I know as I do to you the reader!!
Enjoy the quality of writing.  Here is an author from whom I want to read more.