Beauty rises out of tragedy
582698
This is a heartbreaking story of lives damaged by domestic violence. The reader learns the hearts,  and feels the sorrows of the characters throughout the story, and learns how broken wings can be mended and soar again. I rarely reread a book, but this is one I believe I will return to. It's a story of heartbreak, shame and sadness that turns to show us that hope is never misguided - that those broken can become triumphant.
891407
With the state of the regional politics in the areas around the Soviet Union at the time of the Chernobyl disaster, there was no wonder that there were heated political and social issues surrounding the event.  What I was not aware of was the society of independently decided citizens who made fateful decisions that essentially sentenced them to a terrible death - but their ability to do this in a selfless and self-aware manner is inspirational and lovely.  I even did a little bit of research about some of the more surprising plot elements, such as this SPOILER LINK that is a video and story on some real people that made some of the same choices that are featured in the book ([...])

This was a well written book that opens a window into a culture and a time that is largely lost to independent and original voices - both because of the time period and because of the essential rules and fears about publication of the citizens who were experiencing the events as they unfolded.  Ultimately, Zabytko provides us with a story about a culture, an event, and what is perhaps most beautiful about the book, the sisterhood of the women who were living through this horrible and traumatic experiences as it unfolded.

The book follows several small episodes, but the anecdotal and largely oral-history feel of the text is perhaps what makes it the most beautiful in the form that the story takes in Zabytkos novel.  As a matter of fact, the prose and dialogue is so masterfully written in the syntax and diction that Zabytko used that it appeared to me at several times reading it that it may be a translation, which I am not sure that it is.  This added authenticity and beauty to the text, and audiences who are fans of the cold war era and strong female bonds in a text would easily enjoy reading this piece.
1819189
The bewilderment, sadness, and devastation of the Lost Generation is beautifully evoked in Marguerite Kayes dual novellas in her A Time for Scandal series: The Undoing of Daisy Edwards and The Awakening of Poppy Edwards. Like Lets Misbehave by Rae Summers (which I reviewed last year), both of these stories have a dark and melancholy tone yet, since they are romances, there are hopeful and happy endings.
In The Undoing of Daisy Edwards, Daisy and Dominic are merely going through the motions of life, both simply trying to cope day by day with the aftermath of loss and grief from the Great War. Daisy is a widow and a stage actress who loses herself in drinking and partying while Dominic, an aviator, is the second son and heir to a neglected and unwanted title. When they meet, they are two terribly lonely hearts whose passion ignites into an explosive affair. And both are content for just that; it helps them forget their mutual pain in mindless pleasure.
Of course, it develops into much more and its interesting that its Dominic who initiates the emotional part of their relationship while Daisy fights it all the way. Their conversations are lovely to read and are written from both characters points of view, in the uncommon first person voice, a unique and effective device here. I feel it makes the story all the more compelling, especially since it is essentially a short story (only seven chapters long).
Marguerite Kayes style is direct, concise, and very powerful. The tone is quiet and reflective throughout and I really felt Daisy and Dominics pain at the same time there is a joy and hope in their newfound relationship.
The Awakening of Poppy Edwards is Daisys sisters story. Poppy escaped London and the pain of the wars devastation for a career in the exciting and new motion picture industry in sunny Los Angeles. She couldn't bear to witness Daisys pain and so she escapes into moviemaking, creating a financially successful (but emotionally empty) life for herself.
Lewis Cartsdyke is a confident and handsome producer who has his eye on Poppys stardom and is hoping to make her a star in the upcoming talkies. When he first meets her, in her guise as Vera, a singer in a nightclub, dressed a la Marlene Dietrich in a mans suit, he knows who she is and is captivated by her. He breaks his own rule about mixing business with pleasure and a one night stand turns into something more. When she learns the truth behind his career motives for her, Poppy is reluctant to engage in an affair, but she cant stay away from Lewis.
Lewis holds his own pain deep inside; he was an ambulance driver in the Great War who, like Ernest Hemingway, saw great horror and death. But he is determined to survive and move on with his life. Poppy just wants a business arrangement with sex on the side. Until Lewis pushes her for more, much like Dominic in the first story. I like that it is the men in both of these stories who want more from the women in their lives.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of Poppys beautiful house, especially her kitchen, plants, and poolit creates a very nice domestic feel or normalcy to an otherwise somber story, an apt analogy of her calm and orderly home life devoid of emotional feeling.
The complicated and loving relationship between the two sisters is told from their respective points of view in each story, but its spare detail (and the satisfying ending in the second novella) is a beautiful footnote toward healing.
Two graceful stories (that should be read together) by an author Id love to read more of.
A modified version of this review first appeared on Romantic Historical Reviews.
151408
A refreshing read capturing the beauty of love and support.
1007872
Beautiful story full of tragedy, grief, despair, but an ultimate sense of hope mingled within all of the circumstances. I do not cry in books, but this one brought forth legit happy and sad tears that regrettably stained some of the pages. This book is definitely worth the read.
1235030
I have to admit, it took me longer to get around to reading it than I had expected. I think I was concerned I would be exposed to more ugliness in the world and I would be sadder for the confirmation. Happily, Atia has managed to combine the tragedy of the story with the beauty of the culture. She also managed to sprinkle in a little bit of hope. Highly recommended to all.
2815227
From the gorgeous cover, the couple on the front, take you with them into the book and through the stories of their lives. Its a tale touched with sadness and poignancy, tragedy and loss but also one of self discovery and second chances. It made me feel sad and wistful but the language was so beautiful, I was carried along and got to care about the two lead characters and their friends.

Its a simple tale of boy meets girl at first sight, but pull back those layers and its so much more  Puglia plays its role in being a mix of old and new, white architecture and old town  mixing two worlds which seem separate but which on closer inspection are very similar. The writing was very lyrical   like an ode to a time gone but, a memory and of course this story is told by the one person who can tell it all as it happened, or at least how he thinks it all took place.

Th e writing  flows like a river and it was comforting despite the sad events. It soothed me as I read and engulfed me as I immersed myself in the young love of a couple in Puglia and the events which follow.

The descriptions of food, flowers, the old town and the seaside town of Vilanova were particularly enchanting and really gave this novel a keen sense of place. One character even compares the tomatoes from Tesco and the Ostuni open air markets  life now and memories of a time gone by. Such simple images which conjure so much.

Calm and quiet, this novel will linger with you.
3211716
This is so beautiful.  The circumstances for this is sad, but the quality brought joy to me.  It was worth the cost.
3867401
In this book in the flowering series, alana is revealed to us. Such a tragic story but beautiful as well. We see her work hard to change her fate to become who she wants to be someone who she can live with. We also see jack as a sweet boy angry but sweet as Alana shows us the past and what has helped make her who she is. Jack and Dave are the sweetest guys the ones who make Alana hopeful.

As we delve into the past we see the events that harmed Alana and we see how her and Jack are always going to be intertwined and love one another. We also see where she wishes for more and where dave comes into play.

Dave the boy that almost got away. The boy who loved Alana and didn't care about anything else. The kind boy that no matter what life handed him was sweet and understanding. And when him and Alana get together and Alana sees she loves him it is a wondrous sight. He treats her with love and respect and helps build her self esteem. He supports her and makes her see that there is hope and love.

As Alana changes so do her relationships. They become more whole and more beautiful. A wonderful story that shows us we aren't what people think unless we let it become so. A story of love and friendship and how we lose hope when things are bleakest and how one thing can change that. I hope her and Dave work out they are meant to be. He is what helps her grow and become whole again.
2064197
This book took me on a journey of loss, self destruction to a beautiful metamorphosis. It was an inspirational journey despite the hardships and adversity experienced by Liv. In reading this book I learned the importance of keeping your story alive and impacting others with the positive outcomes the come out of tragedies.
1792293
Laure Wang's story is beautifully told through the eyes of a young woman whose life changed abruptly after a catastrophic brainstem stroke several years ago. Her story is one of an extremely successful and accomplished businessperson at the peak of her game who suddenly has to contend with extreme physical disability (quadriplegic and only able to communicate with eye blinking). Laure's spirit, wit, and intellect remain completely intact and the story she writes (done entirely with eye movements) is ultimately one of human resiliency and the incredible ability to adapt to even the most difficult circumstances. Laure's story is one of hope, triumph, courage, faith, and beauty. Anyone who reads this will be touched, humbled, and inspired.
3263617
This book is like a flower - it unfolds little by little.  Nothing dramatic, but each chapter adds a piece to the narrative.  The tragedy overshadows everything, right from the beginning.  But you get to know the victims and the survivors and the whole eventually becomes clear.  I liked this book a lot and will recommend it to my sister.
3939238
Hold my breath
This story is full of tragedy after tragedy that finally leads to triumph. Will, one of the strongest characters I can think of, is working on his comeback to his Olympic swimming career and in route he reignites flames with fellow swimmer Maddy. I say that Will is one of the strongest characters that I can think of, because he has to endure several heart breaking tragedies, but he continued to want to be there for others. He was an alpha male without being in your face about it. Maddy also had to overcome tragedy and was a strong female role, but Will definitely was the star.  I rate this book 4.5 hearts due to some editing issues and it did take me a chapter or two to get caught by the story.
**reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock**
3350325
The Bottom Line: An inspired album that shows us the true spirit of music - that love and beauty can survive tragedy and loss.
I had mentioned in my review of Joi's first album that it occasionally showed their inexperience. Their second effort shows they have definitely evolved. It also shows how the surviving brother has carried on despite the tragic death of the other brother.
After the completion of their first album, Haroon traveled to Bangladesh to lay down tracks with local musicians for a follow-up album, only to die suddenly of a heart attack upon his return to England. Though devastated, Farook managed to complete We Are Three as a tribute to his brother.
An inspired Farook shows us that the spirit of Joi lives on; that love and beauty can survive tragedy and loss. The album immediately grabs you with the tabla stylings of 'Journey' that sets the tone for what is to come - a spirit that will not be overcome. The next four tracks carry on the theme of lively tabla based electronic breakbeats superbly alternating Asian and Western rifts and rhythms. Then with 'Triatma,' the album take and abrupt turn into a dreamy acoustical guitar-based song that conjures images of breezy beaches. That theme continues with the hauntingly beautiful 'Flying With You' which does an excellent job of setting the title to music. Then almost jarringly, the mood switches again with the in-your-face 'Tacadin' that captures the spirit of the Asian Underground club scene while defiantly transcending it. The album culminates with the inspirational, uplifting 'We Need Your Vote' that deftly captures the feeling of enduring hope and love. More than a few times I have played that song over and over while I drive. It is that good.
Still, beneath all the musical artistry, you have the bittersweet feeling it is a damn shame Haroon will not be around to lay down more of his massive hooks. We can only earnestly hope that Farook will continue the legacy and promise that he and his brother began.
4934911
This was a warm story of healing from tragedy. And how the right people or person can make all the difference in that healing.
3431100
Make no mistake I was choked up with tears by the end. A story of tragedy, horror, bravery and love. Of two sisters who end up fighting the Nazi occupation of France in very different ways. Isabelle, with her devil-may-care attitude hiding her desperate need for love flings herself into the adventure, for France, freedom and for women. Vianne is thrust into her role. The epitome of the French housewife we follow her as she she endures the absence of her husband, the knowledge that he's been interred as a prisoner of war, the fight for food and survival as the war continues. The forced interment of her best friend and Jewish neighbour Rachel, the fear of the enforced billeting of Nazi officers in her home, all are fraught with anguish and danger. Quietly the wheel of life turns and she is forced to make heroic efforts to protect her family, and in the end, others.
Hannah's use of language, the ability to write so provocatively, to allow us into the thoughts and minds of these two very different sisters is powerful. We live the hardships, the fear and the moments of joy from inside. We become them for a brief moment. Two women illuminating this time from a woman's perspective. Beyond this is the story of how both the 1st and 2nd World Wars affected families down through the generations. Of their father who went to war and came back broken, unable to declare his love. The effect this in turn had on his daughters and how that drove each in different ways.
'We remain' sums much up--the final catch cry that says too little and covers an eternity for all who are devastated by the harrowing the effects that war produces. Yes we see the ugliness and horror of these times. Mostly though we see that the human spirit despite its flaws can be a beautiful, heart breaking thing. Bravo Kristin Hannah!

A NetGalley ARC
917729
This is a beautiful story of love and it's capacity to heal the worst of pains. Her characters can be heard and felt and become part of you. Despite my tears, I found great joy and peace in this journey.