The Last Letter From Your Lover

Synopsis (from Amazon): A Brief Encounter for our time, The Last Letter from Your Lover is a sophisticated, spellbinding double love story that spans decades and thrillingly evokes a bygone era. In 1960, Jennifer Stirling wakes in the hospital and remembers nothing—not the car accident that put her there, not her wealthy husband, not even her own name. Searching for clues, she finds an impassioned letter, signed simply "B," from a man for whom she seemed willing to risk everything. In 2003, journalist Ellie Haworth stumbles upon the letter and becomes obsessed with learning the unknown lovers’ fate—hoping it will inspire her own happy ending. Remarkably moving, this is a novel for romantics of every age.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: I love books that take place in the 60s.  The Last Letter From Your Lover goes back and forth between the 60s and 2003.  I can't imagine waking up in the hospital and not knowing anything and being sent home with a man who to you is a stranger. The manner in which we discover everything is brilliant and made me want to keep on reading. 

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I have really enjoyed other books by JoJo Moyes and am slowly making my way through them all.  Of course you can't help loving Me Before You (the book and the movie)! I have also read One Plus One and love it too.

Jojo Moyes is the New York Times bestselling author of One Plus One, The Girl You Left Behind, Honeymoon in Paris, Me Before You, The Last Letter from Your Lover, Silver Bay, and The Ship of Brides. Moyes writes for a variety of newspapers and magazines. She is married to Charles Arthur, technology editor of The Guardian. They live with their three children on a farm in Essex, England.

Amazon 

The Last Letter From Your Lover

A Killer's Alibi - TLC Book Tours

~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis:  For attorney Mick McFarland, the evidence is damning. And so are the family secrets in this twisty legal thriller from the Amazon Charts bestselling author of A Criminal Defense.

When crime lord Jimmy Nunzio is caught, knife in hand, over the body of his daughter’s lover and his own archenemy, he turns to Mick McFarland to take up his defense. Usually the courtroom puppeteer, McFarland quickly finds himself at the end of Nunzio’s strings. Struggling to find grounds for a not-guilty verdict on behalf of a well-known killer, Mick is hamstrung by Nunzio’s refusal to tell him what really happened.

On the other side of the law, Mick’s wife, Piper, is working to free Darlene Dowd, a young woman sentenced to life in prison for her abusive father’s violent death. But the jury that convicted Darlene heard only part of the truth, and Piper will do anything to reveal the rest and prove Darlene’s innocence.

As Mick finds himself in the middle of a mob war, Piper delves deeper into Darlene’s past. Both will discover dark secrets that link these fathers and daughters—some that protect, some that destroy, and some that can’t stay hidden forever. No matter the risk.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: A Killer's Alibi is the first book I read by William L Myers, Jr. and I really enjoyed it.  It reminded me of Sydney Sheldon (I loved his books) with a twist of Lisa Scottoline and early days of John Grisham.  Mob/mafia thrillers are always exciting to me.  

I really liked the characters in A Killer's Alibi.  They all worked together and complimented each other.  The spunk of Gabby, Mick and Pipers daughter, added some sassiness to the book.

There were two main stories: defending the crime lord Nunzio and re-opening an old case to free an innocent women.  There are so many zigs and zags in the book as both stories unfolded.  There were several times I thought I had figured out the "who dun' it" in both stories; however, I wasn't even close.  A Killer's Alibi kept me on my toes from the start all the way to the end.  I hope there is a book 4 in the works.

If you are looking for a fast pace, thriller, lawyer/legal system, type of book, you really should check out A Killer's Alibi.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I had no idea A Killer's Alibi is actual the third book by Myers.  It is 100% a stand alone book, but I MUST read the first two: A Criminal Defense and An Engineered Injustice. 

TLC Book Tour:  Check out all the other great reviews on A Killer's Alibi tour here.

A Philadelphia lawyer with thirty years of trial experience in state and federal courts up and down the East Coast, Myers has argued before the United States Supreme Court and still actively practices law. Myers was born into a proud working-class family; graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law; and now lives with his wife, Lisa, in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.

Connect with William

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Purchase Links

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A Killer's Alibi - TLC Book Tours

It Happens All The Time

Synopsis (from Amazon): I want to rewind the clock, take back the night when the world shattered. I want to erase everything that went wrong.

Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have been best friends since they were teenagers—trusting and depending on each other through some of the darkest periods of their young lives. And while Amber has always felt that their relationship is strictly platonic, Tyler has long harbored the secret desire that they might one day become more than friends.

Returning home for the summer after her college graduation, Amber begins spending more time with Tyler than she has in years. Despite the fact that Amber is engaged to her college sweetheart, a flirtation begins to grow between them. One night, fueled by alcohol and concerns about whether she’s getting married too young, Amber kisses Tyler.

What happens next will change them forever.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Wow. It Happens All The Time tackles a very difficult and very real subject, date rape.  This book flips back and forth between the Amber and Tyler is told from their perspective.  For me, getting the perspective from both sides of the story is very important when discussing difficult topics.  It makes it even more real as I read the book.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I have read Outside the Lines and Heart Like Mine.  I would like to read her other books, especially, Somewhere Out There, Safe with Me, Best Kept Secret and The Language of Sisters.

Photograph credit Allison Zenner

Amy Hatvany is the author of nine novels, including It Happens All the Time, Somewhere Out There, and A Casual Encounter. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her family.

Amazon 

It Happens All The Time

The Moon Sister - Book 5 in The Seven Sisters Series

~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis:  Tiggy D’Aplièse spends her days experiencing the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands doing a job she loves at a deer sanctuary. But when the sanctuary is forced to close, she is offered a job as a wildlife consultant on the vast and isolated estate of the elusive and troubled laird, Charlie Kinnaird. She has no idea that the move will not only irrevocably alter her future, but also bring her face-to-face with her past.

At the estate, she meets Chilly, an elderly Romani man who fled from Spain seventy years before. He tells her that not only does she possess a sixth sense passed down from her ancestors, but it was foretold long ago that he would be the one to send her back home…

In 1912, in the poor Romani community outside the city walls of Granada, Lucía Amaya-Albaycin is born. Destined to be the greatest flamenco dancer of her generation—and named La Candela, due to the inner flame that burns through her when she dances— Lucía is whisked away by her ambitious and talented guitarist father at the tender age of ten to dance in the flamenco bars of Barcelona. Her mother is devastated by the loss of her daughter and as civil war threatens in Spain, tragedy strikes the rest of her family. Now in Madrid, Lucía and her troupe of dancers are forced to flee for their lives, their journey taking them far across the water to South America and eventually, to North America and New York—Lucía’s long-held dream. But to pursue it, she must choose between her passion for her career and the man she adores.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: I have enjoyed all The Seven Sisters books in this series thus far; however, The Moon Sister is now my favorite!  Tiggy's story, where do I start?  What I really loved about The Moon Sister was the story of Lucia.  What a story. Lucia was a strong, adventurous, talented and selfish girl. Her mother was as solid and loyal as they come.  Her father was always the dreamer. I absolutely loved the adventure we went on with Tiggy's family.

Tiggy is a very kind hearted person. She always seeks the good in people and puts them first before her own needs. She is working as a wildlife consultant for Charlie Kinnaird.  The estate is having financial troubles and Tiggy soon finds herself in the middle of some craziness.  We encounter Zed who has ties to the other sisters and may have been involved with Pa Salt.  Zed is some how tied in with Charlie's wife.  Zed is still an evil mystery to us but I have feeling we will find out more in Electra's book (can't wait for book 6).  In the end, it all works out and leaves us wanting book 6, now!

One other bit I really liked about the book was that we go back to Atlantis and Ma.  It is very interesting as Tiggy discovers a secret area in the house and starts to explore!  Something is going to come of this, I am sure.

Can't wait for book 6 and read about Electra and her past.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author:  I have really enjoyed the series: The Seven Sisters, The Storm Sister, The Shadow Sister, and The Pearl Sister.  I would really like to read Lucinda's other books: The Love Letter, The Angel Tree, The Olive Tree, The Royal Secret, The Girl on the Cliff, and The Butterfly Room. 

Photograph credit Boris Breuer

Lucinda Riley is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including The Orchid House, The Girl on the Cliff, and the Seven Sisters series. Her books have sold more than fifteen million copies in over thirty languages globally. She was born in Ireland and divides her time between England and West Cork with her husband and four children. Visit her online and learn more about The Seven Sisters series at LucindaRiley.com.

CONNECT WITH LUCINDA RILEY ONLINE:

Website: http://www.lucindariley.com

Twitter: @lucindariley

Facebook: @Lucindarileyauthor

The Moon Sister:

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The Moon Sister - Book 5 in The Seven Sisters Series

Made in Italy - Spotlight Tour

Book Details:

Book Title: Made in Italy by Laura Morelli
Category: Adult Non-fiction, 161 pages
Genre: Travel, History, Art
Publisher: Authentic Arts Publishing
Release date: Jan, 2019
Tour dates: Feb 11 to March 8, 2019
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Richly painted maiolica ceramics from Tuscany. Supple Florentine leather. The cameos of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the king of cheeses. Jaw-dropping glass from the island of Murano.

MADE IN ITALY takes you on a complete tour of the dazzling artisanal legacy of Italy, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and one-of-a-kind, hidden workshops where everything from leather bags to gilded frames are turned out completely by hand, piece by piece.

This book includes instructions for getting a free copy of the companion guide, ARTISANS OF ITALY, with complete, continually updated listings of Laura's personally recommended shops and artisans across Italy.

Laura Morelli, art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you behind the tourist traps to discover some of Italy's most traditional arts.

Laura holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University and shares how, what, and where to buy; hints on recognizing quality and authenticity; and tips for bringing home the artisanal treasures of Italy in your suitcase.

Buy the Book:

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Meet the Author:

LAURA MORELLI holds a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University, has taught college students in the U.S. and in Italy, and currently produces art history lessons for TED-Ed. She authored a column for National Geographic Traveler called “The Genuine Article” and has contributed pieces about art and authentic travel to CNN Radio, The Frommers Travel Show, and in USA TODAY, Departures, and other media.

Laura is the author of the Authentic Arts guidebook series that includes the popular book Made in Italy. Her fiction brings the stories of art history to life. Her debut novel, The Gondola Maker, won an IPPY for Best Historical Fiction and a Benjamin Franklin Award.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

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Ends March 15, 2019

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Made in Italy - Spotlight Tour

The Burn Zone - Guest Post

~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis:  In The Burn Zone, Renee shares the story of her quest for truth and peace, her nearly seven-year detour into hell at the hands of her spiritual teachers, and her ultimate awakening. 

With honesty and courage, Renee recounts how she got sucked into the University of Mysticism and gave away her cherished possessions, tens of thousands of dollars, and all of her power. Dominated and manipulated, Renee cut ties with loved ones (including her twin brother) and obediently followed command after command. Renee got entangled in a romantic and business mess—and wound up losing over $500,000. 

While lying on the floor sobbing, she finally admitted to herself: “I am in a cult.” Then, she began the hard work of healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering and accepting herself.

Guest Post by Renee Linnell:  Why I Wrote The Burn Zone

I wrote The Burn Zoneas a catharsis; I had to get the story out of me. Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” I believe she is right. The story was consuming me. It was tearing me apart from within. I was filled with anger and hatred and confusion and I had to let it go. So I wrote. And wrote and wrote and wrote. I vomited all of it onto paper. Over and over and over again. The same scenarios, the same pain, the same periods of my life. I wrote hate letters that I never sent. I screamed into pillows. I wrote letters to God. Over 700 pages I wrote. And it helped. The heaviness began to lift. The anger began to abate. The fits of rage dissipated. The overwhelming sadness turned to hope.

As this happened I began to speak bits of my story to loved ones. I began to share what I went through, what I signed up for. People were shocked, amazed, and . . . impressed. I began to realize my story had worth. I began to realize it was a story of strength; a story of the fight of the human spirit; a story of uncovering my True Self from deep within the shattered pile of a whole lifetime’s worth of rubble. As I spoke my story I began to get a consistent similar response, “You have to write a book.” It was then that I realized I had been writing a book; it was then that I made the decision to publish what I had written.

But, it wasn’t easy. Reading through my journals was painful. Reliving those stories, those states of mind, was sickening. However, I kept doing it. Because as I did it I realized I had inscribed a map. It was a description of what so many of us (I may even venture to say all of us) do as we create a life to please others. And it was a map, a stepping stone path, out, back to authenticity. I realized I hadto print and share my story; even if it helped only one other person.  

I suppose my background as a seeker and as a Buddhist monk influenced my writing in that I felt safe being raw. Vulnerable. “In my defenselessness my safety lies,” says The Course in Miracles.I took it to heart. And it has been liberating. Publishing my whole story is so freeing because I get to just be me. And it turns out I’m really good at being me. I sucked at being the versions of me I thought I was supposed to be to please my parents, my teachers, my friends, the rest of the world; but it’s actually not much effort at all to just be me. I had a great writing teacher in high school who taught us all the rules of grammar, but then encouraged us to break them. So, you will notice I break a lot of writing rules, but I write the way I would tell a story. Thought by thought, sentence by sentence. Again, authenticity. This is the way I would tell you a story if we were face to face in my living room; why should I write it any other way?

It is my sincere desire that readers would feel liberated after reading my book. I love to imagine the little child within them smiling, finally feeling like s/he gets to call the shots. I love the idea of my readers making the commitment to love and nurture themselves; to treat themselves to the little joys in life that they love. I would love for my readers to finally let go of shame; to start claiming and even celebrating their stories. Especially the “skeletons in the closet.” I imagine shackles around the soul being removed; the shackles of shame, the shackles of not-forgiving, the shackles of wishing this or that never happened. I love imagining the spirits of my readers dancing around in the joy and wonder of their Earth Walk. Changing their mental paradigms to believing their life has been a wild adventure instead of lugging around the baggage of regret. I love imagining the flames within their hearts, the light within, igniting. And I would love for my readers to pull up to the surface, and feel safe in the exposing of, the parts of them that make them different. I would love for them to put my book down knowing their difference is their destiny and feeling ready to show and tell the world about their story, their fight of the human spirit, all that they have gone through, all that they have learned. I would love for them to discover the exhilarating freedom that comes with forgiving all of it, embracing their battle scars, and using those scars to go out in the world and fulfill their true Divine Purpose. 

In Her Image Photography

Renee Linnell is the author of The Burn Zone (She Writes Press). She is a serial entrepreneur who has founded and cofounded five companies and has an Executive Masters in Business Administration from New York University. Currently she is working on starting a publishing company to give people from diverse walks of life an opportunity to tell their stories. She divides her time between Colorado and Southern California. 

For more information, please visit https://reneelinnell.com and follow Renee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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The Burn Zone - Guest Post

The Suspect

~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Synopsis (from Amazon):  Another razor-sharp thriller, THE SUSPECT reaffirms Barton’s reputation as an author who combines propulsive narrative with subtle, insightful commentary on the universal stories of family, identity, and loss—a writer who belongs on the shelf with Tana French, Louise Penny, Megan Abbott, and Paula Hawkins. 

After two girls go missing in Thailand during their gap year, Kate receives a call from her police contact Bob Sparkes, who wants the media to help sound the alarm. Kate can’t help but think of her son Jake, who ran off to Thailand after a rough patch in school and has barely been heard from since.

When the story of the missing girls turns to tragedy, Kate flies to Thailand to investigate the potentially grisly crime. But upon her arrival, her professional and personal worlds collide in a shocking manner. While Barton’s previous books have posed moral dilemmas about how far Kate would go to get the story, now, Kate must face the question:  what happens when the reporter becomes the reported?

Barton is an award-winning journalist in the UK who has worked for the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph, among other publications. She drew on her thirty-five year career to craft Kate Waters into the dogged, resourceful reporter that readers have come to love in the previous two books. Barton says writing Kate feels “like coming home.”

One (or more) Sentence Summary: What an amazing book! A parent's worst nightmare.  Your child and her friend go away to a different country and communication stops. Another child drops out of college and takes off, only to find out the many secrets he kept from his parents, including his whereabouts.  Kate, a journalist, becomes a trusted liaison to the parents.  She uses her connections to help track down the girls.  An incredible surprise happens when they arrive in Thailand and all their worlds collide.

The story bounces back and forth between the parents, the girls (friends), the boy and Kate.  Unbelievably, they all end up being connected in a bizarre twist of faith. 

Would I Read Other Books by the Author:  I would like to read The Child and The Widow by the author, Fiona Barton?

Fiona Barton is the New York Times bestselling author of The Widow and The Child. She has trained and worked with journalists all over the world. Previously, she was a senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at the Mail on Sunday, where she won Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards. Born in Cambridge, England, she currently lives in southwest France and England.

Amazon 

The Suspect