Showing posts with label french. Show all posts
Showing posts with label french. Show all posts

Sunday, November 17, 2024

The Liberty Scarf by Aimie K. Runyan; J'nell Ciesielski; Rachel McMillan

 


A Story of Three Women, One War, and a Scarf That Binds Them Together

A treasure of a book. Brilliantly and beautifully written, gently woven together. Three special and unique couples to get to know and love in stories taking place during WW1. Heart melting and heartbreaking, a lovely scarf and its design lightly tie them together. This is a keeper, should be a classic, would make a lovely and thoughtful gift.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheLibertyScarf #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #AimieKRunyan #JnellCiesielski #RachelMcMillan #HistoricalFiction #HarperMuse #HarperCollinsFocus

About the book

In the midst of a seemingly endless war, a scarf connects three women in the cold winter of 1917 . . .

London: As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty's first female pattern designer. She hasn't the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Rex Conrad is persistent--and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel and all too soon Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Rex's hands to let him know she's thinking of him. And when she receives word that he's wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . .

Maine: Genevive Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance.

Belgium: Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, connect in a Brussels palace-turned-hospital far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives--and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the transient nature of their relationship threatens the bond they have built. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future brighter than they could have even hoped.

Synopsis

From acclaimed authors Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan comes an evocative, three-part novel about a thread of connection during World War I--a single scarf that links three extraordinary women, each battling societal expectations, enduring the devastations of war, and striving for personal growth amidst the chaos. The Liberty Scarf is a testament to the resilience of women and the enduring power of hope and unity in the harshest of times.

In the midst of a seemingly endless war, a scarf connects three women in the cold winter of 1917 . . .

London: As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that were promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight, and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty's first female pattern designer. She hasn't the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Rex Conrad is persistent--and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel, and, all too soon, Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Rex's hands to let him know she's thinking of him. And when she receives word that he's wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . .

Maine: Genevi ve Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance.

Belgium: Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, connect in a Brussels palace-turned-hospital far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives--and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the transient nature of their relationship threatens the bond they have built. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future brighter than they could have even hoped.

The Liberty Scarf is more than a piece of fabric--it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of war, binding these three women together in an indelible bond. Experience their stories of love, sacrifice, and survival in this captivating novel from Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan.


My reviews

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

 



I so loved this book.

Incredible journey. The British tried to wipe out the very existence of the Acadia people, nearly did. This story of a rare survivor is anguishing, touching, tense, endearing and very hard to put down. So easy to become immersed in the story. Fabulous characters, including big, strong, cunning fighting backwoods men who travel their own hard paths. Such an excellent read (have I said that enough?). Much as I wanted to see what happened, I didn't want it to end. 

I'm filing this under "places I'd like to live" and "characters I'd like to meet".

I received this book free from the author, Revell Reads and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSeamstressOfAcadie #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Revell #ChristianHistoricalFiction #LauraFrantz

My reviews

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan

 

A good, solid historical fiction, told in two time frames, about a great grandmother and her great granddaughter who have a lot in common. Each has a love for family and people in their neighborhood. Takes a while to read, as you'll be sure not to miss a word. Very real characters and their lives, through wars. Easy to get lost in, sometimes frustrating at the switch as you wonder what happened. Some cliff hangers there. Even recipes! Excellent read!

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #ABakeryInParis #AimieKRunyan #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #WilliamMorrowPaperbacks #HistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical

PRAISE FOR A BAKERY IN PARIS AND AIMIE K. RUNYAN

"Aimie K. Runyan whips up a feast of a novel, full of the warmth and heart characters give each other during two despairing periods of French history. Recipes for boulangerie classics remind us of the power of simple ingredients, artfully assembled. Lisette and Micheline walk their own unique paths to happiness, fighting for their independence and finding loves that support their true selves. As delicious and satisfying as a perfect cup of chocolat chaud."

   — Kerri Maher, international bestselling author of THE PARIS BOOKSELLER

"This captivating story is a tantalizing blend of history and culinary inspiration, weaving a poignant dual narrative that links two women to one Paris Bakery. From the pivotal moment of the Commune of Paris uprising to life in the aftermath of the world wars, Runyan provides a mouth-watering journey through French history with delicious baking recipes sprinkled throughout the narrative. This book is sure to satisfy your senses so don't miss out on this delicious read!"

   — Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author

"Two remarkably strong women—one under siege during the War of 1870 and the other struggling in the aftermath of WWII—both find strength and hope within the walls of a tiny Parisian bakery. With meticulous attention to rich historical detail, heartfelt characters and a page-turn tale that's peppered with recipes, Aimie Runyan has the perfect ingredients for a most satisfying work of historical fiction. " 

   — Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces

"An often heart-wrenching and always heartfelt exploration of two difficult periods in French history and two courageous women who exemplify the lasting legacy of the human spirit. Baking is a science, literature is an art, and Aimie K. Runyan's A Bakery in Paris is an absolute treat for historical fiction fans!"

   — Gabriella Saab, author of Daughters of Victory

A Bakery in Paris is a delicious novel that will have you hungering not only for French confections but to turn the next page. Set in two tumultuous wartime periods in Paris, Aimie K. Runyan weaves a spellbinding story of family, friendship, love, self-discovery, and power of healing through cooking. Connected through time by family recipes, Runyan will delight the senses of every reader, as they follow along the emotionally charged journeys of each endearing character.” 

   — Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the author of The School for German Brides, this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century and post–World War II Paris follows two fierce women of the same family, generations apart, who find that their futures lie in the four walls of a simple bakery in a tiny corner of Montmartre.

1870: The Prussians are at the city gates, intent to starve Paris into submission. Lisette Vigneau—headstrong, willful, and often ignored by her wealthy parents—awaits the outcome of the war from her parents’ grand home in the Place Royale in the very heart of the city. When an excursion throws her into the path of a revolutionary National Guardsman, Théodore Fournier, her destiny is forever changed. She gives up her life of luxury to join in the fight for a Paris of the People. She opens a small bakery with the hopes of being a vital boon to the impoverished neighborhood in its hour of need. When the city falls into famine, and then rebellion, her resolve to give up the comforts of her past life is sorely tested.

1946: Nineteen-year-old Micheline Chartier is coping with the loss of her father and the disappearance of her mother during the war. In their absence, she is charged with the raising of her two younger sisters. At the hand of a well-meaning neighbor, Micheline finds herself enrolled in a prestigious baking academy with her entire life mapped out for her. Feeling trapped and desperately unequal to the task of raising two young girls, she becomes obsessed with finding her mother. Her classmate at the academy, Laurent Tanet, may be the only one capable of helping Micheline move on from the past and begin creating a future for herself. 

Both women must grapple with loss, learn to accept love, and face impossible choices armed with little more than their courage and a belief that a bit of flour, yeast, sugar, and love can bring about a revolution of their own. 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aimie K. Runyan, author of The School for German Brides, writes fiction that celebrates history’s unsung heroines. When she isn’t writing, Aimie is active in the writing community as a speaker and educator. She’s a proud Adjunct Instructor for the Drexel University MFA in Creative Writing program and loves interacting with book clubs and writer groups. She is also a passionate amateur baker with a special talent for chocolate cheesecake. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, and two (always) adorable kitties. And a dragon. To learn more, please visit aimiekrunyan.com.

My reviews

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks

 




1792 early in French history, shortly after the revolution, there was another uprising in Paris that physically removed the king. It pulled revolutionaries from all over the country, including Marseilles where this story is set. Giles works in a soap factory and is friends with the owner's son. They are fellow revolutionaries with his brother and are major flirts as well as dedicated to the cause. His employer is a monarchist, although he keeps it low key. The employer's daughter returns home since it is becoming unsafe in Paris. She does not believe this revolutionary movement is good since there is so much violence and killing. One of the mottos is that they are ridding the country of impure blood - one similar to what Hitler would promote many years later. She is beautiful and a strong woman, easily putting Giles to shame when he tries to kiss her on a dare. As the story moves along, they try to be friends, each learning from the other. The situation becomes more and more dangerous. Interesting story and characters, looking into different perspectives of this time in history and what the people were trying to accomplish as well as just plain live. Gives you depth of feeling from both sides. The danger and story become more fast paced, as does their relationship.  Pulls on the heart strings!  I'm hoping there is another to follow. 
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 
#BeyondtheLavenderFields #NetGalley

My reviews:

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz

 



Captivating...right to the end. A nice long read to sink into. Set in the early days of the French and Indian war. Esmee is the daughter of an Admiral that had spent much time at sea. She has been estranged from her friend Henri for 10 years, parting as he went to sea as she didn't want to be married to someone, like her father, who was also married to the sea. She kept busy as a businesswoman, running the chocolate shop that her mother had started and also doing charity work at the local almshouse. When Henri came back, she slowly realized how much she cared for him, just as he was called to set sail again - working for the government against French ships. So well written, it's very real. Frustrating and heart wrenching at times, and a truly lovely love story. As satisfying as the best chocolate! Lessons of Christian faith are wound throughout.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 
#AHeartAdrift #NetGalley

My Reviews:
Christian Book


Sunday, April 25, 2021

The Immigrant Brides Collection

 




One of the most diverse collections that I've read. English, German, Irish, Scottish, French, Chinese. All with things in their lives to overcome, strengthen their faith, and realize that the journey is better when shared. Discovering the right person to share their struggles and burdens with. Most with issues of unfair discrimination and fitting in. Excellent read. Never boring. Unusual twisting, realistic tales. 
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheImmigrantBridesRomanceCollection #NetGalley

My Reviews:
ChristianBook

Friday, April 5, 2019

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36040947-the-captured-bride?ac=1&from_search=truehttps://www.amazon.com/Captured-Bride-Daughters-Mayflower-book-ebook/dp/B078X5QZ6L/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Captured+Bride+by+Michelle+Griep&qid=1554497874&s=gateway&sr=8-1https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-captured-bride-michelle-griep/1128531805?ean=9781683224747https://www.christianbook.com/captured-bride-daughters-mayflower-book-ebook/michelle-griep/9781683224761/pd/95396EB?event=ESRCGhttps://www.powells.com/book/-9781683224747

Intense story from the French & Indian war about a cross breed Mohawk Scout who works with a Queens Ranger. They are paired with a French traitor to pose as a family moving across Upstate NY to the next Fort. This is country I'm familiar with, and find the description of the woods and plant therein quite accurate, bringing back memories of the area where I grew up.

Mercy is unique in being a female scout, as well as being unusually tall and with blood of an Indian leader. Elias also has an unusual background and is not as he seems. He's on an important mission involving many lives. Their trip us full of danger, mystery and secrets with lessons and growth in faith. Christian Historical Fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#TheCapturedBride #MichelleGriep #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

The Creole Princess by Beth White

http://www.amazon.com/Creole-Princess-Gulf-Coast-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00MBTY4Z0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428503697&sr=1-1&keywords=the+creole+princesshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22504614-the-creole-princesshttp://www.christianbook.com/new-2-the-creole-princess/beth-white/9780800721985/pd/721985?product_redirect=1&Ntt=721985&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCPhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/creole-princess-the-beth-white/1119744176?ean=9780800721985http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-creole-princess/342371

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Creole-Princess/Beth-White/Q675699164?id=6163396555110http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/302231/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-creole-princess-a-novel/9780800721985-item.html?ikwid=the+creole+princess&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9780800721985-0http://www.parable.com/i.The-Creole-Princess-White-Beth.9780800721985

Fast paced Christian Historical Romance starting in 1776 on the Gulf Coast, with the American Revolution and the struggle between the British, Spanish and Americans for the area. From the book's review: '...along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter--though no less deadly.'

This book had me in the opening chapter, with 16 year old Lyse dancing on bare feet along the wharf with a crab bucket, face lifted, imagining herself in a ball gown and walking into a castle in high heeled slippers, orchestra playing, dancing with a duke. When a real-time creep breaks the dream, she pulls her knife from her bodice, drops the bucket and goes after him. And then proceeds to remove all the silver buttons from Rafa's waistcoat when he tries to assist. Their interaction throughout the book is such a pleasure to read, and you have to love them both.

There are secrets to Lyse's heritage which are revealed, and reactions to it from people in the society which she had been brought into. And Rafa is not who he seems. Also revealed is the personal struggle each character has with their family, friends, community and  upbringing, and the new thought of the Revolution, that all men are created equal under God.

This is very well written and is sure to become a favorite. I know that I hated to see the book end, and would like to see what becomes of everyone as time goes on! I really didn't want to let go. And I didn't realize that it was book two in the series until after I'd read it - so it's not necessary to read book one in order to get this one. Great cover, beautifully done. Quotes from book: : "...brave and persistent and very clever. Those things she was determined to be, God willing." "She'd always prayed in time of crisis. And her life had been one crisis after the another.Surely there were calluses on her knees."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

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