Thursday, February 8, 2024

The Paris Spy's Girl by Amanda Lees

 



Wow. Talk about intense. Christine is tough from what she went through growing up, but she's also very beautiful, smart, shrewd, intuitive. And closed off. Using her beauty as a weapon, she made one of the best spies in Paris against the Germans. Her friendships are few, she trusts no one. But in getting to hear her thoughts you can feel the underlying vulnerability and intense struggle in trying to make a difference. She finally lets Charlie the American in. Unbelievable how it plays out as her colleagues are captured, the games that are played, the betrayal. Really hard to put down. (Clean read but skates along the risqué line.)

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

#TheParisSpysGirl #NetGalley #AmandaLees #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Bookouture #HistoricalFiction #FiveStarHistorical @bookoture

Buy link: Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CLKV2LPVsocial

From the Publisher:


An utterly breathtaking and emotional World War II novel, inspired by true events.

Paris, 1943. The candlelit salon goes silent, the eyes of every German officer on me. I pause in the door, no hint of a tremble from the champagne glass in my hand, playing my part to perfection. If my deception doesn’t utterly convince them, the war will be lost…

As war rages all over Europe, former runaway Christine is now the most dangerous – and most beautiful – asset the British Secret Service has in Paris. Every safe house that falls under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower is like a second home, and she can disappear into the winding maze of cobbled streets that lead to the Seine like a shadow. Now Christine is on her most vital mission yet. She must go deep undercover to find out who has betrayed the Allied spy network, selling their secrets – and her fellow agents – to the Nazis.

Forced to work with Charlie, a charmingly determined American secret agent, Christine has no choice but to rely on him. Together, they must pretend to be everything they aren’t – Nazi collaborators, and lovers – and risk not just their lives but the lives of their colleagues all over France to unmask the traitor in their midst.

But as they get closer to the truth, and each other, the stress of living undercover takes its toll. Christine can’t trust anyone, even Charlie. And just as her past – and the girl she was before she became Christine – catches up with her, the mission demands a sacrifice so great it may destroy everything she holds dear. Can Christine find the courage to do what it takes? And who will pay the ultimate sacrifice if she fails…?

A totally compelling, page-turning historical novel of love, courage and sacrifice in the darkest of times. Set in wartime Paris, this is an utterly gripping and tear-jerking read perfect for readers of Kate Quinn, Rhys Bowen and Mandy Robotham.

About the author
Amanda Lees is an author, broadcaster and an actress. She has written for, or contributed to, the Evening Standard, The Times, US Cosmopolitan and Company Magazine, as well as numerous online publications. Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4.

As well as her new World War Two romantic thriller series, she has published two bestselling satirical fiction novels, a YA thriller trilogy and a number of non-fiction titles including The Dictionary of Crime.

Amanda was born in Hong Kong and survived both a convent boarding school and a Jesuit boys’ school before being summarily ejected from the latter. She gets her thirst for adventure from her parents who met in the jungle in Borneo where her mother had set up a hospital and her father, a former Gurkha Intelligence officer and Oxford-educated spy, was probably up to no good.

Amanda has a degree in drama and her first TV job was as a member of the Communist Resistance in ’Allo ‘Allo. This involved running around with a dachshund under her arm and deploying her best cod French accent. It has all been dramatically downhill since.

Her latest nonfiction book, From Aconite to the Zodiac Killer: The Dictionary of Crime, was published by Robinson/Little Brown in July 2020 to excellent reviews. It was published in the US by Ulysses Press in May 2021.

The Silence Before Dawn, the first in her WW2 spy thriller series was published in September 2022 and the second, Paris At First Light, in November 2022. The third book in the series, The Midwife's Child, was published on 16th May 2023. All are bestsellers. The next book in the series, The Paris Spy's Girl, will be published on 6 February 2024.


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My reviews

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

 


"Life has taught me a lot, some I wanted some I didn't."

Wow. We just had the chance to watch an advance copy of I Will Survive - a new movie about Gloria Gaynor. Very inspiring and touching, especially for anyone who has experienced abandonment or abuse. The story, and of course the music is fabulous. Gloria has lived an amazing life with an amazing gift from God, and she's finally able to sing what she wants which is gospel music. Her album "Testimony" is fabulous.

She partnered with GRAMMY-winning producer Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Mandisa) to create a roots gospel collection that relies on Gaynor's songwriting, a couple of hymns and a stunning interpretation of Dylan's "Man of Peace." Special guests include Yolanda Adams, Jason Crabb, Mike Farris and Bart Millard, as well as a "who's who" of studio musicians. A gospel album has always been part of Gaynor's vision, and Testimony proves to be worth the wait.

Release Date: 2/13

Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvHkWCRWLo

#iwillsurvivemin #booksyoucanfeelgoodabout #ChristianMovies

GLORIA GAYNOR I WILL SURVIVE

Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive is the story of a Disco legend who, for five decades, has inspired millions with her words I WILL SURVIVE, but only understood the lyrics when she hit rock bottom at age 65 - the film is about reinvention, ​the power of faith and a woman's magnificent second act. Gloria Gaynor has wielded her inner drive and undeniable musical talent to change the course of her life. Having surmounted abuse, paralysis, her sister’s murder, a 35-year troubled marriage and a cleaned-out bank account, she never lost her faith, vision, and momentum. At 71, Gloria embarks on her lifelong dream to write and record a solo Gospel album. As Gloria gets deeper into the process, she realizes that switching music genres is no easy feat and unexpectedly has to self-fund her very personal album TESTIMONY. When US Gospel stars Yolanda Adams, Jason Crabb and Bart Millard join her on the recording, the tides turn. After a five-year struggle to get the album finished and released, Gloria wins the 2020 GRAMMY for Best Gospel Album - 40 years after Gloria won Best Disco Track for “I Will Survive”.

Gloria: I Will Survive blends Gloria’s present-day journey with the artist’s personal collection of archival photos and footage to help track the pivotal moments of Gaynor’s life, including never-before-seen super 8 mm movies of Gloria on the road from 1972-1976 during the early days of disco. Through 8 years of filming we capture a story of reinvention, inner drive and a magnificent second act made possible by Gloria’s private philosophies and life lessons.

“I am finally at a place of joy and self-fulfillment, and I am ready to share my secret to not only “surviving but thriving” with the world” – Gloria Gaynor

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

 



WW2 Christian Historical romance. Expertly written. I became attached right away to Aleida as she's trying to take her son and secretly run away from her husband and also from Netherlands because of the German invasion. Her plans are derailed, and she finds herself in an awful situation as she loses her son to strangers. When she gets to England and her wealthy family she continues to search for her son. Her son has a deformity that her husband hated. Hugh works for the BBC as a broadcaster reporter and is hiding that he has asthma. There are murders of people whom they care for and a mystery to solve as they search for her son. Smoothly written, small bits of information expertly woven into their story so that you can almost figure out who the murderer is. Tense and heartbreaking all the way through as they deal with the war as well as their personal problems. 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.

#EmbersInTheLondonSky #NetGalley #SarahSundin #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #Revell #ChristianHistoricalFiction  #FiveStarBooks @SarahSundinAuthor @sarahsundin

My reviews

I Will Survive - a story about Gloria Gaynor

 

Looks like we'll have another good movie in time for Galentine's Day. She is close to my age now and has come a long way since disco. 

Synopsis: 

GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE is the story of a Disco legend who, for five decades, has inspired millions with her words I WILL SURVIVE, but only understood the lyrics when she hit rock bottom herself.

Release Date: 2/13

Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCvHkWCRWLo

#iwillsurvivemin #booksyoucanfeelgoodabout #ChristianMovies

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Cabrini movie trailer


Based on the true story of one woman’s fight for the equality, health, and happiness of immigrant orphans.

Looks like this will be another impactful movie. Showcases the horrible conditions of Five Points and New York City in 1889. These conditions were incredibly bad for all nationalities that lived there. 

Synopsis:
From Alejandro Monteverde, award-winning director of 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮, comes the powerful epic of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen.

Release Date: 3/8

Trailer link: ww.youtube.com/watch?v=lihCRaOj0Lg&t=1s

#CabriniMovieMIN #Momentuminfluencers #ChristianFilm #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #AngelStudios

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Kissing Kate: A Sweet Regency Romance (Hearts of Cornwall Book 4) by K. Lyn Smith

 

"Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact."

Very sweet Historical Regency romance. Part of a wonderful series, this is the town that has more men than women, and there's a published list of bachelors that brings in women from all over. What's not to like about Kate who is both very proper with the height of etiquette, yet has spunk? And she likes plants, botany, which are close to my heart. Even though they're best friends, she's unsure of Ben and doesn't know why he goes to London, appearing to be a bit of a rogue. They're working through issues of self-doubt, holding yourself to higher standard, being a perfectionist, grief and misplaced guilt as well as peer pressure. They have close family and friends who see them for themselves and help them to discover their own feelings and strengths. Ben has to be the most devoted friend ever. Sweet, fulfilling read with lots of depth and beauty.

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

#KissingKate #BookSirens #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #DavenwoodPress #HistoricalFiction #KLynSmith

Purchase on Amazon (I don't get anything from this)

About the book

“Benedick Kimbrell attempted to steal his first kiss from Miss Catherine Parker in the perfectly imperfect spring of 1808. But his hopes, then and since, were larger than fact.”

A LADY’S UNSPOKEN LONGING

Kate Parker is resolute in her quest for marriage, seeking a dependable match among Newford's eligible bachelors. But behind her composed demeanor, Kate’s heart holds a stubborn affection for her less-than-dependable friend and an unspoken longing for a kiss that was never claimed.

A ROGUE’S LOST AMBITION

Years ago, Ben Kimbrell harbored ambitions, chief among them a kiss from Miss Kate Parker. Fate, though, had other plans. Now, his heart is weighted by family tragedy, his pain concealed behind a carefree charm. His reputation as an aimless rogue is well-earned, but beneath the façade lies a man who yearns for more.

AND A HEART WELL-GUARDED

When Kate sets her sights on Ben's dependable cousin, a man who fits her expectations if not her heart, Ben can no longer stand idly by. His efforts to save her from a loveless match find the two of them paired together in a village production of Much Ado About Nothing. Tasked with crafting the enchanting sets for their town's inaugural performance, their undeniable affection finds the perfect stage to blossom.

But for their love to flourish, Ben must reveal his true self and confront the shadows of his past. Can he find the courage to unlock his heart before it's too late?

Kissing Kate is a heartwarming best-friends romance about finding the courage to choose happiness and the healing power of love. Set in the charming seaside village of Newford, each book in the Hearts of Cornwall series stands alone.

About the author

K. Lyn Smith lives in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, while many of her other titles have been shortlisted for awards such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion and the Maggie Award.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her with family, traveling and watching period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?

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My reviews

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Willow: A Guide to Growing and Harvesting - Plus 20 Beautiful Woven Projects


 

Since helping my Grandmother as a young girl, I've wanted to try weaving again but forgotten all but the basics. Willow grows nearby and dries lovely. I've kept to making wreaths because they're simple. This book gives me the techniques and procedures, with templates, to make more involved projects. Simply told, excellent photographs and broken down into digestible segments that make it look easy. This book is a treasure.

#SarahWeal #naturecrafts #weaving #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #jennycrisp