"THE GERMAN HEIRESS" --from author ANIKA SCOTT--for readers of The Alice Network and The Lost Girls of Paris, an immersive, heart-pounding debut about a German heiress on the run in post-World War II Germany

The German Heiress

Clara Falkenberg, once Germany’s most eligible and lauded heiress, earned the nickname “the Iron Fräulein” during World War II for her role operating her family’s ironworks empire. It’s been nearly two years since the war ended and she’s left with nothing but a false identification card and a series of burning questions about her family’s past. With nowhere else to run to, she decides to return home and take refuge with her dear friend, Elisa.

Narrowly escaping a near-disastrous interrogation by a British officer who’s hell-bent on arresting her for war crimes, she arrives home to discover the city in ruins, and Elisa missing. As Clara begins tracking down Elisa, she encounters Jakob, a charismatic young man working on the black market, who, for his own reasons, is also searching for Elisa. Clara and Jakob soon discover how they might help each other—if only they can stay ahead of the officer determined to make Clara answer for her actions during the war.

Propulsive, meticulously researched, and action-fueled, The German Heiress is a mesmerizing page-turner that questions the meaning of justice and morality, deftly shining the spotlight on the often-overlooked perspective of Germans who were caught in the crossfire of the Nazi regime and had nowhere to turn.

Reviews

 

“The kind of novel we need now more than ever...The German Heiress achieves what the best historical fiction can, asking us to see the past, and then pushing us to see ourselves in that past, demanding: Who would you have been then? What would you have done? Unflinching and absorbing, The German Heiress does not let you look away.” (Sarah Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Postmistress and The Guest Book)

“Anika Scott’s riveting novel, The German Heiress, compellingly explores the nature of innocence and guilt, and the human desire for redemption. A terrific book with historical detail skillfully woven into the fabric of the story. An absolute must-read for all fans of World War II fiction!” (David Gillham, New York Times bestselling author of City of Women and Annelies)

“Meticulously researched and plotted like a noir thriller, The German Heiress tells a different story of WWII— of characters grappling with their own guilt and driven by the question of what they could have done to change the past.” (Jessica Shattuck, New York Times bestselling author of The Women in the Castle)

“Anika Scott’s epic novel offers a captivating tour through the reckoning years that followed WWII when clarifying identities, unearthing truths, and facing judgements was the only way to rebuild a life. The novel’s heroine, Clara, marches along the razor’s edge between the leviathan of the past and a future full of mine shafts. I will never forget her unending struggle to rise above the dark lineage thrust upon her and her battle to stay connected to the deep binds of love, responsibility, and compassion.” (Devin Murphy, nationally bestselling author of The Boat Runner)

“What a great debut! I loved this book, especially since it looks at the aftermath of war from a rare perspective: the appalling suffering that Germans faced in their devastated cities after 1945, and the guilt of those who’d followed the Nazi rules. It still haunts me, days after finishing it.” (Liz Trenow, New York Times bestselling author of The Poppy Factory and The Silk Weaver)

"Anika Scott's finely drawn characters in The German Heiress bring to life not only the struggle to rise from the ashes of war, but also the depth of resolve often required to gain redemption. Illuminating and beautifully rendered."--(Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War)

“While reading, I felt as though I was walking through the rubble of Essen and shivering in the bitter cold right alongside Clara Falkenberg. In this haunting and atmospheric novel, Anika Scott delivers a nuanced and emotional look at the often un-talked about side of WWII––the devastation of German towns and cities and the weight of conscience on those who remain. The German Heiress is a powerful reminder that no one gets out unscathed.” (Sara Ackerman, USA Today bestselling author of The Lieutenant's Nurse)

"I loved [The German Heiress]. It’s a special novel that opens one's mind to aspects of history we on the "winning" side have given little thought to, and a moving story of courage and everyday heroism rising to meet unbearable challenges." (Alex Marwood , international bestseller and Edgar and Macavity Award winning author of The Wicked Girls)

"Scott transports readers back to Germany in the aftermath of this war, showing both the heartbreak and heroism of a once powerful businesswoman known as the Iron Fraulein. Clara Falkenberg’s confusion and compassion, the courage and corruption of those she loved—all of it resonated deeply and led me to ask, what would I have done if I were forced into her tragic position? It’s impossible to know, of course, but this remarkable novel made me dig even deeper, longing to be resilient like Clara in the face of evil...a story that will stick with you for a lifetime!"
(Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass) 


ANIKA SCOTT



Anika Scott grew up outside Detroit, Michigan and has a BA in International Relations from Michigan State University and an MS in Journalism from Columbia University in New York. She worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Chicago Tribune before moving to Germany in 2001. Since then she has freelanced for US and European media including Deutschlandfunk, and taught journalism at the Technical University in Chemnitz. She now lives in Essen with her husband and two daughters.

ANIKA SAYS: "On a personal note, writing is one of the things I love the most in this world. I am so grateful and privileged that readers are finally getting a glimpse into my dreams and daydreams. I write about the things I care about most: the secret parts of ourselves, our place in the big bad (or good?) world, the strength and troubles of family, children scarred by the world of adults, the lessons history can teach us.

The biggest thing I hope for my readers: Be entertained, definitely! But I also hope my stories inspire you to think even more about your place in this complex world, and the power you have to act in it for the good.

Oh, and if you want to discover more about Germany in the years of allied occupation just after WWII, check out my history blog Postwar Germany. I began building this resource as I researched and wrote Finding Clara / The German Heiress. It’s a fascinating and often overlooked period, so check out the blog for articles, books, photos, videos and more."

https://anikascott.com/  

"THE PARIS LIBRARY"--from author Janet Skeslien Charles--based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of "The Lilac Girls" and "The Paris Wife"

 The Paris Library

Paris, 1939. Odile Souchet is obsessed with books and the Dewey Decimal System, which makes order out of chaos. She soon has it all – a handsome police officer beau, an English best friend, a beloved twin, and a job at the American Library in Paris, a thriving community of students, writers, diplomats, and book lovers. Yet when war is declared, there's also a war on words.

Montana, 1983. Widowed and alone, Odile suffers the solitary confinement of small-town life. Though most adults are cowed by her, the neighbor girl will not let her be. Lily, a lonely teenager yearning to break free of Froid is obsessed by the older French woman who lives next door and wants to know her secrets.

As the two become friends, Odile sees herself in Lily – the same love of language, the same longings, the same lethal jealousy. The Paris Library’s dual narratives explore the relationships that make us who we are – family and friends, first loves and favorite authors – in the fairy tale setting of the City of Light. It also explores the geography of resentment, the consequences of unspeakable betrayal, and what happens when the people we count on for understanding and protection fail us.

The wit, empathy, and deep research that brings The Paris Library to life also brings to light a cast of lively historical characters and a little-known chapter of World War II history: the story of the American librarian, Miss Reeder, who created the Soldiers’ Service to deliver books to servicemen, and who later faced the Nazi ‘Book Protector’ in order to keep her library open. She and her colleagues defied the Bibliotheksschutz by delivering books to Jewish readers after they were forbidden from entering the library.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places.


REVIEWS


“As a Parisian,  an ardent bookworm , and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devoured The Paris Library in one hungry gulp. It is charming and moving, with a perfect balance between history and fiction.”--(Tatiana de Rosnay, New York Times bestselling author of "Sarah's Key")

“A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Meticulously researched, The Paris Library is an irresistible, compelling read.”(Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of "The Chelsea Girls")

“The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. A thoroughly enjoyable read, kind-hearted and brimming with delightful bookish allusions.”--(Matthew Sullivan, author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore)


Janet Skeslien Charles

 

Janet Skeslien Charles has lived in Paris since 1999. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family in Montana and South Carolina. She is working on her second novel as well as a collection of essays about life in Paris.

The backdrop of her debut novel Moonlight in Odessa is the booming business of e-mail order brides, an industry where love and marriage meet sex and commerce. While at the University of Montana, Janet Skeslien Charles translated letters from desperate Russian women to lonely American men. She also interpreted for Russian women married to Americans. After finishing her degree in English literature, she spent two years in Odessa, Ukraine, where she taught English and French at a high school and trained teachers of English as a Soros Fellow. During this time, she spoke with Western men who went to socials. She also met women who found husbands through international matchmaking organizations. The interviews with these men and women before and after the wedding make up the framework of her novel.

http://www.jskesliencharles.com 

**HER NAME IS LOLA**smart, sexy, savvy PI Lola Cruz stars in her own fast, funny mystery series from author Melissa Bourbon

Living the Vida Lola

Meet Lola Cruz. After paying her dues as an intern, she’s now a full-fledged detective at Camacho and Associates. Her boss is Manny Camacho, a muy caliente former cop with a mysterious ex-wife, a Lara Croft look-alike girlfriend, and a sudden personal interest in Lola.

Her first big case? A missing mother who may not want to be found. And to make her already busy life even more complicated, Lola’s helping her cousin plan her quinceañera and battling her family and their old-fashioned views on women and careers. She’s also reunited with the gorgeous Jack Callaghan, her high school crush whom she shamelessly tailed years ago and photographed doing the horizontal salsa with some other lucky girl.

Lola takes it all in stride, but when the subject of her search ends up dead, she realizes she has a lot more to worry about. Soon she finds herself wrapped up in the possibly shady practices of a tattoo parlor, local politics, and someone with serious—maybe deadly—road rage. To top it all off, her treasured post-coital pictures of Jack are missing!

Still, Lola is well-equipped to handle these challenges. She’s a black-belt in kung fu, and her body isn’t her only weapon. She’s got smarts, sass, and more tenacity than her Mexican mafioso-wannabe grandfather. A few of her famous margaritas don’t hurt, either.


 

Hasta La Vista, Lola

When Lola comes home to her parents’ house to find a horde of relatives mourning her death, no one is more surprised than she is. The news had reported that one Lola Cruz, PI was found murdered in an alley, causing great alarm in the Cruz family.

Before Lola can say “boo,” a cop comes to the house. It turns out the dead woman had a driver’s license with Lola’s information.

Between avoiding an unsavory ex-boyfriend, sorting out mixed signals from the very interested but not yet committed Jack Callaghan, and filling in as a waitress at her parents’ Mexican restaurant, Lola tries to find out who the woman was and why she stole her identity. Was the woman hiding from someone who meant her harm, or is there someone out there who wants Lola dead?

This follow-up to Bourbon’s debut novel, Living the Vida Lola, is a red-hot, fun-filled mystery. Lola, a black belt in Kung Fu who loves to salsa dance, makes for a sexy, unique, and vivacious detective.  


 

Bare-Naked Lola

Going undercover is second nature for Private Investigator Lola Cruz, but she’s out of her league when the case of a murdered Royals Courtside Dancer leads her to a local nudist resort.

Parading around the sidelines of Sacramento’s professional basketball scene in a barely-there cheer-leading outfit is one thing—but parading around in nothing but a smile?

If she has any chance of hiding this from her traditional family and on-again/off-again boyfriend Jack, she’s going to have a lot more than her duct tape bra and killer dance moves to keep under wraps. 


 

What Lola Wants

The Sacramento Police Department has hired Camacho and Associates for one specific reason: They need Lola Cruz to go undercover at The Broadway, a salsa club suspected of running a prostitution ring.

She fits the description: Young, Latina, beautiful, and a PI.

But the secrets at the club go much deeper than anyone thought, and Lola finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game she may not be able to win.

 

 

 

Drop Dead Lola

 

Things are topsy-turvy in Lola Cruz’s world.

Lola’s cousin is getting married, and Lola’s in the wedding, dressed like a throwback from a John Hughes movie; her biological clock has started ticking; and the bachelorette party to beat all bachelorette parties is in the works. The evening’s events will push all the women past their boundaries—including Lola.

But all that pales compared to the new case at Camacho & Associates. Not everyone is convinced that Jack Callaghan’s childhood friend, Philip, committed suicide, least of all the man’s mother, Marnie. Marnie hires the P.I. firm—and specifically Lola—to get to the bottom of her son’s death. There’s not much to go on, but Lola would rather drop dead than leave a case unsolved.

When a second attack happens against Marnie herself, Lola knows she’s on the right track. Now her biological clock isn’t the only thing ticking. She has to stop a murderer before he—or she—strikes again!

Melissa Bourbon

 

The indefatigable Melissa Bourbon is a former middle school teacher and now full time writer. Born in a beach town in California, she now lives in an inspiring lake house in North Carolina where she practices yoga, hikes, and loves on her 3 rescue dogs. She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, unabashedly adores pumpkin spice lattes, is devoted to her five kids and husband, and can’t believe she’s lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams.

Melissa is the national bestselling author of the Lola Cruz Mystery series, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series, and the Bread Shop Mystery Series, written as Winnie Archer, as well as a few top secret projects. Learn more at http://melissabourbon.com.

"THE PRISONER'S WIFE"--from author MAGGIE BROOKES--inspired by the true story of a daring deception that plunges a courageous young woman deep into the horrors of a Nazi POW camp to be with the man she loves

The Prisoner's Wife

In the dead of night, a Czech farm girl and a British soldier travel through the countryside. Izabela and prisoner of war Bill have secretly married and are on the run, with Izzy dressed as a man. The young husband and wife evade capture for as long as possible--until they are cornered by Nazi soldiers with tracking dogs.

Izzy's disguise works. The couple are assumed to be escaped British soldiers and transported to a POW camp. However, their ordeal has just begun, as they face appalling living conditions and the constant fear of Izzy's exposure. But in the midst of danger and deprivation comes hope, for the young couple are befriended by a small group of fellow prisoners. These men become their new family, willing to jeopardize their lives to save Izzy from being discovered and shot.

The Prisoner's Wife tells of an incredible risk, and of how our deepest bonds are tested in desperate times. Bill and Izzy's story is one of love and survival against the darkest odds. 

Praise for The Prisoner's Wife

“The Prisoner’s Wife is a powerful love story that exquisitely depicts the courage and strength of the human spirit in the face of the tremendous cost of war. Historical fiction lovers will be immersed in the rich detail and impeccably researched setting. A wonderful book!”—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author The Last Train to Key West

"A powerful page-turner, The Prisoner's Wife shares the inspiring tale of a courageous historical woman as she risks her life through a countryside ravaged by World War II and suffers through the dangers of living as a man in a POW camp to stay with her beloved husband. Based a breathtaking true story, the novel explores the indomitability of one woman's spirit, and offers a unique perspective on a lesser-seen side of war."—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of Lady Clementine

“You will be spellbound by this stellar debut. So richly imbued with sensory details you’ll be feeling every anguished moment and every golden ray of hope. What a beautifully wrought tribute to the real prisoner’s wife, wherever she may be.”—Susan Meissner, Bestselling author of The Last Year of the War

"The phenomenal story of an incomparably brave and formidable woman, this is perhaps the most unique World War II story I’ve ever read. If it’s wrong to say a story about prisoners of war is gloriously captivating, I don’t want to be right. Romantic, perfectly observed, inspiring, and thrilling – The Prisoner’s Wife is impossible to put down – and when I did, I was teary-eyed. A complete winner."—Sarah-Jane Stratford, Author of Red Letter Days


Maggie Brookes

 

Maggie Brookes is a British ex-journalist and BBC television producer turned poet and novelist. 

The Prisoner’s Wife is based on an extraordinary true story of love and courage, told to her by an ex-WW2 prisoner of war. Maggie visited the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany as part of her research for the book, learning largely forgotten aspects of the war.

The Prisoner’s Wife is due to be published by imprints of Penguin Random House in the UK and in the US in May 2020. Publication in other countries, including Holland, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic will follow.

As well as being a writer, Maggie is an advisory fellow for the Royal Literary Fund and also an Associate Professor at Middlesex University, London, England, where she has taught creative writing since 1990. She lives in London and Whitstable, Kent and is married, with two grown-up daughters.

https://www.facebook.com/maggiebrookesnovelist/

"The Fuss-Free Toddler Cookbook: Mealtimes Made Easy with Healthy Recipes for the Whole Family"--one meal for the whole family--the ultimate toddler cookbook for picky eaters

The Fuss-Free Toddler Cookbook: Mealtimes Made Easy with Healthy Recipes for the Whole Family

Family meals with a picky toddler can be more food fights than fun--or the same five foods on repeat. Your days as a short order cook are over with The Fuss-Free Toddler Cookbook. This family-friendly toddler cookbook is your guide to delicious meals with simple adaptations that will please the little ones and the big ones.

Learn how a toddler can love the same foods that adults do just by changing a few simple things like cutting a tomato into a heart, or blending a chunky soup into a smoother one. In addition to tons of fun recipes, you'll find great suggestions in this toddler cookbook for including your kids in the cooking process to make dinnertime a true family event.

The Fuss-Free Toddler Cookbook includes:

Toddlerize it--Simple tricks like resizing, reshaping, and adding or skipping certain ingredients will help little ones get interested and willing to try their food!

"If all else fails"--For the times when nothing works, look for recipe tweaks that are sure to make any meal more appealing to your little one.

Stress less--Let the tested advice and tips throughout the book help make your mealtimes more fun and build a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Let The Fuss-Free Toddler Cookbook make your mealtimes easy, stress-free, and fun for the whole family.

MY REVIEW: Feeding a toddler can be frustrating, often giving new meaning to the term "food fight". "The Fuss-Free Toddler Cookbook: Mealtimes Made Easy with Healthy Recipes for the Whole Family" offers new ideas and simple solutions to turn mealtimes into fun times. Author Barbara Lamperti, a recipe developer, photographer, and videographer, advises how to "toddlerize" foods to make them more appetizing for young and picky eaters. Resize: slice food into smaller pieces to fit smaller fingers. Reshape: cut foods into appealing shapes to add interest. Be Sneaky: add healthy (and hidden) ingredients like grated or pureed vegetables and shredded cheese to boost food value. Skip-Reduce: Leave out or reduce spicy or strong flavors. Retexture: smooth out foods with an immersion blender and experiment with different cooking methods (baking, steaming, etc) for favorite foods. Here are some of the family-friendly recipes that you'll find: "Very Berry Grape Smoothies"; "Whole-Grain Banana French Toast Sticks"; "Ham and Cheese Calzones"; "Health Beef and Veggie Burgers"; "Vegetable Minestrone"; "Spaghetti and Zoodles"; "Bowties with Chicken and Peas"; "Baked Chicken, Ham, and Mozzarella Rolls"; and "Bacon, Sweet Pea, and Mushroom Macaroni". 

Book Copy Gratis Callisto Publishers


Barbara Lamperti

 

Barbara Lamperti is the recipe developer, photographer and video creator behind the popular baby food channel BuonaPappa. She is always looking for new ways to make food fun and interesting for kids.

Originally from Italy, Barbara moved to Los Angeles 11 years ago. When she is not cooking, filming, editing or developing exciting new recipes, Barbara enjoys outdoor activities with her two boys, Alex and Luca and her husband, Albert. You can find her every Sunday morning at the local farmer's market with her kids chatting with the farmers and picking the best local organic produce for the weekly meals. 

https://www.buonapappa.net/  

"THE MALL"--Megan McCafferty, beloved New York Times bestselling author of the "Jessica Darling" series, takes readers on an epic trip back in time--find friendship, love, and ultimately, yourself, in the most unexpected of places

The Mall

New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty returns to her roots with this YA coming of age story set in a New Jersey mall.

The year is 1991. Scrunchies, mixtapes and 90210 are, like, totally fresh. Cassie Worthy is psyched to spend the summer after graduation working at the Parkway Center Mall. In six weeks, she and her boyfriend head off to college in NYC to fulfill The Plan: higher education and happily ever after.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans...

Set entirely in a classic “monument to consumerism,” the novel follows Cassie as she finds friendship, love, and ultimately herself, in the most unexpected of places. Megan McCafferty, beloved New York Times bestselling author of the "Jessica Darling" series, takes readers on an epic trip back in time to The Mall. 

“McCafferty looks at travails with humor as well as heart.”—People

Megan McCafferty



Megan McCafferty writes fiction for tweens, teens and teens-at-heart of all ages. The author of eleven novels, she’s best known for SLOPPY FIRSTS and four more sequels in the New York Times bestselling Jessica Darling series. She's got two new books coming out in 2020: TRUE TO YOUR SELFIE (MG, Scholastic, 2/20) and THE MALL (YA, Wednesday Books, 6/20). Described in her first review as “Judy Blume meets Dorothy Parker” (Wall Street Journal), she’s been trying to live up to that high standard ever since.

http://www.meganmccafferty.com/

"TROPICAL HEAT SERIES"--from author SOPHIA KNIGHTLY--talented romantic storyteller is also a beauty blogger! "SOLD ON YOU" (Book 3 in series) is under consideration for film adaptation!!!

 

Wooed by You

His hot pursuit was her undoing…

Single mom Isabel Garcia’s blood runs cold when an innocent dig in her garden unearths evidence of her late husband’s criminal activity, one she knew nothing about! With her heart in her throat, she calls narcotics detective Linc Heller, and faces another shock-- her wild attraction to the hot detective.

Yet Linc’s perilous profession makes him unsuitable as a potential husband and stepfather. Protecting her little daughter from further heartache, Isabel vows to avoid Linc. But the alpha lieutenant is determined to woo the elusive Latin beauty and show her some risks make life worth living.

Wild for You

To Love, Honor, and Protect 

Detective Clay Blackthorne has his hands full when he promises to safeguard an old college pal’s sister without letting her know what he’s up to. He never imagines that lively Marisol Calderon will knock his socks off and put a ring on his finger - and all at his suggestion! Their marriage of convenience is meant to protect her and Clay doesn’t plan on being hitched for long to the tempting beauty. But the honeymoon sure feels real to him...

Sassy Marisol is used to doing whatever she wants - and right now her plan is to shake up the hot detective’s hard-edged demeanor. But the fun turns to danger when a mystery stalker bent on marrying her marks her as his prey. Temporarily becoming Clay’s wife seems like a practical way to thwart the stalker. But as passion ignites and Marisol falls for the tender heart buried beneath the tough detective’s chest, Clay’s true identity is revealed and she begins to wonder who - if anyone - she can trust...

 

 

Sold on You

Just Say Yes!

 
Confirmed bachelor Dr. Marcos Calderon is in hot water. He needs to come up with a fake fiancée fast or he’ll disappoint his beloved grandma who’s arriving on the next flight to meet her. Proper social worker Gabriela Morales should fit the bill—but tonight, in that sexy, slit-to-there red evening gown, she looks anything but proper.

Gabriela only volunteered for the hospital’s charity bachelorette auction to benefit a cause dear to her heart. Now she’s reeling from the hot doctor’s bid of fifteen thousand dollars for a weekend date with her! She’s not sure what Dr. Handsome has in mind, but the smoldering look in his eyes is unmistakable…

 

 

 

 

Kissed by You

When love comes calling, never say never...

What's a guy to do when a damsel in distress lands in his arms, literally, on Christmas Eve? Dr. Alex Cortes doesn't want company on this particular holiday, especially after the life-changing event that shakes his resolutions. Seeking time alone to sort things out, the last thing he needs is a sassy, enticing distraction like blonde beauty Georgiana Kincaid who knocks him off kilter.

Georgie had planned for a picture-perfect Christmas Eve with a holiday dress and a lavish celebration dinner with her boyfriend. But when the cad unexpectedly dumps her, she has nowhere to go. After driving for hours, her car stalls out in front of gorgeous, exotic Dr. Alex Cortes' beachfront home in the midst of a rainstorm.

As the two embattled hearts come together on a very special night, they bare their souls. Will bad boy billionaire Alex let the wayward angel weave her magic? Or will he run when he finds out her true Christmas wish? It might take a Christmas miracle for love to win. 

 

 

Loved by You

She is a fire in his blood.

Former tennis champion Roman "Lion" Spenser is back in town and hellbent on making amends with the woman he wronged years ago. His upcoming charity event will give him the media boost he needs to polish his tainted reputation. But he suddenly has his hands full when his widowed mother begins to behave oddly. The only person he can turn to for help is the one woman he shattered years ago.

As a co-owner of a senior concierge service, Piper Chandler is a bleeding heart nurturer. She's never been known to turn away a senior citizen in need, but she balks when the man who broke her heart suddenly comes into her life seeking her help. Unable to resist the gorgeous, sexy "Roman Lion," Piper finds herself growing closer to him--and his mother all over again. But as strange events occur, Piper realizes that something is amiss. Someone is out to sabotage Roman's event, and Piper is determined to uncover the truth.

As passion ignites between them, can the Roman convince Piper to put the painful past behind her for a second chance with the one man she's always loved? Sometimes the lion's cage needs to be rattled...

 

Sophia Knightly  at Amazon.com

 

 

Sophia Knightly

 

 

 

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Sophia Knightly cooks up hot romance and delicious humor in her sexy contemporary romances that pair hot, alpha heroes with strong, smart women and throw them on a challenging emotional journey. Traditionally published by St. Martin's Press, Kensington, and Samhain Publishing, her popular Tropical Heat Series and Heartthrob Series have consistently been on multiple best selling lists.

Sophia loves writing books that end with a sigh and a smile. In addition to traveling, foodie adventures, and the arts in all forms, one of her favorite pastimes is simply watching people--especially those in love!

She is also a beauty blogger on YouTube at www.youtube/sophiaknightly

Write to her at: sophiaknightly@gmail.com

Follow her on Twitter @SophiaKnightly

"Like" her Facebook author page at: www.facebook.com/sophiaknightly

Visit her website at: http://www.sophiaknightly.net

Sign up for her New Release & Giveaways Newsletter at:
https://www.sophiaknightly.net/newsletter-sign-up.html

"HOME TO AMANA" by JUDITH MILLER--inspirational fiction series set in real-life, unique, historical "Amana Colonies" (see my reviews)

The Amana Colonies were founded in Iowa in the mid-1800s, but the idea began in Germany in the early 18th century. A group of individuals who believed in renewal of faith through reflection, prayer, and Bible study formed a group which became known as the Community of True Inspiration. Eventually the group left Germany to seek freedom to observe their beliefs, and they first arrived in New York in the mid-nineteenth century. As the community grew, they sought larger parcels of land, and they found one valley on the Iowa River to be ideal with fertile soil, stone, wood and water sufficient for their needs. In time, seven villages were established. The residents of the communities were given a home, medical care, meals, all household necessities, and schooling for their children. All properties and resources were shared. The men and women of the villages worked assigned jobs chosen by the village council of brethren. There were no wages--funds were pooled and distributed as needed in the community. Today, The Amana Colonies are a National Historic Landmark, and the sites continue to draw many thousands of visitors each year.

https://amanacolonies.com/

 

 

A HIDDEN TRUTH

 

In the closed communities of the Amana Colonies, hidden truths are about to change everything for two young women....

East Amana, Iowa
1892

When Karlina Richter discovers that a new shepherd will be sent to her village, she fears she'll no longer be allowed to help her father with the sheep. She'll be relegated back to kitchen work, stuck inside all day. Her fears increase when the new shepherd shows little interest in the flock--or in divulging why he's suddenly been sent to East. Is he keeping secrets that will impact Karlina's family?

Dovie Cates visits the Amana Colonies to learn more about the place where her mother grew up. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother's past, no one seems willing to reveal anything, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. Will the answers she finds spell disaster for her future plans and the longings of her heart?

 

MY REVIEW:  Author Judith Miller begins her "Home to Amana" series with "A Hidden Truth", in which two young women discover unexpected truths along with a family connection. After the death of her mother, Dovie Cates longs to know more about her own heritage and about her mother's past life in the Amana Colonies. When her father informs her that they must move from Ohio to Texas in order for him to keep his job, Dovie asks if she may instead visit East Amana, Iowa. Her father agrees, and Dovie sends a letter to the only relative of her mother's whose name she knows, and hopes that the woman still lives in East Amana. Karlina Richter is intrigued by the letter her family receives from a cousin whom she had not known existed. Karlina prefers the outdoor life and tending sheep over housekeeping and cooking, but the thought of having another young woman living in her house made her happy. She was eager for companionship and news of the world outside the communal life of the colonies. When Dovie arrives in East Amana, her search for information about her mother is met mostly with silence, making her mother's youthful years even more of a mystery. While Karlina and Dovie are getting to know each other and becoming friends, each of them meets a young man who may change their lives forever. When all truths are revealed, will Dovie have the answers she has long sought, and will they gladden her heart? Will Karlina find someone who accepts her as she is and shares her hopes for the future? Step back in time with author Judith Miller as she offers a glimpse into a unique time and place in American history.

 

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

 

 

 

A SIMPLE CHANGE

 

Judith Miller's Novels Offer a Fascinating Look inside the Amana Colonies...

Joining the communal society of the Amana Colonies isn't what Jancey Rhoder planned for her future, but when unforeseen circumstances force her family to make some difficult decisions, she chooses to give up her teaching position in a Kansas City orphanage and move with her parents to Iowa.

Her besotted suitor, Nathan Woodward, isn't at all happy about the move and is determined to get Jancey to change her mind. And Jancey herself isn't sure what she's gotten herself into when the simple life of the Amana Colonies means she'll be assigned a job and may have to give up teaching for good. Will Nathan woo her back to the city, or will she be forever changed by the mysterious events and new relationships that await her in the quiet villages of the Amana Colonies--and decide to make this unique place her forever home?

 

MY REVIEW:  "A Simple Change" leads to a world of new experiences for one young woman in Book Two of author Judith Miller's "Home to Amana" series. Jancey Rhoder is happy living with her parents, Almina and Jurgen, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Rhoders want for nothing due to success in business, and Jancey is devoted to the children at the charity home where she volunteers as a teacher. However, the failing health of her mother brings about a life-changing decision for the Rhoder family. Her parents decide to sell their business and return to their homeplace of the Amana Colonies. They will sell their house unless Jancey wants to stay in Kansas City. Jancey is torn--should she leave her beloved teaching job and go with her parents? What of her beau, Nathan Woodward? Nathan, who works for her father, is a persistent suitor, but Jancey has been unsure of her own feelings. Jancey follows her heart, unwilling to leave her mother while she is ill, and makes the journey with her parents to Middle Amana. Life in the communal society is quite an adjustment. Women are not allowed to teach, and work is assigned by the village elders. Jancey is given the job of cleaning the boarding house for the outside workers. The Rhoders share a house with the Hertig family, having their own apartment on the lower floor. The Hertigs make them welcome, and their son Ritter, known as Ritt, takes an immediate interest in Jancey. As time passes, and Jancey spends more time around Ritt, her feelings for Nathan become even more unsure. Through his letters, Nathan continues to press Jancey to return to Kansas City. Eventually, he surprises Jancey by coming to Middle Amana to work in the local mill. The differences between Ritt and Nathan quickly become obvious, and Jancey is now sure that she was right in not agreeing to marry Nathan. Complicating matters even further is photograph that Jancey found while cleaning the men's quarters. The photo is of a young girl standing in front of the very charity home where Jancey used to teach in Kansas City. Soon, Jancey is involved in more than one mystery, and not everyone is whom they first appeared to be. Will the secrets Jancey discovers bring harm to the community, and will those same secrets destroy her chance for a happy future with Ritt? "A Simple Change" is an intriguing look at a completely unique chapter of American history, with added elements of suspense and romance.

 

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

 

 

 

A SHINING LIGHT

 

The kind people of Amana have been her guiding light, but her greatest trial is yet to come...
West Amana, Iowa, 1890

After Andrea Wilson receives the devastating news that her husband has been lost at sea, she returns home to Iowa with her young son, Lukas. But what she finds there causes more heartache: The family farm has burned and her father has died, leaving Andrea with nothing.

Andrea must rely on the kindness of the people from the nearby Amana village who invite her to stay with them for a time. She discovers much generosity and contentment among the Amanans--especially from the tinsmith, Dirk Knefler, who takes her son under his wing. But is the simple, cloistered life in Amana what Andrea wants for Lukas's future? Is she willing to give up the comforts and freedom of the outside world? And when yet another round of shocking news comes her way, will Andrea ever be able to find the serenity and hope that have eluded her for so long?

 

MY REVIEW:  Told in alternating first-person segments, "A Shining Light" is a compelling inspirational historical romance from author Judith Miller. Set in the 1890's, the story begins in Baltimore, Maryland as Andrea Wilson learns that her husband, Fred, has died at sea. After years of suffering abuse and poverty due to her husband's cruel nature and drunkenness, Andrea feels more relief than grief. She determines to make a better future for herself and her young son, Lukas, by returning to her family home in Iowa. Hoping to reconcile with her father, Andrea is devastated to discover that he died in a fire on the farm, and the property now belongs to someone else. Members of the nearby Amana village offer refuge, and Lukas finds a friend and mentor in the tinsmith, Dirk Knefler. As time passes, even as they must get used to a very different life than they had known, Andrea and Lukas find a measure of comfort in the simplicity of the village life. The bond between Lukas and Dirk grows, as does a tentative relationship between Dirk and Andrea. However, an unexpected and life-changing turn of events will threaten the future happiness of them all. Their religious faith and their faith in each other will be put through a mighty test--one they cannot afford to lose. Will their devotion win out over all? "A Shining Light" is Book Three in author Judith Miller's involving "Home to Amana" series.

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

 

 

 

JUDITH MILLER

 

 

Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

 

http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/