Teatime and Books Reviews: September 2017

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Author Spotlight & Review ~ The Way to London: A Novel of World War II by Alix Rickloff

The Way to London: A Novel of World War II

Alix Rickloff

About the Book:

From the author of Secrets of Nanreath Hall comes this gripping, beautifully written historical fiction novel set during World War II—the unforgettable story of a young woman who must leave Singapore and forge a new life in England.

On the eve of Pearl Harbor, impetuous and overindulged, Lucy Stanhope, the granddaughter of an earl, is living a life of pampered luxury in Singapore until one reckless act will change her life forever.

Exiled to England to stay with an aunt she barely remembers, Lucy never dreamed that she would be one of the last people to escape Singapore before war engulfs the entire island, and that her parents would disappear in the devastating aftermath. Now grief stricken and all alone, she must cope with the realities of a grim, battle-weary England.

Then she meets Bill, a young evacuee sent to the country to escape the Blitz, and in a moment of weakness, Lucy agrees to help him find his mother in London. The unlikely runaways take off on a seemingly simple journey across the country, but her world becomes even more complicated when she is reunited with an invalided soldier she knew in Singapore.

Now Lucy will be forced to finally confront the choices she has made if she ever hopes to have the future she yearns for.

Oh, what a way to be swept in the past! I’m a huge lover of World War II and the many tragic tales of the survivors. This story is so well written and very well researched. One will not help but fall in love with the heroine, Lucy and want to see her find the life she so desires. She’s thrown through so many tragic events and through it all her heart sings to help those she meets along the way. I highly recommend this book!

About the Author:

Critically acclaimed author of historical fiction and paranormal romance, ALIX RICKLOFF’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses (his brass rubbing hangs in her dining room), and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War (hence the family's hasty emigration to America). Her latest novel, THE WAY TO LONDON (William Morrow), releases in September of 2017.

Connect with the Author:

Website: https://www.alixrickloff.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlixRickloffAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alixrickloff

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alix_rickloff/

Buy Link: https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062433206/the-way-to-london

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Release Day Blitz + Teatime and Books Review ~ A Gentleman Never Surrenders - A Sins and Scandals Novel by Lauren Smith

Cover Designer: Elizabeth Turner

Release Date: September 12, 2017

Synopsis

Love is worth a little scandal. Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren't a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune---luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady's chilly heart, it's Owen. Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton's most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . . Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that's ever happened to her. Now it's up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but---and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

A dynamite 5 Teacups for A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith. Oh, my gosh, this story took my breath away! I was drawn into it right from the first paragraph and kept captive the whole way through! Smith's writing style is so enchanting and eloquent, she brings the characters to life through her prose. Also, such a deeply passionate book, one can't help but fall in love with Owen and be drawn to Milly as she begins to open her heart to Owen and fall in love. Truly an amazing tale and one to be added to every historical romance fanatic's library!

About the Author

Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.