Can't Wait Wednesday: The Jane Austen Society

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

Pub. Date: May 26, 2020

Goodreads says, "Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable  One hundred and fifty years ago, Chawton was the last home of Jane Austen, one of England's finest novelists. Now it's home to her remaining heirs and a diminishing estate. With the last bit of Austen's legacy threatened, a group of disparate individuals come together to preserve both Jane Austen's home and her legacy. These people—a laborer, a young widow, the local doctor, and a movie star, among others—could not be more different and yet they are united in their love for the works and words of Austen. As each of them endures their own quiet struggle with loss and trauma, some from the recent war, others from more distant tragedies, they come together to create the Jane Austen Society.  A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both small and large, and the universal humanity in us all, The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come."

Doesn't this sound good? I love all things Jane, so this sounds like a must-read for me. Plus, I have visited Jane's house in Chawton and explored the village - it's adorable!  What do you guys think?

Book Review: The Orphan's Song by Lauren Kate

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: June 25, 2019

Publisher: Putnam

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author:  Fallen, Torment, and Passion

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

Goodreads says, "The historical adult debut novel by # 1 New York Timesbestselling author Lauren Kate, The Orphan's Song is a sweeping love story about family and music--and the secrets each hold--that follows the intertwined fates of two Venetian orphans.     A song brought them together.  A secret will tear them apart.  Venice, 1736. When fate brings Violetta and Mino together on the roof of the Hospital of the Incurables, they form a connection that will change their lives forever. Both are orphans at the Incurables, dreaming of escape. But when the resident Maestro notices Violetta's voice, she is selected for the Incurables' world famous coro, and must sign an oath never to sing beyond its church doors.  After a declaration of love ends in heartbreak, Mino flees the Incurables in search of his family. Known as the "city of masks," Venice is full of secrets, and Mino is certain one will lead to his long-lost mother. Without him, the walls close in on Violetta and she begins a dangerous and forbidden nightlife, hoping her voice can secure her freedom. But neither finds what they are looking for, until a haunting memory Violetta has suppressed since childhood leads them to a shocking confrontation.  Vibrant with the glamour and beauty of Venice at its zenith, The Orphan's Song takes us on a breathtaking journey of passion, heartbreak, and betrayal before it crescendos to an unforgettable ending, a celebration of the enduring nature and transformative power of love."

Violetta's childhood has been anything but easy at Venice's Hospital of the Incurables, which is a strange place that is not only an orphanage, but is also a music school.  The Incurables have an incredible and exclusive chorus and Violetta not only dreams of singing in it, but also of leaving behind this life.  Sixteen year old Violetta escapes to the rooftop one night and she meets Mino, who is also an orphan and a talented violinist.  Mino has big dreams too; he hopes to one day find his mother who left him here at the orphanage when he was just a toddler. All he remembers is the song she sang to him.  Violetta has some secrets surrounding this that come to the surface as their relationship plays out.  Violetta and Mino have an undeniable connection, but with all the curve balls life throws them, readers will question not only if their love with survive, but will they make it through all the heartbreak that life at the Incurables inevitably provides.  Lauren Kate's adult debut, The Orphan Song, is steeped in historical details that fans of Venice, as well as music, will especially appreciate.

Violetta is an interesting character in The Orphan Song. She wants so much more for her life and readers want that for her, but ultimately, she was hard to connect with.  She has been working towards being a part of the exclusive chorus at the Incurables, but she often gambles with her future by exploring Venice at night, which is strictly forbidden.  Her relationship with Mino was heartwarming, but it also possessed some insta-love characteristics, which I didn't really enjoy.  I wanted Kate to flesh out their relationship a bit more, but instead readers jumped right into a full-blown infatuation.  Due to this, The Orphan Song read a bit more like a mature YA novel than a serious adult historical novel, but one could argue that is because the main characters were teenagers at the time.  Nonetheless, I wanted a bit more from their romance.

The best part of The Orphan Song was the setting of 18th century Venice.  Kate hit the ball out of the park with her depiction of this alluring city.  The canals, the masks, the carnevale, the music, and the secretive people were so very well done.  It was a very vivid setting and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.  It's also really interesting to find out that the Hospital of the Incurables was based on a real place in Venice.

Despite the less than stellar romance, I really appreciated some of the plot twits towards the end of The Orphan Song. A few took me by surprise and kept me flipping the pages and while I didn't love this novel as much as some other historical novels I read this year, I have to say that the setting of Venice was so memorable that made some of the other disappointing aspects of the novel disappear.  So, if you love novels that take place in Venice and have a focus on music, The Orphan Song is for you.

Friday Five (52)

It's Friday and I'm kicking off the weekend with another edition of The Friday Five.  I'm sharing my current favorite things, bookish news, or things that interest me. Let me know what you think!

1.  Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo - Did you hear that it's already being developed into a TV series on Amazon?  I just started this novel; I thought it would be the perfect Halloween read. Do you have plans to read this? I have actually never read anything by Bardugo. Shameful, I know. 

2.  Peaky Blinders - I am all caught up on this show now and starting the new season on Netflix.  At first, this show disgusted me, but my husband got me hooked. It's like The Sopranos meets historical fiction; it's a lot of fun! Do any of you watch? 

3.  Halloween Candy - I put on around five pounds every year this time of the year due to Halloween candy despite the fact that I still exercise. I am a sucker for chocolate and you know you have to "check" your kids candy to make sure it's ok. I am going to try to limit my candy intake this year.  What's your favorite type of Halloween candy? 

4.  Tessamae's Dressing - I am obsessed with the Organic Avocado Ranch dressing. Obsessed, I tell you! Have you guys tried it? It's very hard to find a creamy dressing that is dairy free and this one fits the bill. It's so.damn.good and it's vegan.  

5.  The Durrells in Corfu - If you haven't watched this gem on PBS, you need to get on board. It's one of the best shows out there and it flies under the radar. It's so well written, funny, smart, and heartwarming. If you love witty comedies with dry humor, you must check it out.  The last season is airing now, so you will have plenty of episodes to binge. Have you heard of this show? Do you watch?


I hope you guys have a great weekend!

Book Review: The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Pages: 512

Genre:  YA Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: October 1, 2019

Publisher: Philomel

Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: Out of the Easy
and Salt to the Sea

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming guise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of a Texas oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.  Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence--inspired by the true post-war struggles of Spain.

It's 1957 and although things look beautiful and sunny in Spain, there's a darker undercurrent after the Spanish Civil War and Francisco Franco's rise to power.  Daniel is traveling to Spain with his parents; his dad is a Texan oil tycoon on business.  Sure, it would be easy for Daniel to just fall into the successful family business, but he wants so much more. His passion lies in photojournalism and where better to explore this than in Spain?  Then there's Ana, who works at the hotel Daniel is staying at.  Ana's life is complicated and her back story is a sad one.  She is assigned to Daniel's family and finds herself, along with Daniel, connecting with him in more ways than one.  There's also Rafael, Ana's brother, who also is recovering from his upsetting past, but despite this has big dreams for himself.  Lastly, there's Puri who is helping to take care of babies that are up for adoption.  Each teenager, in their own way, captures this tumultuous time in Spain's history.  The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys explores the themes of freedom, family, loyalty, love, and the hardships of war.  This book is an excellent example of historical fiction; it will grab your heart and not let go.

I love that Sepetys focuses on four teenagers, and while they are all very different, they do have ties that bind them together.  Daniel is the only American and I found myself especially drawn to his story.  Navigating Spain as an American during this time period is tough and dangerous, especially when he takes a path that is a difficult one.  Daniel is very interested in taking photos that mean something and being here in Spain brings him an excellent opportunity, but as I mentioned before, it's very dangerous.  Plus, he and Ana have a connection, but could they truly have a future together?  I also really liked the character of Ana. Her back story truly tugged on my heartstrings.  It was challenging for women during this time period, but especially for women with backgrounds like Ana. You see Ana's parents challenged the "rules" in Spain and she is worried that her family will continue to pay for it.

What is so special about The Fountains of Silence as well as all of Sepetys' novels is the fact that she inspires readers to learn more and to search for answers. I found myself looking up various aspects of Franco's reign and the Spanish Civil War. Sepetys took a lesser known aspect of history and truly inspired me to learn more about the past. That is the perfect example of a powerful historical novel and a great reminder of why I read historical fiction.

Also, Sepetys did a wonderful job bringing the time period to life, but somehow making it still relevant to the many struggles we still face today. The Fountains of Silence would be an excellent addition to any high school classroom, especially when discussing the Spanish Civil War or fascism.  I also urge adults to pick up this novel as it is powerful and definitely a crossover to adult fiction.  If you love historical fiction or just appreciate a moving story, this novel shouldn't be missed. Sepetys is a masterful storyteller and not just a storyteller of regular stories, but of stories that truly matter....stories that stay with us.  The Fountains of Silence is one of my favorite novels of the year. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Hello, Summer

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews

Pub. Date: May 5, 2020

Goodreads says, "Conley Hawkins left her family’s small town newspaper, The Silver Bay Beacon, in the rear view mirror years ago. Now, after ten years of blood, sweat, and tears, Conley is exactly where she wants to be and is about to take a fancy new position at a New York City newspaper. That is, until she discovers at her own going away party that her new job is suddenly gone, disappearing overnight along with her hopes and dreams of a bright future in a big city.  Dread in her heart and a sinking feeling in her gut, Conley ends up in the last place she ever wanted to be: The Beacon, now reluctantly run by her brother Garret whose own dreams of being a lawyer were put on hold with the death of their father. Covering a sleepy beach town with church news and the local funeral home director dictating the day’s obituaries to her over the phone isn’t exactly every reporter’s dream, and to make matters worse, she and her brother see eye to eye on almost nothing. Matters come to a head after Conley witnesses a car accident that ends in the death of a local politician – a beloved war hero with a secret shady history whose death may not be exactly what it seems."

It wouldn't be summer without a new novel from Mary Kay Andrews.  Who is going to be adding this one to their summer TBR list?  

Blog Tour: Carol P. Roman's Halloween Giveaway

It's Friday and I'm sharing another exciting Halloween giveaway for the children in your life.  I don't know about you guys, but my kids so excited for Halloween.  We've been enjoying all the spooky books and movies in anticipation of their favorite holiday.  

Now is the perfect time to snuggle up with your kids and enjoy some new books!  I've partnered with The Children's Book Review and Carol P. Roman to host a giveaway for a not-so-spooky prize package and the chance to win an Amazon gift card.

Learn More About the Books:

Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?

"Two little girls pepper their father with questions about whether or not they can be a profession and still be a princess. Motivated by her granddaughter’s fascination with all things ‘princess,’ Carole P. Roman penned this adorable poem celebrating all the wonderful possibilities waiting ahead for them."

Ages 3-7 | Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform | 2016 | 978-1530361847 The book can be purchased at Amazon and IndieBound.

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump

"Susannah Maya Logan is not having a good day. She doesn’t want to go to her best friend, Lola’s sleepover. Susannah thinks the house is big and spooky, not to mention the ghost that is said to live there. Lola’s big brother, Kai, loves to tease Susannah with scary stories. Throughout her day, she sees people deal with things that scare them. Her sight-impaired friend, Macy, is terrified of unicorns, of all things. She sees a boy at a party who’s frightened of clowns. Her teacher is afraid of getting a cold. Susannah realizes everybody is scared of something. She wishes she was more like Lola, who is not afraid of anything, or so it seems. Susannah discovers people have different ideas of what is scary and what is not, and only they can determine the difference. Join Susannah as she learns to confront her fears and not let her imagination prevent her from having fun."

Ages 7-10 | Publisher: Chelshire | July 11, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1947188136  
The book can be purchased at Amazon and IndieBound.




Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag

"From award-winning author Carole P. Roman comes a new chapter book featuring Susannah Logan, a young student having a very bad day. It all begins with homework trouble and an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn’t want to go to. Would you want to go to a sleepover in a creepy house? Rather than dealing with her problems, Susannah stuffs them into her backpack. But how much can a backpack take? Will she be able to confront her worries before the backpack bursts? Or will she just continue to hide them away? Join Susannah and her friends in this story sure to charm busy young readers everywhere."

Ages 7-10 | Publisher: Chelshire | April 3, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1543034615
The book can be purchased at Amazon and IndieBound.

About the Author:

Carole P. Roman is the award winning author of the nonfiction series of children’s books, If You Were Me and Lived in … . The first title in the collection, If You Were Me and Lived in…Mexico, won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children’s Nonfiction in 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia and If You Were Me and Lived in…France were finalists in the Indie Fab Foreword Review Book of the Year. Norway and South Korea have also been named as Book of the Year with Rebecca’s Reads and Children’s Reader’s View Book of the Year. Roman has also found success with her Captain No Beard children’s books. Her debut, Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life, was named a Kirkus Best of 2012, received a Star of Exceptional Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award in 2012. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and very near her children. You can find Carol P. Roman at her website, on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest and Instagram.

The Giveaway:

The giveaway begins September 30, 2019 and ends October 30, 2019 at 11:59 P.M. PST.  It's open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry.  Void where prohibited by law.  Carole P. Roman is responsible for prize fulfillment.  

One lucky grand prize winner will receive a copy of Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?, Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag, Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump all signed by the author, Carole P. Roman.  The grand prize winner will also receive a $100 gift card to Amazon! There will also be three winners who will receive signed copies of all three books!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and thanks for visiting! 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Dangerous Alliance

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen

Pub. Date: December 3, 2019

Goodreads says, "Lady Victoria Aston has everything she could want: an older sister happily wed, the future of her family estate secure, and ample opportunity to while her time away in the fields around her home.  But now Vicky must marry—or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s treacherous season.  Sadly, Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s exactcircumstances: whether the roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend, Tom Sherborne, is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the unfortunate fashion sensibility.  Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her…ones that could prevent her from surviving until her wedding day."

As a Jane Austen fan, I think this may be the most perfect YA novel to curl up with this holiday season. What do you guys think? 

Book Review: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: July 9, 2019

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.   When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?  Nina considers her options.  1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.)  2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee).   3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)  It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page."

Nina Hill is an introvert. Obviously. She likes her quiet life with her trivia loving friends, and her job at the local bookstore.  Nina's world is thrown upside down when her father, whom she has never even met, leaves her something from his will.  She knows absolutely nothing about her father as her eccentric mother has always said she doesn't know who he is.  Well, as luck would have it, he was very wealthy and she perhaps she is looking to inherit some of his fortune.  But what is even more concerning to Nina is the fact that her father had a whole family, which means she has aunts, nephews, nieces, and even siblings that she didn't even know about.   To top it off, her new "family" lives nearby!  Some of the family members have been reaching out to her, but she is not interested in gaining an instant family, especially one that is boisterous and filled with drama.  On the other hand, Nina has always wondered what it would be like to have a sibling or even a family who is around for all the ups and downs in life.  Nina opens herself up to some new experiences in The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Oh, Nina. I adored her in The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, but would you really expect anything less from a fellow bookworm? I mean I could obviously relate to her and I bet, dear reader, you could as well.  Nina's childhood wasn't conventional to say the least, she was mostly raised by a nanny, but despite her rocky upbringing she has made a life for herself.  However, this life is strategically mapped out.  Nina isn't exactly the most flexible of people, so this new development in her life really throws her for a loop.  It's exactly what she needs though. 

Waxman's writing is superb in The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. I was laughing out loud. Some of Nina's observations, the witty banter, her sarcasm, and the comments Nina made had me grinning ear to ear. Her depiction of Nina, right down to her daily schedule, had me laughing (I may or may not have a similar daily calendar) and it was reminiscent of one of my other favorite literary character, Bridget Jones.  

If you are looking for a quick and fun book that will make you laugh, tug on your heartstrings, and if you are bookish, you may, like me, relate to Nina in some way, then definitely check out The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. It's one of my favorite books of the year.  

Stacking the Shelves (108)

Book Review: Realm by Alexandrea Weis 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Fortune

The Fountains of Silence Blog Tour: 10 Reasons to Read It 

Coming up on the blog, I am going to share my thoughts on The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, which was one of my favorite books of the year!

Salty, Bitter, Sweet by Mayra Cuevas  - Thanks to Blink YA

The Irish Princess by Elizabeth Chadwick 

Have you read any of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts. This meme is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Thanks for visiting!

Book Review: Realm by Alexandrea Weis

Pages: 397

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: May 14, 2019

Publisher: Vesuvian Books

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

 

Goodreads says, "Based on a true story.  When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.  Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.  Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.  However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.  History tells his story. This is hers."

Roxana is living a simple life with her family in Persia. Her father is a chieftain, so that gives her family some status, but it's nothing compared to the Greek conqueror, Alexander the Great, who has invaded her homeland.  While Alexander has occupied Persia, he has become friendly with her father and has met Roxana, who is known in the village for her beauty.  He has decided he wants to take her for his bride, because not only is she beautiful, she is also of mixed race, so this will be an advantageous marriage that hopefully will bring people together.  Roxana is only sixteen years old and doesn't want to marry and leave her family, but she can't say no to Alexander and either can her father.  Once they are married, Roxana finds there are even more obstacles that she must climb.  There's his other women, traitorous plots, ongoing wars, and the very problem of who can she trust? Realm by Alexadrea Weis highlights a lesser known woman from history, Roxana, and takes up on her journey from an unknown civilian to the wife of one of the greatest kings and conquerors the world has ever known.

Roxana was an interesting character and I love that Weis decided to share her story in Realm. To be honest, I was somewhat familiar with Alexander, but didn't know much about his wives.  I enjoyed her rags to riches tale as she isn't noble, so his marriage to her was unexpected.  Roxana's life is far from cushy though.  She is often on the road with Alexander to different places facing different wars, and it gets dangerous.  It's obvious that unlike other Alexander's other women, his marriage to Roxana is one based on love; I definitely enjoyed this aspect of the novel.

Alexander is depicted very well in Realm.  I knew a little bit about him as well as some of his controversy that surrounds him and I think Weis did a good job bringing that all to light, but not in such a pushy way.  The many plots to kill him definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and his relationship with his mother was an interesting one.  His mother definitely deserves her own spin-off novel.  

My only issue with Realm was some of the dialogue.  It felt a bit too modern at times.  Also, the pacing of the story was a little off towards the middle as it dragged a bit.  Other than that, I felt it was an interesting read that had me flipping the pages and wondering what would happen to Roxana.  Fans of historical fiction, and readers who like learning about unknown women from the past will especially appreciate this novel.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Fortune

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Queen's Fortune by Allison Pataki 

Pub. Date: February 11, 2020

Goodreads says, "A sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon’s heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Wife, The Accidental Empress, and Sisi.  As the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone and it’s fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.  A chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister Julie marries his brother Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon’s futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree’s life is turned on its head.  Swept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree’s life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is: must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its Emperor?  From the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.  Allison Pataki’s meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps readers into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history—a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire."

I adored Pataki's previous novels, so I am excited to check this one out. It sounds like the perfect historical read to curl up with this winter. What do you guys think?

The Fountains of Silence Blog Tour: 10 Reasons to Read It

So, if you know me, you know I am a HUGE fan of Ruta Sepetys. I think she is one of the best, if not THE best writers of young adult historical novels.  As part of Penguin Teen's blog tour for The Fountains of Silence, I'm going to share my ten reasons why you should read this book:

1.  Crossover Appeal - All of Ruta's books have a crossover appeal; her books aren't just for the young adult audience. I know so many adults will appreciate her books and that is the case here with The Fountains of Silence.

2.  Dan - Dan is the American character in The Fountains of Silence and many of the chapters are from his point of view. At first, it took me awhile to warm up to him, because I thought he might just be another spoiled rich kid since he is the son of a Texas oil tycoon, but, boy, was I wrong. As I read more of the novel, I truly enjoyed him.  Dan's bravery, his kindness, his ability to love, and even his downfalls all really captivated me.

3.  Seeker of Lost Stories - Ruta's website has this slogan on it and it is *so* very true.  Ruta has a way of highlighting lesser known aspects of history and in this case, she is focusing on Spain in the late 1950s after the Spanish Civil War in The Fountains of Silence. During this time period, Spain was under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.  What a wild, cruel and heartbreaking time!  Ruta opened my eyes to this time in history that I knew little to nothing about.  

4.  Connections - Even though the characters lived in the late 1950s, I think many young adults can relate to their wishes, their struggles, their courage, their silence, their desires, their conflicts, and so much more. The themes of the novel are still applicable to present day.

5.  Well-researched - You know when you read a historical novel and you think did this *actually* happen? Then you come to find that the author took not just some, but a lot of liberties. That is never the case with Ruta's novels. She is a meticulous researcher and took over seven years to research this novel including many back and forth trips to Spain.  She includes excerpts from primary sources within The Fountains of Silence and that made the novel even more realistic and powerful.

6.  Google - The Fountains of Silence is so well researched; reading it made me want to learn more.  I find that all really great historical fiction has the power to do this and that is the case here. I found myself looking up information about the the Spanish Civil War, Franco, and other aspects of the novel.  When I find myself doing this then I know I am reading something very compelling and thought provoking.

7.  Believable - Oftentimes there are young adult characters in historical novels that simply aren't believable. That isn't the case here. Dan, Ana, and the others felt so real to me.  As Ruta jumps from different characters' points of view, I never once dreaded a particular character; I cared about all of them.  

8.  Discussion - I bet many schools will be adding this book to reading lists, especially to complement studying the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath.  I think The Fountains of Silence truly lends itself to some great discussions; it would be a perfect supplement in a high school classroom.  Check out the discussion guide here. 

9. All the Emotions - Ruta's novels always leave me blubbering like a fool and that is the case here too with The Fountains of Silence.  All.the.feels!

10. Smart Read - If you want a novel that makes you think, makes you truly feel, and makes you want to call your best friend to discuss it, The Fountains of Silence is it.  I love immersing myself in a smart read that leaves me with so much to think about and I can always count on Ruta Sepetys to deliver.

Learn More About Ruta Sepetys:

"Ruta Sepetys (www.rutasepetys.com) is an internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Sepetys is considered a "crossover" novelist, as her books are read by both teens and adults worldwide. Her novels Between Shades of Gray, Out of the Easy, and Salt to the Sea have won or been shortlisted for more than forty book prizes, and are included on more than sixty state award lists. Between Shades of Gray was adapted into the film Ashes in the Snow, and her other novels are currently in development for TV and film. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Ruta is passionate about the power of history and literature to foster global awareness and connectivity. She has presented to NATO, to the European Parliament, in the United States Capitol, and at embassies worldwide. Ruta was born and raised in Michigan and now lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Follow her on Twitter @RutaSepetys and Instagram @RutaSepetysAuthor."

Learn More About The Fountains of Silence:

"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, extraordinary portrait of love, silence, and secrets under a Spanish dictatorship.  Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.  Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence--inspired by the true postwar struggles of Span.  Includes vintage media reports, oral history commentary, photos, and more."

You can purchase The Fountains of Silence from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  

Hopefully I have convinced you to pick up a copy of The Fountains of Silence this fall.  If you do, be sure to let me know what you think.  It's one of my favorite books of the year; keep your eye out for my full review soon.  

Is The Fountains of Silence on your TBR list?  Are you a fan of Ruta Sepetys as well? Let me know in the comments below.