Jeannée Sacken opens our world...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Jeannée Sacken to CLC today. Her latest novel, Double Exposure, is a gripping tale of an American woman’s continuing search for redemption in war-torn Afghanistan. Blending romance and suspense and cultural and religious divides, Double Exposure brims with tension. While this is the second book in a series, it can be read on its own. However, you should definitely check out Behind the Lens to learn more about Annie Hawkins Green. Thanks to Get Red PR, we have one copy of Double Exposure to give away!

A former English professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, Jeannée Sacken is now a photojournalist who travels throughout Asia, Africa, and South America, documenting the lives of women and children. She also photographs wildlife and is deeply committed to the conservation of endangered species through enhancement of life for indigenous peoples. She’s done her share of adventure travel as well, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekking the Andes, kayaking the South Atlantic, and canoeing the Zambezi River. Her journeys always include visits to schools, whether a boarding school in the Gobi Desert, a two-room building in the desert of southern Madagascar, or a stick hut in Tanzania. She believes that with education come peace, health, and empowerment. When not traveling, she lives with her husband and three cats in Shorewood, Wisconsin, where she’s hard at work on the next novel in the award-winning Annie Hawkins Green series.

Visit Jeannée online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

Synopsis:

2015—Seasoned war photojournalist Annie Hawkins returns home after an assignment to find her life falling apart. She’s under investigation for an incident that happened six months earlier in Afghanistan. Her best friend’s daughter, Seema, is still missing, apparently with her Taliban boyfriend. Her daughter Mel and friends are busy fundraising to rebuild the Wad Qol Secondary School for Girls and expect Annie to deliver the money. To make matters worse, she has a major argument with the love of her life, Finn Cerelli, and they’re no longer speaking.

When Annie returns to Afghanistan to cover peace talks between the government and the Taliban, she takes a side trip to Wad Qol, where she discovers that not everyone wants the new school. Sabotage delays construction, and when a worker ends up dead, it’s clear the militants are to blame. It’s also obvious that they know exactly where Annie is.

“With smart narration, nuanced characters, and thought-provoking situations reminiscent of Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns, Sacken brilliantly explores the story of Annie Hawkins, a photojournalist torn between the needs of her teenage daughter back home and her own deep-seated desire to change the lives of the women in a small Afghan village.”
—Maggie Smith, author of Truth and Other Lie

“Jeannée Sacken has done it again. A well-researched story and intriguing suspense that grips you till the end.”
—Kathryn Gauci, best-selling author of The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac

In one sentence, what was the journey to publishing like for you?
After years of submitting to agents and publishers with limited success, I signed a traditional contract with a small regional press and was able to work with an amazing editor and art designer, ending up with an award-winning series of which Double Exposure is the latest.

What is something interesting you learned while doing research for Double Exposure?
Pure serendipity, I stumbled across landays—short poems composed by women in Afghanistan for their “forbidden beloved.” Often described as “the cry of eternal separation,” these poems are sung or spoken as part of an oral literary tradition because Pashtun women have been forbidden to learn to read or write.  I subsequently incorporated landays into Double Exposure as a plot device.  

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
That my writing is cinematic.

What is your favorite autumn activity?
If I’m at home in Wisconsin, I love to go apple picking, which includes a hayride, hot cider, freshly made donuts, and leaf peeping. But I’m often away on photoshoots—in Africa, Asia, or South American where I document the lives of women and children. I also photograph wildlife.

What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
I’m on a historical mystery binge right now and particularly like Anna Lee Huber’s “Lady Darby” series. I’d recommend her most recent book, A Wicked Conceit.

Thanks to Jeannée for visiting with us and to Get Red PR for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends October 18th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Break-Up Agency

By Sara Steven

Ellie Shaw loves love. Unfortunately, she’s also an expert in break-ups. When a friend needs help with her ‘too nice to dump’ boyfriend, Ellie agrees to help. What she doesn’t expect is for American Dan to be kind, caring, to love dogs and look like a Disney hero. In other words, completely too good to be true.

She lets him down with grace and, encouraged by her friends, sets up Softer Landings, offering kinder, gentler break-ups.

A year later American Dan reappears in her life. With a new girlfriend. One who also decides he’s not the one for her.

The team hatch a plan to let Dan down easy, but while Ellie attempts to lead him gently away, real sparks start to fly. There’s just one big problem she can’t ignore. Can Ellie reveal that their romance is the result of an elaborate con without it feeling like a huge betrayal? Or is she about to star in the most awful dumping of all time? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

The Break-Up Agency uses a really unique premise–professional relationship terminators–and elevates it by throwing in a possible romance that ultimately had come from the conclusion of one of those types of relationships. I’m not sure if there are organizations out there in real life that are similar to Softer Landings, but this type of distinctive storyline really kept my interest, eager to see what was next for Ellie.

There was a moment within the book when one of her fellow coworkers calls Ellie out on why she’s really in the break-up biz, and it was so true to what I experienced while learning more about her. Ellie feels the need to deflect what she thinks are shortcomings in her own relationships, particularly romantic ones. It’s a lot easier to take command of someone else’s love life, but all rules seem to disappear where American Dan is concerned. 

As the synopsis indicates, he seems too good to be true. Later, the reader discovers that there are a few secrets he hasn’t let Ellie in on. But Ellie has a few of her own, primarily the one where his current girlfriend has hired Softer Landings to help break up with Dan. My stomach felt twisted in knots during that scene! I know it’s fictional, but I imagined that type of scenario happening in the real world, and I just couldn’t even imagine what that must be like. To be hired to break up with the man you’re falling for. 

There is a lot of growth that occurs for the majority of the characters within The Break-Up Agency. Ellie has to find her own self worth, and realize she’s enough. Dan has to come to the realization that despite the changes that have occurred for him and to him, that he’s also enough. And Ellie’s coworkers, who project an air of frivolity most of the time, discover that it’s okay to be real.  I really enjoyed their story, and the back and forth banter between characters, making this a serious yet comedic experience.  

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK * Amazon US

Sheila McClure lives in the English countryside with her Scottish husband, their dogs, Harris and Skye, and a small herd of delightfully striped Belted Galloway cattle. Prior to rural life in the UK, she was a camerawoman and news producer for Associated Press. As she’s originally from Seattle, she began her working life as a barista. She will never refuse a quality dill pickle.

Visit Sheila online:

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Visit all the stops on Sheila's blog tour:

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Spotlight: Before I Do

What would you do if ‘the one that got away’ turned up the night before your wedding?

Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are polar opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey’s found herself wondering if Josh really is “The One.”

So, when Josh’s sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey’s “What If? guy”—the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with—Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred’s appearance the night before she is due to get married can’t be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humor? (Synopsis courtesy of Penguin Random House.)

Purchase Before I Do here.

“I am the biggest fan of Sophie Cousens! She always delivers a true, laugh-out-loud, romcom with a ton of depth, and Audrey may be my favourite heroine. Before I Do could easily be her best book yet!” 
—Lizzy Dent, author of The Setup

“Utterly charming, clever, and truthfully romantic, Before I Do is a breath of fresh air. Sophie Cousens’ books always surprise and delight.”  
—Lauren Ho, author of Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic and Last Tang Standing

Courtesy of Sophie's website

Sophie Cousens worked as a TV producer in London for more than twelve years and now lives on the island of Jersey in the UK, balancing her writing career with working for an arts charity and taking care of her two small children. She is the author of This Time Next Year.

Visit Sophie online:

Website * Facebook 

Twitter * Instagram

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Book Review: That Summer in Berlin

By Jami Denison

If Elizabeth Bennet had come of age in 1930s London rather than in the English countryside a hundred plus years earlier, she might have met Mr. Darcy while working as a spy for the crown. Viviane Alden, the heroine of Lecia Cornwall’s latest historical fiction novel That Summer in Berlin, has much of Elizabeth’s daring, intelligence, and humor. Fans of Pride and Prejudice and readers of World War II fiction alike will be engrossed in this novel. 

Lady Viviane Alden, stepdaughter of an English lord, has just broken off her engagement after learning of her fiancé’s Fascist leanings. In 1930s Britain, the gentry is torn between supporting Hitler’s plans for a new modern Germany or fearing the rise of their World War I foe. Alden, whose father died as a result of German gas, has no such uncertainty. She knows the Germans are the bad guys and wants nothing to do with them. 

Her Mr. Darcy is Tom Graham, a reporter she meets cute when a mutual friend rescues her from drowning. They exchange quips like Tracy and Hepburn, but when Tom realizes that Viviane is the anonymous photographer sending incredible pictures to his newspaper, he develops a begrudging respect for her. When Tom is tasked with covering the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin in order to learn if Hitler is actually preparing for war, he recommends Viviane—who was invited to Germany to chaperone her younger stepsister’s holiday—as his photographer. As her sister falls in love with the Nazi son of their host family, Viviane gets an up-close look at some of Hitler’s biggest supporters.

It's a complicated plot, seeped in both history and romance tropes, but for the most part, Cornwall pulls it off well. I definitely “shipped” Viviane and Tom from the first page and admired the careful back stories that the author created for these characters. When the action moves to Berlin and Tom and Viviane are in danger, the stakes rise naturally without a shift in tone. The characters remain believable throughout the book. My only quibble is that Cornwall offered several chapters from the point of view of other characters; these segues felt unnecessary and distracting. 

How did Hitler get Germany to support him so enthusiastically? Cornwall puts readers right there in the crowd, with Germans waving swastika flags and Hitler Youth marching in smart rows. Using the Jewish people as scapegoats, Hitler told his followers that they were the superior race, destined to rule over all others. He banned books and made it illegal to discuss German actions in World War I. Reading these scenes, I couldn’t help but picture Donald Trump in his stadium, “Make America Great Again” flags flying all around, telling his followers that Democrats are evil. And even though he’ll probably never be president again, his hateful ideas live on. As red states move to outlaw abortion, health care for transgender adults and children, and even talking about gay families and civil rights history, it seems that part of America learned the wrong lessons about Hitler. 

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Also by Lecia Cornwall:

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What's in the (e)mail

Melissa:

All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox from Putnam (NetGalley)

Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa from St. Martin's Press (NetGalley)

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry from Atria (NetGalley)

Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner from Berkley (NetGalley)

Someone to Kiss by Jamie Anderson from BooksGoSocial (NetGalley)

You Should Smile More by Anastasia Ryan from Sourcebooks (NetGalley)

The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz from Harlequin (NetGalley)

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens from Putnam (NetGalley)

The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel from Gallery (NetGalley)

The Vicious Circle by Katherine St. John from HarperCollins (print)

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall from Atria (NetGalley)

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly from Ballantine (NetGalley)

She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa from Emi Battaglia PR (print)

Forever Hold Your Peace by/from Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke (NetGalley)

The Corey Effect by Casey Dembowski from Red Adept Publishing (ebook)

The Chemistry of Love by Sariah Wilson from Kaye Publicity (print)

The Mother of All Degrassi by Linda Schuyler from ECW Press (NetGalley)

Sara:
The Sleepover by Keri Beevis from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

Love and Agita by Grayson Avery from Rachel's Random Resources (ebook)

Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

The Blue Bar by Damyanti Biswas from Thomas and Mercer (NetGalley)

The Christmas Trip by Sandy Barker from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

Let's Not Be Friends by Phoebe MacLeod from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

The Scam by Evie Hunter from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

The Widow by Valerie Keogh from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

Jami:

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson from Simon & Schuster (NetGalley)

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Spotlight: Once Upon a December

A one-of-a-kind Christmas market offers holiday magic in the new romance from the author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.

With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn’t just a seasonal specialty—it’s a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra’s yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.

For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He’s never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he’s been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.

After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they’re feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa.

Purchase Once Upon a December here.

"Delightful in every possible way! With Reichert's trademark bone-deep wisdom threaded beautifully throughout a riotous, otherworldly, and marvelously unexpected novel, Once Upon a December is an absolutely perfect holiday hug."
—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of In A Holidaze

"A book full of Christmas magic for grown-ups? What's not to love! For all those who still revel in the enchantment of the festive season, this is the book for you. Friendships, romance and magical Christmas markets abound in this feel-good novel."
—Jenny Bayliss, author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Amy E. Reichert is an author, wife, mom, Wisconsinite, amateur chef, and cider enthusiast. She earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her library's board of directors. She is a member of Tall Poppy Writers. 

Visit Amy online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

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Christine Nolfi is on fire...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Christine Nolfi back to CLC. She is a delight to interview and we know you're going to love what she has to say. Her latest novel is A Brighter Flame and thanks to BookSparks, we have THREE copies to give away!

Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen novels, including The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards. 

Other works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines, and the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings.

A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband and their crazy wheaten terrier, Lucy. 

Visit Christine online:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
Vale Lightner’s dreams turn to ash when the Pittsburgh bar she owns goes up in flames. Just like the past she escaped, very little seems salvageable. Facing unavoidable change, Vale returns to her hometown of Philadelphia to stay with her grandmother.

She knows that returning also means facing everything she left behind: a mother and stepfather who shunted her into the background from the day they married, and her charmed and favored half sister, Blythe, who has abandoned a perfect marriage and is now at a crossroads of her own. Everyone has their secrets, and this reunited family racked by them is about to reach a crisis point.

For a mother and her two daughters, this reunion is a chance for closure, newfound love, and forgiveness. As each of them reassesses her own memories of the past, only the truth can bring them together—in ways that could last forever. From the bestselling author of The Passing Storm comes a poignant novel about family secrets, healing, and the hope of second chances. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“In this layered family drama, Nolfi explores the unreliability of memories and how inaccurate perceptions of past events impact the present. As estranged sisters Vale and Blythe uncover a clearer picture of their childhood and the circumstances that shaped their contentious relationship, understanding and forgiveness blossom, bearing the fruit of previously unimagined acts of generosity and love. A story that is sure to keep book clubs talking late into the night.” 

—Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Improbably Yours

“Memories blurred by years of estrangement pit sister against sister in Christine Nolfi’s emotionally complex new novel about a family torn apart by secrets. Authentic, poignant, and enormously uplifting, A Brighter Flame is certain to touch the heart of anyone who’s ever struggled to heal old family wounds—and remind us all that with love, second chances are always possible.” 

—Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings

What is something you learned from writing your previous novels that you applied to A Brighter Flame?
Strive to create an immersive reading experience. Put the reader deep enough beneath a character’s skin, and it becomes virtually impossible to put the book aside until reaching the satisfying conclusion. Laughter, tears, pity, sadness, and ultimately joy—if the reader doesn’t experience the gamut of emotions, why pick up a novel in the first place?

On a related note, I’ve learned to trust my publisher’s editorial team. Without fail, they’ll find ways to deepen the emotion throughout the story. I value their suggestions.

How is Vale similar or different from you?
We’re similar in that we’ve both played the role of black sheep in our respective families, although for different reasons. We’re dissimilar in that I’m decades older and have let go of the past hurts that linger in many families. A Brighter Flame is a story about discovering family secrets, but it’s also a portrayal of how one young woman learns to believe in herself. If I could meet Vale in the real world, I’d give her a big hug for getting through the hard times and coming out the other side a better person.

Who are some authors that have inspired your writing?
Sue Monk Kidd, Geraldine Brooks, Min Jin Lee to name a few. There are so many authors who inspire me to craft books that will linger in the reader’s heart long after the last page is turned. 

Which TV series are you currently binge watching?
The Crown on Netflix. I’ve always admired Queen Elizabeth’s dignity and grace. Her recent death was the end of a brilliant, admirable life.

What is your favorite snack to have in the fall?
I’ve reimagined the traditional Chex snack mix with more protein and less carbs. It’s really yummy and keeps for weeks in an airtight container. Hubby and our adult kids love it. If readers would like a copy of the recipe, they can contact me at christine (at) christinenolfi (dot) com.

Tell us about the last time you traveled someplace: Where did you go and what are some things you did?
In early September I traveled to northeast Ohio. The trip was part pleasure, part research. My sister-in-law hosted a large double baby shower for two of my daughters: Marlie is expecting in October and Christian in November. In between celebrating, I also conducted research on foster care protocols during the 1980s for my current WIP.

Thanks to Christine for chatting with us and to BookSparks for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends October 12th at midnight EST.

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